JP7846560B2 - Server, information processing method, and network system - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a technology for controlling cooking appliances and other electrical appliances.

Technologies for automatically operating electrical appliances such as air conditioners and rice cookers have been known for some time. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-072608 (Patent Document 1) discloses a control device for an air conditioner and a program for controlling the air conditioner. According to Patent Document 1, the controller connected to the air conditioner comprises an input interface for receiving IDs and power consumption from an induction cooker or power meter and an electric heater or power meter, a processor, and memory. The processing performed by the processor involves receiving signals (data indicating ID and power consumption) from the electrical appliances (induction cooker or power meter and electric heater or power meter) via the input interface, obtaining the set temperature change amount corresponding to the power consumption, and changing the air conditioner's set temperature by the obtained set temperature change amount.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-072608

The object of this invention is to provide a technology for efficiently controlling other electrical appliances in accordance with the operation of cooking appliances.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a server is provided comprising a communication interface for communicating with a cooking appliance and other electrical equipment, and a processor for controlling the other electrical equipment corresponding to the cooking appliance based on the timing at which the cooking appliance reaches a first state, by utilizing the communication interface.

As described above, the present invention provides a technology for efficiently controlling other electrical appliances in accordance with the operation of cooking appliances.

This is an image diagram showing the overall configuration of the network system 1 according to the first embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the cooking appliance 200 according to the first embodiment. This is an illustrative diagram showing the heating sequence for simmering cooking using the cooking appliance 200 according to the first embodiment. This is an illustrative diagram showing the heating sequence for rice cooking using the cooking appliance 200 according to the first embodiment. This is an illustrative diagram showing the progression of the input screen for cooking commands of the cooking appliance 200 according to the first embodiment. This is an illustrative diagram showing the progression of the input screen for a scheduled cooking command of the cooking appliance 200 according to the first embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electrical equipment 300 according to the first embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication terminal 400 according to the first embodiment. This is an image diagram showing a screen for specifying a cooperating device in a communication terminal 400 according to the first embodiment. This is an image diagram showing the input screen for the operation details and target timing of an air conditioner linked to a cooking appliance in a communication terminal 400 according to the first embodiment. This is an image diagram showing the input screen for the operation details and target timing of the bath (water heater) linked to the cooking appliance in the communication terminal 400 according to the first embodiment. This is an image diagram showing the input screen for the operation details and target timing of a washing machine linked to a cooking appliance in a communication terminal 400 according to the first embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 100 according to the first embodiment. This is an image diagram showing user information data 121 according to the first embodiment. This is an illustrative diagram showing cooking equipment information data 122 according to the first embodiment. This is an illustrative diagram showing electrical equipment information data 123 according to the first embodiment. This is a flowchart illustrating the information processing of the server 100 according to the first embodiment. This is a flowchart illustrating the information processing of the server 100 according to the second embodiment. This is a flowchart illustrating the information processing of the server 100 according to the second embodiment. This is a flowchart illustrating the information processing of the server 100 according to the third embodiment. This is an image diagram showing a screen for specifying a cooperating device in a communication terminal 400 according to the fourth embodiment. This is a flowchart illustrating the information processing of the server 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions of them will not be repeated.
<First Embodiment>
<Overall Network System Configuration>

First, referring to Figure 1, the overall configuration of the network system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The network system 1 includes, as its main components, a server 100 for providing the home appliance control service according to this embodiment, cooking appliances 200 and other electrical appliances 300 located in each home that exchange data with the server 100 via routers, the internet, etc., and communication terminals 400 such as smartphones and tablets of users of the cooking appliances 200 and electrical appliances 300.

The electrical equipment 300 is not limited to air conditioners, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, or air purifiers; it may also include home appliances such as refrigerators, AV (audio-visual) equipment such as televisions, and residential equipment such as water heaters. In this embodiment, the electrical equipment 300 is mainly connected to the internet via the router 500.
<Overview of Network System Operation>

Next, with reference to Figure 1, the operational overview of the network system 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

The user inputs a cooking reservation command via the cooking appliance 200 or communication terminal 400. For example, the user selects a menu and sets the time when cooking should be completed. The cooking appliance 200 transmits the menu and cooking completion time to the server 100. In this embodiment, the server 100 controls other electrical appliances 300 owned by the user of the cooking appliance 200 in accordance with the cooking completion time of the cooking appliance 200. For example, the server 100 remotely controls the air conditioner so that the dining room temperature reaches 26 degrees Celsius at the time cooking is completed, or so that the living room temperature reaches 27 degrees Celsius 30 minutes after cooking is completed, or so that the water heater is ready for bath time 1 hour after cooking is completed, or so that the washing machine completes the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying cycles 2 hours after cooking is completed, or so that the living room lights are turned off 4 hours after cooking is completed.

As described above, the network system 1 according to this embodiment automatically performs various operations so that other electrical appliances reach a suitable state at a suitable time in accordance with the timing of cooking completion, thereby reducing the effort required from the user and minimizing problems caused by the user forgetting to operate the appliances. The configuration of each device in the network system that realizes these functions will be described in detail below.
<Configuration of Cooking Equipment 200>

First, referring to Figure 2, one configuration of the cooking appliance 200 that constitutes the network system 1 will be described. The cooking appliance 200 includes, as its main components, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 210, memory 220, display 230, operation unit 240, communication interface 260, speaker 270, sensor 280, timer 285, and appliance drive unit 290.

The CPU 210 controls various parts of the cooking appliance 200 by executing programs stored in the memory 220 or an external storage medium. For example, the CPU 210 controls the appliance drive unit 290 based on control commands for the cooking menu to perform various processes for heating and cooking.

The memory 220 is implemented using various types of RAM and ROM. The memory 220 stores cooking control programs and other programs executed by the CPU 210, audio data and other data received from the server 100 and other servers, data input via the operation unit 240, and sensing results measured by various sensors 280.

The display 230 outputs characters, images, and other data based on signals from the CPU 210. The operation unit 240 is implemented using buttons, a touch panel, etc., and receives various commands from the user, inputting those commands to the CPU 210. Note that the display 230 and the operation unit 240 may also constitute a touch panel 250.

The communication interface 260 is implemented by a communication module such as a wireless LAN or wired LAN, and exchanges data with other devices such as the server 100 via wired or wireless communication. For example, the CPU 210 transmits commands and various sensing data received via the operation unit 240 to the server 100 via the communication interface 260, and also receives control commands and other data from the server 100 and inputs them to the CPU 210.

The speaker 270 outputs sound based on signals from the CPU 210. For example, the CPU 210 outputs audio data pre-registered in memory 220 or audio data received from server 100 through the speaker 270.

Sensor 280 measures the internal temperature, the temperature of the food being cooked, the internal pressure, and the door's open/closed state, and inputs the measurement results to CPU 210.

The timer 285 inputs the current time to the CPU 210, measures the elapsed time since the start of cooking, and the elapsed time for each cooking step, and inputs this information to the CPU 210.

The device drive unit 290 implements the main functions of the cooking device 200, such as the heater and motor. The CPU 210 controls the heater and motor to perform cooking based on a pre-prepared cooking program. For example, the CPU 210 receives a simmering command and controls the heater intensity as shown in Figure 3. Alternatively, the CPU 210 receives a rice cooking command and controls the heater intensity as shown in Figure 4.

In this embodiment, for example, as shown in Figure 5, the user selects a cooking menu. More specifically, the CPU 210 receives a menu selection command from the user via the operation unit 240 while displaying the options on the display 230.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, the user selects a cooking menu and then sets the completion time for cooking as a scheduled cooking command. More specifically, the CPU 210 receives menu selection commands and reservation time inputs from the user via the operation unit 240 while displaying the options and reservation time on the display 230. In this embodiment, the CPU 210 adjusts the time for maintaining the optimal temperature (Figure 3) and the timing of the start of cooking (Figure 4) in accordance with the scheduled completion time for cooking.
<Configuration of electrical equipment 300>

Next, with reference to Figure 7, one embodiment of the configuration of the electrical equipment 300 constituting the network system 1 will be described. The electrical equipment 300 in this embodiment includes, as its main components, a CPU 310, a memory 320, a display 330, an operation unit 340, a communication module 360, a speaker 370, a sensor 380, a timer 385, and a device drive unit 390.

The CPU 310 controls various parts of the electrical device 300 by executing programs stored in the memory 320 or an external storage medium.

The memory 320 is implemented using various types of RAM and ROM, and stores information necessary for using the home appliance control service according to this embodiment, such as programs executed by the CPU 310, data generated by the execution of programs by the CPU 310, data input via the operation unit 340, operation history, identification information such as MAC addresses, data received from the server 100 via the wireless router 500 or the internet, and the address of the management server corresponding to the electrical equipment 300.

The display 330 outputs characters, images, etc., based on signals from the CPU 310. Note that the display 330 may simply be an LED light or similar.

The operation unit 340 is implemented using buttons, a touch panel, etc., and receives commands from the user and inputs those commands to the CPU 310. The display 330 and the operation unit 340 may also constitute a touch panel 350.

The communication module 360 is implemented using components such as an antenna for wireless communication and a connector for wired communication. For example, the CPU 310 transmits operational information and environmental data to the server 100 via the communication module 360, and receives various remote control commands from the server 100.

The speaker 370 outputs voice messages and other information based on voice data from the CPU 310. For example, the CPU 310 outputs voice data pre-registered in the memory 320 or voice data received from the server 100 through the speaker 370.

Sensor 380 measures temperature, door open/closed status, and other parameters, and inputs the measurement results to CPU 310.

Timer 385 inputs the current time to the CPU 310, measures the elapsed time since the start of various operations, and the elapsed time for each operation step, and inputs this information to the CPU 310.

The device drive unit 390 controls various parts of the electrical device 300 (such as motors, heaters, sensors, and antennas) based on signals from the CPU 310. For example, the device drive unit 390 controls the compressor and motor in the case of air conditioners and water heaters, the motor in the case of refrigerators, the receiving antenna, tuner, and backlight in the case of televisions, and the lights in the case of lighting.
<Configuration of communication terminal 400>

Next, one configuration of a communication terminal 400 used by a user of the cooking appliance 200 will be described. The communication terminal 400 is a device capable of data communication with the server 100, such as a smartphone, wearable device, tablet, or personal computer. Referring to Figure 8, the communication terminal 400 includes, as its main components, a CPU 410, memory 420, display 430, operation unit 440, communication interface 460, speaker 470, microphone 480, and current location acquisition unit 490.

The CPU 410 controls various parts of the communication terminal 400 by executing programs stored in the memory 420 or an external storage medium.

The memory 420 is implemented using various types of RAM and ROM. The memory 420 stores various application programs executed by the CPU 410, data generated by the execution of programs by the CPU 410, text data, image data, and audio data received from the server 100, and data input via the operation unit 440.

The display 430 outputs characters, images, and other data based on signals from the CPU 410. The operation unit 440 receives commands from the user and inputs those commands to the CPU 410. The display 430 and the operation unit 440 may be implemented using a touch panel 450.

The communication interface 460 is implemented by a communication module such as a wireless LAN or wired LAN. The communication interface 460 transmits and receives data with other devices such as the server 100 via wired or wireless communication.

The speaker 470 outputs sound based on the signal from the CPU 410. The microphone 480 creates an audio signal based on external sound and inputs it to the CPU 410.

The current position acquisition unit 490 calculates the current position based on radio waves acquired from satellites or other sources and inputs this information to the CPU 410.

In this embodiment, the CPU 410, according to the program in the memory 420, receives, via the operation unit 440, a command to specify an electrical device 300 to be controlled in conjunction with the cooking appliance 200, the content of the interlocking control, a specification of a target timing at which the electrical device 300 should reach a predetermined state in relation to the completion timing of cooking by the cooking appliance 200, and transmits these input commands to the server 100.

For example, the CPU 410 receives a user's request for an electrical device 300 that should be linked to the cooking appliance 200 by displaying the screen shown in Figure 9 on the display 430.

The CPU 410 then displays the screen shown in Figure 10 on the display 430, and via the operation unit 440, receives information regarding the air conditioner (electrical device 300), specifically the details of the operation for completing the cooking process and the timing at which the target state should be reached by that operation.

Alternatively, the CPU 410 displays the screen shown in Figure 11 on the display 430, and via the operation unit 440, receives information regarding the water heater (an electrical appliance 300), specifically the details of the operation for completing cooking and the timing at which the target state should be reached by that operation.

Alternatively, the CPU 410 displays the screen shown in Figure 12 on the display 430 and, via the operation unit 440, receives information regarding the washing machine, which is an electrical appliance 300, including the details of the operation for completing cooking and the timing at which the target state should be reached by the said operation.
<Server 100 Configuration>

Next, one configuration of the server 100 according to this embodiment will be described. The server 100 according to this embodiment includes, as its main components, a CPU 110, a memory 120, an operation unit 140, and a communication interface 160.

The CPU 110 controls various parts of the server 100 by executing programs stored in the memory 120. For example, the CPU 110 executes programs stored in the memory 120 and, by referencing various data, performs various processes described later.

The memory 120 is implemented using various types of RAM, ROM, etc., and may be embedded in the server 100, detachable from various interfaces of the server 100, or be a recording medium of another device accessible from the server 100. The memory 120 stores programs executed by the CPU 110, data generated by the execution of programs by the CPU 110, user information data 121, cooking equipment information data 122, electrical equipment information data 123, and various other data used for home appliance control services.

Referring to Figure 14, the user information data 121 stores, for each user registered with this service, the user's identification information, username, identification information of the user's communication terminal 400, the user's address, and the corresponding relationships between user attributes such as age and gender.

Referring to Figure 15, the cooking equipment information data 122 stores, for each cooking equipment 200 registered with this service, the identification information of the cooking equipment 200, the user of the cooking equipment 200, the operation history, and the corresponding information such as reservation information. The reservation information includes the cooking menu and the cooking completion time.

Referring to Figure 16, the electrical equipment information data 123 stores, for each electrical equipment 300 registered with this service, the identification information of the electrical equipment 300, the user of the electrical equipment 300, its operation history, a flag indicating cooperation, the identification information of the cooperating cooking equipment 200, the operation details for cooking completion, and the corresponding relationships such as the timing at which a predetermined state should be reached.

Returning to Figure 13, the operation unit 140 receives commands from service administrators and other users, and inputs various instructions to the CPU 110.

The communication interface 160 transmits various data, such as voice data and control commands, to other devices such as cooking appliances 200, electrical equipment 300, and communication terminals 400 via the internet, carrier network, routers, etc. Conversely, the communication interface 160 receives data from other devices via the internet, carrier network, routers, etc., and passes it on to the CPU 110.
<Information processing of server 100>

Next, with reference to Figure 17, the information processing of the server 100 according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the CPU 110 of the server 100 executes the following processing according to the program in the memory 120.

First, the CPU 110 of the server 100 receives a coordination command from the communication terminal 400 via the communication interface 160 (step S102). For example, the CPU 110 of the server 100 receives a designation from the communication terminal 400 via the communication interface 160 for an electrical device 300 to be coordinated with the cooking appliance 200. The CPU 110 turns on the coordination flag in the electrical device information data 123 of the memory 120 and sets the identification information of the cooking appliance 200 that is the coordination target. Furthermore, the CPU 110 registers the details of the operation of the electrical device 300 to be performed in conjunction with the cooking of the cooking appliance 200, and the timing at which the electrical device 300 reaches a predetermined state in relation to the completion of the cooking, in the electrical device information data 123 of the memory 120 via the communication interface 160.

Next, the CPU 110 of the server 100 receives cooking commands from the cooking equipment 200 and the communication terminal 400 via the communication interface 160 (step S104).

The CPU 110 calculates the time required to complete cooking based on a normal cooking instruction, and also calculates the time to start cooking based on the time required to complete cooking based on a scheduled cooking instruction (step S106).

The CPU 110 refers to the electrical equipment information data 123 in the memory 120 to identify the electrical equipment 300 that should operate in conjunction with the cooking equipment 200 (step S108).

The CPU 110 refers to the electrical equipment information data 123 to identify the operation commands, start time, and time to reach the target state of the electrical equipment 300 (step S110).

The CPU 110 transmits operation commands for the electrical equipment 300, the start time of operation, and the time at which the target state should be reached, via the communication interface 160 (step S112). The CPU 110 may transmit the target time to the electrical equipment 300 using the communication interface 160, or it may transmit detailed operation commands to the electrical equipment 300 while sequentially acquiring measurement data from the electrical equipment 300 so that the target state is reached at the target time.
<Second Embodiment>

In the above embodiment, the timing of the operation of the electrical appliance 300 was adjusted to coincide with the completion of cooking by the cooking appliance 200. In addition, the timing of cooking completion could be changed to coincide with the user's return home time, and the target timing of the electrical appliance 300 could be adjusted accordingly.

For example, referring to Figure 18, the CPU 110 of server 100 calculates the user's estimated arrival time home based on the current location of the communication terminal 400, either periodically or when it arrives at the nearest train station to the user's home (step S122).

The CPU 110 determines whether the user's return time is later than the cooking completion time of the cooking appliance 200 (step S124).

If the user's return time is later than the cooking completion time of the cooking appliance (if the answer is YES in step S124), the CPU 110 changes the cooking completion time to a later time to match the user's return time (step S126). That is, the CPU 110 communicates the changed cooking completion time to the cooking appliance 200 via the communication interface 160. The CPU 210 of the cooking appliance 200, or the CPU 110 of the server 100, changes the cooking parameters by increasing the adjustment time, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, so that cooking is completed by the user's return time. This allows the user to enjoy a freshly prepared dinner even if they return home later than the scheduled time (7 PM), such as 9 PM.

Subsequently, the CPU 110 executes the processes from step S108 to step S112 in accordance with the revised cooking completion time.

On the other hand, if the user's return time is earlier than the cooking completion time of the cooking appliance 200 (i.e., the answer is NO in step S124), the CPU 110 does not change the cooking completion time. This is because even if the user returns home earlier (17:00) than the scheduled time (19:00), it does not necessarily mean they will eat dinner earlier.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 19, if the user's return time is earlier than the cooking completion time of the cooking appliance (if the answer is NO in step S124), the CPU 110 may use the communication interface 160 to inquire with the user via the communication terminal 400 whether or not to adjust the cooking completion time to match the user's return time (step S132). After obtaining the user's permission (if the answer is YES in step S134), the CPU 110 changes the cooking completion time to an earlier time to match the user's return time (step S136). That is, the CPU 110 communicates the changed cooking completion time to the cooking appliance 200 via the communication interface 160. The CPU 210 of the cooking appliance 200, or the CPU 110 of the server 100, changes the cooking parameters so that cooking is completed by the user's return time by shortening the adjustment time, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.
<Third Embodiment>

The CPU 110 of server 100 may synchronize the user's return home time with the completion of cooking by the cooking appliance 200, or it may set the timing of the cooking appliance 200's completion relative to the user's return home time. For example, the user may set the cooking appliance 200's completion timing relative to their return home time via the communication terminal 400. Specifically, when the user inputs a scheduled cooking command via the communication terminal 400, they can specify that cooking should be completed 30 minutes after their return home time. This allows the CPU 110 of server 100 to register the relative timing of the cooking appliance 200's completion relative to the user's return home time in the electrical equipment information data 123. This is because the time between returning home and dinner may vary from user to user.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 20, the CPU 110 of the server 100 receives a cooperation command from the communication terminal 400 via the communication interface 160 (step S302).

The CPU 110 of server 100 receives cooking commands from the cooking appliance 200 via the communication interface 160 (step S304). In this embodiment, at this time, server 100 also receives a specification from the user regarding the cooking completion timing relative to their return home time.

The CPU 110 calculates the user's return time for today based on the user's past return time history (step S305), calculates the time when cooking will be completed based on the above relative timing, and calculates the time to start cooking (step S306).

The CPU 110 refers to the electrical equipment information data 123 in the memory 120 to identify the electrical equipment 300 that should be connected to the cooking equipment 200 (step S308).

The CPU 110 refers to the electrical equipment information data 123 to identify the operation commands, start time, and target time of the electrical equipment 300 (step S310).

The CPU 110 transmits operation commands, operation start time, target time, etc., to the electrical equipment 300 via the communication interface 160 (step S312).

Subsequently, periodically, or upon arrival at the nearest station to the user's home, the CPU 110 of server 100 calculates the user's estimated arrival time based on the current location of the communication terminal 400 (step S322).

The CPU 110 determines whether the user's return time is later than the cooking completion time of the cooking appliance (step S324).

If the user's return time is later than the cooking completion time of the cooking appliance (if the answer is YES in step S324), the CPU 110 changes the cooking completion time to a later time to match the user's return time (step S326). That is, the CPU 110 communicates the changed cooking completion time to the cooking appliance 200 via the communication interface 160. The CPU 210 of the cooking appliance 200 changes the cooking parameters by increasing the adjustment time, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, so that cooking is completed after a specified relative time has elapsed from the user's return time.

Subsequently, the CPU 110 executes the processes from steps S308 to S312 in accordance with the revised cooking completion time.

On the other hand, if the user's return time is earlier than the cooking completion time of the cooking appliance (i.e., the answer is NO in step S324), the CPU 110 does not change the cooking completion time.

However, as shown in Figure 19, if the user's return time is earlier than the cooking completion time of the cooking appliance (the answer is NO in step S124), the CPU 110 may use the communication interface 160 to ask the user via the communication terminal 400 whether or not to adjust the cooking completion time to match the user's return time (step S132). After obtaining the user's permission (the answer is YES in step S134), the CPU 110 changes the cooking completion time to an earlier time to match the user's return time (step S136). That is, the CPU 110 communicates the changed cooking completion time to the cooking appliance 200 via the communication interface 160. The CPU 210 of the cooking appliance 200 changes the cooking parameters so that cooking is completed by the user's return time by shortening the adjustment time, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.
<Fourth Embodiment>

Furthermore, it is preferable that the user can specify which electrical devices 300 will be linked to the cooking appliance 200 for each time period, and that the operation of the electrical devices 300 can be configured. For example, as shown in Figure 21, the user can specify which electrical devices 300 will be linked to the cooking appliance 200 for each time period via the communication terminal 400. It is also preferable that the user can specify the operation and target timing of the electrical devices 300 linked to the cooking appliance 200 for each time period via the communication terminal 400. Accordingly, the CPU 110 of the server 100 registers the correspondence and operation details of the electrical devices 300 linked to the cooking appliance 200 for each time period in the electrical device information data 123. This is because the electrical devices 300 that should operate in conjunction with the cooking appliance 200 differ depending on the time period, such as morning, noon, evening, and night.

More specifically, as shown in Figure 22, first, the CPU 110 of the server 100 receives time-based coordination commands from the communication terminal 400 via the communication interface 160 (step S402). For example, when the CPU 110 of the server 100 receives a specification from the communication terminal 400 via the communication interface 160 for each time period regarding the electrical equipment 300 to be coordinated with the cooking equipment 200, it turns on the coordination flag in the electrical equipment information data 123 of the memory 120 and sets the identification information of the target cooking equipment 200 along with the information specifying the time period. Furthermore, the CPU 110 receives from the communication terminal 400 via the communication interface 160 the details of the operation of the electrical equipment 300 to be executed in conjunction with the completion of cooking by the cooking equipment 200 for each time period, and the target timing of the operation of the electrical equipment 300 in relation to the timing of cooking completion. The CPU 110 then registers the time period, operation details, and target timing of the operation in the electrical equipment information data 123 of the memory 120, associating them.

The CPU 110 of server 100 receives cooking commands from the cooking appliance 200 via the communication interface 160 (step S404).

The CPU 110 calculates the time to start cooking based on the time cooking will be completed according to the reserved cooking instruction, or calculates the time cooking will be completed according to a normal cooking instruction (step S406).

The CPU 110 refers to the electrical equipment information data 123 in the memory 120 to identify the electrical equipment 300 that should be connected to the cooking equipment 200, depending on the time of day when cooking is completed or the current time of day (step S408).

The CPU 110 refers to the electrical equipment information data 123 to identify the operation commands, start time, and target time for reaching a predetermined state of the electrical equipment 300 (step S410).

The CPU 110 transmits operation commands, operation start times, target times for reaching a predetermined state, etc., to the electrical equipment 300 via the communication interface 160 (step S412).
<Fifth Embodiment>

In the above embodiment of the network system 1, some or all of the roles of each device, such as the server 100, cooking equipment 200, electrical equipment 300, and communication terminal 400, may be performed by other devices. For example, the cooking equipment 200, electrical equipment 300, and communication terminal 400 may handle some of the processing of the server 100, the server 100 and communication terminal 400 may handle some of the functions of the cooking equipment 200 and electrical equipment 300, and the cooking equipment 200 and server 100 may handle some of the functions of the communication terminal 400. Alternatively, the role of the server 100 may be shared and implemented by a large number of servers on the cloud.
<Summary>

In the above embodiment, a server is provided comprising a communication interface for communicating with a cooking appliance and other electrical equipment, and a processor for controlling the other electrical equipment corresponding to the cooking appliance based on the timing at which the cooking appliance reaches a first state, by utilizing the communication interface.

Preferably, the processor uses a communication interface to obtain the user's return time for the cooking appliance and controls the appliance accordingly.

Preferably, the processor delays the timing by controlling the cooking appliances if the user's return time is later than the timing, and does not change the timing if the user's return time is earlier than the timing.

Preferably, the processor delays the timing by controlling cooking appliances if the user's return time is later than the timing, and queries the user via their communication terminal whether to advance the timing if the user's return time is earlier than the timing.

Preferably, the processor uses a communication interface to control other electrical equipment corresponding to the cooking appliance to reach a second state simultaneously with the timing when the cooking appliance reaches a first state, or a predetermined time after that timing.

The processor sets the timing for reaching a second state relative to the timing for reaching a first state, for each of the multiple other electrical devices corresponding to the cooking appliance.

The processor accepts settings for other electrical devices that should be connected to the cooking appliances, on a time-of-day basis.

In the above embodiment, a server information processing method is provided, comprising the steps of: controlling a cooking appliance; and controlling other electrical equipment corresponding to the cooking appliance based on the timing at which the cooking appliance reaches a first state.

In the above embodiment, a network system is provided comprising a cooking appliance, other electrical equipment, and a server. The cooking appliance performs a predetermined cooking process according to instructions from the user. The server transmits control commands to the other electrical equipment corresponding to the cooking appliance, based on the timing at which the cooking appliance reaches a first state by performing the predetermined cooking process. The other electrical equipment performs a predetermined operation according to the control commands from the server.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included.

1: Network system 100: Server 110: CPU
120: Memory 121: User information data 122: Cooking equipment information data 123: Electrical equipment information data 140: Operation unit 160: Communication interface 200: Cooking equipment 210: CPU
220: Memory 230: Display 240: Operation Unit 250: Touch Panel 260: Communication Interface 270: Speaker 280: Sensor 285: Timer 290: Device Drive Unit 300: Electrical Equipment 310: CPU
320: Memory 330: Display 340: Operation Unit 350: Touch Panel 360: Communication Module 370: Speaker 380: Sensor 385: Timer 390: Device Drive Unit 400: Communication Terminal 410: CPU
420: Memory 430: Display 440: Control Unit 450: Touch Panel 460: Communication Interface 470: Speaker 480: Microphone 490: Current Location Acquisition Unit 500: Wireless Router

Claims (6)

A communication interface for communicating with cooking appliances and other electrical appliances,
The system includes a processor for controlling other electrical equipment corresponding to the cooking appliance based on the timing at which the cooking appliance reaches a first state, by utilizing the aforementioned communication interface .
The aforementioned processor,
By utilizing the aforementioned communication interface, the system obtains the user's return home time for the cooking appliance and controls the cooking appliance according to that return time.
If the user's return time is later than the aforementioned timing, the timing is delayed by controlling the cooking equipment.
A server that, if the user's return time is earlier than the aforementioned timing, inquires via the user's communication terminal whether or not to advance the aforementioned timing . The server according to claim 1, wherein the processor, by utilizing the communication interface, controls the other electrical equipment corresponding to the cooking appliance to reach a second state simultaneously with the timing at which the cooking appliance reaches a first state, or after a predetermined time from that timing. The server according to claim 2 , wherein the processor sets the timing for reaching the second state relative to the timing for reaching the first state with respect to each of the plurality of other electrical devices corresponding to the cooking appliance. The server according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein the processor receives settings for other electrical equipment to be linked to the cooking equipment for each time period. Steps to obtain the return time of the cooking appliance user,
The steps include controlling the cooking appliance in accordance with the time of returning home ,
The system includes the step of controlling other electrical equipment corresponding to the cooking appliance based on the timing at which the cooking appliance reaches a first state ,
A server information processing method comprising the step of controlling the cooking equipment, which includes delaying the timing by controlling the cooking equipment if the user's return time is later than the timing, and inquiring via the user's communication terminal whether or not to advance the timing if the user's return time is earlier . Cooking equipment and
Other electrical equipment,
A network system comprising a server,
The cooking appliance performs a predetermined cooking process according to instructions from the user.
The server transmits a control command to the other electrical equipment corresponding to the cooking equipment, based on the timing at which the cooking equipment reaches the first state by performing the predetermined cooking.
The aforementioned other electrical equipment performs predetermined operations in accordance with control commands from the server .
The aforementioned server,
The system acquires the user's return home time for the cooking appliance and controls the cooking appliance according to that return time.
If the user's return time is later than the aforementioned timing, the timing is delayed by controlling the cooking equipment.
A network system that , if the user's return time is earlier than the aforementioned timing, inquires via the user's communication terminal whether or not to advance the aforementioned timing .