CN115315607A

CN115315607A - Program, terminal device, and refrigerator control system

Info

Publication number: CN115315607A
Application number: CN202180023351.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 中川雅至; 多贺一瑳; 垣内翔太; 小柳智之
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-04-17
Filing date: 2021-04-13
Publication date: 2022-11-08
Also published as: WO2021210559A1; JP2021169908A

Abstract

A refrigerator control application (213) enables a terminal control unit (20) of a terminal device (2) that can communicate with a refrigerator (1) via a Global Network (GN) to function as a detection unit (202) and an operation control unit (203), wherein the detection unit (202) detects whether a user of the refrigerator (1) is away from home where the refrigerator (1) is installed, and the operation control unit (203) inquires the user whether to start a power-saving operation of the refrigerator (1) when the detection unit (202) detects the presence of the user, and starts the power-saving operation of the refrigerator (1) when an instruction to start the power-saving operation of the refrigerator (1) is received from the user.

Description

Program, terminal device, and refrigerator control system

Technical Field

The invention relates to a program, a terminal device and a refrigerator control system.

Background

Conventionally, refrigerators capable of power saving operation are known. For example, patent document 1 discloses a refrigerator that starts a power saving operation when it is detected that a user is not at home.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2019-023533

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in patent document 1, since the refrigerator automatically starts the power saving operation when it is detected that the user is absent, that is, when the user is going out, the started power saving operation of the refrigerator becomes an operation of the refrigerator which is not intended by the user going out from home, for example, when the user's outgoing time is short or when the user's relatives of the outgoing user are at home.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable a refrigerator to start a power saving operation according to the intention of a user who goes out of home.

Means for solving the problems

In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment of the present invention provides a program comprising: a control unit of a terminal device capable of communicating with a refrigerator via a network is caused to function as a detection unit that detects whether a user of the refrigerator has left out from home where the refrigerator is installed, and an operation control unit that inquires of the user whether to start a power saving operation of the refrigerator when the detection unit detects that the user is left out, and causes the refrigerator to start the power saving operation when the user receives an instruction to start the power saving operation from the refrigerator.

Effects of the invention

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator can start the power saving operation according to the intention of a user who goes out of home.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a refrigerator control system.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the refrigerator, the terminal device, and the refrigerator control server.

Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining detection by the detection unit.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the user interface.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the user interface.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system.

Detailed Description

The 1 st mode is a program characterized in that: a control unit of a terminal device capable of communicating with a refrigerator via a network is caused to function as a detection unit that detects whether a user of the refrigerator is outside the refrigerator, and an operation control unit that, when the detection unit detects that the user is outside, inquires of the user whether to start a power-saving operation of the refrigerator, and when the user receives an instruction to start the power-saving operation of the refrigerator, starts the power-saving operation of the refrigerator.

Thus, when the user receives an instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator, the refrigerator is started to perform the power saving operation, and therefore the refrigerator can be started to perform the power saving operation according to the intention of the user who goes out of the refrigerator.

In the aspect 2, the operation control unit inquires of the user whether to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator every time the detection unit detects the exit.

Thus, the refrigerator does not automatically start the power saving operation every time the user goes out from home, and therefore the refrigerator can reliably start the power saving operation according to the intention of the user going out from home.

In the aspect 3, the operation control unit may start the power saving operation of the refrigerator without making an inquiry as to whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator even when the detection unit detects going out, in a case where the user receives an instruction as to whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator from the user.

In this way, the refrigerator automatically starts the power saving operation when the user receives an instruction not to ask whether or not to start the power saving operation from the refrigerator, and therefore, in this case, the user does not need to instruct the terminal device every time the user goes out from home. This makes it possible to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator according to the intention of the user who goes out of the refrigerator, and to avoid the trouble of the user when starting the power saving operation of the refrigerator.

In the 4 th aspect, the detection unit detects that the user is out of the home when the terminal device is outside the range set as the home.

In this way, since the detection is performed based on the position of the terminal device of the user, it is possible to reliably detect whether or not the user of the terminal device has gone outside from home. Thus, it is possible to make an inquiry as to whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator at the exact timing when the user has gone outside from home.

In the terminal device according to claim 5, the operation control unit causes the display unit to display a user interface for receiving an instruction from the user as to whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator, and causes the refrigerator to start the power saving operation when the instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator is received via the user interface.

Thus, when an instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator is received via the user interface displayed on the display unit, the power saving operation of the refrigerator is started, and it is possible to suppress, for example, erroneous reception of the instruction by the terminal device due to sound or the like. This enables the refrigerator to start the power saving operation accurately according to the intention of the user who goes out of the refrigerator.

In the 6 th aspect, the program is an application program that can be installed in the terminal device.

Thus, a terminal device having no function of starting the power saving operation of the refrigerator is configured as a terminal device having the function by installing an application program. In this way, the terminal device that is normally used can be formed as a terminal device that can start the power saving operation of the refrigerator according to the intention of the user who goes out of the refrigerator.

A 7 th aspect is a terminal device that can communicate with a refrigerator via a network, the terminal device characterized in that: the refrigerator control apparatus includes a control unit that detects whether a user of the refrigerator is outside from home where the refrigerator is installed, inquires the user whether to start power saving operation of the refrigerator when the user is detected to be outside, and starts power saving operation of the refrigerator when the user receives an instruction to start power saving operation of the refrigerator from the user.

A refrigerator control system according to claim 8 is a refrigerator control system including a terminal device and a refrigerator communicable with the terminal device via a network, the refrigerator control system characterized in that: the terminal device detects whether a user of the refrigerator is out of home where the refrigerator is installed, and, when the user is detected to be out of home, inquires the user whether to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator, and, when an instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator is received from the user, transmits start instruction information indicating an instruction to start the power saving operation to the refrigerator, and the refrigerator starts the power saving operation upon receiving the start instruction information.

A feature of the 9 th aspect is that, after the refrigerator starts the power saving operation, the power saving operation is terminated when opening and closing of at least one of a door and a drawer of the refrigerator is first detected.

Thus, after the power saving operation is started, the possibility that the user has returned home is high when the opening and closing of at least one of the door and the drawer of the refrigerator is detected for the first time, and therefore the power saving operation that has been started when the user goes out can be ended at an appropriate timing.

The aspect 10 is characterized in that the refrigerator terminates the power saving operation after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the power saving operation.

Thus, since the power saving operation is terminated after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the power saving operation, the power saving operation due to going out can be terminated at the time when the user returns home or at a time before or after the user returns home, with a high possibility. This enables the power saving operation started when the user goes out to be ended at an appropriate timing.

Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[ embodiment 1 ]

First, embodiment 1 will be described.

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a refrigerator control system 1000.

The refrigerator control system 1000 is a system for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1 via the global network GN by the terminal device 2 used by the user P of the refrigerator 1. The global network GN includes the internet, telephone network, other communication networks. The global network GN corresponds to the "network" of the present invention.

The refrigerator control system 1000 includes a refrigerator 1. In fig. 1, a refrigerator 1 is installed at home H of a user P. The refrigerator 1 has a main body 10 with an open front, and a refrigerating chamber 11, an ice making chamber 12, a fresh freezing chamber 13, a freezing chamber 14, and a vegetable chamber 15 are formed in the main body 10. A rotary left door 11A and a rotary right door 11B are provided at the front opening of the refrigerating compartment 11. The left door 11A and the right door 11B correspond to "doors" of the present invention. Drawers 12A, 13A, 14A, 15A for storing food are provided in each of ice making chamber 12, fresh freezing chamber 13, freezing chamber 14, and vegetable chamber 15.

The refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment is connected to a communication device 4 provided in the home H of the user P, and communicates with the refrigerator control server 3 via the communication device 4.

The communication device 4 is connected to the global network GN, and communicates with the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN. The communication device 4 functions as an interface device for connecting the refrigerator 1 to the global network GN. When the terminal device 2 and the communication device 4 establish a communication connection, the communication device 4 functions as an interface device for connecting the terminal device 2 to the global network GN. The communication device 4 has functions such as a modem function, a router function, and a Network Address Translation (NAT) function. The communication device 4 transmits data transmitted and received between the refrigerator 1 and the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN. The communication device 4 transmits data transmitted and received between the terminal device 2 that establishes a communication connection and the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN.

The refrigerator control system 1000 includes a terminal device 2 having a touch panel 22. The touch panel 22 corresponds to a "display portion" of the present invention. The terminal device 2 is configured by a smartphone or a tablet terminal, for example. The terminal device 2 is installed with an application program for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1. In the following description, an application program for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1 is referred to as a "refrigerator control application" and is denoted by reference numeral "213". The refrigerator control application 213 corresponds to the "program" and the "application program" of the present invention.

In fig. 1, a user P at home is indicated by a broken line, and a user P who has gone out from home H is indicated by a solid line. When the terminal device 2 is used by a user P at home, the refrigerator control application 213 functions to communicate with the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN via the communication device 4 or without via the communication device 4, thereby controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1. When the terminal device 2 is used by the user P who has gone out of the home H, the terminal device communicates with the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN through the function of the refrigerator control application 213 without passing through the communication device 4, and controls the operation of the refrigerator 1.

The refrigerator control system 1000 has a refrigerator control server 3. The refrigerator control server 3 is a server device that controls the operation of the refrigerator 1, and is connected to the global network GN. Note that, although the refrigerator control server 3 is represented by 1 module in each drawing, this does not necessarily mean that the refrigerator control server 3 is constituted by a single server device. For example, the refrigerator control server 3 may be configured to include a plurality of server devices having different processing contents.

Next, the functional configurations of the refrigerator 1, the terminal device 2, and the refrigerator control server 3 will be described.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configurations of the refrigerator 1, the terminal device 2, and the refrigerator control server 3.

First, a functional structure of the refrigerator 1 will be described.

The refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator control unit 16, a refrigerator communication unit 17, a cooling unit 18, and a sensor unit 19.

The refrigerator control unit 16 includes a refrigerator processor 160 and a refrigerator storage unit 161, which are processors that execute programs such as a CPU and an MPU, and controls each unit of the refrigerator 1. The refrigerator controller 16 executes various processes in cooperation with hardware and software so that the refrigerator processor 160 reads the control program 1611 stored in the refrigerator storage 161 and executes the processes.

The refrigerator storage unit 161 has a storage area for storing a program executed by the refrigerator processor 160 and data processed by the refrigerator processor 160. The refrigerator storage unit 161 stores a control program 1611 executed by the refrigerator processor 160, setting data 1612 relating to setting of the refrigerator 1, a refrigerator ID1613 as identification information of the refrigerator 1, and other various data. As the refrigerator ID1613, the manufacturing number of the refrigerator 1 can be cited as an example. The refrigerator storage unit 161 has a nonvolatile storage area for nonvolatile storage of programs and data. The refrigerator storage unit 161 has a volatile storage area, and constitutes a work area for temporarily storing a program executed by the refrigerator processor 160 and data to be processed.

The refrigerator communication unit 17 has communication hardware conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the devices connected to the global network GN according to the predetermined communication standard under the control of the refrigerator control unit 16. In the present embodiment, the refrigerator communication unit 17 communicates with the refrigerator control server 3 in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. The communication standard used by refrigerator communication unit 17 may be a wireless communication standard (e.g., ieee802.11a/11b/11g/11n/11ac, bluetooth (registered trademark)) or a wired communication standard.

The cooling unit 18 includes a compressor 181, a condenser 182, a capillary tube 183, a cooler 184, a cooling fan 185 for sending the cold air generated by the cooler 184 to the storage chambers, a damper 186 for branching off the cold air sent by the cooling fan 185, and other mechanisms for cooling the storage chambers of the refrigerator 1, and cools the storage chambers of the refrigerator 1 under the control of the refrigerator controller 16.

The sensor unit 19 includes various sensors such as an opening/closing sensor 191 and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the refrigerator 1, and outputs a detection signal of each sensor to the refrigerator control unit 16. As shown in fig. 2, sensor unit 19 includes, as opening/closing sensors 191, a left door opening/closing sensor 191A, a right door opening/closing sensor 191B, an ice making compartment opening/closing sensor 191C, a fresh freezing compartment opening/closing sensor 191D, a freezing compartment opening/closing sensor 191E, and a vegetable compartment opening/closing sensor 191F.

Left door opening/closing sensor 191A is provided at a predetermined position of refrigerating room 11, and detects the open/closed state of left door 11A.

Right door opening/closing sensor 191B is provided at a predetermined position of refrigerating room 11, and detects the open/closed state of right door 11B.

The ice compartment opening/closing sensor 191C is provided at a predetermined position of the ice compartment 12 and detects the open/closed state of the drawer 12A. The

drawer

12A, 13A, 14A, 15A is drawn out from the corresponding storage chamber and is in an open state, and the drawer is stored in the corresponding storage chamber and is in a closed state.

Fresh-freezing chamber opening/closing sensor 191D is provided at a predetermined position of fresh-freezing chamber 13, and detects the open/close state of drawer 13A.

Freezer compartment opening/closing sensor 191E is provided at a predetermined position of freezer compartment 14, and detects the open/close state of drawer 14A.

Vegetable compartment opening/closing sensor 191F is provided at a predetermined position of vegetable compartment 15, and detects the open/closed state of drawer 15A.

The refrigerator control unit 16 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to either the normal operation mode or the power saving operation mode in which power consumption is smaller than in the normal operation mode. The normal operation mode is an operation mode in which the refrigerator 1 performs a normal operation that consumes power larger than the power saving operation. The power-saving operation mode is an operation mode in which the refrigerator 1 performs a power-saving operation with less power consumption than the normal operation.

For example, during the power saving operation, the refrigerator controller 16 reduces the rotation speed of the compressor 181 compared to the rotation speed during the normal operation, and reduces the cooling amount of each storage chamber of the refrigerator 1. For example, refrigerator control unit 16 reduces the rotation speed of cooling fan 185 from the rotation speed during normal operation to reduce the circulation amount of cold air in refrigerator 1. For example, during the power saving operation, the refrigerator control unit 16 reduces the rotation speed of the compressor 181 to a rotation speed during the normal operation, and reduces the rotation speed of the cooling fan 185 to a rotation speed during the normal operation, thereby reducing the cooling amount and the circulation amount. Thus, during the power saving operation, the interior temperature of the refrigerator 1 rises by, for example, 1 ℃. Further, instead of reducing the rotation speed of the compressor 181 to be lower than the rotation speed during the normal operation, the period during which the operation of the compressor 181 is stopped may be extended. Instead of reducing the rotation speed of the cooling fan 185 from the rotation speed during the normal operation, the period during which the operation of the cooling fan 185 is stopped may be extended.

When the refrigerator control unit 16 receives start instruction information indicating an instruction to start the power-saving operation from the refrigerator control server 3 via the refrigerator communication unit 17, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is shifted from the normal operation mode to the power-saving operation mode, and the power-saving operation is started. When the end trigger of the power saving operation is generated when the refrigerator control unit 16 starts the power saving operation, the power saving operation is ended, and the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is shifted from the power saving operation mode to the normal operation mode.

In the present embodiment, when the refrigerator control unit 16 detects opening and closing of at least one of the left door 11A, the right door 11B, and the

drawers

12A, 13A, 14A, and 15A based on the detection signal of the opening/closing sensor 191 output from the sensor unit 19, it generates an end trigger to end the power saving operation. When a predetermined time (for example, 8 hours) has elapsed since the start of the power saving operation, the refrigerator control unit 16 generates an end trigger to end the power saving operation.

Next, the function of the refrigerator control server 3 will be described.

The refrigerator control server 3 includes a server control unit 30 and a server communication unit 31.

The server control unit 30 includes a server processor 300, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU and an MPU, and a server storage unit 310, and controls each unit of the refrigerator control server 3. The server control unit 30 executes various processes in cooperation with hardware and software so that the server processor 300 reads the control program 311 stored in the server storage unit 310 and executes the processes.

The server storage unit 310 has a storage area for storing a program executed by the server processor 300 and data processed by the server processor 300. The server storage unit 310 stores a control program 311 executed by the server processor 300, setting data 312 of the setting design of the refrigerator control server 3, a refrigerator control database 313, and other various data. The server storage unit 310 has a nonvolatile storage area in which programs and data are stored in a nonvolatile manner. The server storage unit 310 may have a volatile storage area, and may constitute a work area for temporarily storing a program executed by the server processor 300 and data to be processed.

The refrigerator control database 313 is a database that stores various information related to the operation control of the refrigerator 1. The refrigerator control database 313 holds 1 record R having the user ID3131, the refrigerator ID1613, and the communication information 3132. The 1 record R stored in the refrigerator control database 313 may further include 1 or more other types of information.

The user ID3131 is identification information for identifying the user P using the refrigerator control application 213, and is appropriately assigned to the user P using the refrigerator control application 213.

As described above, the refrigerator ID1613 is identification information of the refrigerator 1.

Communication information 3132 is information for communicating with the refrigerator 1 of the refrigerator ID1613 associated with the same record R. The communication information 3132 includes address information, security information, and the like, for example.

The server communication unit 31 has communication hardware conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and performs communication in accordance with a device connected to the global network GN and the predetermined communication standard under the control of the server control unit 30. In the present embodiment, the server communication unit 31 communicates with the refrigerator 1 and the terminal device 2.

Next, a functional configuration of the terminal device 2 will be described.

The terminal device 2 includes a terminal control unit 20, a terminal communication unit 21, a touch panel 22, and a GPS receiving unit 23. The terminal control unit 20 corresponds to the "control unit" of the present invention.

The terminal control unit 20 includes a terminal processor 200 and a terminal storage unit 210, which are processors of programs such as a linear CPU and an MPU, and controls each unit of the terminal device 2. The terminal control unit 20 executes various processes in cooperation with hardware and software so that the terminal processor 200 reads the control program 211 stored in the terminal storage unit 210 and executes the processes. The refrigerator control application 213 is installed in the terminal device 2 in advance. The refrigerator control application 213 is a program that is read from the terminal storage unit 210 by the terminal processor 200 and executed, and causes the terminal control unit 20 to function as the setting unit 201, the detection unit 202, and the operation control unit 203. Details of these functional units will be described later.

The terminal storage unit 210 has a storage area for storing a program executed by the terminal processor 200 and data processed by the terminal processor 200. The terminal storage unit 210 stores a control program 211 executed by the terminal processor 200, setting data 212 related to setting of the terminal device 2, a refrigerator control application 213, a user ID3131, and other various data. The terminal storage unit 210 has a nonvolatile storage area for nonvolatile storage of programs and data. The terminal storage unit 210 may have a volatile storage area, and may have a work area for temporarily storing a program executed by the terminal processor 200 and data to be processed.

The terminal communication unit 21 has communication hardware conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with devices connected to the global network GN according to the predetermined communication standard under the control of the terminal control unit 20. The terminal communication unit 21 communicates with the refrigerator control server 3 in accordance with a predetermined communication standard by the function of the refrigerator control application 213. The communication standard used by the terminal communication unit 21 is a wireless communication standard.

The touch panel 22 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel, and a touch sensor provided so as to overlap with or be integrated with the display panel. The display panel displays various images under the control of the terminal control unit 20. The touch sensor detects a touch operation and outputs the touch operation to the terminal control unit 20. The terminal control unit 20 executes processing corresponding to a touch operation based on an input from the touch sensor.

The GPS receiving unit 23 includes hardware for periodically receiving a GPS signal from a GPS satellite via an antenna (not shown) and calculating the position (for example, latitude and longitude) of the terminal device 2 based on the received GPS signal. The GPS receiving unit 23 generates position data indicating the calculated position of the terminal device 2, and outputs the position data to the terminal control unit 20.

As described above, the station control unit 20 functions as the setting unit 201, the detection unit 202, and the operation control unit 203.

The setting unit 201 performs various settings regarding the functions of the refrigerator control application 213. For example, the setting unit 201 sets a setting value in a corresponding setting item in application setting data stored in a predetermined storage area accessible to the refrigerator control application 213, thereby performing various settings regarding the function of the refrigerator control application 213. The application setting data is data related to setting of the functions of the refrigerator control application 213, and includes various setting items.

The setting unit 201 sets the position of the user P's own home H serving as a reference for detection by the detection unit 202. In the following description, the position of the user P at home H is simply referred to as "home position" and a reference numeral of "JI" is given. For example, the setting unit 201 displays a user interface for allowing the user P to input the address of the home H on the touch panel 22, and sets the input address as the home position JI. Alternatively, the setting unit 201 may set the position on the map, to which the user P is pointing by a touch operation, as the home position JI by displaying the map on the touch panel 22.

The setting unit 201 sets a range in which the user P is not out of the home, that is, a range regarded as the home H, in the detection by the detection unit 202, based on the set home position JI. In the following description, a range set by the setting unit 201 as the home H is referred to as a "home range", and reference numerals of "JH" are given. For example, the setting unit 201 sets a range of a radius α meters around the set home position JI as the home range JH. Further, the radius from the home position JI may be fixed or may be changed by the user P.

The detection unit 202 detects whether the user P is out of the house H. The detection unit 202 outputs the detection result to the operation control unit 203. The detection unit 202 starts detection of whether or not the user P is out of the home H when the setting unit 201 has set the home position JI, and does not start detection of whether or not the user P is out of the home H when the setting unit 201 has not set the home position JI. The detection unit 202 detects whether or not the user P is out of the home H by detecting whether or not the terminal device 2 is outside the home range JH set by the setting unit 201.

Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining detection by the detection unit 202.

In fig. 3, the home range JH is a circular range centered on the home position JI. As described above, the radius of the home range JH may be fixed or may be changed by the user P. The detection unit 202 determines whether or not the position of the terminal device 2 indicated by the position data output from the GPS reception unit 23 is outside the home range JH.

When the position of the terminal device 2 indicated by the position data output from the GPS receiving unit 23 is the position TI1 in fig. 3, the detecting unit 202 determines that the terminal device 2 is located within the home range JH, and detects that the user P is not going out from the home H.

On the other hand, when the position of the terminal device 2 indicated by the position data output from the GPS receiving unit 23 is the position TI2 in fig. 3, the detecting unit 202 determines that the position is outside the home range JH, and detects that the user P is out of the home H. Note that, when the terminal device 2 does not return to the home range from the home range JH to the outside of the range and a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed since the terminal device comes out of the range, the detection unit 202 may detect that the user P has come out of the home H. Thus, when the user P goes and goes on the boundary line of the home range JH, the 1 st user interface UI1 described later in fig. 4 can be prevented from being frequently displayed.

In fig. 3, the home range JH is a circle centered on the home position JI, but the shape of the home range JH is not limited to a circle, and may be another shape such as a rectangle. In fig. 3, the center of the home range JH is the home position JI, but the center of the home range JH is not limited to the home position JI as long as the home range JH includes the home position JI.

Returning to the description of fig. 2, when the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is out of the home H, the operation control unit 203 inquires the user P whether to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1, and when receiving an instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 from the user P, the operation control unit starts the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1. The operation control unit 203 displays various user interfaces on the touch panel 22, and makes an inquiry to the user P as to whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1, and receives an instruction from the user P to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on the touch panel 22 by the operation control unit 203.

When detecting that the user P is out of the home H, the operation control unit 203 causes the touch panel 22 to display the 1 st user interface UI1 as a push notification when the display screen of the touch panel 22 is the non-application screen HAG. The non-application screen HAG indicates a screen other than the application screen AG related to the refrigerator control application 213, such as a home screen.

The 1 st user interface UI1 includes inquiry information J1 inquiring the user P whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1. When the user P touches the 1 st user interface UI1, the operation control unit 203 changes the display screen of the touch panel 22 from the non-application screen HAG to the application screen AG on which the 2 nd user interface UI2 is displayed. When it is detected that the user P is outside the home H, the operation control unit 203 displays the application screen AG by superimposing the 2 nd user interface UI2 on the application screen AG without displaying the 1 st user interface UI1 on the touch panel 22 when the display screen of the touch panel 22 is the application screen AG.

The 2 nd user interface UI2 includes inquiry information J1 inquiring the user P whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1. In addition, the 2 nd user interface UI2 includes a yes button B1 and a no button B2. The yes button B1 is a software button for receiving an instruction from the user P to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1. The no button B2 is a software button for receiving an instruction from the user P not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1.

When the no button B2 is touched by the user P, the operation control unit 203 stops the display of the 2 nd user interface UI2 without starting the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1. On the other hand, when the button B1 is touched by the user P, the operation control unit 203 causes the refrigerator 1 to start the power saving operation and causes the touch panel 22 to display the 3 rd user interface UI3 instead of the 2 nd user interface UI 2.

The 3 rd user interface UI3 includes operation start information J2 indicating that the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 has been started.

Next, the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 according to the present embodiment will be described.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000. In fig. 5, a flowchart FA shows an operation of the terminal device 2, a flowchart FB shows an operation of the refrigerator control server 3, and a flowchart FC shows an operation of the refrigerator 1.

The operation control unit 203 of the terminal control unit 20 of the terminal device 2 determines whether or not the detection unit 202 has detected that the user P is out of the home H based on the detection result from the detection unit 202 (step SA 1).

When the detection unit 202 does not detect that the user P is outside the home H (no in step SA 1), the operation control unit 203 executes the process of step SA1 again.

On the other hand, when the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is out of the home H (yes in step SA 1), the operation control unit 203 displays the 1 st user interface UI1 or the 2 nd user interface UI2 on the touch panel 22, and inquires of the user P whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 (step SA 2).

Next, the operation control unit 203 determines whether or not an instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 is received from the user P (step SA 3). When the "yes" button B1 of the 2 nd user interface UI2 is touched and operated, the operation control unit 203 determines affirmatively in step SA 3.

Next, when determining that the instruction to start the power-saving operation of the refrigerator 1 is not received from the user P (no at step SA 3), the operation control unit 203 determines whether or not the instruction to not start the power-saving operation of the refrigerator 1 is received from the user P (step SA 4). When the no button B2 of the 2 nd user interface UI2 is touch-operated, the operation control unit 203 makes an affirmative determination at step SB 4.

When determining that the instruction to stop the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 has not been received from the user P (no in step SA 4), the operation control unit 203 returns the process to step SA3 and makes the determination in step SA3 again.

On the other hand, when the operation control unit 203 determines that an instruction to stop the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 is received from the user P (yes in step SA 4), the display of the 2 nd user interface UI2 is stopped, and the inquiry as to whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 is ended (step SA 5).

Returning to the description of step SA3, when receiving an instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 (yes in step SA 3), the operation control unit 203 transmits start instruction information indicating the start instruction of the power saving operation to the refrigerator control server 3 via the terminal communication unit 21 (step SA 5). In step SA5, the operation control unit 203 transmits start instruction information to which the user ID3131 stored in the terminal storage unit 210 is added, to the refrigerator control server 3.

Referring to the flowchart FB, the server control unit 30 of the refrigerator control server 3 determines whether or not the start instruction information is received from the terminal device 2 via the server communication unit 31 (step SB 1).

When the server control unit 30 determines that the start instruction information has been received (yes in step SB 1), it refers to the refrigerator control database 313 and specifies the record R including the user ID3131 added to the start instruction information (step SB 2).

The server control unit 30 transmits the start instruction information received from the terminal device 2 to the refrigerator 1 via the server communication unit 31 based on the communication information 3132 included in the specified record R (step SB 3). In step SB3, the server control unit 30 adds the refrigerator ID1613 included in the record R specified in step SB2 and transmits the start instruction information.

Referring to the flowchart FC, the refrigerator control unit 16 of the refrigerator 1 determines whether or not the start instruction information is received from the refrigerator control server 3 via the refrigerator communication unit 17 (step SC 1).

When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the start instruction information has been received (yes in step SC 1), it determines whether or not the refrigerator ID1613 added to the received start instruction information matches the refrigerator ID1613 stored in the refrigerator storage unit 161 (step SC 2).

When determining that the refrigerator ID1613 matches (yes in step SC 2), the refrigerator control unit 16 changes the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the power-saving operation mode, and starts the power-saving operation (step SC 3).

On the other hand, when the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the refrigerator IDs 1613 do not match (no in step SC 2), it ends the present process. That is, the refrigerator control unit 16 does not change the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the power saving operation mode, and does not start the power saving operation.

In this manner, the refrigerator control unit 16 starts the power saving operation only when the refrigerator ID1613 added to the start instruction information matches the refrigerator ID1613 stored in the refrigerator storage unit 161. This provides the following effects. If the power-saving operation is started without depending on the refrigerator ID1613, if the communication information 3132 associated with the refrigerator ID1613 is not appropriate information in the refrigerator control database 313, the refrigerator 1 may start the power-saving operation, which is not intended by the user P. For example, if the address on the network is changed due to a change in the setting location of the refrigerator 1 such as a move, if the refrigerator control database 313 is not updated appropriately, there is a possibility that the refrigerator 1 may start the power saving operation, which is not intended by the user P. Thus, as in the case of the refrigerator control unit 16 described above, the power-saving operation is started only when the refrigerator ID1613 added to the start instruction information matches the refrigerator ID1613 stored in the refrigerator storage unit 161, and thus the refrigerator 1 desired by the user P can be reliably started to perform the power-saving operation.

Returning to the description of flowchart FC, when the refrigerator control unit 16 starts the power saving operation, it determines whether or not an end trigger has occurred (step SC 4).

When determining that the end trigger has not occurred (no at step SC 4), the refrigerator control unit 16 continues the power saving operation and executes the process at step SC4 again.

When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the end trigger has occurred (yes at step SC 4), the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is changed from the power saving operation mode to the normal operation mode, and the power saving operation is ended (step SC 5).

As described above, the refrigerator control application 213 causes the terminal control unit 20 of the terminal device 2 that can communicate with the refrigerator 1 via the global network GN to function as: a detection unit 202 that detects whether or not a user P in the refrigerator 1 has left the home H in which the refrigerator 1 is installed; and an operation control unit 203 that inquires of the user P whether to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 when the detection unit 202 detects that the user is out, and causes the refrigerator 1 to start the power saving operation when the user P receives an instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1.

According to this configuration, when receiving an instruction from the user P to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator 1 is started to start the power saving operation, so that the refrigerator 1 can be started to start the power saving operation as intended by the user P who has gone outside from the home H.

The operation control unit 203 inquires of the user P whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 every time the detection unit 202 detects going out.

According to this configuration, since the refrigerator 1 does not automatically start the power saving operation every time the user P goes out from the home H, the refrigerator 1 can reliably start the power saving operation as intended by the user P going out from the home H.

When the terminal device 2 is outside the home range JH, the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is outside the home H.

According to this configuration, since the detection is performed based on the location of the terminal device 2 of the user P, it is possible to more reliably detect whether or not the user P of the terminal device 2 has left out from the home H. This makes it possible to make an inquiry as to whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 at the exact time when the user P goes out from the home H.

The terminal device 2 has a touch panel 22. The operation control unit 203 causes the touch panel 22 to display a2 nd user interface UI2 for receiving an instruction from the user P whether to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1. When receiving an instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 via the 2 nd user interface UI2, the operation control unit 203 starts the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1.

According to this configuration, when an instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 is received via the 2 nd user interface UI2 displayed on the touch panel 22, the refrigerator 1 is started to perform the power saving operation, and therefore, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the terminal apparatus 2 erroneously receives the instruction due to, for example, the voice of the user P. This makes it possible to reliably start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 in accordance with the intention of the user P who goes out of the home H.

The refrigerator control application 213 is an application program that the terminal device 2 can follow.

With this configuration, the terminal device 2 not having the function of starting the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 can be configured as the terminal device 2 having the function by installing the refrigerator control application 213. This makes it possible to form the terminal device 2 for general use as the terminal device 2 capable of starting the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 in accordance with the intention of the user P who has gone outside from the home H.

The terminal device 2 capable of communicating with the refrigerator 1 via the global network GN includes a terminal control unit 20 that detects whether or not the user P of the refrigerator 1 is outside the home H in which the refrigerator 1 is installed, and when it is detected that the user P is outside, inquires the user P whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1, and when an instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 is received from the user P, starts the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1.

The refrigerator control system 1000 includes a terminal device 2 and a refrigerator 1 that can communicate with the terminal device 2 via a global network GN. The terminal device 2 detects whether or not the user P of the refrigerator 1 is outside the home where the refrigerator 1 is installed, and when the user P is detected to be outside, inquires the user P whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1, and when receiving an instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 from the user P, transmits start instruction information indicating the start instruction of the power saving operation to the refrigerator 1. The refrigerator 1 starts the power saving operation when receiving the start instruction information.

After the power saving operation is started, the refrigerator 1 ends the power saving operation when the opening and closing of at least one of the left door 11A, the right door 11B, and the

drawers

12A, 13A, 14A, and 15A of the refrigerator 1 is first detected.

When the opening and closing of at least one of the left door 11A, the right door 11B, and the

drawers

12A, 13A, 14A, and 15A of the refrigerator 1 is first detected after the power saving operation is started, there is a high possibility that the user P will return home. This enables the power saving operation started when the user P goes out to be ended at an appropriate timing.

The refrigerator 1 ends the power saving operation after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the power saving operation.

According to this configuration, since the power saving operation is terminated after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the power saving operation, the power saving operation by going out can be terminated at the time when the user P returns home and at the time before and after the user P returns home, which is highly likely. This enables the power saving operation started when the user P goes out to be ended at an appropriate timing.

[ 2 nd embodiment ]

Next, embodiment 2 will be described.

In the description of embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the refrigerator 1, the terminal device 2, and the refrigerator control server 3 of embodiment 1, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

In embodiment 1, the operation control unit 203 is configured to ask the user P whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 every time the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is out of the home H. In embodiment 2, when the setting unit 201 makes a setting without making an inquiry as to whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1, the operation control unit 203 automatically starts the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 without making the inquiry.

With reference to fig. 6, the operation of the operation control unit 203 will be described in the case where the setting unit 201 performs a setting that does not inquire whether to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on the touch panel 22 by the operation control unit 203. In the description of fig. 6, the setting unit 201 does not make any setting to inquire whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1.

When detecting that the user P is out of the home H and the display screen of the touch panel 22 is the non-application screen HAG, the operation control unit 203 causes the 1 st user interface UI1 to be displayed on the touch panel 22 as a push notification. When the user P touches the 1 st user interface UI1, the operation control unit 203 changes the display screen of the touch panel 22 from the non-application screen HAG to the application screen AG on which the 4 th user interface UI4 is displayed. When detecting that the user P is out of the home H, the operation control unit 203 causes the touch panel 22 to display the application screen AG while superimposing the 4 th user interface UI4 on the application screen AG without displaying the 1 st user interface UI1 on the touch panel 22.

The 4 th user interface UI4 includes inquiry information J1, a "yes" button B1, and a "no" button B2. In addition, the 4 th user interface UI4 includes a checkbox B3. The checkbox B3 is a checkbox for accepting an instruction to not display the 1 st user interface UI1 and the 4 th user interface UI4 when the detection unit 202 detects that the user P has gone outside from the home H. That is, the checkbox B3 is a checkbox for receiving an instruction not to ask whether to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1.

When the no button B2 is touched by the user P, the operation control unit 203 stops the display of the 4 th user interface UI4 on the touch panel 22 without starting the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1.

When the yes button B1 is touched by the user P, the operation control unit 203 causes the refrigerator 1 to start the power saving operation, and causes the touch panel 22 to display the 3 rd user interface UI3 instead of the 4 th user interface UI 4.

Here, when the "yes" button B1 is touched and operated by the user P in a state where no check is input in the check frame B3, the operation control unit 203 outputs to the setting unit 201 that no instruction to make the 1 st user interface UI1 and the 4 th user interface UI4 not displayed has been received. When this is input from the operation control unit 203, the setting unit 201 does not make a setting to ask whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1.

On the other hand, when the "yes" button B1 is touched and operated by the user P in a state where the check is input in the check frame B3, the operation control unit 203 outputs to the setting unit 201 a message that an instruction to not display the 1 st user interface UI1 and the 4 th user interface UI4 is received. When this is input from the operation control unit 203, the setting unit 201 performs a setting that does not inquire whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1.

Next, the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 according to embodiment 2 will be described.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 according to embodiment 2. In fig. 7, as in fig. 5, a flowchart FA shows an operation of the terminal device 2, a flowchart FB shows an operation of the refrigerator control server 3, and a flowchart FC shows an operation of the refrigerator 1.

In fig. 7, the same steps as those in the flowchart shown in fig. 5 are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

When the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is going out from the home H (yes in step SA 1), the operation control unit 203 of the terminal control unit 20 of the terminal device 2 determines whether or not the setting unit 201 has performed a setting that does not inquire whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 (step SA 10).

If it is determined that the setting unit 201 has made a setting that does not inquire whether to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 (yes in step SA 10), the operation control unit 203 executes the processing after step SA 6.

On the other hand, when the operation control unit 203 determines that the setting unit 201 has not made a setting to not inquire whether to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 (no at step SA 10), it displays the 1 st user interface UI1 or the 4 th user interface UI4 on the touch panel 22 and inquires of the user P whether to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 (step SA 11).

Next, the operation control unit 203 determines whether or not an instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 is received from the user P (step SA 12). When the yes button B1 of the 4 th user interface UI4 is touched, the operation control unit 203 determines affirmatively at step SA 12.

Next, when the operation control unit 203 determines that the instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 is not received from the user P (no in step SA 12), it determines whether the instruction to stop the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 is received from the user P (step SA 13). When the no button B2 of the 4 th user interface UI4 is touched and operated, the operation control unit 203 makes an affirmative determination in step SA 13.

When the operation control unit 203 determines that an instruction to stop the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 has not been received from the user P (no at step SA 13), the process returns to step SA12, and the determination at step SA12 is performed again.

On the other hand, when determining that the instruction to stop the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 is received from the user P (yes in step SA 13), the operation control unit 203 stops the display of the 4 th user interface UI4 and ends the inquiry as to whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 (step SA 14).

Returning to the explanation of step SA12, when receiving an instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 (yes in step SA 12), the operation control unit 203 transmits start instruction information indicating the start instruction of the power saving operation to the refrigerator control server 3 via the terminal communication unit 21 (step SA 6).

As described above, when the operation control unit 203 according to embodiment 2 receives an instruction from the user P not to inquire whether to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1, the operation control unit causes the refrigerator 1 to start the power saving operation without inquiring whether to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1 even when the detection unit 202 detects going out.

Thus, when receiving an instruction from the user P not to ask whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator 1, the user P does not need to instruct the terminal device 2 every time the user P goes out of the home H in the case where the refrigerator 1 is automatically started to start the power saving operation. This enables the refrigerator 1 to start the power saving operation according to the intention of the user P who has gone out of the home H, and avoids the trouble of the user P when the refrigerator 1 is started to start the power saving operation.

The above embodiments are merely examples of one embodiment of the present invention, and any modifications and applications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

For example, the detection unit 202 may detect whether or not the user P is out from the home H in cooperation with an application program having a display function, a navigation function, or the like of the current location, a so-called map application. For example, the detection unit 202 may determine that the user P is outside the home H when the communication connection between the terminal apparatus 2 and the communication apparatus 4 is disconnected. Alternatively, for example, the detection unit 202 may determine that the user P is out of the home H when the connection between the terminal apparatus 2 and a mobile station covering an area including the home is disconnected and a connection between the terminal apparatus 2 and a mobile station covering an area not including the home is established.

For example, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the refrigerator 1 shifts the operation mode from the normal operation mode to the power saving operation mode when the refrigerator 2 starts the power saving operation is exemplified, but the operation mode for starting the shift is not limited to the normal operation mode, and may be any mode as long as it is an operation mode other than the power saving operation mode and consumes more power than the power saving operation mode. In each of the above embodiments, the case where the refrigerator 1 shifts the operation mode from the power saving operation mode to the normal operation mode when the refrigerator 2 finishes the power saving operation is exemplified, but the operation mode to be shifted is not limited to the normal operation mode, and may be any mode as long as it is an operation mode other than the power saving operation mode and consumes more power than the power saving operation mode.

For example, in each of the above embodiments, the configuration in which the refrigerator ID1613 is added when the refrigerator control server 3 transmits the start instruction information to the refrigerator 1 has been described, but the refrigerator control server 3 may transmit the start instruction information to the refrigerator 1 without adding the refrigerator ID1613. In the case of this configuration, when the refrigerator 1 receives the start instruction information from the refrigerator control server 1, the power saving operation is started without executing the processing of step SC2 shown in fig. 5 and 7. In this configuration, the refrigerator storage unit 161 may not store the refrigerator ID1613. In this configuration, the refrigerator ID1613 may not be included in the 1 record R stored in the refrigerator control database 313.

In addition, for example, the kinds of compartments formed in the main body 10 of the refrigerator are not limited to the refrigerating compartment 11, the ice making compartment 12, the fresh freezing compartment 13, the freezing compartment 14, and the vegetable compartment 15, and other kinds of compartments may be at least, or may be further formed. The number of doors provided in the front opening of refrigerating room 11 may be 1.

The functions of the refrigerator control unit 16, the terminal control unit 20, and the server control unit 30 may be realized by a plurality of processors or semiconductor chips.

The components shown in fig. 2 are examples, and the specific mounting method is not particularly limited. That is, it is not necessary to install hardware that corresponds to each unit independently, and it is needless to say that a single processor may be used to execute a program to realize the functions of each unit. In the above-described embodiments, a part of the functions realized by software may be realized by hardware, or a part of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software. The specific details of the other components of refrigerator 1, terminal device 2, and refrigerator control server 3 may be modified as desired without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, the step units of the operations shown in fig. 5 and 7 are steps of dividing the refrigerator control system 1000 according to the main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of the operations of the respective units, and the present invention should not be limited to the division method and name of the processing unit. More step units may be divided according to the processing contents. Further, the division may be performed so that 1 step unit includes more processes. The order of the steps can be appropriately changed within a range not to hinder the gist of the present invention.

Industrial applicability of the invention

As described above, the program, the terminal device, and the refrigerator control system according to the present invention can be used for starting the power saving operation of the refrigerator by the terminal device.

Description of the reference numerals

1. Cold storage

2. Terminal device

3. Refrigerator control server

11A left door (door)

11B Right door (door)

12A, 13A, 14A, 15A drawer

20. Terminal control unit (control unit)

22. Touch panel (display part)

202. Detection part

203. Operation control unit

213. Refrigerator control application (program, application)

1000. Refrigerator control system

GN Global network (network)

H family

HAG application picture

JH Home Range (Range set as self-family)

P-user

UI2 nd 2 user interface (user interface)

UI4 user interface 4 (user interface).

Claims

1. A program, characterized by:

a control unit of a terminal device capable of communicating with a refrigerator via a network functions as a detection unit and an operation control unit,

the detection unit detects whether or not a user of the refrigerator has gone outside from home where the refrigerator is installed,

the operation control unit inquires the user whether to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator when the detection unit detects going out, and starts the power saving operation of the refrigerator when receiving an instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator from the user.

2. The program of claim 1, wherein:

the operation control unit inquires of the user whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator every time the detection unit detects going out.

3. The program of claim 1, wherein:

the operation control unit causes the refrigerator to start the power saving operation without making an inquiry as to whether or not to start the power saving operation even if the detection unit detects going out, in a case where an instruction is received from the user not to inquire as to whether or not to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator.

4. A program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that:

the detection unit detects that the user has gone out from home when the terminal device is outside the range set as the home.

5. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that:

the terminal device is provided with a display part,

the operation control unit is configured to control the operation of the motor,

causing the display unit to display a user interface for receiving an instruction from the user whether to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator, and causing the display unit to display a program for executing the program

When an instruction to start a power-saving operation of the refrigerator is received via the user interface, the refrigerator is started to perform the power-saving operation.

6. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that:

the program is an application program that can be installed in the terminal device.

7. A terminal device capable of communicating with a refrigerator via a network, the terminal device characterized in that:

has a control unit for detecting whether or not a user of the refrigerator is outside from home where the refrigerator is installed,

inquiring the user whether to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator when the user is detected to be out,

when receiving an instruction from the user to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator, the refrigerator is started to perform the power saving operation.

8. A refrigerator control system having a terminal device, and a refrigerator communicable with the terminal device via a network, characterized in that:

the terminal device is provided with a plurality of terminals,

inquiring the user as to whether to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator when the user is detected to be out of the home, transmitting start instruction information indicating an instruction to start the power saving operation to the refrigerator when an instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator is received from the user,

the refrigerator starts the power saving operation when receiving the start instruction information.

9. The refrigerator control system of claim 8, wherein:

the refrigerator terminates the power saving operation when opening and closing of at least one of a door and a drawer of the refrigerator is first detected after the power saving operation is started.

10. A refrigerator control system as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein:

the refrigerator terminates the power saving operation after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the power saving operation.

11. A method of controlling the refrigerator, characterized by:

determining whether or not the position of a terminal device carried by a user of a refrigerator is outside a predetermined range including the position where the refrigerator is installed,

providing a user interface to the terminal device in response to a determination that the location of the terminal device is outside the predetermined range, the user interface for receiving an instruction from the user as to whether to cause the refrigerator to start power saving operation,

when receiving an instruction to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator via the user interface, start instruction information that instructs an operation to start the power saving operation of the refrigerator is transmitted to the refrigerator via a network that communicatively connects the terminal device and the refrigerator.