JP2008061731A - Rice cooker - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a superior menu selection operability by reducing a trouble of selecting a menu and preventing an erroneous menu selection caused by a menu storage. <P>SOLUTION: This rice cooker controls a heating means 2 and cooks according to a menu selected by a menu selection means 3 by an input by a cooking start input means 5. A frequently-used cooking menu such as rice is prestored in a first storage means 8, a cooking menu selected by the menu selection means 3 is stored in a second storage means 9 at a prescribed timing, a cooking menu stored in the second storage means 9 is called by a storage menu calling means 10. This rice cooker is so constituted as to become states of setting the menu stored in the first storage means 8 at a timing when there is an input from a cancellation input means 7 for canceling the cooking operation and warming operation, and when there is an input by the storage menu calling means 10, setting the cooking menu stored in the second storage means 9. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a rice cooker configured to store a used menu mainly in order to reduce troublesome menu selection.

Conventionally, this type of rice cooker has a plurality of cooking menus, and is configured to select a desired cooking menu by a menu selection button. For a predetermined menu, the menu is stored at the time of cooking, and after cooking is finished. The memory menu is automatically set, and it is configured not to bother selecting the menu at the next cooking (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-360422 (page 3-10, FIG. 20)

  However, in such a conventional rice cooker, after a predetermined storable menu is used, the storable menu is always set, so a menu that is less frequently used by the user becomes a storable menu. If this happens, the next time you use that menu, you will have to re-select the menu that you normally use, or you may forget to change the menu and start cooking. As a result, there is a problem that cooking may fail. In addition, for menus that cannot be stored, there is also a problem that menu selection must be performed every time when the menu is used every day.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, reduces the troublesomeness of menu selection, prevents menu selection errors caused by menu storage, and obtains excellent menu selection operability. The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention accommodates a pot for putting cooked food such as rice or water inside the rice cooker body, heating the pot with heating means, and selecting at least two cooking menus with menu selection means. Select the cooking menu to be used, display the name of the cooking menu selected by the menu selection means, etc. on the display means, and if there is an input by the cooking start input means for performing the cooking start input, according to the menu selected by the menu selection means The control means controls the heating means to perform cooking, a commonly used cooking menu such as white rice is stored in advance in the first storage means, and the cooking menu selected by the menu selection means is stored at a predetermined timing. Stored in the second storage means and called by the stored menu calling means for calling the cooking menu stored in the second storage means. The menu stored in the first storage means is set at the timing when there is an input by the cancel input means for canceling the cooking operation and the heat retaining operation, and there is an input by the stored menu calling means The cooking menu stored in the second storage means is set.

  This eliminates the need for menu selection when using standard menus that are frequently used, and prevents menu selection errors caused by menu memory during the next cooking, even when using rarely used menus. In addition, even when it is desired to use menus other than the standard menu continuously, menu selection can be performed with only one operation of the memory menu calling means, and excellent menu selection operability can be obtained.

  The rice cooker of this invention can reduce the troublesomeness of menu selection, can prevent the menu selection mistake resulting from menu memory | storage, and can obtain the outstanding menu selection operativity.

  1st invention is the menu selection which selects the cooking menu to be used from the cooking pot and water which are accommodated in the inside of the rice cooker main body, and the pot which heats the said pot, and at least 2 cooking menu Means for displaying a cooking menu name selected by the menu selection means, a cooking start input means for performing cooking start input, and an input by the cooking start input means is selected by the menu selection means. A control means for cooking by controlling the heating means in accordance with the menu, a cancel input means for canceling the cooking operation and the heat retaining operation, and a commonly used cooking menu such as white rice are stored in advance. 1 storage means, second storage means for storing the cooking menu selected by the menu selection means at a predetermined timing, and the second storage means. Storage menu calling means for calling a cooking menu stored in the means, and at the timing when there is an input by the cancel input means, the menu stored in the first storage means is set, When there is an input from the stored menu calling means, the cooking menu stored in the second storage means is set, and all menus can be stored, which is not required by the user ( If you do not request), the standard menu that you use frequently (for example, “white rice”) is set, and the memory menu is called only when the user needs it (if you request it). When using a menu, there is no need to select a menu, and even if you use a menu that is rarely used, Menu selection mistakes due to menu storage during cooking can be prevented, and menu selection can be made by a single operation of the stored menu calling means even when a menu other than the standard menu is to be used continuously. Therefore, the troublesomeness of menu selection can be reduced, menu selection errors due to menu storage can be prevented, and a rice cooker having excellent menu selection operability can be obtained.

  In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the second storage means stores a menu being selected at a timing when the selection menu is changed by the menu selection means. Even if the menu selection is accidentally terminated by the cancel input means, there is no need to redo the menu selection from the beginning, and the menu selection state immediately before the input by the cancel input means is performed simply by performing the input by the memory menu calling means again. Therefore, a rice cooker with better menu selection operability can be obtained.

  In a third aspect based on the first aspect, the second storage means stores the menu being selected at the timing when there is an input from the cooking start input means, and the purpose is to start cooking. The menu selection information when the menu selection is performed (for example, confirmation of selectable menus, etc.) is excluded, and only the menu that has actually started cooking is stored, so the used menu is stored more accurately. And a rice cooker having excellent menu selection operability can be obtained.

  In a fourth aspect based on the first aspect, the second storage means stores the menu being selected at the timing when there is an input by the cancel input means after the cooking by the control means is completed. Because it will not remember the menu selection information when you noticed that you started cooking with the wrong menu and immediately canceled cooking, only the menu that actually completed cooking will be remembered, The use menu can be stored more accurately, and a rice cooker having excellent menu selection operability can be obtained.

  According to a fifth invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the stored menu calling means is a menu selection means before the start of menu selection, and without complicating the operation unit, and The same effect can be acquired by the same usage method as before, and a rice cooker having excellent menu selection operability can be obtained.

  According to a sixth invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the stored menu calling means calls the cooking menu by continuous input (long press) for a predetermined time or more of the menu selecting means. It is possible to obtain the same effect by extending the conventional usage without complicating the operation unit, and to prevent the memorized menu from being called against the user's intention. A rice cooker with menu selection operability can be obtained.

  According to a seventh invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the stored menu calling means calls the cooking menu by continuous input (long press) for a predetermined time or more of the cooking start input means. Yes, without complicating the operation unit, the same effect can be obtained by extending the conventional usage method, and the memory menu can be prevented from being called against the user's intention, A rice cooker having excellent menu selection operability can be obtained.

  In an eighth aspect based on any one of the first to seventh aspects, the first storage means updates the stored menu to the menu when a predetermined cooking menu is used. When there are multiple commonly used cooking menus among the available cooking menus (for example, “white rice” and “no-wash rice”), these cooking menus are appropriately set according to the actual usage of the user. Since it comes to be set, the rice cooker provided with the further excellent menu selection operativity can be obtained.

  In a ninth aspect of the invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects of the invention, a menu usage frequency storage unit that stores the usage frequency of each menu within a predetermined period is provided and stored in the usage frequency storage unit. The menu with the highest use frequency among the use frequencies of the respective menus is used as the storage menu of the first storage means, and the standard menu is appropriately set according to the actual use of the user. Therefore, even a user who uses a menu other than the preset standard menu on a daily basis can obtain the same effect and obtain a rice cooker having excellent menu selection operability.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, the first storage unit and the second storage unit are configured by a nonvolatile memory, and temporarily hold the contents of the memory. Even if the necessary power supply is cut off, the stored menu can be retained, so even if the power supply is cut off, the same effect can be obtained, and excellent menu selection operability is provided. Rice cooker can be obtained.

  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 pan 1 is heated by heating means 2 with rice and water placed inside. The temperature of the pan 1 is detected by the pan temperature detecting means 101 and sent to the control means (microcomputer) 6. The time measuring means 102 measures the elapsed time in each cooking process (for example, water absorption process) during cooking and each heat retaining process (for example, high temperature temperature adjusting process) during heat retention, and transmits the measured time to the control means 6. The sequence storage means 103 stores a cooking sequence used by the control means 6 during cooking and a heat retention sequence used during heat insulation, and stores a cooking sequence corresponding to each cooking menu selected by the menu selection means 3.

  The display means 4 is an LCD for presenting various information to the user. For example, when the user performs a cooking menu change operation by the menu selection means 3, the control means 6 displays the currently selected cooking displayed on the display means 2. Change the menu. The user determines the cooking menu using the menu selection unit 3 while watching the cooking menu selection information displayed on the display unit 2, and starts cooking by the cooking start input unit 5. When cooking is started, the control means 6 uses the menu selection means 3 to select a cooking sequence corresponding to the cooking menu selected by the user from the cooking sequences stored in the sequence storage means 103, and to select the selected cooking sequence. Cooking is performed by controlling the heating means 2 based on the sequence and the temperature of the pot 1 detected by the pot temperature detecting means 101 and the elapsed time in each cooking step measured by the time measuring means 102. The cancel input means 7 is for canceling the cooking operation by the control means 6 and the menu selection operation by the menu selection means 3.

  The first storage means 8 stores a commonly used cooking menu (“white rice” in the present embodiment) in advance. When there is an input from the cancel input means 7, the control means 6 Changes the cooking menu to the cooking menu stored in the first storage means 8 and displays on the display means 4 that the cooking menu is set.

  The 2nd memory | storage means 9 memorize | stores the used cooking menu, and memorize | stores the cooking menu currently selected at the timing when the cooking menu was changed by the menu selection means 3. FIG. The stored menu calling means 10 is for calling a cooking menu stored in the second storage means 9. When there is an input from the stored menu calling means 10, the control means 6 changes the cooking menu to the cooking menu stored in the second storage means 9, and displays that the cooking menu is set. 4 is displayed.

  The operation and action of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation from a standby state (a state where cooking and heat insulation are not performed) of the rice cooker in the present embodiment to a start of cooking. Moreover, FIG. 3 is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement until it returns to a standby state from the cooking start of the rice cooker in this Embodiment.

  In FIG. 2, first, in step S <b> 1, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the user has input the cooking start input unit 5. If there is an input, the control unit 6 ends the standby state process and selects the selected cooking menu. The process shifts to the cooking operation (transfers to the flowchart of FIG. 3 described later). If there is no input, the process proceeds to step S2, and in step S2, the control means 6 determines whether or not there is an input from the stored menu calling means 10 by the user. If there is an input, the control means 6 calls the cooking menu stored in the second storage means 9 in step S3, sets the cooking menu as the current cooking menu, and then proceeds to step S4.

  On the other hand, if there is no input from the memory menu calling means 10 in step S2, the process proceeds to step S4 as it is. In step S4, the control means 6 determines whether or not the control state is the cooking menu selection state. If not, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the control means 6 causes the user to select the menu selection means. It is determined whether or not there is an input of 3. If there is an input, the control means 6 changes the control state to the cooking menu selection state in step S6, and then proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if there is no input from the menu selection means 3 in step S5, the process proceeds to step S13 as it is. In step S13, when the control state is the cooking menu selection state, the control means 6 displays on the display means 4 lighting indications of all selectable cooking menus and blinking indications of the selected cooking menu. When not in the selected state, the set cooking menu is lit on the display means 4. After step S13 ends, the process returns to step S1.

  By the way, when it is a cooking menu selection state by step S4, it progresses to step S7, and the control means 6 determines whether there existed the input of the cancellation input means 7 by a user in step S7. When there is no input, it progresses to step S8, and the control means 6 determines whether there existed the input of the menu selection means 3 by a user in step S8. If there is an input, the control means 6 changes the selected cooking menu to the next cooking menu in the predetermined menu selection order in step S9, and the changed cooking menu is stored in the second memory in step S10. After memorize | storing in the means 9, it progresses to step S13.

  On the other hand, if there is no input from the menu selection means 3 in step S8, the process proceeds to step S13. If there is an input from the cancel input means 7 in step S7, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, the control means 6 calls the cooking menu stored in the first storage means 8 and displays the cooking menu as of now. Then, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the control means 6 cancels the menu selection state and proceeds to step S13. The operation in step S13 is as described above.

  Next, in FIG. 3 showing the operation after the start of cooking, first, in step S21, the control means 6 determines whether or not there is an input from the cancel input means 7 by the user. If there is an input, the control means 6 calls the cooking menu stored in the first storage means 8 in step S28, sets the cooking menu as the current cooking menu, and then proceeds to step S29. Then, the control means 6 lights up and displays the set cooking menu on the display means 4. After step S29 ends, the process shifts to a standby state (to the flowchart of FIG. 2 described above).

  On the other hand, if there is no input from the cancel input means 7 in step S21, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the control means 6 uses the menu selection means 3 to store a cooking sequence corresponding to the cooking menu selected by the user. Based on the cooking sequence stored in the means 103, based on the selected cooking sequence, the temperature of the pan 1 detected by the pan temperature detecting means 101, and the elapsed time in each cooking step measured by the time measuring means 102. Cooking is performed by controlling the heating means 2.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the control means 6 displays cooking information such as the name of the cooking menu being cooked and the remaining cooking time on the display means 4, and then proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the control means 6 determines whether cooking has been completed. If cooking has been completed, the process proceeds to step S25, and if cooking has not been completed, the process returns to step S21. In step S25, the control means 6 determines whether or not there is an input from the cancel input means 7 by the user. If there is an input, the process proceeds to step S28. The operation after step S28 is as described above.

  On the other hand, if there is no input from the cancel input means 7 in step S25, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the control means 6 detects the warming sequence stored in the storage means 103 and the pot 1 detected by the pot temperature detecting means 101. The heating means 2 is controlled based on the temperature and the elapsed time in each cooking step measured by the time measuring means 102 to keep the temperature. Next, the process proceeds to step S27. In step S27, the control means 6 displays the heat retention information such as the heat retention elapsed time on the display means 4 and returns to step S25.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the first storage means 8 that stores a frequently used standard menu (“white rice” in the present embodiment) and the cooking menu selected by the menu selection means are stored in a predetermined manner. The second storage means 9 is stored at the timing, and the menu currently selected at the timing when the selection menu is changed by the menu selection means 3 is stored in the second storage means 9, and the cancel input means 7 The frequently used standard menu stored in the first storage means 8 is set at the timing when the input by the storage menu calling means 10 is entered and stored in the second storage means 9 The standard menu that you use most often is made by setting the cooking menu that was last selected (used). When using the menu, it is not necessary to select a menu, and the cooking menu stored in the second storage means 9 is not automatically set, so even if a menu that is rarely used is used, the next time Menu selection errors caused by menu storage during cooking can be prevented, and menu selection can be made by operating the stored menu calling means 10 only once when a menu other than the standard menu is to be used continuously. Furthermore, since the stored contents of the second storage means 9 are updated at the timing of changing the cooking menu, even if the menu selection is accidentally terminated by the cancel input means 7 during the menu selection, from the beginning There is no need to redo the menu selection, and the input by the cancel input means 7 is performed only by performing the input by the memory menu calling means 10 again. Can be returned to the menu selection state just before, it is possible to obtain an excellent menu selection operability.

(Embodiment 2)
The second storage means 9 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to store a menu being selected at the timing when there is an input from the cooking start input means 5. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The operation and action of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation from the standby state (the state where cooking and heat insulation are not performed) of the rice cooker in the present embodiment to the start of cooking. In addition, since the operation | movement from step S2 to step S8 and step S11 to step S13 and the operation | movement after a cooking start are the same as the operation | movement of the said Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 4, in step S <b> 9 that is shifted to when the menu selection means 3 is input in the cooking menu selection state, the control means 6 changes the currently selected cooking menu to the next cooking menu in the predetermined menu selection order. Then, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S1, the control means 6 determines whether or not the user has input the cooking start input means 5. If there is an input, the control means 6 proceeds to step S14, and when the input from the cooking start input means 5 is received. After the selected cooking menu is stored in the second storage means 9, the process in the standby state is terminated, and the process proceeds to the cooking operation of the selected cooking menu (to the flowchart in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment). Transition). If there is no input, the process proceeds to step S2.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the second storage unit 9 is configured to store a menu being selected at a timing when there is an input from the cooking start input unit 5, and thus a standard that is often used. When using a menu, it is not necessary to select a menu, and the cooking menu stored in the second storage means 9 is not automatically set, so even when a menu that is rarely used is used. In the next cooking, it is possible to prevent menu selection errors due to menu storage, and when it is desired to use menus other than the standard menu continuously, menu selection can be performed by operating the stored menu calling means 10 only once. This menu is available when menu selection is made for purposes other than the purpose of starting cooking (for example, confirmation of selectable menus). Eliminates-option information, so would like to store only actually menu starts cooking, it is possible to store more accurately using the menu, it is possible to obtain an excellent menu selection operability.

(Embodiment 3)
The second storage unit 9 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to store the menu being selected at the timing when the input by the cancel input unit 7 is performed after the cooking by the control unit 6 is completed. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The operation and action of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation from a standby state (a state where cooking and heat insulation are not performed) of the rice cooker in the present embodiment to a start of cooking. Moreover, FIG. 6 is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement until it returns to a standby state from the cooking start of the rice cooker in this Embodiment. Since the operations other than step S9 in FIG. 5 and the operations other than step S25 in FIG. 6 are the same as the operations in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  In FIG. 5, in step S <b> 9 that is shifted to when the menu selection means 3 is input in the cooking menu selection state, the control means 6 changes the selected cooking menu to the next cooking menu in the predetermined menu selection order. Then, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In FIG. 6, in step S <b> 25 that is shifted to after cooking control by the control unit 6 is completed, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the user inputs the cancel input unit 7. If there is an input, the process proceeds to step S30. In step S30, the control means 6 selects the cooking menu selected at the time when the input by the cancel input means 7 (that is, the cooking menu that has finally completed cooking) as the second. Is stored in the storage means 9, and the process proceeds to step S28. On the other hand, if there is no input from the cancel input means 7 in step S25, the process proceeds to step S26.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the second storage unit 9 stores the currently selected menu at the timing when the input by the cancel input unit 7 is performed after the cooking by the control unit 6 is completed. By configuring, when using a standard menu that is frequently used, there is no need to select a menu, and the cooking menu stored in the second storage means 9 is not automatically set. Even when a menu that is only used is used, it is possible to prevent a menu selection error caused by menu storage at the next cooking, and also when the menu other than the standard menu is used continuously, the stored menu calling means 10 is used. The menu can be selected with a single operation. In addition, cooking starts immediately when you realize that you have started cooking with the wrong menu. The menu selection information in the case of cancellation is not memorized, but only the menu that has actually been cooked is memorized, so the menu used can be memorized more accurately, and excellent menu selection operability can be obtained. Can do.

(Embodiment 4)
The stored menu calling means 10 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to be the menu selection means 3 before the menu selection is started. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The operation and action of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation from a standby state (a state where cooking and heat insulation are not performed) of the rice cooker in the present embodiment to a start of cooking. In addition, since operation | movement other than step S1 and step S6 and the operation | movement after a cooking start are the same as the operation | movement of the said Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  First, in step S1, the control means 6 determines whether or not the user has input the cooking start input means 5, and if there is an input, the process in the standby state is terminated and the cooking operation of the selected cooking menu is started. (Move to the flowchart of FIG. 3 described later). If there is no input, the process proceeds to step S4. Moreover, in step S6 which transfers when there exists input of the menu selection means 3 when it is not a menu selection state, the control means 6 changes a control state to a cooking menu selection state, and progresses to step S15. In step S15, the control means 6 calls the cooking menu stored in the second storage means 9, sets the cooking menu to the current cooking menu, and then proceeds to step S13.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the storage menu calling unit 10 is configured to be the menu selection unit 3 before starting the menu selection, so that the number of components of the operation unit can be reduced by one. The same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained without complicating the part, and excellent menu selection operability can be obtained.

(Embodiment 5)
The memory menu calling means 10 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to call a cooking menu by continuous input (long press) for a predetermined time or longer by the menu selection means 3. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The operation and action of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation from a standby state (a state where cooking and heat insulation are not performed) of the rice cooker in the present embodiment to a start of cooking. In addition, since the operation | movement from step S4 to step S13 and the operation | movement after a cooking start are the same as the operation | movement of the said Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 8, in step S <b> 6 that shifts when there is an input from the menu selection means 3 when not in the menu selection state, the control means 6 changes the control state to the cooking menu selection state and proceeds to step S <b> 46. In step S46, the control means 6 records that the menu selection means 3 is in a continuous input state, and proceeds to step S13. In step S13, when the control state is the cooking menu selection state, the control means 6 displays on the display means 4 lighting indications of all selectable cooking menus and blinking indications of the selected cooking menu. When not in the selected state, the set cooking menu is lit on the display means 4.

  After step S13 is completed, the process proceeds to step S41. In step S41, the control means 6 determines whether or not the menu selection means 3 is in a continuous input state. If not, the process proceeds to step S1 and is in a continuous input state. If so, the process proceeds to step S42. In step S42, the control means 6 determines whether or not the input of the menu selection means 3 is still continued. If the input is still ongoing, the process proceeds to step S44. In step S44, the control means 6 causes the menu selection means 3 to continue. It is determined whether or not the continuous input time has passed a predetermined time (2 seconds in the present embodiment).

  Here, if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S41. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the control means 6 performs the cooking stored in the second storage means 9 in step S45. The menu is called, the cooking menu is set to the current cooking menu, and the process returns to step S41. By the way, when it is determined in step S42 that the continuous input of the menu selection unit 3 is not continued, the process proceeds to step S43, and in step S43, the control unit 6 clears the record that the menu selection unit 3 is in the continuous input state. Then, the process proceeds to step S1.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the storage menu calling unit 10 is configured to call the cooking menu by continuous input (long press) for a predetermined time or longer of the menu selection unit 3, thereby Since one component can be reduced, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained without complicating the operation unit, and menu selection means 3 that has been conventionally used for menu selection. Since the operation is an extension of the conventional operation method of continuous input, it is easy for the user to understand, and unless the user intentionally performs continuous input (long press) of the menu selection means 3, the second storage means 9 Since the stored cooking menu is not called up, it is possible to prevent the stored menu from being called against the user's intention. It can be obtained over selective operability.

  In the present embodiment, the continuous input time of the menu selection means 3 for calling the stored menu has been described as 2 seconds. However, it may be replaced with another time as long as it does not increase the burden on the user. Good.

(Embodiment 6)
The memory menu calling means 10 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to call the cooking menu by continuous input (long press) of the cooking start means input 5 for a predetermined time or longer. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The operation and action of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing operations from a standby state (a state where cooking and heat insulation are not performed) of the rice cooker in the present embodiment to a start of cooking. In addition, since the operation | movement from step S4 to step S13 and the operation | movement after a cooking start are the same as the operation | movement of the said Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 9, in step S <b> 1, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the user has input the cooking start input unit 5, and if there is an input, the process proceeds to step S <b> 54, and in step S <b> 54, the control unit 6 inputs the cooking start input. The fact that the means 5 is in the continuous input state is recorded and the process proceeds to step S55. In step S55, the control means 6 determines whether the continuous input time of the cooking start input means 5 has passed a predetermined time (2 seconds in the present embodiment).

  If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S1. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S56. In step S56, the control means 6 calls the cooking menu stored in the second storage means 9, sets the cooking menu as the current cooking menu, and proceeds to step S53. In step S53, the control means 6 cooks. After the record of the continuous input state of the start input means 5 is cleared, the standby state process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the cooking operation of the selected cooking menu (the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. 3).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that there is no input from the cooking start input unit 5, the process proceeds to step S51. In step S51, the control unit 6 determines whether there is a continuous input state record of the cooking start input unit 5, and continues. If there is an input state record, that is, if the input is interrupted before the predetermined time has elapsed in the continuous input state of the cooking start input means 5, the process proceeds to step S53, and if not, the process proceeds to step S52. In step S52, the control means 6 clears the record that is the continuous input state of the cooking start input means 5, and proceeds to step S4.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the storage menu calling unit 10 is configured to call the cooking menu by continuous input (long press) for a predetermined time or longer of the cooking start input unit 5, thereby Since one component can be reduced, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained without complicating the operation unit, and the cooking start input means conventionally used at the start of cooking. 5 is an extension operation of the conventional operation method of 5 continuous inputs, so that the user can easily understand, and the second storage means unless the user intentionally inputs the cooking start input means 5 continuously (long press). Since the cooking menu stored in 9 is prevented from being called up, it is possible to prevent the stored menu from being called against the user's intention, so that an excellent menu selection is possible. It is possible to obtain a work of.

  In the present embodiment, the continuous input time of the cooking start input means 5 for calling the storage menu has been described as 2 seconds. However, if the time does not increase the burden on the user, it is replaced with another time. Also good.

(Embodiment 7)
The first storage means 8 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to update the stored menu to a menu when a predetermined menu (in this embodiment, “white rice” and “no-wash rice”) is used. is doing. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The operation and action of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation from the standby state (a state where cooking and heat insulation are not performed) of the rice cooker in the present embodiment to the start of cooking. In addition, since the operation | movement from step S2 to step S13 and the operation | movement after a cooking start are the same as the operation | movement of the said Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In FIG. 10, in step S <b> 1, the control unit 6 determines whether or not the user has input the cooking start input unit 5. If there is no input, the process proceeds to step S <b> 2, and if there is an input, the process proceeds to step S <b> 61. In step S61, the control means 6 determines whether the selected cooking menu is a predetermined menu (in the present embodiment, “white rice” and “no-wash rice”), and is the predetermined menu. In this case, the stored contents of the first storage means 8 are rewritten to the cooking menu in step S62, and then the standby state is ended and the cooking operation is started. If it is not a predetermined menu, the standby state is ended as it is and the cooking operation is started. Transition.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the first storage unit 8 is configured to update the stored menu to the menu when a predetermined menu is used. In addition to the same effect as 1, when there are multiple commonly used cooking menus among the available cooking menus (for example, “white rice” and “no-wash rice”), these cooking menus are used by the user. Therefore, it is possible to obtain more excellent menu selection operability.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration has been described in which it is determined whether or not to update the storage menu of the first storage unit 8 at the timing when the cooking start input unit 5 is input. The timing for updating the stored menu 8 can be changed to any timing from when the menu to be cooked is confirmed until the standby input state is returned by the cancel input means 5.

(Embodiment 8)
FIG. 11: shows the block diagram of the rice cooker in Embodiment 8 of this invention.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the menu usage frequency storage means 11 stores the usage frequency of each menu within a predetermined period (in the present embodiment, the past 10 times). Can be remembered. The control means 6 stores the cooking menu cooked this time in the use frequency storage means 11 at the timing when the cooking control is completed, and further changes the stored contents of the first storage means 8 to the cooking menu with the highest number of uses at that time. It is configured to rewrite. 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 and action of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation from the start of cooking by the rice cooker in the present embodiment to returning to the standby state. The operations from step S21 to step S23, step S25 to step S29, and the operation from the start of cooking are the same as the operations in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  In step S24, the control means 6 determines whether cooking has been completed. If cooking has been completed, the process proceeds to step S71, and if cooking has not been completed, the process returns to step S21. In step S71, the control means 6 stores the cooking menu prepared this time in the menu use frequency storage means 11, and proceeds to step S72. At this time, the oldest stored contents stored in the menu usage frequency storage means 11 (the menu used 11 times before in this embodiment) are discarded. In step S72, the control means 6 calculates the cooking menu having the largest number of memories among the cooking menus stored in the menu usage frequency storage means 11, and proceeds to step S73. In step S73, the control means 6 rewrites the stored contents of the first storage means 8 with the cooking menu calculated in step S72, and proceeds to step S25.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the menu usage frequency storage unit 11 that stores the usage frequency of each menu within a predetermined period (the past 10 times in the present embodiment) is provided, and the usage frequency storage unit 11 is used as the stored menu of the first storage means 8 among the use frequencies of the menus stored in the menu 11, so that the standard menu is appropriately set according to the actual usage of the user. Therefore, even for a user who uses a menu other than the preset standard menu on a daily basis, an excellent menu selection operability that can obtain the same effect as in the first embodiment is obtained. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, the timing for updating the storage menu of the first storage unit 8 has been described as being configured at the end of cooking, but this timing is determined by the cancel input unit 5 after the menu to be cooked is confirmed. The timing can be changed to any timing before returning to the standby state.

(Embodiment 9)
The first storage means 8 and the second storage means 9 shown in FIG. 1 are composed of nonvolatile memories. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  By configuring as described above, in the present embodiment, even if the power supply necessary for retaining the contents of the memory is interrupted, the stored menu can be retained, so the power supply is shut off. Even when this occurs, it is possible to obtain excellent menu selection operability that can achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

  As mentioned above, since the rice cooker concerning this invention can reduce the troublesomeness of menu selection, can prevent the menu selection mistake resulting from menu memory, and can obtain the outstanding menu selection operativity. It is useful as a rice cooker configured to store a used menu mainly to reduce the troublesomeness of menu selection.

The block diagram of the rice cooker in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The flowchart which shows the operation from the standby state of the rice cooker to the start of cooking The flowchart which shows operation | movement until it returns to a standby state from the cooking start of the rice cooker. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement from the standby state of the rice cooker in Embodiment 2 of this invention to a cooking start. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement from the standby state of the rice cooker in Embodiment 3 of this invention to a cooking start. The flowchart which shows operation | movement until it returns to a standby state from the cooking start of the rice cooker. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement from the standby state of the rice cooker in Embodiment 4 of this invention to a cooking start. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement from the standby state of the rice cooker in Embodiment 5 of this invention to a cooking start. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement from the standby state of the rice cooker in Embodiment 6 of this invention to a cooking start. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement from the standby state of the rice cooker in Embodiment 7 of this invention to a cooking start. The block diagram of the rice cooker in Embodiment 8 of this invention The flowchart which shows operation | movement until it returns to a standby state from the cooking start of the rice cooker.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pan 2 Heating means 3 Menu selection means 4 Display means 5 Cooking start input means 6 Control means 7 Cancel input means 8 1st memory means 9 2nd memory means 10 Memory menu calling means

Claims (10)

A pot for storing cooked food such as rice and water stored inside the rice cooker body, a heating means for heating the pot, a menu selection means for selecting a cooking menu to be used from at least two cooking menus, and the menu selection Display means for displaying the cooking menu name selected by the means, cooking start input means for performing cooking start input, and input by the cooking start input means according to the menu selected by the menu selection means Control means for controlling the heating means for cooking, cancellation input means for canceling the cooking operation and the heat retaining action, first storage means for storing a commonly used cooking menu such as white rice in advance, Second cooking means for storing the cooking menu selected by the menu selection means at a predetermined timing and stored in the second storage means. A menu stored in the first storage means is set at a timing when there is an input from the cancel input means, and the stored menu call means A rice cooker configured to be in a state in which the cooking menu stored in the second storage means is set when there is an input. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the second storage means stores the menu being selected at a timing when the selection menu is changed by the menu selection means. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the second storage means stores the menu being selected at a timing when there is an input from the cooking start input means. 2. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the second storage unit stores the currently selected menu at a timing when there is an input by the cancel input unit after cooking by the control unit is completed. The cooked rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the stored menu calling means is menu selection means before the menu selection is started. The cooked rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the stored menu calling means calls the cooking menu by continuous input (long press) for a predetermined time or more of the menu selection means. 5. The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein the memory menu calling means calls the cooking menu by continuous input (long press) for a predetermined time or more of the cooking start input means. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first storage means updates the stored menu to the menu when a predetermined cooking menu is used. Menu usage frequency storage means for storing the usage frequency of each menu within a predetermined period is provided, and the menu having the highest usage frequency among the usage frequencies of each menu stored in the usage frequency storage means is first stored. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the memory menu of the means is used. The rice cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first storage means and the second storage means are configured by a nonvolatile memory.

Images