JP7814242B2 - Dish Drying System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a dish drying system.

Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional dish dryer. This dish dryer includes a drying chamber, drying means, and a dish basket. The drying chamber can accommodate tableware such as large plates, small plates, and bowls. The drying means can supply warm air to the drying chamber. The dish basket is located within the drying chamber. The dish basket is located within the drying chamber and allows tableware to be placed in it.

In this dish dryer, the drying means is operated while the dishes to be dried are placed in the dish basket. This supplies warm air into the drying chamber, drying the dishes placed in the dish basket.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-174712

In order to properly dry dishes placed in the dish basket, the dishes must be placed in the dish basket in a proper manner. In this regard, with the conventional dish dryers described above, placing dishes in the dish basket is left to the user's individual judgment. As a result, with this dish dryer, there is a risk that dishes will not be placed in the dish basket in a proper manner and will not be dried properly. Furthermore, with this dish dryer, there is a concern that the user will find it troublesome to place dishes in the dish basket, making it less convenient.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional situation, and aims to solve the problem of providing a dish drying system that is highly convenient and can efficiently dry dishes placed in a dish basket.

The first tableware drying system of the present invention includes a drying chamber for storing tableware, drying means capable of supplying hot air into the drying chamber, and a dish dryer configured based on the performance of the drying means and installed in the drying chamber, the dish dryer having a dish basket on which the tableware can be placed, and dries the tableware placed in the dish basket.
a storage means for storing device information including the configuration of the dish basket;
an information creating means for creating tableware information including information on the type and quantity of the tableware to be dried in the tableware dryer;
a first proposal creating means for creating position information that is a proposal for a position for placing the tableware in the dish basket based on the device information and the tableware information;
The vehicle is characterized by comprising a notification means for notifying the location information.

In the first dish drying system of the present invention, the storage means stores device information. This device information includes the configuration of the dish basket. Here, the dish basket is configured based on the performance of the drying means. In other words, the dish basket is configured so that the performance of the drying means can be exerted on the tableware placed in it.

In this dish drying system, the information creating means creates tableware information. This tableware information includes information on the type and quantity of tableware to be dried in the dish dryer. Then, the first suggestion creating means creates position information. This position information, i.e., suggestions for where to place tableware in the dish basket, may include, for example, suggestions for specific positions to place tableware in the dish basket, as well as suggestions for the spacing between tableware when placed in the dish basket. Then, the notification means notifies the user of the position information. This allows users of this dish drying system to easily place tableware in the dish basket based on the suggestion information proposed by the first suggestion creating means.

Here, the first proposal creation means creates location information based on the equipment information and the tableware information. In other words, the first proposal creation means creates location information taking into account not only information about the shape and quantity of the tableware, but also the configuration of the dish basket and, ultimately, the performance of the drying means.

As a result, in this dish drying system, by having the user place dishes in the dish basket according to the position information, it is less likely that a situation will occur in which, for example, when multiple items of dishware are placed in the dish basket, the drying means will have difficulty adequately drying dishes that are shaded by other items. This allows the drying means, and in turn the dish dryer, to perform optimally with the dishes placed in the dish basket. Furthermore, by having the user place dishes in the dish basket according to the position information, the user does not need to determine the position of the dishes when placing them in the dish basket. This means that the user is less likely to feel inconvenienced when placing dishes in the dish basket.

Therefore, the first dish drying system of the present invention is highly convenient and can efficiently dry dishes placed in the dish basket.

However, even if a user places dishes in the dish basket according to the position information created by the first proposal creation means, depending on the order in which the dishes are placed in the dish basket, there is a risk that the dishes placed earlier may get in the way, making it impossible to place subsequent dishes appropriately.

The first dish drying system of the present invention may therefore include a second suggestion creating means for creating order information, which is a suggestion for the order in which dishes should be placed in the dish basket, based on the equipment information and the dish information. It is preferable that the notification means notify the order information.

In this case, the second proposal creation means creates the sequence information taking into account not only the shape and quantity of the dishes, but also the configuration of the dish basket and, ultimately, the performance of the drying means. Therefore, in this dish drying system, the user places dishes in the dish basket in order according to the sequence information, preventing subsequent dishes from being placed in the dish basket because dishes placed earlier in the dish basket get in the way, and the dishes can be placed in the dish basket appropriately according to the position information. Furthermore, in this dish drying system, the user places dishes in the dish basket in order according to the sequence information, eliminating the need for the user to determine the order in which to place the dishes in the dish basket. For these reasons, the user of this dish drying system feels less bothered when placing dishes in the dish basket, thereby improving convenience.

The second tableware drying system of the present invention includes a drying chamber for storing tableware, drying means capable of supplying hot air into the drying chamber, and a dish dryer configured based on the performance of the drying means and installed in the drying chamber, the dish dryer having a dish basket on which the tableware can be placed, and dries the tableware placed in the dish basket.
a storage means for storing device information including the configuration of the dish basket;
an information creating means for creating tableware information including information on the type and quantity of the tableware to be dried in the tableware dryer;
a first proposal creating means for creating position information that is a proposal for a position for placing the tableware in the dish basket based on the device information and the tableware information;
a second suggestion creating means for creating order information that is a suggestion of the order in which the tableware should be placed in the dish basket based on the equipment information and the tableware information;
The apparatus is characterized by comprising a notification means for notifying at least the sequence information.

In the second dish drying system of the present invention, the first proposal creation means creates position information based on the equipment information and the dishware information, and the second proposal creation means creates sequence information based on the equipment information and the dishware information.

The sequence information is notified by the notification means, so in this dish drying system, the user can place dishes in the dish basket in the correct order according to the sequence information, allowing the dishes to be placed in the dish basket in the correct order. Therefore, in this dish drying system, the dish dryer can perform optimally with the dishes placed in the dish basket.

Furthermore, with this dish drying system, the user does not need to decide the order in which to place dishes in the dish basket. Therefore, with this dish drying system, the user is less likely to feel bothered when placing dishes in the dish basket.

Therefore, the second dish drying system of the present invention is highly convenient and can efficiently dry dishes placed in the dish basket.

Furthermore, the first dish drying system and second dish drying system of the present invention may include a user information acquisition means for acquiring user information, which is information about the user's position relative to the dish basket. It is preferable that the second suggestion creation means creates sequence information based on the user information.

In this case, the second suggestion creation means creates the order information taking into account the user's position relative to the dish basket, allowing the user to place dishes in the dish basket more easily.

The first and second dish drying systems of the present invention may include an image creation means for photographing the tableware being dried in the dish dryer and creating tableware images. It is preferable that the information creation means creates tableware information based on the tableware images. In this case, the creation of tableware information can be simplified, further increasing convenience.

The first and second dish drying systems of the present invention may also include an image creation means for photographing the tableware being dried in the dish dryer and creating tableware images. The notification means preferably includes a display unit that displays position information, order information, and tableware images. In this case, the user can easily place the tableware in the dish basket by viewing the position information, order information, and tableware images displayed on the display unit.

The first and second dish drying systems of the present invention are highly convenient and can efficiently dry dishes placed in a dish basket.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a tableware drying system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a dish dryer in the dish drying system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the dish basket in the dish drying system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a mobile terminal in the dish drying system of the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the procedure for creating tableware information in the tableware drying system of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which tableware is photographed in the tableware drying system of the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the dish basket and the user in the dish drying system according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing notification of position information and sequence information in the dish drying system of the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing notification of position information and sequence information in the dish drying system of the embodiment. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing a tableware image and a suggestion standby image displayed on a display in the dish drying system of the embodiment. Fig. 10A shows the tableware image, a confirmation icon, a correction icon, and an end icon. Fig. 10B shows the suggestion standby image, a start icon, and an end icon. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams showing a tableware image and a suggestion execution image displayed on a display in the tableware drying system of the embodiment. Fig. 11A shows the tableware image, an indication frame, and a confirm icon. Fig. 11B shows the suggestion execution image, a placement icon, and an end icon. 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams showing a tableware image and a suggestion execution image displayed on a display of the dish drying system according to the embodiment. Fig. 12A shows the tableware image, an indication frame, and a confirm icon. Fig. 12B shows the suggestion execution image, a placement icon, and an end icon. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a suggested end image and an end icon displayed on the display in the dish drying system of the embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dish drying system 10 of the embodiment includes a dish dryer 1, a server 60, and a mobile terminal 70. The server 60 is an example of the "storage means," "information creation means," "first proposal creation means," and "second proposal creation means" of the present invention. The mobile terminal 70 is an example of the "notification means," "user information acquisition means," and "image creation means" of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the arrows shown in Figure 2 define the front-to-rear and up-to-down directions of the dish dryer 1. Also, Figures 3 and 7 define the front-to-rear direction of the dish dryer 1 in accordance with Figure 2, as well as the left-to-right direction, i.e., the width direction, of the dish dryer 1. These front-to-rear, up-to-down, and left-to-right directions are perpendicular to one another.

As shown in FIG. 2, the dish dryer 1 is incorporated into the system kitchen 100 and is installed below the countertop CT1 of the system kitchen 100. The dish dryer 1 includes a housing 3, a drying chamber 5, a drying means 7, and a dish basket 9.

The housing 3 is formed in a generally rectangular box shape extending in the front-to-back, up-down, and left-to-right directions. The housing 3 has a housing opening 3h that connects the interior of the housing 3 to the outside. Furthermore, although not shown, the housing 3 is also formed with an air intake port that connects the interior of the housing 3 to the outside of the dish dryer 1.

The drying chamber 5 has a generally rectangular shape that extends in the front-to-back, up-down, and left-to-right directions. The drying chamber 5 is formed with a drying space 5h and a bottom space 51. The drying space 5h is open at the top and is connected to the outside of the drying chamber 5, i.e., the outside of the dish dryer 1, via an exhaust passage 5a. The bottom space 51 is located below the drying space 5h. A heater chamber 52a is provided in the bottom space 51. Although not shown, the drying chamber is also formed with a communication port that connects the inside of the housing 3 with the bottom space 51.

The drying chamber 5 is also provided with drying means 7. The drying means is composed of a heater 52, a fan 53, and a motor 54. The heater 52 is housed in the heater chamber 52a. As a result, the heater 52 is positioned below the drying space 5h.

The fan 53 is located at the rear of the drying chamber 5. The motor 54 is connected to the fan 53 and drives it to rotate. The heater 52 and motor 54 are electrically connected to the control unit C1, which will be described later. The drying means 7 is capable of supplying warm air into the drying space 5h. The specific operation of the drying means 7 will be described later. The drying means 7 may also have other configurations.

The drying chamber 5 is also provided with a grip 5g at the top front end, as well as an operation unit 40 and a notification unit 41. The operation unit 40 is used by a user 300 (see Figure 6) of the dish dryer 1, and therefore the dish drying system 10, to operate the dish dryer 1. Specifically, the user 300 selects the type of drying operation and the drying operation time, etc., via the operation unit 40. The notification unit 41 has a liquid crystal panel (not shown). The notification unit 41 displays the type of drying operation and the time, etc. selected by the user on the liquid crystal panel.

Furthermore, a control unit C1 is provided at the front of the drying chamber 5. The control unit C1 stores a control program for controlling the operation of the dish dryer 1. The control unit C1 is electrically connected to the operation unit 40, the alarm unit 41, the heater 52, the motor 54, etc. The control unit C1 controls the drying means 7, etc. based on the control program, and operates the dish dryer 1.

The control unit C1 is also capable of wireless communication with the server 60 shown in FIG. 1. The control unit C1 may also be capable of wired communication with the server 60. The control unit C1 may also be capable of wireless communication with both the server 60 and the mobile terminal 70.

The drying chamber 5 is movable in the forward and backward directions relative to the housing 3. When the drying chamber 5 moves forward relative to the housing 3, it is exposed to the outside of the housing 3 through the housing opening 3h (see Figure 7). On the other hand, when the drying chamber 5 moves backward relative to the housing 3, it enters the interior of the housing 3 through the housing opening 3h, as shown in Figure 2. Note that Figure 2 illustrates the state in which the drying chamber 5 has moved to the rearmost position relative to the housing 3.

The dish basket 9 is located within the drying space 5h of the drying chamber 5. The dish basket 9 is composed of a basket body 9a and a small item box 9b. The dish basket 9 is capable of holding tableware TW. Here, the tableware TW includes tableware such as large plates TW1, medium plates TW2, small plates TW3, rice bowls TW4, and soup bowls TW5 shown in FIG. 6, as well as eating utensils such as chopsticks TW6. Furthermore, the tableware TW includes cooking vessels (not shown), such as frying pans and pots, as well as cups and teacups.

As shown in Figure 3, the basket body 9a is formed by combining multiple pieces of resin material formed to a specified length in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The basket body 9a also has first to sixth designated positions 911 to 916. The first to sixth designated positions 911 to 916 are set according to the type of tableware TW, and allow the tableware TW to be placed thereon.

Specifically, in the basket body 9a, large plates TW1 can be placed primarily at the first designated position 911. Small plates TW3 can be placed primarily at the second designated position 912 and the sixth designated position 916. Rice bowls TW4 and soup bowls TW5 can be placed primarily at the third designated position 913. Medium plates TW2 can be placed primarily at the fourth designated position 914 and the fifth designated position 915. Note that it is also possible to place tableware TW other than the designed tableware TW at the first to sixth designated positions 911-916, such as placing a medium plate TW2 at the first designated position 911, for example. Note that the number of designated positions provided on the basket body 9a, as well as the size and proportions of the first to sixth designated positions 911-916 on the basket body 9a, can be designed as appropriate.

The basket main body 9a is also provided with a plurality of support members 91. Each support member 91 is positioned at one of the first to sixth designated positions 911 to 916. Each support member 91 is capable of supporting tableware TW placed at the first to sixth designated positions 911 to 916. Here, each support member 91 is designed to have a different shape depending on the first to sixth designated positions 911 to 916 at which it is positioned. For example, each support member 91 positioned at the first designated position 911 is designed to have a shape that can mainly support a large plate TW1, and each support member 91 positioned at the third designated position 913 is designed to have a shape that can mainly support a rice bowl TW4 or a soup bowl TW5.

Furthermore, the car body 9a is provided with first to fifth display units 93a to 93e. The first to fifth display units 93a to 93e are located near the first to sixth designated positions 911 to 916, respectively. Specifically, the first display unit 93a is located near the first designated position 911, the second display unit 93b is located near the second designated position 912, and the third display unit 93c is located near the third designated position 913. The fourth display unit 93d is located near the fourth designated position 914 and the fifth designated position 915. And the fifth display unit 93e is located near the sixth designated position 916.

The first to fifth display sections 93a to 93e are formed with figures that resemble the tableware TW that will be placed in the first to sixth designated positions 911 to 916, respectively. For example, the first display section 93a is formed with a figure that resembles a large plate TW1, and the second and fifth display sections 93b and 93e are formed with a figure that resembles a small plate TW3. Note that the basket main body 9a may be configured without the first to fifth display sections 93a to 93e.

The small item box 9b shown in Figure 2 is detachably attached to the basket main body 9a. By being attached to the basket main body 9a, the small item box 9b is positioned approximately in the center of the basket main body 9a. The small item box 9b is shaped like a roughly rectangular box with an open top. Although not shown in detail, the small item box 9b has a mesh-like structure all around, allowing hot air supplied by the drying means 7 to circulate inside. The small item box 9b can accommodate eating and drinking utensils such as chopsticks TW6. In other words, among the tableware TW, eating and drinking utensils are placed on the basket main body 9a via the small item box 9b. In addition to chopsticks TW6, eating and drinking utensils that can be stored in the small item box 9b include spoons and forks (both not shown).

In this dish dryer 1, the dish basket 9 is configured based on the performance of the drying means 7. More specifically, the placement locations of the first to sixth designated positions 911-916 on the basket body 9a, the shape of each support member 91, and the spacing between each support member 91 are designed based on the flow direction of the hot air supplied by the drying means 7. As a result, for example, each support member 91 placed at the first designated position 911 is designed to be shaped to primarily support a large plate TW1, as described above, and is also shaped to support tableware TW such as a large plate TW1 in a position and at a spacing that allows for optimal drying by the drying means 7. Furthermore, the shape of the small item box 9b and the placement position of the small item box 9b on the basket body 9a are designed to allow eating utensils such as chopsticks TW6 to be optimally dried by the hot air supplied by the drying means 7.

As shown in FIG. 1, the server 60 has a first calculation unit 61, a first memory unit 62, and a first communication unit 63 inside. The first calculation unit 61 is composed of a CPU and the like, and controls the operation of the server 60 as well as performing various calculations. The first memory unit 62 is composed of storage devices such as ROM, RAM, and an HDD (hard disk drive). The first memory unit 62 stores a control program that controls the operation of the server 60, as well as device information 601 and a server-side drying program 602.

The device information 601 includes information about the configuration of the dish basket 9 as well as information about the performance of the dish dryer 1. Here, the information about the configuration of the dish basket 9 specifically includes information about the dimensions of the basket body 9a and the small item box 9b, as well as the locations of the first to sixth designated positions 911-916 on the basket body 9a, the number and shape of the support members 91, and the location of the small item box 9b on the basket body 9a. Furthermore, the information about the performance of the dish dryer 1 specifically includes information about the performance of the drying means 7, such as the position of the fan 53 in the drying chamber 5, as well as information about the type of drying operation performed by the dish dryer 1 and the duration of the drying operation. The device information 601 may also include other information about the dish dryer 1. Furthermore, information about the type of drying operation and the duration of the drying operation may be excluded from the information about the performance of the dish dryer 1. Furthermore, the device information 601 may consist only of information about the configuration of the dish basket 9.

The server-side drying program 602, together with the terminal-side drying program 701, creates tableware information, position information, and sequence information. Details on creating this tableware information, etc. will be provided later.

The first communication unit 63 is configured as a wireless communication device. The server 60 is capable of communicating with the control unit C1 of the dish dryer 1 through the first communication unit 63, as well as with the mobile terminal 70. The first communication unit 63 may also have a wired connection device that allows for a wired connection to the control unit C1 and the mobile terminal 70.

The mobile terminal 70 shown in FIG. 4 is specifically a commercially available smartphone. A touch panel display 70a is provided on the surface of the mobile terminal 70. The display 70a is an example of the "display unit" in the present invention. The mobile terminal 70 may also be a commercially available tablet computer or a dedicated device designed for use with the dish drying system 10.

On the other hand, a camera 70b is provided on the back of the mobile terminal 70 as shown in FIG. 4. The camera 70b is capable of capturing images of the tableware TW that the user 300 is drying in the dish dryer 1 as shown in FIG. 6.

The user 300 can also input user information, which is their own position relative to the dish basket 9 and, ultimately, the dish dryer 1, through the display 70a. Furthermore, the display 70a can display the dishware information, position information, and sequence information created by the server 60. This allows the display 70a to notify the user 300 of the dishware information, position information, and sequence information. The display 70a can also display a dishware image 400, such as that shown in FIG. 10(A). This dishware image 400 will be described later. Instead of the display 70a, the dishware information, position information, and sequence information may be notified through a speaker (not shown) provided on the mobile terminal 70, or through the display 70a and speaker.

As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the mobile terminal 70 internally has a second calculation unit 71, a second memory unit 72, and a second communication unit 73. Like the first calculation unit 61, the second calculation unit 71 is composed of a CPU and other components, and controls the operation of the mobile terminal 70, including the display 70a and camera 70b, as well as performing various calculations. Like the first memory unit 62, the second memory unit 72 is composed of a storage device in addition to ROM and RAM. The second memory unit 72 stores a control program that controls the operation of the mobile terminal 70, as well as a terminal-side drying program 701.

Like the first communication unit 63, the second communication unit 73 is configured as a wireless communication device. The control unit C1 of the dish dryer 1 and the mobile terminal 70 may be communicatively connected via the second communication unit 73. In this case, the type of drying operation and the drying operation time of the dish dryer 1 may be selected through the display 70a of the mobile terminal 70, and the type of drying operation, time, etc. may be displayed on the display 70a.

In the dish drying system 10 configured as described above, when drying the tableware TW, the server 60 generates position information that suggests the placement position of the tableware TW in the dish basket 9, and sequence information that suggests the placement sequence of the tableware TW in the dish basket 9, and can notify these to the user 300.

When the server 60 creates the position information and sequence information, as shown in the flow diagram of Figure 5, the terminal-side drying program 701 and the server-side drying program 602 are first launched (step S101). Specifically, when the user 300 operates the mobile terminal 70 to launch the terminal-side drying program 701, this information is transmitted from the mobile terminal 70 to the server 60. This causes the server 60 to launch the server-side drying program 602. Note that the server-side drying program 602 may be always running.

Next, the user 300 uses the camera 70b of the mobile device 70 to photograph the tableware TW to be dried by the dish dryer 1 and creates a tableware image 400 (step S102). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 , the user 300 arranges the tableware TW to be dried by the dish dryer 1, for example, on a table 500, so that the tableware TW fits within a single tableware image 400. The user arranges the tableware TW on the table 500 so that the tableware TW do not overlap or are partially obscured by other tableware TW, allowing the types and quantities of the tableware TW, such as large plates TW1 and small plates TW3, to be distinguished. The user 300 then photographs the tableware TW arranged on the table 500 from above using the camera 70b. This causes the second calculation unit 71 of the mobile device 70 to create the tableware image 400.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10 (A), a tableware image 400 was created that included one large plate TW1, one medium plate TW2, one small plate TW3, one rice bowl TW4, one soup bowl TW5, and one pair of chopsticks TW6. In other words, the large plate TW1, medium plate TW2, small plate TW3, rice bowl TW4, soup bowl TW5, and chopsticks TW6 were dried one by one by the dish dryer 1.

The tableware image 400 created in this manner is then transmitted from the mobile terminal 70 to the server 60 (step S103 in Figure 5). Note that, prior to transmitting the tableware image 400 to the server 60, the user 300 may be asked whether there are any deficiencies in the content of the created tableware image 400, and if there are any deficiencies in the content of the tableware image 400, the process may return to step S102 and the tableware image 400 may be recreated.

Next, the server 60 identifies the type and quantity of tableware TW present in the received tableware image 400 using the following method. Specifically, the server-side drying program 602 stored in the server 60 contains a database of the shapes and dimensions of large plates TW1, small plates TW3, chopsticks TW6, etc. Furthermore, the server-side drying program 602 sets the length of chopsticks TW6 as a reference value, as well as the lengths of forks and spoons.

The first calculation unit 61 of the server 60 then extracts objects from the tableware image 400 that are similar in shape to or match the chopsticks TW6 and determines the extracted objects to be chopsticks TW6. In this way, the first calculation unit 61 extracts chopsticks TW6 from the tableware image 400. After extracting chopsticks TW6 from the tableware image 400, the first calculation unit 61 extracts objects from the tableware image 400 that are similar in shape to the large plates TW1 and small plates TW3. Furthermore, the first calculation unit 61 calculates the dimensions of objects that are similar in shape to the large plates TW1 and small plates TW3 based on the length of the extracted chopsticks TW6, i.e., the reference value. The first calculation unit 61 then compares the dimensions of these objects with the dimensions of the large plates TW1, small plates TW3, etc. recorded in the server-side drying program 602, thereby extracting the large plates TW1, small plates TW3, etc. from the tableware image 400. If chopsticks TW6 cannot be extracted from the tableware image 400, forks and spoons are extracted, and their lengths are used as reference values to extract large plates TW1, small plates TW3, etc. from the tableware image 400.

The reason why the length of chopsticks TW6 is used as the reference value here is that although chopsticks TW6 vary slightly in shape between adult and child chopsticks TW6, they are used for their intended purpose, and therefore the difference in shape is smaller than that of plates, etc., making it less likely that differences in length will occur. The same applies to forks and spoons.

Based on the large plate TW1, small plate TW3, chopsticks TW6, etc. extracted from the tableware image 400 in this way, the first calculation unit 61 identifies the type and quantity of tableware TW present in the tableware image 400. Note that the large plate TW1, etc. may also be extracted from the tableware image 400 using other methods.

Then, the first calculation unit 61 creates tableware information based on the type and quantity of tableware TW identified as described above (step S104). Furthermore, the first storage unit 62 stores the tableware information created by the first calculation unit 61.

Next, the user 300 inputs user information via the display 70a (step S105). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the user 300 inputs whether they are located to the right, left, or front of the dish basket 9 and, by extension, the dish dryer 1 when the drying cabinet 5 is moved forward. In this embodiment, the user 300 inputs as user information that they are located in the front of the dish dryer 1. The user information thus input is sent from the mobile terminal 70 to the server 60 (step S106 in FIG. 5). At this time, the first memory unit 62 stores the user information. Note that, although the user 300 inputs the user information in this embodiment, the user information may also be input automatically by using a user position information detection means, such as a human presence sensor.

Then, in the server 60, the first calculation unit 61 creates position information and order information based on the device information 601, the tableware information, and the user information (step S107). Specifically, the first calculation unit 61 calculates appropriate placement positions in the tableware basket 9 for one large plate TW1, one medium plate TW2, one small plate TW3, one rice bowl TW4, one soup bowl TW5, and one pair of chopsticks TW6, and creates position information.

Here, this position information includes the distance between the large plate TW1 and the small plate TW3 when placed in the dish basket 9, as well as the orientation and posture of the large plate TW1 when placed in the dish basket 9. Furthermore, this position information may suggest a position for placing the small plate TW3, for example, that is different from the second designated position 912 or the sixth designated position 916 originally set in the dish basket 9.

The first calculation unit 61 also calculates the optimal order for placing these large plates TW1 and other items in the dish basket 9 and creates order information. As a result, in this embodiment, the order of rice bowls TW4, soup bowls TW5, small plates TW3, medium plates TW2, large plates TW1, and chopsticks TW6 was calculated. The first memory unit 62 also stores this position information and order information. Note that the above order is only an example, and if the types and numbers of tableware TW placed in the dish basket 9 to be dried are different, the first calculation unit 61 may create order information that differs from the example. Even if the numbers of rice bowls TW4, soup bowls TW5, small plates TW3, medium plates TW2, large plates TW1, and chopsticks TW6 are the same as in the example, the first calculation unit 61 may create order information that differs from the example if the user information differs from the example.

Next, notification preparation is performed to notify the user 300 of this position information and sequence information (step S108). In notification preparation, as shown in FIG. 10A, the tableware image 400 created in step S102 is displayed on the display 70a of the mobile terminal 70 (step S109 in FIG. 5). Note that the tableware image 400 displayed on the display 70a is not limited to a photograph of the tableware TW, and may also be an illustration of the tableware TW created based on a photograph of the tableware TW.

As shown in FIG. 10 (A), in addition to the tableware image 400, the display 70a also displays a confirm icon 2a, a correction icon 2b, and an end icon 2c. While the tableware image 400 is displayed on the display 70a, it is confirmed whether the type and quantity of tableware TW identified by the first calculation unit 61 based on the tableware image 400 are correct (step S110 in FIG. 5). The confirmation of whether the type and quantity of tableware TW are correct is performed, for example, by displaying the type and quantity of tableware TW identified by the server 60 as text information on the display 70a or by outputting it as audio information from a speaker.

Here, if the type and quantity of the tableware TW identified by the first calculation unit 61 are inaccurate, that is, if the type and quantity of the tableware TW identified by the first calculation unit 61 differ from the type and quantity of the tableware TW present in the tableware image 400 (step S110: NO), the user 300 operates the correction icon 2b. This causes the processing from step S104 onwards to be performed again.

On the other hand, if the type and quantity of tableware TW identified by the first calculation unit 61 are correct (step S110: YES), the user 300 operates the confirmation icon 2a shown in FIG. 10(A). As a result, instead of the tableware image 400, etc., the display 70a displays a proposal standby image 801, a start icon 2d, and an end icon 2c, as shown in FIG. 10(B). This proposal standby image 801 is configured by stylizing the basket body 9a and small item box 9b, i.e., the dish basket 9, and the tableware TW. The same applies to the proposal execution image 802 and proposal end image 803, which will be described later. Furthermore, in the proposal standby image 801, all of the tableware TW and small item box 9b are shown in solid lines and colored white.

Here, if the user 300 operates the end icon 2c (step S111: NO, step S113: YES), subsequent processing is not performed and notification of the location information and sequence information ends. Note that the same applies when the user 300 operates the end icon 2c shown in Figure 10(A), or the end icons 2c shown in Figure 11(B) and Figure 12(B) described below.

On the other hand, when the user 300 operates the start icon 2d (step S111: YES in FIG. 5), notification of the position information and sequence information begins (step S112). As a result, as shown in FIG. 11(A), the display 70a again displays the dishware image 400, along with the confirm icon 2a. The display 70a also displays an instruction frame 4. The instruction frame 4 then surrounds the bowl TW4 in the dishware image 400, indicating to the user 300 via the display 70a which bowl TW4 should be placed first in the dish basket 9 (step S201 in FIG. 8). Note that bowl TW4 may be indicated by a method other than the instruction frame 4. The same applies to instructions for the soup bowl TW5, etc., described below.

Then, when the user 300 operates the confirm icon 2a, a suggestion execution image 802, a placement icon 2e, and an end icon 2c are displayed on the display 70a, as shown in FIG. 11 (B). In the suggestion execution image 802 displayed at this time, the bowl TW4 selected in step S201 of FIG. 8 is highlighted with a solid line, while the other tableware TW and the small item box 9b are displayed with dashed lines. In this way, the placement position of the bowl TW4 in the dish basket 9 and the orientation of the bowl TW4 when placed are specifically notified to the user 300 via the display 70a (step S202). The placement position and orientation of the bowl TW4 may also be notified in the suggestion execution image 802 using other display methods. The same applies to the placement position and orientation of the soup bowl TW5 and other items, which will be described later.

As a result, the user 300 actually places the bowl TW4 in the dish basket 9 of the dish dryer 1 in accordance with the content displayed in the suggested execution image 802. That is, the user places the bowl TW4 in the position displayed on the display 70a, relative to the rear portion of the basket body 9a at the third designated position 913. Then, once the user 300 has completed placing the bowl TW4, the user operates the placement icon 2e (see (B) of Figure 11) displayed on the display 70a. This causes the server 60 to detect that the bowl TW4 has been placed in the dish basket 9 (step S203: YES in Figure 8). Note that even after the bowl TW4 has been placed in the dish basket 9, the server 60 cannot detect that the bowl TW4 has been placed in the dish basket 9 until the user 300 operates the placement icon 2e (step S203: NO). Therefore, the server 60 will be in a standby state until the user 300 operates the placement icon 2e. The same applies to the subsequent cases of NO in step S206, NO in step S209, NO in step S212, NO in step S215, and NO in step S218.

When the server 60 detects that the rice bowl TW4 has been placed in the dish basket 9, the display 70a again displays the dish image 400, the instruction frame 4, and the confirmation icon 2a, as shown in Figure 12 (A). Then, the instruction frame 4 surrounds the soup bowl TW5 in the dish image 400, indicating to the user 300 which soup bowl TW5 should be placed in the dish basket 9 next after the rice bowl TW4 (step S204).

When the user 300 operates the confirm icon 2a shown in FIG. 12(A), the display 70a displays a suggested execution image 802, a placement icon 2e, and an end icon 2c, as shown in FIG. 12(B). In the suggested execution image 802 displayed at this time, the soup bowl TW5 selected in step S204 of FIG. 8 is highlighted with a solid line, and the rice bowl TW4 that has already been placed is displayed in a color other than white, such as red. The other tableware TW and the small item box 9b are displayed with dashed lines. In this way, the placement position of the soup bowl TW5 in the dish basket 9 and the orientation of the soup bowl TW5 when placed are specifically notified to the user 300 via the display 70a (step S205).

As a result, the user 300 actually places the soup bowl TW5 in the dish basket 9 in accordance with the contents displayed in the proposal execution image 802. Then, once the user 300 has completed placing the soup bowl TW5, he or she operates the placement icon 2e (see (B) of Figure 12) displayed on the display 70a. This causes the server 60 to detect that the soup bowl TW5 has been placed in the dish basket 9 (step S206: YES in Figure 8).

Although detailed illustrations are omitted, after the soup bowl TW5 is placed in the dish basket 9, the small plate TW3 in the tableware image 400 on the display 70a is surrounded by an indication frame 4, just as in the case of the rice bowl TW4 and the soup bowl TW5. This indicates to the user 300 which small plate TW3 should be placed in the dish basket 9 next after the soup bowl TW5 (step S207). Also, just as in the case of the rice bowl TW4 and the soup bowl TW5, the user 300 is specifically notified of the placement position of the small plate TW3 in the dish basket 9 and the orientation of the small plate TW3 when placed via the suggestion execution image 802 displayed on the display 70a (step S208).

As a result, the user 300 actually places the small plate TW3 in the dish basket 9 in accordance with the content displayed in the proposal execution image 802. Then, once the user 300 has finished placing the small plate TW3, he or she operates the placement icon 2e. As a result, the server 60 detects that the small plate TW3 has been placed in the dish basket 9 (step S209: YES).

Next, on the display 70a, the indication frame 4 surrounds the medium plate TW2 in the dish image 400, indicating to the user 300 which medium plate TW2 should be placed in the dish basket 9 after the small plate TW3 (step S210). Furthermore, the suggested execution image 802 displayed on the display 70a specifically notifies the user 300 of the placement position of the medium plate TW2 in the dish basket 9 and the orientation of the medium plate TW2 when placed (step S211). The user 300 then places the medium plate TW2 in the dish basket 9 in accordance with the content displayed in the suggested execution image 802 and operates the placement icon 2e. The server 60 then detects that the medium plate TW2 has been placed in the dish basket 9 (step S212: YES).

Next, on the display 70a, the indication frame 4 surrounds the large plate TW1 in the tableware image 400, indicating to the user 300 which large plate TW1 should be placed in the dish basket 9 after the medium plate TW2 (step S213 in Figure 9). Furthermore, the suggested execution image 802 displayed on the display 70a specifically notifies the user 300 of the placement position of the large plate TW1 in the dish basket 9 and the orientation of the large plate TW1 when placed (step S214). As a result, the user 300 actually places the large plate TW1 in the dish basket 9 in accordance with the content displayed in the suggested execution image 802 and operates the placement icon 2e. As a result, the server 60 detects that the large plate TW1 has been placed in the dish basket 9 (step S215: YES).

Next, on the display 70a, the chopsticks TW6 in the tableware image 400 are surrounded by an indication frame 4, indicating to the user 300 which chopsticks TW6 should be placed in the dish basket 9 after the large plate TW1 (step S216). The suggested execution image 802 displayed on the display 70a also specifically notifies the user 300 of the placement position of the chopsticks TW6 in the dish basket 9 (step S217). Here, because the chopsticks TW6 are to be placed in the small item box 9b, the suggested execution image 802 indicates small item box 9b. As a result, the user 300 places the chopsticks TW6 in the dish basket 9 by actually placing them in the small item box 9b in accordance with the content displayed in the suggested execution image 802. Then, the user 300 operates the placement icon 2e. As a result, the server 60 detects that the chopsticks TW6 have been placed in the dish basket 9 (step S218: YES).

In this way, the server 60 detects that all of the large plate TW1, medium plate TW2, small plate TW3, rice bowl TW4, soup bowl TW5, and chopsticks TW6 have been placed in the dish basket 9. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, a proposal completion image 803 and an end icon 2c are displayed on the display 70a. In the proposal completion image 803, the large plate TW1, medium plate TW2, small plate TW3, rice bowl TW4, soup bowl TW5, and chopsticks TW6 that have been placed are displayed in red, etc. The other tableware TW are displayed with dashed lines. Note that chopsticks TW6 is displayed with the small box 9b colored red, etc. This completes the placement of all tableware TW in the dish basket 9 (step S219). Then, when the user 300 operates the end icon 2c, the notification of the position information and order information ends.

In this dish drying system 10, it is of course also possible for the user 300 to place tableware TW in the dish basket 9 at their own discretion, without having the server 60 create position and sequence information. In this case, the user 300 selects one of the first to sixth designated positions 911-916 on the basket body 9a or the small item box 9b depending on the type of tableware TW to be dried in the dish dryer 1, and places the tableware TW there. Here, because the basket body 9a has first to fifth display units 93a-93e located near the first to sixth designated positions 911-916, the user 300 can easily determine the first to sixth designated positions 911-916 at which to place the tableware TW.

After the tableware TW has been placed in the dish basket 9, the user 300 moves the drying chamber 5 backward, as shown in Figure 2, and positions the drying chamber 5 inside the housing 3. The user 300 then operates the operating unit 40. This causes the control unit C1 to control the operation of the drying means 7 and other components based on the control program, and starts the drying operation.

Specifically, in the drying means 7, the motor 54 drives the fan 53, which introduces air from outside the dish dryer 1 into the housing 3 through the air intake port and then into the bottom space 51 through the communication port. The heater 52 is activated and generates heat, heating the air introduced into the bottom space 51. The rotating fan 53 then sequentially supplies the air heated by the heater 52, i.e., hot air, into the drying space 5h. Thus, the tableware TW is dried using hot air for a predetermined period of time in the drying space 5h. The shape of each support member 91 in the dish basket 9 is designed based on the performance of the drying means 7 and the first through sixth designated positions 911-916 in which the tableware TW is positioned. Therefore, while the tableware TW is being dried, each support member 91 optimally supports the tableware TW at the first through sixth designated positions 911-916. During drying operation, the warm air in the drying space 5h is sequentially discharged to the outside of the drying chamber 5 through the exhaust passage 5a.

After the drying operation is completed, the user 300 can remove the tableware TW from the dish basket 9 in the drying space 5h by moving the drying chamber 5 forward. The user 300 can also continue to store the tableware TW in the dish basket 9.

In this way, with this dish drying system 10, the user 300 can easily place dishes TW in the dish basket 9 based on the position information and order information notified via the display 70a. However, the position information created by the server 60 may specify a position for placing, for example, a small plate TW3 that is different from the second designated position 912 or the sixth designated position 916 originally set in the dish basket 9.

In this regard, in the dish drying system 10, the server 60 creates position information for the tableware TW based on the device information 601 and the tableware information. Therefore, the server 60 takes into account not only the type and quantity of the tableware TW, but also information about the configuration of the dish basket 9, information about the performance of the drying means 7, and information about the type and duration of the drying operation performed by the dish dryer 1, to calculate the appropriate placement position for the tableware TW and create the position information.

In other words, while the first to sixth designated positions 911-916 in the dish basket 9 are necessarily general indicators based on the performance of the dish dryer 1, the position information suggested by the server 60 is individually and specifically created based on the type and quantity of tableware TW to be actually dried in the dish dryer 1 and the performance of the drying means 7.

Furthermore, the position information includes the spacing between the dishes TW when placed in the dish basket 9, as well as the orientation and posture of the dishes TW. Therefore, in this dish drying system 10, if the user 300 places the dishes TW in the dish basket 9 according to the position information, for example, differences in the degree of drying between the dishes TW placed in the dish basket 9 are unlikely to occur, and the dish dryer 1 can more optimally perform on the dishes TW placed in the dish basket 9. This allows the dish dryer 1 to optimally dry the dishes TW using warm air.

The sequence information displayed on the display 70a is created based on the device information 601, the dishware information, and the user information. Therefore, in this dish drying system 10, the user 300 places the dishes TW in the dish basket 9 according to the sequence information, so that the user 300 does not need to decide the sequence in which to place the dishes TW in the dish basket 9. Furthermore, in this dish drying system 10, a situation will not occur in which dishes TW previously placed in the dish basket 9 get in the way and prevent subsequent dishes TW from being placed in the dish basket 9.

Furthermore, when creating the sequence information, the position of the user 300 relative to the dish basket 9 is also taken into consideration. As a result, the user 300 does not need to move significantly around the dish dryer 1 to place the dishes TW in the dish basket 9 in order according to the sequence information, making it easier to place the dishes TW to be dried in the dish dryer 1 in the dish basket 9. Furthermore, because it is easier to place the dishes TW in the dish basket 9, it is also possible to prevent the user 300 from placing the dishes TW in the dish basket 9 in an unnatural position.

Therefore, the dish drying system 10 of the embodiment is highly convenient and can efficiently dry the tableware TW placed in the dish basket 9.

In particular, in this dish drying system 10, the server 60 creates tableware information based on the tableware images 400. Therefore, in this dish drying system 10, the user 300 does not need to input the type and quantity of tableware TW when having the server 60 create the tableware information. This makes it easy to create tableware information in this dish drying system 10, which also makes it highly convenient.

Furthermore, in this dish drying system 10, in step S110 of FIG. 5, the user 300 is prompted to determine whether the dish information created by the server 60 is accurate. This prevents the dish drying system 10 from creating position information and order information based on incorrect dish information. Therefore, in this dish drying system 10, the server 60 can preferably create highly accurate position information and order information.

In addition, in this dish drying system 10, not only is the dish image 400 displayed on the display 70a, but the user 300 is also notified of the location information and order information through the dish image 400, instruction frame 4, and suggested execution image 802 displayed on the display 70a. This makes it easier for the user 300 to understand the location information and order information compared to when the user 300 is notified of the location information and order information only by voice, for example. In this respect, too, the dish drying system 10 allows the user 300 to easily place the dishes TW in the dish basket 9.

In addition, in this dish drying system 10, when the user 300 operates the placement icon 2e displayed on the display 70a, the server 60 can detect that the tableware TW has actually been placed in the dish basket 9. As a result, in this dish drying system 10, when the server 60 determines whether the tableware TW has actually been placed in the dish basket 9, there is no need to provide a dedicated sensor for detecting the tableware TW in the dish basket 9 or the drying space 5h. As a result, this dish drying system 10 also achieves low costs.

The present invention has been described above with reference to examples, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above examples and can be modified and applied as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

For example, the embodiment describes a case where there is one each of large plate TW1, medium plate TW2, small plate TW3, rice bowl TW4, soup bowl TW5, and chopsticks TW6 to be dried in the dish dryer 1. However, this is not limited to this, and there may be multiple rice bowls TW4, etc. to be dried in the dish dryer 1. In this case, the placement information created by the server 60 may include information such as starting to place each soup bowl TW5 in the dish basket 9 after all rice bowls TW4 have been placed in the dish basket 9. It may also include information such as notifying the order in which the rice bowls TW4, large plates TW1, etc. should be placed so that the tableware TW is placed in order from the rear to the front of the dish basket 9.

In addition, in this embodiment, after the rice bowl TW4 has been placed on the dish basket 9, the user 300 is notified that the soup bowl TW5 has been placed on the dish basket 9. However, this is not limited to this, and the user 300 may be notified all at once of the order in which the large plate TW1, medium plate TW2, small plate TW3, rice bowl TW4, soup bowl TW5, and chopsticks TW6 have been placed.

Furthermore, the server 60 may be omitted by connecting the dish dryer 1 and the mobile terminal 70 so that they can communicate with each other, and having the mobile terminal 70 create the dishware information, location information, and order information.

Furthermore, the dish dryer 1 may be configured to have all or some of the "storage means," "information creation means," "first proposal creation means," "second proposal creation means," "notification means," and "user information acquisition means" in the present invention. Furthermore, the dish dryer 1 may have an "image creation means" that creates tableware images using data captured by the camera 7b of the mobile terminal 70.

Furthermore, the type and quantity of tableware TW can be input through the operation unit 40, the control unit C1 creates tableware information, position information, and order information, and the notification unit 41 notifies the position information and order information, so that the dish dryer 1 alone can constitute the dish drying system 10.

In addition, in the embodiment, the proposal standby image 801, proposal execution image 802, and proposal end image 803 display stylized tableware TW, small item box 9b, etc., but this is not limited to this, and photographs of the tableware TW, small item box 9b, etc. may also be used. In addition, the proposal execution image 802 and proposal end image 803 may be videos.

In addition, by installing an LED device in the dish basket 9 or installing a laser device capable of irradiating the dish basket 9 in the drying space 5h, the user 300 can be notified of positional and sequence information through these LED devices or laser irradiation devices.

In addition, in this embodiment, the order information is displayed by sequentially surrounding the tableware TW to be placed in the dish basket 9 with an indication frame 4, as shown in Figure 11 (A). However, this is not limited to this, and the position where the tableware TW should be placed may be indicated by, for example, flashing in the proposal execution image 802 in Figure 11 (B).

In addition to information about the user's 300 position relative to the dish basket 9, the user information may also include information about the user's 300 dominant hand. In this case, it is possible to further improve the convenience of the user 300 when placing the dishes TW in an orderly manner.

Furthermore, the system may be configured to notify the user 300 of only the position information out of the position information and sequence information. Even in this case, the user 300 can appropriately place the dishes TW in the dish basket 9 based on the position information, so the user 300 is less likely to feel bothered when placing the dishes TW in the dish basket 9.

Furthermore, the system may be configured to notify the user 300 of only the sequence information out of the position information and sequence information. Even in this case, the user 300 can place the tableware TW in the first to sixth designated positions 911 to 916 based on the sequence information and the first to fifth display units 93a to 93e provided on the dish basket 9.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, the server 60 creates the position information and sequence information, but this is not limited to this, and the server 60 does not have to create the sequence information.

Furthermore, the dish dryer 1 may be configured as a separate unit from the system kitchen 100 and installed on a countertop CT1, etc.

Furthermore, the "dish dryer" in this invention may be a so-called dish washer-dryer that washes tableware TW in addition to drying the tableware TW.

In addition, in this embodiment, the length of the chopsticks TW6 is used as the reference value. However, this is not limited to this, and the user 300 may input the length of the table 500 on which the tableware TW is arranged, and use this as the reference value.

The present invention can be used in dish dryers, dishwashers, kitchen equipment, etc.

1... Dish dryer 5... Drying cabinet 7... Drying means 9... Dish basket 10... Dish drying system 60... Server (storage means, information creation means, first proposal creation means, second proposal creation means)
70...Mobile terminal (information creation means, notification means, user information acquisition means, image creation means)
70a...Display (display unit)
400...Dishes image 601...Device information TW...Dishes

Claims (4)

a drying chamber for storing tableware; drying means capable of supplying hot air into the drying chamber; and a dish dryer configured based on the performance of the drying means and installed in the drying chamber, the dish dryer having a dish basket on which the tableware can be placed, and drying the tableware placed in the dish basket;
a storage means for storing device information including the configuration of the dish basket;
an information creating means for creating tableware information including information on the type and quantity of the tableware to be dried in the tableware dryer;
a first proposal creating means for creating position information that is a proposal for a position for placing the tableware in the dish basket based on the device information and the tableware information;
a user information acquiring means for acquiring user information, which is information about the user's position relative to the dish basket;
a second suggestion creating means for creating order information that is a suggestion of the order in which the tableware should be placed in the dish basket based on the device information, the tableware information, and the user information;
A tableware drying system comprising: a notification means for notifying the position information and the order information . a drying chamber for storing tableware; drying means capable of supplying hot air into the drying chamber; and a dish dryer configured based on the performance of the drying means and installed in the drying chamber, the dish dryer having a dish basket on which the tableware can be placed, and drying the tableware placed in the dish basket;
a storage means for storing device information including the configuration of the dish basket;
an information creating means for creating tableware information including information on the type and quantity of the tableware to be dried in the tableware dryer;
a first proposal creating means for creating position information that is a proposal for a position for placing the tableware in the dish basket based on the device information and the tableware information;
a user information acquiring means for acquiring user information, which is information about the user's position relative to the dish basket;
a second suggestion creating means for creating order information that is a suggestion of the order in which the tableware should be placed in the dish basket based on the device information , the tableware information, and the user information ;
A tableware drying system comprising at least an informing means for informing the order information. an image creation means for taking an image of the tableware to be dried in the tableware dryer and creating an image of the tableware;
3. The tableware drying system according to claim 1, wherein the information creating means creates the tableware information based on the tableware image. an image creation means for taking an image of the tableware to be dried in the tableware dryer and creating an image of the tableware;
the information creating means creates the tableware information based on the tableware image;
3. The tableware drying system according to claim 1 , wherein the notification means includes a display unit that displays the position information, the order information, and the tableware images.