JP2007289307A - Rice cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability by enabling a user to surely perform an accurate operation without hesitation even when one operator is provided with a plurality of functions. <P>SOLUTION: In the rice cooker, a light emitting means 3c is arranged corresponding to the operating position of each of at least two or more operators inside a setting operation means 1 comprising the plurality of operators including a function setting change operator 1b usable in common to the setting of respective functions, and a control means 4 makes only the light emitting means 3 corresponding to the pertinent operator flicker or light when only one operator can be operated next in the process of the setting operation of the respective functions and when one operator with the high possibility of being operated next by a user can be specified even when there are the plurality of operators that can be operated next. When there are the plurality of operators that can be operated next and also there are the plurality of operators with the high possibility of being operated next by the user, all the light emitting means 3 corresponding to all the pertinent operators are made to flicker or light. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a rice cooker in which rice cooking functions such as menu selection and rice brand selection can be set with an operator.

  In recent years, this type of rice cooker has various functions for cooking rice in an optimal state according to the user's preference. In such a rice cooker, various conditions such as the heating temperature and the heating time are controlled so that the rice is in an optimally cooked state. The types of rice cooked in the rice cooker include white rice, non-washed rice, and brown rice, and various brands exist in each rice. With respect to these various rices, conditions such as heating temperature and heating time are different in the rice cooker, and the user needs to set the rice cooker according to the rice to be cooked.

  In addition, recent rice cookers have a function of separately cooking cooked rice, sashimi, rice crackers, etc., and a reservation rice cooking function of cooking rice at a time preset by the user.

  Along with the multifunctionalization of rice cookers as described above, the number of operation elements for setting and operating how to cook rice cookers also increases, and the content displayed on the display section also increases, resulting in poor operability. The problem has occurred.

Therefore, in the conventional rice cooker, in order to improve the operability for the user, a plurality of functions related to "rice cooking" or "heat retention" with a simple operation while having a plurality of functions in one operator. There has been proposed a method for reducing the complexity of operations by reducing the number of operation elements by making it possible to select a state (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-161550 A

  However, in such a conventional rice cooker, since one operation element has a plurality of functions, it is difficult as a design to display all the functions of the operation element in or near the operation element. As a result, there is a problem that it may be difficult to understand at what timing the operator should be operated.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and even if a single operator is provided with a plurality of functions in order to reduce the complexity of the operation unit in the multifunctional rice cooker, the user can The purpose is to improve the operability by ensuring accurate operation without hesitation.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a plurality of operators including at least a function setting change operator that can be used in common for changing the setting of at least two rice cooking functions such as menu selection and rice brand selection. The setting operation means is configured with, the setting status of each function by the setting operation means is displayed on the display means, and corresponding to each operation position of at least two of the operation elements constituting the setting operation means The light emitting means is arranged, and the operation of the rice cooker is controlled by the control means based on the input by the setting operation means. The control means can be operated next in the setting operation process of each function by the setting operation means. When there is only one operator, and when there is more than one operator that can be operated next, it is possible to identify one operator that is likely to be operated next by the user. If there are multiple controls that can be operated next, and there are multiple controls that are likely to be operated next by the user, all the corresponding controls are flashed or lit. All the light emitting means corresponding to the above are configured to blink or light up.

  Thus, even if a single operator is provided with a plurality of functions in order to reduce the complexity of the operation unit in the multi-function rice cooker, the user is a candidate for the next setting operation. Can be visually recognized by the blinking or lighting of the light emitting means, and an accurate operation can be reliably performed, and the operability can be improved.

  The rice cooker according to the present invention reliably performs an accurate operation even when a single operator has a plurality of functions in order to reduce the complexity of the operation unit in the multifunctional rice cooker. And operability can be improved.

  The first invention is a setting composed of a plurality of operators including at least a function setting change operator that can be used in common for changing the setting of at least two rice cooking functions such as menu selection and rice brand selection. Corresponding to each operation position of at least two or more of the operating elements among the operating means, display means for displaying the setting status of each function by the setting operating means, and the operating elements constituting the setting operating means. Light emitting means arranged on the basis of the input by the setting operation means, and a control means for controlling the operation of the rice cooker, the control means in the setting operation process of each function by the setting operation means, When there is only one operator that can be operated, and when there is more than one operator that can be operated next, the operator that is likely to be operated next by the user can be identified as one, the corresponding operation If only the light emitting means corresponding to is blinked or lit, there are multiple operators that can be operated next, and there are multiple operators that are likely to be operated next by the user, all applicable All the light emitting means corresponding to the operation element are configured to blink or light up, and the user can visually recognize the operation element as a candidate for the next setting operation by blinking or lighting of the light emitting means. Therefore, even if a single operator has multiple functions in order to reduce the complexity of the operation unit in a multi-function rice cooker, it can reliably operate accurately. Operability can be improved.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, there is provided a time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time since the immediately preceding setting operation was performed, and the control means reaches a predetermined time measured by the time measuring means. The light emitting means is turned off until the light emitting means will not flash or light unless you are not sure about the setting operation method. It is possible to prevent guidance by blinking or lighting of the light emitting means that may be troublesome for the user.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, when the operation unit corresponding to the light emitting unit in the blinking or lit state is operated, the control unit presently displays the light emitting unit corresponding to the operation unit. It is designed to be turned off until the setting of the function being performed is completed, and when there are multiple operators that are candidates for setting operations, the actual operation is performed among the flashing or lit light emitting means. As the light emitting means corresponding to the operation element that can recognize the operation is turned off sequentially, the user can visually recognize the operation element that has not yet been set. Therefore, it is possible to reliably perform an accurate operation and improve operability.

  According to a fourth invention, in any one of the first to third inventions, the control means displays on the display means the content prompting the operation of the operator corresponding to the light emitting means that is blinking or lit. Since the user can visually recognize the operator that is a candidate for the next setting operation by both the blinking or lighting of the light emitting means and the display content of the display means. In order to reduce the complexity of the operation part of the functional rice cooker, even if a single operator has multiple functions, more accurate operations can be performed more reliably and operability is improved. can do.

  5th invention is provided with the audio | voice alerting | reporting means which performs audio | voice alerting | reporting to a user in any one invention of said 1st-4th, and the control means respond | corresponded to what is blinking among the light emission means. The voice notification means is used to notify the contents prompting the operation of the operator, and the user can surely recognize the operator as a candidate for the next setting operation from both visual and auditory senses. Therefore, even if a single operator has multiple functions to reduce the complexity of the operation unit in a multifunctional rice cooker, more accurate operation can be performed more reliably. Operability can be improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a rice cooker in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the setting operation means 1 is for setting each function of the rice cooker and instructing operations such as rice cooking. The function selection operation element 1a, the function setting change operation element 1b, and the rice cooking start operation are performed. It has a child 1c, a reservation setting operator 1d, a heat retention start operator 1e, a setting / operation canceling operator 1f, and the like.

  The function selection operator 1a is for selecting a function to be set from a plurality of rice cooking functions such as menu selection and rice brand selection, and an input signal from the function selection operator 1a is sent to the control means 4. When receiving the input signal, the control means 4 shifts the function selection state from the currently selected function to the next function. The function setting change operation element 1b is for changing the setting of each function. An input signal from the function setting change operation element 1b is sent to the control means 4, and when the control means 4 receives the input signal, the function selection operation is performed. The setting of the function selected by the input of the child 1a is shifted to the next setting. The rice cooking start operation element 1c is for starting rice cooking. An input signal from the rice cooking start operation element 1c is sent to the control means 4, and when the control means 4 receives the input signal, the function selection operation element 1a and the function setting are set. Rice cooking is started based on the rice cooking function set by the change operation element 1b.

  The reservation setting operator 1d is for switching the function selection state to the reservation function selection state. An input signal from the reservation setting operator 1d is sent to the control means 4, and when the control means 4 receives the input signal, the function selection is performed. Switch the state to the reservation function selection state. The heat insulation start operation element 1e is for starting heat insulation. An input signal from the heat insulation start operation element 1e is sent to the control means 4, and the control means 4 starts the heat insulation when receiving the input signal. The setting / operation canceling operation element 1f is for canceling the setting of each function being set and the rice cooking / warming operation. The input signal from the setting canceling operation element 1f is sent to the control means 4, and the control means 4 is input. When the signal is received, in the case of a setting operation, the setting of each function set by the function selecting operator 1a or the function setting changing operator 1b is canceled, and the setting of each function is returned to the state before the setting is started. Moreover, in the case of rice cooking or heat retention operation, rice cooking or heat retention operation is stopped.

  The display means 2 is an LCD for displaying the setting status of each function. The display means 2 receives an output signal transmitted from the control means 4 based on the setting status of each function, and performs display based on the output signal. As shown in FIG. 2, the light emitting means 3 is disposed at the operation position of the function setting change operation element 1 b and is disposed at the operation position of the function setting change operation element light emitting means 3 b configured by LEDs and the rice cooking start operation element 1 c. It is comprised with the light emission means 3c for rice cooking start operation elements comprised by LED, and the control means 4 transmits an output signal to each of these light emission means based on the setting condition of each function, and each light emission means is turned on, blinks, or turned off. Let

  The control means 4 is for controlling operation | movement of a rice cooker based on the input by a setting operation means, etc., and is comprised with the microcomputer. The voice notification means 6 is for notifying the user of information related to the function setting and operation of the rice cooker based on a command from the control means 4, and includes a voice IC and a voice generation device (both not shown). It is constituted by.

  The operation at the time of function setting operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 shows the display operation unit before starting the setting operation, FIG. 3 shows the display operation unit immediately after selecting the “menu” function, and FIG. 4 shows the display immediately after changing the “menu” function. An operation part is shown.

  When the function selection operator 1a is pressed in the state of FIG. 2, the function selection state is a state in which the “menu” function is selected as shown in FIG. At this time, the control means 4 displays “rice” (“white rice” in FIG. 3) and “steam cooking” (“medium level” in FIG. 3) currently set on the display means 2. All "Menu" function setting items from "Normal" to "Clean" are displayed. Only the currently selected "Normal" flashes and the "Normal" menu is selected in the "Menu" function setting status. Inform the user that there is.

  In this state, the operator that can be operated next by the user is all the operators except the heat retention start operator 1e. However, since the immediately preceding setting operation was the selection of the “menu” function, the user can It can be determined that there is a high possibility that the operation to be performed is a “menu” change, so that the control means 4 has a function setting change operator corresponding to the function setting change operator 1b used to change the “menu”. The flashing means 3b for flashing is displayed on the display means 2 to prompt the user to use the function setting change operation element 1b (“select with triangles” is displayed in FIG. 3). Please select with the button "to notify the user that the function setting change operation element 1b may be used for the next operation.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which “menu” selection is changed to “small amount” by the function setting change operation element 1b in the state of FIG. At this time, the control means 4 displays “rice” (“white rice” in FIG. 4) and “steam cooking” (“medium level” in FIG. 4) currently set on the display means 2, and “ All "Menu" function setting items from "Normal" to "Clean" are displayed. Only the currently selected "Small amount" blinks and the "Small amount" menu is selected in the "Menu" function setting state. Inform the user that there is.

  In this state, the operator that can be operated next by the user is all the operators except the heat retention start operator 1e. However, since the “menu” is changed, the operation that the user can perform next is Further, since it is possible to determine that there is a high possibility that either the “menu” is further changed or the rice cooking is started with the currently selected “menu”, the control means 4 determines that the “menu” The function setting change operation element light emitting means 3b corresponding to the function setting change operation element 1b used for the change of cooking and the rice cooking start operation element light emission means 3c corresponding to the rice cooking start operation element 1c used for starting rice cooking are blinked. Then, the contents for prompting the use of the function setting change operation element 1b or the rice cooking start operation element 1c are displayed on the display means 2 (in FIG. 4, “select by triangle” and “press rice cooking” are displayed), and further, the voice notification means 6 `` Meni Use the triangle button to select “Please press the rice cooker button to start cooking.” Use the function setting change operator 1b or the rice cooker start operator 1c for the next operation. Inform the user that it is good.

  In addition, in the rice cooker of this Embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the light-emitting means 3b for function setting change operators is further displayed by displaying the characters "rice cooking" on the rice cooking start operation element 1c. Even if both of the light emitting means 3c for the rice cooker starter are blinking, the function setting change operator 1b is used to change the “menu”, and the rice cooker start operator 1c is used to start rice cooking. I am trying to understand what I should do.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, among the operators constituting the setting operation means 1, the function setting change operator that can be used in common for setting of each function that can be selected by the function selection operator 1a. Corresponding to each operation position of 1b and the rice cooking start operation element 1c used for the start of rice cooking, the function setting change operation element light emitting means 3b and the rice cooking start operation element light emitting means 3c are respectively arranged, and the control means 4 In the setting operation process of each function by the setting operation means 1, for example, the next operation immediately after the start of the “menu” selection is likely to be a change of the “menu”. When one operator having high characteristics can be identified, only the light emitting means 3 arranged at the operation position of the corresponding operator is blinked, and the next operation after changing the “menu” is “menu”. of If there are multiple controls that are likely to be operated next by the user, such as when it is likely that a change or start of cooking will occur, the light emission that is placed at the operating position of all applicable controls By making all the means 3 blink, the user can visually recognize the operator that is the candidate for the next setting operation by blinking the light emitting means 3, so in the multifunctional rice cooker Even in the case where a single operator is provided with a plurality of functions in order to reduce the complexity of the operation unit, it is possible to obtain excellent operability that enables accurate operation reliably.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the operator that is a candidate for the next setting operation is notified by the display content of the display unit 2 in addition to the flashing of the light emitting unit 3, so that the user can set the next operation unit. Since the operator to be operated can be visually recognized from both the blinking of the light emitting means 3 and the display content of the display means 2, the complexity of the operation unit in the multifunctional rice cooker is reduced. For this reason, even when a single operator is provided with a plurality of functions, it is possible to obtain excellent operability that enables more accurate operation.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the operator that is a candidate for the next setting operation is notified by voice notification by the voice notification unit 6 in addition to the blinking of the light emitting unit 3 and the display content of the display unit 2. Therefore, the user can surely recognize the operator as a candidate for the next setting operation from both the visual and auditory senses. Therefore, in order to reduce the complexity of the operation unit in the multifunctional rice cooker, 1 Even when a single operator has a plurality of functions, it is possible to obtain excellent operability that enables more accurate and accurate operation.

  In the present embodiment, among the operators constituting the setting operation means 1, the function setting changing operator 1 b that may be difficult to understand because it is commonly used for setting each function, The light emitting means 3 is disposed at the operation position only for the rice cooking start operation element 1c that must be used when cooking rice, but the light emission means 3 is also provided at the operation position for other operation elements as necessary. May be arranged.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the rice cooker in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the time measuring means is for measuring time, and is configured to measure the elapsed time since the last setting operation was performed. The control means 4 turns off the light emitting means 3 until the time T1 timed by the time measuring means 5 reaches a predetermined time T2. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

  The operation at the time of the setting operation in the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S1, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the setting operation by the setting operation unit 1 has been performed. If it is determined that the setting operation has not been performed, the control unit 4 proceeds to step S2, and the setting operation has been performed. When it determines, it progresses to step S3, and the control means 4 clears elapsed time T1 after the operation which the time measuring means 5 has timed to zero, and then proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the time measuring means 5 counts up the elapsed time T1 after the operation and proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the control means 4 determines whether the elapsed time T1 after the operation timed by the time measuring means 5 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time T2 (for example, 2 seconds), and if T1 ≧ T2, The process proceeds to S5, and if T1 <T2, the process proceeds to Step S7.

  In step S5, the control means 4 determines whether there is a light emitting means 3 that needs to be flashed in the current setting operation state. If it is determined that there is a light emitting means 3 that needs to be flashed, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the light-emitting means 3 that needs to be blinked (for example, as shown in the first embodiment, if the “menu” function is selected immediately after the light-emitting means 3b is turned on) is set to the blinking state. Proceed to step S8. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that there is no light-emitting means 3 that requires step blinking, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, all the light-emitting means 3 (in this embodiment, the light-emitting means 3b for function setting change operators). And turn off the light emission means 3c) for the rice cooking start operator, and proceed to Step S8. In step S8, the control means 4 determines whether the function setting operation has been completed by input from the rice cooking start operation element 1c or the setting / operation cancel operation element 1f. If it is determined that the function setting operation has been completed, When the operation process is finished and it is determined that the function setting operation is not finished, the process returns to step S1.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the time measuring means 5 for measuring the elapsed time since the last setting operation is performed is provided, and the control means 4 is configured such that the time T1 timed by the time measuring means 5 is a predetermined time. By turning off the light-emitting means 3 until T2 is reached, the light-emitting means 3 will not flash unless the user is unsure of the setting operation method. It is possible not to perform guidance by blinking or lighting of the light emitting means 3 that may be troublesome for a user who is used to a certain degree.

(Embodiment 3)
When the operation unit corresponding to the light emitting unit 3 in the blinking state is operated, the control unit 4 shown in FIG. It is configured to be turned off. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The operation at the time of setting operation in the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S11, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the setting operation by the setting operation unit 1 has been performed. If it is determined that the setting operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S16, where the setting operation has been performed. When it determines, it progresses to step S12. In step S12, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the setting operation performed in step S11 is a change in function selection by the function selection operator 1a. If it is determined that the setting operation is not a change in function selection, the control unit 4 proceeds to step S14. If it is determined that the function selection has been changed, in step S13, the flashing prohibition setting of all the light emitting means 3 (the light emission means 3b for the function setting change operation element and the light emission means 3c for the rice cooking start operation element) is canceled and then the step is performed. Proceed to S14. In step S14, the control means 4 determines whether the operation element used for the setting operation performed in step S11 is an operation element corresponding to the light emission means in the blinking state (for example, the setting change operation light emission means). If it is determined whether or not the setting change operation element 1b is pressed while 3b is blinking), and if it is determined that the used operation element is not an operation element corresponding to the light emitting means 3 in the blinking state, In S16, if it is determined that the used operation element is an operation element corresponding to the light emission means 3 in the blinking state, the flashing prohibition setting of the light emission means 3 corresponding to the operation element used in step S15 is set. After that, go to step S16. In step S16, the control means 4 determines whether there is a light emitting means 3 that needs to be flashed in the current setting operation state. If it is determined that there is no light emitting means 3 that needs to be flashed, the control means 4 proceeds to step S20 and flashes. If it is determined that there is a light-emitting means 3 that needs to go to step S17. In step S17, the control means 4 determines whether or not the light emitting means 3 to be blinked is in a blinking prohibited state. If it is determined that the light emitting means 3 is in a blinking prohibited state, the light emitting means 3 in the blinking prohibited state is turned off in step S19. Then, the process proceeds to step S20. If it is determined that the blinking is not prohibited, the light emitting means 3 that needs to be blinked is set to the blinking state in step S18, and then the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, the control means 4 determines whether or not the function setting operation has been completed by input from the rice cooking start operation element 1c or the setting / operation canceling operation element 1f, and if it is determined that the function setting operation has ended, the function setting is performed. When the operation process is finished and it is determined that the function setting operation is not finished, the process returns to step S11.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the operation unit corresponding to the flashing light emitting unit 3 is operated, the control unit 4 currently performs the light emitting unit 3 corresponding to the operated operation unit. By turning off the light until the setting of the function to be completed is completed, when there are a plurality of operation members that are candidates for setting operation, by actually operating among the plurality of flashing light emitting means 3 Since the light emitting means 3 corresponding to the operation element that can recognize the operation is sequentially turned off, it becomes possible for the user to visually recognize the operation element that has not yet been set, and reliably. Excellent operability that enables accurate operation can be obtained.

  As described above, the rice cooker according to the present invention is reliable even when a single operator is provided with a plurality of functions in order to reduce the complexity of the operation unit in the multifunctional rice cooker. Since an accurate operation can be performed and the operability can be improved, it is useful as a rice cooker in which a rice cooking function such as menu selection or rice brand selection can be set with an operator.

The block diagram of the rice cooker in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the display operation part before starting the setting operation of the rice cooker The figure which shows the display operation part immediately after selecting the "menu" function of the rice cooker The figure which shows the display operation part immediately after changing the "menu" function of the rice cooker Block diagram of rice cooker in Embodiment 2 of the present invention Operation flowchart at the time of setting operation of the rice cooker Operation flowchart at the time of setting operation of rice cooker in Embodiment 3 of the present invention

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Setting operation means 1b Function setting change operation element 2 Display means 3 Light emission means 4 Control means

Claims (5)

Setting operation means comprising a plurality of operation elements including at least a function setting change operation element that can be used in common for changing the setting of at least two or more rice cooking functions such as menu selection and rice brand selection, and the setting Display means for displaying the setting status of each function by the operating means, and light emitting means arranged corresponding to each operating position of at least two of the operating elements constituting the setting operating means And control means for controlling the operation of the rice cooker based on the input by the setting operation means. The control means has one operator that can be operated next in the setting operation process of each function by the setting operation means. If there is only one operator, and if there is more than one operator that can be operated next, and the operator that is likely to be operated next by the user can be identified as one, before the corresponding operator Corresponds to all applicable controls when there are multiple controls that can be operated next, and there are multiple controls that are likely to be operated next by the user by flashing or lighting only the light emitting means. A rice cooker configured to blink or light all the light emitting means. 2. A time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time since the immediately preceding setting operation is performed, wherein the control means turns off the light emitting means until the time counted by the time measuring means reaches a predetermined time. The described rice cooker. The control means is configured such that when the operation element corresponding to the light emitting means in the blinking or lit state is operated, the light emission means corresponding to the operation element is turned off until the setting of the function currently being performed is completed. Item 1 or 2 rice cooker. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control means displays, on the display means, contents prompting the operation of the operation element corresponding to the light emitting means that is blinking or lit. . Voice notification means for voice notification to the user is provided, and the control means is configured to cause the voice notification means to make a voice notification of a content that prompts the user to operate an operation element corresponding to the light emitting means that is blinking or lit. The rice cooker of any one of Claims 1-4.