CN110904616A

CN110904616A - Information processing method and washing machine

Info

Publication number: CN110904616A
Application number: CN201910851065.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杉山真史; 中曾麻理子; 大久保雅文
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Corp of America
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Corp of America
Priority date: 2018-09-13
Filing date: 2019-09-10
Publication date: 2020-03-24
Also published as: JP2020039825A

Abstract

An information processing method and a washing machine, the information processing method comprising: acquiring completion information corresponding to the completion of the laundry input (S01); making the washing machine measure the amount of the washings when the completion information is obtained (S02); causing the terminal to present a bookable range of the washing completion time based on measurement information, the measurement information being at least one of the measured amount of the laundry and the washing operation time based on the amount of the laundry (S03); acquiring a washing completion time reserved from the reservation-enabled range via the terminal (S04); and washing the laundry by the washing machine based on the reserved washing completion time acquired through the terminal (S05).

Description

Information processing method and washing machine

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an information processing method for performing timer reservation of a washing machine through remote operation and a washing machine using the same.

Background

Conventionally, there have been proposed a washing machine having a function of reserving a timer for a washing operation of the washing machine by a user designating an end time of the washing operation in advance, and a remote operation system for a washing machine in which a user remotely operates the washing machine to perform the washing operation.

For example, patent document 1 discloses a washing machine in which a reservation time can be automatically set so that the operation is ended at the same time as the previous time by simply pressing a reservation switch of the washing machine.

Further, patent document 2 discloses a remote operation system for a washing machine, which measures a component of laundry when information indicating execution of a washing operation is received from a terminal of a user, and notifies a user of a measurement result and/or an operation end time based on the measurement result.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 10-43470

Patent document 2: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2005-185460

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The washing machine described in patent document 1 displays the difference from the current time to the previous operation end time as the reserved operation time regardless of the amount of laundry. Therefore, at the time when the user makes the timer reservation, the washing completion time appropriate for the amount of laundry cannot be set.

In the remote operation system for a washing machine described in patent document 2, the amount of laundry is not measured unless an operation execution instruction is received from a user. Therefore, at the time when the user makes the timer reservation, the washing completion time appropriate for the amount of laundry cannot be set.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides an information processing method and a washing machine, in which a user of the washing machine can reserve a washing operation at an appropriate washing completion time according to the amount of laundry.

Means for solving the problems

The information processing method according to a non-limiting exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes: the method includes the steps of obtaining completion information corresponding to completion of input of laundry, causing a washing machine to measure an amount of the laundry when the completion information is obtained, presenting a reservable range of a washing completion time to a terminal based on measurement information that is at least one of the measured amount of the laundry and a washing operation time based on the amount of the laundry, obtaining the washing completion time reserved from the reservable range via the terminal, and causing the washing machine to wash the laundry based on the reserved washing completion time obtained via the terminal.

The general or specific technical means described above may be implemented by a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, a computer-readable recording medium such as a computer-readable recording medium, or any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include nonvolatile recording media such as CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory). Additional benefits and advantages of an aspect of the present invention will become apparent from the description and drawings. The benefits and/or advantages may be provided solely by the embodiments and features disclosed in this specification and the drawings, without necessarily requiring that all embodiments and features be implemented to achieve one or more of the benefits and/or advantages.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to the information processing method and the like of the present disclosure, the user of the washing machine can reserve the washing operation at an appropriate washing completion time according to the amount of laundry.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a cross section of a washing machine according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation panel of the washing machine according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the remote operation permission operation unit according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the washing machine according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a remote operation system of a washing machine according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the remote operation system of the washing machine according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the determination unit in embodiment 1.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the measurement start determining unit according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of information included in the measurement result stored in the storage unit of the measurement unit according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the measurement unit according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the measurement of the laundry amount in the washing machine according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the measurement result response unit according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation request received by the receiving unit according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing another example of the operation request received by the receiving unit according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the receiving unit according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the operating time converting unit according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication terminal according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a communication terminal according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the communication terminal according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure setting screen according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a time setting screen according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a transmission success screen according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in measurement according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the measurement result response section according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the communication terminal according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a time setting screen according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure setting screen according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a time setting screen according to embodiment 4.

Fig. 29 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of a washing machine according to another embodiment.

Fig. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of an information processing method according to another embodiment.

Detailed Description

(insight for realizing the present disclosure)

In general, the washing completion time that can be reserved when the timer for performing the washing operation is reserved is a time after the washing completion time that is calculated in advance based on the operation time required when the amount of the laundry is the maximum amount. Therefore, in general, when the user sets the timer reservation for the washing operation, the washing completion time is reserved from the range of the washing completion time calculated in advance regardless of the amount of the laundry washed in real time.

In the conventional washing machine, in order to facilitate the user, that is, in order to shorten the time until the user completes the operation of the timer reservation, the step of measuring the amount of laundry is not performed at the time of the operation of the timer reservation, and the step of measuring the amount of laundry is performed at the time of starting the washing operation. Since the process of measuring the amount of laundry takes time, in the conventional washing machine, the amount of laundry is not included as a parameter for calculating the range of the washing completion time which can be reserved in the timer reservation.

Therefore, even when the amount of laundry is smaller than the maximum value and the washing operation is finished in a short time, the user can reserve the washing completion time only within the range of the washing completion time calculated at the maximum value when the user reserves the timer for the washing operation.

In the remote operation system for a washing machine described in patent document 2, the step of measuring the amount of laundry is not performed unless an instruction for causing the washing machine to perform a washing operation by a user through a remote operation is transmitted to a user terminal, and therefore, the washing completion time calculated based on the amount of laundry is not notified to the user. Therefore, the user cannot know the appropriate washing completion time corresponding to the amount of laundry when performing the remote operation.

Therefore, in the present disclosure, the user of the washing machine can reserve the washing operation at an appropriate washing completion time according to the amount of laundry.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is as follows.

The information processing method of one technical scheme of the present disclosure includes: the method includes the steps of obtaining completion information corresponding to the fact that the input of the laundry is completed, causing the washing machine to measure the amount of the laundry when the completion information is obtained, causing the terminal to present a bookable range of a washing completion time based on the measurement information which is at least one of the measured amount of the laundry and a washing operation time based on the amount of the laundry, obtaining a washing completion time from the bookable range through the terminal, and causing the washing machine to wash the laundry based on the booked washing completion time obtained through the terminal.

With the above configuration, when the washing machine detects that the input of laundry is completed, the amount of laundry is measured, and the washing completion time corresponding to the measured amount of laundry is calculated. Thus, the washing machine can present an appropriate washing operation time corresponding to the amount of laundry to the user based on the measurement information of at least one of the amount of laundry and the washing operation time based on the amount of laundry. Thus, the user can reserve the washing operation at an appropriate washing completion time corresponding to the amount of the laundry.

For example, the information processing method according to an aspect of the present disclosure may acquire, as the completion information, information indicating that a permission operation for permitting a remote operation is performed.

In this way, since it is estimated that the laundry is put in, and the user completes the direct operation of the washing machine once, the washing machine starts the laundry amount measurement when the permission operation for permitting the remote operation is performed. Therefore, the washing machine can complete the measurement of the laundry amount until the user transmits the operation request for the scheduled operation to the washing machine. Therefore, when the user sets the operation reservation, the user can smoothly perform the reservation operation without waiting for the laundry amount measurement.

For example, the information processing method according to an aspect of the present disclosure may acquire, as the completion information, information indicating that the operation of the washing machine has not been performed for a predetermined period.

Thus, since it is estimated that the user does not operate the washing machine for a while because the laundry is completely put in し, the washing machine starts the measurement of the laundry amount when a predetermined time has elapsed since the user operated the washing machine. Thus, the washing machine can complete the measurement of the amount of laundry until the user performs an operation of executing the washing operation of the washing machine by a direct operation or a remote operation. Therefore, when the user performs the washing operation of the washing machine by direct operation or remote operation, the user can smoothly perform the operation without waiting for measuring the amount of laundry.

For example, the information processing method according to an aspect of the present disclosure may acquire, as the completion information, information indicating that a person is not detected within a predetermined range from the washing machine for a predetermined period.

Thus, since it is estimated that the laundry is completely put in and the user does not operate the washing machine for a while, the washing machine starts the measurement of the laundry amount when no person is detected within a predetermined range from the washing machine. Thus, the washing machine can complete the measurement of the amount of laundry until the user performs an operation of executing the washing operation of the washing machine by a direct operation or a remote operation. Therefore, when the user performs the washing operation of the washing machine by direct operation or remote operation, the user can smoothly perform the operation without waiting for measuring the amount of laundry.

For example, the information processing method according to an aspect of the present disclosure may acquire, as the completion information, information indicating that the laundry inlet of the washing machine is closed.

Thus, since it is estimated that the laundry is completely loaded, the washing machine starts the measurement of the laundry amount when the laundry loading port, that is, the door of the washing machine is closed. Thus, the washing machine can complete the measurement of the amount of laundry until the user performs an operation of executing the washing operation of the washing machine by a direct operation or a remote operation. Therefore, when the user performs the washing operation of the washing machine by direct operation or remote operation, the user can smoothly perform the operation without waiting for measuring the amount of laundry.

For example, the information processing method according to an aspect of the present disclosure may acquire, as the completion information, operation information indicating an operation of application software for a reservation operation for the washing completion time in the terminal. In the information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the operation information may include information indicating that the application software or the reserved operation screen for the washing completion time in the application software is operated.

Thus, since it is estimated that the laundry is put in and the user completes the direct operation of the washing machine once, the washing machine starts the laundry amount measurement when the user acquires operation information indicating that the user has operated the application software, for example, the application, for reserving the washing completion time using the communication terminal 35. Thus, the user can smoothly perform the reservation operation without waiting for the measurement of the laundry amount when setting the timer reservation.

For example, the information processing method according to an aspect of the present disclosure may further include: the method includes presenting a bookable range set in advance before presenting the bookable range of the washing completion time by the terminal, and the operation information includes information indicating that an operation for selecting the washing completion time from the bookable range set in advance is performed.

Thus, the washing machine can perform the measurement of the amount of laundry during the operation period in which the user starts an application for setting the timer reservation operation of the washing machine using the communication terminal and selects the washing completion time from the presettable range of the preset washing completion time. Therefore, when the timer is set to reserve the operation, the waiting time of the user can be reduced.

In addition, a washing machine according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: an acquisition unit that acquires completion information corresponding to the completion of the laundry input; a measuring part for measuring the amount of the washing when the completion information is obtained; a communication unit that transmits measurement information that is at least one of the measured amount of the laundry and a washing operation time based on the amount of the laundry, and receives an operation request requesting washing of the laundry until a washing completion time reserved based on the measurement information after the transmission of the measurement information; and an operation control unit for washing the laundry until the reserved washing completion time in accordance with the received operation request.

The completion information is information for estimating that the laundry is completely put into the washing machine. For example, the completion information may be information indicating that the operation of the remote operation is permitted, information indicating that the operation of the washing machine is not performed for a predetermined period, information indicating that a person is not detected within a predetermined range from the washing machine for a predetermined period, information indicating that the laundry inlet of the washing machine is closed, or operation information indicating that the operation of the application software for the reserved operation of the washing completion time in the terminal is performed. The operation information may include information that an operation is performed to start the application software or to make a reservation on the operation screen of the washing completion time in the application software.

Thus, the washing machine can estimate that the user has finished putting in the laundry, and does not directly operate the washing machine, so that the laundry amount can be measured during a period from the completion of putting in the laundry to the transmission of the operation request by the user.

The general or specific technical means described above may be implemented by a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, a computer-readable recording medium such as a computer-readable recording medium, or any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes, for example, a nonvolatile recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

Hereinafter, an information processing method and a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, components, arrangement positions and connection modes of the components, steps (processes), order of the steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Among the components of the following embodiments, components that are not recited in the independent claims indicating the uppermost concept will be described as arbitrary components. In the following description of the embodiments, the expression "substantially" accompanied by substantially parallel or substantially orthogonal may be used. For example, substantially parallel means not only completely parallel but also substantially parallel, i.e., also means including a difference of the order of, for example, several%. The same holds true for other expressions accompanied by "approximately". Note that the following description of the embodiments means that the main portions are the same, or that 2 elements have common properties. The drawings are schematic and not necessarily strictly illustrated. In the drawings, substantially the same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted or simplified.

(embodiment mode 1)

[ constitution of washing machine ]

The structure of the washing machine according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a view schematically showing a cross section of a washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1.

The outer tub 2 is supported in a suspended state by a suspension structure having a vibration-proof structure in the body of the washing machine 1. In the outer tub 2, a washing tub 3 (inner tub) formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape is supported such that its axial direction is inclined downward from the front side to the back side.

The washing tub 3 is also called a drum in a drum type washing machine.

A laundry entrance 4 passing through an opening end of washing tub 3 is formed on the front side of outer tub 2, and by opening and closing door 5, the laundry can be taken into and out of washing tub 3 through laundry entrance 4, and door 5 is a door openably and closably closing an opening provided on an upward inclined surface on the front side of the main body of washing machine 1. The detergent is introduced from the detergent inlet 13.

Further, the door 5 can be locked. In the case where the door 5 is locked, the door 5 can be opened only when the locking is released. That is, even if the door 5 is pushed or pulled, the door 5 cannot be opened.

The washing tub 3 is driven to rotate in the forward and reverse directions by a motor 7 attached to the back surface side of the outer tub 2. A water supply line 8 and a water discharge line 9 are connected to the outer tub 2 by pipes, and water is supplied and discharged into the outer tub 2 by controlling a water supply valve and a water discharge valve.

The drain line 9 includes a water level measuring unit 18 formed of an air cap (air cap) or the like. When water is supplied to the outer tub 2, the water level rises, and the water pressure applied to the water level measuring unit 18 rises in proportion thereto. The water level measuring unit 18 estimates the amount of water to be supplied to the outer tub 2 based on the applied water pressure.

By using the water level measuring unit 18, the washing machine 1 can detect whether or not sufficient water is supplied to the outer tub 2 and/or whether or not sufficient water is drained from the outer tub 2.

The washing machine 1 may further include a heating unit 12 for heating air or water. By providing the heating portion 12, the washing machine 1 can have a function of drying laundry by supplying hot air to the laundry through the duct 11.

The washing machine 1 may also have a function of heating water to warm water by supplying heat generated by the heating unit 12 to the water supply path 8 through the pipe 11. By washing the laundry with warm water, the washing machine 1 can remove more dirt from the laundry located in the washing tub 3 than in the case of washing the laundry with cold water.

The washing machine 1 may further include a pump 17 for returning the water stored in the drain pipe 9 to the water supply line 8. By using the pump 17, water that has been conventionally discarded from the drain line 9 can be reused for cleaning, and therefore, washing can be performed with a small amount of supplied water.

In addition, a rotation detecting unit 14 including a position detecting element or the like for detecting a position of a rotor (rotor) of the motor is provided inside the motor 7 to detect a rotation state thereof.

In the washing machine 1 configured as described above, the amount of laundry such as clothes put into the washing tub 3 is measured, and the operation time is determined based on the amount.

Next, referring to fig. 2 and 3, a description will be given of a member for setting the operation of the washing machine 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operation panel 10 of the washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the remote operation permission operation unit 19.

As shown in fig. 2, the operation panel 10 includes an operation unit and a display unit for allowing a user (hereinafter, referred to as a user) of the washing machine 1 to set the operation content of the washing machine 1.

The operation portion of the operation panel 10 includes: a setting unit 100 for a washing course (course), a timer reservation button 120, an immediate operation start button 121, a button 135 for advancing the time of the operation completion time, a button 136 for retreating the time, and a decision button 140 for deciding the operation content. The display unit is a display unit 130 of the operation completion time in the timer reservation.

The operation panel 10 may also include a power button 123 for setting the power of the washing machine 1 to be turned on or off. The operation panel 10 may also include a door lock button 124 for setting the locking of the door 5.

When the washing machine 1 detects that the door lock button 124 is pressed in a state where the door 5 is closed, the door 5 is locked so that the door 5 is not opened. In addition, when the door lock button 5 is pressed again, the washing machine 1 releases the locking of the door 5.

The washing course setting unit 100 has a setting button corresponding to each washing course. The setting unit 100 includes, for example: the washing course selection button is a button for setting a setting button for selecting a washing course by pressing the button by a user, and includes a washing-only button 101 corresponding to a washing course for performing only a washing step, a drying-only button 102 corresponding to a washing course for performing only a drying step, and a washing-to-drying button 103 corresponding to a washing course for performing both the washing step and the drying step.

The setting button may be provided with a light emitting diode. In this case, the light emitting diode provided in the selected washing course setting button may be turned on, and the light emitting diode provided in the unselected washing course setting button may be turned off.

Further, the washing course selectable by the washing course setting unit 100 is exemplified by a course in which only the washing step is performed, a course in which only the drying step is performed, and a course in which both the washing step and the drying step are performed, but other operation courses may be selected. As the other washing process, for example, a fine washing process in which only time-consuming but careful washing is performed, a short washing process in which only time-consuming washing is performed, and the like can be cited. In addition, as alternative washing processes, a water-saving washing process of washing with a small amount of injected water, a warm water washing process using warm water, and the like are exemplified.

The washing machine 1 has a function of starting operation after a predetermined time has elapsed by using a timer reservation. This function is a function of calculating an operation start time from an operation time based on the amount of laundry when the operation completion time is set by the user, and starting the operation after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the timer reservation is set.

The timer reservation is set by pressing a timer reservation button 120 by the user, then pressing a button 135 for advancing the time and a button 136 for retreating the time to set the operation completion time, that is, the washing completion time, and pressing a decision button 140. When the timer reservation is set, the washing machine 1 calculates the operation start time so that the washing is completed at the operation completion time set by the user, based on the operation time and the operation completion time corresponding to the amount of laundry. The washing machine 1 starts operation when detecting that the operation start time has come. Further, the amount of the laundry may be measured before the operation scheduled by the timer. For example, the washing machine 1 measures the amount of laundry when the laundry is put into the washing tub 3 and the door 5 is locked. Thus, when the user presses the timer reservation button 120, the display unit 300 of the operation panel 10 displays the washing completion time calculated from the operation time based on the amount of laundry. The user can set the washing completion time to a desired time by further pressing the button 135 for advancing the time and the button 136 for retreating the time. When the door 5 is locked, the user can perform the timer reservation operation.

Further, the washing machine 1 may have a function of immediately starting operation without using timer reservation. The washing machine 1 starts operation immediately after the washing course is selected by the washing course setting unit 100 and when it is detected that the immediate operation start button 121 is pressed.

The operation unit of the operation panel 10 is realized by a button as an example, but may be realized by another method as long as it can accept an operation from a user. Although the example in which the operation unit of the operation panel 10 includes the light emitting diode is illustrated, the operation unit may be implemented in another manner as long as the setting contents of the washing machine 1 can be reported to the user.

When a user opens the door 5 to put laundry and detergent into the washing tub 3, closes the door 5, and starts the operation by operating the operation panel 10 provided on the front surface of the main body of the washing machine 1, that is, on the upper portion of the surface on which the door 5 is disposed, a predetermined amount of water is injected into the outer tub 2 from the water injection pipe 8, and the washing tub 3 is rotated by the motor 7 to start the washing process.

By the rotation of washing tub 3, the laundry contained in washing tub 3 is repeatedly lifted in the rotation direction by an agitation protrusion (not shown) provided on the inner peripheral wall of washing tub 3 and dropped from an appropriate height position where the laundry is lifted to the inner peripheral wall in a state where the laundry contains washing water in which detergent and water are mixed. Thereby, a washing process is performed to wash the laundry by beating the laundry.

After the required washing step, the dirty washing liquid is discharged from the drain line 9, and the washing liquid contained in the laundry is dehydrated by the dehydration operation of rotating the washing tub 3 at a high speed, and then the rinsing step is performed by injecting water into the outer tub 2 through the water injection line 8.

In the rinsing step, the laundry accommodated in washing tub 3 is repeatedly subjected to an agitation operation of being lifted and dropped by the agitation protrusions by the rotation of washing tub 3, thereby performing rinsing and washing.

After the required rinsing step, the dirty water is discharged from the drain line 9, and the water contained in the laundry is dehydrated by the dehydration operation of rotating the washing tub 3 at a high speed, thereby performing the dehydration step.

The washing machine 1 is provided with a permission operation unit 19 for allowing a user to perform a setting operation on whether or not the washing machine 1 is permitted to be remotely operated.

As shown in fig. 3, the permission operation unit 19 includes a permission operation button 19 a. The permission operation button 19a is, for example, a push button.

The permission operation unit 19 may include a determination result display unit 19b that displays the determination result of the determination unit 40.

For example, the determination result display unit 19b includes a light emitting diode lamp, and lights up when the remote operation is permitted and lights off when the remote operation is not permitted.

The permission operation unit 19 may be implemented by a method other than pressing a button as long as it is configured to enable the user to set whether or not the washing machine 1 is permitted to be remotely operated.

For example, the permission operation unit 19 may be implemented by a voice recognition method using a microphone, or may be implemented by a gesture recognition method using a camera.

The washing machine 1 may further include a human detection sensor 25 for determining whether or not a person is present around the washing machine 1. For example, a pyroelectric infrared sensor, a distance measurement infrared sensor, a thermal imaging camera, or the like can be used as the motion sensor 25.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit of washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1.

The control unit 20 is mainly composed of a microcomputer, and includes a CPU, a memory, and the like, and the memory stores a control program and data for controlling the operation of the entire washing machine.

The control unit 20 includes a determination unit 40, a measurement start determination unit 42, a measurement unit 43, a measurement result response unit 45, a reception unit 46, and an operation control unit 48.

The determination unit 40 determines permission or non-permission of the remote operation of the washing machine 1 based on the open/close state of the door 5 and the operation state of the permission operation unit 19.

When the determination by the determination unit 40 changes from the determination of "not permitted" to the determination of "permitted", the measurement start determination unit 42 transmits an instruction to the measurement unit 43 to start the measurement of the laundry amount to the washing machine 1.

Upon receiving the instruction to start measurement from measurement start determining unit 42, measuring unit 43 rotates washing tub 3 to measure the component of the laundry stored in washing tub 3, and stores the measurement result in storage unit 44. At this time, the measuring unit 43 drives the motor 7, the current detecting unit 23, and the rotation detecting unit 14 to measure the component of the laundry stored in the washing tub 3. Further, the details of the measurement of the amount of laundry will be described later.

When the communication unit 24 receives an instruction for requesting the output of the measurement result of the component of the laundry, which is transmitted from the communication terminal 35 (see fig. 5) of the user, the measurement result response unit 45 causes the measurement unit 43 to transmit the information of the measurement result to the measurement result response unit 45. Next, the measurement result responding unit 45 transmits the measurement result received from the measuring unit 43 to the communication unit 24.

When receiving an instruction for an operation request transmitted from the communication terminal 35 (see fig. 5) of the user to the washing machine 1 via the communication unit 24, the reception unit 46 transmits an instruction for causing the determination unit 40 to output the determination result. When the determination result output from the determination unit 40 is obtained, the reception unit 46 determines whether or not to receive the operation request based on the obtained determination result. The reception unit 46 receives the operation request, for example, by storing the operation request information 200 included in the instruction of the operation request in the storage unit 47.

Operation control unit 48 drives motor 7 in accordance with operation request information 200 received by receiving unit 46, thereby rotating washing tub 3 and starting operation of washing machine 1.

The measuring unit 43 and the operation control unit 48 can be connected to the rotation detecting unit 14 that detects the rotation speed or the number of rotations of the motor 7, and acquire the detection result.

The measurement unit 43 and the operation control unit 48 control the rotation of the motor 7 by controlling the torque current to energize the motor 7. At this time, the current detection unit 23 detects the amount of torque current for rotating the motor 7. The detection result is stored in the measuring unit 43 via the control unit 20.

When the remote operation system described later is used, the communication unit 24 of the washing machine 1 assumes communication using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or wired communication such as Ethernet (registered trademark). Further, as in a remote operation system described later, when a remote operation from the inside of the house is assumed instead of a remote operation from the outside of the house, the communication unit 24 can control communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) and specifying low-power wireless or visible light communication.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of remote control system 30 of washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1.

The remote operation system 30 includes the washing machine 1 to be remotely operated and a communication terminal 35 held by a user.

The washing machine 1 is connected to a communication terminal 35 via the internet 33. The washing machine 1 and the communication terminal 35 may be connected to the server 34 via the internet 33. The server 34 can transmit and receive information to and from various information terminal devices connected to the internet 33.

Further, the remote operation system 30 of the washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1 may be configured to span a plurality of networks as shown in fig. 6, for example.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of remote control system 30 of washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1.

The internet 33 and a public telephone network 31 constructed by a telephone company are connected to each other via a gateway system 32. The public telephone network 31 comprises a wireless telephone network.

The internet 33 and the home network 37 are connected to each other via a modem 36. The home network 37 includes a wired LAN (local Area network), a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and the like.

The communication terminal 35 is connectable to the public telephone network 31, and is connected to the washing machine 1 via the public telephone network 31, the gateway system 32, the internet 33, the modem 36, and the home network 37. The communication terminal 35 may be directly connected to the home network 37. Thereby, the user can remotely operate the washing machine 1 via the communication terminal 35.

Hereinafter, each configuration of the washing machine 1 will be described in detail.

[ determination section 40]

The determination unit 40 determines whether or not the remote operation of the washing machine 1 is permitted, and stores the determination result in the storage unit 41. This determination is performed based on the open/close state of the door 5 and the operation of the remote operation button 19 a. Specifically, the determination unit 40 determines that the remote operation is permitted when the door 5 is closed and the remote operation button 19a is pressed. The remote operation is, for example, an operation for a user to control the operation of the washing machine 1 using the communication terminal 35, and is performed via the communication unit 24 of the washing machine 1.

For example, when the reception unit 46 receives an instruction to start the operation from the communication terminal 35 of the user, the determination result is output to the reception unit 46.

The determination unit 40 determines whether or not the remote operation is permitted at predetermined intervals, for example, at intervals of 0.5 second, during a period from when the power supply is turned on until the operation control unit 48 starts the operation of the washing machine 1, and stores the determination result in the storage unit 41, thereby updating the determination result.

The determination unit 40 may store the determination result of "not permitted" in the storage unit 41 when the power supply of the washing machine 1 is turned on. That is, the initial value of the determination result may be "not permitted". In this way, by setting the initial value of the determination result to "not permitted", it is possible to prevent erroneous remote operation of washing machine 1 when the user does not know that washing machine 1 has the remote operation function or does not have the intention of using the remote operation.

Next, the operation of the determination unit 40 will be described in more detail with reference to fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the determination unit 40 according to embodiment 1.

As shown in fig. 7, first, the determination unit 40 determines whether or not the door 5 is in an opened state (step S101). When it is determined that the door 5 is in the opened state (yes in step S101), the determination unit 40 performs the determination of "disapproval" and updates the determination result of "disapproval" stored in the storage unit 41 to "disapproval" (step S105).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the door 5 is in the closed state (no in step S101), the determination unit 40 determines whether or not the permission operation unit 19 is operated (step S102). For example, when the permission operation unit 19 includes the remote operation button 19a, it is determined whether or not the remote operation button 19a is changed from a state in which it is not pressed to a state in which it is pressed, that is, whether or not the remote operation button 19a is pressed.

When it is determined that the remote operation unit 19 has been operated (yes in step S102), the determination unit 40 determines "permission" and updates the determination result of "not permission" stored in the storage unit 41 to "permission" (step S104).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the remote operation unit 19 has not been operated (no in step S102), the determination unit 40 determines "not permitted" and updates the determination result of "not permitted" stored in the storage unit 41 to "not permitted" (step S105).

The determination unit 40 repeatedly determines whether or not the remote operation is permitted at predetermined intervals until the operation control unit 48 executes the instruction for starting the operation. When the storage unit 41 stores the determination result of "permission", the determination unit 40 determines that the door is in the closed state and the permission operation unit 19 is operated, that is, when the remote operation button 19a is changed from the pressed state to the non-pressed state, determines "non-permission". Then, the determination unit 40 updates the determination result of "permission" stored in the storage unit 41 to "not permission".

In addition, when the storage unit 41 stores the determination result of "permission" and when it is determined that the door is in the opened state, the determination unit 40 determines "not to permit" even if the permission operation unit 19 is not operated, that is, the remote operation button 19a is kept pressed. Then, the determination unit 40 updates the determination result of "permission" stored in the storage unit 41 to "not permission".

In this way, by providing the function of returning to "not permitted" after the remote operation is once determined to be "permitted", it is possible to prevent, for example, a trouble unexpected by the user. Unexpected troubles may be enumerated, for example: the remote operation may be performed in a state where door 5 is opened, or in a state where a person opens the door and inserts his/her hand into washing tub 3.

The control unit 20 may lock the door 5 when the determination unit 40 determines "permission". Thus, when the user remotely controls the washing machine to start operation, the unexpected trouble can be prevented.

The control unit 20 may release the lock of the door 5 when the determination unit 40 determines "disapproval" and updates the determination result of "permission" stored in the storage unit 41 to "disapproval".

[ measurement start determining part 42]

The measurement start determining unit 42 determines whether to start measurement of the component of the laundry stored in the washing tub 3 before the receiving unit 46 of the washing machine 1 receives an instruction of an operation request for timer-scheduled operation from the communication terminal 35 of the user, and instructs the measuring unit 43 to start measurement of the component of the laundry when it is determined that the measurement is started. The start of measurement is determined by acquiring completion information corresponding to completion of the laundry input. The completion information is information for estimating completion of the laundry input to the washing machine. The completion information includes, for example: information indicating that the laundry inlet of the washing machine 1, that is, the door 5 of the laundry entrance 4 is closed, information indicating that a permission operation for permitting a remote operation is performed, information indicating that the operation of the washing machine 1 is not performed for a predetermined period, information indicating that a person is not detected within a predetermined range from the washing machine 1, and the like.

Next, the operation of the measurement start determining unit 42 will be described in more detail with reference to fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the measurement start determining unit 42 according to embodiment 1.

As shown in fig. 8, first, the measurement start determining unit 42 determines whether or not the receiving unit 46 has received an instruction to perform an operation request for timer reservation operation from the communication terminal 35 of the user (step S110).

When the reception unit 46 receives an instruction to start the timer operation reservation (yes in step S110), the measurement start determination unit 42 ends the process.

When the reception unit 46 receives the instruction for the operation request for the timer reserved operation (no in step S110), the measurement start determination unit 42 determines whether or not the determination result of the determination unit 40 is updated from "not permitted" to "permitted" (step S111).

If the determination result of the determination unit 40 remains in the "not permitted" state (no in step S111), the measurement start determination unit 42 returns the process to step S110.

On the other hand, when the determination result of the determination unit 40 is updated from "not permitted" to "permitted" (yes in step S111), the measurement start determination unit 42 determines whether or not it is estimated that the user has not operated the washing machine 1 for a while, that is, whether or not it is estimated that the user has finished putting laundry into the washing machine 1 (step S112). This ensures the safety of the user.

If it is determined that the user has not been estimated to have not operated washing machine 1 for a while (no in step S112), measurement start determination unit 42 executes the process of step S112 again.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the user has not operated the washing machine 1 for a while (yes in step S112), the measurement start determining unit 42 transmits information indicating an instruction to start measurement of the laundry amount to the measuring unit 43 (step S113).

Further, the process of step S112 may not be executed. For example, when the determination result of the determination unit 40 is updated from "not permitted" to "permitted" (yes in step S111), the measurement start determining unit 42 may instruct the measuring unit 43 to start measuring the component of the laundry (step S113). This can reduce the processing load and power consumption.

For example, in step S112, if the operation panel 10 of the washing machine 1 is not operated for a predetermined time, for example, 10 seconds, it may be determined that the user has not operated the washing machine 1 for a certain period of time.

For example, the washing machine 1 may be provided with the human detection sensor 25, and when the human detection sensor 25 does not detect a human within a predetermined range from the washing machine for a predetermined period, it is determined that the user is estimated not to operate the washing machine 1 for a while. The human body sensor 25 may be, for example, an infrared pyroelectric sensor, a thermal imaging sensor, or a camera.

For example, in the case where the human detection sensor 25 is implemented by an infrared pyroelectric sensor or thermal imaging, the measurement start determination unit 42 may determine that the user has not operated the washing machine 1 for a while when the human detection sensor 25 switches from a state in which it senses the activity of the heat source to a state in which it does not sense it.

For example, in the case where the human detection sensor 25 is implemented by a camera, the measurement start determination unit 42 may determine that the user has not operated the washing machine 1 for a while when the motion of the image captured by the camera is significantly reduced.

In this way, the measurement start determining unit 42 performs a process of determining whether or not the user is estimated not to operate the washing machine 1 for a while (step S112), and when the user operates the permission operating unit 19 and then performs an operation of immediately starting the operation, the washing machine 1 can be started quickly. When the processing of step S112 is not executed, for example, when the measurement start determining unit 42 determines that the determination result by the determining unit 40 is updated from "not permitted" to "permitted" (yes in step S111), the measurement start determining unit 42 transmits an instruction to start measurement of the component of the laundry to the measuring unit 43. When the measurement unit 43 receives the instruction to start measurement, measurement of the amount of laundry is started. At this time, if the process of step S112 is not executed, that is, if the user presses the immediate operation start button 121 of the operation panel 10 of the washing machine 1 after operating the permission operation unit 19, the washing machine 1 is about to start the washing operation. Therefore, by executing the processing of step S112, it is possible to prevent the rotation of washing tub 3 performed when the amount of laundry is measured from interfering with the start of the washing operation.

[ measuring section 43]

Upon receiving the instruction to start measurement from the measurement start determining unit 42, the measuring unit 43 measures the amount of the laundry stored in the washing tub 3 and stores the measurement result in the storage unit 44. Upon receiving an instruction to output the measurement result from the measurement result response unit 45, the measurement unit 43 outputs the measurement result stored in the storage unit 44 to the measurement result response unit 45.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of information included in the measurement results stored in the storage unit 44. The measurement result 150 includes a measurement value 160 of the amount of laundry. The amount of laundry is represented by the mass of the laundry.

The measurement result 150 may include a measurement progress status 170. For example, the progress state 170 is represented by "measurement completed" indicating that the measurement of the amount of laundry is completed, by "measurement in" indicating that the measurement of the amount of laundry is in progress, or by "unmeasured" indicating that the measurement of the amount of laundry is not started yet.

Next, the operation of the measuring unit 43 will be described in more detail with reference to fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the measuring unit 43 according to embodiment 1.

Upon receiving the instruction to start measurement from the measurement start determining unit 42, the measuring unit 43 starts measurement of the component of the laundry stored in the washing tub 3. Specifically, as shown in fig. 8, when the measurement unit 43 instructs to start measurement of the component of the laundry, the "under measurement" information indicating the state in which the component of the laundry is being measured is stored in the storage unit 44 as the progress state 170 (step S121).

Next, the measuring unit 43 drives the motor 7 (see fig. 2) to rotate the washing tub 3. At this time, the rotation of the motor 7 is detected by the rotation detecting unit 14 (see fig. 2), and the current to be applied to the motor 7 is detected by the current detecting unit 23 (see fig. 2) (step S122). This process step is also called a process of detecting the amount of laundry.

Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the measurement of the component of laundry in the washing machine according to embodiment 1, in fig. 11, the vertical axis represents the rotation speed (r/min) of the motor 7, and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds), and the measuring unit 43 detects the acceleration current Iq1 supplied to the motor 7 in the 1 st detection step of accelerating the rotation speed of the motor 7 at a constant angular acceleration α 1 by controlling the contribution torque current component Iq to accelerate the rotation speed of the motor from the first rotation speed N1 to the second rotation speed N2.

Then, the measuring unit 43 detects the deceleration-time current Iq2 supplied to the motor 7 in the 2 nd detection step of accelerating the rotational speed of the motor 7 to the third rotational speed N3 at the constant angular velocity α 1 and then decelerating the rotational speed of the motor 7 at the constant angular acceleration α 2 to decelerate the rotational speed from the fourth rotational speed N4 to the fifth rotational speed N5.

The acceleration current Iq1 and the deceleration current Iq2 for energizing the motor 7 are large when the amount of laundry stored in the washing tub 3 is large, and small when the amount of laundry is small. The measuring unit 43 calculates the amount of current supplied to the motor 7 in proportion to the amount of laundry (step S123). The amount of the laundry was measured as described above.

Next, the measuring unit 43 stores information indicating "measurement completion" in a case where the measurement of the component of the laundry is completed and the measurement value 160 indicating the measured component in the storage unit 44 as the progress state 170 (step S124). When the instruction to start the measurement of the component of the laundry is issued, the measurement unit 43 stores information on "under measurement" indicating that the measurement of the component of the laundry is in the ongoing state in the storage unit 44 as the progress state 170 (step S121).

Here, the mass of the laundry is exemplified as the measurement value 160, but the measurement value may be stored in another form as long as the information can calculate the amount of the laundry. For example, the measured value 160 may be values of the acceleration current Iq1 and the deceleration current Iq 2.

When the door 5 is opened after the measurement of the laundry amount is completed, the measuring unit 43 may update the progress status 170 by storing "unmeasured" information indicating that the measurement of the laundry amount is not started in the storage unit 44 as the progress status 170. At this time, the measurement unit 43 deletes the measurement value 160 stored in the storage unit 44.

In other words, when the door 5 is opened after the measurement of the amount of laundry is completed, the information of "not measured" is stored in the storage unit 44 as the progress status 170, and the measurement result 150 is reset (reset) to the initial value, that is, the unmeasured status. Thus, when the door 5 is opened and laundry is put into the washing tub 3 after the measurement of the amount of laundry is completed, the measurement result stored in the storage unit 44 is reset, and therefore, it is possible to prevent the old measurement result from being used by mistake.

In step S122, the measuring unit 43 may lock the door 5 so that the door 5 is not opened before the motor 7 is rotated. This prevents a person from accidentally opening door 5 and being involved in the rotation of washing tub 3 when washing tub 3 is rotating.

[ measurement result responding section 45]

When receiving an instruction to request the output of the measurement result 150 of the component of the laundry, which is transmitted from the communication terminal 35 (see fig. 5) of the user, via the communication unit 24, the measurement result response unit 45 transmits an instruction to cause the measurement unit 43 to output the information of the measurement result 150 to the measurement result response unit 45. The measurement result responding unit 45 transmits the measurement result 150 output from the measuring unit 43 to the communication unit 24. The measurement result 150 includes a measurement value 160 of the amount of laundry and a progress state 170.

Next, the operation of the measurement result response unit 45 will be described in more detail with reference to fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the measurement result response unit 45 according to embodiment 1.

Although not shown, first, when receiving an instruction to output the measurement result 150 requesting the component of the laundry, which is transmitted from the communication terminal 35 of the user, via the communication unit 24, the measurement result response unit 45 transmits an instruction to the measurement unit 43 to output the information of the measurement result 150 to the measurement result response unit 45.

Next, as shown in fig. 12, when the measurement of the component of the laundry is completed (yes in step S131), the measurement result 150 output from the measurement unit 43 to the measurement result response unit 45 includes information of "measurement completion" indicating that the measurement of the component of the laundry is completed as the measurement value 160 progressing state 170. The measurement result responding unit 45 acquires the measurement result 150 output from the measuring unit 43, and transmits the acquired measurement result 150 to the communication unit 24 (step S132).

On the other hand, when the measurement of the component of the laundry is not completed (no in step S131), when the measurement unit 43 is performing the measurement of the component of the laundry (yes in step S133), the measurement result 150 output from the measurement unit 43 includes "under measurement" indicating that the measurement of the component of the laundry is in a state of being performed as the information progress state 170. The measurement result responding unit 45 acquires the measurement result 150 output from the measuring unit 43, and transmits the acquired measurement result 150 to the communication unit 24 (step S134).

When the measurement of the component of the laundry is not completed (no in step S131), when the measurement unit 43 does not perform the measurement of the component of the laundry (no in step S133), the measurement result 150 output from the measurement unit 43 includes "not measured" indicating that the measurement of the component of the laundry is not yet started as the information progress status 170. The measurement result responding unit 45 acquires the measurement result 150 output from the measuring unit 43, and transmits the acquired measurement result 150 to the communication unit 24 (step S135).

[ receiving part 46]

When receiving an instruction for requesting an operation request for timer reservation operation of washing machine 1 transmitted from communication terminal 35 of the user to washing machine 1 via communication unit 24, reception unit 46 transmits an instruction for outputting a determination result of whether or not remote operation is permitted to determination unit 40. When the determination result output from the determination unit 40 is obtained, the reception unit 46 determines whether or not to receive an instruction of an operation request from a user, that is, whether or not to permit setting of a timer reservation operation of the washing machine 1, based on the obtained determination result. When determining that the setting of the timer-scheduled operation of the washing machine 1 is permitted, the reception unit 46 stores information included in the acquired instruction of the operation request (hereinafter, referred to as operation request information) in the storage unit 47. The reception unit 46 transmits an instruction to start the operation to the operation control unit 48 based on the operation request information. On the other hand, when the reception unit 46 determines that the setting of the timer reservation operation of the washing machine 1 is not permitted, the reception unit 46 transmits, for example, an instruction to discard the operation request, and a notification to the effect that the timer reservation operation cannot be executed, to the communication terminal 35 of the user via the communication unit 24.

Next, information included in the instruction of the operation request (hereinafter referred to as "operation request information") will be specifically described with reference to fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the operation request information 200 included in the operation request received by the receiving unit 46 in embodiment 1.

As shown in fig. 13, the operation request information 200 includes information on the setting 210 of the washing step, the setting 220 of the drying step, the operation method 230, and the operation completion time 240. The washing step setting 210 is information indicating the presence or absence of a washing step, and the drying step setting 220 is information indicating the presence or absence of a drying step. The operation mode 230 is information indicating a mode of executing operation such as execution of the operation of the washing machine 1 in a timer reservation or execution of immediate operation. The operation completion time is information indicating the time when the washing operation of the washing machine 1 is completed or the elapsed time from the current time to the operation completion time. In fig. 13, the operation completion time 240 is shown as an example of a relative time from the current time to the operation completion time, that is, an elapsed time, but may be shown as the operation completion time. In addition, when the operation method 230 is "start operation immediately", the operation completion time 240 may be omitted.

As shown in fig. 14, the operation request information 200 may include information set by dividing the washing step setting 210 into more detailed steps. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing another example of the operation request 200 received by the receiving unit 46 according to embodiment 1.

As shown in fig. 14, the setting 210 of the washing step may be set in a plurality of more detailed steps, for example, in a washing step setting 211, a rinsing step setting 212, and a dewatering step setting 213. The setting of the washing and drying step in which the washing step and the drying step are combined may be temporarily set (not shown).

Although the description has been given of the example in which the reception unit 46 receives the instruction of the operation request transmitted from the communication terminal 35 of the user via the communication unit 24, the instruction may be received by the user operating the operation panel 10 of the washing machine 1. In addition, the reception unit 46 discards the received operation request signal and rejects reception of the operation request signal, for example, under a predetermined condition.

Next, the operation of the receiving unit 46 will be described in more detail with reference to fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the receiving unit according to embodiment 1.

As shown in fig. 15, first, the reception unit 46 determines whether or not the received instruction for the operation request is an instruction for the operation request transmitted to the reception unit 46 via the communication unit 24 (step S141).

When it is determined that the received instruction of the operation request is an instruction of the operation request transmitted to the reception unit 46 via the communication unit 24 (yes in step S141), the reception unit 46 transmits a signal for outputting the determination result to the determination unit 40, and determines whether or not the remote operation is permitted based on the determination result output from the determination unit 40 (step S142).

When the determination result output from the determination unit 40 to the reception unit 46 is "not permitted", that is, when it is determined that the remote operation is not permitted (no in step S142), the reception unit 46 rejects the reception of the operation request.

When the determination result output from the determination unit 40 to the reception unit 46 is "permission", that is, when it is determined that the remote operation is permitted (yes in step S142), the reception unit 46 determines whether or not the measurement of the laundry amount is completed (step S144). At this time, the reception unit 46 may further transmit information indicating that the process for timer reservation has been started upon receiving the operation request instruction to the communication terminal 35 of the user via the communication unit 24.

If it is determined that the measurement of the amount of laundry is not completed (no in step S144), the reception unit 46 waits until the measurement of the amount of laundry is completed. More specifically, when the measurement result output from the measurement unit 43 to the reception unit 46 is "under measurement", the reception unit 46 waits until the measurement of the amount of the laundry is completed. When the measurement result output from the measurement unit 43 to the reception unit 46 is "not measured", the reception unit 46 transmits an instruction to the measurement unit 43 to start measurement of the amount of the laundry, and waits until the measurement is completed. When the measurement of the amount of the laundry is completed, the reception unit 46 calculates an operation time corresponding to the amount of the laundry (step S146).

On the other hand, when the reception unit 46 determines that the measurement of the amount of the laundry is completed (yes in step S144), it calculates the operation time corresponding to the amount of the laundry (step S146).

In step S146 of calculating the operating time, when the information of the operating mode 230 included in the operation request information 200 is the timer reservation operation, the reception unit 46 calculates the operating time corresponding to the measured value 160 (see fig. 9) of the component of the laundry by the operating time conversion unit. The operating time conversion unit may be accommodated in the storage unit 47 of the reception unit 46, or may be included in the reception unit 46 separately from the storage unit 47.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the operating time converting unit 300 according to embodiment 1. The operation time conversion unit 300 stores the required time 330 for each operation process 310 according to the laundry amount 320.

For example, when the measured value 160 is 2.5kg, the operation time is calculated from the required time of each operation step corresponding to the amount 320 of the laundry in the operation time conversion unit 300 being 2.0kg or more and less than 3.0 kg. For example, when only the washing step is performed, the time required for the washing step is 16 minutes, the time required for the rinsing step is 11 minutes, and the time required for the dehydrating step is 18 minutes, so that the time required for the washing step is 45 minutes obtained by summing up the times required for these steps. Therefore, when the amount of the laundry is 2.5kg and only the washing process is performed, the reception unit 46 calculates the operation time to be 45 minutes.

In embodiment 1, the example in which the operating time conversion unit 300 is a conversion table is illustrated, but the operating time conversion unit 300 may be configured in another manner as long as it derives the operating time, which is the time required for the operating process, from the measured value 160 of the amount of laundry. For example, the operating time conversion unit 300 may be a function.

Next, the reception unit 46 calculates the operation start time by using the operation time calculated in step S146 and the operation completion time 240 (see fig. 13 and 14) included in the operation request information 200 (see fig. 13 and 14) (step S147). For example, as shown in fig. 14, when the operation completion time 240 included in the operation request information 200 is 1 hour and 10 minutes later, the operation start time is calculated as a time 25 minutes after subtracting the operation time (45 minutes) from the operation completion time (1 hour and 10 minutes later).

When the operation mode 230 included in the operation request information 200 is immediate start of operation, the reception unit 46 sends an instruction to the operation control unit 48 to immediately start the operation.

Next, the reception unit 46 stores the operation request information 200 included in the operation start time calculated in step S147 and the operation request instruction received by the communication unit 24 in the storage unit 47 (step S148).

If the instruction of the operation request received by the reception unit 46 is an instruction of the operation request input to the operation panel 10 of the washing machine 1 (no in step S141), the reception unit 46 may omit the process of step S142 of determining whether or not to permit the remote operation, and may proceed to the process of step S144 of determining whether or not the measurement of the laundry amount is completed.

[ operation control section 48]

When the operation start time is reached, the operation control unit 48 starts the operation of the washing machine 1 based on the operation request information stored in the storage unit 47 of the reception unit 46. More specifically, as described with reference to fig. 4, when the operation start time is reached, the reception unit 46 transmits an instruction to drive the motor 7 under the condition corresponding to the operation request information 200 to the operation control unit 48. Operation control unit 48 rotates washing tub 3 of washing machine 1 by rotating motor 7, thereby starting the operation of washing machine 1. At this time, the operation control unit 48 controls the rotation of the washing tub 3 by detecting the amount of current supplied to the motor 7 and the rotation speed of the motor 7 by the current detection unit 23 and the rotation detection unit 14.

Before starting the operation of the washing machine 1, the operation control unit 48 may lock the door 5 so as not to be opened. This prevents a person from mistakenly opening door 5 and being involved in the rotation of washing tub 3 when washing tub 3 is rotating.

[ communication terminal 35]

Next, the configuration of the communication terminal 35 will be described with reference to fig. 17 and 18. Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication terminal 35 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the communication terminal 35 according to embodiment 1.

The communication terminal 35 is a terminal used by the user to remotely operate the washing machine 1, and is constituted by a smartphone, for example. The communication terminal 35 may be configured by a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, a wristwatch-type mobile device, a portable game machine, or the like. The communication terminal 35 communicates with the washing machine 1. As shown in fig. 17, the communication terminal 35 includes a display unit 351, an operation unit 352, a communication unit 353, and a control unit 354.

The display unit 351 is a frame for displaying various information to be presented to the user in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 354. The display unit 351 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, or the like, and displays images and character information.

The operation unit 352 receives an operation from a user, and transmits an operation signal from the user to the control unit 354. As shown in fig. 8, the operation unit 352 may be disposed on the display unit 351, and may be implemented by a touch panel, for example. The operation unit 352 detects a position touched by a finger of a user on the touch panel, for example, and transmits position information to the control unit 354. More specifically, when the user touches a region such as a button, a bar (bar), and a keyboard displayed on the display unit 351 with a finger, the position of the touched finger is detected by the touch panel, and the operation unit 352 transmits an operation signal from the user to the control unit 354. The touch panel may be an electrostatic capacitance type touch panel or a pressure-sensitive type touch panel.

The operation unit 352 may be configured of, for example, a cursor button and a decision button, instead of being disposed on the display unit 351. In this case, a cursor indicating the region selected by the cursor button may be displayed on the display unit 351. When the user presses the cursor button, the cursor displayed on the display unit 351 moves, and when the user presses the decision button, the display item such as the setting parameter displayed on the display unit 351 is selected. The operation unit 352 detects position information of a region on the display unit 351 selected by the cursor button and the decision button, and transmits an operation signal of the user to the control unit 354.

The display unit 351 is not limited to the above example as long as it can present images and character information to the user. The operation unit 352 is not limited to the above example as long as it receives an operation signal from a user. The presentation is not limited to the presentation by the image described above, and may be a presentation by sound. In this case, for example, a speaker for emitting a voice may be used as the display unit 351, and a voice recognition interface using a microphone for recognizing a voice may be used as the operation unit 352.

The communication unit 353 is a communication interface for performing mutual communication between devices via the public telephone network 31, the internet 33, and the home network 37, and is, for example, a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The control unit 354 controls the operations of the respective units of the communication terminal 35. The control unit 354 is configured by a computer device including an arithmetic processing unit such as a cpu (central processing unit) and a dedicated processor, and includes a storage unit such as a semiconductor memory typified by a ram (random Access memory), a rom (read Only memory) and the like for storing a program, and a hdd (hard Disk drive). The control unit 354 reads and executes various information and programs for performing various controls stored in the storage unit by the CPU, and collectively controls the operations of the respective units of the communication terminal 35.

Next, the operation of the communication terminal 35 will be described with reference to fig. 19 to 23. Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the communication terminal 35 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure setting screen 400 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a time setting screen 420 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a transmission success screen 440 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen 460 during measurement according to embodiment 1.

As shown in fig. 19, first, the communication terminal 35 causes the display unit 351 to display a procedure setting screen 400 for setting the operation procedure (step S151).

A course selection button for selecting a washing course is displayed on the course setting screen 400. The process selection buttons include, for example: a washing only button 401 for selecting a process for performing only the washing step, a washing-drying button 402 for selecting a process for performing both the washing step and the drying step, and a drying only button 403 for selecting a process for performing only the drying step.

Further, a timer reservation button 411 for selecting a timer reservation operation is displayed on the procedure setting screen 400.

When the control unit 354 detects that the user has pressed the course selection button to select the washing course and pressed the timer reservation button 411 to select the timer reservation operation (yes in step S152), the communication terminal 35 transmits an instruction to cause the washing machine 1 to output the measurement result of the amount of laundry (step S153).

In addition to the timer reservation button 411, an immediate operation start button 412 for sending an instruction to immediately start the operation of the washing machine 1 may be displayed on the course setting screen 400. When the control unit 354 detects that the immediate operation start button 412 is pressed by the user (no in step S152), the communication terminal 35 transmits an operation request to immediately start the operation of the washing machine 1 (step S159).

When washing machine 1 receives an instruction to output a measurement result transmitted from communication terminal 35, measurement result response unit 45 of washing machine 1 transmits an instruction to output a measurement result to measurement unit 43. Washing machine 1 transmits the measurement result output from measurement unit 43 to communication terminal 35 via communication unit 24. Then, communication terminal 35 receives the measurement result transmitted from washing machine 1 (step S154).

Next, the communication terminal 35 determines whether or not the measurement of the amount of laundry is completed based on the measurement result (step S155).

When the communication terminal 35 determines that the measurement of the amount of laundry is not completed, that is, when the progress status 170 included in the measurement result 150 received from the washing machine 1 is information indicating "under measurement" (no in step S155), the communication terminal 35 causes the display unit 351 to display a measurement screen 460 (see fig. 23) (step S156).

As shown in fig. 23, the during-measurement screen 460 includes, for example, an information display area 461 and a retry (retry) button 462, and the information display area 461 displays information indicating "under measurement" in a state where the measurement of the laundry component is being performed.

When detecting that the user presses the retry button 462, the communication terminal 35 transmits an instruction to the washing machine 1 to output the measurement result (step S153). When the communication terminal 35 detects that the retry button 462 is pressed by the user, the procedure setting screen 400 for setting the operation procedure may be displayed again (step S151).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the measurement of the laundry amount is completed, that is, when the progress status 170 included in the measurement result 150 received from the washing machine 1 is information indicating "measurement completion" (yes in step S155), the communication terminal 35 calculates the time required for the washing machine 1 to complete the washing process, that is, the operating time, based on the washing process selected in step S151 and the measurement value 160 (see fig. 9) received from the washing machine 1 in step S154 (step S157). In this case, the communication terminal 35 includes an operating time conversion unit 300 (see fig. 16). The communication terminal 35 calculates the operation time corresponding to the measurement value 160 by the operation time conversion unit 300. The calculation method is the same as described above, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted. The operating time conversion unit 300 may be a conversion table or a function, as in the operating time conversion unit 300 provided in the reception unit 46.

Next, the communication terminal 35 displays a time setting screen 420 (see fig. 21) for setting the operation completion time (step S158).

As shown in fig. 21, the time setting screen 420 includes: a reserved range display area 421 for displaying information on a reservable range including the operation completion time, an input field 425 for inputting a desired washing completion time, and a transmission button 424 for transmitting an instruction to perform timer reserved operation. The input field 425 includes an hour unit field 422 for inputting time units and a minute unit field 423 for inputting minute units.

The communication terminal 35 displays the time not lower than the operating time calculated in step S157 as the lower limit value in the reserved range display area 421 that displays information including the reservable range of the operating completion time. For example, when the calculated operation time is 2 hours and 45 minutes, the communication terminal 35 displays the operation completion time which can be reserved in the reservation range display area 421, which is a time 2 hours and 45 minutes after the current time.

The lower limit of the reserved time range may be a value obtained by adding some time to the operating time. For example, when the calculated operating time is 2 hours and 45 minutes, the lower limit of the presettable time range may be 2 hours and 50 minutes. It is expected that a maximum time of about several minutes will elapse from the time when the display unit 351 of the communication terminal 35 displays the time setting screen 420 until the user inputs the time in the input field 425 and presses the send button 424. Thus, the reserved time range can be made to have a suitable margin, and therefore the user can set the timer reservation at a desired operation completion time.

The input field 425 may not be divided into the hour unit field 422 and the minute unit field 423. For example, instead of 2 hours and 45 minutes, an input field may be input only in minutes such as after 165 minutes. The input field 425 may be a keyboard input or a Drum selector (Drum Picker) input.

When detecting that the user inputs a value into the input field 425 and presses the send button 424, the communication terminal 35 sends an instruction of an operation request to the washing machine 1 (step S159).

Further, after the communication terminal 35 transmits the instruction of the operation request (step S159), if the reception unit 46 of the washing machine 1 stores the operation request information 200 included in the instruction of the operation request in the storage unit 47, the communication terminal 35 may display a transmission success screen 440 indicating the success of the transmission of the operation request on the display unit 351 as shown in fig. 22.

In step S159, after the communication terminal 35 transmits the operation request instruction to the washing machine 1, if the operation request information 200 included in the operation request instruction is not stored in the reception unit 46 of the washing machine 1, the communication terminal 35 may display a transmission failure screen indicating that the transmission of the operation request has failed on the display unit 351.

In step S159, when it is detected that the user inputs a desired value to the input field 425 of the operation completion time and presses the send button 424, the communication terminal 35 may calculate the operation start time by subtracting the operation time from the input operation completion time, and may add the operation start time to the operation request information 200 when an instruction to send an operation request to the washing machine 1 (step S159). In this case, since the operation request information 200 received by the washing machine 1 from the communication terminal 35 includes the operation start time, the process of calculating the operation start time can be omitted in the reception unit 46 of the washing machine 1 (step S147).

Next, an example of a case where the user remotely operates washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1 using communication terminal 35 will be described.

First, (1) the user puts laundry and detergent into the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1 and closes the door 5.

Next, (2) the user presses the remote operation button 19a of the permission operation unit 19 of the washing machine 1 (see fig. 3). Thus, since the door 5 is not in the opened state and the remote operation unit 19 is operated, the determination unit 40 (see fig. 4) of the washing machine 1 determines whether or not the remote operation is permitted, and stores the determination result of "permission" of the remote operation in the storage unit 41 (see fig. 4) of the determination unit 40.

Then, (3) the user goes out. During the period of going out, the user does not perform an operation related to the washing machine 1, that is, does not transmit an instruction of an operation request for timer reservation to the washing machine 1. The measurement start determining unit 42 determines that the determination result of the remote operation is "permission" and that the user is estimated not to operate the washing machine 1 temporarily, and transmits an instruction to start measurement of the laundry amount to the measuring unit 43. Upon receiving the instruction to start measurement from the measurement start determining unit 42, the measuring unit 43 measures the amount of the laundry and stores the measurement result in the storage unit 44. Since this measurement is accompanied by the rotation of the washing tub 3 containing the laundry, it takes several seconds to several tens of seconds. On the other hand, when the time required for the user to go out is several tens of seconds or longer, the washing machine 1 completes the measurement of the time required for comparison before the timer reservation operation is set by the user in (4) below.

Next, (4) when the user knows the time from the outgoing destination to the home, the communication terminal 35 is used to set the timer-scheduled operation of the washing machine 1 by remote operation so that the operation of the washing machine 1 is completed in accordance with the time from the user to the home. At this time, the user operates the communication terminal 35 to transmit an instruction of an operation request for timer reservation to the washing machine 1. For example, when the user operates the communication terminal 35 and sets the timer reservation operation on the course setting screen 400, the measurement of the laundry amount is already completed. Therefore, when there is an instruction to output the measurement result of the laundry amount from the communication terminal 35 to the washing machine 1, the washing machine 1 can immediately transmit the measurement result to the communication terminal 35. Thus, since the communication terminal 35 measures the amount of laundry at the time when it is estimated that the washing machine 1 is not operated by the user, the measurement of the amount of laundry is already completed when the user sets the timer reservation operation of the washing machine 1. Therefore, when the user sets the timer to reserve the operation, it is possible to reduce the stress caused by the waiting time spent in the measurement of the amount of laundry, and to reserve the operation at an appropriate operation completion time corresponding to the amount of laundry.

Therefore, in the washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1, when the user sets the timer reservation operation by remote operation, the waiting time that is consumed for measuring the amount of laundry can be reduced. In addition, in the washing machine 1, when the user sets the timer scheduled operation by remote operation, since a large bookable range of the operation completion time can be indicated, the timer scheduled operation can be set at an appropriate operation completion time according to the amount of laundry.

(embodiment mode 2)

Next, a remote operation system including the washing machine 1 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[ measurement result responding section 45]

Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the measurement result response unit 45 according to embodiment 2. In fig. 24, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those in fig. 12, and redundant description is omitted.

In embodiment 1, as shown in fig. 12, when the measurement of the component of the laundry is completed (yes in step S131), the measurement result responding unit 45 acquires the measurement result output from the measuring unit 43, and transmits information of "measurement completion" included in the acquired measurement result and the measurement value to the communication unit 24 (step S132). In embodiment 2, when yes is received in step S131, the measurement result responding unit 45 calculates the operating time based on the measurement value included in the measurement result obtained from the measurement unit 43, and transmits "measurement completion" information and the operating time to the communication unit 24.

In embodiment 1, the following description has been given of an example in which, when the measurement unit 43 is performing measurement of the component of the laundry (yes in step S133) and the measurement result response unit 45 is not yet completed measuring the component of the laundry (no in step S131), the measurement result output from the measurement unit 43 is acquired, and information on "under measurement" included in the acquired measurement result is transmitted to the communication unit 24 (step S134). In embodiment 2, if no in step S131 and yes in step S133, the measurement result responding unit 45 acquires the measurement result output from the measurement unit 43, and transmits the "under measurement" information included in the acquired measurement result and the operation time in the case where the amount of laundry is the maximum value, to the communication unit 24.

The operation of the measurement result response unit 45 according to embodiment 2 will be described below with reference to fig. 24.

Although not shown, first, when receiving an instruction to request the output of the measurement result 150 of the component of the laundry transmitted from the communication terminal 35 of the user via the communication unit 24, the measurement result response unit 45 transmits an instruction to the measurement unit 43 to output the information of the measurement result 150 to the measurement result response unit 45.

Next, as shown in fig. 24, when the measurement of the laundry amount is completed (yes in step S131), the measurement result responding unit 45 calculates an operating time corresponding to the measured value 160 (see fig. 8) of the measured laundry amount using the operating time converting unit 300 (step S136). The operation time conversion unit 300 and the operation time calculation method are the same as those described above in embodiment 1, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted.

Next, the measurement result response unit 45 sends information of "measurement completion" indicating that the measurement of the laundry amount is completed and the calculated operation time to the communication unit 24 as the progress state 170 (step S137).

On the other hand, when the measurement of the component of the laundry is not completed (no in step S131), and the measurement unit 43 is performing the measurement of the component of the laundry (yes in step S133), the measurement result responding unit 45 calculates the operation time from the component of the laundry in the case where the component of the laundry is the maximum amount that can be stored in the washing machine 1, using the operation time converting unit 300. Next, the measurement result response unit 45 transmits information indicating "under measurement" indicating that the measurement of the amount of laundry is being performed and the operation time when the amount of laundry is the maximum amount, to the communication unit 24 as the progress status 170 (step S138).

When no in step S131 and the measuring unit 43 has not performed the measurement of the component of the laundry (no in step S133), the "not-measured" information is transmitted to the communication unit 24 (step S135) in the same manner as in embodiment 1.

[ communication terminal 35]

Next, the operation of the communication terminal 35 will be described with reference to fig. 25. Fig. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow of the communication terminal 35 according to embodiment 2. In fig. 25, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those in fig. 19, and redundant description is omitted.

In embodiment 1, an example is described in which, when the communication terminal 35 detects that the timer reservation is selected (yes in step S152), an instruction is transmitted to cause the washing machine 1 to output a measurement result of the amount of laundry (step S153). However, in embodiment 2, communication terminal 35 transmits an instruction to cause washing machine 1 to output the operation time regardless of whether or not timer reservation is selected (yes or no in step S152) (step S161). In embodiment 2, when the measurement of the amount of laundry is completed (yes in step S155), the communication terminal 35 receives the operation time from the washing machine 1 (step S162).

In embodiment 1, an example has been described in which communication terminal 35 receives the measurement result of the component of laundry from washing machine 1 (step S154), and when it is determined that the measurement of the component of laundry is completed based on the received measurement result (yes in step S155), calculates the operating time based on the washing course selected in step S151 and measurement value 160 received from washing machine 1 in step S154 (step S157). In embodiment 2, as described above, when the component measurement is completed (yes in step S155), the communication terminal 35 receives the operation time from the washing machine 1 (step S162). That is, in embodiment 1, the communication terminal 35 calculates the operation time based on the measurement value 160 of the amount of laundry received from the washing machine 1 using the operation time conversion unit 300, but in embodiment 2, the communication terminal 35 receives the operation time calculated by the washing machine 1.

Hereinafter, the operation of the communication terminal 35 according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to fig. 25.

First, the communication terminal 35 displays a procedure setting screen 400 (see fig. 20) for setting an operation procedure on the display unit 351, as in embodiment 1 (step S151).

Next, when it is determined that the user has selected the timer-scheduled operation by detecting that the course selection button is pressed by the user and the washing course is selected and the timer-scheduled button 411 is pressed on the course setting screen 400, the communication terminal 35 transmits an instruction to cause the communication unit 24 of the washing machine 1 to output the operation time (yes in step S152) (step S161).

If the measurement of the laundry amount is not completed (no in step S155), the communication terminal 35 receives the measurement result 160 including the "under measurement" information as the progress state 170 from the washing machine 1 as the operation time response, and displays the under measurement screen shown in fig. 23. Then, the process flow returns to step S161.

On the other hand, when the measurement of the amount of laundry is completed (yes in step S155), the communication terminal 35 receives the operation time from the washing machine 1 (step S162). More specifically, communication terminal 35 displays the operation completion time setting screen (see fig. 26) using the operation time included in the response received from washing machine 1 (step S158).

Fig. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a time setting screen 480 according to embodiment 2. In fig. 26, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the time setting screen 420 of fig. 21, and the same description is omitted.

The time setting screen 480 includes a reservation range display area 481 for displaying a term indicating that a component is intended for measurement. Further, the communication terminal 35 may retransmit an instruction to cause the communication unit 24 of the washing machine 1 to output the operation time while the time setting screen 480 is displayed. In the case where a response indicating the completion of measurement is received from washing machine 1 while communication terminal 35 is displaying time setting screen 480, communication terminal 35 may replace the screen displayed on communication terminal 35 with time setting screen 420 using information on the operation time included in the received response.

Next, the communication terminal 35 transmits an instruction of an operation request requesting the operation start of the washing machine 1 to the communication unit 24 of the washing machine 1 (step S159). The operation request information 200 included in the operation request instruction includes the operation completion time and the washing course.

Next, in step S152, when the communication terminal 35 determines that the user selects a mode other than timer reservation, such as the immediate operation button 412 being pressed being detected on the course setting screen 400, the communication terminal 35 transmits an instruction to output the operation time to the communication unit 24 of the washing machine 1 (step S161). Next, when receiving the response of the operation time from washing machine 1 in step S162, communication terminal 35 displays an immediate operation start screen (see fig. 27) using the information of the operation time included in the received response (step S163).

Fig. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a procedure setting screen according to embodiment 2. The immediate operation start screen 485 includes a completion time display area 487 and a setting transmission button 488.

The communication terminal 35 displays the operation completion time in the completion time display area 487 using the operation time received from the washing machine 1 in step S162. For example, the operation time received from the washing machine 1 is directly used at the displayed operation completion time. Here, the operation time is expressed by a relative time from the current time to the operation completion time, but may be displayed by a time.

Further, since there may be a time lag between the transmission of the instruction of the operation request from the communication terminal 35 to the washing machine 1 and the reception of the instruction of the operation request by the washing machine 1, a time obtained by adding a few times (several seconds to several minutes) to the operation time may be displayed as the operation completion time.

When detecting that the setting transmission button 488 is pressed, the communication terminal 35 transmits an instruction of an operation request to the communication unit 24 of the washing machine 1 (step S159).

The measurement result response unit 45 outputs the operation time calculated by the washing machine 1 from the washing machine 1 via the communication unit 24. Therefore, unlike embodiment 1, the communication terminal 35 does not need to have a processing flow and a processing unit for calculating the operation time from the amount of laundry. Therefore, the remote control system according to embodiment 2 has an advantage that the communication terminal 35 for remotely controlling the washing machine 1 can be realized with a simpler configuration.

In the remote operation system according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, even when the measurement of the laundry amount is not completed, the operation completion time when the laundry amount is the maximum amount of laundry that can be stored in the washing machine 1 is output to the communication terminal 35 via the communication unit 24, so that the operation completion time can be set by the user immediately after receiving the response of the measurement result from the washing machine 1, although the selection range of the operation completion time is narrowed. Therefore, the stress on the waiting time given to the user can be reduced.

In addition, the remote operation system according to embodiment 2 has an advantage that, not only in the case of timer reservation by remote operation but also in the case of immediate operation start by remote operation, the operation completion time can be known to the user who makes the communication terminal 35 portable before the user gives an instruction of an operation request to the washing machine 1.

(embodiment mode 3)

Next, an example of a remote operation system including the washing machine 1 and the communication terminal 35 according to embodiment 3 will be described.

[ determination section 40]

In embodiment 3, the determination unit 40 includes a first storage unit and a second storage unit.

First, the determination unit 40 may cause the first storage unit to store information indicating "not permitted" immediately after the power supply to the washing machine 1 is turned on.

When the permission operation unit 19 is operated when the first storage unit stores information indicating "not permitted", the determination unit 40 causes the first storage unit to store information indicating "permitted".

When the permission operation unit 19 is operated when the first storage unit stores information indicating "permission", the determination unit 40 causes the first storage unit to store information indicating "non-permission".

In addition, the determination unit 40 causes the second storage unit to store the information indicating "permission" when the first storage unit stores the information indicating "permission" to perform the remote operation and when the door 5 is in the closed state.

In addition, the determination unit 40 causes the second storage unit to store the information indicating that the remote operation is "not permitted" when the first storage unit stores the information indicating that the remote operation is "not permitted" or when the door 5 is in the open state.

The determination unit 40 outputs the determination result stored in the second storage unit to other components included in the control unit 20 as the determination result of the determination unit 40.

Washing machine 1 according to embodiment 3 allows the user to set in advance whether or not remote operation is permitted using permission operation unit 19, and completes measurement of the laundry amount when door 5 is closed.

Accordingly, washing machine 1 can provide the user operating communication terminal 35 with a selection range of operation completion time having a wide selection range according to the amount of laundry.

The determination unit 40 may perform determination in consideration of the locked state of the door 5.

For example, when the first storage unit stores information indicating that the remote operation is "permitted" and the door 5 is in the closed and locked state, the determination unit 40 causes the second storage unit to store the information indicating that the remote operation is "permitted".

In addition, the determination unit 40 causes the second storage unit to store information indicating that the remote operation is "not permitted" when the first storage unit stores information indicating that the remote operation is "not permitted", or when the door 5 is in an open state, or when the door 5 is in a state where the lock is released.

Here, when washing machine 1 detects that door lock button 124 is operated, it is estimated that washing machine 1 is not operated temporarily, compared to the case where washing machine 1 detects that laundry is input into washing tub 3 and door 5 is closed. That is, the necessity of starting the operation of the washing machine 1 is lower by locking the door 5 after closing the door 5 than by immediately starting the operation of the washing machine 1.

Accordingly, washing machine 1 can suppress the possibility of hindering the start of operation by the rotation of washing tub 3 in association with the measurement of the amount of laundry, and can provide a user operating communication terminal 35 with a selection range of operation completion time that is wide in the selection range according to the amount of laundry.

(embodiment mode 4)

Next, an example of a remote operation system including washing machine 1 and communication terminal 35 according to embodiment 4 will be described.

In embodiment 4, the control unit 20 further includes an operation state responding unit (not shown) for causing the communication unit 24 to respond to the operation state of the washing machine 1.

The operation state responding unit, when the communication unit 24 receives the request for the operation state from the user and before the receiving unit 46 receives the operation request, causes the communication unit 24 to respond with a response indicating that the operation request is received before.

Further, when the communication unit 24 receives the request for the operation state, and after the reception unit 46 receives the operation request and before the operation control unit 48 starts the operation, the operation state response unit causes the communication unit 24 to respond with information indicating that the reception of the operation request is completed, the information of the operation request received by the reception unit 46, and the operation start time calculated by the reception unit 46.

When the communication unit 24 receives the request for the operating state and the operation control unit 48 is already operating, the operating state responding unit causes the communication unit 24 to respond with information indicating that the operation is being performed.

In addition, the operation state responding unit may be configured to cause the communication unit 24 to respond to information indicating that the operation is completed, when the communication unit 24 receives the request for the operation state and when the operation control unit 48 completes the operation.

[ communication terminal 35]

Next, a flow of the operation of the communication terminal 35 will be described.

First, the communication terminal 35 first transmits a request for an operation state to the washing machine 1.

Next, when receiving the response of the operation state from the washing machine 1, the communication terminal 35 branches the process according to the received operation state.

First, when the received operation state is information indicating that the operation request is not received, the communication terminal 35 performs the processing shown in fig. 25.

On the other hand, when the received operation state is information indicating that the operation is in progress, the communication terminal 35 displays a screen indicating that the operation is in progress.

On the other hand, when the operation state received from the washing machine 1 is information indicating that the operation request reception is completed, the communication terminal 35 displays an operation completion time change screen.

Fig. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a time change screen 490 displayed on the communication terminal 35. In fig. 28, the same components as those of the time setting screen 420 shown in fig. 21 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the same description thereof is omitted.

The operation completion time changing screen 490 includes an operation request display area 491. The operation request display area 491 displays the operation completion time included in the operation request received by the receiving unit 46 of the washing machine 1. In addition, the operation request display area 491 may display the washing course included in the operation request together.

Next, the communication terminal 35 calculates the operation time using the operation completion time included in the operation request information 200 received from the washing machine 1 and the operation start time received from the washing machine 1.

Further, the communication terminal 35 displays the settable range of the operation completion time in the area 421 in which the information including the selectable range of the operation completion time is displayed, using the calculated operation time.

In order to calculate the operation time, the communication terminal 35 may transmit a request for the measurement result to the washing machine 1 and calculate the operation time using the measurement result received from the washing machine 1.

In the remote operation system including washing machine 1 according to embodiment 4, washing machine 1 responds to communication terminal 35 with the operation completion time and the operation start time included in the operation request received by washing machine 1, and communication terminal 35 calculates the operation time from the operation completion time and the operation start time.

The remote operation system including the washing machine 1 according to embodiment 4 can change the operation completion time that is once set.

(embodiment 5)

Next, an example of a remote operation system including washing machine 1, server 34, and communication terminal 35 according to embodiment 5 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[ Server 34]

First, when receiving a request for an operation time from the communication terminal 35, the server 34 transmits a request for a measurement result to the washing machine 1.

When receiving the response of the measurement result from the washing machine 1, the server 34 calculates the operation time based on the received measurement result, and transmits the response of the operation time to the communication terminal 35.

When receiving the operation request from the communication terminal 35, the server 34 transmits the operation request to the washing machine 1.

When receiving a response to the operation request from washing machine 1, server 34 transmits a response to the instruction of the operation request through communication terminal 35.

[ communication terminal 35]

Next, the flow of the processing of the communication terminal 35 is basically the same as the flow described with reference to fig. 25.

In embodiment 2, the communication terminal 35 is the washing machine 1 as the communication destination, but in embodiment 5, the communication terminal 35 is the server 34 as the communication destination.

In this way, by configuring the server 34 to relay communication between the washing machine 1 and the communication terminal 35, even in a communication environment in which the washing machine 1 and the communication terminal 35 cannot directly communicate with each other, it is possible to remotely operate the washing machine 1 from the communication terminal 35 as long as the communication between the communication terminal 35 and the server 34 is possible and the communication between the server 34 and the washing machine 1 is possible.

Further, the server 34 that relays the washing machine 1 and the communication terminal 35 may calculate the operation time from the measurement result, and the communication terminal 35 may not include a processing flow and a processing unit for calculating the operation time from the laundry amount.

Therefore, the remote operation system according to embodiment 5 includes the communication terminal 35 that can remotely operate the washing machine 1 with a simpler configuration.

(other embodiments)

Although the information processing method and the washing machine according to one or more embodiments have been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations that can be made by a person skilled in the art can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[ constitution of washing machine 1 ]

The washing machine 1 according to another embodiment will be described. Fig. 29 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the washing machine 1 according to another embodiment.

As shown in fig. 29, the washing machine 1 includes: an acquisition unit 101 for acquiring completion information corresponding to the completion of the laundry input; a measuring part 102 for measuring the amount of the washing when the completion information is acquired; a communication unit 103 for transmitting measurement information which is at least one of the measured amount of the laundry and a washing operation time based on the amount of the laundry, and receiving an operation request for requesting washing of the laundry until a washing completion time reserved based on the measurement information after the transmission of the measurement information; the operation control unit 104 washes the laundry by the washing completion time in response to the received operation request.

The acquisition unit 101 of the present embodiment corresponds to the permission operation unit 19 and the determination unit 40 shown in fig. 4. The measurement unit 102 corresponds to the measurement start determining unit 42, the measurement unit 43, the measurement result responding unit 45, the motor 7, the current detecting unit 23, and the rotation detecting unit 14. The communication unit 103 corresponds to the communication unit 24, and the operation control unit 104 corresponds to the reception unit 46 and the operation control unit 48.

With the above configuration, when the laundry is completely put in, the washing machine 1 measures the amount of the laundry and calculates the washing completion time corresponding to the measured amount of the laundry. Accordingly, the washing machine 1 can present an appropriate washing operation time corresponding to the amount of laundry to the user based on the measurement information of at least one of the amount of laundry and the washing operation time based on the amount of laundry. Thus, the user can reserve the washing operation at an appropriate washing completion time corresponding to the amount of the laundry.

The completion information is information for deducing that the input of the laundry to the washing machine 1 is completed. For example, the completion information may be information indicating that the operation of the remote operation is permitted, information indicating that the operation of the washing machine is not performed for a predetermined period, information indicating that a person is not detected within a predetermined range from the washing machine for a predetermined period, information indicating that the laundry inlet of the washing machine is closed, or operation information indicating the operation of application software for a reservation operation of the washing completion time with respect to the terminal. The operation information may include information indicating that the application software is started or an operation of the reserved operation screen for the washing completion time in the application software is performed.

Thus, since the washing machine 1 can estimate that the user has finished putting in the laundry and does not directly operate the washing machine 1, the amount of the laundry can be measured until the user sends the operation request after the putting in of the laundry is finished.

[ operation of washing machine 1 ]

The operation of the washing machine 1 according to the other embodiment will be described. Fig. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of an information processing method according to another embodiment.

As shown in fig. 30, the information processing method of the washing machine 1 includes: the method includes the steps of obtaining completion information corresponding to the fact that the input of the laundry is completed (step S01), causing the washing machine to measure the amount of the laundry when the completion information is obtained (step S02), causing the terminal to present a reservable range of the washing completion time based on the measurement information of at least one of the measured amount of the laundry and the washing operation time based on the amount of the laundry (step S03), obtaining the washing completion time reserved from the reservable range via the terminal (step S04), and causing the washing machine to wash the laundry based on the reserved washing completion time obtained via the terminal (step S05).

With the above configuration, when the washing machine 1 detects that the input of laundry is completed, the amount of laundry is measured, and the washing completion time corresponding to the measured amount of laundry is calculated. Thus, the washing machine 1 can present an appropriate washing operation time corresponding to the amount of laundry to the user based on the measurement information of at least one of the amount of laundry and the washing operation time based on the amount of laundry. Thus, the user can reserve the washing operation at an appropriate washing completion time corresponding to the amount of the laundry.

For example, the information processing method may acquire, as the completion information, information indicating that a permission operation for permitting the remote operation is performed.

Thus, since it is estimated that the laundry input is completed and the user completes the direct operation of the washing machine 1 once, the washing machine 1 starts the laundry amount measurement when the permission operation for permitting the remote operation is performed. Specifically, when the user puts laundry into washing tub 3, closes door 5, and presses remote operation button 19a, washing machine 1 starts measuring the amount of laundry. Thus, the washing machine 1 can complete the measurement of the laundry amount until the user transmits the operation request for the timer scheduled operation to the washing machine 1. Therefore, the user can smoothly perform the reservation operation without waiting for the measurement of the laundry amount when setting the timer reservation.

For example, the information processing method may acquire information indicating that the operation of the washing machine 1 is not performed for a predetermined period as the completion information.

Accordingly, since it is estimated that the user does not operate the washing machine 1 for a while because the laundry is put in, the washing machine 1 starts the measurement of the laundry amount when a predetermined time has elapsed since the user operated the washing machine 1. Thus, the washing machine 1 can complete the measurement of the amount of laundry until the user performs the operation of executing the washing operation of the washing machine 1 by direct operation or remote operation. Therefore, when the user performs the washing operation of the washing machine 1 by direct operation or remote operation, the user can smoothly perform the operation without waiting for the measurement of the amount of laundry.

For example, the information processing method may acquire information indicating that no human is detected within a predetermined range from the washing machine 1 for a predetermined period as the completion information.

Accordingly, since it is estimated that the laundry is completely put in and the user does not operate the washing machine 1 for a while, the washing machine 1 starts the measurement of the laundry amount when the user detects no person within a predetermined range from the washing machine 1. Thus, the washing machine 1 can complete the measurement of the amount of laundry until the user performs the operation of executing the washing operation of the washing machine 1 by direct operation or remote operation. Therefore, when the user performs the washing operation of the washing machine 1 by direct operation or remote operation, the user can smoothly perform the operation without waiting for the measurement of the amount of laundry.

For example, the information processing method may acquire information indicating that the laundry inlet of the washing machine 1 is closed as the completion information.

Thus, since it is estimated that the laundry is completely loaded, the washing machine 1 starts the measurement of the laundry amount when the laundry loading port of the washing machine 1, that is, the door 5 is closed. Thus, the washing machine 1 can complete the measurement of the amount of laundry until the user performs the operation of executing the washing operation of the washing machine 1 by direct operation or remote operation. Therefore, when the user performs the washing operation of the washing machine 1 by direct operation or remote operation, the user can smoothly perform the operation without waiting for the measurement of the amount of laundry.

For example, in the information processing method, operation information indicating an operation of application software for a reservation operation for a washing completion time with respect to the terminal may be acquired as the completion information. Further, the terminal is a communication terminal 35 of the user.

Thus, since it is estimated that the laundry input is completed and the user completes the direct operation of the washing machine 1 once, the washing machine 1 starts the laundry amount measurement when the user acquires operation information indicating that the user has operated the application software, for example, the application software for reserving the washing completion time using the communication terminal 35. For example, when the user opens an application for performing a reservation of a washing operation on the washing machine 1 by a remote operation using the communication terminal 35 such as a smartphone, the user connects the washing machine 1 and the communication terminal 35 of the user via the internet by activating the application. When the washing machine 1 acquires the connection as the operation information, the washing machine 1 starts the laundry amount measurement. Thus, since the washing machine 1 completes the measurement of the laundry amount until the user transmits the operation request for the timer reservation operation to the washing machine 1 via the communication terminal 35, the user can smoothly perform the reservation operation without waiting for the measurement of the laundry amount when setting the timer reservation.

For example, the information processing method may further include: before the terminal is caused to present the presettable range of the washing completion time, the terminal may be caused to present a preset presettable range in place of the presettable range of the washing completion time, and the operation information may include information indicating that an operation for selecting the washing completion time from the preset presettable range is performed.

Thus, the washing machine 1 can perform the laundry amount measurement while the user starts an application for setting the timer reservation operation of the washing machine 1 using the communication terminal 35 and performs an operation for selecting the washing completion time from the presettable range of the preset washing completion time. Therefore, when the timer is set to reserve the operation, the waiting time of the user can be reduced.

For example, the operation information may include information indicating that the application software is started or an operation of a reserved operation screen for washing completion time in the application software is performed.

Thus, the washing machine 1 can perform the laundry amount measurement while the user starts an application for setting the timer reservation operation of the washing machine 1 using the communication terminal 35 and performs an operation of selecting the washing completion time from the presettable range of the washing completion time set in advance. Therefore, when the timer is set to reserve the operation, the waiting time of the user can be reduced.

Although a drum-type washing machine is described as an example of the washing machine according to the embodiment, the information processing method according to the embodiment can be applied to other types of washing machines as long as the washing machine is a washing tub rotation type washing machine. For example, the information processing method according to the present embodiment can be applied to a vertical washing machine or a horizontal drum washing machine.

The general or specific technical means of the present disclosure may be implemented by a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, a recording medium such as a computer-readable recording disk, or any combination of the system, the apparatus, the method, the integrated circuit, the computer program, and the recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes, for example, a nonvolatile recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

The control unit 20 provided in the washing machine 1 and the control unit 354 provided in the communication terminal 35 according to the embodiment are typically implemented by programs, but may be implemented as an LSI (Large scale integration) that is an integrated circuit. They may be formed into a single chip independently of each other, or may be formed into a single chip including a part or all of them. The integrated circuit is referred to as an LSI, but depending on the degree of integration, the integrated circuit may be referred to as an IC, a system LSI, a very large scale LSI, or a very large scale LSI.

The method of integration is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. After LSI production, a reconfigurable processor capable of reconfiguring connection and setting of circuit cells in LSI can be used by using a Programmable fpga (field Programmable Gate array).

The numbers such as the ordinal numbers and the numbers used above are all examples for specifically describing the technique of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the numbers shown in the examples. The connection relationship between the constituent elements is an example for specifically describing the technique of the present disclosure, and the connection relationship for realizing the function of the present disclosure is not limited to this.

Further, division of the functional blocks in the block diagrams is an example, and a plurality of functional blocks may be implemented as 1 functional block, or 1 functional block may be divided into a plurality of functional blocks, or a part of functions may be moved to another functional block. In addition, functions of a plurality of functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in a time-division manner by a single piece of hardware or software.

The above description is merely illustrative of the present disclosure in all respects, and is not intended to limit the scope thereof. Of course, various modifications and/or alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Industrial applicability

The information processing method according to the present disclosure has an effect of enabling selection of a wider operation completion time corresponding to a component contained in a washing tub of a washing machine when a timer reservation is made for the washing machine by remote operation, and therefore can be used in a remote operation system such as a washing machine and a washing and drying machine having a remote operation function.

Description of the reference symbols

1 washing machine

2 outer groove

3 washing tank

4 clothes entrance

5 door

7 Motor

8 water injection pipeline

9 drainage pipeline

10 operating panel

11 pipeline

12 heating part

13 detergent inlet

14 rotation detecting part

16 belts

17 pump

18 water level measuring part

19 permission operation part

19a remote operation button

19b determination result display part

20 control part

23 Current detecting section

24 communication unit

25 people sensor

30 remote operation system

31 public telephone network

32 gateway system

33 internet network

34 server

35 communication terminal

36 modem

37 in-home network

40 judging unit

41. 44, 47 storage unit

42 measurement start determination unit

43 measurement section

45 measurement result response part

46 receiving unit

48 operation control part

100 washing course setting part

101 acquisition unit

102 measurement unit

103 communication unit

104 operation control part

120 timer appointment button

121 immediate operation button

123 Power supply button

124 door locking button

130 operation completion time display part

135 run completion time advance button

136 run completion time back-off button

140 decision button

150 results of measurement

160 measured value

170 status of progress

200 operation request information

210 setting of washing step

211 washing process setting

212 setting of rinsing step

Setting of 213 dehydration step

220 setting of drying process

230 mode of operation

240 run completion time

300 operating time conversion part

310 operating step

320 fraction of washings

330 required time

351 display part

352 operating part

353 communication unit

354 control part

400 Process settings screen

401 Wash only button

402 dry-wash button

403 drying only button

411 timer reservation button

412 immediate operation button

420 time setting screen

421 reservation range display area

422 hours unit column

423 minutes unit column

424 send button

425 input field

440 sends a success picture

460 Medium measurement Panel

461 information display area

462 retry button

480 time setting screen

481 reserved range display region

485 start running picture immediately

487 time to completion display area

488 set send button

490 operation completion time changing screen

491 operation request display area

Claims

1. An information processing method comprising:

obtaining finish information corresponding to the condition that the input of the washings is finished;

causing the washing machine to measure the amount of the laundry when the completion information is acquired;

causing a terminal to present a bookable range of a washing completion time based on measurement information, the measurement information being at least one of a measured amount of the laundry and a washing operation time based on the amount of the laundry;

acquiring, via the terminal, a washing completion time reserved from the reservable range; and

and causing the washing machine to wash the laundry based on the scheduled washing completion time acquired via the terminal.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1,

information indicating that a permission operation for permitting a remote operation is performed is acquired as the completion information.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1,

information indicating that the operation of the washing machine is not performed for a predetermined period is acquired as the completion information.

4. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

information indicating that a person is not detected within a predetermined range from the washing machine for a predetermined period is acquired as the completion information.

5. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

and acquiring information indicating that a laundry inlet of the washing machine is closed as the completion information.

6. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

operation information indicating an operation of application software for performing a reservation operation of the washing completion time in the terminal is acquired as the completion information.

7. The information processing method according to claim 6, further comprising:

presenting a bookable range of the washing completion time set in advance to the terminal before presenting the bookable range of the washing completion time,

the operation information includes information indicating that an operation for selecting the washing completion time from the presettable range of the preset washing completion time is performed.

8. The information processing method according to claim 6,

the operation information includes information indicating that the application software or the washing completion time reservation operation screen in the application software is operated.

9. A washing machine is provided with:

an acquisition unit that acquires completion information corresponding to the completion of the laundry input;

a measuring part for measuring the amount of the washing when the completion information is obtained;

a communication unit that transmits measurement information, which is at least one of a measured amount of the laundry and a washing operation time based on the amount of the laundry, and receives an operation request requesting washing of the laundry until a washing completion time reserved based on the measurement information after the transmission of the measurement information; and

and an operation control unit for washing the laundry until the reserved washing completion time in accordance with the received operation request.