JP2002078036A - Network system for house electric appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a network system for house electric appliances where a user downloads a program with respect to the house electric appliances and setting data from a network with a simple ration so as to extend the functions of the house electric appliances. SOLUTION: The network system for house electric appliances includes in-home house electric appliances connected to a network and a server of a service company connected to the network and providing services with respect to the house electric appliances. Each home of the system includes a residential gateway that is connected to the network and acts like a data storage communication unit and a portable multi-controller that is connected to the house electric appliances in each home connected to the network in a communication available way, and each user operates the multi-controller to download programs and data with respect to the house electric appliances from the server on the network via the residential gateway so as to extend the functions of the house electric appliances.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a home electric appliance network system in which home electric appliances in a home are connected to a network. The present invention relates to a network system for home electric appliances which enables the following.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Home appliances have many functions for each product, but customer needs are diverse.
On the other hand, with the rapid development of information and communication technology, new functions that can be provided by home appliance manufacturers and service companies for home appliances have increased.

For example, taking a refrigerator as an example,
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 00-65465 discloses a method of providing a refrigerator capable of effectively managing food stored in the refrigerator without imposing a burden on a user and solving a problem such as expiration date. Non-contact reading means having a function of receiving radio waves transmitted from a memory label storing information and reading the management information, and storage means for storing management information read from the memory label by the non-contact reading means. There is disclosed a refrigerator having a management means for managing items stored in a refrigerator based on the management information stored in the storage means, and a notification means for notifying a user of a management status by the management means.

However, it is difficult to install a high-performance system such as food management in all refrigerators from the beginning in view of time constraints of technology development, cost constraints, and user needs. Often accompanied.

[0005] Therefore, it is conceivable to provide a home appliance of a standard specification at first, and to provide an additional program in order to meet the needs of each user who desires a functional enhancement. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-172509 discloses that a new program is downloaded to a white goods home appliance via the Internet and executed.
This gazette describes a program cooperative execution device applicable to an electronic device equipped with a low-speed macro processor typified by a home appliance and a real memory of a small size, that is, a Java language independent of a difference in computer architecture. An apparatus that enables linked operation of various types of electronic devices by distributing a common program described in (1) is disclosed.

In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2000-41079 and 9-84146 disclose home network systems using a power line or the like.
In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-39155 discloses a kitchen appliance having communication means connectable to a communication network.

[0007]

Generally, home electric appliances, particularly white electric home appliances such as washing machines, are constructed so that anyone can easily operate them, and users do not have specialized knowledge about information devices such as personal computers. In addition, even if the user is not good at the operation of these information devices, it is designed so as not to cause any trouble. Such considerations are desirable even when providing additional programs for home appliances. On the other hand, many users can make full use of the latest information and communication technologies such as mobile phones and the Internet, and it is desirable for such users to provide home appliances that are easy to use.

[0008] In general, many types of home appliances of different manufacturers are used in the home. For example, even in the case of white goods, for example, there are many cases where home appliances of different manufacturers are mixed, and the operation method is also various. As the functions of home electric appliances become more sophisticated, it is considered that such a difference in the operation method further increases the confusion of the user.

[0009] Furthermore, the life patterns of users are diversifying, and there is a great need to operate home electric appliances from outside the house.

On the other hand, even if a home appliance manufacturer or a service company develops a new function that can be newly provided with respect to the home appliance, the presence or absence of information on the new function, and the cost and technical capabilities of the device for accessing and using the information. It is often difficult to make it widely available to general users.

An object of the present invention is to provide a home electric appliance network system that enables a function expansion of a home electric appliance by downloading a program and setting data relating to the electric home appliance through a simple operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a network system for home electric appliances having a controller which can control various kinds of home electric appliances in a house collectively or individually and which is excellent in operability. is there.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a network system for home electric appliances which can meet the needs of users who can make full use of advanced information and communication technology.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a home appliance that can provide an opportunity for general users to widely use when a manufacturer or service company of a home appliance develops a new function that can be newly provided for the home appliance. To provide a network system.

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A feature of the present invention is a home electric appliance including a home electric appliance connected to a network and a server of a service company connected to the network and providing a service related to the electric home appliance. A network system, wherein a residential gateway connected to the network and functioning as a data storage / communication unit in the home, and a portable multi-controller communicably connected to home electrical appliances in the home connected to the network And by operating the multi-controller, downloading programs and data related to the home appliance from the network to the home appliance via the residential gateway to enable the function expansion of the home appliance.

Another feature of the present invention resides in that at the time of downloading, the multi-controller functions as an operation display device, and an additional program, data or image data is temporarily stored in the residential gateway.

Another feature of the present invention is that, at the time of the download, the multi-controller is operated to check whether a new function not included in the function of the home electric appliance is held in the server of the service company, And downloading the additional program and data desired by the user to the home electric appliance.

Another feature of the present invention is that, at the time of the download, an additional program and data of a new function stored in the server of the service company are downloaded to the residential gateway, and the user's request is included in the new function. And downloading the additional program and data to the home appliance.

Another feature of the present invention is a network system including home electric appliances in a home connected to a network, wherein the residential gateway is connected to the network in the home and functions as a data storage / communication unit. A portable multi-controller communicably connected to home appliances connected to a network and connected to each other by connecting or approaching the multi-controller to one of the home appliances. Functioning as a dedicated controller.

According to the present invention, there is provided a home electric appliance network system which enables individual users to download new programs and setting data relating to electric home appliances from the net with a simple operation and to extend the functions of the electric home appliances. can do.

Further, according to the present invention, by using a handy type multi-controller capable of controlling all household electrical appliances as a core of the operation, various household electrical appliances in the household can be controlled collectively or individually. It is possible to provide a network system for home electric appliances that can be operated and has excellent operability.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a home electric appliance network system that can meet the needs of users who can make full use of information communication technologies such as the Internet and mobile phones, such as downloading and remote control.
Further, it is possible to provide a home electric appliance network system that can use high-performance software such as food order management for refrigerators.

According to the present invention, when a service company rents a residential gateway or a multi-controller to each home to develop a new function that can be newly provided by a service company or the like, it can be widely used by general users. It is possible to provide a network system for home electric appliances that can provide an opportunity to be provided.

[0024]

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

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a network system including home electric appliances according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Each home 1 has a residential gateway (hereinafter RGW) 2 as a data storage / communication unit.
And a digital power meter (hereinafter referred to as DM) 3. In this embodiment, the RGW 2 and the DM 3 will be described as RGW / DM 2 on the assumption that they are integrally formed. In this embodiment, the power line 5 of the power company 4
Is used only for power supply, but may be used as a communication line. A telephone line 6 is further connected to the RGW / DM 2, and the telephone line 6 is connected to the Internet 8 via a server of the provider 7.

The Internet 8 is also connected to a server 9 of the power company 4 and a server of a service company 10 that provides services related to home electric appliances. Service Company 1
0 is, for example, a manufacturer or a store of home electric appliances, or a company that can provide an original service for home electric appliances. A communication network of a mobile phone is also connected to the Internet 8 via another server (provider). That is, the mobile phone base station 11 covering a specific zone
Is connected, and the portable information terminal 12 can access the Internet 8 via wireless communication. Further, the portable information terminal 13 can communicate with the RGW 2 wirelessly. The RGW / DM2 in the home, the multi-controller 23, and the home electric appliance group 22 are communicably connected to each other by a home network.

FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of a home network in the embodiment of FIG. The household electrical appliances 22 in the home are interconnected by a home network 20 using a power line 21, a telephone line 22, and a wireless communication (such as a Bluetooth communication line) 24 as transmission media.

That is, the network (home LAN) 20 in the home 1 includes an indoor power line 21 connected to the RGW / DM 2 installed on the wall, ceiling, or floor of the house, and the indoor power line 21. Home appliance group 2 as a home appliance to be updated and added to the program connected to the network 21
2, a hand-held type multi-controller 23, a Bluetooth communication line (BT) 24 and a telephone communication line (ISDN) 26 connected to a router 25. The router 25 is connected to the RGW / DM 2 and the external telephone line 6.

In the household electric appliance group 22, a power line (not shown) of a washing machine 221, an air conditioner 222, a refrigerator 223, and a vacuum cleaner 224, a television 225, a personal computer 226, a telephone 227, a microwave oven (shown) , Etc.) are connected. Multi controller 23 and vacuum cleaner 2
24 comprises BT23A and BT224A, respectively.
Wireless communication with the BT 24 is possible. Also, RGW / DM
2 and a communication line 26 connected to an external telephone line include:
A television 225, a personal computer 226, and a telephone 227 are connected. 228 is an electric light.

The multi-controller 22 is used as a core of an operation capable of controlling all household electric appliances in the home.
In addition, by connecting or approaching the multi-controller to one of the home appliances, the multi-controller 22 functions as a dedicated controller for the specific home appliance.

The multi-controller is used for downloading programs related to home electric appliances, initial settings, inquiries, diagnosis, operation of special programs, and the like. And by the operation panel.

The multi-controller 22 functions as an operation display device, and temporarily or permanently stores information, in particular, saves special programs and image data having a large data amount by the RGW 2.
2 does not require a large-capacity memory. Thereby, the multi-controller 22 can be reduced in size and weight. The RGW 2 has a function of temporarily holding the downloaded additional program or data, or holding the downloaded additional program or data in place of the home electric appliance. When the number of home appliances is large, the multi-controller 23 is used for convenience of operation.
May be used plurally.

The RGW 2 has a communication function, and enables remote control from the multi-controller 22 or remote control from outside using a portable information terminal. The multi-controller 23 and the control unit of each home appliance group 22 have a built-in communication function and a browser.

RGW / DM2, multi-controller 2
3. A unique IP address is assigned to the control unit, the router 25, and the portable information terminal of each home appliance group 22. If there are multiple identical products such as air conditioners, televisions, videos, etc., each device has its own IP
Assign an address.

With such a communication network configuration, the RGW / DM2 and the multi-controller 23 can download programs and setting data of each home appliance group 22 from the network and extend the functions of the home appliance group 22. It becomes possible. Alternatively, it is also possible to obtain information necessary for inquiring the manufacturer or the like regarding the operation and diagnosis of the home electric appliance group 22.

The portable information terminals 12 and 13 are devices for acquiring, editing, and transmitting data and messages of each home electric appliance group 22 in the user's home. The mobile information terminal may be used by connecting a dedicated mail terminal to a mobile phone, for example, to assist in data input, editing, and the like.

Further, according to this embodiment, the home electric appliance group 22 can receive the power supply through the electric wire 21 wired in each room in the house, and can also receive the power through the electric light line 21. It also enables data communication, so you can connect power supply and network just by plugging each home appliance into an outlet. For example, when home electrical wiring is used as a communication line, a signal converter for flowing a signal through the home wiring is required.This converter is connected to an external adapter, for example, between an outlet and a plug. There are a sandwiching method and a method in which this converter is provided in the device. However, here, it is assumed that a method in which the converter is provided in the device is adopted, and the illustration in the drawings is omitted.

Thus, a network can be easily and inexpensively constructed. Further, in this embodiment, the power supply device is independently provided and can be driven without being plugged into an outlet.
T24 is prepared. This allows most home appliances to be easily connected to the network. In particular, in this embodiment, by specifying the installation location, it is suitable for home electric appliances with little movement.

The communication medium of the home electric appliance group 22 and the multi-controller 23 constituting the network 20 with the RGW / DM may be any of cables such as a power line or a telephone line, optical communication or wireless communication. For example, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the home network 20.
The home appliance group 22 has a BT individually, and the BT 24 is configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with the multi-controller 23 and all the home appliance groups 22. In this embodiment, RGW2
And DM3 are configured as separate members, RGW2 is connected to a communication line, and DM3 is connected to a power line.

According to this embodiment, since the power supply and the data communication are performed independently of each other, the data communication is maintained even if the power is removed from the outlet while the home electric appliance is being driven. Suitable when there are many home appliances. Further, as compared with the embodiment of FIG. 2, noise is less likely to occur in data communication, so that high-level data communication is possible.

The home network 2 shown in FIG.
Conversely, in the configuration example of No. 0, all the home electric appliance groups 22 and the multi-controller 23 are configured to be able to communicate with the RGW / DM2 via the power line. According to this embodiment, a network can be easily and inexpensively constructed.

Home appliance group 22 and multi-controller 23
And the communication method between each device of RGW2, for example,
Echo net is conceivable. Each device is controlled by a program operating on a common or compatible OS, for example, an OS such as Microsoft Windows or Windows CE. Further, a JAVA (registered trademark) OS which assumes transmission and reception of programs via the Internet may be used.

It is to be noted that purchasing a new residential gateway or a multi-controller imposes an economic burden on each home, so that the service company lends them to each home, and the service company can newly provide them. When a new function is developed, it may be possible to provide an opportunity for general users to widely use the function.

For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the electric utility company records the electricity usage fee and transmits this record to the electric power company in combination with the DM3 electric power company system. The trouble of regular meter reading can be eliminated, and the cost of system construction can be shared at home with the power company, so that the cost of introducing the system can be reduced. Further, a service company (may be opened by a power company)
By entering, a cheaper system can be constructed.

Next, FIG. 5 shows the RG in the embodiment of FIG.
2 shows a configuration example of B / DM2. The RGB / DM 2 includes a power meter 31 and a power supply 32 connected to the power line 5.
The RGB / DM2 further includes a first communication device 33, a second communication device 34, a third communication device 35, and a signal converter 3.
7, a CPU 38, a WWW server 39, a WWW browser 40, and a storage device 41, which are connected to a power supply 32. Further, the firewall 36 prevents a signal flowing through a communication line (light line) 44 constituting a home network from leaking outside via the light line 5 and conversely preventing an external signal from entering the network. .

The telephone line 26 is connected to the first communication device 33. The communication line 44 is connected to the firewall 36 and the signal converter 37, and further, the home electric appliance group 22 and the multi-controller 23 are connected via the BT 24.

Also, a D terminal 47 enabling PC connection,
It has a USB terminal 48, an RS232C terminal 49, and a serial terminal 50. The storage device 41 has programs and data files executed by the CPU 38, at least a control file 42 for electric power companies and a control file 43 for home use. Further, the storage device 41 cannot temporarily hold the downloaded additional application program or data, or further, cannot hold the additional application program or data in the home appliance group 22 due to the memory capacity of the storage device of the home appliance group 22. In case, home appliances group 2
It also has the function of holding in place of 2.

Next, FIG. 6 shows the RG in the embodiment of FIG.
13 shows another configuration example of B2. In this embodiment, there is no power meter in RGB2, but instead there is DM3 connected to the power line. The DVD memory 45 and the DVD playback device 46
It is equipped with. Thus, the RGW / DM2 can be connected to digital video or the like.

FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of a control device in a washing machine 221 as an example of the home electric appliance group 22. Washing machine 2
21 is provided with a control device 2220 including a CPU, a storage device, and a program. The control device 2220 includes:
Operation unit 2202, LCD display unit 2204, control unit 220
6. Records and holds application programs and data of basic functions such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration of a washing machine, display functions on an LCD display unit provided on an operation panel, and voice guidance functions. A storage unit 2208 such as a RAM, a storage unit 2209 such as a ROM that records and holds application programs and data of extended functions such as an additional function, a display function, and a voice function, and a communication device 2210 including wireless communication are provided. Also, the audio output unit 221
2, drive unit 2214 such as a motor, various sensors 221
6, a timer 2218 and a power supply 2220. Other household appliances and portable information terminals also have a control device and a display unit according to the functions of those devices, similarly to the washing machine,
Records and holds application programs and data specific to the device.

Next, the multi-controller 23 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the multi-controller. The multi-controller 23 includes a main body 230 and a main body 2
LCD display unit 2 serving also as an operation unit provided on the front of unit 30
31, CCD camera 232, microphone and speaker 23
3. Power button 234, BT, P provided on top of main unit
It includes a wireless communication unit 235 such as an HS, and a grip 236 provided on the side of the main body. Multi controller 2
The rear surface of the main body 230 of the third unit is provided with fixing and locking means such as a suction cup and a magnet 237 so that the multi-controller 23 can be fixed to the household electric appliance group 22 and used.

The CCD camera 232 is used for sending inquiries concerning the operation of a group of home electric appliances and images of related parts of the home electric appliances at the time of failure diagnosis, sending pictures of food when ordering ingredients, sending messages between family members, and sending e-mails. You. Note that the home electric appliances and the multi-controller 23 are of a handy type. Weight is 2K for multi-controller 23, for example.
It must be light and small, on the order of g or less. Accordingly, the storage device is reduced in weight by cooperating with the RGB2 and using a battery and an AC power adapter for the power supply.

A control device is provided inside the main body 230 of the multi-controller 23. FIG. 9 shows a configuration of a control device of the multi-controller 23. The multi-controller 23 includes a power supply 240 connected to a power line, a signal converter 241, a CPU 242, a WWW browser 243, and an LCD display unit 254 also serving as an input operation unit. The multi-controller 23 further includes a first communication device 24
4. Second communication device 245 with wireless function, storage device 24
6 is provided. The storage device 246 holds a power company control file reading program 247 and a home appliance control file reading program 248.

The storage device 246 has an LCD display unit 2
The data of various menus and corresponding commands to be displayed in 54 are stored as a display data file having a hierarchical structure. In this display data file, menus such as a home net, the Internet, a message, a memo, a schedule, and a relationship between operation icons and commands and lower-level menus showing details of heading items of these menus are sequentially displayed. It is stored in a hierarchical structure. The LCD display unit 254 also serves as a touch panel type input unit, and the user can select a menu and click an operation icon or input data to control home appliances and the like.

The first communication device 244 is connected to the telephone line connection terminal 2
51, the second communication device 245 is connected to the wireless unit connection terminal 252, and the storage device 246 is connected to the RGW communication circuit antenna 2.
49. Furthermore, multi-controller 2
The control device of No. 3 is provided with an ID microchip signal receiving antenna 250. Further, it has a USB terminal 255 and an RS232C terminal 256 serial port for enabling PC connection. The RGW communication circuit antenna 249 has an R
It is a communication antenna to GW2, and may be BT. The multi-controller 23 further includes software for processing images captured by the CCD camera 232 and software for audio processing (not shown).

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram for ID recognition of each home appliance group 22 and multi-controller 23. Washing machine 221, air conditioner 222, refrigerator 223, and vacuum cleaner 2
24, an ID unique to each home electric appliance is given by the multi-controller 23, and an ID microchip signal transmission circuit 261-2 that transmits this ID signal.
64.

When the multi-controller 23 approaches any home electric appliance within a certain range, for example, within several cm,
A signal oscillated from the D microchip signal receiving antenna 250 is received by the ID microchip signal transmission circuits 261 to 264 of the home appliance, and an ID signal unique to the home appliance is oscillated. This ID signal is transmitted to the multi-controller 23.
The ID is read by the ID microchip signal receiving antenna 250, and the ID of the approaching home appliance is recognized. Thereby, the multi-controller 23 exhibits a function as a controller of the home electric appliance having the recognized ID. Depending on the usage mode, for example, it is conceivable that the washing machine is remotely controlled while the multi-controller 23 is fixed to the refrigerator and used as general control or a message board. In such a case, for example, the user can switch the multi-controller 23 as a controller of the washing machine by manual operation.

FIG. 11 shows the transition of the display screen of the multi-controller 23. When the multicontroller 23 is started, the home screen 23 is displayed on the initial screen of the LCD display unit 254.
11, Internet 2312, Message 2313, Memo 2
Menus such as 314, schedule 2315, and TV 2316 are displayed together with operation icons. When the user selects one of the menus, the menu of the lower hierarchy is displayed.

For example, home net 2311 has a menu for selecting home appliances such as a power state / charge and a refrigerator and a menu for guidance / diagnosis. If the home net 2311 is selected, a detailed menu 2317 of the power state / charge which can display a graph of the transition of the monthly electric power consumption and the electric charge by the whole or each product, and a detailed menu of each home electric appliance such as a refrigerator. Screens 2318 to 2320 are displayed. Select the icon to operate and the power status / charge 23
When 17 is selected, the operating state of each home electric appliance, the electric power use state, the electric power rate, and the like are displayed as menus and guidance display screens at lower levels. As a result, the user can easily check the usage of electricity easily without newly acquiring and recording the power usage result, which can save energy.

In the Internet 2312, UR
By inputting L, it is possible to connect to the Internet. In the message 2313, a recording / playback button of a voice message can be displayed to play and record these messages. In memo 2314,
A handwriting input tablet window can be displayed to input and redisplay message characters. In addition, schedule 231
In 5th, by selecting the flag, one day, one week,
The schedule can be displayed on a monthly basis. In addition, TV23
In 16, the TV screen, the channel, and the voice operation button can be displayed to display the TV screen. These display screens can be further expanded to specific lower layers as needed.

In addition, on the initial screen of the LCD display unit 254 or the screen of the home network 2311, a new function that can be provided by the home appliance manufacturer or service company with respect to the home appliance is publicized and widely used by general users. Provision of information and a PR menu for receiving the information may be added.

FIG. 12 shows the guidance / diagnosis menu 2
13 shows an example of a menu screen 330 and its lower hierarchy. On the guidance screen 2331, menus such as download, menu conversion of data, remote operation, billing processing, initial setting of each home electric appliance, and the like are displayed. Then, when the user selects one of the menus, a menu and a guidance display screen of a lower hierarchy are displayed.

On the other hand, when the user wants to receive a failure diagnosis of each home electric appliance, by selecting the diagnosis screen 2332,
Similarly, menus and guidance display screens for layers such as maintenance, data reduction, fee, and energy saving degree are displayed.

Next, FIG. 13 shows an example of a flowchart of the connection processing between the home electric appliance and the RGW 2. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the multi-controller 23 functions as a dedicated controller for any home electric appliance. When any of the home appliances is powered on (1100), the home appliance outputs a unique IP address output operation signal (1100).
102). The IP address output operation signal is received by the RGW 2, and the IP address is detected and approved (110).
4). And check the home appliance database,
If there is something on the RGW2 side but not on the home electric appliance side, a request for data update of the home electric appliance is requested by the user's instruction (11).
06-1108). In response to this, the RGW 2 updates / registers the data of the home electric appliance (1100). And
This signal confirms that the home appliance is operating,
Continue to control / monitor the home appliances (1112-
1116). If the power of the home electric appliance is turned off and the signal from the home electric appliance disappears, the RGW 2 sets the home electric appliance to the O
It is determined that the FF has been performed, and the control / monitoring for the home electric appliance is terminated (1118 to 1120).

As described above, in this embodiment, when the power cord of the home electric appliance is inserted into the outlet, if the product is a new product (for example, a newly purchased product), this is automatically detected and the data is updated / updated. Since registration is performed, cumbersome update / registration procedures can be automated. When the power of the products connected to these networks is turned on, the operation status is grasped by the RGW 2. Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp the movement of the home electric appliances in the home.

With reference to FIG. 14 to FIG. 16, a description will be given of a new program download and a billing process accompanying the addition of a new function to a home electric appliance. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a new program download and billing process. For any one of the home appliances, from the multi-controller 23 as a controller of the home appliance, via the RGW 2,
Access the service supply server 10 of the company that provides the new program via the Internet. In this example, it is assumed that a certain home electric appliance, for example, an air conditioner is purchased with a minimum of functions. At first (at the time of purchase), the user activates the basic function program of the home electric appliance by the multi-controller 23 and installs it in the RGW 2 (1200 to 1204). Users can add features,
If you want a version upgrade such as performance improvement, RGW
Request version upgrade to 2. In response, R
The GW 2 checks the IP address and function of the home appliance, and adds a function that can be added at that time to the multi-controller 2.
3

When the user selects one of the presented additional functions to be upgraded, the RGW 2 connects to the service supply server 10 via the Internet and requests an additional function (1206 to 1212). In response,
The service supply server 10 confirms the user's address and approves the connection. Then, the additional function menu and the billing table are transmitted to the RGW 2 (1214). If the user confirms the approval by looking at this additional function menu and billing table,
The additional function is stored in the RGW 2 from the service supply server 10 and billing is made, and the user is paid for the service supply server 10 (1216 to 1216).
22). If the user does not give additional approval, the connection is terminated (1224). With respect to the one confirmed by the user, the additional function stored in the RGW 2 is added to the home electric appliance as new function data, and the operation state is displayed (1226-1228).

FIGS. 15 and 16 are diagrams showing transitions of display screens at the time of downloading a new program and charging, for example, when a new function is added to the washing machine. This example of a washing machine shows a case where a program conforming to “new detergent” is downloaded. First, a screen (a) of FIG. 15 shows a menu screen of the basic functions of the washing machine. On this menu screen, a course setting area, a detergent setting area, a manual setting area, a start / pause button, and an e button for allowing one-touch access to a preset Internet homepage are displayed. In each of the three areas, “standard”, “powder synthetic detergent”, and “automatic operation” set previously are set, respectively. Therefore, if the user wants to drive in the state shown in this screen (a), the user can drive with the same settings as the previous use by touching the start temporary stop button. If the user wants to change the three settings, touch the corresponding area to display the corresponding lower layer screen, and select a desired setting button from the lower layer screen to change the setting. Can be.

The e button is a button for accessing a homepage of a service company that supports the upgrade of the washing machine, for example, a manufacturer, and when the e button is touched, the operation signal is changed to RGW2. In response, the RGW 2 starts the procedure for connecting to the preset home page. At this time, the washing machine transmits different signals on the menu screen (a) and on lower screens such as the screen (b) and the screen (e).

Upon receiving this signal, the RGW 2 accesses the corresponding page of the service company on the menu screen of (a), and on the lower screen of (b) and (c), the lower screen of the homepage suitable for the lower screen. I have access to Accordingly, the user can obtain a specific screen of the corresponding homepage by touching the e button, and thus can access and operate the Internet as if operating a normal electric washing machine.

Now, the screen (b) is the menu screen (a)
Shows a state in which the detergent setting area is selected.
On this screen (b), detergents currently selectable in this washing machine are displayed. For example, powder synthetic detergent, powder natural detergent,
Liquid synthetic detergent and gel can be selected, and by touching a specific detergent from among them, the detergent can be set as a new setting. And at the top of this screen,
The operation guidance is displayed, and the user can understand the operation.

Next, the screen (c) shows a case where the next button is touched on the screen (b). This screen (c)
In, if there is a further selectable item other than the screen (b), the name of the detergent is displayed. Here, it is indicated that no detergent other than the screen (b) is registered. here,
By touching the e button according to the guidance at the top, it is possible to connect to the screen for adding a new detergent on the homepage of the service company as described above. In this embodiment, a screen (d) is displayed until a specific homepage is connected.
And the guidance of the connection destination as shown in FIG.

The server of the service company receives the connection request and displays the service menu screen of screen (e). As a service of this service company, for example, a new detergent, various services, a new course, and other menus are prepared. Here, when the user selects a new detergent,
The server of the service company displays the detergent selection screen of screen (f). On the other hand, for example, when a tablet is selected, the server of the service company displays a screen (g), that is, a confirmation screen. In this embodiment, the operation guidance, the fee associated with this addition, and points are described. When the user selects “add” in accordance with the guidance, data relating to the tablet is downloaded, and the tablet is displayed on the display screen as shown in FIG.

As described above, in this embodiment, a new function can be downloaded from a service company through the Internet or the like, and the function of the washing machine can be improved by a simple operation. Then, the charge associated with the addition can be debited from a preset bank account each time or periodically. Further, in this embodiment, the server of the service company stores a member DB (not shown) with points according to the contents of these additional services.
, And corresponding to this point, it can be replaced with a fee for a new additional service.

Now, in this embodiment, the “tablet” added on the screen (h) of FIG. 16 is selected by touching it as shown in the screen (i) and the screen (j), and the registration is further touched. By doing so, the detergent setting can be changed to a tablet. By this change procedure, the menu screen is changed to the menu screen in which the detergent setting is changed as shown in screen (k). Then, in the case of washing with this setting, the washing operation is started by touching the start temporary stop button. When the washing is started, the setting state of the washing, a process diagram showing the washing process and the remaining time are displayed as shown in a screen (l), and when the washing is completed, the screen is displayed as shown in a screen (m). Is done.

When a new program is downloaded in order to add a new function to a home electric appliance, the capacity of the storage device of the home electric appliance may be insufficient. Therefore,
As shown in FIG. 17, upon downloading (170
2), the frequency of use of the new program is determined (170)
6) It is conceivable that the frequently used one is stored in the storage device of the home electric appliance (1708), and the infrequently used one or the one with a large data amount is stored in the storage device of RGW2 (1710). In addition, upon downloading, obtain the user's consent and delete the program owned by the home appliance in order to download a new program that is similar to, substitutes for, and has higher functionality than the home appliance. The processing may be performed to secure the capacity of the storage device.

Next, FIG. 18 shows another example of a flowchart of a new program download and billing process in accordance with the addition of a new function to a home electric appliance. It is assumed that a certain home electric appliance 22 has a minimum function when a user purchases the product (1200). The user activates a basic function activation program of a certain home electric appliance by the multi-controller 23 (1202), confirms the function, and executes RG
Request new function data to W2. The RGW 2 checks the IP address of the home electric appliance. Then, it connects to the Internet and accesses the service supply server 10 (1230). The service supply server 10 confirms the user address and approves the connection (123
2). Then, a menu of functions that can be newly added at that time is created, and the RGW2 on the user side is created together with the billing table.
Send to The RGW 2 receives and stores a set of new function programs and data. Further, the charge table is also received and stored (1234). At this point, the connection to the Internet is broken.

In this state, the user cannot use the new function for the home electric appliance. Therefore, if the user desires to add a function or improve the performance, the user requests the RGW 2 via the multi-controller 23 to upgrade the version (1236). The RGW 2 confirms the IP address, confirms the function, creates a new function menu, and sends it to the home electric appliance (multi-controller 23) together with the billing table (1238 to 1240). The user selects an additional function for the home appliance (1242), and requests the RGW to send a new function for the function approved and confirmed.
2 (1244). In response, the RGW 2 sends a program and data of a new function to the home electric appliance, and the new function is added to the home electric appliance (1244-1250). If the user does not confirm the approval of the additional function, RGW2
Terminates the connection without adding a new function (124
8).

With the addition of new functions to home appliances, RGW
2 makes a charging request to the service supply server 10, and the service supply server 10 makes a charging request. on the other hand,
A billing record is left for the home appliance (1252-1.
256).

As described above, in this embodiment, a specific product is sold with a minimum of functions added, and further functions can be easily obtained and upgraded by the user as necessary. It is economical because the user upgrades and charges only the functions that are really needed.

Next, FIG. 19 shows a flow of remote control of home electric appliances from outside by the portable information terminal. When the user calls the RGW 2 on the mobile phone 12, the RGW 2 performs URL detection approval, transmits a menu to the mobile phone 12, and displays the status of each home appliance (1602 to 160).
6). The mobile phone 12 displays a menu screen, selects a menu, and displays an individual menu status display / selection screen (1608 to 1612). The user makes a setting selection, and disconnects the connection when releasing (1614 to 1614).
16).

The RGW 2 receives the setting selected by the user, calls the setting device, and outputs the IP address (1618 to 1622). The home electric appliance confirms the approval, and if the approval is not obtained, calls the mobile phone and displays that connection is impossible (1624-1627). In the case of approval, the IP address is approved, the setting data is transmitted, and the home electric appliance is started (1628-1632). Then, by transmitting the operating state signal from the activated home appliance, R
The GW 2 checks the status, calls the mobile phone, transmits the driving status, and displays the driving status on the mobile phone 12 (16).
34-1642).

As described above, in the present embodiment, by providing the RGW 2 for supervising and controlling the home electric appliance group, the operation instruction from the mobile phone 12 can be received on behalf of the RGW 2, so that it can be directly received. It is possible to give an operation instruction in a shorter time than connecting to a home electric appliance group. And RG
W2 receives the instruction received from the mobile phone 12, sends the operation instruction to the home electric appliance 22, and notifies the mobile phone 12 of the instruction result through the communication line. Can be confirmed.

FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 show transitions of display screens when remote control of home electric appliances is performed from outside the home via the portable information terminal. In this embodiment, the portable information terminals 12, 13 access the RGW 2 via the Internet, select an air conditioner as the home appliance 22 to be operated, and switch the set temperature and the wind speed by remote control.

For example, in this embodiment, when the address of the RGW 2 at home is input via the URL input screen as shown in the screen (a) of FIG. In addition, an operation menu screen of a specific product that can be provided by the RGW 2 at home can be displayed. In this embodiment, the operation, stop, operation switching,
Temperature, wind speed, etc. can be set. In the refrigerator, inventory status, food order, message input / output can be performed in the refrigerator. In the washing machine, new settings can be downloaded and dehydration operation can be set. , Program reservation, content download, and the like can be set.

For example, when an air conditioner is selected from the screen (c), a confirmation display of this operation and a screen (d) indicating that the air conditioner setting screen is being downloaded are displayed, and then the screen shown in FIG.
A downloaded setting screen of the air conditioner such as the screen (e) of 1 is displayed.

The setting screen (e) of FIG. 21 shows the current state indicating the state of the room where the air conditioner is set and the operating state, the operating mode, the linked operation mode, and the favorite mode.
A display selection area for the scent mode is provided, and a driving start button and a return button are provided. In the current state area, the temperature of the room where the air conditioner is installed is 32 degrees, the outside air temperature / humidity is 30 degrees C / 85%, and the operation of the air conditioner is stopped. In other areas, the contents set during the previous operation are displayed. Therefore, when the user performs the same operation as the previous operation while checking the contents of the current state area, by selecting the operation start button,
This setting content is transmitted to RGW2.

The RGW 2 receives the instruction content of the portable information terminal once, instructs the operation of the air conditioner based on the received content, and transmits the result via the communication line, as in the description of FIG. Report to the information terminal.

Further, when it is desired to switch the operation mode, for example, as shown on the screen (f), by selecting this operation switch, the selectable “cold” can be obtained as shown on the screen (f). "Warm" and "Dry" are displayed.
Setting can be registered by selecting one of them. Similarly, the screen (g) shows a state in which the device setting of the interlocking operation mode is selected and the selectable ventilation fan, fragrance device, and fragrance are displayed.

Further, in this embodiment, the e button is provided in the favorite mode and the scent mode, and by this operation, the service providing server 10 can be accessed to obtain additional functions.

For example, FIG. 22 shows a state in which the e button in the scent mode is selected. When the e button is selected, the portable information terminal accesses the service providing server 10 and displays a connected screen such as the screen in FIG. . Since the effect of the provided scent is described on this selection screen, a specific scent can be selected while checking the effect. Here, it is indicated that the lavender has been selected. With this selection, a confirmation display and a guidance display are displayed as shown in the screen (c). By performing an operation in accordance with this guidance, the connection with the service providing server 10 is cut off, and the screen returns to the screen (d) similar to the screen (g) in FIG. 21, and the data of the lavender is registered in the RGW 2.

It should be noted that, regarding the scent, the capsule of the scent is mailed from the service providing company based on the fact that the specific scent is selected in the service providing server 10.

As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to access the RGW 2 via the portable information terminal, download the operation screen of the home appliance, and give an operation instruction to directly operate the home appliance. In addition, since the portable information terminal accesses the RGW 2 that supervises and manages home electric appliances in the home, it is possible to grasp the driving situation without directly accessing the home electric appliances to be operated and to smoothly operate the home electric appliances. can do.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart when new information is transferred from the Internet to a home electric appliance via a portable information terminal. When the user uses the mobile phone 12 (or 13)
W2 is called to confirm the IP address and the function (1902-1903). On the other hand, the URL
A connection is made and the service supply server 10 is accessed (1900 to 1901). The service supply server 10 checks the address of the user. Then, a menu of functions that can be newly added at that time is created and transmitted to the mobile phone 12 together with the billing table (1904 to 190).
6). The mobile phone 12 confirms the program and data of the new function, and the mobile phone 12 and billing. Then, additional orders for new programs and data are made (1908 to 191).
0). This data is transmitted to the service providing server 10 (1912).

[0095] The service supply server 10 transmits the requested data to the mobile phone 12 and makes a billing request. The mobile phone 12 stores the received data.
Then, the connection between the mobile phone 12 and the service supply server 10 is released (1914-1918). Next, the RGW 2 is called by the mobile phone 12, the URL is detected and approved by the RGW 2, and the connection is approved (1920 to 192).
6). Upon receiving the connection approval, the mobile phone 12 transfers the new data to the RGW 2, registers a new program or data in the RGW 2, and transmits a confirmation signal to the mobile phone 12 (1).
928-1932). In response, a registration confirmation display is displayed on the mobile phone 12, and after that, the connection is released (1934-1936).

As described above, in this embodiment, the access to the service providing server 10 can be performed not only from the RGW 2 but also from the portable information terminals 12 and 13 to obtain necessary information. Then, the information obtained from the service providing server 10 is temporarily stored in the portable information terminal, and the RGW 2 is later called to transfer new data. It is possible to find an appropriate time and receive various services.

Next, FIG. 24 is a configuration diagram of a system for managing food in a refrigerator using the network system according to any of the embodiments of the present invention. The multi-controller 23 fixed to the front door of the refrigerator 223 functions as a control device of the refrigerator, and is further connected to a server of a menu service company via an electric wire, a telephone line, or the Internet. The storage device 41 of the RGW 2 stores a program related to food management of the added refrigerator and a food management D.
B44 and Receiving DB45, a menu DB for recording daily menu data, an order management DB for various materials, and the like.

These additional application programs and data are stored in the storage device 41 of the RGW 2 instead of the refrigerator 223 due to the capacity and use frequency of the storage device of the refrigerator. The storage devices of the menu service company include a customer management DB, a food order DB, a menu DB, and the like. On the Internet, there is a server of a food manufacturing company that manufactures and receives orders from the menu service company, and a food delivery company that receives these orders from the menu service company and food manufacturing companies and transports these foods to customers. Server is connected.

The refrigerator food management DB 44 of the RGW 2 includes:
Data such as the type, name, amount, storage date, storage location in the storage, and the like of the food are recorded. The name of the food,
Data such as ingredients (amounts), images of dishes, manuals for making, and the like are recorded. Further, the menu DB not shown
Records the contents of the menu, if any. The foods used for the menu planned in this menu DB are managed by linking to the food management DB. Although not shown, when menus are set in the menu DB, the food materials (foods and their quantities) used for the menus are registered in the food management DB by, for example, attaching a flag. A predetermined amount is reserved.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing transition of the display screen of the multi-controller 23 when food is put in the refrigerator.
FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 are a process flowchart when food is taken out of the refrigerator and a diagram showing a transition of a display screen of the multi-controller 23.

First, in this embodiment, when food management is selected from the menu screen 2318 of the refrigerator on the home net in FIG. 11, the food management menu screen in FIG. 25A is displayed. In addition to food management, this menu screen provides various menus centered on refrigerators, such as menus and recipes, and orders to food companies.

In the food management menu screen shown in FIG. 25 (a), there are provided a selection button for putting in food, a selection button for taking out food, and a selection button for looking in the refrigerator operated when viewing in the refrigerator. I have. By operating the selection button for viewing the inside of the refrigerator, the camera provided in the refrigerator can be driven to display the inside of the refrigerator on this display screen. Although not described in detail here, the cameras are provided in each storage room (refrigerator room, vegetable room, etc.), and these images are simultaneously displayed or enlarged by operating the selection button. be able to. Thereby, the outline of the stored food can be known without opening the door.

In addition, a guidance display area is provided at the top of the display screen, and a button for returning to the menu and a button for returning to the previous screen are provided at the bottom.

Now, in FIG. 25, since the refrigerator is provided with a plurality of storage rooms corresponding to the foods, (a) When the user selects the food insertion button on the screen and puts the foods in the refrigerator, The place to put the food (storage room) and the name and quantity of the food will be entered. For example, in this embodiment, a layout of a refrigerator storage room is first displayed on the screen (b), and a specific storage room is selected from the layout. When this selection operation is performed, the multi-controller 23
Displays a selection input screen of food type, food name and food quantity in the order of screen (c), screen (d) and screen (e),
Upon receiving these inputs, a confirmation display screen such as screen (f) is finally displayed. The operation guidance is displayed on the upper part of each of these tabular screens, and the operation can be performed in accordance with the operation guidance, which is simple. Further, since these inputs are made by selecting from a plurality of inputs, a troublesome input operation is reduced. Further, when the input is performed, the multi-controller 23 displays the day as a storage date in the list screen together with the input content on the confirmation screen.

In this embodiment, the input is made via the multi-controller 23, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a barcode or other management number attached to the food may be read, and the input thereof may be adopted as management data.

Next, the processing and operation for serving food will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27. FIG. When taking food out of the refrigerator,
As shown in FIG. 26, the output screen of the multi-controller 23 is selectively displayed (2002), and the deletion or change of the food to be used is input (2004). It is confirmed whether to execute it (used for cooking), and if it is to be executed, the reservation data is rewritten (2006 to 2012).

That is, a selection button for taking out food from the food management screen of screen (g) shown in FIG. 27 is operated. When this operation is selected, a food type selection screen shown in screen (h) is displayed. When, for example, meat is selected from the list, a stock list of the selected food type, as shown in screen (i), here, a list of meat is displayed. The operator touches a food item to be used (put out) from the list to display a quantity selection screen of a screen (j) for specifying the quantity. When a specific quantity is selected from this,
The multi-controller 23 displays the updated list screen by rewriting the content of the food management DB. By sequentially selecting the display screens (h) to (k) and inputting predetermined data in this manner, data is recorded in the refrigerator food management DB 44.

In this embodiment, when updating the food management DB, the presence or absence of a reservation is confirmed, and a warning is displayed according to the reservation. This flow will be described with reference to FIG.

As will be described later, the refrigerator according to this embodiment can manage the daily menu schedule and the accompanying materials. Therefore, it is arranged to check whether or not the ingredients are reserved according to the menu schedule when the food is served.

That is, in FIG. 26, an operation of putting out food is performed to display an output screen such as the list screen (20).
02), when the deletion or change of the food to be used is input, the multi-controller 23 sets the food management D
B, it is determined whether or not there is a reservation (200
6). If there is no reservation, the input contents are updated and the data is rewritten. If there is a reservation, a caution display is displayed on the screen. Then, a selection screen for allowing the user to select whether or not to execute the change is displayed, and whether or not to rewrite the data is determined based on the selection result (2008 to 201).
2).

As described above, in this embodiment, when food is served, whether or not the food is to be used according to the previously determined menu schedule is displayed with caution. It is possible to reduce a situation in which food ingredients are insufficient.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart for planning a menu using food data of the refrigerator. FIGS. 29 and 30 are multi-flow charts for planning a menu using the food data of the refrigerator. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing transition of a display screen of the controller 23. In this embodiment, a menu of food items in a refrigerator and a recipe for cooking are proposed.

In FIG. 28, first, the refrigerator food management DB is searched and collated with the menu DB, and then conditions are input (2022 to 2026). If the menu search is possible, the menu of the dish is output, and when the dish is determined, the recipe is output (2028 to 2034). If the menu search is not possible, a disabling display is performed, and when the condition is changed, the condition is input again. If the conditions are not changed, the process ends (2036 to 2040).

The recipe output may be performed even when the condition is not changed. In this case, by specifying the missing ingredients in the recipe, it can be used as a reference when the user buys these missing ingredients at the store.

If the condition is not changed, either the recipe output or the ordering of the missing material may be selected. For example, as the order arrangement, a shortage item list is extracted as in the flow described in FIG. 31, and an order is made by accessing a menu service company via the Internet.

For example, FIGS. 29 and 30 are specific screen transition diagrams of the flow of FIG. In this embodiment,
By selecting menu and rape from the menu screen 2318 of the refrigerator in FIG. 11, the screen (l) in FIG. 29 is displayed.
On this screen (l), a method of cooking with ingredients in the refrigerator and a method of selecting from dishes without depending on the ingredients in the refrigerator can be selected. Here, in either of the two methods, a screen similar to the screen transition is displayed regardless of which one is selected. The difference is whether or not the search according to the condition input is performed mainly on the food management DB.

For example, when the method of cooking with ingredients in the refrigerator is selected, the multi-controller 23 displays the screen (m)
Screens (n) are sequentially displayed to display a screen for selecting the type of dish. In this embodiment, after a rough menu such as staple food, side meal, fast food, and dessert is selected on the screen (m), a Japanese food, a Western food, Chinese food, and others are selected on the screen (n). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a general type of dish may be selected.

Next, as the quantity of the dish (kind),
A screen (o) of FIG. 30 for inputting the number of people and other conditions is displayed. In this embodiment, as other conditions,
You can choose diet, seasonal food or quick (fast food).

As described above, in this embodiment, by inputting the type of dish, the number of people, and other reference information as conditions, it is possible to execute a search using these as condition inputs.

Next, the multi-controller 23 first searches the recipe DB to extract a menu meeting the corresponding conditions, and then searches the food management DB to temporarily record the menu, and extract the menu. The foods required for the selected menu are extracted from those stored in the refrigerator. Then, as shown in a screen (p), the image data and the text data of the extracted menu are sequentially displayed by operating the next button. The user can display the menu recipe by touching the image, as shown on the screen (q).

If the corresponding menu is not extracted, it is possible to return to the screen for changing the conditions according to the flow of FIG.

When the list of dishes on the screen (l) is selected, the search of the multi-controller 23 is different. That is, the multi-controller 23 searches the recipe DB, extracts the menu of the corresponding condition regardless of the food management DB, temporarily records the menu, and records the contents as in the screen (p) and the screen (q). Output. At this time, when outputting the recipe, an output format for outputting the recipe and a food management DB
May be additionally searched to provide an output format for displaying the missing food or a process for proceeding to a flow for ordering the missing food.

As described above, in this embodiment, a menu can be searched using foods in the refrigerator or mainly on dishes to be eaten, and the recipe can be output. Moreover, even if there are missing foods, these missing foods can be output in a list or ordered via the Internet, so that various modes can be selected by prompting the user's usage environment.

FIGS. 31 to 33 show the system of the present invention.
It is explanatory drawing at the time of ordering foods to a food company based on the food data of a refrigerator. First, FIG. 31 is a flowchart when ordering food from a food company based on food data of the refrigerator. When ordering ingredients for cooking, selection of a cooking menu and input of conditions are performed (2062 to 2068). And
Menu schedule (Determine the date, morning, noon and evening, summarize the ingredients of the selection menu, search the ingredients in the warehouse, extract the list of missing foods, make reservations in the food list, and place an order (2070-2
080). When ordering the cooking menu, the order is made as it is (2064).

FIGS. 32 and 33 are diagrams showing transitions of the display screen of the multi-controller 23 when ordering food from a food company using the network system.

On the screen (r) in FIG. 32, the order menu for the food company is displayed based on the selection operation on the screen of the refrigerator 2318 on the home net in FIG. In this order menu, a method of selecting a food product and a method of selecting from a menu can be selected. When the method of selecting from the food products is selected, the RGW 2 connects to the menu service company and can access a food product page provided by the menu service company. Then, necessary foods can be purchased from these homepages, the data can be downloaded and stored in the food management DB, and food ordering can be arranged. The charges and points associated with this order are the same as in the case where the function of the washing machine is improved. As described above, when ordering via the Internet, a part of the food management data can be downloaded, so that when the food delivered by the food shipping company is put into the refrigerator at a later date, the trouble of inputting can be reduced.

On the other hand, when the menu is selected, as shown in the screen (s) screen (t) screen (u), as shown in FIG.
As in FIG. 30, screens for inputting conditions such as the number of people and the type of dish are sequentially displayed. Upon receiving the condition input, the multi-controller 23 searches the recipe DB and displays a list of the corresponding menus as shown in a screen (v). On the screen (v), by touching "Place an order as shown above" at the bottom, the screen shifts to a screen (not shown) for inputting a schedule for when to eat this menu, and the menu is selected again. A selection screen (not shown) for selecting whether or not to combine the materials in the selection menu (not shown) is displayed. Further, a selection screen (not shown) for whether or not to compare the collected materials with the materials in the refrigerator is displayed. You. If the collation is selected here, the collation with the in-stock material is performed, and thereby the reject list is extracted. Then, the reservation flag is updated for the food used for the selected menu, the shortage list is provisionally registered in the food management DB, and the menu is provided from the RGW 2 via the Internet as shown in the screen (w). Ordered from service company. When the user later puts the food delivered by the food shipping company into the refrigerator, by calling and entering the data of the temporary registration,
Inspection can be performed simultaneously. If the collation is not performed, all the materials are treated as a shortage list and ordered.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a network system for home electric appliances in which high-performance software such as food order management for refrigerators can be used with a simple operation.

[0129]

According to the present invention, there is provided a home electric appliance network system which enables individual users to download programs and setting data relating to electric home appliances from the net by simple operations and to extend the functions of the electric home appliances. can do.

Further, according to the present invention, by using, as a core of operation, a handy type multi-controller capable of controlling all home electric appliances, it is possible to control various kinds of home electric appliances at home in an integrated manner or individually. In addition, it is possible to provide a network system for home electric appliances having excellent operability.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a home electric appliance network system that can meet the needs of users who can make full use of information communication technologies such as the Internet and mobile phones, such as downloading and remote control.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a network system for home electric appliances which can perform high-performance, for example, order management of food in a refrigerator.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network system including home electrical appliances according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a home network in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the home network in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another configuration example of a home network in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a control device for RGB (residential gateway) in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another configuration example of RGB2 in the embodiment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control device in a washing machine as an example of home electrical appliances in the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an appearance of a multi-controller in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a control unit of the multi-controller of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram for ID recognition of each home appliance and a multi-controller.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing transition of a display screen of the multi-controller.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a guidance / diagnosis menu and a menu screen of a lower hierarchy.

FIG. 13 is an example of a flowchart of a connection process between a home appliance and an RGW.

FIG. 14 is an example of a flowchart of a download and billing process of a new program when a new function is added to a home electric appliance.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a transition of a display screen at the time of downloading a new program and charging processing in accordance with addition of a new function to the washing machine.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing transition of a display screen at the time of download of a new program and charging processing in accordance with addition of a new function to the washing machine.

FIG. 17 is another example of a processing flowchart when a new program is downloaded to add a new function to a home electric appliance.

FIG. 18 is another example of a flowchart of a download and billing process of a new program when a new function is added to a home appliance.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of remote control of home electric appliances from outside by the portable information terminal.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a transition of a display screen when the air conditioner is remotely controlled from a place where the portable information terminal is outside.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing transition of a display screen when the air conditioner is remotely controlled from a place where the portable information terminal is away from home.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a state in which the e button in the scent mode is selected in an operation from a place where the user is going out using the portable information terminal.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating transition of a display screen when new information is transferred from the Internet to a home appliance via a band information terminal.

FIG. 24 is a configuration diagram of a system for managing food in a refrigerator using the network system according to any of the embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a transition of a display screen when food is put in the refrigerator.

FIG. 26 is a processing flowchart when food is taken out of the refrigerator.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a transition of a display screen when serving food from the refrigerator.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart when planning a menu using food data of the refrigerator.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the transition of the display screen when planning a menu using food data of the refrigerator.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing transition of a display screen when planning a menu using food data of the refrigerator.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart when ordering food from a food company based on food data of a refrigerator using a network system.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing transition of a display screen when ordering food from a food company using a network system.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a transition of a display screen when ordering food from a food company using a network system.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Home, Residential Gateway (RG
W), 3 ... Digital power meter (DM), 4 ... Power company, 5 ... Light line, 6 ... Telephone line, 7 ... Provider, 8
... Internet, 9 ... Power company server, 10 ... Service company, 12, 13 ... Personal digital assistant, 20 ... Home network, 21 ... Light line, 22 ... Household appliances group, 23
... Multi controller, 24 ... Bluetooth communication line, 26 ... Telephone communication line (ISDN), 221 ... Washing machine, 222 ... Air conditioner, 223 ... Refrigerator, 224 ... Vacuum cleaner, 31 ... Power meter, 32 ... Power supply, 33 ... First Communication device, 34 second communication device, 35 third communication device, 3
6 ... Firewall, 37 ... Signal converter, 38 ... C
PU, 39 ... WWW server, 40 ... WWW browser,
41: storage device, 45: DVD memory, 46: DVD
Reproducing device, 230 ... multi-controller main body, 231 ...
LCD display unit, 235: wireless communication unit.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 13/00 530 G06F 17/60 176A 5K101 17/60 176 502 502 H04M 11/00 301 H04L 12/28 G06F 9/06 640A H04M 11/00 301 H04L 11/00 310Z (72) Inventor Tanaka Hiroshi 1-280 Higashi-Koigakubo, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo Inside Hitachi, Ltd.Design Research Institute, Ltd. (72) Inventor Norio Kamoshita Kokubunji, Tokyo 1-280, Higashi-Koigakubo, Hitachi, Ltd.Design Research Laboratories, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroaki Nakajima 1-280, Higashi-Koikekubo, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo, Japan Inside Design Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Haruko Ashida Ohiracho, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 800 Tomita Stock (72) Inventor Kanako Yamada 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture F-term (reference) 5B049 BB49 BB56 CC02 CC41 CC48 DD01 EE01 FF03 FF04 GG03 GG04 GG06 GG07 5B076 BB06 5B089 GA11 GA23 GA31 HA11 JA35 JB07 KB09 5K033 AA09 BA01 DA01 DA17 DB18 EC02 5K048 BA12 DC06 DC07 EB02 FB10 FB15 FC01 HA01 HA02 5K101 KK11 LL01 LL11

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A home appliance network system including a home appliance connected to a network and a service company server connected to the network and providing a service related to the home appliance. Including a residential gateway connected to a network and functioning as a data storage / communication unit, and a portable multi-controller communicably connected to home appliances in the home connected to the network, the operation of the multi-controller A network system for a home appliance, wherein a program or data relating to the home appliance is downloaded from the network to the home appliance via the residential gateway to enable the function expansion of the home appliance. 2. The home appliance network system according to claim 1, wherein the multi-controller functions as an operation display device during the download, and an additional program, data or image data is temporarily stored in the residential gateway. A network system for home appliances characterized by the following. 3. The network system for home electric appliances according to claim 1, wherein at the time of downloading, the multi-controller is operated to store a new function which is not included in the functions of the home electric appliance in a server of the service company. A network program for home electric appliances, characterized in that it checks whether the program has been executed and downloads additional programs and data desired by the user among the new functions to the home electric appliance. 4. The network system for home electric appliances according to claim 1, wherein, at the time of the download, a program for adding a new function and data stored in a server of the service company are downloaded to the residential gateway. A network system for a home appliance, wherein an additional program and data desired by a user among new functions are downloaded to the home appliance. 5. A home electric appliance network system including a home electric appliance connected to a network and a service company server connected to the network and providing a service related to the electric home appliance, wherein the home electric appliance network system comprises: Including a residential gateway connected to a network and functioning as a data storage / communication unit, and a portable multi-controller communicably connected to home appliances in the home connected to the network, the operation of the multi-controller Sending an inquiry and diagnostic information on the home appliance to the server of the service company from the network via the residential gateway, and receiving information on the home appliance from the service company. Network system. 6. The network system for home electric appliances according to claim 1, wherein the home electric appliance is remotely operated from the multi-controller or through a portable information terminal via the residential gateway. A network system for home appliances characterized by remote control from outside. 7. The home electric appliance network system according to claim 1, wherein the multi controller is connected to or close to any one of the home electric appliances, so that the multi controller is dedicated to the home electric appliance. A network system for home appliances characterized by functioning as a controller. 8. The network system for home electric appliances according to claim 7, wherein the control device of the multi-controller is provided with an ID microchip signal receiving antenna,
A home electric appliance network system, characterized in that the home electric appliance group is provided with an ID unique to each electric home appliance and an ID microchip signal transmitting circuit for oscillating the ID signal. 9. The network system for a household electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein the residential gateway and the multi-controller are lent to each home by the service company. Home appliances network system. 10. A network system including domestic home appliances connected to a network, comprising: a residential gateway connected to the network in the home and functioning as a data storage / communication unit; and a home connected to the network. And a portable multi-controller communicably connected to the home electric appliances in the home, and by connecting or approaching the multi-controller to any home electric appliances, the multi-controller functions as a dedicated controller for the home electric appliances. A network system for home appliances characterized by the following. 11. The wireless communication system according to claim 1, further comprising a Bluetooth communication line connected to a residential gateway of the network, and wirelessly communicating with the multi-controller and the home appliance via the Bluetooth communication line. Characteristic network system for home appliances. 12. The network system for home electric appliances according to claim 1, wherein said residential gateway has a DVD memory and a DVD image reproducing function and functions as a home DVD device. 13. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the home appliance includes a refrigerator, and the multi-controller searches a food management DB of the refrigerator held in the residential gateway, and checks the food management DB with a menu DB. , A menu of the dish is output, and a recipe is output when the menu is determined. 14. A menu according to claim 13, wherein menus relating to cooking are selected and conditions are input, ingredients of the selected cooking menu are collected, ingredients in the refrigerator are searched, a list of missing items is extracted,
A network system for home appliances characterized by making a reservation on the food list in the warehouse and ordering missing foods.