Control device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a control device, a control method, or a control program that freely controls the quality of a substance having liquid therein or on the surface thereof.SOLUTION: There is provided a control device comprising at least one electrode, and a controller. By controlling the state of liquids present within or around a substance positioned opposite the electrode, at least one of the following qualities (1) to (6) is controlled to bring it in a predetermined state: (1) controlling the freshness, ripeness, post-harvest ripening, oxidation-reduction, removal of oxidized substances, deteriorated substances, or spoilage substances, fermentation, spoilage prevention, incorporation of freshness-maintaining properties, or the progression, delay, halt, and reversal of spoilage or deterioration in substances; (2) controlling alignment directions of liquids; (3) controlling substance quality; (4) controlling qualities of substances in solid, liquid, or gaseous states; (5) controlling substance decomposition prevention, slime prevention, turbidity prevention, discoloration prevention, mold prevention, rust prevention, algae prevention, or cracking prevention; and (6) improving substance properties within a space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In an attempt to improve the sound quality of musical instruments, Patent Document 1 describes a piano technology that uses a wooden soundboard and a metal frame to layer sounds of different tones and generate a natural, rich sound.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a structure for noise reduction in a double coil pickup of an electric guitar.

[0004] Furthermore, with regard to the quality of materials, Patent Document 3 reports an attempt to examine the influence of electromagnetic waves on liquids.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 4 discloses that, with regard to a golf club, by arranging score lines in the upper and lower regions of the face, each at a specific angle relative to a horizontal imaginary line, the score lines in the lower region are more likely to bite into the ball and increase the amount of spin, while the score lines in the upper region are more likely to facilitate the removal of moisture and the like, thereby increasing the effect of maintaining the amount of spin.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 5 discloses that the use of a wholly aromatic polyester with a moisture absorption rate of 0.6% in tennis strings improves the abrasion resistance and reduces the loss of resilience due to moisture absorption, and also maintains creep performance that reduces loosening of the strings.

[0007] Furthermore, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses the moisture content dependency of the acoustic wave propagation characteristics of wood. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2014-142409 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2005-208659 [Patent Document 3] WO2019 / 132046 [Patent Document 4] Patent Publication No. 2002-291949 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 64-042069 [Non-patent literature]

[0009] [Non-Patent Document 1] Yasuyoshi Kodama, Dependence of Sound Wave Propagation Characteristics of Wood on Moisture Content, Materials (J.Soc.Mat.Sci.,Japan), Vol.41, No.461, P144-147, February 1992 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 describes adjusting the tone of a piano by changing the material of the piano, but adjusting the tone requires significant changes to the structure of the piano, making it difficult to apply this to existing pianos.

[0011] The above-mentioned Patent Document 2 describes adjusting the sound quality of an electric guitar by changing the structure for noise processing, but there is a problem in that adjusting the sound quality requires a major modification, which involves changing the structure of the double-coil pickup.

[0012] The above-mentioned Patent Document 3 describes that the moisture state in food can be affected by electromagnetic waves, but does not disclose that the quality of food, such as sugar content or acidity, can be controlled.

[0013] The above-mentioned Patent Document 4 describes adjusting the amount of spin by improving the shape of the score lines of a golf club, but since the amount of spin depends on the humidity and amount of moisture when the golf club is in use, it does not go so far as to describe controlling the quality of the spin amount, flight distance, etc. without changing the structure of the golf club, such as the shape of the score lines.

[0014] The above-mentioned Patent Document 5 describes that the use of a wholly aromatic polyester with a moisture absorption rate of 0.6% in tennis strings improves the reduction in resilience due to moisture absorption and the abrasion resistance, but does not describe measures to improve the quality of the strings, such as resilience, abrasion resistance, and creep performance, without changing the structure of the strings or tennis rackets.

[0015] The above-mentioned Non-Patent Document 1 describes the sound wave propagation characteristics of wood, but does not clearly state the sound quality or quality control of wood.

[0016] The object of the present invention is to provide a control device, control method, or control program that can freely control the quality of a substance having a liquid inside or on its surface by applying at least one of an electric field, a magnetic field, an electromagnetic field, or an electromagnetic wave generated from an electrode to the substance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] The object of each embodiment of the present invention can be achieved by the following configuration: That is, a control device according to one aspect of the present invention includes at least one electrode; a controller that controls at least one of a voltage value and a frequency of a voltage applied to the electrode to a substance having a liquid inside or on a surface thereof; Equipped with material A control device that controls the state of a liquid present inside or around a liquid storage device based on a control parameter, A substance having a liquid inside or on its surface is placed facing the electrode, (1a) A detection unit that detects the type or state of the substance and a learning model that determines control parameters of the controller, the learning model being trained by machine learning using at least detection data of the detection unit, and the control parameters being calculated by inputting the detection data into the trained learning model; and (1b) calculating a control parameter of the controller based on the detection data using information stored in a storage device that specifies a relationship between the target voltage to be applied to the electrode and at least the type or state of the substance; and (1c) adopting the control parameters set based on information specifying a relationship between the target voltage to be applied to the electrode corresponding to the type or information of the substance; and controlling at least one of a voltage value and a frequency of a voltage applied to the electrode based on the control parameter specified by at least one of the following: At least one of an electromagnetic field, an electromagnetic wave, a sound wave, and an ultrasonic wave corresponding to the voltage is applied from the electrode to the substance, and the state of a liquid present inside or around the substance arranged opposite the electrode is controlled, (1) Controlling the freshness, maturity, ripening, oxidation / reduction, removal of oxidized substances, deteriorated substances or putrefactive substances, fermentation, prevention of putrefaction, maintenance of freshness, or the progression, delay, arrest and restoration of putrefaction or deterioration of the substance. (2) Controlling the alignment direction of the liquid; (3) controlling the quality of said materials; (4) controlling the quality of the solid, liquid, or gaseous form of said substance; and (5) Prevention of decay, slime, turbidity, discoloration, mold, rust, algae, or cracking of the substance (6) The mass balance, speed, flow, maneuverability, water resistance, mechanical resistance, frictional resistance, fuel efficiency, durability, range, accuracy, directional stability, hitting efficiency, impact transmission characteristics, force and rotation applied to the ball, directionality of the hit, hit speed, flight distance, hitting feel, throwing distance, mechanical resistance, snow surface contact, rigidity, strength, vibration characteristics, flexibility, hardness, cushioning, texture, aesthetics, sugar content, acidity, hardness, AGE score, sugar concentration, cell concentration, taste, aroma, texture, freshness, maturity, spoilage prevention, slime prevention, turbidity prevention, mold prevention, rust prevention, algae prevention, crack prevention, resistance, conductive properties, electromagnetic properties, optical properties, operability, workability, improvement of mechanical device or AI properties, space potential, and improvement of properties of substances in liquids, gases, or spaces. The present invention is characterized in that at least one of the qualities is controlled to a predetermined state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the quality of a substance can be freely controlled, for example, by applying at least one of an electric field, a magnetic field, an electromagnetic field, or an electromagnetic wave generated from an electrode to the substance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an electrode according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of water molecules. Figure 2A shows a freely moving water molecule, and Figure 2B shows a beaded arrangement of water molecules. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are micrographs of free water, showing the state of free water before an electric field is applied, and the state of free water when an electric field is applied, respectively. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B show the results of a simulation of the electric potential of water particles. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram of the simulation model, and FIG. 4B shows the results of the electric potential simulation. [Figure 5] 1 is a graph showing the interfacial tension between edible oil and water when the frequency and voltage value (0 to 75 V) of the applied voltage are changed. [Figure 6]1 is a graph showing the interfacial tension between edible oil and water when the frequency and voltage value (0 to 150 V) of the voltage applied to the electrodes are changed. [Figure 7] This is a photograph of a water droplet dropping into oil. [Figure 8] This is a photograph of particles surrounding a water droplet in oil. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an electrode according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are conceptual diagrams of different electrodes in a first modified example of the first embodiment, in which FIG. 10A is an example using one electrode, and FIG. 10B is an example using one electrode and two electrodes facing the electrode. [Figure 11] 10 is a waveform diagram when voltages of different frequencies are used according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a waveform diagram when voltages of different phases are used according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a moisture control device according to a third modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a graph illustrating sweeps of voltage values, current values, and frequencies according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing application to a guitar or guitar case. [Figure 16] These are the results of a sensory test on an acoustic guitar. [Figure 17] These are the results of a sensory test on the tone of an electric guitar connected to an amplifier. [Figure 18] This shows the results of a sensory test of a wood base. [Figure 19] These are the results of a sensory test of the ukulele. [Figure 20] FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a table tennis racket case. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of quality control processing of strawberries by the quality control device of the third embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a quality control process for tobacco leaves performed by a quality control device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 24A] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of control data for sugar concentration and cell concentration in the quality control device of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24B] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of control data for growth promotion and inhibition for each exposure time in the quality control device of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24C] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of control data for growth promotion and inhibition over the culture period in the quality control device of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24D] 10 is an explanatory diagram of control data of a specific consumption rate in the quality control device of the fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 24E] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of control data for suppressing variations in the quality control device of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a food thawing device according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the comparison results of the food thawing device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 27] 10 is a comparative photograph of tuna thawed using the food thawing device according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a wagon according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a diagram comparing the effects of the wagon according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the preservation of cherry blossoms according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a cultivation experiment of perilla according to the tenth embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of an experiment on rust prevention according to the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 33] This is an example in which the electrode according to the twelfth embodiment is installed in an existing refrigerator. [Figure 34] This is an example in which the electrode according to the twelfth embodiment is installed in an existing container. [Figure 35] This is an example in which the electrode according to the twelfth embodiment is installed in an existing fryer. [Figure 36] 10 is another embodiment regarding the arrangement of electrodes. [Figure 37] 10 is yet another example of electrode placement. [Figure 38] 10 is another example of the shape of the electrodes. [Figure 39] 10 is another embodiment of an electrode for a fryer. [Figure 40] 10 is another embodiment of a cylindrical electrode. [Figure 41] 10 is another example of an interdigital electrode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The following describes, with reference to the drawings, sound quality or quality control devices, control methods, and programs for musical instruments and the like according to embodiments of the present invention. However, the embodiments described below are illustrative of sound quality or quality control devices, control methods, and programs for musical instruments and the like that embody the technical concepts of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments. The present invention is equally applicable to other embodiments within the scope of the claims. Note that, although each embodiment uses "moisture" such as free water as an example of a liquid contained within or on the surface of a substance, the liquid contained within or on the surface of a substance in the present invention is not limited to water and can be broadly applied to any liquid, such as aqueous solutions, emulsions, oils, electrolytes, organic solvents, ionic fluids, viscous fluids, non-viscous fluids, compressible fluids, and incompressible fluids. Furthermore, although the term "moisture" is sometimes used in each embodiment, this is not intended to limit the liquid to water and can be broadly applied to any liquid.

[0021] [Embodiment 1] A control device, a control method, a program, and a storage medium according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a quality control device 1. The quality control device 1 includes a controller 10 and a pair of electrodes 13 and 14. The controller 10 includes a current / voltage control unit 33, a control unit 36, a communication unit 35, and a memory unit 37. At least one of a DC voltage and an AC voltage is supplied to the electrodes 13 and 14 from a current / voltage application unit 11 controlled by the current / voltage control unit 33. The current and / or voltage applied to the electrodes 13 and 14 is detected by a detection unit 38 and fed back to the control unit 36. A substance detection unit 32 (e.g., a camera) is also provided to detect the type and size of a substance disposed in the space between the electrodes 13 and 14. In the actual circuit configuration of the controller 10, the current / voltage application unit 11 and the detection unit 38 may be provided integrally with the controller 10. For example, the controller 10 and the current / voltage application unit 11 may be housed integrally in a single housing.

[0023] The detector 38 may be provided on the electrodes 13 and 14 to detect the state of the generated electromagnetic waves. In this case, the detector 38 that detects the state of the electromagnetic waves may be provided integrally with the electrodes 13 and 14. The cable for the detector 38 may be integrated with the cables for the electrodes 13 and 14, which facilitates cable management. The electrodes 13 and 14 may also serve as means for detecting the state of the electromagnetic field generation. The detector 38 includes a current and / or voltage detection means. In this case, the current and / or voltage can also be detected in the current / voltage application unit 11. Therefore, the current and / or voltage detection means of the detector 38 can be integrated with the current / voltage application unit 11 or can be incorporated integrally into the housing of a controller or the like. Since the data detected by the current and / or voltage detection means of the detector 38 includes a numerical value associated with the generation of the electromagnetic waves, the electromagnetic waves generated at the electrodes 13 and 14 can be detected from the detected data.

[0024] The substance detection unit 32 can be integrated into the controller 10, but to prevent the device from becoming too large due to the addition of a camera or other device, and for convenience in the placement of the camera or other device, the substance detection unit 32 can also be configured separately from the controller 10. While FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which a pair of electrodes 13 and 14 are provided, this embodiment is not limited to this. As described below, any number of electrodes can be provided as long as there is at least one, and various shapes of electrodes can also be used. For example, if there is only one electrode 13 or 14, the substance can be placed opposite that electrode. When the substance detection unit 32 detects the type, state, size, etc. of the substance placed opposite the electrodes 13 and 14, the control unit 36 ​​calculates a control command value in response to the detection of this substance. In response to this control command value, current / voltage control unit 33 controls current / voltage application unit 11 to control the current and voltage applied to electrodes 13 and 14, and at least one of an electric field, a magnetic field, an electromagnetic field, or an electromagnetic wave is applied to a substance placed opposite the electrodes (hereinafter, expressions such as "an electromagnetic field is applied," "electromagnetic waves are irradiated," and "an electric field is applied" may be used, but these expressions are not intended to limit the electromagnetic field, electromagnetic wave, or electric field, and include an electric field, a magnetic field, an electromagnetic field, or an electromagnetic wave). At this time, the electromagnetic field applied to the substance is controlled to a desired state in response to a control command calculated by control unit 36 ​​through feedback control based on the detection value from detection unit 38.

[0025] The communication unit 35 receives control parameters and control values ​​from the management server 40 by communicating with the management server 40, the database 43, the other PCs 31a-31n, and the other quality control devices 1a-1n. A program is stored in the memory unit 37, and the control unit 36, which includes a CPU and the like, operates according to the program stored in the memory unit 37. Based on the control parameters and control values ​​received from the management server 40, the control unit 36 ​​controls the current and / or voltage applied to the electrodes 13 and 14 by controlling the current / voltage application unit 11 via the current / voltage control unit 33 built into the controller 10. This program can be rewritten from the management server 40 via the communication unit 35. It is also possible to store the program in a removable memory such as a flash memory and rewrite the program in the controller 10 using the removable memory. It is also possible to set or rewrite the program using the man-machine interface 31 connected to the communication unit 35.

[0026] The management server 40 has functions such as updating or maintaining the program of the controller 10, monitoring or watching over the usage status of the controller 10, collecting or analyzing location information or environmental information of the controller 10, collecting or analyzing improvement request information from the controller 10, maintaining the controller 10, collecting control information from the controller 10 and / or information from the database 43, generating and providing learning model information for the controller 10, providing control information based on the learning model information, or providing control parameters for the controller 10.

[0027] Regarding monitoring or supervising the usage status of the controller 10, the management server 40 can constantly collect control information from the controller 10. Therefore, the management server 40 has the function of constantly grasping the usage status of the controller 10 and performing monitoring or supervision. Here, the monitoring function includes grasping the status of the user by analyzing the time period, the extent, and the manner in which the user using the quality control device 1 corresponding to the controller 10 uses the quality control device 1. For example, if the quality control device is used in a restaurant, the management server 40 can grasp the restaurant's business status, customer numbers, cooking status, preparation status, etc. Furthermore, for an individual user, the management server 40 can grasp the individual user's living status, safety status, etc. from the usage status of the quality control device. Therefore, if the management server 40 determines that the quality control device 1 is abnormal, it can notify the corresponding user and also notify registered contacts and emergency contacts such as the police and fire department of the abnormality.

[0028] Regarding the collection and analysis of location information or environmental information of the controller 10, the management server 40 collects location information, climate information, regional information, etc. of the location where the quality control device 1 is located from the controller 10, and can grasp the location information or environmental conditions in which the quality control device 1 is being used. For example, the management server 40 can transmit control information, etc. according to the usage environment to the controller 10.

[0029] Regarding the collection or analysis of improvement request information from the controller 10, the management server 40 can collect improvement request information input from the PC 31 to the controller 10 from the controller, or can collect improvement request information input from the PC 31 that communicates with the controller 10 directly from the PC 31. The improvement request information includes information such as improvement requests from users of the quality control device 1, evaluations of control results, and requests. This improvement request information is analyzed in the management server 40 and used to set the control parameters of each quality control device 1.

[0030] Regarding maintenance of the controller 10, the management server 40 collects and monitors information such as the operating status of the controller 10, the status of the program, the status of the device control parameters, the information stored in the memory unit 37, the status of the equipment, and the environmental status of the quality control device, and can perform maintenance on the program, control parameters, detection information, control result information, various setting parameters, and the contents stored in the memory unit of the controller 10. The contents of the maintenance are not particularly limited, but include setting or updating the program, setting or updating control parameters and setting parameters, and setting or updating the learning model described below. The various operating status information, control information, etc. collected from the controller 10 and / or information collected from the database 43 are used for deep learning in the management server 40, as described below. Furthermore, learning model information trained by deep learning and / or control parameters calculated by the learning model are provided to the controller 10 of each quality control device 1.

[0031] The controller 10 is also connected to a substance detection unit 32 for detecting the type and / or state of a substance placed between the electrodes. By determining the type and / or state of the substance, the controller 10 controls the built-in current / voltage application unit 11 to generate an appropriate output voltage and / or output current depending on the type, state, size, etc. of the substance. The current / voltage application unit 11 has at least one function of DC-DC conversion, DC-AC conversion, AC-DC conversion, and AC-AC conversion, as described below. For example, the current / voltage application unit 11 can be a VVVF (variable voltage variable frequency) inverter. The current / voltage application unit 11 can apply a voltage / current obtained by superimposing a DC voltage / current on an AC voltage / current to the electrodes 13 and 14.

[0032] Furthermore, by the man-machine interface 31 communicating with the controller 10, the user can set and operate the controller by inputting from the man-machine interface 31. The man-machine interface 31 includes, for example, a display, a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. When operating the controller 10 using a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a portable terminal, or a personal computer such as a laptop computer (hereinafter, the man-machine interface 31 may also be simply referred to as a "PC"), the smartphone or the like can serve as both the man-machine interface 31 and the communication unit 35, etc.

[0033] By communicating with the controller 10, the PC 31 can set control parameters, update the control program, and monitor the operating status and control status of the controller 10. Furthermore, if the PC 31 and the controller 10 are connected via a communication network, the PC 31 can set, operate, monitor, and so on the controller 10 from a remote location.

[0034] The quality control device 1 is also connected to an external power source (not shown). The external power source can be either an AC power source or a DC power source, and the DC power source can also be a battery, including a primary battery and a secondary battery. If the quality control device 1 is movable, transportable, or portable, it is convenient to use a battery as the external power source 39 in order to ensure power supply.

[0035] Furthermore, the controller 10 performs feedback control of at least one of the current value, voltage value, frequency, and phase applied to the electrodes based on a detection signal from a detector 38 described below.

[0036] The substance to be treated is placed between the electrodes 13 and 14. The substance to be treated is not particularly limited as long as it is at least one of a solid, a liquid, and a gas, and various substances can be treated as described below.

[0037] The controller 10 is connected to a communication network 45 via a communication unit 35 or a PC 31. This communication network 45 is connected to a management server 40, a database 43, the quality control devices 1a-1n, and the PCs 31a-31n. The management server 40 can collect control information, including detection data from the substance detection unit 32 and / or the detection unit 38, from the controller 10 via the communication unit 35 or the PC 31. The management server 40 calculates a learning model for determining control parameters of the controller by machine learning, such as deep learning, based on the data in the database 43, information from each of the quality control devices 1, 1a-1n, and information from each of the PCs 31, 31a-31n. The management server 40 transmits the trained learning model and the calculation parameters determined by the trained model to the controller 10 of each of the quality control devices 1, 1a-1n. The controller 10 uses a learning model in the control unit 36 ​​to calculate parameters appropriate for the substance placed opposite the electrodes 13 and 14 based on detection data from the substance detection unit 32 and / or the detection unit 38. Alternatively, the control unit 36 ​​uses the appropriate parameters transmitted from the management server 40 to perform calculations for controlling the current and / or voltage applied from the current / voltage application unit 11 to the electrodes 13 and 14 via the current / voltage control unit 33. A control program is stored in the memory unit 37. The controller 10 is controlled based on the control program. This control program is rewritable from the management server 40, allowing for timely program updates and upgrades. The control program can also be set, changed, and updated from the PC 31. Furthermore, various control parameters of the controller 10 can also be set and changed via the PC 31. Here, the controller 10 has been described as being controlled by a control program, but this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, quality control can also be performed by applying an electromagnetic field appropriate to the substance to the substance using a controller 10 that does not include a microcomputer. Furthermore, the control by the controller 10 is not limited to feedback control, but may be, for example, open loop control that can obtain a constant output.It is also possible to use a controller 10 that allows the set values ​​to be manually input, set, and switched.

[0038] [About electrodes] Although FIG. 1 illustrates a pair of electrodes 13, 14 as plate-shaped electrodes, the electrodes 13, 14 are not limited to plate-shaped electrodes and can be foil-shaped, film-shaped, or layer-shaped. Furthermore, various shapes, such as rod-shaped, spherical, hemispherical, cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, conical, semi-conical, approximately L-shaped, approximately U-shaped, polygonal, polygonal prism-shaped, polygonal pyramidal, curved, or bent, can be adopted (see FIGS. 33 to 41, etc., described below). Furthermore, when the electrodes 13, 14 are foil-shaped or film-shaped, the electrodes can be made very thin, thereby reducing the installation space for the electrodes, allowing for flexible design of the electrodes, weight reduction, and ease of installation. Layer-shaped electrodes also include, for example, thin-film electrodes provided so as to be layered on a predetermined substrate.

[0039] The shape of the electrodes 13, 14 is not limited to a flat plate shape and may be any shape. When foil-shaped electrodes 13, 14 are used, the electrodes can be formed into any shape according to the shape of the installation location, and for example, the electrodes can be formed into a curved surface.

[0040] The electrodes 13 and 14 may be provided with multiple through-holes. Providing multiple through-holes in the electrodes can improve the characteristics of the electromagnetic waves generated from the electrodes, provide breathability, and ensure visibility through the electrodes. The holes may have a variety of shapes, such as circles, ellipses, polygons, slits, lines, or combinations thereof. For example, hexagonal holes may be provided.

[0041] The materials of the electrodes 13 and 14 are not particularly limited as long as they are conductive. Examples include conductive metals such as copper, iron, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, gold, silver, and platinum, alloys of these metals, and conductive materials such as conductive oxides and conductive glass. The surfaces of the electrodes 13 and 14 can also be coated with an insulating material. For example, when the electrodes are placed in a fryer, the electrodes are insulated from the inner surface of the fryer. For example, when the electrodes are placed in the inner surface of a container, it is desirable to insulate the electrodes from the inner surface of the container. One of the pair of electrodes 13 and 14 can also be made of different materials. For example, the electrode 13 can be made of stainless steel and the electrode 14 can be made of titanium. Other combinations include stainless steel and aluminum, or stainless steel and copper. Changing the materials of the electrodes 13 and 14 can adjust the characteristics of the electromagnetic waves generated by those electrodes. In this case, the characteristics of the electromagnetic waves can also be adjusted by changing the materials of the electrodes 13 and 14. As described below, the number of electrodes is not limited to one pair, but can be one, three or more, two or more pairs, or other suitable number. Even in this case, the characteristics of the electromagnetic waves generated from the electrodes can be adjusted by appropriately selecting the material of each electrode. For example, when using two pairs of electrodes, one pair of electrodes can be made of stainless steel and the other pair of electrodes can be made of copper, thereby adjusting the characteristics of the electromagnetic waves generated from these electrodes. Electrodes 13 and 14 generate at least one of an electric field, a magnetic field, an electromagnetic field, an electromagnetic wave, a sound wave, and an ultrasonic wave. However, when generating only a sound wave or an ultrasonic wave, the material of electrodes 13 and 14 is not limited to a conductive material, and a non-conductive material such as resin can be used.

[0042] A dedicated housing can be provided for installing the quality control device 1, but the invention is not limited to this and can be installed in an existing housing, for example. A wide variety of housings can be selected as existing housings into which the quality control device 1 can be installed, including those for refrigerators, freezers, refrigerated warehouses, freezer warehouses, storage facilities, warehouses, refrigerated trucks, freezer cars, cooler boxes, transport containers, storage containers, showcases, shelves, drawers, fryers, cultivation containers (for hydroponic cultivation, etc.), fuel tanks, personal computers, mobile phones, chairs, beds, furniture, bedding, home appliances, various manufacturing equipment in factories, processing equipment, medical equipment, health equipment, beauty equipment, cooking equipment, polishing equipment, vehicles, semiconductor cleaning equipment, and equipment for controlling water vapor generated during cooling in smelting, baking, and drying processes.

[0043] In the case of a refrigerator, the pair of electrodes 13, 14 can be arranged, for example, along the ceiling and bottom surfaces of the refrigerator, along opposing sidewall surfaces, along the ceiling, shelf, or bottom surfaces, along the ceiling, bottom, and side surfaces, or along the inner door and rear side surfaces. In the case of a fryer, the pair of electrodes 13, 14 can be arranged, for example, along both side surfaces inside the oil container. That is, the pair of electrodes 13, 14 can be arranged in any manner so long as they are arranged facing each other. Furthermore, the pair of electrodes does not need to be arranged parallel to each other; for example, they can be positioned perpendicular to each other. The electrodes can be arranged in any manner as long as there is space between them to accommodate the material to be treated. The number, arrangement, and shape of the electrodes are not particularly limited, and the number is not limited to one pair. They can be one, three, or more, or two or more pairs. See, for example, Figures 9, 10, 23-30, etc., described below.

[0044] The object on which the quality control device 1 is installed does not have to be a housing, and it can be installed anywhere as long as a pair of electrodes 13, 14 can be arranged. For example, it can be installed anywhere, such as a shelf or a wall, as long as the pair of electrodes 13, 14 can be arranged facing each other, and it is also possible to use a screen-like member to fix the electrodes 13, 14. For example, it can be configured as a cutting board. Furthermore, for example, the number of electrodes is not limited to one pair, and it can be one, three or more, or two or more pairs. For example, see Figures 9, 10, 23 to 30, etc., described below.

[0045] [Voltage applied to the electrodes] At least one of a DC component voltage and an AC component voltage is applied from the controller 10 to the pair of electrodes 13, 14. The DC component voltage is not particularly limited, but the output voltage of the controller 10, the electrode potential, or the inter-electrode voltage can be adjusted between, for example, 0 V and 5000 V, between, for example, 0 V and 2000 V, between, for example, 0 V and 500 V, between, for example, 0 V and 200 V, between, for example, 0 V and 100 V, between, for example, 5 V and 20 V, or even between, for example, 10 V and 15 V. Depending on the target, low or high voltages may be used, and a low voltage of, for example, about 1.5 V to 50 V may be used. The polarity may also be positive or negative. That is, when adjusting between, for example, 0 V and 200 V, taking into account both positive and negative polarities, the voltage can be adjusted between −200 V and +200 V. Therefore, taking both positive and negative polarities into consideration, the voltage can be adjusted between, for example, -5000V and +5000V, between, for example, -2000V and 2000V, between, for example, -500V and +500V, or between, for example, -200V and +200V. The power supply voltage may be a DC power supply or an AC power supply. When a DC power supply is used, a battery, for example, can be used as the power supply, which provides excellent portability. Furthermore, when an AC power supply is used, a commercial power supply, for example, can be used, which makes it easy to secure a power source. The power supply voltage can be, for example, 100V to 400V AC, 5V to 20V DC, or 10V to 15V DC. Furthermore, when expressed as a spatial electric field, it can be adjusted, for example, between -2000 V / cm and +2000 V / cm, and it can also be adjusted, for example, between -500 V / cm and +500 V / cm, or between -200 V / cm and +200 V / cm.

[0046] At least a DC component voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes 13, 14, and it is also possible to set the AC component voltage to 0V, for example, and apply only the DC component voltage.

[0047] The direction of the DC component voltage can be either positive (+) or negative (-). In this embodiment, the direction of the DC component voltage is positive when the potential of electrode 14 is higher than the potential of electrode 13 (earth potential), and conversely, the direction of the DC voltage is negative when the potential of electrode 14 is lower than the potential of electrode 13. Whether the DC component voltage is positive or negative, the effect of improving the properties of the material is achieved.

[0048] Furthermore, an AC component voltage can be applied to the pair of electrodes 13, 14 in addition to the DC component voltage. Alternatively, the DC component voltage can be set to 0 V and only the AC component voltage can be applied. The frequency of the AC component voltage is not particularly limited, but can be adjusted between 0 and 1 MHz, between 0 Hz and 500 kHz, between 0 Hz and 200 kHz, or between 0 Hz and 100 kHz. Note that when the AC component is 0 Hz, it is essentially a DC voltage. Depending on the target, a low frequency band or a high frequency band may be used. For example, a frequency band of about 1 Hz to 50 Hz may be used as the low frequency band.

[0049] The voltage of the AC component voltage is not particularly limited, but can be adjusted between 0 and 2000 Vpp / cm, for example, between 0 and 500 Vpp / cm, or even between 0 and 200 Vpp / cm, in terms of the spatial electric field per cm between peaks. When expressed in voltage, the output voltage of the controller 10, the electrode potential, or the interelectrode voltage can be adjusted between 0 and 5000 Vpp, for example, between 0 and 2000 Vpp, for example, between 0 and 500 Vpp, or even between 50 and 250 Vpp. The voltage applied to the electrodes can be adjusted between 0 and 5000 Vpp, for example, between 0 and 2000 Vpp, for example, between 0 and 500 Vpp, or even between 50 and 250 Vpp. Depending on the target, a low voltage or a high voltage may be used, and a low voltage of, for example, about 1.5 Vpp to 50 Vpp may be used.

[0050] Note that although applying a DC component voltage can sometimes have an effect of improving the properties of a material, applying only an AC component voltage can also produce the same effect, in which case the DC component voltage is considered to be 0 V. In the following, for AC voltage components, as a general rule, [Vpp] is used as the unit when expressing the peak-to-peak voltage value, and [V] is used to express the effective voltage value.

[0051] As described above, the voltage of the external power supply may be either a DC voltage or an AC voltage, and the external power supply may be either an AC power supply or a DC power supply. For example, a commercial power supply may be used as the AC power supply. For example, a battery, including a primary battery and a secondary battery, may be used as the DC power supply. For example, various batteries, such as a 12V battery or a dry cell battery, may be used.

[0052] To adjust the voltage value of the DC component voltage in the controller 10, there are methods such as controlling the voltage of a DC power supply with a DC-DC converter, or controlling the voltage with a DC-DC converter when or after rectifying an AC power supply with an AC-DC converter, etc. To adjust the voltage value and frequency of the AC component voltage in the controller 10, there are methods such as controlling the DC power supply with a DC-AC converter (inverter), controlling the AC power supply with a DC-AC converter (inverter) after rectifying it with an AC-DC converter, or controlling the AC power supply with an AC-AC converter, etc.

[0053] If the target voltage value of the DC component voltage is equal to the power supply voltage of the DC power supply, the power supply voltage of the DC power supply can be used as is as the DC component voltage. Similarly, if the target voltage and target frequency of the AC component voltage are equal to the power supply voltage of the AC power supply, the power supply voltage of the AC power supply can be used as is as the AC component voltage.

[0054] Then, the DC component voltage and the AC component voltage are added together, that is, the DC component voltage is added to the AC component voltage as an offset voltage, and this added voltage is applied between the pair of electrodes 13, 14. Furthermore, when controlling the AC component voltage in power conversion in a DC-AC converter, for example, it is also possible to control the DC component voltage as well.

[0055] The AC component of the voltage applied to the electrodes may be a sinusoidal voltage, but the AC voltage component of this embodiment is not limited to a sinusoidal waveform and may include any waveform, such as a square wave or PWM waveform. Note that the terms "sine wave" and "square wave" do not refer to sine waves or square waves in the strict sense, but rather to waveforms that take noise, distortion, etc. into consideration. Furthermore, the DC component of the voltage applied to the electrodes does not necessarily mean a constant voltage, but may also be a DC component voltage that changes over time.

[0056] The voltage control means in the controller 10 may be an analog circuit, a digital circuit, or a circuit combining an analog circuit and a digital circuit. For example, a sinusoidal voltage may be generated by an analog circuit, or an equivalent sinusoidal wave may be generated by a PWM waveform. Furthermore, for example, a circuit that generates a square-wave voltage may be either a digital circuit or an analog circuit.

[0057] The controller 10 also controls the voltage or current applied to the electrodes 13 and 14 as follows. (1) A voltage or current that reduces the interfacial tension of a material. (2) The voltage or current must be such that food, drink, or liquids are not corrosive. (3) The voltage or current contributes to at least one of the following: preserving fresh flowers, preserving drinking water, promoting hydroponic cultivation or improving the environment, improving germination rates, improving hatching rates, preventing aquarium fouling or purifying water, improving water quality, promoting the growth of rock sugar, reforming fuel, or improving fuel efficiency. (4) The voltage or current contributes to at least one of the following: preservation of blood or blood components, improvement of diabetes, improvement of chronic kidney disease, improvement of dialysis, improvement of blood flow, revascularization, improvement of peripheral neuropathy, improvement of arthropathy or rheumatism, organ preservation, antitumor effect, improvement of ischemia, improvement of lymphedema, improvement of bedsores, prevention or improvement of necrosis, improvement of circulatory system diseases, or infection control. (5) The voltage or current is such that it improves the efficiency of at least one of the charging or discharging of a capacitor, a generator, or a power transmission facility. (6) A voltage or current that promotes the emulsification or production of an emulsion, or a voltage or current that extends the duration of the emulsion state. (7) The voltage or current is such that it improves the effectiveness of an air purifier or ionizer. (8) A voltage or current that separates atoms or molecules into different types. (9) The voltage is used to control the temperature or humidity of the space, and (10) A voltage or current that separates at least one of bacteria, germs, viruses, or microorganisms from water; (11) A voltage or current that promotes chemical polishing, mechanical polishing, chemical-mechanical polishing, or magnetic polishing; At least one voltage or current is selected from the group consisting of:

[0058] [Controller Control] The quality control device 1 is driven by the controller 10, and an electric field is generated between the pair of electrodes 13 and 14. At this time, the electrodes 13 and 14 function as antennas, and an electromagnetic field is generated by radiating electromagnetic waves between the electrodes 13 and 14. Furthermore, sound waves and / or ultrasound waves can be generated between the electrodes by applying vibrations to the electrodes 13 and 14 by electrical, magnetic, or mechanical means. A piezoelectric element, such as a piezo element, can be used as a means for generating sound waves and / or ultrasound waves between the electrodes. Therefore, at least one of an electric field, a magnetic field, an electromagnetic field, an electromagnetic wave, a sound wave, and an ultrasound wave is generated between the electrodes 13 and 14. The use of sound waves and / or ultrasound waves in addition to the electric field, magnetic field, electromagnetic field, or electromagnetic wave enhances the effect of improving the properties of a material.

[0059] The controller 10 feedback-controls at least one of the current value, voltage value, frequency, and phase applied to the electrodes based on the detection signal from the detector 38. The detector 38 includes at least one of a voltage sensor that detects the voltage applied to the electrodes, a current sensor that detects the current applied to the electrodes, a frequency sensor that detects the frequency of the voltage and / or current applied to the electrodes, a phase sensor that detects the phase of the voltage and / or current applied to the electrodes, a magnetic field sensor that detects the magnetic field between the electrodes 13, 14, an electric field sensor that detects the electric field between the electrodes 13, 14, an acoustic wave sensor that detects the magnitude and frequency of sound waves between the electrodes 13, 14, and an ultrasonic sensor that detects the magnitude and frequency of ultrasonic waves between the electrodes 13, 14.

[0060] A sensor can also be provided on the electrode. The electrode itself can also be used as a sensor. When a sensor is provided on an electrode, in addition to a power line supplying power to the electrode, wiring (e.g., two lines) for the sensor is required. Since it is desirable to minimize the number of wires between the controller 10 and the electrode, it is preferable to combine the power line and the sensor line into a single cord. In this case, the single cord should be coated with a material that is at least insulating. Durability and heat resistance are also desirable. Furthermore, considering use in a freezer, it is desirable that the cord be able to withstand low temperatures. For example, considering use in a fryer, durability and heat resistance as well as insulation are required, so a material such as fluororesin can be used as the coating material for the cord. When a pair of electrodes is provided, a sensor can be provided on only one electrode. Alternatively, if sensors are provided on both electrodes, the sensor on one electrode can detect a physical quantity generated by the other electrode. When three or more electrodes are used, a sensor can be provided on at least one electrode, but this is not limited to this. Sensors can also be provided on multiple electrodes or all electrodes.

[0061] At least one control target value of the controller 10, which is the current value, voltage value, frequency, and phase, is set according to the type and state of the target substance. This control target value can be set remotely via a communication device (not shown). It is also possible to remotely control the control parameters and control amounts of the controller 10. This makes it possible to centrally manage the controllers 10 of multiple quality control devices 1 from a server 40 located at a remote location and appropriately control each controller 10. However, the mode of control of the controller 10 is not limited to remote control from the server 40. For example, it is also possible to individually control the controller 10 of each quality control device 1 by directly setting a control target value or setting control parameters in each controller 10.

[0062] The controller 10 is provided with a storage unit 37, which stores a control program. The controller 10 is controlled based on this control program. This control program is rewritable via communication or a storage medium, so it is possible to update and upgrade the program as needed. Furthermore, the controller 10 and the server 40 can communicate with each other, and the control parameters, control variables, control programs, and various setting values ​​sent from the server 40 are stored in the storage unit 37. The control program can also be stored in an appropriate storage medium.

[0063] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a water molecule, where Figure 2A shows a water molecule in a free state and Figure 2B shows a water molecule in a bead-like arrangement.

[0064] The target substances, for example, foods such as meat, fish, and vegetables, beverages, animal and plant cells, and oils, contain water molecules as moisture such as free water.

[0065] Normally, water molecules (HO) are arranged in a disordered manner, as shown in Figure 2A. Therefore, hydrogen atoms H can take in reactive oxygen species 30 or form hydrogen bonds, increasing the size of the water molecules and slowing their movement. This is when oxidation of the water molecules begins.

[0066] In contrast, when an electric field is generated between the pair of electrodes 13 and 14, the water molecules try to align in a certain direction. This is because the oxygen atoms O, which have a strong force attracting electrons, become slightly negative, and the hydrogen atoms H, which easily give up electrons, become slightly positive, and each tries to move in the direction of the electric field between the pair of electrodes 13 and 14.

[0067] When the controller 10 generates an AC voltage, the water molecules alternately change direction. At this time, the water molecules change direction at the same frequency as the AC voltage, and enter a state of vibration. As this vibration is repeated, the water molecules gradually break down into smaller particles and are arranged in a regular pattern, as shown in FIG. 2B.

[0068] A similar effect occurs between water particles (fine water droplets) as moisture such as free water present in a substance, so the electric field between the pair of electrodes 13, 14 causes the water particles to attract each other and form a beaded array.

[0069] When a DC component voltage is applied between the pair of electrodes 13 and 14, there is a force component that causes the water molecules to align in the direction of the electric field caused by this DC component voltage. Therefore, even when only a DC component voltage is applied between the pair of electrodes 13 and 14, the water molecules will be arranged in a regular pattern. Furthermore, when an AC component voltage is applied in addition to the DC component voltage, the water molecules change direction at the same frequency as the AC component voltage, and there is also a force component that causes the water molecules to align in one direction, making it easier for the water molecules to be arranged in a regular pattern. Similarly, with regard to the state of water particles, the electric field between the pair of electrodes 13 and 14 causes water particles, such as free water, to attract each other and form a beaded array.

[0070] Even when the voltage applied between the pair of electrodes 13 and 14 does not contain a DC component voltage, the AC component voltage causes water molecules to change direction and vibrate at the same frequency as the AC component voltage. As this vibration is repeated, the water molecules break hydrogen bonds with the active oxygen 30 or other components, and the water molecules gradually become finer and more regularly arranged. Furthermore, when the voltage applied between the pair of electrodes 13 and 14 does not contain a DC component voltage, the AC component voltage also affects the state of water particles, causing the water particles, such as free water, to attract each other and form a beaded arrangement due to the electric field between the pair of electrodes 13 and 14.

[0071] Since sound waves or ultrasound waves have the effect of vibrating water molecules, when a DC component voltage and / or an AC component voltage is applied between the pair of electrodes 13, 14, generating sound waves and / or ultrasound waves of a predetermined frequency and intensity between the electrodes also has the effect of promoting the alignment of water molecules. Furthermore, when water molecules are vibrated by predetermined sound waves and / or ultrasound waves, the water molecules can be aligned even when no voltage is applied between the electrodes. By controlling the electric field, magnetic field, electromagnetic field, electromagnetic waves, sound waves, or ultrasound waves generated from the electrodes by the quality control device 1 of this embodiment, cavitation can be generated, and a large number of fine bubbles are generated in the liquid by the cavitation.

[0072] Since the alignment direction of water molecules or water particles is along the direction in which the electromagnetic field is applied, it is possible to control the alignment direction of water molecules or water particles by controlling the applied electromagnetic field. For example, the electromagnetic field applied from a pair of electrodes 13 and 14 is in a fixed direction, but in Figure 9 described below, the electromagnetic field is applied from two pairs of electrodes (electrodes 13 and 14 and electrodes 15 and 16) that are orthogonal to each other. Therefore, by controlling the current or voltage applied to each electrode, it is possible to adjust not only the strength of the electromagnetic field generated between the electrodes but also the direction of the electromagnetic field, thereby making it possible to control the alignment direction of water molecules or water particles.

[0073] Water can be divided into "bound water" and "free water." Bound water is stable, bound to other components by hydrogen bonds. In contrast, free water is free and active, and in the case of food, it keeps the food fresh and juicy. However, free water molecules easily bind to other components, making foods containing free water susceptible to spoilage. In other words, bacteria, viruses, microorganisms, or active enzymes can easily bind to free water, causing decay. Even in the bound water state, bound water can become free over time, with rising temperatures, or in dry environments. At this time, some of the hydrogen-bonded cellular components are stripped away, making the food more susceptible to spoilage. Therefore, free water can be maintained fresh by forming a chain of bound water (distinguished from the "bound water state" mentioned above) or by binding to other cells.

[0074] It is believed that the water molecules arranged in a beaded pattern by the quality control device 1 of this embodiment form a structure in which the free water molecules bind to each other, resulting in a stable state similar to that of bound water. In other words, the water molecules regularly arranged by the quality control device 1 of this embodiment are retained within the substance but do not bind to other components, thereby keeping the food fresh and juicy.

[0075] Therefore, by installing the quality control device 1 of this embodiment in a container, it is possible to control the arrangement of free water in a substance within the container, and when the substance is food, medicine, or cells, it is possible to maintain the freshness of the food, medicine, or cells. For example, by using the quality control device 1 as a transport container, it is possible to transport food while maintaining its freshness even over longer distances than before. The container may be, for example, polystyrene foam, and a transport container can be constructed by attaching the quality control device 1 of this embodiment to existing polystyrene foam, etc.

[0076] Furthermore, once the water molecules are regularly arranged by the quality control device 1 of this embodiment, they are maintained in that regularly arranged state for several days to several tens of days. Therefore, when the target substance is food, medicine, or cells, the freshness of the food, medicine, or cells can be maintained even if the free water is arranged in a bead-like state by the quality control device 1 of this embodiment and then transferred to another container for storage. Furthermore, while the quality control device 1 of this embodiment can micronize the water in a substance as described above, it is also possible to control cells containing water so that the cells themselves are bead-like arranged or the cells themselves are micronized (for example, a clump consisting of multiple cells is micronized).

[0077] Furthermore, when a predetermined voltage is applied to the electrodes 13 and 14, the water molecules in the water content of the substance are electrically aligned and oriented in a substantially uniform direction (the direction of the electric field). At this time, the alignment of the water molecules increases the conductivity of the substance. It is possible to align the water molecules even when the substance is liquid, which makes it possible to increase the conductivity of, for example, pure water. Furthermore, because water molecules vibrate slightly at a uniform frequency in an electric field, they do not crystallize at temperatures around 0°C.

[0078] Furthermore, when a predetermined voltage is applied to the electrodes 13 and 14, hydrogen bonding of water molecules in the substance is suppressed, resulting in fewer hydrogen bonds, making it possible to obtain, for example, physiological water. Furthermore, by adding microbubbles such as microbubbles, micro-nanobubbles, or nanobubbles to this water, water with even higher functionality can be obtained. Such enhancement of liquid functionality using electric fields and microbubbles is not limited to water, but can also be applied to, for example, aqueous solutions, emulsions, oils, etc.

[0079] Furthermore, when a predetermined voltage is applied to electrodes 13 and 14, the hydration of water molecules in the water content of the substance is promoted. For example, when proteins contained in the substance are hydrated and bond with water molecules, the proteins are surrounded by water molecules, and deterioration of the substance can be suppressed.

[0080] FIG. 3 shows micrographs of free water, with FIG. 3A showing the state of free water before an electric field is applied, and FIG. 3B showing the state of free water when an electric field is applied. As shown in FIG. 3B, in the free water when an electric field is applied, a beaded arrangement of water particles can be confirmed at the area marked with a white underline. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 3A, in the free water before the electric field is applied, no beaded arrangement of water particles can be confirmed. From FIG. 3, it was confirmed that the quality control device 1 of this embodiment can put free water into a beaded arrangement state. While FIG. 3 shows the beaded arrangement of a water phase in an oil phase, similar control of the beaded arrangement of liquids by controlling the applied electric field is also possible between other types of liquids.

[0081] Figure 4 shows the simulation results of the electric potential of water particles, with Figure 4A being an explanatory diagram of the simulation model and Figure 4B being the results of the electric potential simulation. As shown in Figure 4A, the simulation model is free water, with four water particles arranged in a beaded pattern in the center and two independent water particles to the left of them.

[0082] Figure 4B shows three equipotential regions in a vertical cross section along the longitudinal direction of the water particles. In the cross section on the far right, where the water particles are arranged in a beaded array, the water particles in the beaded array are shown to be equipotential. In addition, the four beaded arrayed water particle regions in the center of the drawing are colored in approximately the same color, which indicates that the electric potentials of the four beaded arrayed water particle regions are approximately equal.

[0083] Since electric field lines run through the four water particles arranged in a cascade, it can be seen that these four water particles are attracted to each other. Furthermore, since electric field lines run from the four water particles arranged in a cascade to the two independent water particles located to the left of the four water particles arranged in a cascade, it is thought that a force is acting on these two independent water particles in the direction of attraction toward the four water particles arranged in a cascade, and it is possible that the two independent water particles will join the arrangement of the four water particles arranged in a cascade.

[0084] [Reduction of interfacial tension] When an electromagnetic field is applied to a W / O emulsion (for example, water droplets in edible oil) using the quality control device 1 of this embodiment, the interfacial tension can be reduced. In this case, the interfacial tension can be reduced by, for example, 10% or more, and depending on the electromagnetic field conditions, even 20% or more. Furthermore, by appropriately controlling the DC component voltage and AC component voltage, for example, the interfacial tension can be reduced by 60% or more. This is thought to be due to an increase in interfacial polarization formed by the application of an electromagnetic field.

[0085] For example, when food is cooked in cooking oil, the water contained in the food turns to steam in the cooking oil, and the water droplets that escape from the food into the cooking oil are microdroplets. If these microdroplets have sufficient interfacial polarization to reduce the interfacial tension, they form a beaded array due to dipole-dipole attraction.

[0086] When frying food in cooking oil using a fryer, the interfacial tension at the oil / water interface can be reduced by placing a pair of electrodes 13, 14 of the quality control device 1 of this embodiment on the fryer. Generally, when food is cooked, the moisture contained in the food turns into steam in the cooking oil, causing bumping. The quality control device 1 of this embodiment generates a predetermined electromagnetic field to reduce the surface tension at the oil / water interface. As a result, when the moisture contained in the food escapes, it becomes small droplets with small particle sizes and easily disperses in the cooking oil. Therefore, even if the moisture vaporizes into steam in the heated cooking oil, bumping occurs less. Furthermore, the free water contained in the food is arranged in a beaded pattern by the applied electromagnetic field, making it difficult for moisture to escape from the ingredients. Controlling the moisture contained in the food and suppressing bumping in this way effectively suppresses the penetration of oil into the food. This also results in excellent texture and taste for the cooked food.

[0087] 5 and 6 are graphs showing the reduction in interfacial tension between edible oil and water by the quality control device 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a graph of the interfacial tension between edible oil and water when the frequency and voltage value (0 to 75 V) of the applied voltage are changed, and FIG. 6 is a graph of the interfacial tension between edible oil and water when the frequency and voltage value (0 to 150 V) of the voltage applied to the electrodes are changed. Unlike the measurement device described in the above section [Regarding Reduction in Interfacial Tension], FIGS. 5 and 6 show measurements of the interfacial tension between edible oil and water placed in a cylindrical container with water in the bottom layer and edible oil in the top layer, with their interfaces in contact. A pair of stainless steel electrodes was inserted into the container, and AC voltages of various frequencies and voltage values ​​were applied to measure the interfacial tension between edible oil and water. A Face Automatic Surface Tensiometer (Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.) was used to measure the interfacial tension. Although a pair of flat electrodes was used as the electrodes, this is not limited to this. For example, a curved electrode that fits along the inner wall of a cylindrical container, or a flexible electrode such as stainless steel foil, may be arranged along the inner surface of the container.

[0088] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the interfacial tension between edible oil and water when the frequency of the AC voltage applied to the electrodes is varied between 10 kHz and 50 kHz and the voltage is varied between 0 V and 75 V. From FIG. 5, it can be seen that the interfacial tension between edible oil and water is correlated with the frequency and voltage value of the AC voltage applied to the electrodes. That is, the interfacial tension decreases as the frequency decreases from 50 kHz to 20 kHz and then to 10 kHz. Furthermore, the interfacial tension decreases as the voltage value increases from 0 V to 75 V. Therefore, by utilizing the correlation between these interfacial tensions and the frequency and voltage value of the AC voltage applied to the electrodes, the quality control device 1 can control the interfacial tension by adjusting the applied voltage. For example, when the quality control device 1 is applied to a fryer, as mentioned above, when the interfacial tension decreases, the moisture contained in food disperses into small droplets in the cooking oil, making them more easily dispersed. Therefore, even when the water vaporizes into steam in the heated cooking oil, the occurrence of bumping is reduced. By controlling the interfacial tension with the quality control device 1, the degree of bumping can be adjusted, making it possible to set the voltage applied to the electrodes according to various cooking conditions in the fryer, the type, state, and amount of ingredients, etc. This allows the interfacial tension to be appropriately controlled by applying an appropriate voltage to the electrodes, even when the cooking conditions in the fryer are different, resulting in excellent texture and taste of the cooked food. This is also useful for feedback control of the voltage applied to the electrodes. Furthermore, because interfacial tension can be measured and predicted, it can also be used as one of the control parameters.

[0089] FIG. 6 is a graph of the interfacial tension between edible oil and water when the AC voltage applied to the electrodes is varied between 10 kHz and 20 kHz and between 0 V and 160 V. While FIG. 6 shows a measurement example using specific experimental equipment and the results cannot be extended to all measurement systems, it demonstrates a correlation between the interfacial tension and the frequency and voltage value of the AC voltage applied to the electrodes. By utilizing this correlation and adjusting the frequency and voltage value of the AC voltage applied to the electrodes, it is possible to optimize the interfacial tension. By clarifying the relationship between the effects of the quality control device 1 of this embodiment and interfacial tension, it is possible to optimize the effects of the device in relation to interfacial tension not only in fryers but also in other applications, such as refrigeration and storage. Because the interfacial tension is relatively easy to measure, optimizing the quality control device 1 of this embodiment in relation to interfacial tension allows for more appropriate and easier control of the voltage applied to the electrodes.

[0090] 5 and 6, the reduction in interfacial tension between an aqueous phase and an oil phase has been described, but the interfacial tension between a liquid phase and a phase other than the liquid can also be controlled by controlling the applied electromagnetic field. Control of the interfacial tension of a liquid can be applied not only to the interfacial tension between a liquid phase and another liquid phase, but also to the interfacial tension between a liquid phase and a gas phase and between a liquid and a solid phase. For example, by applying an electromagnetic field using the quality control device of this embodiment, it is possible to control the interfacial tension, the contact angle, etc.

[0091] Figure 7 is a photograph of water droplets dripping into oil. It shows the situation when saline solution is dripped from a thin tube (a metal straw with a diameter of 1.0 mm) into cooking oil with a ring-shaped electrode surrounding the tip of the thin tube and a voltage of 100 V applied between the thin tube and the ring-shaped electrode. When no voltage is applied, the water droplets do not drip into the oil. When voltage is applied, the interfacial tension between the cooking oil and the saline solution decreases, causing the water droplets to drip into the oil. Figure 7 shows that tiny bubbles are scattered around the dripping water droplets. When voltage is applied, the interfacial tension decreases, so not only does the droplet size become smaller, but tiny bubbles are also generated as the water droplets drip.

[0092] When voltage is applied, droplets of saline solution are dropped into cooking oil. The moment the droplets dropped was observed with a high-speed camera. Figure 8A shows the state before voltage application, Figure 8B shows the state at the start of voltage application, and Figure 8C shows the state after voltage application, with the order of Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C being in chronological order. When voltage is applied, tiny water bubbles can be seen, as shown in Figures 8B and 8C. Note that in some areas, it is difficult to distinguish them from the gas generated from the electrodes due to electrolysis.

[0093] By controlling the electromagnetic field applied to a substance using the quality control device of this embodiment, it is possible to act on the moisture present inside or on the surface of the substance, preventing, suppressing or controlling the deterioration of the moisture, clouding of the moisture, discoloration, algae growth, slime, rust or mold.

[0094] [Variation 1] A quality control device, quality control method, program, and storage medium according to Modification 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a conceptual diagram of electrodes according to Modification 1. The same reference numerals are used for the same components as those in Figs. 1 to 8, and their description will be omitted. The quality control device according to Modification 1 differs from the quality control device according to the first embodiment in that it has two pairs of electrodes.

[0095] The quality control device 1A includes controllers 10A and 10B and two pairs of electrodes: first electrodes 13 and 14 and second electrodes 15 and 16. Each of the controllers 10A and 10B includes an AC component voltage generator and a DC component voltage generator. The actual circuit configuration of the controller 10 does not require separate AC component voltage generators and DC component voltage generators; a circuit configuration that combines the functions of both is also possible. The two controllers 10A and 10B can also be configured as a single controller. If similar electromagnetic waves are generated from the first electrodes 13 and 14 and the second electrodes 15 and 16, a single controller may apply voltages to both the first electrodes 13 and 14 and the second electrodes 15 and 16.

[0096] The quality control device 1A is driven by controllers 10A and 10B, and an electric field is generated between the pair of first electrodes 13 and 14 and the pair of second electrodes 15 and 16. At this time, the electrodes 13 to 16 each function as an antenna, and electromagnetic waves are radiated between the first electrodes 13 and 14 and between the second electrodes 15 and 16, thereby generating an electromagnetic field. Therefore, at least one of an electric field, a magnetic field, an electromagnetic field, and an electromagnetic wave is generated between the electrodes 13 to 14 and between the electrodes 15 to 16. As in the first embodiment, sound waves and / or ultrasound waves can be generated between the electrodes by applying vibrations to the electrodes 13 and 14 by electrical, magnetic, or mechanical means. Furthermore, when water molecules are vibrated by predetermined sound waves and / or ultrasound, the water molecules can be aligned even when no voltage is applied between the electrodes.

[0097] The substance to be treated is placed between the first electrodes 13 and 14 and the second electrodes 15 and 16. As in the first embodiment, the substance to be treated is not particularly limited as long as it is at least one of a solid, a liquid, and a gas. When the quality control device 1A of this embodiment is installed in a refrigerator, for example, the first electrodes 13 and 14 can be installed on the side of the refrigerator interior, and the second electrodes 15 and 16 can be installed on the ceiling, bottom, or shelf of the refrigerator. While FIG. 9 shows an example in which the first electrodes 13 and 14 and the second electrodes 15 and 16 are arranged orthogonally, the present invention is not limited to this. The first electrodes 13 and 14 and the second electrodes 15 and 16 may be arranged in any manner as long as at least a portion of the electromagnetic fields generated by the first electrodes 13 and 14 and the second electrodes 15 and 16 act on the substance to be treated.

[0098] The controllers 10A and 10B feedback-control at least one of the current value, voltage value, frequency, and phase applied to the electrodes based on detection signals from detectors (not shown). The detectors include at least one of a voltage sensor that detects the voltage applied to the electrodes, a current sensor that detects the current applied to the electrodes, a frequency sensor that detects the frequency of the voltage and / or current applied to the electrodes, a magnetic field sensor that detects the magnetic field between the electrodes 13-14, 15-16, an electric field sensor that detects the electric field between the electrodes 13-14, 15-16, a voltage phase detection sensor, a current phase detection sensor, and a voltage and current phase detection sensor.

[0099] At least one control target value of the current value, voltage value, frequency, and phase in controllers 10A and 10B is set according to the type and state of the material to be treated. The current, voltage, frequency, and phase applied by controller 10A to first electrodes 13 and 14 may be the same as or different from the current, voltage, frequency, and phase applied by controller 10B to second electrodes 15 and 16. For example, various combinations are possible, such as different voltages and frequencies, different frequencies, or different frequencies and phases.

[0100] This control target value can be set remotely via a communication device (not shown). It is also possible to remotely control the control parameters and control amounts of the controllers 10A and 10B. This makes it possible to centrally manage the controllers 10A and 10B of multiple quality control devices 1A using a server 40 located at a remote location, and to appropriately control each of the controllers 10A and 10B. However, the mode of control of the controllers 10A and 10B is not limited to remote control from the server 40. For example, it is also possible to individually control the controllers 10A and 10B of each quality control device 1A by directly setting a control target value or setting control parameters in each of the controllers 10A and 10B.

[0101] 9, an electromagnetic field is applied from two pairs of orthogonal electrodes (X-direction electrodes 13 and 14 and Y-direction electrodes 15 and 16). By controlling the current or voltage applied to each electrode, the strength and direction of the electromagnetic field generated between the electrodes can be adjusted, making it possible to control the alignment direction of water molecules or water particles. The current or voltage applied to the X-direction electrodes 13 and 14 is controlled by controller 10A, and the current or voltage applied to the Y-direction electrodes 15 and 16 is controlled by controller 10B. For example, by adjusting the ratio of the voltage applied to the X-direction electrodes 13 and 14 to the voltage applied to the Y-direction electrodes 15 and 16, the strength and direction of the electromagnetic field generated by each electrode can be adjusted. This allows water inside or on the surface of a material placed in this electromagnetic field to be atomized, and the alignment state of the atomized water can be controlled in a desired direction. Since not only AC voltage but also DC voltage can be applied to each electrode, adjusting the DC voltage component allows the orientation of water molecules inside or on the surface of a substance placed in the electromagnetic field generated by each electrode to be controlled in any direction in two dimensions (X and Y coordinates). By adding another pair of Z-direction electrodes (not shown) and controller 10C to the two pairs of electrodes (X-direction electrodes 13 and 14 and Y-direction electrodes 15 and 16) shown in FIG. 9 , electromagnetic waves of desired direction and strength can be generated in three-dimensional space, allowing the orientation of water molecules inside or on the surface of a substance placed in the electromagnetic field generated by each electrode to be controlled in any direction in three dimensions. As described below, the quality control device of this embodiment can improve the properties of a substance by atomizing water molecules inside or on the surface of the substance, controlling the state of their cascade arrangement in a specific direction, and controlling the direction of this arrangement.

[0102] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of different electrodes in Modification 1. FIG. 10A shows an example using one electrode, and FIG. 10B shows an example using one electrode and two electrodes facing the electrode. While the first embodiment uses a pair of electrodes and the second embodiment uses two pairs of electrodes, the present invention is not limited to these. For example, it is also possible to use one electrode or an odd number of electrodes, such as three. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, electromagnetic waves can be generated using a single electrode 17. Furthermore, when using three electrodes, for example, it is possible to arrange two electrodes 19 and 20 opposite one electrode 18, as shown in FIG. 10B, or to generate different electromagnetic waves from three electrodes. Therefore, the number and arrangement of electrodes can be set arbitrarily and are not limited.

[0103] [Variation 2] A quality control device, quality control method, program, storage medium, produced substance, product, device, and equipment according to Modification 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a waveform diagram when voltages of different frequencies are used according to Modification 2, and Figure 12 is a waveform diagram when voltages of different phases are used according to Modification 2. The same reference numerals are used for the same components as in Figures 11 to 12, and their description will be omitted. The quality control device according to Modification 2 differs from Embodiment 1 and Modification 1 in that different electromagnetic waves are generated from a pair of electrodes.

[0104] 11, an electromagnetic wave (P wave) with a frequency of 50 kHz is generated from one electrode 21A of a pair of electrodes 21A, 21B, and an electromagnetic wave (Q wave) with a frequency of 47 kHz is generated from the other electrode 21B. Here, if the amplitude of the electromagnetic wave is A, the P wave and the Q wave are respectively expressed by the following equations. Note that these equations are expressed as positions where V(t)=0 at time t=0 (for example, the position exactly midway between both electrodes 21A and 21B). P wave:V(t)=Asin(2πf1t),f1=50kHz Q wave: V(t)=Asin(2πf2t),f2=47kHz As a result, an electromagnetic wave of P waves+Q waves is applied between the pair of electrodes 21A and 21B as shown in FIG. 11C.

[0105] In Figure 12, an electromagnetic wave (P wave) with a frequency of 50 kHz is generated from one electrode 22A of a pair of electrodes 22A, 22B, and an electromagnetic wave (Q wave) with a frequency of 30 kHz is generated from the other electrode 22B. The phase α of both waveforms is the same, α = 0. Here, if the amplitude of the electromagnetic wave is A, the P wave and Q wave are respectively expressed by the following equations. Note that these equations are expressed as positions where V(t) = 0 at time t = 0 (for example, exactly midway between both electrodes 21A and 21B). P wave:V(t)=Asin(2πf1t),f1=50kHz Q wave: V(t)=Asin(2πf2t),f2=30kHz As a result, an electromagnetic wave of P waves+Q waves is applied between the pair of electrodes 22A and 22B as shown in FIG. 12B.

[0106] In Figure 12C, one electrode 23A of a pair of electrodes 23A, 23B generates an electromagnetic wave (P wave) with a frequency of 50 kHz and a phase α = 0, and the other electrode 23B generates an electromagnetic wave (Q wave) with a frequency of 30 kHz and a phase α = π / 2. In other words, the phase of both waveforms is set to π / 2. Here, if the amplitude of the electromagnetic wave is A, the P wave and the Q wave are respectively expressed by the following equations. Note that these equations are expressed as the position where the P wave V(t) = 0 and the Q wave V(t) = A at time t = 0 (for example, the position exactly midway between both electrodes 21A, 21B). P wave:V(t)=Asin(2πf1t),f1=50kHz Q wave: V(t)=Asin(2πf2t+π / 2),f2=30kHz As a result, an electromagnetic wave of P waves+Q waves is applied between the pair of electrodes 23A and 23B as shown in FIG. 12D.

[0107] In Figures 11 and 12, electromagnetic waves with different frequencies and / or phases are generated from both electrodes, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to control the peak-to-peak voltage of the electromagnetic waves by adjusting the AC component voltage applied to both electrodes, to adjust the DC component voltage applied to both electrodes and apply the DC component voltage as an offset voltage to the AC component voltage, to apply different DC component voltages to both electrodes, or to make different the peak-to-peak voltage values, frequencies, and phases of the AC component voltages applied to both electrodes.

[0108] [Variation 3] The moisture control device, moisture control method, program, storage medium, produced substance, product, device, and equipment according to Modification 3 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a block diagram of the moisture control device 1. The same reference numerals are used for the same components as in Figures 1 to 12, and their description will be omitted.

[0109] Fig. 13 is a block diagram corresponding to Fig. 1. However, the communication unit 35, the storage unit 37, the external power supply 39, and the like are omitted. That is, in reality, the control unit 36 ​​communicates with the management server 40 and the like via the communication unit 35, inputs and outputs data to and from the storage unit 37, is supplied with power from the external power supply 39, and controls the current / voltage application unit 11 via the current / voltage control unit 33, but these operations are omitted in Fig. 13. Also, in Fig. 13, the controller 10 is shown outside the housing 50 (for example, a refrigerator), but this is not limiting, and the controller 10 can also be provided inside the housing 50, for example.

[0110] Flows (a) to (h) in FIG. 13 will be described in order. In flow (a), settings for the controller 10, such as the on / off state of the controller 10, the operating mode, the type and state of the substance, and the output voltage and / or output current of the current / voltage application unit 11, are input through the man-machine interface 31. Examples of operating modes include an automatic mode, a substance input mode, and a manual setting mode. In the automatic mode, the controller 10 is automatically controlled to maintain the substance in an appropriate state, for example, in accordance with the detection signal from the substance detection unit 32, the detection signal from the detection unit 38, and the control parameters and control values ​​from the management server 40, as described below. In the substance input mode, the type and state of the substance are input through the man-machine interface 31, for example, and the controller 10 is appropriately controlled in accordance with the substance. In the manual setting mode, for example, the output voltage and / or output current of the current / voltage application unit 11 is manually set. The following description will be given taking the automatic mode as an example, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, in the flow (a), if the housing 50 has an automatic adjustment function, it may be possible to input setting values ​​for the housing 50 from the man-machine interface 31.

[0111] In flow (b), information about a substance is collected from substance detection unit 32 in response to a command from control unit 36. For example, if housing 50 is a refrigerator, the information about the substance collected by substance detection unit 32 includes, for example, video from an in-fridge camera, a detection signal related to the moisture content of food from a moisture sensor, and detection signals from a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor (including detection signals from sensors built into the refrigerator). If housing 50 is a container, for example, the information about the substance collected by substance detection unit 32 includes, for example, video from a camera inside the container, detection signals from a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor inside the container, and a signal from a GPS provided in the container (note that a GPS can also be provided in controller 10). If housing 50 is a fryer, for example, the information about the substance collected by substance detection unit 32 includes, for example, video from a camera capturing an image of the food being cooked, a detection signal related to the moisture content of food from a moisture sensor, a detection signal for the temperature of the food, a detection signal for the temperature of the fryer oil, information about the type of oil in the fryer, and information about when to change the oil in the fryer.

[0112] In flow (c), information about substances collected from substance detection unit 32 in response to a command from CPU 36 is transmitted to management server 40 via communication unit 35. Note that when the setting in flow (a) is the substance input mode, information about the type and state of the substance input from man-machine interface 31, for example, is transmitted to management server 40.

[0113] Furthermore, when the setting in flow (a) is the manual setting mode, for example, information on the output voltage and / or output current of current / voltage application unit 11 may be transmitted to management server 40, and predetermined corrections may be made in management server 40, after which predetermined control parameters and control values ​​may be transmitted from management server 40 to control unit 36. Furthermore, for example, in order to collect information in management server 40, the output voltage and / or output current of current / voltage application unit 11 that have been manually set may be transmitted to management server 40, and the control values ​​may be calculated in control unit 36. Furthermore, for example, when the correction of the control values ​​and information collection described above in management server 40 are not required, there is no need to transmit information on the output voltage and / or output current to management server 40 in flow (c).

[0114] Appropriate control parameters and control values ​​for the type and state of the substance are calculated in management server 40. Furthermore, when management server 40 calculates the control parameters and control values, in addition to the type and state of the substance, it can refer to information such as the season, weather, weather forecast, date and time, location, supply and demand forecast, refrigerator entry / exit and storage status, container transportation route and traffic status, status of a group of containers related to the container, inventory management information, store congestion status, economic indicators, and information on the web by communicating with database 43, etc.

[0115] Among the substance-related information collected by the substance detection unit 32, the management server 40 can use image recognition to determine the type and state of a substance from camera footage. This image recognition can be performed using, for example, AI trained by deep learning to accurately recognize the type and state of a substance. That is, a neural network trained on camera footage of food and data relating to the actual type and state of that food can be used to accurately recognize the type and state of a substance from the camera footage. The server can also communicate with other controllers 10 to accumulate a large amount of image recognition data, thereby further improving the accuracy of image recognition for a variety of substances. If the controller 10 is equipped with an AI program, the control unit 36 ​​can perform image recognition using a learning model trained by the management server 40, and the image recognition results can be transmitted to the server 40 in flow (c). Performing image recognition in the controller 10 in this manner can reduce the amount of data transmission in flow (c).

[0116] In flow (d), the control parameters and control values ​​calculated in the management server 40 are sent to the control unit 36 ​​of the controller 10.

[0117] In flow (e), the control unit 36 ​​controls the output voltage and / or output current of the current / voltage application unit 11 using the control parameters and control values ​​transmitted from the management server 40.

[0118] In flow (f), the control unit 36 ​​feedback-controls at least one of the current value, voltage value, frequency, and phase applied to each electrode 13, 14 based on the detection signal detected by the detection unit 38. The detection signal detected by the detection unit 38 includes at least one of the voltage applied to the electrode, the current applied to the electrode, the frequency and / or phase of the voltage and / or current applied to the electrode, the magnetic field between the electrodes 13, 14, the electric field between the electrodes 13, 14, and the sound waves and / or ultrasound between the electrodes 13, 14. At this time, the control value that is fed back may be a control value calculated by the control unit 36, or may be a control value calculated by the management server 40.

[0119] Here, if the control value to be fed back is a control value calculated in the control unit 36, a control target value is transmitted from the management server 40 to the control unit 36 ​​in flow (d). Alternatively, in the case of manual mode, a set value is input as the control target value in flow (a). The control target value can be set variably over time in accordance with information about the substance collected by the substance detection unit 32. Furthermore, if the control value to be fed back is a control value calculated in the management server 40, the management server 40 transmits the detection signal detected by the detection unit 38 to the management server 40 in flow (c) in order to calculate the control value to be fed back, the management server 40 calculates the control value to be fed back, and the control value is transmitted from the management server 40 to the control unit 36 ​​in flow (d).

[0120] In this embodiment, an example using the detection unit 38 has been described, but control without using the detection unit 38 is also possible. In this case, flow (f) is omitted, and the output voltage and / or output current of the current / voltage application unit 11 is controlled by flow (e). Note that various types of control, such as sensorless control and open-loop control, can be applied to the control in this case.

[0121] In the case where the housing 50 has an automatic adjustment function, the control command from the control unit 36 ​​may be sent to the housing 50 in flow (g). If the housing 50 is a refrigerator, the control command may be, for example, a set value for the temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator. If the housing 50 is a container and the container has a function for adjusting the temperature and humidity, the control command may be, for example, a set value for the temperature and humidity for the container. If the housing 50 is a container and the container is stored in a warehouse where the temperature and humidity can be adjusted, information regarding the temperature and humidity adjustment of the container is sent to the external server and the management server of the warehouse (database 43) as described below in flow (i), and is used to appropriately adjust the temperature and humidity of all containers, including other containers. If the housing 50 is a fryer, the control command may be, for example, a set value for the temperature of oil in an oil tank, and may also notify the user that the oil needs to be changed, as necessary. Note that if the housing 50 does not have an automatic adjustment function, flow (g) is not a required configuration. In this case, for example, in flow (h) described below, information regarding the control command from the control unit 36 ​​is displayed on the man-machine interface 31.

[0122] In flow (h), the control status of control unit 36 ​​is displayed on man-machine interface 31, such as the control status of output voltage and / or output current of current / voltage application unit 11, information on the type and status of the material currently being handled, the status of housing 50 (detection information from material detection unit 32), and, if housing 50 does not have an automatic adjustment function, information on control commands to housing 50 from CPU 36. In addition to this information, man-machine interface 31 can also display, as needed or in response to operations from man-machine interface 31, information sent in addition to the control parameters and control values ​​from management server 40 in flow (d), such as the season, weather, weather forecast, date and time, location, supply and demand forecast, refrigerator entry / exit and storage status, container transportation route and traffic status, the status of a group of containers related to the container, inventory management information, store congestion status, economic indicators, and web information. By taking this information into consideration, the operator can appropriately produce and manage materials.

[0123] The man-machine interface 31 can be integrated into the controller 10. Alternatively, the man-machine interface 31 can be separate from the controller 10, or can be separate together with some of the functions of the controller 10. In this case, the man-machine interface 31 can be configured as a mobile terminal with communication capabilities, such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet terminal, or PC. When the man-machine interface 31 is separate together with some of the functions of the controller 10, at least one of the functions of the communication unit 35, the function of the memory unit 37, and the calculation function of the control unit 36 ​​of the controller 10, or some of these functions, can be separate from the man-machine interface 31. Furthermore, the functions of the substance detection sensor 32 and the function of the detection unit 38, or some of these functions, can also be integrated with the man-machine interface 31. For example, the camera function built into a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet terminal, or PC can be used as the substance detection unit 32.

[0124] In flow (i), the management server 40 transmits and receives information and collects data necessary for substance management by communicating with the database 43. The management server 40 can communicate with necessary external servers via the Internet. Therefore, if the housing 50 is a container, it can access, for example, the management database or management server of the warehouse that manages the container.

[0125] As a configuration example in which the housing 50 is a refrigerator, a tablet terminal is used as the man-machine interface 31, and the refrigerator is equipped with an interior camera, a temperature and humidity sensor, and an automatic temperature and humidity adjustment function, and the operation of this embodiment will be described using this example. As an example, a case will be described in which "automatic mode" is selected as the operating mode and "low" as the refrigeration temperature by the tablet terminal, and these are transmitted to the CPU by flow (a).

[0126] A camera inside the refrigerator, functioning as substance detection unit 32, captures an image of the area inside the refrigerator that includes at least the food stored between both electrodes. The image information is sent to management server 40 via flows (b) and (c), and management server 40 determines the type and condition of the target food through image recognition using AI, for example. The camera's image capture range inside the refrigerator is preferably such that it can capture the entire stored food, and multiple cameras can be installed as needed. Furthermore, information detected by the temperature and humidity sensor inside the refrigerator, functioning as substance detection unit 32, is sent to management server 40 via flows (b) and (c). Using the type and condition of the food determined by image recognition and the transmitted information on the temperature and humidity inside the refrigerator, management server 40 calculates control parameters and control values ​​related to the output voltage and / or output current of current / voltage application unit 11, taking into account the electromagnetic fields generated by both electrodes 13, 14. The control parameters and control values ​​differ depending on the type and condition of the food being preserved, for example, when preserving leafy vegetables, when preserving raw sea bream, and when preserving cooked sea bream as a stew.

[0127] In flow (d), control parameters and control values ​​are sent to control unit 36, and based on them, the output voltage and / or output current of current / voltage application unit 11 is appropriately controlled. Furthermore, in flow (f), the output voltage and / or output current of current / voltage application unit 11 is feedback-controlled based on the detection value of detector 38. Furthermore, in flow (g), the temperature and humidity of the refrigerator are appropriately controlled based on the information in flow (a) (refrigeration temperature "low") and information calculated by management server 40, etc.

[0128] In flow (h), various information about the stored food can be displayed on the tablet device along with information sent from management server 40. Examples of information that can be displayed on the tablet device include at least one of the type, condition, date of entry, expiration date, notification of food with an approaching expiration date, menus of dishes using the stored food, cooking methods, and a shopping list. In addition, flow (i) can include the acquisition of data necessary for calculations in management server 40. Note that, since information similar to that obtained by management server 40 can also be obtained using the communication function of the tablet device, the amount of communication in flows (d) and (h) can be reduced by sending a URL or the like in flows (d) and (h).

[0129] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described using an example configuration in which the housing 50 is a container, in which a tablet terminal is used as the man-machine interface 31, the container is equipped with a GPS, and the warehouse where the container is stored is equipped with a management database and a management server. As an example, a case will be described in which the tablet terminal transmits information to the control unit 36 ​​via flow (a) that the operation mode is "automatic mode" and that the type and state of the substance are "apples harvested (immediately after harvest) on X year, Y month, Z day."

[0130] The GPS serving as the substance detection unit 32 transmits the container's location information, along with information on the type and state of the substance, to the management server 40 via flows (b) and (c), and the management server 40 keeps track of the container's location and stores, for example, that a container loaded with "apples harvested on year Y month Z day" was transported overland from the production area and stored in a specified warehouse. The management server 40 can also access the management database of the relevant warehouse via an internet connection (flow (i) above), so it can obtain data on the container's management status at the warehouse.

[0131] The management server 40 uses various information including the container's location information, the type and condition of the material, the state of the warehouse, the location, the season, the weather, the weather forecast, and the status of a group of containers related to the container, acquired through flow (i), and takes into consideration the electromagnetic fields generated from both electrodes 13, 14, to calculate control parameters and control values ​​related to the output voltage and / or output current of the current / voltage application unit 11. This allows the management server 40 to calculate appropriate control parameters and control values ​​when storing "apples harvested on year Y month Z day" in a specified warehouse.

[0132] In flow (d), control parameters and control values ​​are sent to the control unit 36, and based on them, the output voltage and / or output current of the AC component voltage generating unit 11 and the DC component voltage generating unit 12 are appropriately controlled. Furthermore, in flow (f), the output voltage and / or output current of the AC component voltage generating unit 11 and the DC component voltage generating unit 12 are feedback-controlled based on the detected value of the detection unit 38. Here, since the explanation is given as an example in which the container does not have a temperature control function, etc., flow (g) is omitted.

[0133] In flow (h), various information about the substances loaded in the container can be displayed on the tablet device together with information sent from the management server 40. Examples of information that can be displayed on the tablet device include at least one of the following: the type of food loaded in the container, its condition, transportation route and history, future distribution schedule, the warehouse where it is currently stored, the management status at the warehouse, when it is best to eat it, its expiration date, and information about other related containers. In addition, in flow (i), the information necessary for managing the container is sent directly from the management server 40 to the management server of the management database of the warehouse where the container is stored, and is used for managing the warehouse.

[0134] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described using an example configuration in which housing 50 is a fryer, in which a tablet terminal is used as man-machine interface 31, the camera of the tablet terminal is used instead of the camera of the substance detection sensor, and the fryer has an automatic oil temperature adjustment function. As an example, a case will be described in which "automatic mode" is selected as the operating mode and "automatic" as the oil temperature by the tablet terminal, and the selection is sent to the CPU by flow (a).

[0135] Instead of the camera of the substance detection unit 32, a camera of the tablet terminal is used to photograph the food being cooked in the fryer, and the information is sent to the management server 40 by flow (c). Note that instead of using the camera of the tablet terminal, a camera attached to the fryer serving as the substance detection unit 32 can also be used. Note that the food needs to be photographed only the first time the ingredients to be cooked are changed. Information on the oil temperature from the fryer serving as the substance detection unit 32 is also sent to the management server 40 by flow (b) and flow (c). Furthermore, if necessary, sensors for measuring the moisture content of the food and sensors for measuring the temperature of the food can be provided, and this information can be sent to the management server 40 by flow (b) and flow (c).

[0136] Management server 40 determines the type and condition of the target food, for example, by image recognition using AI. Management server 40 sets the temperature of the oil in the fryer using the type and condition of the food determined by image recognition, various information transmitted in flow (c), and information such as the season, weather, weather forecast, date and time, location, and store congestion status acquired in flow (i), and calculates control parameters and control values ​​related to the output voltage and / or output current of current / voltage application unit 11, taking into account the electromagnetic fields generated from both electrodes 13, 14. The control parameters, control values, and fryer oil temperature will differ depending on the type and condition of the food to be cooked, for example, when cooking fried shrimp, French fries, or deep-fried chicken.

[0137] In flow (d), control parameters and control values ​​are sent to CPU 36, and based on them, the output voltage and / or output current of current / voltage application unit 11 is appropriately controlled. Furthermore, in flow (f), the output voltage and / or output current of current / voltage application unit 11 is feedback-controlled based on the detected value of detector 38. Furthermore, in flow (g), the temperature of the oil in the fryer is appropriately controlled based on information calculated by management server 40.

[0138] In flow (h), various information about the food to be cooked can be displayed on the tablet device along with information sent from management server 40. Examples of information that can be displayed on the tablet device include at least one of the type and condition of the food to be cooked, the temperature of the oil in the fryer, the number of items to be cooked, the history of the food cooked, and the planned next food to be cooked. In addition, flow (i) can include the acquisition of data necessary for calculations in management server 40. Note that, since information similar to that obtained by management server 40 can also be obtained using the communication function of the tablet device, the amount of communication in flows (d) and (h) can be reduced by sending a URL or the like in flows (d) and (h).

[0139] [Variation 4] A quality control device, a quality control method, a program, and a storage medium according to Modification 4 of the present invention will be described using FIG. 14. The same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in FIGS. 1 to 13, and their description will be omitted. In the quality control device 1 of Embodiment 1 and Modifications 1 to 3, the current or voltage, the current value or voltage value, and the frequency are set to predetermined values. However, in Modification 4, the current value or voltage value and / or the frequency are changed, i.e., swept, according to a predetermined rule and within a predetermined range. FIG. 14A shows an example in which the voltage value, current value, or frequency is continuously swept linearly. FIG. 14B shows an example in which the voltage value, current value, or frequency is changed linearly in steps. FIG. 14C shows, for example, a stepwise change in the voltage value and a continuous linear sweep in the frequency, or, for example, a stepwise change in the frequency and a continuous linear sweep in the voltage value. This makes it possible to automatically generate electromagnetic waves of an appropriate current value or voltage value and / or an appropriate frequency for any target. That is, an appropriate current value, voltage value, or frequency is generated at a predetermined timing within the sweep range. Note that FIG. 14C is merely an example and is not limited thereto. In FIG. 14C, one value remains constant while the other value alternates between 0 and a peak. However, this is not limiting. For example, one value may remain constant while the other value increases from 0 to a peak, and then one value changes in a step-like manner until it remains constant, at which point the other value decreases from the peak to 0. Furthermore, in FIG. 14C, one value changes in a step-like manner while the other value changes continuously and frequently from 0 to a peak. However, this is not limiting. For example, one value may change slowly and continuously while the other value changes continuously and frequently from 0 to a peak.

[0140] The sweep rule is not limited to that shown in Fig. 14, and may be a linear or step-like change, or may be, for example, a curved change, a sinusoidal change, a smooth analog change, a discrete change, a random change, etc. The AC voltage value, DC voltage value, AC current value, DC current value, frequency, etc. may be changed, and in this case, each value may be changed one by one, multiple values ​​may be changed in relation to each other (see, for example, the example of Fig. 14C), or multiple values ​​may be changed simultaneously. The sweep range may be within the ranges specified in Modifications 1 to 3, for example, or may be expanded to a wider range.

[0141] For any target, an appropriate current value, voltage value, or frequency is generated at a predetermined timing within the sweep range, but the controller 10 can grasp the state of the target through feedback from the substance detection sensor 32 or the like and analyze it in association with the pattern of change in the sweep, or by analyzing it on the server side, it is possible to automatically detect an appropriate (or optimal) current value, voltage value, or frequency. The detected appropriate value is used for subsequent control of the controller 10, and can also be shared with other controllers 10 via the server.

[0142] The sound quality control device 1 of the first embodiment will be described below using an example of a stringed instrument. Electrodes can be attached directly to the instrument or to the instrument case. In the sensory test, electrodes were attached to the instrument case, and the instrument was irradiated with dark electromagnetic waves for a predetermined period of time, and the results of playing were examined. Fig. 15(A) shows the case where electrode 24 is attached to the guitar, Fig. 15(B) shows the case where electrodes 25 to 28 are attached to the guitar case, and Fig. 15(C) shows the case where electrodes are provided inside the guitar.

[0143] By adjusting the position of the electrodes on the guitar or guitar case, the direction of the electromagnetic waves applied from the electrodes to the guitar can be adjusted to micronize the moisture inside or on the surface of the guitar, arrange the micronized moisture in a beaded pattern, and control the direction of this arrangement in a desired direction according to the applied electromagnetic waves, thereby controlling the quality of the guitar. In particular, the moisture content of the wood from which the guitar is made also affects the sound quality of the guitar, so controlling the moisture arrangement in the wood in each part of the guitar is useful for improving the sound quality of the guitar. The arrangement and number of electrodes can be adjusted as appropriate to suit the structure of the guitar and the case. Furthermore, for example, two pairs of electrodes can be arranged in intersecting directions to generate an electromagnetic field of any strength and direction in two dimensions, or three pairs of electrodes can be arranged in intersecting directions to generate an electromagnetic field of any strength and direction in three dimensions. In this case, by applying an electromagnetic field of any strength and direction from the electrodes to the guitar in two or three dimensions according to the shape of the guitar, the moisture inside or on the surface of the guitar can be micronized, arrange the micronized moisture in a beaded pattern, and control the direction of this arrangement in a desired direction, thereby controlling the quality of the guitar.

[0144] In FIG. 15(A), a negative electrode (ground electrode) 24B is attached to the top plate of the guitar, and a positive electrode 24A is attached to the back plate of the guitar. Although the controller 10 (not shown) is positioned away from the guitar, the controller 10 may be attached to the guitar. The voltage applied to the electrodes when irradiating the guitar with electromagnetic waves is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 100 V AC at a frequency of 50 kHz. The electromagnetic wave irradiation time is generally 5 minutes or more to achieve the desired effect, and, although not particularly limited, it may be applied for, for example, about 10 minutes. Therefore, for example, if electromagnetic waves are applied from the electrodes for about 10 minutes before using the guitar, the effect of irradiating the electromagnetic waves by the sound quality control device of this embodiment on moisture present inside or on the surface of the guitar will continue even after the electromagnetic wave irradiation is stopped, thereby maintaining the favorable effects described below. Therefore, power only needs to be supplied to the controller for, say, 10 minutes while the electrodes irradiate the guitar with electromagnetic waves, increasing the flexibility of power supply methods. For example, the power source can be a battery, such as a rechargeable battery. If the power source is a rechargeable battery, the battery can be charged when the guitar is not in use and commercial power is available, and electromagnetic waves can be irradiated from the electrodes to the guitar for, say, 10 minutes before playing the guitar. While FIG. 15(A) illustrates an example in which electrodes 24A and 24B are attached to the top and back plates of the guitar body, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, they may be attached to the guitar's neck or sides. The placement of electrodes 24A and 24B is also determined taking into account the effect of the electrodes on the guitar's vibration and resonance.

[0145] In FIG. 15(B), an electrode 27 is built into the body of the electric guitar. While a single electrode 27 is shown, a pair of electrodes is also possible. In this case, for example, the negative electrode (the electrode on the earth side) is attached to the top panel of the body, and the positive electrode is attached to the back panel of the body. Although the controller 10 (not shown) is positioned away from the guitar, the controller 10 may also be attached to the guitar. The voltage applied to the electrodes when irradiating the guitar with electromagnetic waves is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 100 V AC and a frequency of 50 kHz. As in the case of FIG. 15(A), the effect of electromagnetic wave irradiation is generally achieved for 5 minutes or more. Although not particularly limited, for example, application of electromagnetic waves for about 10 minutes is sufficient. Even after that, even when electromagnetic waves are no longer applied, the effect on moisture present inside or on the surface of the guitar achieved by irradiating electromagnetic waves using the quality control device of this embodiment continues, thereby maintaining the favorable effects described below.

[0146] In FIG. 15(C), a positive electrode 25A is attached to the bottom of the guitar case at a location corresponding to the neck, a negative electrode (ground electrode) 25B is attached to the inside of the lid of the guitar case at a location corresponding to the neck, a positive electrode 26A is attached to the bottom of the guitar case at a location corresponding to the body, and a negative electrode (ground electrode) 26B is attached to the inside of the lid of the guitar case at a location corresponding to the body. Although not particularly limited, a controller 10 (not shown) is attached to the guitar case, and it is preferable that the controller 10 be battery-powered. The controller 10 can also be installed at a location away from the guitar case or powered by a commercial power source. The voltage applied to the electrodes that irradiate the guitar with electromagnetic waves is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 100 V AC and 50 kHz.

[0147] While FIG. 15(C) illustrates an example in which electrodes are provided on the inner surface of a guitar case, this electrode arrangement is merely an example and does not limit the present embodiment. The number of electrodes needs to be at least one. For example, by installing one or more pairs of electrodes, electromagnetic waves can be irradiated onto the guitar by the sound quality control device of this embodiment. The settings for irradiating electromagnetic waves from the electrodes installed on the inner surface of the guitar case by the sound quality control device of this embodiment are not particularly limited. For example, the voltage applied to the electrodes by the sound quality control device of this embodiment is 100 V AC, with a frequency of 50 kHz, and the application time is 10 minutes. For example, if electromagnetic waves are irradiated onto the guitar by the quality control device of this embodiment for 10 minutes before using the guitar, the effect of irradiating electromagnetic waves on moisture present inside or on the surface of the guitar continues even after the electromagnetic wave irradiation is stopped and the guitar is removed from the storage case, thereby maintaining the favorable effects described below. In this way, the effect continues even after the guitar is removed from the storage case, so if the electrodes of the sound quality control device 1 are provided in the storage case, there is no need to attach the sound quality control device 1 to the guitar itself, and the sound quality control device 1 does not have any unnecessary effects on the guitar's natural vibration and resonance characteristics.

[0148] FIG. 15(D) shows another example of attaching the quality control device of this embodiment to a guitar case. Electrode 13 is attached to the inner surface of the lid of the guitar case, electrode 14 is attached to the bottom surface of the guitar storage compartment, and controller 10 is attached to the inside surface of the guitar case. While FIG. 15(D) shows a power line for supplying power from a commercial power source, this embodiment is not limited to this, and a battery-powered system, for example, can also be used. Furthermore, controller 10 can also be installed in a location away from the guitar case. The voltage applied to the electrode that irradiates the guitar with electromagnetic waves is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 100 V AC and a frequency of 50 kHz.

[0149] While FIG. 15(D) illustrates an example in which a pair of electrodes is provided on the inner and bottom surfaces of the guitar case, this electrode arrangement is merely an example and does not limit the present embodiment. The number of electrodes needs to be at least one. For example, by providing one or more pairs of electrodes, electromagnetic waves can be irradiated onto the guitar by the sound quality control device of this embodiment. The settings for irradiating electromagnetic waves from the electrodes provided on the inner surface of the guitar case by the sound quality control device of this embodiment are not particularly limited. For example, the voltage applied to the electrodes by the sound quality control device of this embodiment is 100 V AC, with a frequency of 50 kHz, and the application time is 10 minutes. For example, if electromagnetic waves are irradiated onto the guitar by the quality control device of this embodiment for 10 minutes before using the guitar, the effect of irradiating electromagnetic waves on moisture present inside or on the surface of the guitar continues even after the electromagnetic wave irradiation is stopped and the guitar is removed from the storage case, thereby maintaining the beneficial effects described below.

[0150] In the quality control device of Figure 15(D), the controller 10 is further provided with a built-in or external thermometer and hygrometer, and the controller 10 measures the temperature and humidity inside the guitar case and controls the current or voltage applied to the electrodes 13, 14 so as to apply to the guitar an electromagnetic field appropriate for the temperature and humidity inside the guitar case. A display unit that displays information from the controller 10 is provided on the controller 10 or on the exterior of the guitar case, and this display unit can display the temperature and humidity detected by the thermometer and hygrometer along with control information. The control information includes control parameters such as power ON / OFF, setting mode, setting value, and measured value.

[0151] The type of musical instrument is not limited to string instruments, but can be applied to any musical instrument, such as wind instruments or percussion instruments. Examples include instruments made of wood, such as violins, guitars, cellos, basses, ukuleles, flutes, reeds, panos, xylophones, and kotos; instruments made of leather, such as drums and taiko drums; and instruments made of wood and leather, such as kotos and shamisen. This embodiment also covers acoustic devices other than musical instruments. For example, this embodiment also includes audio devices made of wood, such as speakers and woofers, and hearing devices made of wood or resin, such as headphones.

[0152] <Sensory test> The subject tuned the guitar he was using, strummed strings 1 through 6 with the same force, and then played a chord with the open strings. The sound was recorded. Next, electromagnetic waves from the sound quality control device of this embodiment were applied to the top, bottom, sides, neck, and strings of the guitar for 10 minutes each. After that, strings 1 through 6 were strummed with the same force, and then a chord was played with the open strings. The sound was recorded. The subject evaluated the sound quality of the guitar he heard at this time in terms of sustain, resonance, and attack sound. Furthermore, the subject evaluated the string slippage as a feeling when playing the guitar. The parameters for electromagnetic wave control by the sound quality control device of this embodiment were an AC voltage of 100 V and a frequency of 50 kHz.

[0153] <Sensory test results> Figure 16 shows the results of a sensory test on an acoustic guitar, Figure 17 shows the results of a sensory test on the tone of an electric guitar connected to an amplifier, Figure 18 shows the results of a performance test on a double bass, and Figure 19 shows the results of a sensory test on a ukulele.

[0154] In Fig. 16, 15 subjects conducted a sensory test on an acoustic guitar. 14 subjects rated the sustain better after irradiation, with a high rating of 93%. 14 subjects also rated the sound resonating better after irradiation, with a high rating of 93%. 15 subjects also rated the neck attack sound better after irradiation, with a high rating of 100%. 15 subjects also rated the strings as being easier to slide and play after irradiation, with a high rating of 100%. The results of the sensory test on the acoustic guitar showed that the rate of high rating was higher for all evaluation items when the electromagnetic waves from the sound quality control device of this embodiment were irradiated.

[0155] In Fig. 17, 15 subjects conducted a sensory test of an electric guitar. Nine subjects rated the sustain better after irradiation, with a high rating of 60%. Furthermore, 12 subjects rated the sound resonant better after irradiation, with a high rating of 80%. Furthermore, 11 subjects rated the attack sound of the neck better after irradiation, with a high rating of 73%. Furthermore, 15 subjects rated the strings as being easier to play and slide after irradiation, with a high rating of 100%. As a result of the sensory test of the electric guitar, the high rating rate was higher for all evaluation items when the electromagnetic waves from the sound quality control device of this embodiment were irradiated.

[0156] In Fig. 18, three subjects performed a sensory test on a double bass. Two subjects rated the sustain as better after irradiation, with a high rating of 66%. Three subjects rated the sound as better after irradiation, with a high rating of 100%. Three subjects rated the attack sound of the neck as better after irradiation, with a high rating of 100%. Three subjects rated the strings as easier to slide and play after irradiation, with a high rating of 100%. The results of the sensory test on the double bass showed that the high rating was higher for all evaluation items when irradiated with electromagnetic waves from the sound quality control device of this embodiment.

[0157] In Fig. 19, eight subjects performed a sensory test on a ukulele. Five subjects rated the sustain better after irradiation, with a high rating of 73%. Four subjects rated the sound resonant better after irradiation, with a high rating of 50%. Five subjects rated the neck attack sound better after irradiation, with a high rating of 63%. Seven subjects rated the strings as being easier to slide and play after irradiation, with a high rating of 85%. The results of the sensory test on the ukulele showed that the irradiated electromagnetic waves from the sound quality control device of this embodiment had a higher high rating for all evaluation items.

[0158] <Sensory test comment 1> Below are comments from three craft guitar experts at the ESP Ochanomizu store (a) to (c). (d) is a comment from a professional guitar player (former Fernantes guitar technician, Daisuke Kondo).

[0159] (a) I tried Solund&e (the device of this embodiment) with several acoustic and electric guitars in my ESP and my private recording studio.

[0160] (b) In conclusion, all participants felt that "the sound quality improved after exposure to Sound&e (electromagnetic waves from the device of this embodiment)."

[0161] (c) The sense of quality that everyone felt included, "The sound onset (body and neck resonance) itself has a more vintage feel, as if the body and neck have aged over the years to an optimal state of moisture retention. When attacking the low to high strings, the body and neck responds faster, resulting in what is commonly known as a good potty resonance and a sharper edge."

[0162] (d) I used an acoustic guitar that I hadn't played in about two years, an original custom guitar from 1997. "It hadn't been played for a while, so the resonance was poor, but it's improved. The sound is no longer harsh, it's more balanced, and the sound is warmer. The neck vibrates about twice as much. When I play chords, there's no mixing and it sounds more cohesive. The strings are incredibly smooth. It's an acoustic guitar that I hadn't played in about a year, and the sound that comes out through the amplifier is different. Also, the sound is clearer and the transparency of the sound has improved. It's a change I've never experienced before, it's so amazing I don't know what it means."

[0163] <Sensory test comment 2> (e) below is an evaluation comment from a violinist. The electromagnetic field was applied to the electrodes at 100V AC, 50kHz, for 10 minutes each to the top, back, sides, neck, and strings of the violin. The violin being evaluated was made in 1825 by Pressenda, Italy, and is made of Pernambuco wood.

[0164] (e) "The roughness of the sound is gone, and it's now very clear and transparent. The roughness of the sound is gone, and it's now very clear and transparent. The sound was previously rough, but now it's bright. The volume has increased. (Generally) the midrange doesn't resonate well, but (after the electromagnetic field was applied) it has become thicker and easier to produce. The overall balance has improved. The attack of the high range has become clearer. The sound is clearer. The bow grips the instrument better."

[0165] As described above, through sensory tests of acoustic guitar, electric guitar, double bass, and ukulele, the sound quality or quality of each instrument, including sustain, resonance, and attack, was evaluated more highly when the electromagnetic waves emitted by the sound quality control device of this embodiment were used. Furthermore, musicians also gave highly positive comments. These results demonstrate that emitting electromagnetic waves from the sound quality control device of this embodiment effectively improves the sound quality or quality of musical instruments. In the sensory tests of the sound quality control device of this embodiment, the control device parameters were set to an AC voltage of 100 V and a frequency of 50 kHz. However, the control parameters that can be employed in this embodiment are not limited to these. The AC voltage can be adjusted between 0 V and 2000 V, and the frequency can be adjusted between 0 V and 1 MHz. Furthermore, a DC offset voltage adjusted between 0 V and 2000 V, for example, may be applied.

[0166] The sound quality control device of this embodiment is applicable not only to musical instruments and instrument cases, but also to guitar manufacturing processes, more specifically, varnish drying processes, paint drying processes, wood planing processes, and drying processes. By irradiating a specific electromagnetic wave from the electrodes of the sound quality control device of this embodiment to the instrument during manufacturing during each manufacturing process, the sound quality and quality of the instrument can be improved. For example, the sound quality and quality of an instrument can be improved by including the following processes: Applying an electromagnetic field to the wood during drying minimizes the moisture inside the wood, aligns the wood, and then dries it. Applying an electromagnetic field to the varnish before applying varnish minimizes the moisture contained in the varnish, aligns the wood, and then varnishing the guitar. Improving the effectiveness of wood after planing. Applying an electromagnetic field before drying instrument parts or the product itself minimizes all moisture in the material, aligns the material, and then dries it. Applying an electromagnetic field after the instrument is completed minimizes all moisture in the material, aligns the material, and then dries it. This method can also be applied to instrument parts, not just finished products. For example, by irradiating a guitar string with a predetermined electromagnetic wave from the electrodes of the sound quality control device of this embodiment, the string becomes smooth and the sound produced when the string is rubbed against something is reduced.

[0167] Many musical instruments use wood, which contains two types of moisture: free water and bound water. Air-dried wood is primarily used for musical instruments, with a moisture content of approximately 11 to 17%. Air-dried wood also contains free water and bound water, with the bound water integrated with the wood structure through hydrogen bonds. The acoustic performance of wood is significantly affected by the dryness, or moisture, state within the wood. Wood is not in an appropriate state if it is too dry or if the humidity is too high. Therefore, by applying a specific electromagnetic field to the musical instrument from the electrodes of the sound quality control device of this embodiment, the moisture present within the wood is atomized and aligned in a beaded pattern in a specific direction. This also bonds the free water particles together and aligns them in a beaded pattern in a specific direction. Furthermore, by aligning the bound water in a specific direction, the wood's contraction state is stabilized and its vibration characteristics, sound wave transmission characteristics within the wood, and strength characteristics are adjusted, thereby improving the acoustic performance of the wood. Furthermore, even for materials other than wood, such as leather, resin, rubber, metal, etc., applying a predetermined electromagnetic field to the instrument from the electrodes of the sound quality control device of this embodiment acts on the moisture inside or on the surface of each material, atomizing the moisture and arranging it in a beaded pattern in a specific direction, thereby improving the acoustic performance of the instrument.

[0168] Applying a predetermined electromagnetic field to a musical instrument from the electrodes of the sound quality control device of this embodiment produces excellent acoustic effects on guitar strings. Guitar strings are divided into plain strings and wound strings. Plain strings are mainly used for the relatively thin first, second, and third strings, while wound strings are mainly used for the relatively thick fourth, fifth, and sixth strings. Plain strings are made of a single material, such as synthetic fibers such as nylon or piano wire, a type of steel wire. Wound strings have a core wire wrapped around it. For example, gut strings used on classical guitars have a synthetic fiber core wire such as nylon and a silver-plated copper wire for the winding. Furthermore, for electric guitars and folk guitars, for example, tin-plated piano wire is used for plain strings, while wound strings have piano wire as the core wire and a copper alloy, such as bronze, for the winding. By applying a predetermined electromagnetic field to the musical instrument from the electrodes of the sound quality control device of this embodiment, the moisture present inside or on the surface of the string material is micronized and arranged in a bead-like pattern in a specific direction, thereby improving the acoustic performance of the string.

[0169] Electric guitars may be affected by electromagnetic noise because they use a pickup to convert the vibrations of the guitar body into an electrical signal. The frequency of the sound produced by an electric guitar is approximately 80 Hz to 2000 Hz, and the highest frequency that can be generated from an amplifier is approximately 7 kHz. Furthermore, an 88-key piano, an instrument with a wide range of tones, can produce frequencies ranging from approximately 27 to 4200 Hz. Since the audible range of the human ear is said to be 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the 50 kHz electromagnetic field generated from the electrodes of the sound quality control device of this embodiment does not cause noise in the instrument, nor is it perceived as noise by the human ear.

[0170] [Embodiment 2] In the second embodiment, an example of a sports equipment will be described. Applying electromagnetic waves to a sports equipment using the quality control device of this embodiment can, for example, control the slippage of the strings of a racket to improve the feel of the shot, or improve the quality of a golf club, thereby increasing the distance it can travel. When applying electromagnetic waves to the sports equipment using the quality control device of this embodiment, placing electrodes on the case or cover of the sports equipment makes it easier to apply the electromagnetic waves to the desired location on the sports equipment. Furthermore, depending on the position of the electrodes attached to the case or cover of the sports equipment, the direction of the electromagnetic waves applied from the electrodes to the sports equipment can be adjusted, thereby micronizing the moisture inside or on the surface of the sports equipment and arranging the micronized moisture in a cascade. The direction of this arrangement can be controlled to the desired direction according to the applied electromagnetic waves, thereby controlling the quality of the sports equipment. The method of applying electromagnetic waves to the sports equipment is not limited to attaching electrodes to the case or cover of the sports equipment. For example, an electromagnetic field can be applied to the sports equipment from electrodes fixed to a workbench, or electrodes can be attached directly to the sports equipment. Furthermore, for example, two pairs of electrodes can be arranged in intersecting directions to generate an electromagnetic field of any strength and direction in two dimensions, or three pairs of electrodes can be arranged in intersecting directions to generate an electromagnetic field of any strength and direction in three dimensions. In this case, by applying an electromagnetic field of any strength and direction from the electrodes to the sports equipment in two or three dimensions, it is possible to atomize the moisture inside or on the surface of the sports equipment according to the shape of the sports equipment, arrange the atomized moisture in a cascade, and control the direction of this arrangement to the desired direction, thereby controlling the quality of the sports equipment.

[0171] Other items include, but are not limited to, sporting goods such as surfboards, bodyboards, skimboards, canoes, kayaks, yachts, boats, ships, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, motorsports, bamboo swords, skateboards, snowboards, unicycles, guns, bows, arrows, cues, drivers (golf), irons (golf), putters (golf), golf balls, skis, ski poles, skateboards, roller skates, bats (baseball, cricket, softball, etc.), gloves, etc. The quality control device of this embodiment can be applied to various sports equipment and storage cases such as sports balls (baseball, cricket, softball, etc.), balls for ball games (for example, baseball, cricket, softball, soccer, rugby, American football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, squash, racquetball, etc.), lacrosse, badminton rackets, badminton shuttlecocks, tennis rackets, table tennis rackets, ping-pong balls, shot puts, discus balls, javelin balls, hammers, and storage cases for the above sports equipment. By irradiating each piece of sports equipment with electromagnetic waves using the quality control device of this embodiment, the quality of the sports equipment can be improved.

[0172] For surfboards, bodyboards, and skimboards, the quality control device of this embodiment irradiates electromagnetic waves, which acts on the moisture inside or on the surface of the board material, improving speed, flow, and maneuverability. With regard to canoes and kayaks, the quality control device of this embodiment can irradiate them with electromagnetic waves, which act on the moisture inside or on the surface of the hull material and surface paint, reducing wave resistance at the bow and improving quality by maintaining appropriate resistance when riding the current. For yachts, boats, and ships, the quality control device of this embodiment acts on the moisture inside or on the surface of the hull material or surface paint, and by irradiating electromagnetic waves, it is possible to reduce water resistance, such as wave-making resistance, frictional resistance, and viscous pressure resistance.

[0173] For cars, motorcycles, airplanes, and motorsport vehicles, fuel efficiency can be improved by irradiating fuel with electromagnetic waves from the quality control device of this embodiment, which acts on the moisture in the fuel. For bicycles and unicycles, the quality control device of this embodiment irradiates the fuel with electromagnetic waves, which act particularly on the oil and moisture at the joints or contact points of each part, reducing the resistance of equipment such as chains, gears, pulleys, and hubs, as well as road resistance.

[0174] With regard to bamboo swords (kendo), the quality control device of this embodiment can irradiate them with electromagnetic waves, which act on the moisture inside or on the surface of the bamboo, improving the quality of the bamboo and also improving its durability, making it less likely to split. With regard to guns, the quality control device of this embodiment irradiates electromagnetic waves, which act on the material of the gun itself, as well as on the bullet, cartridge, gunpowder, detonator, etc. that make up the cartridge, and in particular on the moisture present in each part, appropriately adjusting the combustion speed within the chamber. As a result, quality improvements can be made, such as improved accuracy and range, as well as increased safety. With regard to bows, arrows, archery, and crossbows, the quality control device of this embodiment irradiates electromagnetic waves to improve the performance of the string, leaf spring, etc., and also affects the material of the arrow, particularly the moisture present inside or on the surface of each part, thereby improving quality such as accuracy and range.

[0175] With regard to cues, the quality control device of this embodiment irradiates electromagnetic waves, which act on the moisture in the wood material, optimizing the smoothness of the shaft, the tip angle and tip condition, and the impact transmission characteristics of the wood, thereby improving the force applied to the ball and the quality of spin.

[0176] With regard to drivers (golf), irons (golf), and putters (golf), the quality control device of this embodiment irradiates electromagnetic waves, which act on the material of the parts where the shaft and face are attached, and by optimizing the moisture condition on the surface of the face, it particularly acts on the moisture present inside or on the surface of each part, affecting the transmission of force from the face to the ball, slippage, and spin, improving the flight distance of the ball and optimizing the rotation imparted to the ball. With regard to golf balls, the quality control device of this embodiment irradiates electromagnetic waves to affect the moisture conditions inside the core and cover, on the surface of the cover, in the dimples, etc., thereby affecting the transmission of force, slippage, and spin transmitted from the golf club. Furthermore, the relationship between the air resistance caused by the moisture conditions in the dimples and the spin of the ball improves the flight distance and directional stability of the ball.

[0177] With regard to skis and snowboards, the quality control device of this embodiment applies electromagnetic waves to the material of the board to optimize its rigidity, elasticity, and the condition of the sliding surface, and also to the wax applied to the sliding surface, particularly to the moisture present inside or on the surface of each component and wax, thereby reducing lubrication friction. With regard to poles (skis), the electromagnetic waves also act on the material of the pole, such as aluminum or carbon, to optimize its rigidity and elasticity, and also on the condition of the rings and ferrules, particularly to the moisture present inside or on the surface of each component, thereby optimizing contact with the snow surface.

[0178] With regard to skateboards and roller skates, the quality control device of this embodiment emits electromagnetic waves that act on liquids such as oil and water present between parts, effectively reducing material resistance such as the rotational resistance of bearings. The electromagnetic waves also act on the skateboard deck and grip tape, particularly on the water present inside or on the surface of each part, effectively improving the rigidity and elasticity of the deck and the frictional performance of the grip tape.

[0179] Bats (for baseball, cricket, softball, etc.) are made of a highly rigid material, and when hit at the center of impact, vibration nodes are set so that the impact on the grip portion held by the hand is mitigated. By irradiating electromagnetic waves using the quality control device of this embodiment, the electromagnetic waves act on the material of the bat, such as wood or metal, and particularly on the moisture present inside or on the surface of the bat, improving the way vibrations are transmitted within the bat when hitting a ball with the bat, as well as improving the characteristics of the force applied from the bat to the ball and the state of rotation, thereby improving hitting efficiency. When electromagnetic waves are irradiated using the quality control device of this embodiment and hitting efficiency is improved, the impact sound becomes noticeably clearer and more transparent than before irradiation of electromagnetic waves, an effect also related to improved sound quality in the case of musical instruments. Gloves (for baseball, cricket, softball, etc.) are made of leather such as cowhide, and by irradiating them with electromagnetic waves using the quality control device of this embodiment, the moisture present inside or on the surface of the leather is affected, improving the quality of the leather, such as its flexibility, hardness, cushioning, and durability.

[0180] Regarding balls for ball games (for example, baseball, cricket, softball, lacrosse, soccer, rugby, American football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, squash, racquetball, etc.), the core of a hard baseball is cork or low-resilience rubber, a cork core is used for cricket, a cork core or kapok core is used for softball, a hard rubber ball is used for lacrosse, and an air tube such as a butyl rubber tube or a latex rubber tube is used for soccer, rugby, American football, basketball, and volleyball, and the surface is made of natural leather, synthetic leather, rubber, resin, etc. Tennis balls are made of rubber with a felt surface, while squash and racquetballs are made of hollow rubber. When these balls are irradiated with electromagnetic waves by the quality control device of this embodiment, the electromagnetic waves act on the moisture in the core material, affecting elasticity and rigidity, and also act on the material that makes up the surface, and in particular act on the moisture contained inside or on the surface of each part, affecting the transmission characteristics of shock due to impact upon contact, friction, slippage, etc., thereby improving the characteristics of these balls and improving quality, such as improved shot feel, controllability, and spin characteristics.

[0181] When electromagnetic waves are irradiated onto badminton rackets and tennis rackets by the quality control device of this embodiment, they act on the materials of the frame and shaft, affecting the rigidity, elasticity, impact transmission characteristics, etc., and further act on the strings, particularly on the moisture present in each part of the racket and inside or on the surface of the strings, thereby improving the resilience characteristics, sliding characteristics, spin-imparting properties to shuttlecocks and balls, durability, and other performance characteristics of the strings, resulting in improved quality such as improved hitting feel, improved ball speed, and improved controllability. Badminton shuttlecocks are manufactured by inserting waterfowl feathers into a cork core, so when electromagnetic waves are irradiated by the quality control device of this embodiment, they act on the moisture inside or on the surface of the cork and feathers, improving the characteristics of the force transmitted from the strings to the shuttlecock when a shot is made with the racket, as well as the rotation characteristics of the shuttlecock, resulting in improved quality such as improved hitting feel, improved ball speed, and improved controllability.

[0182] Table tennis rackets are made of a plywood surface, which is made by bonding together a single layer of wood or multiple sheets of woven wood or fibers such as carbon or ZL fiber, and on the surface of which synthetic or natural rubber such as back rubber, top rubber, or high-grain rubber is attached.When electromagnetic waves are irradiated by the quality control device of this embodiment, they act on the wood and fibers that make up the racket, and the moisture inside or on the surface of the rubber, and adjust the impact force and rotation force that the rubber imparts to the ping-pong ball when struck, thereby improving quality by adjusting the ball speed, improving the impact feel, and improving controllability (ball trajectory, amount of spin, etc.). Furthermore, ping-pong balls are hollow balls made of celluloid or plastic, and when electromagnetic waves are irradiated by the quality control device of this embodiment, they act on the moisture inside or on the surface of the celluloid or plastic material of the ball, and the impact force and rotation force imparted to the ping-pong ball by the rubber of the racket when hitting the ball are adjusted, thereby improving quality by adjusting the ball speed, improving the impact feel, improving durability, and improving controllability (ball trajectory, amount of spin, etc.).

[0183] When electromagnetic waves are irradiated by the quality control device of this embodiment onto shot puts for shot put throwing in track and field, shot puts for hammer throwing (shot put with wire grip), and discus (a wooden discus with a metal frame fitted), the electromagnetic waves act on the moisture inside or on the surface, improving the grip of the thrower's hands, reducing the wobble of the center of gravity, reducing air resistance, and improving the throwing distance. A javelin used in javelin throwing in track and field events consists of a tip, a grip that the athlete holds, and a handle, with men's javelins measuring 2.6m to 2.7m in length and weighing 805g to 825g, and women's javelins measuring 2.2m to 2.3m in length and weighing 605g to 625g, and made from materials such as duralumin, stainless steel, carbon fiber, or graphite fiber. When electromagnetic waves are irradiated using the quality control device of this embodiment, they act on the moisture inside or on the surface of the javelin handle material, adjusting the rotation around the longitudinal axis, vibration characteristics, vibration damping characteristics, etc., and also adjusting the friction characteristics of the grip, thereby improving the throwing distance.

[0184] By installing at least one electrode, for example, one or more pairs of electrodes, on the inner surface of the storage case for each sporting item, the quality control device of this embodiment can irradiate the stored sporting item with electromagnetic waves. The settings for irradiating electromagnetic waves from the electrodes installed on the inner surface of the storage case for each sporting item by the quality control device of this embodiment are not particularly limited, but the voltage applied to the electrodes is 100 V AC, with a frequency of 50 kHz, and the application time is one hour. For example, if the quality control device of this embodiment irradiates electromagnetic waves for one hour before using the sporting item, the effect of irradiating electromagnetic waves by the quality control device of this embodiment on moisture present inside or on the surface of the sporting item continues even after the electromagnetic wave irradiation is stopped and the sporting item is removed from the storage case, and the above-mentioned effects are maintained.

[0185] It is desirable to use a battery as the power source for the quality control device installed in the storage case for each sporting item. As described above, the time for irradiating each sporting item with electromagnetic waves from the electrodes installed on the inner surface of the storage case is sufficient for about one hour before the sporting item is used. Therefore, even if the power source is a battery, the battery does not need to have a large capacity. Furthermore, if the battery is rechargeable, it can be charged during periods when the quality control device is not irradiating electromagnetic waves. Here, although the expression "electrodes are installed on the inner surface of the storage case for each sporting item" is used, this is not intended to limit the electrodes to being exposed to the inner surface of the storage case. In this embodiment, the electrodes installed on the storage case can be located anywhere within the storage case as long as they are installed so that electromagnetic waves can be irradiated to each sporting item. For example, they can be embedded inside the storage case. Furthermore, the electrodes are not limited to being plate-shaped; thin or sheet-shaped electrodes can also be used, allowing the electrodes to be installed to match the shape of the storage case.

[0186] FIG. 20 shows an example in which the quality control device of this embodiment is applied to a baseball bat case. Electrode 13 is attached to the inside surface of the bat case lid, electrode 14 is attached to the bottom surface of the bat storage compartment, and controller 10 is attached to the inside surface of the bat case. While FIG. 20 shows a power line for supplying power from a commercial power source, this embodiment is not limited to this, and a battery-powered system, for example, can also be used. Furthermore, controller 10 can also be installed in a location away from the guitar case. The voltage applied to the electrode that irradiates the guitar with electromagnetic waves is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 100 V AC and a frequency of 50 kHz.

[0187] While FIG. 20 illustrates an example in which a pair of electrodes is provided on the inner surface and bottom surface of the bat case, this electrode arrangement is merely an example and does not limit the present embodiment. The number of electrodes needs to be at least one. For example, by providing one or more pairs of electrodes, the sound quality control device of this embodiment can irradiate electromagnetic waves onto the bat. While the bat case of FIG. 20 can store four bats, this embodiment is not limited to this. The number of bats that can be stored may be, for example, three or fewer, or five or more. The settings for irradiating electromagnetic waves from the electrodes installed on the inner surface of the bat case using the quality control device of this embodiment are not particularly limited. For example, a voltage of 100 V AC with a frequency of 50 kHz is applied to the electrodes for one hour. For example, if the quality control device of this embodiment irradiates electromagnetic waves onto the bat for one hour before using the bat, the effect of the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the quality control device of this embodiment on moisture present inside or on the surface of the bat continues even after the electromagnetic wave irradiation is stopped and the bat is removed from the storage case, thereby maintaining the favorable effects described above. The application time of the electromagnetic field is not limited to one hour; even five minutes will be effective.

[0188] In the quality control system of Figure 20, controller 10 is further provided with a built-in or external thermometer and hygrometer, and controller 10 measures the temperature and humidity inside the bat case and controls the current or voltage applied to electrodes 13 and 14 so as to apply to the bat an electromagnetic field appropriate for the temperature and humidity inside the bat case. A display unit that displays information from controller 10 is provided on controller 10 or on the exterior of the bat case, and this display unit can display the temperature and humidity detected by the thermometer and hygrometer along with control information. The control information includes control parameters such as power ON / OFF, setting mode, set value, and measured value.

[0189] FIG. 21 shows an example in which the quality control device of this embodiment is applied to a table tennis racket case. The table tennis case has, for example, two substantially rectangular cases, a bottom case and a lid case, connected at one edge and fastened together by a fastener such as a zipper. In the table tennis case of this embodiment, a pair of electrodes 13, 14 and a controller 10 are attached to the inside top surface of the lid case. The arrangement of the electrodes 13, 14 and the controller 10 is not particularly limited. For example, one electrode 13 can be provided on the inside top surface of the lid case and the other electrode 14 can be provided on the inside bottom surface, or both electrodes 13, 14 can be provided on the inside bottom surface of the bottom case. Furthermore, the electrodes 13, 14 do not need to be exposed. For example, covering the electrodes 13, 14 with decorative cloth or cushioning material can prevent the electrodes from coming into direct contact with the table tennis racket and protect the rubber of the table tennis racket. Although not particularly limited, for example, a commercial power source can be used, or for example, a rechargeable battery can be used in consideration of portability. The voltage applied to the electrodes is, for example, AC 100V, 50 kHz.

[0190] Two rackets and two ping-pong balls are placed in the table tennis case shown in FIG. 21 , and the bottom and lid cases are overlapped and fastened with a zipper. A voltage is applied to electrodes 13 and 14, and an electromagnetic field is applied from the electrodes to the rackets and ping-pong balls. The electric field application conditions are, for example, 100 V AC, 50 kHz frequency, and one hour. For example, if electromagnetic waves are applied to the table tennis racket for one hour using the quality control device of this embodiment, the effect of the electromagnetic waves applied to the moisture inside or on the surface of the racket persists even after the electromagnetic wave irradiation is stopped and the racket is removed from the storage case, and the aforementioned favorable effects are maintained. The electromagnetic field application time is not limited to one hour; even five minutes can be effective.

[0191] Sports equipment contains a variety of materials, all of which contain moisture inside or on the surface. By irradiating electromagnetic waves using the quality control device of this embodiment, the moisture present inside or on the surface of the sports equipment material can be broken down into fine particles and aligned in a specific direction, thereby improving the quality of the sports equipment. Since water molecules also exist in metal materials, for example, in a hydrogen-bonded state, irradiating electromagnetic waves using the quality control device of this embodiment acts on the moisture present inside or on the surface of the metal, thereby improving the quality of sports equipment made from metal materials. The electromagnetic wave application conditions are appropriately set depending on the type of sports equipment, the state of use, the usage conditions, etc. While the AC voltage, frequency, application time, etc. are exemplified in the above embodiment, this embodiment is not limited to these and can be appropriately adjusted within the range of the electromagnetic field application conditions of the embodiment described above.

[0192] [Embodiment 3] With reference to FIG. 22 , an example of the quality control device 1 of the third embodiment controlling the quality of strawberries in the distribution of strawberries will be described. Although not particularly limited, in this embodiment, an example will be described in which the quality control device 1 is installed at a strawberry collection point. Strawberries produced by producers are inspected and graded at the collection point, delivered to retailers such as supermarkets by distribution means, and consumers who purchase the strawberries sold at the retailers consume them at home. In this strawberry distribution process, at the collection point where strawberries produced by producers (strawberry farmers) are collected, the inspected and graded strawberries are packed. In order to control the quality of the strawberries to a desired state according to the order, an electromagnetic field is applied to the strawberries from the electrodes of the quality control device 1 of this embodiment. A management server 40 can comprehensively manage strawberry sales information from each retailer, strawberry production information (variety, production capacity, production status, production schedule) from multiple strawberry producers, the strawberry collection status at each collection point, the operation status of distribution means, etc. This allows the management server to grasp the strawberry inventory status and sales information at each retailer, compile order information, and transmit this order information via the communication network 43 to the quality control device 1 at the collection point, producers, and distribution means.

[0193] In this embodiment, strawberries are used as an example of a substance to which an electromagnetic field is applied by the quality control device 1, but this embodiment is not limited to this and can be applied to a wide variety of fruits, such as grapes, melons, watermelons, mangoes, peaches, apples, pears, bananas, oranges, grapefruits, mandarins, blueberries, cranberries, cherries, etc. Furthermore, the quality control device 1 of this embodiment can be applied not only to fruits but also to a wide variety of vegetables, grains, beans, mushrooms, etc.

[0194] In this embodiment, a device similar to that shown in Figure 1 above is used as the quality control device 1, and the AC voltage and frequency of the voltage applied to at least one electrode, for example, a pair or multiple pairs of electrodes 13, 14, which generates at least one of an electric field, a magnetic field, an electromagnetic field, or an electromagnetic wave for the strawberries, is controlled to control the quality of the strawberries, including at least one of their taste, aroma, texture, freshness, ripeness, or aesthetics, to a predetermined state.

[0195] As the shape of the electrodes, flat electrodes can be used, but as described above, the shape of the electrodes in this embodiment is not limited to flat electrodes and various shapes can be used. Since various shapes of electrodes can be used, the arrangement and size of the electrodes can also be designed freely. For example, a pair of electrodes 13, 14 can be arranged at both widthwise edges of a conveyor used at a collection site, electrodes can be arranged on strawberry storage racks, or a sheet-like electrode with a large area can be installed on the wall of a warehouse so that electromagnetic waves can be irradiated all at once to boxed strawberries.

[0196] By adjusting the duration of voltage application to the electrodes 13 and 14 when applying electromagnetic waves to strawberries, the quality control device 1 of this embodiment can control the quality indices, such as the aging index (AGE score), hardness (Hardness [N]), sugar content (Brix [%]), and acidity (acidity [ml]), after a predetermined period of time, e.g., 24 days, to exhibit the characteristics shown by curves L1 to L4, as shown in the graphs of FIGS. 22(A) to 22(D). The voltage applied to the electrodes was 100 V AC at a frequency of 50 kHz. While data from a variety of strawberries called "Pearl White" after 24 days is shown here as an example, in this embodiment, data measured for various strawberry varieties from 1 day to n days (where n is a natural number) after electromagnetic wave irradiation (hereinafter referred to as "electromagnetic wave application information") is stored in the storage unit 37. The electromagnetic wave application information can also include a large number of data sets obtained by changing parameters such as temperature conditions, the AC voltage value applied to the electrodes 13 and 14, and frequency. If abnormal data is generated, such as when there is a singularity in the curves L1 to L4, the data is not used and measures such as re-measurement are taken. Furthermore, the electromagnetic wave application information stored in the other quality control devices 1a to 1n is also compiled by the management server 40 and stored in the database 43, and can be used to control the application of electromagnetic waves to strawberries in each quality control device. If multiple pieces of data under the same conditions are obtained, statistical processing such as using the average value is performed before data analysis. However, in this case, differences in the quality characteristic data of strawberries may occur depending on, for example, the season or temperature conditions, so attention must be paid to the data measurement conditions when statistical processing is performed.

[0197] The right side of Figure 22 shows an example of an input screen of the PC 31 of the quality control device 1 of this embodiment. For example, if a supermarket orders "Pal White delivery for 48 packs on March 25th" on March 1st at a target collection site, the input screen of the PC 31 inputs the order information, such as "Pal White" as the variety, "March 25th" as the delivery date, and "48 packs" as the quantity, into the control unit 36. Alternatively, this order information may be input directly to the control unit 36 ​​via the communication network 45. The input of the variety, delivery date, and quantity is mandatory in the order information. Information on the inventory and production plan of each producer (hereinafter referred to as "inventory information") is compiled by the management server 40 and stored in the database 43. For example, as shown in Figure 22, if the harvest date is not specified, strawberries that meet the delivery date are automatically selected using the inventory information.

[0198] The order information includes information on the variety, harvest date, delivery date, and quantity, as well as three values ​​for AGEs, hardness, sugar content, and acidity: "high," "medium," and "low." For example, FIG. 22 shows an example in which "medium" AGEs, "low" hardness, "medium" sugar content, and "high" acidity are selected. While an example in which three levels are set has been described here, this embodiment is not limited to this; for example, two levels or four or more levels may be used. Furthermore, for example, "no selection" may be added in addition to the three options of "high," "medium," and "low." If "no selection" is set, this parameter item is not taken into account during calculation.

[0199] Once the variety, harvest date, delivery date, quantity, AGEs, hardness, sugar content, and acidity are set, the control unit 36 ​​calculates the strawberry inventory and electromagnetic field conditions to be applied to the strawberries that match these settings using inventory information and electromagnetic field application information stored in the database 43. Specifically, as shown in Figure 22, for example, the inventory of pearl white strawberries that meets the required quantity is selected, and the electromagnetic field application time is calculated to achieve "medium" AGEs, "low" hardness, "medium" sugar content, and "high" acidity. For example, a 40-second electric field application time is obtained under the condition of 24 days after application of the electric field. At the collection site, the electrodes 13 and 14 of the quality control device 1 of this embodiment apply the electromagnetic field to the selected inventory of pearl white strawberries for the calculated 40 seconds, and a distribution plan is created to deliver them to the supermarket that placed the order on March 25, the delivery date 24 days later. Note that the condition of 24 days after application of the electric field is merely an example; the allowable range of days is determined based on strawberry inventory information, distribution conditions, storage conditions, etc. Regarding storage conditions, it has been confirmed that the shelf life of strawberries is significantly extended after electromagnetic waves are applied by the quality control device 1 of this embodiment; for example, depending on the storage conditions, strawberries can be stored for more than 30 days.

[0200] The control unit 36 ​​can use, for example, fuzzy reasoning to calculate the electromagnetic field application time, although this is not particularly limited. Membership functions of "low," "medium," and "high" are defined for AGEs, hardness, sugar content, and acidity, and the electromagnetic field application time is set as "short (20 seconds)," "standard (40 seconds)," "long (80 seconds)," or "very long (240 seconds)" in the consequent part of the fuzzy rules. The management server 40 automatically generates fuzzy rules (IF-THEN rules) based on the electromagnetic field application information stored in the database 43. Additionally, weighting may be applied to the conditions of AGEs, hardness, sugar content, and acidity.

[0201] Furthermore, machine learning can be used to calculate the electromagnetic field application time in the control unit 36. In the management server 40, a learning model is calculated based on the information stored in the database 43 and the information collected by each quality control device, by training using deep learning in which order information is input and inventory corresponding to the order and electromagnetic field application conditions (application time, voltage value of applied voltage, frequency, etc.) are output. The control unit 36 ​​uses the learning model trained in the management server 40 to calculate inventory corresponding to the order and electromagnetic field application conditions from the order information.

[0202] The object detection unit 32 acquires image signals of strawberries to which an electromagnetic field is applied, and image recognition can be used to detect the type, condition, size, etc. of the strawberries. This allows the application of an electromagnetic field appropriate for the target strawberries. Furthermore, to acquire electromagnetic field application information, it is necessary to track and manage the data on the strawberries to which the electromagnetic field is applied, along with the electromagnetic field application conditions. Attaching tracking information, such as a barcode, to strawberry packs can improve the management of electromagnetic field application information and traceability during distribution. To acquire electromagnetic field application information, AGEs, hardness, sugar content, and acidity are measured, and this data, along with the electromagnetic field application conditions, is stored in the memory unit 37. Furthermore, this electromagnetic field application information is compiled by the management server 40, stored in a database 43, and managed so that it can be used by each quality control device 1, 1a-1n.

[0203] [Embodiment 4] Next, the quality control device 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, taking as an example the quality control of tobacco leaves, for example, control of aging, stopping, or delaying ripening, and increasing or maintaining freshness. The same reference numerals are used for components similar to those of the first to third embodiments, and their description will be omitted. Note that tobacco leaves are merely an example, and the present embodiment is not limited thereto. It can also be applied to other plants, herbs, fruits, vegetables, beans, mushrooms, and the like. In this embodiment, in the relationship between sugar concentration and cell concentration data, aging refers to a decrease in sugar concentration and an increase in cell concentration, and aging refers to the opposite relationship to increasing freshness.

[0204] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of the tobacco leaf quality control process performed by the quality control device 1 of this embodiment, showing an example of a setting screen of a man-machine interface 31 on a smartphone, tablet, or other device. FIG. 23(A) is an input screen for the variety name, harvest date, and delivery date of the target material. For example, enter the variety name "tobacco leaf," the harvest date "May 1," and the delivery date "May 17," and press the confirm button if the input is correct. Next, on the input screen for setting 1, setting 2, and manual setting shown in FIG. 23(B), enter "13 g-dry cell / L" for the setting 1 "cell concentration," and press the confirm button if the input is correct. Note that setting 2 is shown with no input and manual setting is "OFF." However, if manual setting is used, switch manual setting to "ON" and manually set the inhibition and promotion levels. Here, the input items for Settings 1 and 2 are exemplified as specifying the cell concentration, but this embodiment is not limited to this, and it is also possible to specify, for example, the value of the sugar concentration, that the sugar concentration be reduced to the final concentration, that the cell concentration be increased to the final concentration, that the degree of metabolic rate inhibition be increased, or that the degree of metabolic rate promotion be increased.

[0205] The setting information entered in FIGS. 23(A) and 23(B) is input to the control unit 36 ​​of the quality control device 1. When the setting information is input, the control unit 36 ​​calculates the conditions of the electromagnetic field to be applied to the target substance based on the control information stored in the memory unit 37, and displays information about the electromagnetic field to be applied to the substance from the electrodes on the man-machine interface 31 as shown in FIG. 23(C). In FIG. 23(C), for example, the applied electric field is displayed as "30 V / m," the application time is displayed as "constant," and the variation is displayed as "suppressed." To control the quality control device 1 under these conditions, the send button is operated. When the send button is operated, the control unit 36 ​​issues a control command to the current / voltage control unit 33 to apply an electromagnetic field according to the calculated conditions to the substance from the electrodes 13 and 14, and the current / voltage application unit 11 is controlled by the current / voltage control unit 33 based on the control command.

[0206] 23, an example has been described in which order information is input from the man-machine interface 31, but orderers can also input order information from PCs 31a to 31n. In addition, the management server 40 may collect order information from each orderer and then transmit the order information to the control unit 36 ​​of the corresponding quality control device 1.

[0207] The control unit 36 ​​calculates the electromagnetic field application conditions using the electromagnetic field application information stored in the memory unit 37. Figures 24A to 24E show examples of various types of electromagnetic field application information. These data were obtained by culturing tobacco BY-2 (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Bright Yellow No. 2) cells as tobacco leaves. The culturing method involved subculture for approximately two weeks using sucrose or other stabilizers, followed by washing and subsequent main culturing using glucose or other medium. The culturing conditions were a dark place at 27°C with rotation at 130 rpm. Figures 24A to 24E show data related to the main culturing period. Samples were taken from the medium over time to detect the sugar concentration and cell concentration. While not particularly limited, the sugar concentration was calculated from the absorbance of infrared spectroscopy, and the cell concentration was calculated from the turbidity at 600 nm. The sugar concentration and cell concentration were measured for samples with and without application of an electromagnetic field under specified electric field application conditions during the main culturing.

[0208] FIG. 24A is an explanatory diagram of the control data for sugar concentration and cell concentration in the quality control device 1. FIG. 24A is a graph showing the results when a 30 V / m electric field is applied to tobacco leaves from electrodes 13 and 14 throughout the entire culture period, and the measurement data for sugar concentration and cell concentration are approximated by a Boltzmann function. Sugar concentration H (straight line) is a graph of the sugar concentration when an electric field is applied, sugar concentration C (dashed line) is a graph of the sugar concentration when no electric field is applied (control), cell concentration H (dashed line) is a graph of the cell concentration when an electric field is applied, and cell concentration C (dash-dotted line) is a graph of the cell concentration when no electric field is applied (control). FIG. 24A shows that when a 30 V / m electric field is applied to tobacco leaves from electrodes 13 and 14 of the quality control device of this embodiment, the decrease in sugar concentration and the increase in cell concentration can be delayed compared to when no electric field is applied. In Figure 24A, the cell concentration reaches 13 g-dry cell / L when the culture period is 16 days with an applied electric field of 30 V / m, so the electromagnetic field application conditions for the order information in Figure 23 are calculated by the control unit 36 ​​as an applied electric field of "30 V / m" and an application time of "constant."

[0209] FIG. 24B is an explanatory diagram of control data for promoting and inhibiting growth for each exposure time (electromagnetic field application time) in the quality control device 1. The inhibition and promotion of the maturity of tobacco leaves can be controlled by the electromagnetic field application conditions when an electromagnetic field is applied to tobacco leaves from the electrodes 13, 14 of the quality control device 1 of this embodiment. The incubation period t O,s,H , the incubation period t corresponding to the inflection point of the sugar concentration curve when no electromagnetic waves are applied O,s,C , the culture period t that corresponds to the inflection point of the cell concentration curve when electromagnetic waves are applied O,x,H , the culture period t that corresponds to the inflection point of the cell concentration curve when no electromagnetic waves are applied O,x,C When the voltage is applied, the vertical axis of FIG. 24B is the ratio t O,s,H / t O,s,C The horizontal axis represents the ratio of the inflection points of the cell concentration curve with and without voltage application, t O,x,H / t O,x,C The plots indicate greater inhibition as the plot moves to the upper right, and greater promotion as the plot moves to the lower left. Each plot includes cases where an electric field is applied throughout the entire culture period at levels of 15 V / m, 30 V / m, 50 V / m, 70 V / m, 300 V / m, and 700 V / m, or cases where a 30 V / m electric field is applied for 1 min, 1 h, or 1 d, or cases where a 700 V / m electric field is applied for 1 min, 1 h, or 1 d. The culture period is not particularly limited, but for example, it was 25 days, and a predetermined electric field was applied for each electric field application period immediately after the start of culture. Using this data, electromagnetic wave application conditions can be determined to adjust the degree of inhibition or promotion of tobacco leaf ripening.

[0210] FIG. 24C is an explanatory diagram of control data for growth promotion and inhibition relative to the culture period in the quality control device 1. In FIG. 24C, the horizontal axis represents the exposure period (electric field application time, unit: min) when an electric field of 30 V / m is applied to the electrodes 13 and 14. The culture period is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 25 days, and a predetermined electric field is applied for each electric field application period immediately after the start of culture. The vertical axis represents t O,H / t O,C The open circles plot the ratio of the inflection points of the sugar concentration curves when an electric field of 30 V / m was applied. The filled circles plot the ratio of the inflection points of the cell concentration curves when an electric field of 30 V / m was applied. The open squares plot the ratio of the inflection points of the sugar concentration curves when an electric field of 700 V / m was applied. The filled squares plot the ratio of the inflection points of the cell concentration curves when an electric field of 700 V / m was applied. From the graph in Figure 24C, it can be seen that when the electric field was 30 V / m, both the sugar concentration characteristic and the cell concentration characteristic increased with increasing electric field application time. In contrast, when the electric field was 700 V / m, both the sugar concentration characteristic and the cell concentration characteristic decreased with increasing electric field application time, the opposite of the 30 V / m case. These sugar concentration characteristic and cell concentration characteristic can be used to determine the electromagnetic wave application conditions for adjusting the degree of inhibition or promotion of tobacco leaf ripening.

[0211] FIG. 24D is an explanatory diagram of the control data for the specific consumption rate in the quality control device 1 of this embodiment. The specific consumption rate is the consumption rate divided by the cell concentration (Cx), which is the sugar consumption rate per cell (g-dry cell). The consumption rate is the sugar concentration C divided by the culture period t, and is expressed as dCs / dt. Therefore, the specific consumption rate is expressed as (dCs / dt) / Cs. The solid line H in FIG. 24D represents the specific consumption rate when a 30 V / m electric field is applied to the tobacco leaves from electrodes 13 and 14 throughout the entire culture period, while the dashed line C represents the case when no electric field is applied. Comparing the solid line H and dashed line C, the curve characteristics themselves are similar, so the application of an electric field does not change the sugar metabolic behavior. However, the culture period is delayed when the electric field is applied, indicating that the application of an electric field can slow the metabolic rate of the tobacco leaves. By using the characteristics of Figure 24D, the glucose metabolic behavior is not affected by the application of electromagnetic waves, and therefore the glucose metabolic behavior can be controlled using common data. Although not particularly limited, Figure 24D shows an example in which the culture period was 25 days.

[0212] Fig. 24E is an explanatory diagram of control data for suppressing variation in the quality control device 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 23(C) includes a control instruction for "suppressing" variation, but data on variation can be obtained from the graph in Fig. 24E. Fig. 24E shows data on the ratio of standard deviations of sugar concentration or cell concentration when an electric field is applied to a large number of tobacco leaves over the entire culture period (25 days). In Fig. 24E, SD max,H is the standard deviation of the sugar concentration or cell concentration when a voltage of 30 V / m is applied, and SD max,C is the standard deviation of the sugar concentration or cell concentration when no voltage is applied, and the vertical axis is SD max,H / SD max,C The horizontal axis represents the electric field strength applied to electrodes 13 and 14. Figure 24E shows that in all plots except for the glucose concentration data when an electric field of 700 V / m is applied, the variability is suppressed regardless of the electric field strength.

[0213] [Embodiment 5] The following shows the results of a sensory test conducted on the quality control device 1 of embodiment 5 of the present invention, in an experiment in which an electromagnetic field was applied to coffee beans. It is known that coffee beans deteriorate over time after roasting, and that the aroma fades over time after grinding. The following two experiments demonstrate that the quality control device 1 of this embodiment can improve the quality of coffee and increase its freshness (rejuvenate it). The results of this sensory test were conducted by Ryota Nakagawa (IMA Cafe), a coffee creator and Advanced Coffee Meister certified by the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ).

[0214] <Experiment 1: Sensory test of coffee beans 6 days after grinding> Six days after roasting and grinding the beans, coffee beans were subjected to an electromagnetic field for one hour using the quality control device of this embodiment, and coffee beans were compared to those not subjected to an electromagnetic field. To prevent variations in coffee extraction, the coffee was extracted using a machine that could brew the same way every time, including the pouring method, pouring location, and amount of water.

[0215] <Evaluator's comments on the control in Experiment 1 (no electromagnetic field applied)> "The scent seems to have faded away." "It's delicious, but it's just not enough."

[0216] <Evaluator's comments on the application of electromagnetic fields in Experiment 1> "The scent alone is already making a difference." "The amount of information conveyed by the scent is clearly different." "The flavor, the taste, the depth of the flavor, all of it is incredibly informative." "The strong flavor and coffee taste are both very delicious." "I was surprised because I had never heard of a product that could retain the flavor of ground coffee for such a long time." "I was honestly surprised at the obvious difference when I compared the tastes myself."

[0217] The results of Experiment 1 show that the quality control device 1 of this embodiment can control the quality of coffee beans and increase their freshness (rejuvenate them) by applying an electromagnetic field to coffee beans that have been ground for some time.

[0218] <Experiment 2: Sensory test of coffee beans roasted one year ago> Coffee beans that had been roasted for more than a year were ground and subjected to an electromagnetic field for one hour using the quality control device of this embodiment, and the results were compared with those without an electromagnetic field. To prevent variations in coffee extraction, the coffee was extracted using a machine that could brew the coffee in the same way every time, including the pouring method, pouring location, and amount of water. Note that the electromagnetic field may also be applied before the coffee beans are ground.

[0219] <Evaluator's comments on the control in Experiment 2 (no electromagnetic field applied)> "It has a strong stale smell and the coffee flavor is weak." "(Regarding the taste) there is a strong smell of deterioration that makes it difficult to swallow, and it feels like the aroma has faded."

[0220] <Evaluator's comments on the application of the electromagnetic field in Experiment 2> "The smell alone was amazing. The smell of deterioration has clearly lessened." "You can feel the original aroma of the coffee." "It's amazing how the application of an electromagnetic field makes a difference even when beans are a year old." "The thing that surprised me the most was how it really neutralized the smell of decay that was present in the fragrance."

[0221] The results of Experiment 2 show that the quality control device 1 of this embodiment can control the quality of coffee beans and increase their freshness (rejuvenate them) by applying an electromagnetic field to coffee beans that have been roasted for some time.

[0222] There are over 800 types of aroma components in coffee, and of these, approximately 60 have a strong influence on flavor. When coffee beans are ground into powder, they are broken down into coffee powder containing, on average, one to 500 coffee beans. Furthermore, because coffee beans are porous, the surface area of ​​the ground coffee beans is large. When an electromagnetic field is applied to coffee beans using the quality control device of this embodiment, the moisture inside or on the surface of the coffee beans is atomized and arranged in a bead-like pattern. When coffee is extracted, this atomized moisture acts as a carrier that extracts many of the aroma components from the inside of the coffee beans, allowing more aroma components to be extracted from the inside of the coffee beans. Therefore, the application of electromagnetic waves can control the quality of the coffee beans and enhance their freshness.

[0223] [Embodiment 6] The results of a sensory test conducted on old rice using the quality control device 1 of embodiment 6 of the present invention, in which an electromagnetic field was applied, are shown. In this embodiment, "old rice" refers to rice that has been harvested for more than one year. This includes, for example, rice that has been harvested for one year, very-old rice that is even one year older, and very-old rice that is even one year older. Old rice is said to have a stale odor similar to that of aged grains when cooked. This odor is known to be caused by the stale fat contained in the rice bran and surface. A sensory test was conducted on old rice, comparing samples that had been soaked for one hour before cooking with samples that had been exposed to an electromagnetic field for one hour and samples that had not been exposed to an electromagnetic field. Old rice cooked under the same cooking conditions, except for the application of an electromagnetic field during soaking, was compared. The results showed that applying an electromagnetic field to old rice using the quality control device of this embodiment reduced the stale odor and improved hardness and dryness. Thus, the quality control device 1 of this embodiment can control the quality of old rice by applying an electromagnetic field during soaking, thereby enhancing its freshness.

[0224] By applying an electromagnetic field to old rice during soaking before cooking using the quality control device of this embodiment, the moisture inside the rice is broken down into fine particles, and by arranging the particles in a beaded pattern, the moisture is distributed evenly throughout the rice, resulting in fluffy cooked rice. Moreover, when the fine moisture in the rice bran and on or near the surface of the rice turns into steam, it has the effect of removing odorous components caused by old fat.

[0225] [Embodiment 7] 25 to 27, an example of application of the quality control device 1 of the seventh embodiment of the present invention to thawing frozen foods will be described. Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the appearance of the food thawing device. This food thawing device has one electrode 13 on the bottom surface and the other electrode 14 on the side surface. Figure 26 is a comparative example comparing the application of an electromagnetic field using the food thawing device of this embodiment when thawing a tuna fillet at room temperature with the normal thawing without applying an electromagnetic field. The photograph on the right in Figure 27 shows the case where an electromagnetic field was applied using the food thawing device of this embodiment, and the photograph on the left is a comparative example. In the comparative example, the tuna had a darker color and the flesh was not firm. In contrast, when an electromagnetic field was applied using the food thawing device of this embodiment, the tuna's red color remained beautiful, the flesh was firm, and it maintained its freshness.

[0226] [Embodiment 8] 28 and 29, an example of application of the quality control device 1 of embodiment 8 of the present invention to a wagon will be described. Fig. 28 is a perspective view of an example of application in which the quality control device 1 is attached to a wagon. Fig. 29 shows the results of applying electromagnetic waves for one hour using the quality control device 1 of this embodiment, compared with a comparative example (control).

[0227] [Embodiment 9] An example of application of the quality control device 1 of embodiment 9 of the present invention to the preservation of cherry blossoms will be described with reference to Figure 30. Figure 30 shows a photograph of peonies that bloomed at the end of March and were stored in a refrigerator at 0°C for three and a half months. When an electromagnetic field was applied using the quality control device 1 of this embodiment, it can be seen that the cherry blossoms maintained their freshness in the bloomed state even after three and a half months had passed.

[0228] [Embodiment 10] Referring to FIG. 31 , an example of application of the quality control device 1 according to embodiment 10 of the present invention to shiso cultivation will be described. An experiment was conducted in which shiso plants were hydroponically cultivated in containers made by cutting off the tops of empty PET bottles and filled with tap water. FIG. 31 shows the growth rate and turbidity of the water after cultivating the same amount of shiso plants at room temperature for two months. FIG. 31A is a photograph showing the growth of shiso roots after two months. FIG. 31B is a photograph showing the state of shiso cultivation. FIG. 31C is a photograph showing the turbidity of the water in the container after cultivating shiso plants for two months. In each photograph, the left side shows the case where an electromagnetic field was applied using the quality control device according to this embodiment, while the right side shows the case where no electromagnetic field was applied for comparison. The electromagnetic field was applied under the conditions of 100 V AC and 50 kHz to a pair of electrodes. The container was constantly sandwiched between the pair of electrodes, and the electromagnetic field was constantly applied throughout the shiso cultivation period.

[0229] FIG. 31A shows that perilla roots grow better when an electromagnetic field is applied using the quality control device of this embodiment than when compared to the comparative example. FIG. 31B shows that perilla leaves also grow better when an electromagnetic field is applied using the quality control device of this embodiment than when compared to the comparative example. FIG. 31C shows that the turbidity of the water after cultivation is reduced and the water is more transparent when an electromagnetic field is applied using the quality control device of this embodiment, while the water in the comparative example is black and murky. It was also found that the slimeiness of the water was reduced when an electromagnetic field was applied using the quality control device of this embodiment compared to the comparative example. The above experiment results demonstrate that applying an electromagnetic field using the quality control device of this embodiment can improve root and leaf growth of perilla leaves and also suppress turbidity and slimeiness of the water. Furthermore, this embodiment is not limited to the cultivation of perilla but can be similarly applied to the cultivation of other plants, and, as in this experimental example, can improve plant growth and suppress the turbidity and slimeiness of the water. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the liquid is not limited to water, and it is possible to suppress turbidity and slime in liquids other than water. Therefore, by applying this to, for example, water pipes, fire-fighting water tanks, water storage tanks, various water tanks, pipelines, etc., it is possible to maintain the state of the liquid in each facility in a clean state, for example, free from turbidity and slime, and to reduce the effort required for maintenance such as cleaning.

[0230] [Embodiment 11] As described above, by applying an electromagnetic field to a substance using the quality control device 1 of the embodiment, it acts on the moisture present inside or on the surface of the substance, and can prevent, suppress or control the deterioration of the moisture, clouding of the moisture, discoloration, algae growth, slime, rust or mold. This can be used to prevent, for example, rust, mold and corrosion of water pipes, fire water tanks, water storage tanks, various water tanks, etc., rust prevention of pipelines (e.g. oil pipelines), rust prevention of stored materials in material storage (e.g. metal products such as molds), mold prevention, rust prevention, corrosion prevention and algae prevention of all kinds of materials such as steel, wood, furniture, textiles, cloth and leather, and crack prevention of art objects and paintings, etc.

[0231] [Experimental Example 1] Effect of preventing water in a vase from becoming slimy The effect of the quality control device of this embodiment was confirmed by comparing the state of the water in a vase, such as slime, turbidity, and cloudiness, between a vase to which an electromagnetic field was applied by the quality control device of this embodiment and a vase to which an electromagnetic field was not applied. As can be seen from the above-mentioned embodiment 10, this effect is also the same for water pipes, fire-fighting water tanks, water storage tanks, and various water tanks.

[0232] [Example 2] Rust prevention effect on steel plate material Referring to FIG. 32, an example of an experiment on rust prevention using the quality control device 1 according to embodiment 11 of the present invention will be described. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of a rust prevention experiment according to embodiment 11. The iron plates used in the experiment were identical magnetic iron plates measuring 100 mm in width, 200 mm in length, and 1 mm in thickness. FIG. 32A shows the appearance of iron plates soaked in bittern water to a depth of approximately 30 mm for 24 hours while an electromagnetic field was applied by the quality control device 1 according to embodiment 11 of the present invention. The strength of the electromagnetic field is not particularly limited as long as it falls within the range of the above-mentioned conditions. In FIG. 32A, an AC voltage of 50 kHz and 100 V was applied between a pair of electrodes, and the iron plate was placed between the pair of electrodes. FIG. 32B shows the appearance of an iron plate with the same specifications as FIG. 32A soaked in bittern water to a depth of approximately 30 mm for 24 hours. FIG. 32B is a comparative example in which an electromagnetic field was not applied. Figure 32C shows the iron plate material of Figure 31A after it has been removed from the bittern water for another 7 days. Figure 32D shows a comparative example, the iron plate material of Figure 32B after it has been removed from the bittern water for another 7 days.

[0233] It is clear that rust generation is suppressed in the iron plate material of Fig. 32A compared to the iron plate material of Fig. 32B. Similarly, it is clear that rust generation is suppressed in the iron plate material of Fig. 32C compared to the iron plate material of Fig. 32D. This experiment shows that the quality control device 1 of embodiment 11 of the present invention can be used to prevent rust. The rust prevention effect of the quality control device 1 of embodiment 11 of the present invention can be used to prevent rust in water pipes, pipelines (oil pipelines, etc.), stored materials in material storage (e.g., metal products such as molds), and steel.

[0234] [Embodiment 12] A quality control device 1 according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 41. FIG. 33 shows an example in which electrodes 13A and 14A are installed in an existing refrigerator, FIG. 34 shows an example in which electrodes 13B and 14B are installed in an existing container, and FIG. 35 shows an example in which electrodes 13C and 14C are installed in an existing fryer. The same components as those in FIGS. 1 to 24 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. In the quality control device according to this embodiment, a specific arrangement of electrodes 13 and 14 is illustrated, and the configuration of electrodes 13 and 14 is the same as that of embodiments 1 to 6. The arrangement of the electrodes adjusts the direction of the electromagnetic waves applied to a substance, thereby atomizing the moisture inside or on the surface of the substance and arranging the atomized moisture in a bead-like array. The direction of this array can be controlled to a desired direction according to the applied electromagnetic waves, thereby controlling the quality of the substance. Furthermore, for example, two pairs of electrodes can be arranged in intersecting directions to generate an electromagnetic field of any strength and direction in two dimensions, or three pairs of electrodes can be arranged in intersecting directions to generate an electromagnetic field of any strength and direction in three dimensions. In this case, by applying an electromagnetic field of any strength and direction from the electrodes to a material in two or three dimensions, it is possible to finely atomize the moisture inside or on the surface of the material depending on the shape of the material, and to arrange the finely atomized moisture in a bead-like pattern. By controlling the direction of this arrangement in a desired direction, it is possible to control the quality of the material.

[0235] In FIG. 33, electrodes 13A and 14A are installed in an existing refrigerator. Electrodes 13A and 14A installed in the refrigerator serving as housing 50A are made of a conductive (e.g., copper, iron, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.) plate member having a substantially L-shaped cross section, and although not particularly limited, a plurality of holes (e.g., polygonal such as hexagonal or circular holes) are formed in the bottom plate. Electrodes 13A and 14A are connected by connector 41. Connector 41 is a substantially rectangular thin plate made of an insulating material such as a fluororesin, e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Teflon (registered trademark)). The refrigerator serving as housing 50A includes a variety of refrigerators, such as household refrigerators and large commercial refrigerators.

[0236] The shape of the electrodes is not limited to a substantially L-shape, and may be, for example, a flat plate or a thin film. In this case, each electrode 13A, 14A may be installed facing the inner wall of the refrigerator, which is housing 50A. Alternatively, each electrode 13A, 14A may be installed facing the ceiling surface, floor surface, or shelf of the refrigerator. Alternatively, each electrode 13A, 14A may be provided facing the door side surface and the back side surface. Furthermore, the number of electrodes needs to be at least one, and may be, for example, two, four, or six.

[0237] When an electromagnetic field is applied to food inside the refrigerator from electrodes 13A and 14A installed in housing 50A, the water particles, such as free water contained in the food, attract each other and form a beaded array. This regularly arranged water molecule is retained within the substance but does not combine with other components, keeping the food fresh and juicy.

[0238] In FIG. 34, electrodes 13B and 14B are installed in an existing container. The electrodes installed in the container serving as housing 50B are made of a conductive (e.g., copper, iron, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.) plate member having a substantially L-shaped or U-shaped cross section, and although not limited thereto, a plurality of holes (e.g., polygonal such as hexagonal or circular holes) are provided in the bottom plate. The electrodes 13B and 14B are connected by connector 41B as necessary. Connector 41B is a substantially rectangular thin plate made of an insulating material such as a fluororesin, e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., Teflon (registered trademark)). Note that while FIG. 34 illustrates a relatively large container, the container serving as housing 50B may include a variety of containers, such as small portable containers and containers for large cargo.

[0239] The shape of the electrodes is not limited to a substantially L-shape, and may be, for example, a flat plate or a thin film. In this case, the electrodes 13B, 14B may be installed facing the inner wall of the container serving as the housing 50B. Alternatively, the electrodes 13B, 14B may be installed facing the ceiling and floor surfaces of the container. Alternatively, the electrodes 13B, 14B may be installed facing the door-side surface and the back-side surface. The number of electrodes needs to be at least one, and may be, for example, two, four, or six.

[0240] When an electromagnetic field is applied to food in the container from electrodes 13B and 14B installed in the container (casing 50B), water particles, such as free water contained in the food, attract each other and form a beaded array. This regularly arranged water molecule is retained within the substance without combining with other components, thereby keeping the food fresh and juicy. Furthermore, a container equipped with electrodes 13B and 14B may be placed in a refrigerated warehouse, a freezer warehouse, a freshness-preserving warehouse, or the like, and maintained at a desired temperature range. However, even when placed in a warehouse without special freshness-preserving functions, a container equipped with electrodes 13B and 14B can maintain the freshness of food.

[0241] In FIG. 35, electrodes 13C and 14C are installed in the oil tank of an existing fryer (housing 50C). Electrodes 13C and 14C installed in the fryer serving as housing 50C are made of a plate-like member having a substantially L-shaped cross section and made of conductive material (e.g., copper, iron, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), and although not particularly limited, a plurality of holes (e.g., polygonal holes such as hexagonal holes or circular holes) are provided in the bottom plate. The bottom surfaces of electrodes 13C and 14C are installed so as to fit along the bottom surface of the oil tank of the fryer. Outside the oil tank of the fryer, in the example of FIG. 35, a heating unit 51 is provided on the outside of the bottom surface of the oil tank. Electrodes 13C and 14C are each electrically connected to controller 10, and the output voltage of controller 10 is applied to each electrode 13C and 14C.

[0242] When an electromagnetic field is applied to the oil tank of the fryer from electrodes 13C and 14C, the interfacial tension at the oil / water interface decreases. The applied electromagnetic field also causes the free water contained in the food to form a chain reaction, making it difficult for the water to escape from the ingredients. Controlling the water content in the food and suppressing bumping effectively reduces the penetration of oil into the food. This also results in excellent texture and flavor for the cooked food.

[0243] In the fourth embodiment, a voltage and / or current is constantly applied to both electrodes 13 and 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of constantly applying a voltage and / or current to both electrodes 13 and 14 in the housing 50 in which a substance is placed, a voltage and / or current may be applied only at a predetermined timing or for a predetermined period of time. For example, if housing 50A is a refrigerator, applying an electromagnetic field to food inside the refrigerator using electrodes 13A and 14A for one hour, then not applying a voltage and / or current to electrodes 13A and 14A for 47 hours, and then applying an electromagnetic field to the food inside the refrigerator for another hour can be used to constantly maintain the freshness of the food inside the refrigerator and reduce power consumption. This is thought to be because applying an electromagnetic field to the food inside the refrigerator using electrodes 13A and 14A for about one hour causes water particles, such as free water contained in the food, to attract each other and form a beaded arrangement, and the beaded arrangement of water molecules is then maintained for a predetermined period of time even in the absence of an electromagnetic field. The time for which an electromagnetic field is applied to the food inside the refrigerator by electrodes 13A, 14A, and the subsequent time for which voltage and / or current is not applied to electrodes 13A, 14A can be set appropriately depending on the type and condition of the food inside the refrigerator, storage temperature, humidity, etc. Also, it is advisable to set a period for applying an electromagnetic field to the food inside the refrigerator when new food is placed inside the refrigerator. The presence of new food inside the refrigerator can be detected, for example, by an interior camera or by the opening and closing of the door.

[0244] For example, even if the housing 50B is a container, when an electromagnetic field is applied to food in the container by electrodes 13B and 14B for about an hour, water particles, such as free water contained in the food, attract each other and form a beaded array. Once the water molecules are arrayed, this state is maintained for a predetermined time even in the absence of an electromagnetic field. Therefore, by setting a predetermined period of time during which the electromagnetic field is not applied after the period during which the electromagnetic field is applied to the food in the container by electrodes 13B and 14B, and then setting a period during which the electromagnetic field is applied, it is possible to maintain freshness while reducing power consumption. In particular, when the power source is a battery, reducing power consumption can extend the freshness maintenance period per charge. The period during which the electromagnetic field is applied is not limited to one hour, and the period during which the electromagnetic field is not applied can also be set as appropriate. These periods can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the type and condition of the substance in the container, the temperature and humidity at which the container is stored, etc. Furthermore, it is preferable to set a period of time during which the electromagnetic field is applied to the substance in the container when a new substance is placed in the container. The arrival of new substances in a container can be detected, for example, by a camera inside the container, a signal from the man-machine interface 31, or information in the management database of the warehouse where the container is stored.

[0245] Furthermore, even when housing 50C is a fryer, it is not necessary to constantly apply an electromagnetic field to the oil vat of the fryer from electrodes 13C and 14C. After a period in which an electromagnetic field is applied to the oil vat of the fryer by electrodes 13C and 14C, a predetermined period in which the electromagnetic field is not applied can be set, and then another period in which the electromagnetic field is applied can be set. Even in this case, it is possible to control the moisture content of food, suppress bumping, and reduce the penetration of oil into the food, thereby maintaining the effect of providing excellent texture and flavor for the cooked food. The period in which the electromagnetic field is applied and the period in which the electromagnetic field is not applied to the oil vat of the fryer can be determined appropriately depending on the food being cooked, the type of oil, the temperature of the oil, and other factors.

[0246] 36 to 41 show examples of electrodes with various shapes. The electrode shapes, arrangements, and voltage application patterns of this embodiment are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 41 and include other modifications and combinations of the embodiments. FIG. 36 shows another embodiment of the shape, arrangement, and voltage application pattern of two pairs of electrodes A, A', B, B', or a pair of electrodes A and B. FIG. 36A shows a case in which voltages are applied to a pair of opposing plate electrodes A and A' and a pair of opposing plate electrodes B and B'. FIG. 36B shows a case in which voltages are applied to a pair of plate electrodes A and A' provided on adjacent surfaces and a pair of plate electrodes B and B' provided on adjacent surfaces. FIG. 36C shows a case in which voltages are applied to opposing bent electrodes A and B. FIG. 36D shows a case in which plate electrodes A and B are arranged side by side on one side, and voltages are applied to plate electrodes A and B, respectively.

[0247] Figure 37 shows another example of the shape, arrangement, and voltage application pattern of two pairs of electrodes A, A', B, B', or a pair of electrodes A and B. Figure 37A shows voltages being applied to a pair of opposing plate electrodes A and A' and to opposing plate electrodes B and B', respectively. Figure 37B shows voltages being applied to a pair of opposing plate electrodes A and A' and to a pair of plate electrodes B and B' provided on adjacent surfaces, respectively. Figure 37C shows voltages being applied to opposing U-shaped electrodes A and B.

[0248] Figure 38 shows another example of the shape, arrangement, and voltage application pattern of a pair of curved electrodes A and B. Figure 38A shows voltage application to electrodes A and B in the shape of a hemisphere cut in half. Figure 38B shows voltage application to opposing hemispherical electrodes A and B. Figure 38C shows voltage application to a pair of electrodes A and B in the shape of a cylinder cut in half along the height direction. Figure 38D shows voltage application to a pair of electrodes A and B in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom cut in half along the height direction.

[0249] Figure 39 shows an electrode used in a flyer, which is divided into two electrodes in the width direction and is constructed as a single unit while being electrically insulated, and a voltage is applied between the pair of electrodes. Figure 41 shows a pair of electrodes shaped like a cylinder, with multiple mesh-like cuts, which are insulated from each other and are provided on a base (the black part on the bottom), and a voltage is applied between the pair of electrodes. Figure 41 shows a comb-like electrode, which can be arranged so that the comb teeth of the pair of comb-like electrodes are alternately arranged.

[0250] The above-described embodiments do not limit the present invention and are equally applicable to other embodiments within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, each embodiment can be modified or combined as appropriate. For example, in the embodiments illustrating a pair of electrodes, the number of electrodes is not limited to one pair. For example, it may be one electrode as shown in FIG. 10A, or three or more electrodes as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10B. Furthermore, as a specific example of each embodiment, the AC voltage components applied to the electrodes are exemplified as 100 V AC and 50 kHz frequency. However, this does not strictly mean 100 V and 50 kHz. An error of approximately 2 to 5% is allowed, taking into account setting and measurement errors. Furthermore, the values ​​exemplified in each embodiment as the voltage applied to the electrodes are merely examples. The AC and / or DC components can be set within the setting range described in embodiment 1 depending on the controlled object, control conditions, and specifications. Examples of substances include substances that have liquid inside or on their surface and contain at least one of wood, leather, metal, inorganic material, organic material, animal or plant-derived material, or composite material, but this embodiment is not limited to these and can be applied to any substance as long as it has liquid inside or on its surface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0251] 1. Control device 10 Controllers 11 Current and voltage application section 13~29 electrode 30 Reactive oxygen 31 Man-machine interface (PC) 32 Material detection sensor 33 Current and voltage control section 35 Communications Department 36 Control Unit 37 Memory section 38 detectors 40 Management Server 41 Connector 43 Databases 45 Communication Network 50 cabinets 51 Heating section

Claims

1. at least one electrode; a controller that controls at least one of a voltage value and a frequency of a voltage applied to the electrode to a substance having a liquid inside or on a surface thereof; A control device that controls the state of a liquid present inside or around a substance based on a control parameter, comprising: A substance having a liquid inside or on its surface is placed facing the electrode, (1a) A detection unit that detects the type or state of the substance, and a learning model for determining control parameters of the controller, the learning model being trained by machine learning using at least detection data of the detection unit, and the control parameters being calculated by inputting the detection data into the trained learning model; and (1b) calculating a control parameter of the controller based on the detection data using information stored in a storage device that specifies a relationship between a target voltage to be applied to the electrode corresponding to at least the type or state of the substance; and (1c) adopting the control parameters set based on information specifying a relationship between the target voltage to be applied to the electrode corresponding to the type or information of the substance; and controlling at least one of a voltage value and a frequency of a voltage applied to the electrode based on the control parameter specified by at least one of the following: At least one of an electromagnetic field, an electromagnetic wave, a sound wave, and an ultrasonic wave corresponding to the voltage is applied from the electrode to the substance, and the state of a liquid present inside or around the substance arranged opposite the electrode is controlled, (1) Control of the freshness, maturity, ripening, oxidation-reduction, removal of oxidized substances, deteriorated substances or putrefactive substances, fermentation, prevention of putrefaction, freshness maintenance, or the progression, delay, arrest and restoration of putrefaction or deterioration of the substance. (2) Controlling the alignment direction of the liquid; (3) controlling the quality of said material; (4) controlling the quality of the solid, liquid, or gaseous substance; and (5) Control of the prevention of decay, slime, turbidity, discoloration, mold, rust, algae, or cracking of the substance. (6) The mass balance, speed, flow, maneuverability, water resistance, mechanical resistance, frictional resistance, fuel efficiency, durability, range, accuracy, directional stability, hitting efficiency, impact transmission characteristics, force and rotation applied to the ball, directionality of the hit ball, hit ball speed, flight distance, hitting feel, throwing distance, mechanical resistance, snow surface contact, rigidity, strength, vibration characteristics, flexibility, hardness, cushioning, texture, aesthetics, sugar content, acidity, hardness, AGEs score, sugar concentration, cell concentration, taste, aroma, texture, freshness, maturity, spoilage prevention, slime prevention, turbidity prevention, mold prevention, rust prevention, algae prevention, crack prevention, resistance, conductive properties, electromagnetic properties, optical properties, operability, workability, improvement of mechanical device or AI properties, space potential, and improvement of properties of a substance in a liquid, gas, or space. A control device characterized by controlling at least one of the qualities to a predetermined state.

2. Regarding the liquid present inside or on the surface of the substance placed opposite the electrode, (2a) controlling the interfacial tension of the liquid; (2b) Controlling the liquid to be bonded in a beaded arrangement; (2c) Controlling the liquid particles to be finer, or (2d) Controlling the orientation of liquid molecules or liquid particles; 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device executes at least one of the following controls.

3. 3. The control device according to claim 2, wherein the interfacial tension of the liquid when controlled includes at least one of the interfacial tension between the liquid and another liquid, the interfacial tension between the liquid and a gas, or the interfacial tension between the liquid and a solid.

4. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the effect of improving the properties of a material placed opposite the electrode continues for a predetermined period of time even after the electromagnetic field, electromagnetic waves, sound waves or ultrasonic waves generated from the electrode are removed.

5. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the electrode is disposed in a container for storing the substance.

6. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the voltage and the current is controlled to increase or decrease continuously or stepwise, or to be at a predetermined value.

7. The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the controller is connected to at least one of a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a mobile terminal, and a PC.

8. the controller is communicatively connected to a management server; The control device described in claim 1, characterized in that the management server performs at least one of updating or maintaining the program of the controller, monitoring or watching over the usage status of the controller, collecting or analyzing location information or environmental information of the controller, collecting or analyzing improvement request information from the controller, maintaining the controller, collecting control information from the controller and / or information from a database, generating and providing learning model information for the controller, providing control information based on the learning model information, or providing control parameters for the controller.

9. A control method using at least one electrode and a controller that controls at least one of a voltage value and a frequency of a voltage applied to the electrode, a step of controlling, with the controller, at least one of a voltage value and a frequency of a voltage applied to the electrode to the substance having a liquid inside or on its surface, with the substance having a liquid inside or on its surface being placed opposite the electrode, and controlling the state of the liquid present inside or around the substance based on a control parameter; A substance having a liquid inside or on its surface is placed facing the electrode, (9a) A detection unit that detects the type or state of the substance, and a learning model for determining control parameters of the controller, the learning model being trained by machine learning using at least detection data of the detection unit, and the control parameters being calculated by inputting the detection data into the trained learning model; and (9b) calculating a control parameter of the controller based on the detection data using information stored in a storage device that specifies a relationship between the target voltage to be applied to the electrode corresponding to at least the type or state of the substance; and (9c) adopting the control parameters set based on information specifying a relationship between the target voltage to be applied to the electrode corresponding to the type or information of the substance; a control step of controlling, by the controller, at least one of a voltage value and a frequency of a voltage applied to the electrode based on the control parameter specified by at least one of the above; At least one of an electromagnetic field, an electromagnetic wave, a sound wave, and an ultrasonic wave corresponding to the voltage is applied from the electrode to the substance, and the state of a liquid present inside or around the substance arranged opposite the electrode is controlled, (1) Control of the freshness, maturity, ripening, oxidation-reduction, removal of oxidized substances, deteriorated substances or putrefactive substances, fermentation, prevention of putrefaction, freshness maintenance, or the progression, delay, arrest and restoration of putrefaction or deterioration of the substance. (2) Controlling the alignment direction of the liquid; (3) controlling the quality of said material; (4) controlling the quality of the solid, liquid, or gaseous substance; and (5) Control of the prevention of decay, slime, turbidity, discoloration, mold, rust, algae, or cracking of the substance. (6) The mass balance, speed, flow, maneuverability, water resistance, mechanical resistance, frictional resistance, fuel efficiency, durability, range, accuracy, directional stability, hitting efficiency, impact transmission characteristics, force and rotation applied to the ball, directionality of the hit ball, hit ball speed, flight distance, hitting feel, throwing distance, mechanical resistance, snow surface contact, rigidity, strength, vibration characteristics, flexibility, hardness, cushioning, texture, aesthetics, sugar content, acidity, hardness, AGEs score, sugar concentration, cell concentration, taste, aroma, texture, freshness, maturity, spoilage prevention, slime prevention, turbidity prevention, mold prevention, rust prevention, algae prevention, crack prevention, resistance, conductive properties, electromagnetic properties, optical properties, operability, workability, improvement of mechanical device or AI properties, space potential, and improvement of properties of a substance in a liquid, gas, or space. a step of controlling at least one quality of the above to a predetermined state; A control method comprising:

10. Regarding the liquid present inside or on the surface of the substance placed opposite the electrode, (10a) controlling the interfacial tension of the liquid; (10b) controlling the liquid to be bonded in a bead-like arrangement; (10c) controlling the size of the liquid particles to be finer; and (10d) Controlling the orientation of liquid molecules or liquid particles 10. The control method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of performing one of the following controls:

11. 11. A program for causing a computer to execute the steps of the control method according to claim 9 or 10.

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