Information processing method and information processing device

Abstract

This information processing device starts: an application containing a plurality of blocks including a parameter for controlling an apparatus having an actuator and / or a heater; and a sequence containing one or more processes in which there is at least an intervening action by a person. The sequence involving: linking to the (N+1)th block of the application after completion of the Mth process; generating a state sustain block including a parameter for sustaining a state of an article processed by the apparatus at completion of an Nth block; and executing the generated state sustain block upon detection of completion of the Nth block.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to techniques for executing applications that include multiple blocks. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that allows a user to easily and quickly set the operating conditions for the washing operation, and prevents the selection of any combination of settings that are inconvenient for the subsequent steps depending on the selected washing settings.

[0003] However, in Patent Document 1, only the washing machine process is managed, and no consideration is given to the coordination between a sequence including a process involving human action and a block executed by the equipment. Therefore, when a process involving human action is delayed due to the skill of the person, it is not possible to prevent a decrease in the quality of the processed product by the equipment, and further improvement is needed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-284889 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technology that can suppress deterioration in the quality of processed products of equipment even if a process involving human actions is delayed due to the skill of the person or the like.

[0006] An information processing method in one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by a computer, which starts an application including a plurality of blocks having parameters for controlling equipment having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and a sequence including one or more steps involving at least human action, the sequence linking with the N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1)+1th block of the application after completion of the Mth (M is an integer greater than or equal to 1)th step, generating a state maintenance block having parameters for maintaining the state of the processed object of the equipment at the time of completion of the Nth block, and executing the generated state maintenance block when completion of the Nth block is detected.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, even if a process involving human actions is delayed due to the skill of the person, deterioration in the quality of the processed product of the equipment can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a server according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a server according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing execution of a state maintenance block in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a parameter table. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a server according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a server according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a server according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a server according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing execution of a state maintenance block in the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a server according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a server according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a server according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a server according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the execution of a state maintenance block in the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an example of processing by a server in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 19] 22 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a server according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Findings underlying this disclosure) Research is underway into technology that links an application, which includes multiple blocks with parameters for controlling devices, with a sequence, which includes one or more steps involving human actions. An example of such linkage is when a block in an application uses a processed product obtained by a step in a sequence.

[0010] While the equipment operates almost exactly as planned, the actions of the human being depend on the human's skill. Therefore, the process of obtaining the processed object due to the human's actions may be delayed relative to the block that uses that processed object. In this case, one possible method is to stop the operation of the equipment by turning off the power to the equipment's actuator, for example, and wait for the start of execution of the block that uses the processed object until the process of obtaining the processed object is completed.

[0011] However, this method can cause the condition of the processed material processed by the equipment in the block before the block that uses the processed material to change depending on the waiting time. For example, if a person puts ingredients cut by a person into a cooking appliance and then has the cooking appliance perform further cooking using the added ingredients and the ingredients that the cooking appliance has cooked up until then, if the process of cutting the ingredients is delayed, the ingredients in the cooking appliance will cool down and lose their flavor. This will result in a decrease in the quality of the processed material that is ultimately obtained.

[0012] Another example of coordination is matching the completion timing of a certain process in a sequence with a certain block in an application. For example, a washing machine needs to finish spin-drying at the same time as the meal is cleaned up. In this case, a possible method is to delay the start of the spin-dry so that the completion timing of the spin-dry coincides with the completion timing of the clean-up.

[0013] However, because spin-drying is performed after the water used for rinsing has been drained, starting spin-drying some time after draining the water can cause unpleasant odors and wrinkles in the laundry, which can lead to a decline in the quality of the laundry processed by the machine.

[0014] Furthermore, since it is difficult to predict the delay time of actions involving people during the application development stage, it is not easy for application developers to develop applications in advance in which blocks are arranged to prevent such delays.

[0015] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide technology that can suppress deterioration in the quality of the processed products of equipment even if a process involving human action is delayed due to the skill of the person, etc.

[0016] An information processing method in one aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by a computer, which starts an application including a plurality of blocks having parameters for controlling equipment having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and a sequence including one or more steps involving at least human action, the sequence linking with the N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1)+1th block of the application after completion of the Mth (M is an integer greater than or equal to 1)th step, generating a state maintenance block having parameters for maintaining the state of the processed object of the equipment at the time of completion of the Nth block, and executing the generated state maintenance block when completion of the Nth block is detected.

[0017] According to this configuration, when the Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1)+1th block of the application and the sequence are linked after the Mth step is completed, a state maintenance block is generated to maintain the state of the processed product of the equipment at the time of completion of execution of the Nth block. Then, when the completion of the Nth block is detected, the generated state maintenance block is executed. Therefore, even if the steps up to the Mth step are delayed due to factors such as the skill of a person, the state of the processed product of the equipment at the time of completion of the Nth block is maintained, thereby suppressing deterioration in the quality of the processed product of the equipment.

[0018] In the above information processing method, when completion of the Mth step is detected during execution of the state maintenance block, the state maintenance block may be terminated and the N+1th block may be executed.

[0019] According to this configuration, if the completion of the Mth step is detected during the execution of the state maintenance block, the state maintenance block is terminated and the N+1th block is executed, so that the sequence can be linked to the N+1th block after waiting for the Mth step to be reliably completed.

[0020] In the above information processing method, the state maintenance block may have a plurality of parameters with different priorities, and the plurality of parameters may differ depending on the type of the Nth block.

[0021] This configuration makes it possible to generate a state maintenance block having a plurality of parameters appropriate for the type of the Nth block. Furthermore, since the plurality of parameters have different priorities, the parameter to be executed by the device can be selected according to the priority.

[0022] In the above information processing method, the amount of power consumption of the device may further be acquired, and in the execution of the state maintenance block, parameters to be executed by the device may be determined based on the acquired amount of power consumption and the priority.

[0023] This configuration allows the parameters to be determined by the device, taking into account the device's power consumption and priority. For example, the device can be controlled to execute the highest priority parameter at the start of a state maintenance block, and then, if the device's power consumption is below a threshold after a predetermined time has elapsed, the device can be controlled to execute the next highest priority parameter. This allows the device to maintain the state of the processed material in as appropriate a state as possible while suppressing power consumption.

[0024] In the above information processing method, the sequence may further include a step of operating a device.

[0025] According to this configuration, when a sequence includes a process in which a machine is operated in addition to a process in which a human action is involved, even if the process in which a human action is involved is delayed, a decrease in the quality of the processed product of the machine can be suppressed.

[0026] In the above information processing method, when generating the state maintaining block, it may be determined to generate the state maintaining block when a delay in up to the (M-1)th process is detected.

[0027] According to this configuration, if a delay in the first (M-1) steps is detected, it is determined to generate a state maintenance block. Therefore, if a delay in the M-1 step is obvious before the M-th step is started due to a delay in the M-1 step, it is possible to determine to generate a state maintenance block.

[0028] In the above information processing method, when generating the state maintenance block, sensing data indicating the state of the processed product of the equipment at the time of completion of the Nth block may be obtained from a sensor of the equipment, and the value of the parameter of the state maintenance block may be determined based on the sensing data.

[0029] According to this configuration, the value of the state maintenance block is determined based on the sensing data at the time of completion of the Nth block, so that the parameter value of the state maintenance block can be determined to be an appropriate value for maintaining the state of the processing object.

[0030] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing device includes an initiation unit that initiates an application having a plurality of blocks including parameters for controlling equipment having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and a sequence including one or more steps involving at least human action, the sequence being linked to the N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1)+1th block of the application after completion of the M (M is an integer greater than or equal to 1)th step, a generation unit that generates a state maintenance block having parameters for maintaining the state of the processed object of the equipment at the time of completion of the Nth block, and an execution unit that executes the state maintenance block when completion of the Nth block is detected.

[0031] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide an information processing device that can obtain the same effects as the above-described information processing method.

[0032] Another aspect of the information processing method of the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by a computer, which starts an application having a plurality of blocks including parameters for controlling equipment having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and a sequence including one or more steps involving at least human action, the sequence linking with the N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1)+1th block of the application after completion of the Mth (M is an integer greater than or equal to 1)th step, and the Nth block may be extended until the Mth step is completed.

[0033] According to this configuration, if the Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1)+1th block of the application is linked to the sequence after the Mth step is completed, the Nth block is extended until the Mth step is completed. Therefore, even if the Mth step is delayed due to the skill of a person, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the quality of the processed product of the equipment. Furthermore, because the Nth block is extended, the effort of generating a separate block is eliminated, reducing the processing load.

[0034] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing device includes an initiation unit that initiates an application having a plurality of blocks including parameters for controlling equipment having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and a sequence including one or more steps involving at least human action, and the sequence is linked to an N (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1)+1th block of the application after completion of an M (M is an integer greater than or equal to 1)th step, and an extension unit that extends the Nth block until the Mth step is completed.

[0035] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide an information processing device that can obtain the same effects as the above-described information processing method.

[0036] An information processing method in another aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by a computer, which starts an application having a plurality of blocks including parameters for controlling equipment having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and a sequence including one or more steps involving at least human action, repeatedly calculates a first estimated completion time of the Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1)+1th block of the application and a second estimated completion time of the Mth (M is an integer greater than or equal to 1)th step of the sequence, generates a state maintenance block having parameters for maintaining the state of the processed material of the equipment at the time of completion of the Nth block, determines whether the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time match, and executes the state maintenance block until it is determined that the first estimated completion time matches the second estimated completion time.

[0037] According to this configuration, the state maintenance block is executed until it is determined that the first estimated completion time of the N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1)+1th block of the application matches the second estimated completion time of the M (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1)th step in the sequence. Therefore, even if the Mth steps are delayed, the state of the processed product at the time of completion of the Nth block is maintained, and it is possible to match the completion time of the N+1th block with the completion time of the Mth step while suppressing deterioration in the quality of the processed product.

[0038] In the above information processing method, the first estimated completion time may be calculated by adding to the current time the total time of the remaining time relative to a predetermined reference time for the currently executing block and the predetermined reference times for each of the blocks to be executed subsequently through the N+1th block, and the second estimated completion time may be calculated by adding to the current time the total time of the remaining time relative to a predetermined reference time for the currently executing step and the predetermined reference times for each of the blocks to be executed subsequently through the Mth step.

[0039] According to this configuration, the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time can be calculated accurately.

[0040] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing device includes an initiation unit that starts an application having a plurality of blocks including parameters for controlling equipment having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and a sequence including one or more steps involving at least human action; a calculation unit that repeatedly calculates a first estimated completion time of the Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1)+1th block of the application and a second estimated completion time of the Mth (M is an integer greater than or equal to 1)th step of the sequence; a generation unit that generates a state maintenance block having parameters for maintaining the state of the processed material of the equipment at the time of completion of the Nth block; a determination unit that determines whether the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time match; and an execution unit that executes the state maintenance block until the determination unit determines that the first estimated completion time matches the second estimated completion time.

[0041] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide an information processing device that can obtain the same effects as the above-described information processing method.

[0042] An information processing method in another aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method executed by a computer, which starts an application having a plurality of blocks including parameters for controlling equipment having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and a sequence including one or more steps involving at least human action, repeatedly calculates a first estimated completion time of the Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1)+1th block of the application and a second estimated completion time of the Mth (M is an integer greater than or equal to 1)th step of the sequence, determines whether the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time match, and extends the Nth block until it is determined that the first estimated completion time matches the second estimated completion time.

[0043] According to this configuration, if the first estimated completion time of the N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1)+1th block of the application does not match the second estimated completion time of the M (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1)th step in the sequence, the Nth block is extended until the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time match. Therefore, even if the Mth steps are delayed, the state of the processed product at the time of completion of the Nth block is maintained, and the completion timing of the N+1th block can be matched with the completion timing of the Mth step while suppressing deterioration in the quality of the processed product.

[0044] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing device includes an initiation unit that starts an application having a plurality of blocks including parameters for controlling equipment having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and a sequence including one or more steps involving at least human action; a calculation unit that repeatedly calculates a first estimated completion time of the Nth (N is an integer greater than or equal to 1)+1th block of the application and a second estimated completion time of the Mth (M is an integer greater than or equal to 1)th step of the sequence; a determination unit that determines whether the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time match; and an extension unit that extends the Nth block until the determination unit determines that the first estimated completion time matches the second estimated completion time.

[0045] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide an information processing device that can obtain the same effects as the above-described information processing method.

[0046] The present disclosure can also be realized as an information processing program that causes a computer to execute each characteristic configuration included in such an information processing method, or as an information processing system operated by this information processing program. Needless to say, such a computer program can be distributed on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM or via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0047] Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, shapes, components, steps, and step orders shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept are described as optional components. Furthermore, in all of the embodiments, the respective contents can be combined.

[0048] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing system 1 includes a server 2, a terminal 3, devices 4a, 4b, and a sensor device 5. The server 2 and the terminal 3 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via an external network NT1. The external network NT1 is configured from a public communication network including, for example, the Internet and a mobile phone communication network. The devices 4a and 4b are collectively referred to as devices 4.

[0049] The terminal 3, the device 4, and the sensor device 5 are installed in a facility 6. The facility 6 is, for example, a residence. Residences include single-family homes and apartment buildings. The facility 6 may also be, for example, a store or an office.

[0050] The terminal 3, the device 4, and the sensor device 5 are connected to each other via an internal network NT2 so that they can communicate with each other. The internal network NT2 is configured as a local area network including, for example, a wireless LAN and a wired LAN. The internal network NT2 may also include Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0051] In the example of FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes one facility 6, but the present disclosure is not limited to this and may include multiple facilities 6.

[0052] The server 2 is configured, for example, as a cloud server including one or more computers. The devices 4 are electrical devices used in the facility 6. The electrical devices include, for example, household electrical appliances (home appliances) and home equipment. Examples of home appliances that can be used include microwave ovens, rice cookers, mixers, electric ovens, electric toasters, electric kettles, hot plates, induction heating (IH) cookers, roasters, bakeries, electric pressure cookers, electric waterless pots, multi-cookers, coffee makers, refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, humidifiers, hair dryers, fans, and ion generators.

[0053] The home equipment may include, for example, an electric shutter, an electronic lock, and an electric water heater for a bathtub, but the device 4 is not limited to these.

[0054] The sensor device 5 is a sensor for monitoring the user's actions, and includes, for example, a camera and a microphone. The sensor device 5 is installed, for example, in the kitchen, the living room, and the bathroom where the washing machine is installed. Furthermore, the sensor device 5 may be an appliance capable of detecting changes in the state of ingredients in response to the user's actions. The appliance may be, for example, a cutting board with a sensor that detects the number of times ingredients have been cut, a weight sensor that detects the weight of ingredients, or an electronic mill.

[0055] The terminal 3 may be configured as a portable terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, or may be a terminal installed on the wall, floor, or ceiling of the facility 6. The terminal 3 functions as a gateway for connecting the external network NT1 and the internal network NT2.

[0056] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The server 2 includes a communication unit 21, a processor 22, and a memory 23. The communication unit 21 is configured with a communication circuit that connects the server 2 to an external network NT1. The communication unit 21 receives a start request from the terminal 3 to start an application and a sequence.

[0057] The processor 22 is configured, for example, by a CPU, and includes a start unit 221, a generation unit 222, and an execution unit 223. The start unit 221 executes an application and a sequence simultaneously, triggered, for example, by receiving a start request from the communication unit 21. The start request includes information about the application and sequence specified by the person. Each block of the processor 22 may be configured by an electric circuit.

[0058] The initiation unit 221 transmits a start instruction to the terminal 3 to simultaneously execute the application and the sequence using the communication unit 21. The initiation unit 221 transmits an equipment control signal to the equipment 4 to operate the equipment 4 according to the application using the communication unit 21. The initiation unit 221 transmits an instruction signal to the terminal 3 using the communication unit 21 to instruct the action of a person required to execute the steps included in the sequence.

[0059] An application is a computer program including multiple blocks that are executed sequentially. Applications are developed in advance by an application developer to correspond to, for example, one or more operating modes of the device 4. A rice cooker has operating modes such as an operating mode for cooking seasoned rice and an operating mode for cooking plain rice, and an application exists for each of these operating modes. A washing machine has operating modes such as a standard wash mode, a delicate wash mode, and a large wash mode, and an application exists for each of these operating modes.

[0060] An application developer creates an application using a development tool. The development tool is a program executed by a computer. The development tool has blocks prepared in advance. The application developer can easily create an application by inputting operations to arrange the prepared blocks in the development tool. For example, when creating an application for seasoned rice, the application developer inputs operations to arrange in order a block for pre-cooking processing, a block for adding ingredients processing, and a block for cooking processing.

[0061] The blocks include a control program for controlling the device 4 having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and are abstract representations of the control program. For example, the blocks of a rice cooker include a block for controlling a pre-cooking process, a block for controlling an ingredient addition process, and a block for controlling a cooking process. The blocks of a washing machine include a block for controlling a stirring process, a block for controlling a rinsing process, and a block for controlling a spin-drying process.

[0062] The blocks include parameters for controlling the device 4, which has at least one of an actuator and a heater. The parameters vary depending on the block. For example, in a rice cooker, the pre-cooking process block includes a parameter for specifying the set temperature of the rice cooker and a parameter for specifying the processing time. For example, in a washing machine, the stirring process block includes a parameter for specifying the motor rotation speed, a parameter for specifying the water level, and a parameter for specifying the processing time.

[0063] A sequence is a computer program including instructions for realizing one or more steps involving at least a person's actions. In addition to steps involving a person, a sequence may also include a step of instructing a device 4 to perform an action. For example, the sequence causes the terminal 3 to output instruction information indicating an instruction for a person to perform an action. The instruction information may be output in the form of at least one of video and audio, for example. The person performs an action in accordance with the instruction output from the terminal 3.

[0064] The steps involving human actions include, for example, the step of cutting vegetables, the step of frying the cut vegetables, the step of eating a meal, and the step of cleaning up after the meal. These steps are prepared in advance in the development tool. The application developer develops a sequence by inputting operations that arrange these steps in the development tool.

[0065] The process includes parameters that define the content. For example, the process of cutting vegetables includes parameters that define the number of cuts, parameters that define the weight of the vegetables, etc. For example, the process of eating includes parameters that define the meal time. For example, the process of tidying up includes parameters that define the tidying up time.

[0066] In addition, application developers can define linkage rules in the development tool that link a sequence with an application. For example, linkage can be achieved by linking a sequence with the N+1th block of an application after the Mth step of the sequence is completed, where M and N are integers equal to or greater than 1.

[0067] Here, it is assumed that the starting unit 221 simultaneously starts an application and a sequence for which a coordination rule is defined.

[0068] The generation unit 222 generates a state maintenance block having parameters, which are predetermined according to the type of the Nth block, for maintaining the state of the processed object at the time of completion of the Nth block. If the device 4 is a cooking device, the processed object corresponds to, for example, ingredients cooked by the cooking device up to the Nth step. The value of the parameter is determined based on sensing data acquired from the sensor 46. The state maintenance block may also have multiple parameters with different priorities for maintaining the state of the device 4.

[0069] When the execution unit 223 detects the completion of the Nth block, it executes the generated state maintenance block. Furthermore, when the execution unit 223 detects the completion of the Mth step while the state maintenance block is being executed, it causes the application to end the state maintenance block and execute the N+1th block.

[0070] The memory 23 is configured with storage devices such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid state drive (SDD). The memory 23 stores in advance applications and sequences to be executed. The memory 23 stores in advance a parameter table T7 shown in Fig. 7. The parameter table T7 will be described in detail later.

[0071] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of device 4. Device 4 includes a housing 41, an actuator 42, a heater 43, a control unit 44, a communication unit 45, and a sensor 46. Device 4 may include at least one of actuator 42 and heater 43. Housing 41 houses actuator 42, heater 43, control unit 44, communication unit 45, and sensor 46. Housing 41 may have an internal space for processing an object to be processed. The internal space is, for example, the washing tub of a washing machine, the heating chamber of a microwave oven, or the inner pot of a rice cooker.

[0072] The actuator 42 is a mechanical element that converts input energy into physical movement based on an electrical signal, such as an electric motor, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic actuator.

[0073] The heater 43 is an electric heater that converts electrical energy into thermal energy. The heater 43 heats the object to be processed by, for example, Joule heating, induction heating, or dielectric heating. The heater 43 is, for example, a nichrome wire, a coil, or a magnetron.

[0074] The control unit 44 is a controller that controls the components of the device 4, including the actuator 42 and the heater 43. The control unit 44 is configured, for example, by an integrated circuit. The control unit 44 operates the device 4 in accordance with a device control signal transmitted from the server 2.

[0075] The communication unit 45 is configured with a communication circuit that connects the device 4 to the internal network NT2. The communication unit 45 receives a device control signal transmitted from the server 2. The communication unit 45 transmits sensing data detected by the sensor 46 to the server 2.

[0076] The sensor 46 is a sensor for detecting the state of the device 4. The sensor 46 is, for example, a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. The sensor 46 detects the state of the device 4, for example, at a predetermined sampling period, and generates sensing data indicating the detected state.

[0077] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal 3. The terminal 3 includes a communication unit 31, a display 32, a control unit 33, and an input device 34. The communication unit 31 is configured with a communication circuit that connects the terminal 3 to the internal network NT2. The communication unit 31 receives instruction signals transmitted from the server 2. Furthermore, the communication unit 31 transfers various data transmitted from the device 4 and the sensor device 5 and destined for the server 2 to the server 2. Furthermore, the communication unit 31 transfers data transmitted from the server 2 and destined for the device 4 to the device 4.

[0078] The display 32 is configured as an organic EL display or a liquid crystal display, and displays instruction information indicating instructions to the person based on the instruction signal.

[0079] The control unit 33 is a controller that controls the terminal 3. The control unit 33 is configured with, for example, an integrated circuit. The control unit 33 generates instruction information based on an instruction signal transmitted from the server 2 and displays it on the display 32.

[0080] The input device 34 may be, for example, a touch panel, a keyboard, or a mouse. A voice input device may also be used as the input device 34. The input device 34 and the display 32 may be integrated into a touch screen. The input device 34 may also be a gesture input device. The gesture input device may have, for example, a camera and a recognition unit. The camera captures an image including a gesture, and the recognition unit recognizes the gesture using the image.

[0081] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the server 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. This flowchart starts during execution of the Nth block.

[0082] In step S1, the execution unit 223 detects the completion of the Nth block. The execution unit 223 may detect the completion of the Nth block when the Nth block satisfies a predetermined completion condition. The completion condition may be, for example, at least one of the following: a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the block; the temperature of the internal space has reached a predetermined temperature; or the humidity of the internal space has reached a predetermined humidity. If the completion of the Nth block is detected (YES in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2; if the completion of the Nth block is not detected (NO in step S1), the process waits in step S1.

[0083] In step S2, the generation unit 222 acquires sensing data of the device 4 at the completion of the Nth block. For example, the sensing data includes at least one of the temperature and humidity of the internal space of the device 4.

[0084] In step S3, the generation unit 222 generates a state maintaining block based on the parameter table T7 shown in Fig. 7 and the sensing data acquired in step S2. For example, the generation unit 222 may generate a state maintaining block that has parameters defined in the parameter table T7, and the values ​​of each parameter are determined based on the sensing data.

[0085] In step S4, the execution unit 223 executes the generated state maintaining block. In this case, a device control signal for executing the state maintaining block is transmitted to the device 4.

[0086] In step S5, the execution unit 223 detects the completion of the Mth step. Here, the execution unit 223 may detect the completion of the Mth step when the Mth step satisfies a predetermined completion condition. For example, the execution unit 223 may analyze the movement of a person from the sensing data, and may determine that the Mth step is completed when the analyzed movement is different from the movement specified by the Mth step.

[0087] If the execution unit 223 detects the completion of the Mth step (YES in step S5), it ends the state maintenance block (step S6). If the execution unit 223 does not detect the completion of the Mth step (NO in step S5), it puts the process on hold in step S5. In this case, a device control signal for ending the state maintenance block is sent to the device 4.

[0088] In step S7, the execution unit 223 executes the (N+1)th block. In this case, a device control signal for executing the (N+1)th block is transmitted to the device 4.

[0089] 6 is a sequence diagram showing the execution of state maintenance block 6X in embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. In this example, application 600 is an application for cooking seasoned rice by a rice cooker as device 4, and sequence 700 is a sequence for preparing seasoned rice.

[0090] In the application 600, the Nth block 61 is a pre-cooking process block, the N+1th block 62 is a filling addition process block, and the N+2th block 63 is a cooking process block. In the sequence 700, the Mth step 71 is a vegetable cutting process.

[0091] A linkage rule is defined for application 600 and sequence 700 so that, after completion of block 61, sequence 700 links with block 62. Here, the linkage is shown in which vegetables cut in step 71 are fed into a cooking appliance. Note that in FIG. 6, blocks prior to the N-1th block and steps prior to the M-1th block are not shown.

[0092] For example, block 61 includes a parameter that specifies a set temperature, a parameter that indicates a processing time, and a parameter that specifies convection ON. For example, step 71 includes a parameter that specifies the number of cuts, a parameter that specifies the weight of the ingredients to be cut, etc.

[0093] At timing T1, the execution unit 223 detects the completion of block 61. Here, the processing time of block 61 reaches 1000 seconds, so the completion of block 61 is detected.

[0094] Also, at timing T1, the generation unit 222 generates a state maintaining block 6X having parameters predetermined according to the type of block 61. In this example, the state maintaining block 6X includes a parameter that defines the set temperature, a parameter that defines the moisture content, and a parameter that defines the pressure.

[0095] Furthermore, at timing T1, the execution unit 223 executes the state maintaining block 6X. In this case, the execution unit 223 determines the parameter values ​​of the state maintaining block 6X based on the sensing data acquired from the rice cooker at timing T1.

[0096] At timing T2, the execution unit 223 detects the completion of step 71. For example, when sensing data acquired by a camera and / or microphone is used as the sensing data of the sensor device 5, the execution unit 223 may detect the completion of step 71 when the movement of the person indicated by the sensing data acquired from the camera changes to a movement different from cutting vegetables. For example, when sensing data acquired by the above-mentioned appliance is used as the sensing data of the sensor device 5, the execution unit 223 may count the number of cut vegetable ingredients from the sensing data, and determine that step 71 is complete when the count reaches a predetermined number (here, 12 times).

[0097] At timing T2, the execution unit 223 ends the state maintenance block 6X and executes the block 62.

[0098] The completion timing of step 71 (timing T2) will be delayed from the completion timing of block 61 depending on the skill of the person cutting the vegetables. In this case, if the operation of the cooking appliance is stopped between timing T1 and timing T2, the processed food will cool or dry out, and the quality of the processed food will deteriorate. This will result in a deterioration in the quality of the seasoned rice.

[0099] Therefore, in this embodiment, state maintenance block 6X is executed during the period from timing T1 to timing T2. Here, state maintenance block 6X has parameters for maintaining the state of the processed product at the time of completion of block 61. Therefore, at timing T2, which is the start of block 62, deterioration in the quality of the processed product can be suppressed, and deterioration in the quality of cooked rice can be suppressed.

[0100] Next, the parameters of the state maintaining block 6X will be described. The generation unit 222 determines the parameters of the state maintaining block 6X by referring to a parameter table T7 shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the parameter table T7.

[0101] In the parameter table T7, the vertical axis indicates the block immediately before the state maintenance block 6X, and the horizontal axis indicates the priority.

[0102] In this example, the immediately preceding blocks are a boiling block, a steaming block, and a soaking block. Also, in this example, three priorities are shown: high, medium, and low. Each cell of the parameter table T7 registers a parameter of the state maintenance block.

[0103] If the immediately preceding block is a boiling block, the temperature sensor + heater parameters are registered as high priority parameters, the moisture sensor + steam heater parameters are registered as medium priority parameters, and the pressure sensor + pressure valve parameters are registered as low priority parameters.

[0104] The parameter of the temperature sensor + heater is a parameter for controlling the heater, and the parameter value is determined based on the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor. The parameter of the moisture content sensor + steam heater is a parameter for controlling the steam heater, and the parameter value is determined based on the moisture content detected by the moisture content sensor. The parameter of the pressure sensor + pressure valve is a parameter for controlling the pressure valve, and the opening value of the pressure valve is determined as the parameter value based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor.

[0105] The generation unit 222 generates a state maintenance block that includes all parameters registered in one row of the parameter table T7. For example, when generating a state maintenance block for a boiling block, the generation unit 222 generates a state maintenance block that has the three parameters registered in the first row.

[0106] When starting a state maintenance block, the execution unit 223 first executes a parameter with high priority. Next, if the amount of power consumed by the device 4 is equal to or less than a predetermined upper limit power amount when a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the parameter with high priority, the execution unit 223 further executes a parameter with medium priority. Next, if the amount of power consumed by the device 4 is equal to or less than the upper limit power amount when a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the parameter with medium priority, the execution unit 223 further executes a parameter with low priority.

[0107] The power consumption of the device 4 is, for example, the power consumption during execution of the state maintenance block. The execution unit 223 may calculate the power consumption based on the sensing data transmitted from the device 4.

[0108] For example, in the boiling block, a heater applies heat to ingredients to evaporate their moisture. Therefore, temperature management of the internal space is the most important factor in maintaining the state at the completion of the boiling block. Therefore, in the parameter table T7, the priority of the temperature sensor + heater parameter is set to high. For example, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor at the completion of the boiling block is 130 degrees, the execution unit 223 may set the value of the temperature sensor + heater parameter to 130 degrees. Alternatively, the execution unit 223 may set the value of the temperature sensor + heater parameter to 100 degrees in order to suppress a decrease in the moisture content of ingredients during the execution of the state maintenance block.

[0109] Furthermore, if control using the temperature sensor and heater parameters continues, the moisture content of the ingredients may decrease. Therefore, the moisture sensor and steam heater parameters are set to a medium priority. By executing this parameter, steam is added to the internal space, maintaining the moisture content of the ingredients.

[0110] Furthermore, in the boiling block, the ingredients may be moved by pressure. Therefore, to maintain this state, the priority of the pressure sensor + pressure valve parameter is set to low.

[0111] Here, we have explained in detail the state maintenance block whose previous block is a boiling block, but parameter table T7 also registers appropriate parameters for each state maintenance block, a steam block and a soaking block, to maintain the state of the ingredients at the time the previous block is completed.

[0112] The parameters of the state maintenance block registered in the parameter table T7 and the priority of each parameter may be defined by the manufacturer of the device 4 or by the developer of the application.

[0113] Furthermore, the application developer may define control rules based on the parameter table T7 defined by the manufacturer. For example, a control rule may be adopted that, if the temperature of the bottom of the cooking appliance's pot is 130 degrees when the previous block is completed, a high-priority parameter and a medium-priority parameter are executed. Furthermore, a control rule may be adopted that, for example, adds a stirring parameter to a block that maintains the state of heating ingredients.

[0114] Furthermore, although the example in FIG. 7 shows parameters relating to cooking appliances, parameters for other appliances 4 are also registered in the parameter table T7.

[0115] In the above description, the parameters to be executed are determined based on the amount of power consumption, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, in the case of a cooking appliance having two or more heaters, the execution unit 223 may alternately execute the parameters of a heater with a high priority and the parameters of a heater with a medium priority. For example, the execution unit 223 may alternately execute the parameters of a heater with a high priority and the parameters of a heater with a medium priority in a time ratio of 3:2. Specifically, the execution unit 223 may repeatedly execute a control set in which the parameters of a heater with a high priority are first executed for three minutes, and then the parameters of a heater with a medium priority are executed for two minutes.

[0116] As described above, according to the first embodiment, even if the Mth process is delayed due to the skill of a person, the state of the device 4 at the time of completion of the Nth block is maintained, thereby suppressing deterioration in the quality of the processed product of the device 4. Furthermore, since the state maintenance block is generated based on sensing data acquired from the sensor of the device 4, it is possible to generate a state maintenance block that is appropriate for maintaining the state of the device 4.

[0117] (Embodiment 2) In the second embodiment, instead of generating a state maintenance block in the first embodiment, the Nth block is extended. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server 2A in the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that in the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0118] The server 2A includes a processor 22A. The processor 22A includes an initiation unit 221 and an extension unit 224. The extension unit 224 extends the Nth block until the Mth step is completed.

[0119] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the server 2A according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. In the flowchart of Fig. 9, the same processes as those in Fig. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0120] In step S71 following step S2, the extension unit 224 determines the parameters of the Nth block at the time of extension based on the parameter table T7 shown in Fig. 7 and the sensing data acquired in step S2. The details of the parameter determination are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0121] In step S72, the extension unit 224 updates the parameters of the Nth block with the parameters determined in step S71, and extends the Nth block whose parameters have been updated.

[0122] In step S5, when the extension unit 224 detects the completion of the Mth process (YES in step S5), it ends the extension of the Nth block (step S73). In step S74, the extension unit 224 executes the N+1th block.

[0123] In this way, in embodiment 2, even if the Mth process is delayed due to the skill of a person, the state of equipment 4 at the time of completion of the Nth block is maintained, thereby preventing a decrease in the quality of the processed product of equipment 4.

[0124] In the second embodiment, the parameters of the Nth block are updated with the parameters determined in step S71 and then the Nth block is extended, but this is just an example, and the Nth block may be extended without updating the parameters of the Nth block with the parameters determined in step S71. In this case, the processes of steps S1, S2, S71, and S72 are not required, and the processing load can be reduced.

[0125] (Embodiment 3) In the third embodiment, a state maintenance block is generated based on the delay of the first (M-1)th process. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server 2B in the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that in the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0126] The server 2B includes a processor 22B. The processor 22B includes a start unit 221, a generation unit 222B, and an execution unit 223. The generation unit 222B generates a state maintenance block when it detects a delay in the first (M-1)th steps.

[0127] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the server 2B according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. In the flowchart of Fig. 11, the same processes as those in Fig. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0128] In step S101, the execution unit 223 detects the start of the (M-1)th step. If the start of the (M-1)th step is detected (YES in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102. If the start of the (M-1)th step is not detected (NO in step S101), the process waits in step S101. Here, the execution unit 223 may detect the completion of the (M-1)th step when the (M-1)th block satisfies a predetermined completion condition. For example, when sensing data acquired by a camera and / or microphone is used as the sensing data of the sensor device 5, the execution unit 223 may analyze the movements of a person from the sensing data, and may determine that the (M-1)th step has been completed when the analyzed movements are different from the movements specified by the (M-1)th step. For example, when the sensing data acquired by the above-mentioned appliance is used as the sensing data of the sensor device 5, the execution unit 223 counts the number of cut vegetables from the sensing data, and when the count reaches a predetermined number (here, 12 times), it determines that the M-1th step has been completed.

[0129] In step S102, the generation unit 222B determines whether the elapsed time of the (M-1)th step is greater than the time obtained by adding a predetermined time to the reference time. The elapsed time is the time elapsed from the start of the (M-1)th step. The reference time is, for example, a predetermined time expected to be required to complete the (M-1)th step. The predetermined time is, for example, one minute. The predetermined time is set to provide some leeway in the determination criteria.

[0130] If the determination in step S102 is YES, the generation unit 222B determines to execute the state maintenance block (step S103). If the determination in step S102 is NO, the generation unit 222B determines whether the (M-1)th step has been completed within the reference time plus the predetermined time (step S104). If the (M-1)th step has been completed within the reference time plus the predetermined time (YES in step S104), the process proceeds to step S1. On the other hand, if the (M-1)th step has not been completed within the reference time plus the predetermined time (NO in step S104), the process returns to step S102.

[0131] Thereafter, the processing of steps S1 to S7 is executed as in Fig. 5. As a result, when the Nth process is completed, the state maintenance block is executed, and when the Mth process is completed, the state maintenance block is ended and the N+1th block is executed.

[0132] 12 is a sequence diagram showing the execution of state maintenance block 6X in embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. In this example, application 600A is an application for cooking seasoned rice by a rice cooker as device 4, and sequence 700A is a sequence for preparing seasoned rice.

[0133] In the application 600A, the (N-1)th block 60 is a block for the first pre-cooking process, the Nth block 61 is a block for the second pre-cooking process, the (N+1)th block 62 is a block for the ingredient addition process, and the (N+2)th block 63 is a block for the cooking process. In the sequence 700A, the (M-1)th step 71 is a step for cutting vegetables, and the (M)th step 72 is a step for frying the cut vegetables.

[0134] A linkage rule is defined for application 600A and sequence 700A such that, after completion of Nth block 61, sequence 700A links with block 62. Here, the linkage is shown in which the stir-fried cut vegetables obtained in Mth step 71 are fed into a cooking appliance. Note that in FIG. 12, blocks prior to N-2th and steps prior to M-2th are not shown.

[0135] For example, step 72 includes a parameter that defines the power of the stove and a parameter that defines the stir-fry time.

[0136] At timing T01, the (M-1)th process is started, so the generation unit 222B starts counting the elapsed time of the (M-1)th process. At timing T02, the elapsed time of the (M-1)th process reaches the reference time TA. At timing T03, the elapsed time of the (M-1)th process is greater than the reference time TA plus the predetermined time TB. Therefore, at timing T03, the generation unit 222B determines to execute the state maintenance block.

[0137] At timing T04, the (M-1)th step 71 is completed and the Mth step 72 is started.

[0138] At timing T1, the execution unit 223 detects the completion of block 61. Here, the processing time of block 61 reaches 1000 seconds, so the completion of block 61 is detected.

[0139] Also, at timing T1, the generation unit 222 generates a state maintenance block 6X having parameters predetermined according to the type of block 61. In this example, the state maintenance block 6X includes a parameter that defines the set temperature, a parameter that defines the amount of moisture, and a parameter that defines the pressure of the pressure valve.

[0140] Furthermore, at timing T1, the execution unit 223 executes the state maintaining block 6X. In this case, the execution unit 223 determines the parameter values ​​of the state maintaining block 6X based on the sensing data acquired from the rice cooker at timing T1.

[0141] At timing T2, the execution unit 223 detects the completion of step 72. Here, the completion of step 72 is detected because the person's movement indicated by the sensing data acquired from the sensor device 5 has changed to a movement different from the stir-frying movement. At timing T2, the execution unit 223 ends the state maintenance block 6X and executes block 62.

[0142] Thus, according to the third embodiment, if a delay in the (M-1)th process is detected, it is determined to generate a state maintenance block. Therefore, if a delay in the Mth process is obvious due to a delay in the (M-1)th process before the Mth process is started, it is possible to determine to generate a state maintenance block.

[0143] (Fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, instead of generating a state maintenance block in the third embodiment, the Nth block is extended. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server 2C in the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that in the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0144] The server 2C includes a processor 22C. The processor 22C includes a start unit 221 and an extension unit 224C. When the extension unit 224C detects a delay in the (M-1)th step, it determines to extend the Nth block.

[0145] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the server 2C according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the flowchart of Fig. 14, the same processes as those in Fig. 9 and Fig. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0146] In step S102, if it is determined that the elapsed time of the (M-1)th process is greater than the reference time plus a predetermined time (YES in step S102), the generation unit 222C determines to extend the Nth block (step S1401). Thereafter, the processes of steps S1, S2, S71, S72, S5, S73, and S74 are executed. As a result, the Nth block is extended until the Mth process is completed.

[0147] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, if a delay in the (M-1)th process is detected, it is determined to extend the Nth block. Therefore, if a delay in the Mth process is obvious due to a delay in the (M-1)th process before the Mth process is started, it is possible to determine to extend the Nth block.

[0148] (Embodiment 5) In the fifth embodiment, an application and a sequence are linked so that their completion timings coincide. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server 2D in the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that in the fifth embodiment, the same components as those in the first to fourth embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0149] In this embodiment, the application and sequence have a predetermined cooperation rule so that the scheduled completion times of the (N+1)th block and the Mth step coincide with each other.

[0150] The server 2D includes a processor 22D. The processor 22D includes a start unit 221, a generation unit 222, a calculation unit 225, a determination unit 226, and an execution unit 223D.

[0151] The calculation unit 225 calculates a first estimated completion time of the (N+1)th block of the application and a second estimated completion time of the Mth step in the sequence. The calculation unit 225 may calculate the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time at a predetermined sampling period from the time when the calculation unit 225 detects the start of a block (e.g., the (M-1)th block) that is a predetermined number of blocks before the Mth step until the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time match.

[0152] Because the blocks of the application control the device 4, the reference time for each block is determined in advance. Therefore, the calculation unit 225 may calculate the first estimated completion time by adding the total time of the remaining time of the currently executed block and the predetermined reference times for each of the blocks to be executed subsequently through the (N+1)th block to the current time. After the state maintenance block is executed, the calculation unit 225 may calculate the latest first estimated completion time by adding the elapsed time of the state maintenance block to the first estimated completion time calculated at the start of the state maintenance block.

[0153] The calculation unit 225 may calculate the second estimated completion time as follows: The calculation unit 225 may calculate the second estimated completion time by adding the total time of the remaining time of the currently executed process and the predetermined reference times for each of the processes to be executed subsequently through the Mth process to the current time. The remaining time is calculated, for example, by subtracting the elapsed time of the currently executed process from the predetermined reference time for the process. Alternatively, the calculation unit 225 may monitor the movement of a person from sensing data detected by the sensor device 5 and calculate the second estimated completion time based on the monitoring results.

[0154] The determining unit 226 determines whether or not the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time calculated by the calculating unit 225 match.

[0155] The execution unit 223D executes the state maintaining block until the determination unit 226 determines that the first estimated completion time matches the second estimated completion time.

[0156] 16 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the server 2D according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. This flowchart is started during execution of the Nth block. This flowchart is implemented after the Nth block is completed. In step S1601, the execution unit 223D detects the completion of the Nth block. The details of detecting the completion of the Nth block are the same as those of step S1 in FIG.

[0157] In step S1602, the generation unit 222D acquires sensing data of the device 4 at the completion of the Nth block. For example, the sensing data includes at least one of the temperature and humidity of the internal space of the device 4.

[0158] In step S1603, the generating unit 222D generates a state maintenance block based on the parameter table T7 shown in Fig. 7 and the sensing data acquired in step S2. Details of the process in step S1603 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0159] In step S1604, the generation unit 222D executes the state maintenance block.

[0160] In step S1605, the determination unit 226 determines whether the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time match. If it is determined that the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time match (YES in step S1605), the process proceeds to step S1606, and if it is determined that the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time do not match (NO in step S1605), the process waits in step S1605.

[0161] In step S1606, the execution unit 223D ends the state maintenance block. In step S1607, the execution unit 223D executes the (N+1)th block.

[0162] 17 is a sequence diagram showing the execution of state maintenance block 6X in embodiment 5 of the present disclosure. In this example, application 800 is an application for causing a washing machine serving as device 4 to execute a standard course of laundry processing. Sequence 900 is a sequence including cooking, eating, and tidying up.

[0163] In the application 800, the (N-2)th block 81 is a stirring block, the (N-1)th block 82 is a first rinsing block, the (N)th block 83 is a second rinsing block, and the (N+1)th block 84 is a spin-drying block. The block 84 has a drainage sub-block 841 and a spin-drying sub-block 842.

[0164] In sequence 900, the (M-3)th step 91 is a step of causing the rice cooker to perform a boiling process, the (M-2)th step 92 is a step of causing the rice cooker to perform a steaming process, the (M-1)th step 93 is a meal process, and the (M-1)th step 94 is a cleanup process.

[0165] Thus, the sequence 900 includes not only steps 93 and 94 for instructing the person to perform an action, but also steps 91 and 92 for operating the device 4 .

[0166] At timing T1, the execution unit 223D detects the end of step 92 and starts step 93. Accordingly, the calculation unit 225 starts the calculation process of the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time. Since step 93 is a meal step, the sequence causes the display 32 of the terminal 3 to display instruction information instructing the person to eat.

[0167] The calculation unit 225 may calculate the first estimated completion time by adding the total time of the remaining time of the reference time of the block 83 and the reference time of the block 84 to the current time.

[0168] The calculation unit 225 may calculate the second estimated completion time by adding the total time of the reference time of the step 93 and the reference time of the step 94 to the current time.

[0169] At timing T2, the generation unit 222D detects the completion of block 83 and therefore generates a state maintenance block 8X. Also, at timing T2, the execution unit 223D executes the generated state maintenance block 8X. Thereafter, the calculation unit 225 calculates the latest first estimated completion time by adding the elapsed time of the state maintenance block 8X to the first estimated completion time calculated at timing T1. The process of calculating the latest first estimated completion time is repeated at a predetermined sampling period.

[0170] At timing T3, the determination unit 226 determines that the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time match. Therefore, the execution unit 223D ends the state maintenance block 8X and executes block 84. Here, the execution unit 223D executes sub-block 841.

[0171] At timing T4, the execution unit 223D detects the completion of step 93 and therefore executes step 94. The execution unit 223D may determine that step 93 is completed when step 93 satisfies a predetermined completion condition based on, for example, sensing data detected by the sensor device 5. The completion condition may be, for example, a person performing an action other than the action of eating.

[0172] At time T5, block 84 and step 94 are completed.

[0173] 17, the state maintaining block 8X is executed so that the scheduled completion times of block 84 and step 94 coincide. Here, the parameters of the state maintaining block 8X are determined so that the state of the workpiece (laundry in the washing tub) at the time of completion of block 83 is maintained.

[0174] If the water in the washing tub is immediately drained after the rinsing process shown in block 83 is completed, and the laundry is left for a while before the spin-drying process shown in sub-block 842 is performed, the laundry may become wrinkled or develop an unpleasant odor.

[0175] Therefore, in this embodiment, the state maintenance block 8X is executed. In this example, the state maintenance block 8X has a parameter that defines the water level set to 100 mm, a parameter that defines the processing time set to 900 s, and a parameter that defines the rotation speed of the motor that rotates the washing tub set to 400 rpm. The parameter that defines the processing time set to 900 s is extended as needed until the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time match.

[0176] Therefore, the state of the laundry at the time of completion of block 83 is maintained during the period from time T2 to time T3. As a result, the completion times of block 84 and step 94 can be matched without deteriorating the quality of the processed laundry.

[0177] 17, block 84 may be the final block of application 800 or an intermediate block. Also, in FIG. 17, step 94 may be the final step or an intermediate step.

[0178] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, if the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time do not match, the state maintenance block is executed. Therefore, even if the Mth process is delayed, the state of the processed product at the time of completion of the Nth block is maintained, and the completion time of the (N+1)th block and the completion time of the Mth process can be made to match while suppressing deterioration in the quality of the processed product.

[0179] (Sixth embodiment) In the sixth embodiment, the Nth block is extended instead of extending the state maintenance block in the fifth embodiment. Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the processing of the server 2E in the sixth embodiment. Note that in the sixth embodiment, the same components as those in the first to fifth embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0180] The server 2E includes a processor 22E. The processor 22E includes a starting unit 221, a calculating unit 225, a determining unit 226, and an extending unit 224E.

[0181] The extension unit 224E extends the Nth block until the determination unit 226 determines that the first estimated completion time matches the second estimated completion time.

[0182] Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the server 2E according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the flowchart of Fig. 19, the same processes as those in Fig. 16 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0183] In step S1901 following step S1602, the extension unit 224E determines parameters for the Nth block during extension based on the parameter table T7 shown in Fig. 7 and the sensing data acquired in step S1602. The details of determining these parameters are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0184] In step S1902, extension unit 224E updates the parameters of the Nth block with the parameters determined in step S1602, and extends the Nth block whose parameters have been updated.

[0185] In step S1605, if it is determined that the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time match (YES in step S1605), the extension unit 224E ends the extension of the Nth block (step S1903). On the other hand, if it is determined that the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time do not match (NO in step S1605), the process waits in step S1605.

[0186] In step S1904, the extension unit 224E executes the (N+1)th block.

[0187] As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, if the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time do not match, the Nth block is extended. Therefore, even if the first to Mth processes are delayed, the state of the processed product at the time of completion of the Nth block is maintained, and the completion time of the (N+1)th block can be made to match the completion time of the Mth process while suppressing deterioration in the quality of the processed product.

[0188] The present disclosure can employ the following modifications.

[0189] (1) In the first to sixth embodiments, all or some of the various blocks provided in the servers 2 to 2E may be provided in the terminal 3.

[0190] (2) In the first to fourth embodiments, the application executes an operation mode of the rice cooker for cooking seasoned rice, but the present disclosure is not limited to this and may execute another operation mode of the rice cooker, or may execute an operation mode of a device 4 other than a rice cooker. In the first to fourth embodiments, the sequence instructs a person to prepare seasoned rice, but the present disclosure is not limited to this and may instruct a person to prepare a dish other than seasoned rice.

[0191] (3) In the fifth and sixth embodiments, the application executes the operation mode of the standard course of the washing machine, but the present disclosure is not limited to this and may execute the operation mode of another course of the washing machine, or the operation mode of a course of a device 4 other than the washing machine. In the fifth and sixth embodiments, the sequence includes cooking, eating, and cleaning up, but this is an example and the sequence may include other steps.

[0192] (4) In the first to fourth embodiments, the sequence may further include a step of operating the device 4. In this case, the actual state of this step is the same as that of the block. [Industrial Applicability]

[0193] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present disclosure is useful in the field of controlling devices using applications including blocks.

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: starting an application including a plurality of blocks having parameters for controlling a device having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and a sequence including at least one step involving a human action; The sequence is linked to the Nth (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1)+1th block of the application after the Mth (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1) step is completed, generating a state maintenance block having parameters for maintaining the state of the process product of the device upon completion of the Nth block; When the completion of the Nth block is detected, the generated state maintaining block is executed. Information processing methods.

2. Furthermore, when the completion of the Mth step is detected during the execution of the state maintenance block, the state maintenance block is terminated and the N+1th block is executed. The information processing method according to claim 1 .

3. the state maintenance block has a plurality of parameters with different priorities; the plurality of parameters differ depending on the type of the Nth block; 3. The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Furthermore, the amount of power consumption of the device is acquired, In the execution of the state maintaining block, parameters to be executed by the device are determined based on the acquired power consumption amount and the priority.

4. The information processing method according to claim 3.

5. The sequence further includes the step of operating the device. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. In the generation of the state maintenance block, if a delay in the M-1th process is detected, the generation of the state maintenance block is determined. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. In generating the state maintenance block, sensing data indicating the state of the processing object of the equipment at the time of completion of the Nth block is acquired from a sensor of the equipment, and values ​​of the parameters of the state maintenance block are determined based on the sensing data. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. an initiation unit that initiates an application having a plurality of blocks including parameters for controlling a device having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and a sequence including at least one step involving a human action; The sequence is linked to the Nth (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1)+1th block of the application after the Mth (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1) step is completed, a generator for generating a state maintenance block having parameters for maintaining the state of the processed product of the device at the time of completion of the Nth block; an execution unit that executes the state maintenance block when the completion of the Nth block is detected; Information processing device.

9. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: starting an application having a plurality of blocks including parameters for controlling a device having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and a sequence including at least one step involving a human action; The sequence is linked to the Nth (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1)+1th block of the application after the Mth (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1) step is completed, Extending the Nth block until the Mth step is completed. Information processing methods.

10. an initiation unit that initiates an application having a plurality of blocks including parameters for controlling a device having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and a sequence including at least one step involving a human action; The sequence is linked to the Nth (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1)+1th block of the application after the Mth (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1) step is completed, and an extension portion that extends the Nth block until the Mth step is completed. Information processing device.

11. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: starting an application having a plurality of blocks including parameters for controlling a device having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and a sequence including at least one step involving a human action; repeatedly calculating a first estimated completion time of the N+1th block (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) of the application and a second estimated completion time of the Mth step (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1) of the sequence; generating a state maintenance block having parameters for maintaining the state of the process product of the device upon completion of the Nth block; determining whether the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time match; Executing the state maintaining block until it is determined that the first estimated completion time matches the second estimated completion time. Information processing methods.

12. the first estimated completion time is calculated by adding, to the current time, a total time of a remaining time with respect to a predetermined reference time for the currently executed block and a predetermined reference time for each of the blocks to be executed subsequently through the N+1th block, the second estimated completion time is calculated by adding, to the current time, a total time of a remaining time with respect to a predetermined reference time for the currently executed process and a predetermined reference time for each of the processes to be executed subsequently up to the Mth process. The information processing method according to claim 11.

13. an initiation unit that initiates an application having a plurality of blocks including parameters for controlling a device having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and a sequence including at least one step involving a human action; a calculation unit that repeatedly calculates a first estimated completion time of an N+1th block (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) of the application and a second estimated completion time of an Mth step (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1) of the sequence; a generator for generating a state maintenance block having parameters for maintaining the state of the processed product of the device at the time of completion of the Nth block; a determination unit that determines whether the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time match; an execution unit that executes the state maintenance block until the determination unit determines that the first estimated completion time matches the second estimated completion time, Information processing device.

14. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: starting an application having a plurality of blocks including parameters for controlling a device having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and a sequence including at least one step involving a human action; repeatedly calculating a first estimated completion time of the N+1th block (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) of the application and a second estimated completion time of the Mth step (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1) of the sequence; determining whether the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time match; extending the N-th block until it is determined that the first estimated completion time matches the second estimated completion time; Information processing methods.

15. an initiation unit that initiates an application having a plurality of blocks including parameters for controlling a device having at least one of an actuator and a heater, and a sequence including at least one step involving a human action; a calculation unit that repeatedly calculates a first estimated completion time of an N+1th block (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) of the application and a second estimated completion time of an Mth step (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1) of the sequence; a determination unit that determines whether the first estimated completion time and the second estimated completion time match; an extension unit that extends the N-th block until the determination unit determines that the first estimated completion time matches the second estimated completion time, Information processing device.

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