CN111379118A

CN111379118A - Information processing method and information processing system

Info

Publication number: CN111379118A
Application number: CN201911341836.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 大久保雅文; 中曾麻理子; 杉本博子
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-12-25
Filing date: 2019-12-23
Publication date: 2020-07-07

Abstract

The invention provides an information processing method and an information processing system. The information processing method includes the steps of: the control method includes receiving, from a washing machine, state information indicating at least a changed state of the washing machine when the state of the washing machine reserved with a laundry job is changed, determining whether or not an instruction from a user of the washing machine is required for an operation change of the washing machine for executing the laundry job for which the state of the washing machine is changed based on the state information, transmitting, to a terminal corresponding to the user, prompt information prompting an input instruction when the determination is that the instruction is required, and transmitting, to the washing machine, control information for the operation change of the washing machine based on the prompt information when the determination is that the instruction is required. Accordingly, even if the state of the washing machine changes after the laundry is scheduled, the laundry scheduled by the user is realized.

Description

Information processing method and information processing system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an information processing method and an information processing system for providing various services related to laundry to a user in a washing machine having a remote operation function.

Background

In recent years, the performance of washing machines has been improved. For example, japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2018-102681 discloses detecting the weight of laundry stored in a washing basket, and notifying a user's mobile terminal of the number of times of washing required for the washing of the laundry in a washing machine based on the weight.

Further, japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2018-511379 discloses a technology of proposing optimum washing parameters based on kinds of various kinds of clothes selected by a user and materials of the clothes in order to solve a problem that diversified washing requirements of the user cannot be satisfied in an existing washing course.

However, in the case where the state of the washing machine changes after the washing machine is reserved for the washing machine, the technologies disclosed in japanese patent laid-open publication nos. 2018-102681 and 2018-511379 may make it difficult to execute the washing planned by the user at the time of reservation.

Prior art documents

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2018-102681

Patent document 2: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2018-511379

Disclosure of Invention

The invention aims to provide an information processing method and an information processing system for realizing clothes washing planned by a user even if the state of a washing machine changes after clothes washing is reserved.

An information processing method according to an aspect of the present invention is a method executed by a computer, including the steps of: receiving state information indicating at least a changed state of a washing machine from the washing machine when the state of the washing machine scheduled with a laundry job is changed; determining whether an instruction from a user of the washing machine is required for an operation change of the washing machine accompanying a state change of the washing machine during execution of the laundry task based on the state information; sending a prompt message corresponding to the change of the operation of the washing machine to a terminal corresponding to a user when the instruction is determined to be needed, wherein the prompt message is a message for prompting the input of the instruction; and transmitting control information for changing the operation of the washing machine to the washing machine based on the instruction information when the instruction information indicating the instruction is received from the terminal.

An information processing system according to another aspect of the present invention includes: a receiving unit configured to receive, from a washing machine, state information indicating at least a changed state of the washing machine when a state of the washing machine scheduled to have a laundry job is changed; a determination unit configured to determine whether or not an instruction from a user of the washing machine is required based on the state information for an operation change of the washing machine accompanying a state change of the washing machine during execution of the washing task; and a transmission unit that transmits, to a terminal corresponding to a user, prompt information for prompting an input of the instruction when it is determined that the instruction is necessary, wherein the transmission unit transmits, to the washing machine, control information for changing an operation of the washing machine based on the instruction information when the instruction information indicating the instruction is received from the terminal.

According to the present invention, laundry scheduled by a user is realized even if a state of the laundry machine changes after laundry reservation.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information processing system of a washing machine according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the information processing system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a view showing an example of the structure of the operation panel of the washing machine shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the permission operation unit.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the measurement results stored in the measurement result storage unit.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of processing by the weight measuring unit.

Fig. 9 is a graph showing a time transition of a torque current used for the control of the motor in the process of the weight measuring unit.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication terminal shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 11 is an external view of the communication terminal shown in fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the washing machine information stored in the washing machine information storage unit.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of user information stored in the user information storage unit.

Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the washing machine state information stored in the washing machine state storage unit and the terminal state information stored in the terminal state storage unit.

Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the feedback management unit in embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the communication terminal of the user at the time of notification of a state change.

Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the communication terminal of the user at the time of notification of a state change.

Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the communication terminal of the user when notification of the reservation correction notification is made.

Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the communication terminal when a reservation change inquiry is notified.

Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the communication terminal of the user at the time of the abnormality notification.

Fig. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the work history information stored in the user history information storage unit shown in fig. 22.

Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the feedback management unit in embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Detailed Description

(background of the invention)

In recent years, a washing machine having the following functions is known. For example, a washing machine having a function of measuring the weight of laundry and calculating the time required for operation or calculating the amounts of detergent and softener required when the laundry is put in a washing tub and a door is closed is known. In addition, in order to use the washing tub as a washing basket, there is known a washing machine having a function of automatically operating a sterilization and deodorization function so as not to generate an unpleasant odor in the washing tub after a user puts laundry into the washing tub for a certain period of time. Further, a washing machine having a function of switching whether or not to accept remote control from an outside is also known. Further, a washing machine having a function of receiving a control request such as reservation setting and operation start from a terminal having a display and communication function such as a smartphone and executing the request when remote control is permitted is also known.

In the washing machine having these functions, a user makes a washing plan such as, for example, drying the laundry immediately after the washing at home or touching the fluffy laundry immediately after the drying, puts the laundry and an appropriate amount of detergent into the washing machine, and then goes out after reserving the operation end time, and sets a washing course from the outside. In this case, if the state of the washing machine changes, such as adding laundry or removing laundry after another person at home, the washing may not be finished at the scheduled operation end time, or the amount of the detergent to be supplied may not be an appropriate amount. In particular, in recent years, in a double entry home with children, which is increasing in tendency, the state of the washing machine after reservation is highly likely to change. For example, parents estimate that a laundry reservation such as a running end time is made at the time of going home from work, and then go out, a child going home from school drops dirty laundry, and the state of the laundry machine changes.

As described above, in the conventional washing machine, there is a problem that the washing scheduled by the user cannot be executed when the state of the washing machine changes after the washing reservation.

The technologies of japanese patent laid-open publication nos. 2018-102681 and 2018-511379 do not disclose the state change of the laundry machine after the reservation, and therefore, in the case where the state change of the laundry machine after the reservation, it may be difficult to execute the laundry scheduled by the user at the time of the reservation.

Here, in order to implement the washing scheduled by the user, a method may be considered in which, when a state change of the washing machine occurs, a response request for causing the user to input an instruction to change the reservation content in accordance with the state change is notified to a terminal of a user who is out of home. However, even when the status changes, for example, if the reserved content is changed little by little, it is not always necessary to notify the user of such a response request. Therefore, if the terminal of the user is notified of the answer request every time the state changes, it takes time to input an instruction for the answer request, which causes trouble to the user. In particular, it is preferable to have as few cases as possible for the user at work to input such an indication.

The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize washing scheduled by a user even if a state of a washing machine changes after a reservation of washing.

According to the information processing method of the present invention, when the state of the washing machine in which the laundry job is reserved is changed, the changed state information of the washing machine is received from the washing machine, and it is determined whether or not an instruction to change the operation of the washing machine from the user is required based on the state information. When it is determined that an instruction from the user is required, a prompt message prompting the user to input the instruction is transmitted to the terminal of the user.

Then, if instruction information indicating an instruction from a user is received from the terminal, control information for changing the operation of the washing machine is transmitted to the washing machine based on the instruction information.

Thus, according to the method, when the state of the washing machine changes and the need to change the operation of the washing machine occurs, the washing machine is controlled based on the instruction of the user, so that the operation change without permission of the user is prevented, and the intention of the user can be reflected in the operation of the washing machine after the state of the washing machine changes. Further, according to the present method, the notification to the user can be suppressed because the prompt information is transmitted to the terminal of the user after the necessity of the instruction from the user is determined. Thus, even if the state of the washing machine changes after the reservation of the washing machine, the washing planned by the user can be realized, and the notification to the user can be suppressed. In addition, in another aspect, in the process of the washing machine for realizing the user plan even if the state of the washing machine changes after the reservation of the washing machine, the communication traffic with the terminal can be reduced, and the battery consumption of the terminal can be reduced.

In the method, the location information of the terminal may be further acquired, whether the user is out may be determined based on the location information, and the prompt information may be transmitted when the user is determined to be out.

According to the method, since the prompt message is transmitted when the user goes out, the washing planned by the user can be realized even under the condition that the state change of the washing machine is difficult to grasp.

In the method, the state change may be a change in laundry input to the washing machine.

According to the method, the state information can be received from the washing machine under the condition that the washings are changed. Therefore, the operation of the washing machine can be changed according to the change of the laundry.

In the method, the change in the laundry in the washing tub may be a change in the amount of the laundry in the washing tub.

According to the method, even when the amount of laundry is changed, the state information indicating the changed amount of laundry can be received from the washing machine. Therefore, the operation change according to the changed laundry amount can be performed.

In the method, the state change may also be a change of a door of the washing machine.

According to the method, the change in the state of the door of the washing machine is detected as the change in the state of the washing machine, and the necessity of notification of the presentation information is determined. Therefore, the state change of the washing machine can be simply detected.

In the method, the state change may also be a change in laundry content or laundry time.

According to the method, the change of the washing content or the washing time is detected as the state change of the washing machine, and the necessity of the notification of the prompt message is judged. Therefore, the necessity of changing the operation of the washing machine can be determined more accurately.

In the method, the reservation of the laundry task may include a laundry time, the instruction is an instruction of the user to change the reserved laundry time, the action change is a change of the reserved laundry time, and the judgment of necessity or non-necessity of the instruction is a judgment of whether the laundry task is completed by a time indicated by the reserved laundry time or within a time indicated by the laundry time in a state of the laundry machine after the change.

According to the method, whether the scheduled washing time is changed or not is judged along with the state change, and when the change of the washing time is judged to be needed, prompt information for prompting the user to instruct the change of the washing time is sent to the terminal of the user. Therefore, the washing time can be prevented from being changed without permission of the user.

In the method, the reservation of the laundry task may include laundry contents, the instruction is an instruction of the user for the reserved laundry contents, the action change is a change of the reserved laundry contents, and the judgment of necessity or non-necessity of the instruction is a judgment of whether the reserved laundry contents can be executed in a changed state of the laundry machine.

According to the method, whether the reserved washing content (for example, washing travel) is changed or not is judged along with the state change, and when the washing content is judged to be required to be changed, prompt information prompting the user to instruct the change of the washing content is sent to the terminal of the user. Therefore, the laundry content can be prevented from being changed without permission of the user.

In the method, the laundry content may be estimated based on past work history of the washing machine when the laundry job is not reserved.

According to the method, when the state is changed when the laundry task is not reserved, the laundry content is estimated according to the past work history of the washing machine, so that when the laundry after the state change cannot be realized by the estimated laundry content, the prompt information for setting the laundry content different from the estimated laundry content by the user is sent to the terminal of the user. Therefore, in the case that the laundry task is not reserved, the case that the laundry content different from the usual is executed without the permission of the user can be prevented.

In the method, the control information may also include locking of a door of the washing machine.

According to the method, the door of the washing machine is locked after the instruction information is transmitted from the terminal of the user, so that the condition that the door of the washing machine is opened and the state of the washing machine is changed after the prompt information is transmitted can be prevented. This can suppress notification to the user.

In the method, when it is determined that the instruction is not necessary in the determination of necessity or unnecessity of the instruction, control information for executing the operation change may be transmitted.

According to the method, since the operation change accompanying the state change is performed when it is determined that the instruction from the user is not necessary, for example, when the operation accompanying the state change is changed to a small amount and the user's instruction is not necessary, the operation change is performed without requesting the user's instruction, and the time of the user can be saved.

In the method, when the state of the washing machine is changed after the operation change based on the control information, additional prompt information may be transmitted to the terminal.

According to the method, the user can be informed that the state of the washing machine is changed again.

The present invention can be realized as an information processing program that causes a computer to execute each of the characteristic configurations included in the information processing method or an information processing system that operates by the information processing program. It is needless to say that such a computer program can be distributed via a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a communication network such as the internet.

The embodiments described below are all specific examples of the present invention. The numerical values, shapes, constituent elements, steps, and the order of the steps shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Moreover, among the components of the following embodiments, components not recited in the independent claims representing the uppermost concept will be described as arbitrary components. In addition, in all the embodiments, the respective contents can be combined.

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

(embodiment mode 1)

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 30 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. The information processing system 30 includes a washing machine 1 that becomes a target of remote operation; a communication terminal 34 (an example of a terminal) worn by a user of the washing machine 1; and a server 35 providing various services with respect to the washing machine 1.

The washing machine 1 is communicably connected to a communication terminal 34 via the internet 33 through a communication unit 24 shown in fig. 6. The washing machine 1 and the communication terminal 34 are connectable to the server 35 via the internet 33.

The server 35 can transmit and receive information to and from the communication terminal 34 connected to the internet 33. As shown in fig. 2, the information processing system 30 according to embodiment 1 may be configured to span a plurality of networks.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the information processing system 30 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. A public telephone network 31 constructed by a telephone company is connected to the internet 33 through a gateway system 32. The public telephone network 31 comprises a wireless telephone network.

Further, an in-house network 37 is connected to the internet 33 via a modem 36. The in-house network 37 includes a wired LAN, a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and the like.

The communication terminal 34 is connectable to a public telephone network 31, and the washing machine 1 is remotely operated through the public telephone network 31, a gateway system 32, the internet 33, a modem 36, and an in-house network 37.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of washing machine 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. In the washing machine 1, the outer tub 2 is supported in a suspended state by a suspension structure having a vibration-proof structure. The outer tub 2 is provided with a cylindrical washing tub 3 (inner tub) having a bottom. The washing tub 3 is supported by the outer tub 2 so that the axial center direction thereof is inclined downward from the back side toward the front side.

The washing tub 3 is called a drum in a drum type washing machine. A laundry entrance 4 is formed on the front side of outer tub 2 to reach the open end of washing tub 3. A door 5 that can openably close the opening of the washing tub 3 is provided on the front inclined surface of the washing machine 1. The user can put the laundry into the washing tub 3 or take the laundry out of the washing tub 3 through the laundry entrance 4 by opening and closing the door 5.

In addition, the door 5 can be locked. When the door 5 is locked, the door 5 cannot be opened unless the lock is released. That is, the door 5 cannot be opened even if the door 5 is pushed or pulled.

The washing tub 3 is rotationally driven in the normal rotation and reverse rotation 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 tank 2, and water is supplied into the outer tank 2 or discharged from the outer tank 2 by controlling a water supply valve and a water discharge valve.

The drain line 9 is provided with a water level measuring unit 18 formed of an air cap or the like. The water level rises if the outer tub 2 is supplied with water, and in proportion to this, the water pressure applied to the water level measuring part 18 rises. The water level measuring unit 18 estimates the amount of water supplied to the outer tub 2 based on the applied water pressure.

By using the water level measuring part 18, the washing machine 1 can detect whether the outer tub 2 is sufficiently filled with water and whether the water is sufficiently drained from the outer tub 2.

Further, the washing machine 1 may be provided with a heating part 12 for heating air or water. By providing the heating unit 12, the washing machine 1 can supply hot air to the laundry through the hose 11 to dry the laundry.

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 line 8 through the hose 11. By washing the laundry with warm water, the washing machine 1 can remove more dirt from the laundry 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 accumulated in the drain line 9 to the water filling line 8. By using the pump 17, the washing machine 1 reuses the water thrown away from the drain line 9 for washing, and thus can perform washing with a smaller amount of supplied water.

Further, a rotation detecting unit 14 formed of a position detecting element or the like for detecting the position of a rotating body (rotor) of the motor is provided inside the motor 7.

The washing machine 1 having the above-described structure measures the weight of laundry put into the washing tub 3, and determines the operation time based on the weight.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the operation panel 10 of the washing machine 1 shown in fig. 3. The operation panel 10 includes an operation unit and a display unit for allowing a user to set operation contents of the washing machine 1. The operation panel 10 includes: a washing stroke setting unit 100; a timing reservation button 120; an immediate start operation button 121; a display unit 130 for timing the completion time of the reservation; a button 135 for setting the time; a dial-back time button 136; and a decision button 140 for deciding the operation content.

The operation panel 10 further includes a power button 123 for setting on and off of the power of the washing machine 1. The operation panel 10 further includes a door lock button 124 for setting the lock of the door 5.

The washing machine 1 locks the door 5 not to allow the door 5 to be opened if it is detected that the door lock button 124 is pressed while the door 5 is in the closed state. Further, if the door lock button 124 is pressed again, the washing machine 1 releases the locking of the door 5.

The washing stroke setting unit 100 includes buttons corresponding to the respective washing strokes, and includes, for example: a button 101 corresponding to a washing stroke of the washing-only program; a button 102 corresponding to a washing stroke of the drying only program; and a button 103 for performing washing strokes corresponding to both the washing program and the drying program. The user selects a washing stroke by pressing any one of the buttons 101 to 103.

In addition, the buttons corresponding to the washing strokes may also be provided with light emitting diodes. The light emitting diode may be turned on when the button corresponding to the light emitting diode is selected, and may be turned off when the button corresponding to the light emitting diode is not selected. In the example of fig. 4, the light emitting diode of the button 101 is turned on, and indicates that the washing stroke of the wash-only program is selected.

In addition, the washing process in which only the washing program is set, the washing process in which only the drying program is set, and the washing process in which both the washing program and the drying program are performed are exemplified in the washing process that can be set by the setting unit 100 of the washing process, but other washing processes may be adopted.

Examples of other washing courses that can be set by the setting unit 100 for a washing course include a washing course in which only elaborate washing is performed although time-consuming, a washing course in which only short washing is performed, and the like. In addition, a washing process for performing washing with a small amount of supplied water, a washing process using warm water, and the like may be used as the optional washing process.

The washing machine 1 also has a function of starting operation after a predetermined time has elapsed by means of the timer reservation. The user presses the timing reservation button 120, and presses the button 135 for the dial-up time and the button 136 for the dial-back time, thereby setting the washing completion time. And, if the user buttons the decision button 140, the washing machine 1 calculates an operation start time for completing the washing at the washing completion time based on the operation time corresponding to the weight of the laundry and the set washing completion time. Then, the washing machine 1 starts operation if it is detected that the operation start time has come.

The washing machine 1 may also have a function of starting operation immediately without using the timer reservation. In this case, the washing machine 1 may start the operation immediately if it is detected that the immediate operation start button 121 is pressed after the washing stroke is selected by the operation of the washing stroke setting unit 100.

Although the operation unit of the operation panel 10 is realized by a button, the operation unit may be realized by another device as long as it can accept an operation from a user. For example, the operation portion of the operation panel 10 may be formed by a touch panel.

Although the method of notifying the user of the setting content being selected by lighting the light emitting diode by the operation unit of the operation panel 10 is described, other methods may be used as long as the user can be notified of the setting content being selected. For example, when the operation unit is configured by a touch panel, a method of changing the color or brightness of the selected button from those in the non-selection state may be employed.

Refer to fig. 3. When a user opens door 5, puts laundry and detergent into washing tub 3, closes door 5, and operates operation panel 10 to start operation of washing machine 1, a predetermined amount of water is injected into outer tub 2 through water injection pipe 8, and washing tub 3 is rotated by motor 7 to start a washing process.

By the rotation of washing tub 3, the laundry contained in washing tub 3 is repeatedly agitated, that is: the laundry is lifted in the rotational direction by the agitating protrusions 6 provided on the inner peripheral wall of the washing tub 3, and falls from a lifted position having an appropriate height. Thereby, a washing program for beating washing action to the washing is implemented.

After the desired washing process is performed, the soiled laundry liquid is drained from the drain line 9. Then, the washing machine 1 dehydrates the laundry liquid contained in the laundry by a dehydration operation in which the washing tub 3 is rotated at a high speed. If the spinning is completed, the washing machine 1 injects water from the water injection line 8 into the outer tub 2 and performs a rinsing process.

In this rinsing process, the laundry stored in washing tub 3 is also repeatedly agitated by agitation projections 6 lifting and dropping by the rotation of washing tub 3. Thereby, the rinsing process accompanied by rinsing is performed.

After the required rinsing process is performed, the dirty water is drained from the drain line 9, and a dehydration process is performed in which water contained in the laundry is dehydrated by a dehydration operation in which the washing tub 3 is rotated at a high speed.

An operation permission unit 19 for inputting whether or not to permit the washing machine 1 to be remotely operated by a user is provided on the upper surface of the washing machine 1.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the permission operation unit 19. The permission operation unit 19 includes: a button 19a for allowing the user to set permission and non-permission for remote operation; and a determination result display unit 19b that indicates the determination result of the permission and non-permission of the remote operation by the permission determination unit 40.

The determination result display unit 19b includes a light emitting diode lamp, and is turned on when the remote operation is permitted, and is turned off when the remote operation is not permitted. For example, when the button 19a is pressed when the determination result storage unit 41 shown in fig. 6 stores the determination result of "not permitted" and the permission determination unit 40 permits the remote operation, the determination result display unit 19b turns on the light emitting diode lamp. On the other hand, when the button 19a is pressed and the permission determination unit 40 does not permit the remote operation when the determination result storage unit 41 stores the determination result of "permission", the determination result display unit 19b turns off the light emitting diode lamp.

The permission operation unit 19 may be implemented by a device other than a button as long as it is configured to allow 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 using a voice recognition device using a microphone, or may be implemented by using a motion recognition device using a camera.

The washing machine 1 may further include a human sensor 25 for determining whether or not a human is present around the washing machine 1. As the human sensor 25, for example, a pyroelectric infrared sensor, a distance measuring infrared sensor, a temperature recorder, or a camera can be used.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the structure of the washing machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The washing machine 1 includes an operation permission unit 19, a door 5, an operation panel 10, a communication unit 24, a control unit 20, a motor 7, a current detection unit 23, and a rotation detection unit 14.

The control unit 20 is constituted by a microcomputer including 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 1. The control unit 20 includes a permission determination unit 40, a weight measurement unit 43, a measurement result response unit 45, an operation request reception unit 46, an operation control unit 48, and a status notification unit 49. In fig. 6, the permission determination unit 40, the weight measurement unit 43, and the operation request reception unit 46 are each constituted by a CPU and a memory, and the measurement result response unit 45, the operation control unit 48, and the state notification unit 49 are each constituted by a CPU.

The permission determination unit 40 determines whether or not the remote operation of the washing machine 1 by the communication terminal 34 is permitted. The permission determination unit 40 includes a determination result storage unit 41 that stores a determination result of whether or not the remote operation of the washing machine 1 is permitted. The permission determination unit 40 outputs the determination result stored in the determination result storage unit 41 to other components included in the control unit 20.

For example, when the button 19a of the permission operation unit 19 is pressed while the washing machine 1 is not in operation and the determination result storage unit 41 stores the determination result of "not permitted", the permission determination unit 40 causes the determination result storage unit 41 to store the determination result of "permitted". On the other hand, when the button 19a of the permission operation unit 19 is pressed while the washing machine 1 is not in operation and the determination result storage unit 41 stores the determination result of "permission", the permission determination unit 40 causes the determination result storage unit 41 to store the determination result of "non-permission". In addition, the permission determination unit 40 does not permit or disallow the remote operation even if the button 19a of the permission operation unit 19 is pressed during the operation of the washing machine 1.

The permission determination unit 40 stores the determination result of "no permission" in the determination result storage unit 41 immediately after the power supply is turned on, for example. Accordingly, the laundry machine 1 is prevented from being erroneously remotely operated without the user knowing that the laundry machine 1 is provided with the remote operation function or the user does not use the plan of the remote operation.

Weight measuring unit 43 includes a measurement result storage unit 44, and rotates washing tub 3 to measure the weight of the laundry stored in washing tub 3, and stores the measurement result in measurement result storage unit 44.

When the communication unit 24 receives a request for a measurement result of the weight of laundry from the server 35, the measurement result response unit 45 reads the measurement result stored in the measurement result storage unit 44, and causes the communication unit 24 to respond to the server 35.

When the communication unit 24 receives the operation request, the operation request reception unit 46 receives the operation request if the permission determination unit 40 permits the remote operation. The operation request receiving unit 46 obtains an operation request by interpreting an instruction input to the operation panel 10. The operation request reception unit 46 includes an operation request storage unit 47, and stores the received operation request in the operation request storage unit 47. When the operation of washing machine 1 is started in accordance with the operation request, operation request accepting unit 46 instructs operation control unit 48 to start the operation.

In response to the operation request received by operation request receiving unit 46, operation control unit 48 drives motor 7 to rotate washing tub 3, thereby starting operation of washing machine 1. Further, when a certain time has elapsed since the permission determination unit 40 "permitted" the remote operation, the operation control unit 48 instructs the bacteria removal and deodorization operation to the bacteria removal device not shown. Accordingly, when the remote operation is "permitted", the laundry put into the washing tub 3 can be deodorized and sterilized.

When the measurement result stored in weight measuring unit 43 is updated or operation control unit 48 changes the operation state of washing machine 1 and the state of washing machine 1 changes, state notification unit 49 transmits state information indicating the changed state of washing machine 1 to server 35 via communication unit 24.

The motor 7 rotates the washing tub 3 under the control of the operation control unit 48 and the weight measuring unit 43.

The rotation detecting unit 14 is constituted by, for example, an encoder, detects the rotation speed and the number of rotations of the motor 7, and outputs the detection results to the weight measuring unit 43 and the operation control unit 48, respectively.

The current detection unit 23 is configured by, for example, a current sensor and a circuit that calculates a torque current of the motor 7 from a current detected by the current sensor, and outputs the detected torque current to each of the weight measurement unit 43 and the operation control unit 48.

The communication unit 24 is configured by a communication device such as a wireless LAN (registered trademark) such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or a wired LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark). In addition, when the remote operation is performed from the inside of the house instead of the outside, the communication unit 24 may be configured by Bluetooth (registered trademark), a specific low-power wireless communication device, or a communication device that performs visible light communication.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the measurement result 150 stored in the measurement result storage unit 44. The measurement 150 has a measurement value 160 and a progress status 170. The measured value 160 is the weight of the laundry measured by the weight measuring unit 43. The progress state 170 indicates a state related to the measurement of the weight of the laundry. The state includes, for example, "measurement is completed" indicating that weight measurement is completed, "measurement is in progress" indicating that weight is being measured, and "not measured" indicating that weight measurement of laundry is not being performed. In the example of fig. 7, a progress state 170 indicating "measurement end" is stored.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of processing performed by the weight measuring unit 43. Fig. 9 is a graph showing a time transition of the torque current used for the control of the motor 7 in the process of the weight measuring unit 43. In fig. 9, the vertical axis represents the number of rotations (r/min) of the motor, and the horizontal axis represents time(s). The process of the weight measuring unit 43 will be described below with reference to fig. 8 and 9.

In step S51, the weight measuring section 43 causes the measurement result storing section 44 to store the "under measurement" progress state 170 because the weight measurement of the laundry is started.

First, as shown in fig. 9, the weight measuring unit 43 detects the acceleration torque current iq1 that is applied to the motor 7 in the first detection routine, and the first detection routine is a routine for accelerating the rotation speed of the motor 7 from the first rotation speed N1 to the second rotation speed N2 in a state where the motor 7 is accelerated at the constant angular acceleration α 1 by controlling the torque current Iq.

Next, the weight measuring unit 43 accelerates the motor 7 to the third rotational speed N3, and then detects the deceleration-time torque current iq2 supplied to the motor 7 in the second detection routine, which is a routine for decelerating the number of revolutions from the fourth rotational speed N4 to the fifth rotational speed N5 in a state where the motor 7 is decelerated at the constant angular speed α 2 by controlling the torque current.

If the motor 7 rotates, the washing tub 3 also rotates. At this time, the applied acceleration torque current Iq1 and deceleration torque current Iq2 increase as the weight of the laundry stored in washing tub 3 increases, and decrease as the weight decreases. Therefore, the weight measuring unit 43 can measure the weight of the laundry by detecting the acceleration torque current Iq1 and the deceleration torque current Iq 2.

In step S53, the weight measuring unit 43 calculates the weight using the acceleration-time torque current Iq1 and the deceleration-time torque current Iq2 that are supplied to the motor 7 in proportion to the weight. For example, the weight measuring unit 43 may calculate representative values of the acceleration torque current Iq1 and the deceleration torque current Iq2, and calculate the weight of the laundry by substituting the representative values into a function for converting the torque current into the weight of the laundry. As a representative value, an average value of the acceleration torque current Iq1 and the deceleration torque current Iq2 may be used, a larger value of the acceleration torque current Iq1 and the deceleration torque current Iq2 may be used, and a smaller value of the acceleration torque current Iq1 and the deceleration torque current Iq2 may be used.

In step S54, the weight measuring section 43 causes the measurement result storing section 44 to store the progress state 170 of "end of measurement" and the measured value 160 indicating the measured weight, as the measurement of the weight of the laundry ends.

Here, the weight of the laundry is exemplified as the measurement value 160, but other values may be used as long as the information can calculate the weight. For example, measurement 160 may also use acceleration torque current Iq1 and deceleration torque current Iq 2. At this time, the above-described representative value of the acceleration torque current Iq1 and the deceleration torque current Iq2 is used as a value indicating the weight of the laundry.

In addition, the weight measuring section 43 may cause the measurement result storing section 44 to store the "not-measured" progress state 170 when the door 5 is opened. At this time, the weight measuring unit 43 may delete the measurement value 160 stored in the measurement result storage unit 44.

By storing the progress state 170 of "not measured" in the measurement result storage unit 44 after the door 5 is opened and deleting the measurement value 160, it is possible to prevent the old measurement result from being used by mistake in the case where laundry is put into the washing tub 3 after the door 5 is opened.

In addition, the weight measuring part 43 may lock the door 5 without the door 5 being opened before the motor 7 is rotated at step S52.

The weight measuring unit 43 can prevent a person from being involved in the rotation of the washing tub 3 by opening the door 5 by mistake during the rotation of the washing tub 3 by locking the door 5.

When the communication unit 24 of the washing machine 1 receives the request of the measurement result 150 from the server 35, the measurement result response unit 45 responds to the measurement result 150 through the communication unit 24.

The measurement result responding unit 45 causes the communication unit to respond that the measurement result 150 includes the measured value 160 of the weight of the laundry and the progress state 170.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication terminal 34 shown in fig. 1. Fig. 11 is an external view of the communication terminal 34 shown in fig. 10.

The communication terminal 34 includes a display unit 341, an operation unit 342, a communication unit 343, a control unit 344, and a positional information management unit 345.

The display unit 341 is configured by a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display, and displays various information such as images and character information to be presented to the user in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 344.

The operation unit 342 receives an input from a user and outputs the input to the control unit 344. As shown in fig. 11, the operation unit 342 is formed of, for example, a touch panel attached to the display unit 341. At this time, the operation unit 342 detects the operation content of the user by touching the area such as the button and the keyboard displayed on the display unit 341 with the user. As the touch panel, a capacitance type touch panel or a pressure sensitive type touch panel can be used.

The display unit 341 may be divided into an operation area including a cursor button and a decision button, and a display area for displaying a drawing object currently selected by the operation of the cursor button. In this case, the operation unit 342 may be constituted by a cursor button, a decision button, and a touch panel for detecting an input to these buttons. At this time, when the operation unit 342 detects that the user has pressed the cursor button, the display unit 341 may move the cursor. Further, in this case, when the operation unit 342 detects that the decision button is pressed by the user, it is determined that the user has input an operation for selecting the drawing object in which the cursor is positioned.

Although the display unit 341 is described as being constituted by a display device, this is an example, and any other device may be used as long as it can present information to the user. Although the operation unit 342 is described as being constituted by a touch panel, this is an example, and other devices may be used as long as they can receive an operation from a user.

For example, instead of the display unit 341, a speaker that emits sound may be used to present information to the user. The operation portion 342 may be constituted by a voice recognition interface using a microphone that recognizes voice.

The communication unit 343 is constituted by a communication device for connecting the communication terminal 34 to the public telephone network 31, the internet 33, and the indoor network 37.

The control unit 344 controls the operations of the respective units of the communication terminal 34. The control unit 344 is constituted by a computer including an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU or a dedicated processor, and semiconductor memories such as a ram (random Access memory) and a rom (read Only memory). The control unit 344 reads and executes various information and programs for performing various controls stored in an auxiliary storage device (not shown) such as an hdd (hard Disk driver), thereby collectively controlling the operations of the respective units of the communication terminal 34.

The positional information management unit 345 is constituted by, for example, a GPS sensor, and acquires positional information of the communication terminal 34.

The communication terminal 34 is constituted by a portable information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wristwatch-type portable device, or a portable game machine. However, this is an example, and the communication terminal 34 may be constituted by a personal computer.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 35 shown in fig. 1. The server 35 includes a communication unit 50 (an example of a reception unit and a transmission unit), an information management unit 60, a state management unit 70, a feedback management unit 80 (an example of a determination unit), and a device control management unit 90.

The communication unit 50 is configured by a communication device that connects the server 35 to the internet 33 through a communication channel such as Wi-Fi or wired LAN, for example, and receives various information transmitted from the washing machine 1 and the communication terminal 34, respectively, and transmits various information to the washing machine 1 and the communication terminal 34. For example, when the state of washing machine 1 that has reserved the laundry job changes, communication unit 50 receives state information indicating at least the changed state of washing machine 1 from washing machine 1.

The information management unit 60 includes a washing machine information storage unit 61 that stores information about the washing machine 1 to be remotely controlled, and a user information storage unit 62 that stores information about the washing machine 1 available to the user.

The state management unit 70 includes a washing machine state storage unit 71 for storing the state of the washing machine 1 via the communication unit 50, and a terminal state storage unit 72 for storing the state of the communication terminal 34 via the communication unit 50.

The feedback management unit 80 determines whether or not an instruction from the user of the washing machine 1 is required for an operation change of the washing machine 1 accompanying a state change of the washing machine 1 when the reserved laundry task is executed, based on the state information. The laundry job indicates a job to be processed by the washing machine 1, and the reserved laundry job includes information such as a laundry completion time set by a user and a laundry schedule selected by the user.

When determining that an instruction from the user is necessary, the feedback management unit 80 transmits a reservation change inquiry notification (an example of presentation information) prompting the user to input the instruction to the communication terminal 34 corresponding to the user through the communication unit 50.

Specifically, when the changed state of the washing machine 1 indicated by the state information is outside the allowable range of the different product number weight information 610 stored in the washing machine information storage unit 61 or the different travel reservation time information 612, the feedback management unit 80 may transmit the reservation change inquiry notification through the communication unit 50.

Further, the feedback management part 80 outputs a control request requesting control of the washing machine 1 to the appliance control management part 90 in accordance with the notification content to the communication terminal 34 or an instruction from the communication terminal 34.

The appliance control management part 90, if acquiring the control request from the feedback management part 80, transmits control information for causing the washing machine 1 to execute the control required for the control request to the washing machine 1 through the communication part 50.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the washing machine information stored in the washing machine information storage unit 61. The washing machine information includes different product number weight information 610, different trip weight information 611, and different trip reservation time information 612.

The different product number weight information 610 stores the maximum weight of the washing course and the maximum weight of the drying course in association with each other for each product number of the washing machine 1. Here, the product number is a number that is previously assigned to the washing machine 1 in order to distinguish the type of the washing machine 1 and the like in the merchandise management. The maximum weight is the maximum value of the weight of the laundry that can be handled by the washing machine 1 when the washing course is performed or when the drying course is performed.

In the example of the different product number weight information 610 of fig. 13, for example, the washing machine 1 of product number #1 stores information that the maximum weight when the washing process is performed is "11 kg" and the maximum weight when the drying process is performed is "6 kg".

The different-stroke weight information 611 stores the maximum weight when the washing program is performed and the maximum weight when the drying program is performed in association with each other for each washing stroke. The washing processes included in the different process weight information 611 include, for example, a washing process for washing delicate laundry and a washing process for washing laundry with heavy dirt after soaking the laundry in warm water for a certain time; and a washing process for performing a sterilizing operation, etc. These washing courses sometimes differ in the maximum weight of the laundry that can be handled by each. Also, these washing courses have a possibility that the maximum weight of the laundry stored in the different product number weight information 610 cannot be processed. In this regard, the laundry course which cannot be sufficiently processed with the maximum weight stored in the different product number weight information 610 is stored in the different course weight information 611. Therefore, the maximum weight stored in the different stroke weight information 611 is set to a value smaller than the maximum weight stored in the different product number weight information 610.

The different-course reservation time information 612 stores ranges of operation end times that can be reserved, each range corresponding to a washing course, a washing/drying course for performing both the washing course and the drying course, for each washing course. For example, in the course # a, "2 to 24 hours" is stored as a range of the operation completion time which can be reserved for the washing program. This means that, at the time of reserving the trip # a, the operation end time can be set in the range from 2 hours later to 24 hours later based on the current time. The washing completion time is a time from a current time to a washing completion time.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the user information stored in the user information storage unit 62. The user information includes user equipment information 620 and user terminal information 621.

The user device information 620 stores the user ID, the device ID, the product number, and the connection source information in association with each other. The user ID is an identifier of the user applied for at the server 35. The device ID is an identifier of the washing machine 1 that the user can remotely operate. The product number is a product number of the washing machine 1 which can be remotely operated by the user. The connection source information is the IP address of the washing machine 1 accessible by the server 35. For example, when the washing machine 1 is directly connected to the external network, the connection source information is a global IP address given to the washing machine 1. For example, when the washing machine 1 is connected to an external network via a home gateway, the connection source information is a global IP address assigned to the home gateway. The user device information 620 is added with a new record corresponding to the user by the user operating the communication terminal 34 at the initial setting of the washing machine 1.

The user terminal information 621 stores the user ID, the terminal ID, and the notification authentication information in association with each other. The user ID is the same as the user ID stored by the user device information 620. The terminal ID is an identifier of the communication terminal 34. The notification authentication information is information necessary for the user to receive various notifications from the server 35 at the communication terminal 34. The user terminal information 621 is newly added with a record in which the authentication information corresponds to the user ID and the terminal ID transmitted from the communication terminal 34, for example, when the power of the communication terminal 34 is turned on.

Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of washing machine state information 710 stored in washing machine state storage unit 71 and terminal state information 720 stored in terminal state storage unit 72.

The washing machine state information 710 stores the device ID, the remote operability, the operation state, the contents of the trip, the operation remaining time, and the laundry weight in correspondence. The device ID is an identifier of the washing machine 1. The remote operability is information indicating whether or not the remote operation of the washing machine 1 is permitted. Here, when the remote operation is permitted, whether the remote operation is permitted is "permitted", and when the remote operation is not permitted, whether the remote operation is permitted is "not permitted". The operation state is information indicating a laundry task that the washing machine 1 is now performing. The operation state includes "initial" indicating that the washing machine 1 is in an initial state without performing the washing task and "reservation" indicating that the washing task is reserved. In addition, in the case where the washing machine 1 is executing a washing task, the operation state adopts the name of the washing task (for example, "washing" indicating a washing program, "rinsing" indicating a rinsing program, and "drying" indicating a drying program). The course content indicates the course name of the washing course set by the washing machine 1. For example, if the washing stroke is not set, the stroke content is "unset", and if the washing stroke is set, the stroke content is a stroke name such as "stroke # a".

The operation remaining time indicates a remaining time until the laundry task is finished. In the washing machine 1 in the first row, since the laundry job is not reserved and executed, the "unfixed" is stored as the operation remaining time. In the washing machine 1 in the second row, the operation completion time of the reserved washing task is 7 hours later, and therefore "7 hours" is stored as the operation remaining time. In the washing machine 1 in the third row, "30 minutes" is stored as the remaining operation time since the washing task of "washing" currently being executed is finished after 30 minutes.

Further, washing machine state information 710 is updated when information management unit 60 acquires state information from washing machine 1 via communication unit 50. Further, the state information may be transmitted from the washing machine 1 in the case where the state of the washing machine 1 changes, or may be periodically transmitted from the washing machine 1. Also, the status information may be transmitted from the washing machine 1 when the washing machine 1 receives an acquisition request of the status information from the server 35. Here, the server 35 may transmit a request for acquiring the status information to the washing machine 1, for example, when receiving the dependency for acquiring the status information transmitted from the communication terminal 34.

The terminal status information 720 stores the terminal ID, the location information, the Wi-Fi use status, and the connection source information in association with each other. The terminal ID is an identifier of the communication terminal 34. The location information is information indicating whether the user is at home. The Wi-Fi utilization status indicates whether the communication terminal 34 utilizes Wi-Fi functionality for communication. The connection source information is, for example, a global IP address of a Wi-Fi access point in the case where the communication terminal 34 performs communication using a Wi-Fi function. The connection source information is, for example, a global IP address given to the communication terminal 34 by the administrator of the public telephone network 31 when communication is not performed by the Wi-Fi function.

The location information, Wi-Fi use status, and connection source information are used to estimate whether the user is at home or out. For example, when the Wi-Fi use status is "use" and the connection source information of the communication terminal 34 stored in the terminal state information 720 matches the connection source information of the washing machine 1 of the user stored in the user device information 620, the user is estimated to be at home and the location information is set to "at home". On the other hand, when the Wi-Fi use status is "not used" or the connection source information of the communication terminal 34 stored in the terminal state information 720 does not match the connection source information of the washing machine 1 of the user stored in the user device information 620, it is estimated that the user is out of door and the position information is set to "out of door".

This is an example. For example, when the position indicated by the position information transmitted from the communication terminal 34 is within a certain range with respect to the position of the home of the user registered in advance, it is possible to estimate that the user is at home. On the other hand, when the position indicated by the position information transmitted from the communication terminal 34 is not within a certain range with respect to the position of the home of the user registered in advance, it can be estimated that the user is out of the home.

Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the feedback management unit 80 in embodiment 1 of the present invention. On the premise that the flowchart is started, it is assumed that the user puts laundry into the washing machine 1 and inputs an operation for permitting the remote operation of the washing machine 1. Therefore, the feedback management unit 80 is configured to already acquire the state information including the weight of the laundry measured by the washing machine 1 when the laundry is put in, through the communication unit 50.

First, feedback management unit 80 determines whether or not the state of washing machine 1 at the beginning of the laundry input has changed, using the state information received from washing machine 1 by communication unit 50 (step S1201). Hereinafter, step S is simply referred to as S. Here, the change in state is, for example, a change in weight of the laundry put into the washing tub 3. For example, when the weight of the laundry indicated by the status information received this time changes from the weight of the laundry indicated by the status information received last time, the feedback management unit 80 may determine that the weight of the laundry has changed.

In S1201, if the feedback management unit 80 determines that the weight of the laundry is not changed (no in S1201), the process is terminated and the process is waited until the next state information is received.

In S1201, when the feedback management unit 80 determines that the weight of the laundry has changed (yes in S1201), it determines whether or not the user of the washing machine 1 having changed state is out (S1202). For example, the feedback management unit 80 acquires the connection source information and the user ID of the washing machine 1 from the user device information 620 using the device ID included in the status information as a key. Next, the feedback management unit 80 acquires the connection source information of the communication terminal 34 of the user from the terminal status information 720 using the acquired user ID as a key. When the connection source information acquired from the user device information 620 does not match the connection source information acquired from the terminal state information 720, the feedback management unit 80 may determine that the user is out of home. On the other hand, when the acquired connection source information of both parties match, it is determined that the user is at home. The determination result of whether the user is out is written in the column of the user's position information of the terminal state information 720.

In S1202, when determining that the user is at home (no in S1202), the feedback management unit 80 ends the process and waits until receiving the next state information. If it is determined in S1202 that the user is out of the home (yes in S1202), the feedback management unit 80 determines whether or not the laundry job is reserved for the washing machine 1 whose state has changed (S1203). At this time, the feedback management unit 80 refers to the washing machine status information 710 using the device ID included in the status information as a key, and determines that the operation state of the washing machine 1 is "reserved" if the operation state is "reserved", and determines that the operation state is not "reserved" if the operation state is other than "reserved".

In S1203, when the feedback management unit 80 determines that the washing machine 1 is in the reservation (yes in S1203), it refers to the "travel contents" of the washing machine state information 710, specifies the washing travel of the reserved washing task, and determines whether or not the specified washing travel is a reservation change impossible travel in which the user does not like to change the reservation (S1204). Here, the reserved and changeable laundry schedule may be a laundry schedule determined in advance by the manufacturer of the washing machine 1, a laundry schedule set in advance as a reserved and changeable laundry schedule by the user, or a schedule designated when the user reserves the laundry schedule.

For example, the reservation/alteration impossibility steps include a washing step for washing a specific laundry such as delicate clothes or towels, and a washing step for separating the laundry depending on the state of the laundry such as sterilization or soaking.

If the reservation change impossible course is set in S1204 (yes in S1204), the feedback management unit 80 transmits an abnormality notification indicating that the state of the washing machine 1 in which the reservation change impossible course is set has changed to the communication terminal 34 of the user who has determined that the user is out in S1202 (S1206) through the communication unit 50. In this case, the feedback management unit 80 may transmit a message "the reserved washing course is changed" to the communication terminal 34 through the communication unit 50, for example.

Next, the feedback management unit 80 outputs a control request for instructing the washing machine 1 to issue a warning to the appliance control management unit 90 (S1207). Accordingly, appliance control management unit 90 transmits control information for causing washing machine 1 to issue a warning to washing machine 1 via communication unit 50, and washing machine 1 issues a warning. As the warning at this time, for example, a buzzer may be output from a speaker of the washing machine 1, an LED provided in the washing machine 1 may be turned on, or a message to extract the content of the additional laundry may be displayed on a GUI screen of the operation panel 10 of the washing machine 1. When the washing machine 1 has a voice synthesis function as a warning, a method of outputting a voice message for extracting the content of the additional laundry from a speaker of the washing machine 1 by voice synthesis may be employed. This warning can notify the family members at home that the laundry cannot be added, and can cause the family members to take measures to take out the added laundry from the washing machine 1.

The warning in S1207 may be issued only when the state information is not transmitted from washing machine 1 and there is no reaction from washing machine 1 until a certain time elapses after feedback management unit 80 transmits the abnormality notification in S1206. This is because, for example, the user of the communication terminal 34, who finds a change in the state of the washing machine 1 by an abnormality notification, may contact a family member at home to remove the additional laundry, and in this case, it is not necessary to give a warning to the washing machine 1.

If the reservation change impossible trip is not set in S1204 (no in S1204), the feedback management unit 80 determines whether or not the changed state of the washing machine 1 is within the allowable range (S1205). Specifically, the feedback management unit 80 refers to the different product number weight information 610 or the different stroke weight information 611 to determine whether the weight of the laundry is within the allowable range. More specifically, if the reserved washing stroke is stored in the different stroke weight information 611, the feedback management unit 80 reads the stored maximum weight of the washing stroke from the different stroke weight information 611, and if the changed weight of the laundry is equal to or less than the read maximum weight, determines that the state of the washing machine 1 after the change is within the allowable range. On the other hand, if the changed laundry weight is larger than the maximum weight read from the different stroke weight information 611, the feedback management unit 80 determines that the state of the washing machine 1 after the change is outside the allowable range.

Further, if the reserved washing course is not stored in the different course weight information 611, the feedback management unit 80 refers to the different product number weight information 610 to read the maximum weight of the washing machine 1, and if the changed weight of the laundry is equal to or less than the read maximum weight, determines that the changed state of the washing machine 1 is within the allowable range. On the other hand, if the changed laundry weight is greater than the maximum weight read from the different product number weight information 610, the feedback management unit 80 determines that the state of the washing machine 1 after the change is outside the allowable range.

If it is determined in S1205 that the weight of the laundry is outside the allowable range (no in S1205), the feedback management unit 80 transmits a reservation change inquiry notification to the communication terminal 34 of the user determined in S1202 to be out of the door via the communication unit 50 (S1208). Specifically, a reservation change inquiry notification is transmitted which inquires the user about a response to a change in the washing completion time or a change in the reserved washing course.

When the response of the user who changed the content of the reservation is transmitted from the communication terminal 34 (yes at S1209), the feedback management part 80 outputs a control request for instructing the washing machine 1 to change the reservation in accordance with the response from the user to the appliance control management part 90 (S1210). Accordingly, the appliance control management unit 90 transmits control information for changing the reservation to the washing machine 1 through the communication unit 50. Specifically, when an answer is made to change the scheduled time such as the washing start time, control information for instructing the washing machine 1 to change the scheduled time is transmitted to the washing machine 1. On the other hand, when a response is made to change the reserved washing course, control information for instructing the washing machine 1 to change the washing course is transmitted to the washing machine 1.

Next, the feedback management unit 80 outputs a control request for instructing locking of the door 5 to the device control management unit 90 (S1211). Accordingly, the appliance control management unit 90 transmits control information for locking the door 5 to the washing machine 1 through the communication unit 50. In this case, the door 5 of the washing machine 1 is locked, and the state of the washing machine 1 is prevented from being changed by the laundry being thrown again. The lock of the door 5 may be a lock that cannot be released by pressing the door lock button 124 of the operation panel 10. Accordingly, the state change of the washing machine 1 can be prevented more reliably.

If the determination at S1209 is negative, the feedback management unit 80 advances the process to S1211, and instructs the gate 5 to lock (S1211). The case where the determination in S1209 is no may be, for example, a case where a response from the user is not obtained within a certain time period after the transmission of the reservation change inquiry notification, or a case where a response not permitting the reservation change is received from the communication terminal 34. In addition, as a case where no answer is obtained within a certain period of time, for example, a case where a user of the communication terminal 34, who finds a change in the state of the washing machine 1 by a reservation change inquiry notification, contacts a family person at home and takes out additionally input laundry from the washing machine 1 may be mentioned.

If it is determined in S1205 that the state of washing machine 1 after the change is within the allowable range (yes in S1205), feedback management unit 80 transmits a reservation correction notification to communication terminal 34 of the user who is determined to be out in S1202 through communication unit 50 (S1212). Specifically, a reservation correction notification notifying that the laundry start time is changed is transmitted. The washing start time is a time advanced for completing the washing task at the initial washing completion time. In this case, the feedback management unit 80 may transmit control information for changing the washing start time to the washing machine 1 through the appliance control management unit 90 and the communication unit 50, and allow the washing machine 1 to change the washing start time. The control information transmitted here is an example of control information for performing an operation change when it is determined that an instruction is not necessary.

Next, the feedback management unit 80 outputs a control request for a reservation correction instruction to the device control management unit 90 (S1213). Accordingly, the appliance control management unit 90 transmits control information indicating the reservation correction to the washing machine 1 through the communication unit 50. Specifically, control information instructing a change of the reservation start time is transmitted to the washing machine 1. If yes in S1205, the state change is within the allowable range, and the washing task can be completed by advancing the washing start time to the current washing completion time. Also, there is no problem to the user as long as the laundry task is completed when going home. Therefore, in this case, the washing start time is changed without requiring the user to instruct the reservation change inquiry notification.

If it is not determined at S1203 that the reservation is made (no at S1203), the feedback management unit 80 transmits a state change notification indicating the state change of the washing machine 1 to the communication terminal 34 of the user who has determined at S1202 that the user is out of the house via the communication unit 50 (S1214).

The user who receives the notification at S1206, S1208, S1212, and S1214 can contact the family member at home by telephone, mail, or the like using the communication terminal 34, and take out the additionally input laundry. Alternatively, the server 35 may transmit control information for executing or extending the sterilizing and deodorizing operations to the washing machine 1, and prohibit the execution of the washing task.

Fig. 17 and 18 are diagrams showing an example of the notification screen displayed on the communication terminal 34 of the user when the state change is notified in S1214. In the communication terminal 34, if the communication unit 343 receives the state change notification from the server 35, the control unit 344 causes the push notification screen 1701 to slide in and display from above the display area of the display unit 341. A message indicating that laundry is added is displayed on the push notification screen 1701.

Then, if the push notification screen 1701 is clicked by the user, the operation unit 342 detects the click, and the control unit 344 causes the display unit 341 to display the state change notification screen 1702 shown in fig. 18. Accordingly, the user of the communication terminal 34 can confirm that the state of the washing machine 1 has changed due to the addition of laundry, without making an inquiry to the server 35 in person.

Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen 1900 displayed on the communication terminal 34 of the user when the reservation correction notification is notified in S1212. A title column 1901 of "washing start time change" is provided on the upper portion of the notification screen 1900. A message display field 1902, which shows a message concerning a reservation correction notification, is provided below the title field 1901. A message indicating that the washing start time is changed by adding laundry, a currently scheduled washing course, and the completion time are displayed in the message display field 1902. The completion time refers to a laundry completion time. The washing start time is a time from the current time to the start of washing.

The user wants to finish washing when going home. Therefore, it is important that the washing is finished when the user goes home, and the washing start time is not as important as the washing finish time. Therefore, in the message display field 1902, the washing start time itself is not displayed but only a message indicating that the washing start time is changed is displayed with respect to the change of the washing start time. Further, since the washing course and the completion time are displayed in the message display field 1902, the user can confirm that the reserved washing course and the completion time are not changed, and can feel a sense of security.

Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen 2000 displayed on the communication terminal 34 when the reservation change inquiry notification is made at S1208. A title bar 2001 described as "washing reservation change inquiry" is provided on the upper part of the notification screen 2000. A message display section 2002 for displaying a message related to the inquiry is provided below the title section 2001. The message display column 2002 displays a message indicating that the washing course or the completion time should be changed by adding laundry, and the currently scheduled washing course and completion time. Accordingly, the user can be informed that the washing stroke or the completion time needs to be changed.

A stroke input field 2003 for allowing the user to input a change of the washing stroke and a time input field 2004 for allowing the user to input a change of the completion time are provided below the message display field 2002.

If the stroke input field 2003 is clicked, 1 or more washing strokes that can be changed are displayed by the pull-down. The 1 or more washing courses displayed here are, for example, washing courses in which the weight of the laundry after the state change can be within the allowable range, and are extracted by the feedback management unit 80. Accordingly, the user can set an appropriate washing course without presuming a washing course in which the weight of the laundry after the state change is within the allowable range.

A time input field 2004 for allowing the user to input a change of the completion time is provided below the schedule input field 2003. The user inputs a desired changed completion time into the time input field 2004. Here, the time input field 2004 may accept only input of a completion time after the original completion time and may not accept a completion time before the original completion time. The time input field 2004 may be configured to pull down the changeable completion time and allow the user to select a desired completion time. Alternatively, the time input field 2004 may display the shortest completion time from the current time and a message urging the user to input the completion time after the completion time. Here, the shortest completion time is a time calculated by extending the original completion time according to the increase in the weight of the laundry after the state change, and is a time calculated by the feedback management part 80 based on the reserved washing stroke and the weight after the state change. Further, the changeable completion time of the pull-down display may be a time obtained by extending each of the shortest completion times from the current time by a predetermined time.

The washing course or completion time inputted by the user is transmitted from the communication terminal 34 to the washing machine 1 through the server 35, and the washing course or completion time of the washing machine 1 is changed.

Thus, the user can change the washing course or the completion time through the notification screen 2000. Accordingly, it is possible to feed back to the user a case for preventing washing with a washing stroke or completion time that is not planned by the user who is out.

The notification screen 2000 is configured such that the user can change either the washing course or the completion time, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be configured such that both the washing course and the completion time can be selected.

Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen 2100 displayed on the communication terminal 34 of the user at the time of the abnormality notification in S1206. A message indicating that laundry may not be performed according to the reservation due to the addition of laundry is displayed on the notification screen 2100. Accordingly, the user can externally confirm that the state of the washing machine 1 is abnormal. Therefore, the user can be prevented from feeling disappointed when the washing is not completed or the dirt of the laundry is not sufficiently removed when the user returns home.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, when the state of the washing machine 1 changes and the operation of the washing machine 1 needs to be changed, the user can instruct a desired washing stroke or a desired completion time, and control the washing machine 1 based on the instruction. Therefore, the operation change without permission of the user is prevented, and the intention of the user can be reflected on the operation change accompanying the state change of the washing machine. Further, since the reservation change inquiry notification is transmitted to the communication terminal 34 after the necessity of the instruction from the user is determined, the notification of the request for the response to the user can be suppressed. This can reduce the amount of communication when communicating with the communication terminal 34, and can reduce the battery consumption of the communication terminal 34.

(embodiment mode 2)

Embodiment 2 is for estimating a washing course set by a user from the past operation history of the washing machine 1 and determining the necessity of a reservation change inquiry notification for the estimated washing course.

Fig. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 35 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Fig. 22 is different from embodiment 1 in that the information management unit 60 further includes a user history information storage unit 63.

Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the work history information 630 stored in the user history information storage unit 63 shown in fig. 22. The work history information 630 is a database storing the work history of the washing machine 1 based on the user's instruction, and stores the operation date, the device ID, the operation contents, and the washing course in association with each other for each user ID.

The user ID is an identifier of the user. The operation date is a date when the user has input an operation instructed to the washing machine 1. The appliance ID is the appliance ID of the washing machine 1 indicated by the user. The operation content is the operation content that the user instructs the washing machine 1. The operation contents include "start" for starting washing without reservation by pressing the immediate start operation button 121 or the like, and "reservation" for reserving operation of the washing machine 1. In addition, as the operation contents, "cancel" when the reserved laundry task is canceled and "time change" when the reserved operation end time is changed are included.

The washing stroke is a washing stroke in which the user instructs the washing machine 1. For example, in the first row, a work history indicating that the user having the user ID "user # 1" has input an instruction to immediately start the washing in the washing stroke "stroke # a" to the washing machine 1 having the apparatus ID "apparatus # 1" on 27 days 9 months is stored.

Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the feedback management unit 80 in embodiment 2 of the present invention. In fig. 24, the same processes as those in fig. 16 are assigned the same process numbers. If it is determined in S1203 that the laundry job is not reserved (no in S1203), the feedback management unit 80 estimates a laundry stroke set by the user (S1501).

Here, the estimation of the washing process is determined based on life cycle information on the user of the washing machine 1, such as the use frequency of the washing process or the use frequency of the washing process used on different weeks. For example, the feedback management unit 80 may extract the work history of the user from the work history information 630, classify the extracted work history for each washing course, calculate the use frequency of different washing courses, and estimate the washing course with the highest use frequency as the washing course set by the user. On the other hand, if the use frequency of the washing process having the maximum use frequency is equal to or less than the threshold, the feedback management unit 80 may determine that the washing process cannot be estimated.

Alternatively, the feedback management unit 80 may classify the work history of the user into the washing courses and the different weeks, calculate the use frequency of each washing course for the different weeks, and estimate the washing course having the highest use frequency for the same week as the current day as the washing course set by the user. On the other hand, when the use frequency of the washing course having the highest week use frequency is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold value, the feedback management unit 80 may determine that the washing course cannot be estimated.

Here, although the washing process with the highest use frequency on different weeks is estimated, this is an example, and the washing process with the highest use frequency on weekdays may be estimated if the day is a weekday, or the washing process with the highest use frequency on weekdays may be estimated if the day is a weekday.

In S1203, if it is determined that the laundry job is not reserved (no in S1203), the process of S1501 is executed. In S1501, if a wash stroke is estimated (yes in S1501), the process proceeds to S1204. On the other hand, in S1501, if the washing stroke cannot be estimated (no in S1501), the process proceeds to S1214.

Thus, according to embodiment 2, if a state change of the washing machine 1 occurs when no laundry task is reserved, the washing process is estimated from the past operation history of the washing machine 1 (S1501), and it is determined whether or not a change to the estimated washing process is necessary (S1204, S1205), and when it is determined that a change is necessary, a reservation change inquiry notification prompting a change to the estimated washing process is transmitted to the communication terminal 34 of the user (S1208). Therefore, when the laundry task is not reserved, the situation that the laundry content different from the usual laundry content is executed without the permission of the user can be prevented.

(embodiment mode 3)

Embodiment 3 judges at S1205 shown in fig. 16 whether or not the washing task can be completed within the reserved washing completion time in the changed state of washing machine 1.

For example, if the weight of the additionally input laundry is a little, the washing machine 1 can complete the washing task within the scheduled washing completion time. In contrast, in embodiment 3, when the state of the washing machine 1 has changed due to additional input of laundry or the like, the feedback management unit 80 determines that the laundry task can be completed within the scheduled laundry completion time, and determines that the reservation change inquiry notification does not need to be transmitted. In this case, the feedback management unit 80 may transmit the state change notification described in S1214 to the communication terminal 34, for example.

On the other hand, when the state of the washing machine 1 has changed due to additional input of laundry or the like, the feedback management unit 80 determines that the reservation change inquiry notification needs to be transmitted when determining that the laundry task cannot be completed within the reserved laundry completion time. In this case, the feedback manager 80 may determine yes in S1205 and proceed to S1209.

The feedback management unit 80 may calculate an operation time corresponding to the weight of the laundry after the state change, and determine that the washing task can be completed within the reserved washing completion time when the operation time is substantially the same as the operation time before the state change.

In the present embodiment, for example, the feedback management unit 80 transmits a reservation change inquiry notification for designating the washing completion time after the change by the user. When the user receives a response specifying the washing completion time, the feedback management unit 80 may transmit control information for completing the washing task at the changed washing completion time to the washing machine 1.

According to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the scheduled washing completion time needs to be changed in association with the state change, and if it is determined that the washing completion time needs to be changed, a reservation change inquiry notification is transmitted to the communication terminal 34. Therefore, the washing completion time can be prevented from being changed without permission of the user.

In the present embodiment, the completion of the washing task within the washing completion time means that the washing task is completed at the time when the washing is completed as indicated by the washing completion time or within the time indicated by the washing time.

(embodiment mode 4)

Embodiment 4 determines whether or not the reserved washing stroke can be executed in the changed state of washing machine 1 at S1205 shown in fig. 16.

For example, if the weight of the laundry after the state change is equal to or less than the maximum weight corresponding to the scheduled washing process, the washing machine 1 can complete the washing task in the scheduled washing process. In contrast, in embodiment 4, when the state of the washing machine 1 has changed due to additional input of laundry or the like, the feedback management unit 80 does not transmit the reservation change inquiry notification when it is determined that the laundry task can be completed in the reserved laundry stroke. In this case, the feedback management unit 80 may transmit the state change notification described in S1214 to the communication terminal 34, for example.

On the other hand, when the state of the washing machine 1 has changed due to additional input of laundry or the like, the feedback management unit 80 transmits a reservation change inquiry notification when it is determined that the washing task cannot be completed in the reserved washing course. In this case, the feedback manager 80 may determine yes in S1205 and proceed to S1208.

In the present embodiment, for example, the feedback management unit 80 transmits a reservation change inquiry notification for allowing the user to select a changed laundry course to the communication terminal 34. Then, when an answer to permit the washing completion time is obtained from the user, the feedback management unit 80 transmits control information to complete the washing task at the changed washing completion time to the washing machine 1.

According to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not a scheduled washing course needs to be changed in association with a state change, and if it is determined that the washing course needs to be changed, a reservation change inquiry notification is transmitted to the communication terminal 34. Therefore, the washing process can be prevented from being changed without permission of the user.

(embodiment 5)

In

embodiments

1 and 2, the change in weight of the laundry is adopted as the state change. In contrast, in embodiment 5, the state change of the door 5 is adopted as the state change. For example, when the door 5 is opened before the user adds laundry, or when the door 5 is closed after the user adds laundry, the process of S1202 and thereafter is executed if it is determined in S1201 of fig. 16. In this case, when the open/close sensor of the door 5 detects the open state or the closed state of the door 5, the washing machine 1 may transmit the state information including the detected information to the server 35.

Here, the change of the door 5 is adopted as the state change, but this is an example, and the change of the washing stroke or the washing completion time may be adopted as the state change. For example, after a user appoints a washing task and goes out, a family member at home may change a washing course or a washing completion time without permission. In this case, in the present embodiment, it is determined in S1201 that the process is yes, and the process from S1202 onward is executed.

(modification example)

Further, if the state addition of the washing machine 1 is changed after the operation is changed based on the control information, an addition notification may be transmitted to the communication terminal 34. For example, when the laundry input to washing machine 1 is determined to have changed after washing machine 1 issues a warning, feedback management unit 80 transmits the state change of washing machine 1 to communication terminal 34. The operation change based on the control information may be a releasable lock of the door. Further, the state change of the washing machine 1 may be a state change of a door of the washing machine 1, a change of a washing stroke, etc., as described above.

In addition, when the state of the washing machine 1 after the additional state change is the same as (including a state that can be considered to be the same as) the state before the previous state change, the washing machine 1 may be caused to perform the operation before the operation change. For example, when the state change of washing machine 1 is a state before the state change of washing machine 1 in step S1201 occurs, feedback management unit 80 causes washing machine 1 to execute a predetermined operation before the state change of washing machine 1 in step S1201 occurs.

According to the present modification, the user can be notified that the state of the washing machine 1 has changed again. In particular, when the state of the washing machine 1 is returned to the state before the change, the washing machine 1 automatically operates based on the reservation before the change, and thus it is possible to omit the case where the user additionally instructs. This improves user convenience, reduces communication traffic, and reduces the amount of processing in the communication terminal 34.

Industrial applicability

According to the present invention, it is useful in the technical field of remotely operating a washing machine.

Claims

1. An information processing method, which is a method executed by a computer, characterized by comprising the steps of:

receiving state information indicating at least a changed state of a washing machine from the washing machine when the state of the washing machine scheduled with a laundry job is changed;

determining whether an instruction from a user of the washing machine is required for an operation change of the washing machine accompanying a state change of the washing machine during execution of the laundry task based on the state information;

sending a prompt message corresponding to the change of the operation of the washing machine to a terminal corresponding to a user when the instruction is determined to be needed, wherein the prompt message is a message for prompting the input of the instruction; and the number of the first and second groups,

and transmitting control information for changing the operation of the washing machine to the washing machine based on the instruction information when the instruction information indicating the instruction is received from the terminal.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1,

further acquiring the position information of the terminal,

determining whether the user is out further based on the location information,

and sending the prompt information when the user is judged to be out.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1,

the state change is a change of laundry input to the washing machine.

4. The information processing method according to claim 3,

the change in the laundry is a change in an amount of the laundry.

5. The information processing method according to claim 1,

the state change is a change of a door of the washing machine.

6. The information processing method according to claim 1,

the state change is a change in laundry contents or laundry time.

7. The information processing method according to claim 1,

the reservation of the laundry task includes a laundry time,

the instruction is an instruction of the user to change the reserved washing time,

the action change is a change of the reserved washing time,

the judgment of the necessity of the instruction is a judgment of whether the washing task is completed by the time shown by the reserved washing time or within the time shown by the washing time under the changed state of the washing machine.

8. The information processing method according to claim 1,

the reservation of the laundry task includes laundry contents,

the indication is an indication of the laundry contents reserved by the user,

the action change is a change of the reserved laundry content,

the determination of the necessity of the instruction is a determination of whether the laundry contents scheduled can be executed in the changed state of the washing machine.

9. The information processing method according to claim 8,

furthermore, under the condition that the washing task is not reserved, the washing content is estimated according to the past work history of the washing machine.

10. The information processing method according to claim 1,

the control information includes locking of a door of the washing machine.

11. The information processing method according to claim 1,

and transmitting control information for executing the operation change when the instruction is determined not to be required in the determination of the necessity of the instruction.

12. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

and transmitting additional prompt information to the terminal when the state of the washing machine is changed after the operation change based on the control information.

13. An information processing system characterized by comprising:

a receiving unit configured to receive, from a washing machine, state information indicating at least a changed state of the washing machine when a state of the washing machine scheduled to have a laundry job is changed;

a determination unit configured to determine whether or not an instruction from a user of the washing machine is required based on the state information for an operation change of the washing machine accompanying a state change of the washing machine during execution of the washing task; and

a transmitting unit for transmitting a prompt message corresponding to the operation change of the washing machine to a terminal corresponding to a user when the instruction is determined to be required,

the prompt message is a message urging the input of the instruction,

the transmission unit transmits control information for changing the operation of the washing machine to the washing machine based on the instruction information when the instruction information indicating the instruction is received from the terminal.