CN116971150A

CN116971150A - Program, laundry machine, and laundry system

Info

Publication number: CN116971150A
Application number: CN202310224835.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 川口弘晓
Original assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corp
Priority date: 2022-04-28
Filing date: 2023-03-09
Publication date: 2023-10-31
Also published as: JP2023163909A

Abstract

The invention provides a program, a clothes treating machine and a clothes treating system capable of improving the use convenience. The program according to the embodiment is a program for causing a computer of a terminal device to realize an information function section related to a laundry machine. The laundry machine has: an operation panel; and an information transmitting unit that transmits information indicating the operation contents set or selected by the setting-related operation to the terminal device or the server when the setting-related operation for setting or selecting the operation contents of the laundry machine is accepted by the operation panel. The information function unit includes a display control unit that changes information displayed on a display device of the terminal device in accordance with the received information indicating the operation content when the information indicating the operation content is received from the laundry machine directly or via the server.

Description

Program, laundry machine, and laundry system

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a program, a laundry machine, and a laundry treatment system.

Background

A system for a washing machine application including a laundry machine and a terminal device capable of communicating with the laundry machine is known. However, for the laundry machine or the system related to the laundry machine, improvement in use convenience is expected.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 2021-186184

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The present invention provides a program, a clothes treating machine and a clothes treating system capable of improving the use convenience.

Means for solving the problems

The program according to the embodiment is a program for causing a computer of a terminal device to realize an information function section related to a laundry machine. The laundry machine has: an operation panel; and an information transmitting unit that transmits information indicating the operation contents set or selected by the setting-related operation to the terminal device or the server when the setting-related operation for setting or selecting the operation contents of the laundry machine is accepted by the operation panel. The information function unit includes a display control unit that changes information displayed on a display device of the terminal device according to the received information indicating the operation content when the information indicating the operation content is received directly from the laundry machine or received via the server.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, a program, a laundry machine, and a laundry treatment system that can achieve improvement in use convenience can be provided.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a laundry treatment system according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view showing the laundry machine of the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the operation panel according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the control device according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the server according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a view showing a screen displayed on the display screen according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a sequence chart showing a flow of processing at the time of starting up the laundry machine of the first embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a view showing a screen displayed when status information is not received from the laundry machine of the first embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of the synchronization processing shown in the first embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a change in display of the operation panel according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a change in display of a display screen of the terminal device according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining a display related to the available options of the first embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a display of the terminal device after the option of the first embodiment is set.

Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a display of the operation panel after the option of the first embodiment is set.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a display of an operation panel in a case where an application program of the first embodiment is in the process of setting.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a display of the terminal device in a case where the application program of the first embodiment is in the process of setting.

Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a display of the terminal device in the case where the automatic input device according to the first embodiment is set.

Fig. 19 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of the synchronization processing shown in the second embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a change in display of the operation panel according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 21 is a diagram showing a change in display of a display screen of the terminal device according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a change in display of the operation panel according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 23 is a diagram showing a change in display of a display screen of the terminal device according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 24 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the display of the first to third embodiments.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a program, a laundry machine, and a laundry system according to embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to components having the same or similar functions. In addition, a repetitive description of these structures may be omitted. "based on XX" means "based at least on XX" and may include cases based on other elements in addition to XX. The term "XX-based" is not limited to the case where XX is directly used, but may include the case where XX is calculated or processed. "XX or YY" is not limited to either XX or YY, and may include both XX and YY. The same applies to the case where the number of selection elements is 3 or more. "XX" and "YY" are arbitrary elements (for example, arbitrary information). The "acquisition" of the present application is not limited to the case of actively acquiring the transmission request, and may include the case of passively receiving information transmitted from another device. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the operation unit may be referred to as a "button".

(first embodiment)

As the first embodiment, the laundry treatment system 1 will be described, and the laundry treatment system 1 changes the content of the display device 301 displayed on the terminal device 300 in synchronization with the operation of the user U who receives a setting from the laundry treatment machine 100 or selects the operation content of the laundry treatment machine 100.

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a laundry treatment system 1 according to a first embodiment. The laundry treatment system 1 includes, for example, the laundry treatment machine 100, the server 200, and the home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300. In addition, the laundry treatment system 1 may be realized by the home appliance management application APP of the laundry treatment machine 100 and the terminal device 300, instead of the server 200. The network NW described later may be, for example, the internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), or other public lines, private lines, or the like, depending on the situation.

The laundry machine 100 is an electronic device mainly used in a home. "laundry machine" refers broadly to a device that performs certain treatments on laundry (e.g., one or more of washing, drying, wrinkle removal, crease strengthening, deodorizing, pollen removal, dust removal, or sterilization). The laundry machine 100 is, for example, a washing machine, but a closet type cleaning machine or the like is also suitable. The laundry machine 100 is installed in a user U's residence, and is connected to a network NW via a wireless router WR and a modem M installed in the user U's residence. The laundry machine 100 can communicate with the server 200 or the terminal device 300 via the network NW.

The server 200 is a management server that manages the laundry machine 100. Server 200 is made up of one or more server devices (e.g., cloud servers). Server 200 may also be referred to as a "server system". The server 200 can communicate with the laundry machine 100 or the terminal device 300 via the network NW. The server 200 may include an information processing unit that performs edge calculation or fog calculation, such as an information processing unit included in a router in the network NW. The server 200 is not limited to the cloud server, and may be a computer at the residence of the user U, a router in the home (for example, a wireless router WR), or the like.

The terminal apparatus 300 is a terminal apparatus for use by the user U. The terminal device 300 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smart phone or tablet terminal device. The terminal device 300 is not limited to a portable terminal device, and may be a personal computer or the like. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, a display device 301, an input device 302, and a communication unit 303. The display device 301 has a display screen 301a capable of displaying various information. The input device 302 can accept an input from the user U. The input device 302 is, for example, a touch panel provided to overlap with the display screen 301a of the display device 301. The input device 302 may include a camera, microphone, etc. provided to the terminal device 300. The communication unit 303 is a communication module capable of wireless communication. The communication unit 303 is connected to the network NW via the wireless router WR and the modem M or directly. The communication unit 303 can communicate with the laundry machine 100 or the server 200 via the network NW.

The terminal device 300 is provided with an application P, and supports functions described below. The application P is, for example, an application for managing the laundry machine 100. In the present embodiment, application software started by executing the application program P is referred to as "home appliance management application APP". The application program P is an example of a "program".

< 2. Laundry treating machine >)

Next, the laundry machine 100 will be described by taking a drum-type washing machine as an example. The following description does not limit the scope of the "laundry machine" or "washing machine" of the present application. The laundry machine is not limited to a drum-type washing machine, and may be a vertical-type washing machine. The laundry machine may be a washing machine having no drying function, or may be a dryer.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view showing the laundry machine 100. The laundry machine 100 includes, for example, a casing (outer casing) 111, an operation panel 112, a washing mechanism 120, a drying mechanism 130, a communication unit 140, and a control device 150.

The casing 111 is a member forming an outline of the laundry machine 100. The housing 111 is formed in a rectangular box shape.

The operation panel 112 is a panel on which the user U operates the laundry machine 100. The operation panel 112 is provided at a front end portion of the upper surface of the housing 111, for example. The operation panel 112 includes, for example, a plurality of operation sections and a plurality of light-emitting sections. Details of the operation panel 112 will be described later.

The washing mechanism 120 includes, for example, a tub 121, a drum (spin tub) 122, a motor 123, a water supply device 124, and an automatic input device 125. The tub 121 is provided in the housing 111, and is elastically supported via a suspension not shown. The drum 122 is rotatably provided within the tub 121. The motor 123 is provided at the rear of the tub 121 and is connected to the drum 122 via a rotation shaft. The motor 123 rotationally drives the drum 122 via a rotation shaft. The water supply device 124 is provided above the tub 121.

The automatic loading device 125 is a device for automatically loading the laundry treatment agent into the drum 122. "laundry treatment" broadly refers to treatments used in the treatment of laundry, including detergents, softeners, bleaches, deodorants, fragrances, and the like. The automatic dispensing device 125 includes, for example, a tank for automatically dispensing detergent and a tank for automatically dispensing softener. The automatic loading device 125 may have 3 or more tanks. The amount and timing of automatic laundry treatment agent input are preset according to the operation program.

The drying means 130 includes, for example, a circulation air path 131, a heat pump 132, and a blower 133. The circulation air path 131 connects the tub 121 with the heat pump 132, and circulates the drying air between the tub 121 and the heat pump 132. The heat pump 132 is a heating device provided in the circulation duct 131. The heat pump 132 heats the dry air passing through the circulation air path. In addition, the laundry machine 100 may have a heater for heating the drying air instead of the heat pump 132. The blower 133 is provided in the circulation duct 131, and circulates the drying air between the tub 121 and the heat pump 132 via the circulation duct 131.

The communication unit 140 is, for example, a communication module capable of wireless communication. The communication unit 140 is connected to the network NW via the wireless router WR and the modem M, and communicates with the server 200 or the terminal device 300 via the network NW.

The control device 150 integrally controls the laundry machine 100. The control device 150 will be described in detail later.

Next, the operation panel 112 will be described.

Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the operation panel 112. The operation panel 112 includes a plurality of buttons B1 to B14 and a plurality of light emitting portions 112a and 112B. Buttons B1 to B14 are examples of "operation portions", respectively. In the drawings described below, hatched portions indicate that the light emitting portion 112a or the light emitting portion 112b is in a light emitting state.

The plurality of buttons B1 to B14 receive an operation of the user U for setting the operation content of the laundry machine 100. The "operation contents of the laundry machine" are, for example, an operation program, various options available in association with the operation program, and the like. An "operation program" is an operation in which one or more of washing, rinsing, dehydrating, or drying are different from those of a basic operation. Examples of the operation program include a sterilization program for blowing warm air to laundry, a quality program corresponding to delicate laundry, an energy saving program having an operation time shorter than usual or a rotation speed of the drum 122 smaller, and the like. On the other hand, the "option" is an additional function that can be utilized in each running program. Examples of the options include the presence or absence of bath water, the presence or absence of a hot water function, the presence or absence of automatic detergent input, and the like.

The button B1 is a button for setting whether or not bath water is used. The button B1 can be repeatedly pressed by the button B1 to set an operation (a washing operation and a rinsing operation) for using the bath water. For example, by pressing the button B1 times, it is set that bath water is used in the washing operation. By pressing the button B1 2 times, it is set that bath water is used in the rinsing operation. By pressing the 3-time button B1, it is set that bath water is used for both the washing operation and the rinsing operation.

The button B2 is a button for setting whether or not to use hot water. Further, the button B2 can be repeatedly pressed to set the temperature of the hot water (15 ℃,30 ℃, …). For example, by pressing the button B2 1 time, the temperature of the hot water is set to 15 ℃. By pressing the button B2 times, the temperature of the hot water was set to 30 ℃. By pressing the button B2 3 times, the temperature of the hot water was set to 40 ℃.

The button B3 is a button for setting the amount (more, standard, less) of the detergent to be injected by the automatic injection device 125. The button B4 is a button for setting the amount (more, standard, less) of the softener to be charged by the automatic charging device 125.

The button B5 is a button for making a setting related to reservation. The button B6 is a button for setting the length of the washing time. For example, by pressing the button B2 1 time, the temperature of the hot water is set to 15 ℃. By pressing the button B2 times, the temperature of the hot water was set to 30 ℃. The button B7 is a button for setting the length of the rinsing time. The button B8 is a button for setting the length of the dehydration time. The button B9 is a button for setting the length of the drying time.

The button B10 is a button for setting the cleaning operation. The "washing operation" is an operation including a washing operation, a rinsing operation, and a dehydrating operation, and does not include a drying operation. Further, by repeatedly pressing the button B10, the button B10 can set an operation program to be executed from a plurality of operation programs registered in advance in the laundry machine 100. For example, by pressing the button B10 1 time, "standard program" is set as the running program. By pressing the button B10 2 times, "2 washing programs" are set as the running program. By pressing the button B10 3 times, the "quick wash program" is set as the running program.

Likewise, the button B11 is a button for setting the washing and drying operation. The "washing and drying operation" is an operation including a washing operation and a drying operation. The button B12 is a button for setting the drying operation. The button B13 is a button for setting maintenance operation. The button B14 is a button for instructing the start or temporary stop of the operation. Hereinafter, the buttons B1 to B14 are simply referred to as "buttons B" unless they are distinguished.

The plurality of buttons B1 to B14 may be used in place of or in addition to the operation of the user U for setting the operation contents of the laundry machine 100, to accept the operation for selecting the operation contents of the laundry machine 100. In the present application, "setting" means that the operation content is specified without accompanying an operation on an operation section different from the operation section for selecting the operation content (i.e., reflected in the actually executed operation). On the other hand, in the present application, "selecting" means that the selected operation content is not reflected in the operation actually performed only by the operation of the operation section for selecting the operation content, and the operation content is specified (that is, reflected in the operation actually performed) by the operation of the operation section (for example, the operation section for setting such as the operation section B22 shown in fig. 7) different from the operation section for selecting the operation content.

The plurality of display portions 112a and 112B include, for example, a plurality of light-emitting portions 112a provided so as to overlap the buttons B1 to B14, and a plurality of light-emitting portions 112B provided so as to correspond to the respective description displays N provided on the operation panel 112. The light emitting unit 112a emits light from a light emitting unit of a button corresponding to an operation in the setting (or selection) among the buttons B1 to B14, for example, and reports the operation in the setting (or selection) to the user U. The light emitting unit 112b emits light, for example, by a light emitting unit of the description display N corresponding to the content in the setting (or in the selection) among the various description displays N provided on the operation panel 112, and reports the operation content in the setting to the user U. The various explanatory displays N are displays showing operation programs or options in settings such as whether or not bath water is used, the use timing, whether or not hot water is used, the temperature of hot water, the amount of detergent, the amount of softener, and the operation program (standard program, quick program, energy saving program, …).

For example, in the example shown in fig. 3, a standard program is set in the cleaning operation. The automatic addition of the detergent and the softener is set, and the addition amount of the detergent and the softener can be set from "more" and "standard" and "less". In the example shown in fig. 3, both the detergent and the softener are set to "standard".

The light emitting portions 112a and 112b are, for example, light emitting diodes, but are not limited thereto. In fig. 3, for convenience of explanation, the entire area of each button B and the area of each explanation display N are shown as emitting light, but the light emitting portions 112a and 112B may be point light sources provided corresponding to each button B or each explanation display N, or may be light sources or the like that emit light only from the entire area of each button B and the characters included in each explanation display N.

The operation panel 112 is not limited to the above example. For example, the operation panel 112 may include a display device or an input device instead of the above-described configuration. The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) device, and has a display screen. The input device is, for example, a touch panel provided so as to overlap with the display screen.

Next, the control device 150 will be described. The control device 150 is mainly composed of a computer composed of CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the control device 150. The control device 150 includes, for example, a control unit 151, a display control unit 152, an operation receiving unit 153, and an information transmitting unit 154. All or part of these functional units are realized by executing a program (software) by a hardware processor such as a CPU. However, all or part of these functional units may be realized by hardware (circuit unit; including circuit) such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or discrete circuits, or may be realized by cooperation of software and hardware.

(control part)

The control unit 151 controls the washing mechanism 120, the drying mechanism 130, and the like to perform a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a dehydrating operation, a drying operation, and the like based on the laundry machine 100.

(display control section)

The display control unit 152 controls the plurality of light emitting units 112a and 112b of the operation panel 112. For example, the display control unit 152 causes the light emitting unit of the plurality of light emitting units 112a and 112b to emit light in accordance with the operation contents of the laundry machine 100, which have been set or selected by the operation receiving unit 153.

(operation receiving section)

The operation receiving unit 153 receives an operation input to the user U of the laundry machine 100 through the operation panel 112. For example, the operation receiving unit 153 receives an operation (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "setting-related operation") of the user U that sets or selects the operation contents of the laundry machine 100 through the operation panel 112. The setting related operation is, for example, an operation of pressing one or more of the buttons B1 to B15 of the operation panel 112 one or more times.

(information transmitting section)

The information transmitting unit 154 transmits various information to the server 200 via the communication unit 140. When a setting-related operation for setting or selecting the operation content of laundry machine 100 is received by operation receiving unit 153, information transmitting unit 154 transmits information (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "state information C1") indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation to server 200.

Here, in the present application, the "operation for accepting a setting or selecting" is not limited to the case where both of the "operation for accepting a setting" and the "operation for accepting a selection" are implemented by the laundry machine 100 (or the terminal device 300), but may include the case where only one of the "operation for accepting a setting" and the "operation for accepting a selection" is implemented. That is, in the present application, the term "receiving a setting or a setting related operation of selecting an operation content" may include a case where an operation of setting an operation content is received in a laundry machine (or a terminal device) having no function of receiving an operation of selecting an operation content but only an operation of setting an operation content.

In the present embodiment, when a plurality of setting-related operations are accepted before one operation program or option of laundry machine 100 is specified, information transmitting unit 154 transmits, to server 200, state information C1 indicating the operation contents set or selected by the setting-related operation, each time the setting-related operation is accepted. In the present application, "before determining an operating program or option" means, for example, "during the selection of an operating program" or "during the selection of an option".

In the present application, the "transmitting information indicating the operation content when a plurality of setting-related operations are accepted before one operation program or option is determined" is not limited to the case of transmitting information indicating the operation content when a plurality of setting-related operations are accepted before one operation program is determined "and the case of transmitting information indicating the operation content when a plurality of setting-related operations are accepted before one option is determined" both sides are implemented by the laundry machine 100 (or the terminal device 300), and may include the case of transmitting only "transmitting information indicating the operation content when a plurality of setting-related operations are accepted before one operation program is determined" or the case of transmitting information indicating the operation content when a plurality of setting-related operations are accepted before one option is determined ". That is, in the present application, "transmitting information indicating the operation content when a plurality of setting-related operations are accepted before one operation program or option is determined" may include a case where only "transmitting information indicating the operation content when a plurality of setting-related operations are accepted before one operation program is determined" is performed and "transmitting information indicating the operation content when a plurality of setting-related operations are accepted before one option is determined" is not performed ".

In the present embodiment, when the same button B included in the operation panel 112 is repeatedly pressed as a setting-related operation to change the operation content (that is, when the specified operation content (for example, an operation program or an option) is sequentially switched every time the same button B is repeatedly pressed), the information transmitting unit 154 transmits, to the server 200, the state information C1 indicating the operation content set or selected by the operation every time the operation of pressing the button B is received. In the present embodiment, when the same button B is repeatedly pressed during selection of one operation program, the information transmitting unit 154 transmits, to the server 200, state information C1 indicating the operation program set or selected by the operation every time the operation of pressing the button B is received. When the same button B is repeatedly pressed during selection of one option, the information transmitting unit 154 transmits, to the server 200, state information C1 indicating the option set or selected by the operation every time the operation of pressing the button B is accepted.

For example, when the button B10 is pressed 3 times as the operation program to set the "energy saving program", that is, when the button B10 is pressed 1 time to set the "standard program", the button B10 is pressed 1 time to set the "2 times the washing program", and the button B10 is pressed 1 time to set the "quick washing program", the information transmitting unit 154 performs the following processing. That is, the information transmitting unit 154 transmits the state information C1 indicating that the "standard program" is set to the server 200 when the button B10 is pressed 1 time, transmits the state information CI indicating that the "2-time washing program" is set to the server 200 when the button B10 is pressed 1 time, and transmits the state information C1 indicating that the "quick washing program" is set to the server 200 when the button B10 is pressed 1 time.

Similarly, when the button B1 is pressed 3 times to set "use bath water in both the washing operation and the rinsing operation" as an option, that is, when the button B1 is pressed to set "use bath water in the washing operation", the button B1 is pressed 1 time to set "use bath water in the rinsing operation", and the button B1 is pressed 1 time to set "use bath water in both the washing operation and the rinsing operation", the information transmitting unit 154 performs the following processing. That is, the information transmitting unit 154 transmits, to the server 200, the state information C1 indicating that "bath water is used in the washing operation" is set when the button B1 is pressed 1 time, transmits, to the server 200, the state information C1 indicating that "bath water is used in the rinsing operation" is set when the button B1 is pressed 1 time, and transmits, to the server 200, the state information C1 indicating that "bath water is used in both the washing operation and the rinsing operation" is set when the button B10 is pressed 1 time.

The information transmitting unit 154 may directly transmit the state information C1 to the terminal device 300 instead of transmitting the state information C1 to the server 200. In this case, the communication unit 112 may directly communicate with the communication unit 303 of the terminal apparatus 300 via, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

< 3 Server >)

Next, the server 200 will be described.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the server 200. The server 200 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 210 and an information transmission unit 220.

When the operation receiving unit 153 of the laundry machine 100 receives a setting-related operation for setting or selecting the operation content of the laundry machine 100, the information obtaining unit 210 obtains, from the laundry machine 100, state information C1 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation. In the present embodiment, the information acquisition unit 210 acquires, from the laundry machine 100, state information C1 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation every time the setting-related operation is received by the operation reception unit 153 of the laundry machine 100.

When a setting-related operation for setting or selecting the operation content of the laundry machine 100 is received by the operation receiving unit 330 of the terminal device 300, which will be described later, the information obtaining unit 210 obtains, from the terminal device 300, state information C2 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation. In the present embodiment, the information acquisition unit 210 acquires, from the terminal device 300, state information C2 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation every time the setting-related operation is received by the operation reception unit 330 of the terminal device 300.

The information transmitting unit 220 transmits the acquired state information C1 to the terminal device 300 every time the state information C1 is acquired from the laundry machine 100 by the information acquiring unit 210. The information transmitting unit 220 transmits the acquired state information C2 to the laundry machine 100 each time the state information C2 is acquired from the terminal device 300 by the information acquiring unit 210.

< 4 terminal device >)

Next, the terminal apparatus 300 will be described.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the terminal apparatus 300. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 310, a display control unit 320, an operation reception unit 330, an information transmission unit 340, and a storage unit 390.

The information acquisition unit 310, the display control unit 320, the operation reception unit 330, and the information transmission unit 340 are implemented by executing the application program P by one or more hardware processors such as a CPU mounted in the terminal device 300. In other words, the information acquisition unit 310, the display control unit 320, the operation reception unit 330, and the information transmission unit 340 are software functions included in the home appliance management application APP. The home appliance management application APP is an example of an information function section related to the laundry machine 100.

The information acquisition unit 310 acquires the state information C1 from the laundry machine 100 directly or via the server 200. In the present embodiment, the information acquisition unit 310 acquires the state information C1 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation every time the setting-related operation is received by the operation reception unit 153 of the laundry machine 100.

The display control unit 320 controls the content of the display screen 301a displayed on the display device 301 by controlling the display device 301 of the terminal device 300. For example, when the state information C1 is received directly from the laundry machine 100 by the information acquisition unit 310 or received via the server 200, the display control unit 320 changes the information displayed on the display device 301 of the terminal device 300 according to the received state information C1. In the present embodiment, each time the information acquisition unit 310 receives the status information C1 from the laundry machine 100 directly or via the server 200, the display control unit 320 changes the information displayed on the display device 301 of the terminal device 300 according to the received status information C1. For example, when the state information C1 indicating the set operation program is received directly from the laundry machine 100 or via the server 200, the display control unit 320 changes the information displayed on the display device 301 according to the received information indicating the operation program.

Fig. 7 is a view showing a screen D1 displayed on a display screen 301a of the display device 301. The screen D1 is a screen generated based on the state information C1 and representing the operation contents of the laundry machine 100 under setting. The "running content in setting" refers to "running content currently set". Screen D1 is displayed on display screen 301a by display control unit 320. The screen D1 includes a first region R1, a second region R2, a third region R3, and a fourth region R4.

The first region R1 is a region in which information I11 indicating an outline of the operation contents in the setting of the laundry machine 100 is displayed. In the first region R1, for example, information indicating the running program in the setting, whether hot water is used, the amount of automatically-thrown-in detergent, the amount of automatically-thrown-in softener, and the like is displayed. An operation unit B20 for switching the operation contents (for example, the operation program) in the setting is displayed in the first region R1. For example, by repeatedly pressing the operation unit B20, the operation programs that can be executed in the cleaning operation are sequentially switched.

The second region R2 is a region in which the description I12 related to the operation content in the setting of the laundry machine 100 is displayed. In the second region R2, for example, a detailed description of a method of using the running program in the setting (for example, clothes suitable for use), the amount of laundry that can be put in, a predetermined time (expected time) for each operation included in the running program in the setting, and the like are displayed. The display control unit 320 displays information describing the operation content in more detail than the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100, for example, using the second region R2. In other words, contents that are not displayed on the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 are displayed in the second region R2.

The third region R3 is a region in which information notifying the presence of an option is displayed in the case where the option that can be utilized in association with the operation content in the setting of the laundry machine 100 is present. For example, a display I13 for notifying the presence of the option and an operation unit B21 for using (for example, selecting) the option are displayed in the third region R3. The display I13 and the operation unit B21 may be displayed integrally in an overlapping manner, or may be displayed separately. The display I13 may include detailed descriptions of the options as detailed descriptions of the operation program. For example, in the hot water setting, in addition to the display of the setting content, the option "60 ℃ may be added with the description" to sterilize and clean the white laundry "which is the setting of 60 ℃. "this description. When the operation unit B21 is operated, for example, the screen is shifted to a screen (see fig. 13) in which the details of the options corresponding to the operated operation unit B21 can be selected.

In the present embodiment, when there is an option available in association with a part of the operation contents, and when the option is available in association with the operation contents set or selected in the laundry machine 100, the display control unit 320 displays the option on the display screen 301a. On the other hand, when the option is unavailable in association with the operation content set or selected in the laundry machine 100, the display control unit 320 does not display the option.

In the example shown in fig. 7, when five options, "dry", "use hot water", "use bath water", "2 times wash", and "reserve" exist as options, and when three options "use hot water", "use bath water", and "reserve" are available in association with the operation content (standard program of the washing operation) in the setting, only these three options are displayed. On the other hand, when the two options of "dry" and "2 washes" are unavailable in association with the operation content (standard program of the washing operation) in the setting, these three options are not displayed.

The fourth region R4 includes an operation portion B22 and an operation portion B23. The operation unit B22 is a button for setting the operation content based on the selected operation content. In the present embodiment, when an operation (selection operation) of switching the operation program is performed by the operation unit B20 or when an operation of selecting an option is performed by the operation unit B21, the operation content cannot be set only by these operations. In the present embodiment, after an operation for selecting the operation content is performed by the operation unit B20 or the operation unit B21, the operation unit 22 is pressed to set the operation content according to the operation content in the selection. The operation unit B23 is a start button for starting the operation of the laundry machine 100.

The operation receiving unit 330 can receive an operation of the user U on the input device 302 in association with the home appliance management application APP. For example, the operation receiving unit 330 receives an operation of the operation units B20 to B23 by the user U. For example, the operation receiving unit 330 receives an operation of setting or selecting the operation content of the laundry machine 100 by the input device 302, an operation of setting the operation content based on the selected setting content, an operation of starting the operation of the laundry machine 100, and the like.

The information transmitting unit 340 transmits various information to the server 200 via the communication unit 303. When an operation for setting or selecting the operation contents of laundry machine 100 is received by operation receiving unit 330, information transmitting unit 340 transmits information (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "state information C2") indicating the operation contents set or selected by the operation to server 200.

In addition, the information transmitting unit 340 may directly transmit the state information C2 to the laundry machine 100 instead of transmitting the state information C2 to the server 200. In this case, the communication unit 303 may directly communicate with the communication unit 140 of the laundry machine 100 via, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

The storage unit 390 is implemented by a combination of RAM, ROM, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like, for example, and stores various information. The storage unit 390 stores the application program P.

< 5 action case >)

Next, an operation example will be described.

< 5.1 processing of laundry machine start-up >

Fig. 8 is a sequence chart showing a flow of the process at the time of starting up the laundry machine 100. If the user U operates the power button of the laundry machine 100, the power of the laundry machine 100 is started (S101). Next, the communication unit 140 of the laundry machine 100 tries to connect to the network NW (S102). When the communication unit 140 completes the connection to the network NW, the information transmission unit 154 of the laundry machine 100 transmits, to the server 200, the state information C1 indicating the operation contents of the laundry machine 100 under the setting (S103).

When receiving the state information C1 from the laundry machine 100, the server 200 transmits the received state information C1 to the terminal device 300 (S104). The display control unit 320 of the terminal device 300 that received the state information C1 updates the content displayed on the display screen 301a based on the state information C1 of the laundry machine 100 (S105).

On the other hand, when the state information C1 cannot be received from the laundry machine 100 for some reason (for example, when the laundry machine 100 is in a power-off state or when the laundry machine 100 is not connected to the network NW), the display control unit 320 of the terminal device 300 causes the predetermined screen D2 shown in fig. 9 to be displayed on the display screen 301a (S107).

Fig. 9 is a view showing a screen displayed when state information C1 is not received from laundry machine 100. When the state information C1 is not received from the laundry machine 100, the display control unit 320 of the terminal device 300 displays information I14 indicating that the power of the laundry machine 100 is OFF or that the laundry machine 100 is not connected to the network NW on the display screen 301a.

< 5.2 synchronous processing of display of laundry machine and terminal device >)

Fig. 10 is a sequence chart showing a flow of a synchronization process of the display of laundry machine 100 and terminal device 300. The operation receiving unit 153 of the laundry machine 100 monitors whether or not the state of the laundry machine 100 is changed (for example, whether or not an operation of setting or selecting the operation content is performed) before the operation starts (S201). The information transmitting unit 154 of the laundry machine 100 transmits, to the server 200, state information C1 indicating the latest operation contents of the laundry machine 100, which reflects the received operation, every time the operation receiving unit 153 receives an operation to change the state of the laundry machine 100 (for example, an operation to set or select the operation contents) (S202). The server 200 transmits the received state information to the terminal device 300 every time the state information C1 is received from the laundry machine 100 (S203). The display control unit 320 of the terminal device 300 that received the state information C1 updates the content displayed on the display screen 301a based on the state information C1 of the laundry machine 100 (S204).

As the transmission of the state information C1, there are event notification executed when a predetermined state is changed and periodic notification executed periodically when a predetermined time has elapsed. The event notification is executed when an operation of setting or selecting an operation program is performed or when an operation of setting or selecting an option is performed. The periodic notification is performed within a range that does not become a load on the server 200, for example, every 1 minute or every 5 minutes. By performing the regular notification, even if the state of the laundry machine 100 is not changed, the latest operation contents are always reflected on the terminal device 300. Further, it is assumed that when the power of the laundry machine 100 is turned off, the server 200 or the terminal device 300 can recognize that the communication is interrupted because the periodic notification is not performed. When this content is recognized, the display control unit 320 may report a communication interruption on the display screen 301a of the terminal apparatus 300. Thus, the user U can recognize that a communication failure has occurred. That is, the information that can be held in the palm sometimes is not up to date.

Next, a process in the case where a plurality of operations are sequentially performed on the operation panel 112 will be described.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a change in display of the operation panel 112 when a plurality of operations are sequentially performed on the operation panel 112. For example, in the state of fig. 11 (a), the "cleaning" button B11 is repeatedly pressed, whereby the operation programs that can be executed in the cleaning operation are sequentially switched. In the example shown in fig. 11, the "2-time washing process" is set after the "standard process" (refer to (b) in fig. 11). When the "wash" button B10 is further pressed, the next operation program, that is, the "quick wash program" is set. When the operation program is switched, the light emitting unit 112b that is turned on is also switched. Next, when the "dry washing" button B11 is pressed, an operation program that can be executed in the dry washing operation is set (see fig. 11 (c)). For example, as shown in fig. 11 (c), a "standard program" of the washing and drying operation is selected. Similarly, if the "wash dry" button B11 is further pressed, the next executable running program is selected. In the example shown in fig. 11, the process is switched to "2 washing processes".

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a change in display of the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300 that changes in synchronization with the operation of the operation panel 112. The screen D1 shown in fig. 12 (a) is displayed in the state of the operation panel 112 shown in fig. 11 (a), the screen D1 shown in fig. 12 (b) is displayed in the state of the operation panel 112 shown in fig. 11 (b), and the screen D1 shown in fig. 12 (c) is displayed in the state of the operation panel 112 shown in fig. 11 (c). In the present embodiment, when the operation panel 112 is subjected to the setting-related operation of switching the operation program in the flow of (a), (b), and (C) in fig. 11, the information transmitting unit 154 of the laundry machine 100 transmits the latest state information C1 reflecting the received setting-related operation to the server 200 every time the operation of switching the operation program is performed. Further, the server 200 transmits the received state information C1 to the terminal device 300 every time the state information C1 is received from the laundry machine 100.

The display control unit 320 of the terminal apparatus 300 switches the content displayed on the display screen 301a based on the latest received state information C1. For example, in synchronization with the switching of the setting of the operation contents of (a), (b), and (c) in fig. 11, the display control unit 320 of the terminal device 300 switches the screen D1 of the display screen 301a in the order of (a), (b), and (c) in fig. 12. Fig. 12 (a), (b), and (c) show a display I12 showing a detailed description of an operation program set in the laundry machine 100 and a display I13 showing available options, respectively. That is, by switching the screen D1 of the display screen 301a in the order of (a), (b), and (c) in fig. 12, the display I12 showing the detailed description of the operation program and the display I13 showing the available options are also switched. Thus, the user U can easily grasp what progress the currently set operation program is and what options can be used by checking the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300. For example, when the operation program using hot water cannot be set as the option selection, the setting item using hot water is not displayed. Thus, it is possible to easily grasp whether or not each option can be utilized.

Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining a display related to available options. In the screen of fig. 12 (a), when the "hot water" button B2 is pressed, a hot water setting screen D3 as shown in fig. 13 (a) is displayed. The hot water setting screen D3 displays information I31 including a plurality of temperatures that can be used and descriptions related to the respective temperatures. The hot water setting screen D3 displays a plurality of operation units B31 corresponding to a plurality of temperatures that can be used. The operation unit B31 is, for example, an operation unit capable of selecting the temperature of hot water.

Here, regarding the option of hot water utilization, if the running program is "standard program", it is "none", "15 ℃," 40 ℃, "50 ℃," or "60 ℃,". On the other hand, regarding the option of hot water utilization, if the operation program is a "fashion clothing program", it is "none" or "30 ℃". In the present embodiment, as an option for enabling the use of hot water, an option screen D3 that can be used in association with the running program under setting is displayed on the screen D3. That is, when the operation program is "fashion clothing program", the option corresponding to "15 ℃," 40 ℃, "50 ℃," or "60 ℃," is set to be not displayed.

Here, the operation panel 112 is provided with a description display N and a light emitting section 112b related to all options. Therefore, it is difficult to immediately recognize that there is an option that is not available on the operation panel 112. The user U tries to press the "hot water" button B2 to confirm that the unlit light emitting portion 112B is present, and first knows that several temperatures cannot be set. On the other hand, the user U can easily recognize that there is an unavailable option by confirming the display screen 301a of the terminal apparatus 300.

Similarly, on the screen of fig. 12 (a), when the "bath water" button B1 is pressed, a bath water setting screen D4 is displayed as shown in fig. 13 (B). The hot water setting screen D4 displays information I32 indicating the timing of using available bath water. The bath setting screen D4 displays a plurality of operation units B32 corresponding to the timing of using a plurality of available bath. The operation unit B32 is, for example, an operation unit capable of selecting timing of using bath water.

On the screen of fig. 12 (B), when the "wash" button B10 is pressed several times to set or select "2 washing programs" as the running program, as shown in fig. 13 (c), a 2-time washing setting screen D5 is displayed. The 2-time washing setting screen D5 displays information I33 indicating the types of 2-time washing that can be used. The 2-time washing setting screen D5 displays a plurality of operation units B33 corresponding to the types of the plurality of 2-time washing that can be used. The operation unit B33 is, for example, an operation unit capable of selecting the type of 2 washes to be used.

On the screen of fig. 12 (a), when the "reservation" button B5 is pressed, a reservation setting screen D6 is displayed as shown in fig. 13 (D). The reservation setting screen D6 is a screen for enabling reception of a time setting of a reservation.

In the example shown in fig. 12, the buttons B are pressed to transition from the screen D1 to the other screens D1 to D6, but the options described in fig. 12 may be set or selected on the screen D1 shown in fig. 12. For example, if the hot water setting is performed, a pull-down list may be provided on the screen D1, and the hot water setting may be performed by clicking the pull-down, or the hot water setting may be selectable by a radio button. The configuration may be such that a series of settings can be made on the same screen without accompanying a screen transition. The method has the advantage that the setting content of the whole device can be clearly seen without accompanying the screen switching. On the other hand, since displaying various options on the same screen is cumbersome and sometimes impairs operability, in this case, a display mode such as a shift to another screen or a pull-down mode is preferable.

< 5.3 display of operation and operation panel for terminal device >

Fig. 14 is a view showing a display after each option is set on the screen described in fig. 13. For example, hot water is set to "60 ℃, bath water is set to" washing operation ", and reservation is set to" 18:00". Thus, the user U can clearly specify the running program and the contents of the options currently set on the same screen.

Fig. 15 is a view showing a display of the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 in the case where the setting content described in fig. 14 is set. For example, since the bath water is set to "washing", the light emitting portion 112b corresponding to "washing" is turned on. Since the hot water is set to "60 ℃, the light emitting portion 112b corresponding to" 60 ℃ sterilization "is turned on. The reservation time is 18:00, therefore, the central 7-stage light emitting portion 112c is lighted "18:00".

In fig. 14, when the "set" button B22 is pressed, the setting content set by the home appliance management application APP of the terminal apparatus 300 is transmitted to the laundry machine 100 directly or via the server 200 by the communication unit 303. The display control unit 152 of the laundry machine 100 causes the display state of the operation panel 112 to reflect the operation content based on the received data. For example, when the "set" button B22 shown in fig. 14 is pressed, the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 is switched to the display state shown in fig. 15. When the "start" button B23 shown in fig. 14 is pressed, the operation of the laundry machine 100 is started with the set content, in addition to the set content of the operation of the terminal device 300 being reflected in the laundry machine 100.

< 5.4 utilization of application program >)

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a display of the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 in the case where the application program is set. The "application program" refers to an original program downloaded from the outside through the home management application APP of the terminal apparatus 300 or generated through the home management application APP. An application may also be referred to as a "downloader". By transmitting the original program acquired or generated by the home appliance management application APP to the laundry machine 100 and installing the same in the laundry machine 100, it is possible to add and edit an operation program that does not exist at the purchase time of the laundry machine 100 later. The function has expansibility and is a function which brings benefits to the user U.

Here, although the application program can be created and edited, the nameplate of the operation panel 112 printed on the laundry machine 100 cannot be changed. That is, "application 1", "application 2", and "application 3" printed on the operation panel 112 cannot change names later. Even if the application program installed in the "application 1" is the "laundering-resistant clothing program" or the "child clothing program", the program name cannot be displayed on the operation panel 112 of the clothing handler 100.

Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a display of the terminal device 300 in the case where the application program is set. In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 16, when "application 1" is selected, the information is synchronized with the terminal device 300, and information indicating the content of "application 1" is displayed on the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300. In the example shown in fig. 17, the "application 1" is a "T-shirt plaiting" program, and the execution contents of the steps such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration can be visually confirmed. Thus, the expansion information that cannot be displayed on the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 can be displayed on the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300.

< 5.5 automatic input of laundry treatment agent >

Next, the setting of the automatic laundry treatment agent feeding device 125 will be described. The "detergent" button B3 and the "softener" button B4 shown in fig. 3 are buttons for setting the amounts of detergent and softener used by the automatic input device 125. When these buttons B3 and B4 are pressed or when predetermined operations are performed on the buttons B3 and B4, the trigger of the automatic detergent/softener input setting event is started, and the event information is transmitted as state information C1 from the laundry machine 100 to the terminal device 300 directly or via the server 200. The predetermined operation is, for example, a case where the "detergent" button B3 is pressed for 3 seconds. An operation of changing the input amount of the laundry treatment agent of the automatic input device 125 is an example of an operation of setting or selecting the operation content of the laundry treatment machine 100.

Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a display of the terminal device 300 in the case of setting the automatic input device 125. The display control unit 320 of the terminal device 300 that has received the event information (state information C1) displays the automatic input device setting screen D7 in synchronization with the reception of the event information. As shown in fig. 18, the operation contents in the setting are synchronized, and in addition to the setting contents related to the automatic input device 125, the setting contents related to the automatic input device 125 can be displayed on the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300. For example, by pressing the "input amount" button B41 on the automatic input machine setting screen D7, the screen D8 on which any one of "standard", "none", "few", or "more" can be selected as the input amount of the laundry treatment agent is shifted, and the content in the selection can be set by pressing the "setting" button B22 on the lower part. When the "set" button B22 is pressed, the state information C2 reflecting the selected content is transmitted from the information transmitting unit 340 of the terminal device 300 to the laundry machine 100. The display control unit 152 of the laundry machine 100 changes the display state of the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 based on the state information C2 received from the terminal device 300.

In addition, in the automatic detergent/softener input setting, usual information can be displayed on the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300. Accordingly, the display control unit 320 and the operation receiving unit 330 of the terminal device 300 may have a function of enabling setting of contents that cannot be set in the laundry machine 100. For example, the brand of detergent/softener designated for use is in accordance with this example.

For example, the "category" button B42 is pressed in the screen of fig. 18 (a). Thereby, a screen D9 shown in fig. 18 (c) is displayed. The user U can set the reference amount appropriate for the brand by selecting a desired brand from among the lists of laundry treatment agents (for example, the list of softeners) shown in fig. 18 (c) and setting the selected brand. The "reference amount" refers to a specified amount of detergent or softener to be added with respect to the amount of water used. For example, it is preferable to add 20ml of the laundry treatment agent to 30L.

< 6. Advantage >

In recent years, there are various option functions in laundry machines. For example, whether there is a drying option, whether there is bath water used, whether there is hot water used, whether there is automatic detergent input, etc. Because of such an option function, depending on the hardware configuration, the user U may be confused as to which option function can be added or the option function itself cannot be effectively used. In general, the operation is often performed by pressing a start button after the power supply of the laundry machine is started, and there are cases where an operation program suitable for laundry, an operation setting suitable for removing target dirt, an energy saving function, and the like cannot be sufficiently used.

On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the laundry machine 100 has the operation panel 112 and the information transmitting part 154. When a setting-related operation for setting or selecting the operation contents of the laundry machine 100 by the operation panel 112 is accepted, the information transmitting unit 154 transmits, to the terminal device 300 or the server 200, state information C1 indicating the operation contents set or selected by the setting-related operation. The home appliance management application APP of the terminal apparatus 300 has a display control unit 320. When the state information C1 is received directly from the laundry machine 100 or via the server 200, the display control unit 320 changes the information displayed on the display device 301 of the terminal device 300 based on the received state information C1.

With this configuration, information that cannot be displayed on the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 (for example, detailed description of an operation program, information notifying available options) can be displayed on the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300. Thus, the functions that are unobtrusive and not being operated in the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 can be emphasized, and the setting operation is simplified. Therefore, the convenience of use of the laundry machine 100 can be improved.

In the present embodiment, the display content of the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300 is synchronized in real time with the content operated on the laundry machine 100. Accordingly, the user U can perform an operation while associating and checking an operation on the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 with the content of the display screen 301a displayed on the terminal device 300. Thus, information related to the operation of the operation panel 112 with respect to the laundry machine 100 can be more easily known. Therefore, further improvement in the convenience of use of the laundry machine 100 can be achieved.

In the present embodiment, since the operation can be performed while the operation on the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 is being confirmed in association with the content of the display screen 301a displayed on the terminal device 300, the content displayed on the operation panel 112 based on the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 can be confirmed in association with the content of the display screen 301a displayed on the terminal device 300. Thus, the user U can easily know what state the display state of the operation panel 112 is when what operation content is set. Thus, the user U is easy to get used to the operation of the laundry machine 100, and can grasp the laundry machine 100 without the terminal device 300. Therefore, further improvement in the convenience of use of the laundry machine 100 can be achieved.

(second embodiment)

Next, a second embodiment will be described. As a second embodiment, the laundry treatment system 1 in which the display state of the operation panel 112 of the laundry treatment machine 100 is changed in synchronization with the operation of the user U who receives a setting or selects the operation content of the laundry treatment machine 100 by the terminal device 300 will be described. The contents other than the following description are the same as those of the first embodiment. The present embodiment can be implemented in combination with the first embodiment described above.

In the present embodiment, the operation receiving unit 330 of the terminal device 300 receives an operation of the user U input to the input device 302 via the display screen 301 a. For example, the operation receiving unit 330 receives an operation (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "setting-related operation") of the user U that sets or selects the operation content of the laundry machine 100. The setting-related operation is, for example, an operation performed by one or more of the operation unit B20 for switching the operation program in the setting and the operation unit B21 for using the option, which are pressed one or more times on the screen D1 shown in fig. 12.

When a setting-related operation for setting or selecting the operation content of the laundry machine 100 is received by the operation receiving unit 330, the information transmitting unit 340 of the terminal device 300 transmits state information C2 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation to the laundry machine 100 or the server 200. In the present embodiment, when a plurality of setting-related operations are accepted before one operation program or option of the laundry machine 100 is determined, the information transmitting unit 340 of the terminal device 300 transmits, to the laundry machine 100 or the server 200, state information C2 indicating the operation contents set or selected by the setting-related operations each time the setting-related operation is accepted.

In the present embodiment, the information transmitting unit 340 transmits, as the setting-related operation, the state information C2 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation to the laundry machine 100 or the server 200 every time the operation receiving unit 330 receives the setting or the operation of selecting the operation program or option (for example, the operation in which any one of the operation units B20, B31, B32, and B33 is pressed).

In the present embodiment, before one operation program or option is specified (for example, before the operation unit B22 for setting is pressed), a plurality of operations (for example, two or more operations of the operation units B20, B31, B32, and B33, or an operation of the same operation unit being pressed 2 times or more) for setting or selecting the operation program or option are accepted by the operation accepting unit 330 as a plurality of setting-related operations, and the information transmitting unit 340 transmits state information C2 indicating the operation contents set or selected by the setting-related operations to the laundry machine 100 or the server 200 each time the setting-related operations are accepted.

For example, when the operation unit B20 is repeatedly pressed during selection of one operation program, the information transmitting unit 340 transmits the state information C2 indicating the operation program set or selected by the operation to the laundry machine 100 or the server 200 each time the operation of pressing the operation unit B20 is received.

The display control unit 152 of the laundry machine 100 controls the display state of the operation panel 112 by controlling the light emitting units 112a and 112b of the operation panel 112. For example, when the state information C2 is received directly from the terminal apparatus 300 or via the server 200, the display control unit 152 changes the display state of the operation panel 112 according to the received state information C2. For example, the display control unit 152 turns on a light emitting unit corresponding to the operation setting indicated by the state information C2 among the plurality of light emitting units 112a and 112 b.

In the present embodiment, the display control unit 320 changes the display state of the operation panel 112 according to the received state information C2 every time the state information C2 is received directly from the terminal device 300 or via the server 200. For example, the display control unit 320 changes the display state of the operation panel 112 according to the received state information C2 every time the state information C2 indicating the set operation program is received directly from the terminal device 300 or received via the server 200.

Fig. 19 is a sequence chart showing a flow of the synchronization process of the display of the terminal device 300 and the laundry machine 100. Before starting the operation of the laundry machine 100, the operation receiving unit 330 of the terminal device 300 monitors whether or not to perform an operation for setting or selecting the operation content of the laundry machine 100 (S301). When an operation (for example, an operation for setting or selecting the operation content) for changing the state of the laundry machine 100 is received by the operation receiving unit 330, the information transmitting unit 340 of the terminal device 300 transmits state information C2 indicating the latest operation content of the laundry machine 100, which reflects the received operation, to the server 200 (S302). When receiving the status information C2 from the terminal device 300, the server 200 transmits the received status information C2 to the laundry machine 100 (S303). The display control section 152 of the laundry machine 100 having received the state information C2 updates based on the state information of the display state of the received operation panel 112 (S304).

Next, a process in the case where a plurality of operations are sequentially performed on the terminal apparatus 300 will be described.

Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a change in display of the display screen 301a of the terminal apparatus 300 when a plurality of operations are sequentially performed with respect to the terminal apparatus 300. For example, in the state of fig. 20 (a), when the button B20 indicating ">" is pressed, the operation programs that can be executed in the cleaning operation are sequentially switched. In the example shown in fig. 20, the "2-time washing process" is set after the "standard process" (refer to (b) in fig. 20). When the button B20, which indicates ">", is further pressed, the next operation program, i.e., the "quick wash program", is selected (see (c) in fig. 20). The method of switching the operation program is not limited to the above. For example, when the screen D1 is slid to the right, the operation program may be switched in the same manner as when the button B20 indicating ">" is pressed. In addition, the switching of the running program may also be performed by double clicking the program icon.

Fig. 21 is a diagram showing a change in display of the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 that changes in synchronization with the operation of the terminal device 300. In the present embodiment, the display state of the operation panel 112 shown in (a) in fig. 21 is displayed in the state of the screen D1 shown in (a) in fig. 20, the display state of the operation panel 112 shown in (b) in fig. 21 is displayed in the state of the screen D1 shown in (b) in fig. 20, and the display state of the operation panel 112 shown in (c) in fig. 21 is displayed in the state of the screen D1 shown in (c) in fig. 20.

In the present embodiment, when the terminal device 300 is subjected to the operation related to the setting of the switching operation program by the flow of (a), (b), and (C) in fig. 20, the information transmitting unit 340 of the terminal device 300 transmits the latest state information C2 reflecting the received operation related to the setting to the server 200 every time the operation of switching the operation program is performed. Further, the server 200 transmits the received state information C2 to the laundry machine 100 every time the state information C2 is received from the terminal device 300.

The display control unit 152 of the laundry machine 100 switches the display state of the operation panel 112 based on the latest state information C2 received. For example, in synchronization with the switching of the setting of the operation contents of (a), (b), and (c) in fig. 20, the display control unit 152 of the laundry machine 100 switches the lighting states of the light emitting units 112a and 112b of the operation panel 112 in the order of (a), (b), and (c) in fig. 21.

With this configuration, the display state of the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 is switched in accordance with the display content of the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300. Accordingly, the user U can perform an operation while associating the operation on the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 with the content of the display screen 301a displayed on the terminal device 300. Thus, information related to the operation of the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 can be more easily known. Therefore, the convenience of use of the laundry machine 100 can be improved.

(third embodiment)

Next, a third embodiment will be described. As a third embodiment, the following laundry treatment system 1 is described: although the content displayed on the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 is changed in synchronization with the operation of the user U who receives the setting of the operation content of the laundry machine 100 from the terminal device 300, the content displayed on the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 is not changed when the operation of the user U who receives the selection of the operation content of the laundry machine 100 from the terminal device 300. The contents other than the following description are the same as those of the second embodiment. The present embodiment can be implemented in combination with the first embodiment described above.

In the present embodiment, the operation unit B29 (see fig. 22) for selecting (switching) the "washing operation" and the "washing and drying operation" is an example of an operation unit that receives the "operation of setting the operation content". That is, the operation of selecting the "washing operation" and the "washing and drying operation" is reflected in the setting of the operation content without the setting operation unit B22 being pushed down, for example.

On the other hand, the operation unit (e.g., operation units B20, B31, B32, B33) that selects an operation program or option is an example of an operation unit that accepts "operation to select an operation content". That is, the operation of the operation unit for selecting the operation program or option is reflected in the setting of the operation content by, for example, the operation unit B22 for setting being pressed.

Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a change in display of the display screen 301a of the terminal apparatus 300 when a plurality of operations are sequentially performed with respect to the terminal apparatus 300. For example, in the state of fig. 22 (a), when the button B20 indicating ">" is pressed, the operation programs that can be executed in the cleaning operation are sequentially switched. In the example shown in fig. 22, the "2-time washing process" is set after the "standard process" (refer to (b) in fig. 22). When the button B20, which indicates ">", is further pressed, the next operation program, i.e., the "quick wash program", is selected (see (c) in fig. 22).

Fig. 23 is a diagram showing a change in display of the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 that changes in synchronization with the operation of the terminal device 300. In the present embodiment, the display state of the operation panel 112 shown in (a) in fig. 23 is displayed in the state of the screen D1 shown in (a) in fig. 22, the display state of the operation panel 112 shown in (b) in fig. 23 is displayed in the state of the screen D1 shown in (b) in fig. 22, and the display state of the operation panel 112 shown in (c) in fig. 23 is displayed in the state of the screen D1 shown in (c) in fig. 22.

In the present embodiment, even when the terminal device 300 is operated to select the operation program by the flow of (a), (B), and (C) in fig. 22, the information transmitting unit 340 of the terminal device 300 suppresses the transmission of the state information C2 indicating the operation content of the latest laundry machine 100 to the server 200 when the "set" button B22 or the "start" button B23 is not operated. When the "set" button B22 or the "start" button B23 is operated, for example, the information transmitting unit 340 of the terminal device 300 transmits the state information C2 indicating the operation contents of the latest laundry machine 100 to the server 200.

In the example shown in fig. 22 and 23, the "set" button B22 or the "start" button B23 is not operated on the screen D1 shown in fig. 22 (B), and the "set" button B22 or the "start" button B23 is operated on the screen D1 shown in fig. 22 (c). Therefore, the display state of the operation panel 112 shown in fig. 23 (b) is not switched in synchronization with the screen D1 shown in fig. 22 (b). On the other hand, the display state of the operation panel 112 shown in fig. 23 (c) is switched in synchronization with the screen D1 shown in fig. 22 (c).

According to this configuration, if the display state of the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 is switched every time the terminal device 300 is operated in the synchronous state, the user U may feel troublesome. For example, if the lighted light emitting units 112a and 112b are switched to blink, unnecessary information that has not been specified may be noticed. In the case where the operation panel 112 has a buzzer that sounds when the setting of the operation content is switched, the buzzer sounds each time when the content that has not been specified is switched. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the operation of selecting the operation content is received by the terminal device 300, the display control unit 152 of the laundry machine 100 suppresses the change of the display state of the operation panel 112. This can suppress switching of the display state of the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 every time or ringing of the buzzer every time.

In addition, as a method of suppressing the change of the display state of the operation panel 112 when the operation of selecting the operation content is received by the terminal device 300, the state information C2 indicating the latest operation content of the laundry machine 100 may be transmitted to the laundry machine 100 instead of the state information C2 being suppressed from being transmitted by the information transmitting unit 340 of the terminal device 300 when the operation of selecting the operation content is received, but the change of the display state of the operation panel 112 may be suppressed by the display control unit 320 of the laundry machine 100.

The distinction between the "operation of setting the operation content" and the "operation of selecting the operation content" is not limited to the above-described example. For example, instead of the above example, the operation of the operation unit (e.g., the operation unit B20) for selecting the operation program may correspond to an example of "operation for setting the operation content", and the operation of the operation unit (e.g., the operation units B31, B32, and B33) for selecting the option may correspond to an example of "operation for selecting the operation content". In this case, when the operation unit B20 is pressed a plurality of times during selection of one operation program, the information transmitting unit 340 transmits, to the laundry machine 100 or the server 200, the state information C2 indicating the operation program set or selected by the operation every time the operation of pressing the operation unit B20 is received.

(modification of the third embodiment)

Next, a modification of the third embodiment will be described.

In the present modification, when an operation (for example, an operation of pressing the button B21) for setting or selecting an operation program is received as a setting-related operation, the information transmitting unit 340 of the terminal device 300 transmits state information C2 indicating the operation program set or selected by the setting-related operation to the laundry machine 100 or the server 200. For example, when the operation unit B20 is pressed a plurality of times during selection of one operation program, the information transmitting unit 340 transmits, to the laundry machine 100 or the server 200, the state information C2 indicating the operation program set or selected by the operation every time the operation of pressing the operation unit B20 is accepted.

On the other hand, when an operation (for example, an operation of pressing the buttons B31, B32, and B33) to set or select an available option as a setting-related operation is accepted, the information transmitting unit 340 of the terminal device 300 suppresses transmission of the state information C2 indicating the option set or selected by the setting-related operation to the laundry machine 100 or the server 200.

In the present modification, when the state information C2 indicating the operation program is received directly from the terminal device 300 or via the server, the display control unit 152 of the laundry machine 100 changes the display state of the operation panel 112 according to the content of the received state information C2. On the other hand, when the terminal device 300 receives the above-described setting or the operation of selecting the available option, the display control unit 152 of the laundry machine 100 suppresses the change of the display state of the operation panel 112 until the setting or selection of the option is determined. For example, when the "set" button B22 or the "start" button B23 is operated, the information transmitting unit 340 of the terminal device 300 transmits the state information C2 reflecting the selected option to the laundry machine 100 or the server 200. In this case, the display control unit 152 of the laundry machine 100 changes the display state of the operation panel 112 according to the content of the specified option.

According to this configuration, if the display state of the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 is switched every time the terminal device 300 is operated in the synchronous state, the user U may feel troublesome. In the case where the operation panel 112 has a buzzer that sounds when the contents of the options are switched, the buzzer sounds each time the contents of the options that have not been specified are switched. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the display state of the operation panel 112 is changed in synchronization with the setting-related operation received by the terminal device 300 for the main setting (large setting) such as the operation program. On the other hand, with respect to the auxiliary setting (small setting) such as the option, the display state of the operation panel 112 is not changed in synchronization with the setting-related operation accepted by the terminal device 300. This can suppress switching of the display state of the operation panel 112 of the laundry machine 100 at a high frequency or ringing of the buzzer at a high frequency.

In addition, as a method of suppressing the change of the display state of the operation panel 112 when the operation of setting or selecting an option is accepted by the terminal device 300, the state information C2 indicating the latest operation content of the laundry machine 100 may be transmitted to the laundry machine 100 instead of suppressing the transmission of the state information C2 by the information transmitting unit 340 of the terminal device 300 when the operation of setting or selecting an option is accepted, but the change of the display state of the operation panel 112 may be suppressed by the display control unit 320 of the laundry machine 100.

In addition, instead of setting the display/non-display, the valid/invalid according to the relation with the running program, the display/non-display, the valid/invalid of the option can be set according to the current option content. For example, in a normal case, the bath water setting can be selected from "none", "washing and rinsing 1". However, when the hot water setting is selected to be "60 ℃, the bath water setting can be selected only to be" none "or" wash ". The selection item "wash and rinse 1" is excluded. This is because, although the washing water is heated to 60 ℃ to perform sterilization of the laundry, re-use of bath water in the rinse water results in re-rinsing with water containing bacteria, and the sterilization effect after the end of the washing cannot be obtained.

(modification of the first to third embodiments)

Next, modifications of the first to third embodiments will be described.

Fig. 24 is a view for explaining a display of the present modification. In the above-described embodiment, in the case where the option cannot be utilized in association with the set or selected operation content, the option is not displayed. On the other hand, in the present modification, the available options are displayed in a first mode (japanese text: sample) corresponding to the active state, and the unavailable options are displayed in a second mode corresponding to the inactive state. The second mode is, for example, a grayed-out display mode. In fig. 24 (a), the "drying" and the "2 times of washing" are shown in the second manner, in fig. 24 (b), the "drying" is shown in the second manner, and in fig. 24 (c), the "2 times of washing" is shown in the second manner.

According to at least one embodiment described above, when information indicating the operation content of the laundry machine is received directly from the laundry machine or via the server, the information function unit of the terminal device changes the information displayed on the display device of the terminal device according to the received information indicating the operation content. With this configuration, the convenience of use can be improved.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other modes, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

Description of the reference numerals

1 … laundry processing system, 100 … laundry processing machine, 112 … operation panel, 150 … control device, 151 … control portion, 152 … display control portion, 153 … operation reception portion, 154 … information transmission portion, 200 … server, 300 … terminal device, 310 … information acquisition portion, 320 … display control portion, 330 … operation reception portion, 340 … information transmission portion, APP … home appliance management application (information function portion).

Claims

1. A program for causing a computer of a terminal device to realize an information function section relating to a laundry machine, characterized in that,

the laundry machine has: an operation panel; and an information transmitting unit configured to transmit information indicating the operation contents set or selected by the setting-related operation to the terminal device or the server when the setting-related operation for setting or selecting the operation contents of the laundry machine is accepted by the operation panel,

the information function unit includes a display control unit that, when information indicating the operation content is received directly from the laundry machine or via the server, changes information displayed on a display device of the terminal device according to the received information indicating the operation content.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein,

when a plurality of setting-related operations are accepted before one operation program or option is determined, the information transmitting unit transmits information indicating the operation contents set or selected by the setting-related operations to the terminal device or the server every time the setting-related operations are accepted,

The display control unit changes information displayed on the display device according to the received information indicating the operation content every time the information indicating the operation content is received directly from the laundry machine or via the server.

3. The program according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

when the same operation unit included in the operation panel is repeatedly pressed as the setting-related operation to change the operation content, the information transmitting unit transmits information indicating the operation content set or selected by the operation to the terminal device or the server every time the operation of pressing the operation unit is received,

4. The program according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

when an operation of setting or selecting an operation program as the setting-related operation is accepted, the information transmitting unit transmits information indicating the operation program set or selected by the operation to the terminal device or the server,

The display control unit changes information displayed on the display device according to the received information indicating the operation program when the information indicating the operation program is received directly from the laundry machine or received via the server.

5. The program according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

the display control unit displays information describing the operation content in more detail than the operation panel, as at least a part of information displayed on the display device based on the received information indicating the operation content.

6. The program according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

the display control unit, when there is an option available in association with the operation content, causes information notifying that the option is present to be displayed as at least a part of information displayed on the display device according to the received information indicating the operation content.

7. The program according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

the display control unit causes the display device to display the option in a first manner when an option available in association with a part of the operation contents is available and causes the display device to display the option in a second manner when the option available in association with a part of the operation contents is available and causes the display device to display no option in association with the operation contents set or selected in the laundry machine and causes the option to be unavailable.

8. A clothes treating system comprising a clothes treating machine and an information function part of a terminal device, characterized in that,

the information function unit includes a display control unit that causes a computer of the terminal device to realize a program installed in the terminal device, and when information indicating the operation content is received directly from the laundry machine or via the server, changes information displayed on a display device of the terminal device according to the received information indicating the operation content.

9. A laundry machine capable of communicating with a terminal device directly or via a server, characterized in that,

the terminal device has an information transmitting unit which transmits information indicating the operation contents set or selected by one operation program or option to the laundry machine or the server every time the operation related to the setting is accepted when the operation related to the setting is accepted in a plurality of operations related to the setting which are set or selected by the operation related to the setting before the operation program or option is determined,

The laundry machine has: an operation panel; and a display control unit that changes a display state of the operation panel according to the received information indicating the operation content every time the information indicating the operation content is received directly from the terminal device or via the server.

10. The laundry machine according to claim 9, characterized in that,

the information transmitting unit transmits information indicating the operation program set or selected by the setting-related operation to the laundry machine or the server when the operation of setting or selecting the operation program is accepted as the setting-related operation,

the display control unit changes the display state of the operation panel according to the received information indicating the operation program when the information indicating the operation program is received directly from the terminal device or via the server.

11. The laundry machine according to claim 10, characterized in that,

when the terminal device accepts an operation to set or select an option that can be used in association with the operating program, the display control unit suppresses the change of the display state of the operation panel before the setting or selection of the option is determined.

12. The laundry machine according to claim 9, characterized in that,

the information transmitting unit transmits information indicating the operation contents set by the operation to the laundry machine or the server when the operation for setting the operation contents is received as the setting-related operation,

the display control unit changes the display state of the operation panel based on the received information indicating the operation content when the operation to set the operation content is received by the terminal device, and suppresses the change of the display state of the operation panel when the operation to select the operation content is received by the terminal device.

13. A clothes treating system comprising a clothes treating machine and an information function part of a terminal device, characterized in that,

the information function unit has an information transmission unit that causes a computer of the terminal device to realize a program installed in the terminal device, and when a plurality of setting-related operations for setting or selecting operation contents of the laundry machine before one operation program or option is determined are accepted, the information transmission unit transmits information indicating the operation contents set or selected by the setting-related operations to the laundry machine or the server each time the setting-related operations are accepted,