JP2005242628A - Household electrical appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily update the control program or data of a household electrical appliance even after purchase. <P>SOLUTION: When there is no rice information read from a non-contact information storage medium 51, access is made to the download page of a corresponding website through a first communication means 46a via an information terminal 41 and an information provision device 43 to download the corresponding rice information so as to automatically update both or either of the control program and/or data of a rice cooker 40. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a household electrical appliance that reads stored information from a non-contact information storage medium and enables control and update of operation content by a program or data obtained from the information.

  Conventionally, in this type of home appliance, for example, in the case of a microwave oven, operation keys for operation are displayed on the operation panel, and the user can control the device by touching the desired operation key. The selection of the cooking menu is generally based on the selection of a menu key on the operation panel. In this case, a sequence for each menu, a program, data, or the like is stored in advance in the microcomputer or memory in the control device of the microwave oven at the design stage or at the time of shipment from the factory. That is, the general user operates the microwave by pressing the selected key in order to execute the programmed function / operation specified by the manufacturer on the key. In many cases, the function of the microwave oven specified by the key cannot be freely changed by a general user in a general household.

  In addition, with the development of information equipment in recent years, using a personal computer as a data terminal for a rice cooker, you can download data related to rice cooking and warming from a website established by the manufacturer to the rice cooker. And a method of downloading to a rice cooker via a remote controller coupled by wire (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a conventional rice cooker described in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, the rice cooking device 1 is configured to be able to communicate with the information providing device 4 via the mobile phone 2 and the Internet 3. The rice cooker 1 includes a rice cooker 5 that performs heat retention, preheating (water soaking), rice washing, rice milling, etc., which are the original functions of the rice cooker, a microcomputer 6 that is a controller, a communication device 7, a display unit 8, and data. It comprises an input unit 9, an operating means 10, and a memory 11 for storing programs and data created in advance, programs and data transmitted from the outside, and the like.

In addition, a method is also proposed that is performed by a portable information terminal such as an information terminal that transmits both or one of an information program and data that enables control of a rice cooker, determination of operation contents, confirmation of a state, and the like (for example, patents). Reference 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-87128 JP 2003-174965 A

  However, in the configuration in which data is downloaded from a homepage on the Internet via the conventional personal computer, it is necessary to prepare a personal computer, and the personal computer must be connected to the Internet. In general, Japanese kitchens with rice cookers have no space or space, and there are various things such as dishes, pots and other seasonings, so there is room for a PC. In many cases, it is difficult to take a personal computer to the kitchen and download data via the personal computer.

  Also, without directly operating the keys on the operation panel of the rice cooker, information on rice cooking and heat insulation can be obtained from a homepage on the Internet, and portable information such as a rice cooker and an information terminal that can function based on this information In the configuration using a terminal, the problem of the installation location is solved, but an operation for searching for information (or an operation for checking a URL) and an operation for obtaining the information are necessary, and the user is familiar with the operation of the portable information terminal. Updating the data or the program unless it is an authorized user actually requires a lot of labor.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and accesses a non-contact information storage medium attached to a control target article of a home appliance, and when there is no control information related to the target article, automatically with the information terminal It aims at providing the household appliances which can communicate and can update the control program and data regarding the said target article from the information provision apparatus automatically, or both by communication.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, home appliances that communicate with the non-contact information storage medium of the present invention have been attracting much attention in recent years due to the realization of miniaturization, high performance, and low cost and the establishment of a standardization organization and a study group. Information on the target article is stored in a device that performs ID transmission using electromagnetic waves including light, and is controlled by a program or data automatically downloaded from the Internet via an information terminal based on the stored information. This is a home electric appliance that can update the operation content.

  Thus, for example, the cooking device identifies the non-contact information storage medium attached to the food, and the cooking recipe corresponding to the food is automatically downloaded and displayed from the Internet, or the cooking method according to the food Even without directly inputting the setting, it is possible to always perform optimum cooking.

  It is also possible to read out information about the clothes from the clothes label, and automatically download and update the optimum washing method (control sequence, data) to the washing machine through communication based on this information.

  Household appliances that communicate with the non-contact information storage medium of the present invention are read from the non-contact information storage medium, for example, detailed information such as cooking information of ingredients, tableware cleaning method, clothes cleaning information, building material cleaning method Based on a control program or data automatically obtained from an information providing apparatus on the Internet via an information terminal, to provide home appliances that can control and automatically update operation contents even after purchase Can do.

  The first invention is a transmission / reception means for reading information on the target article by accessing a non-contact information storage medium that can read or read information in a non-contact manner using an electromagnetic wave including light attached to the target article; A communication unit that communicates with an information terminal by a wireless method; and a control unit that controls operation of the device based on information on the target article. The control unit is configured to read the target article from the non-contact information storage medium. When there is no corresponding control program or data, a configuration is adopted in which either the corresponding program or data is received from the information providing device via the information terminal by communication, and the device is controlled based on the received information. Thus, the control means normally selects a control program that is selected from control programs for the built-in equipment according to the information on the target article attached to the target article. By performing the operation control of equipment ram sequence, those capable of performing optimum control for each type or breeds or more detailed classification of the target article. Then, this target article requires a control sequence that is newer than the previously built-in program due to improvement or modification, and if an optimal control sequence is found in the control sequence selected according to the information on the target article. If there is no control program or data corresponding to the target article, the control means communicates either the corresponding program or data from an information providing device such as an Internet homepage of the device manufacturer via the information terminal. Control that is suitable for the target article by updating the program built in beforehand and enabling the user to automatically update the control and operation contents corresponding to the new target article even after purchase. It is possible to provide home appliances that can operate.

  In the second invention, the target article is a cooking ingredient, and the information stored in the non-contact information storage medium is cooking information of the cooking ingredient, so that a cooking recipe corresponding to the ingredient is automatically downloaded from the Internet. Even if it is not displayed and the setting of the cooking method according to the said foodstuff is not input directly, optimal cooking can always be performed.

  3rd invention printed the said non-contact information storage medium on the card | curd of a cooking recipe, and made it the cooking information of cooking foodstuff by making reading or reading / writing possible by making a card | curd close to the said transmission / reception means. The cooking recipe according to the food can be automatically downloaded from the Internet and displayed, and the optimum cooking can always be performed without directly inputting the setting of the cooking method according to the food.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the non-contact information storage medium is printed on a cooking photo of a cooking menu book, and a cooking recipe corresponding to the food that can be read or read by closely contacting the transmission / reception means is automatically obtained from the Internet. Even if it is downloaded and displayed, or the setting of the cooking method according to the said foodstuff is not input directly, optimal cooking can always be performed.

  In the fifth invention, the target article is tableware, and the information stored in the non-contact information storage medium is tableware washing information, so that the dishwasher can always perform optimum washing.

  In the sixth aspect of the invention, the target article is clothing, and the information stored in the non-contact information storage medium is clothing washing information, so that the washing machine can always perform optimum washing.

  In the seventh invention, the target article is a building material, and the information stored in the non-contact information storage medium is the cleaning information of the building material, so that the vacuum cleaner can always perform the optimum cleaning.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the information providing apparatus is a server of an information provider, a personal computer installed in a home, or a home server device, so that the control program and / or data of the target article can be updated more easily. can do.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing a configuration of a non-contact information storage medium according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a main part (AA ′). FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a home appliance (rice cooker) communicating with a storage medium, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of memory contents of a non-contact information storage medium, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a data download procedure.

  In FIG. 1, a non-contact information storage medium 30 includes a memory 31, a power supply circuit 32, a transmission / reception circuit 33 including a modulation / demodulation circuit, an IC chip 35 incorporating a logic circuit 34 including a clock, and an antenna coil 36. Sealed with a sealing material 37 such as resin or ceramic. The demodulation circuit of the transmission / reception circuit 33 detects, for example, the received 915 MHz or 2.45 GHz electromagnetic wave, and restores the baseband signal and data. Further, the battery is not built in, and the power supply circuit 32 obtains its operating power from the electromagnetic wave received by the antenna coil 36 by electromagnetic induction. On the other hand, the modulation circuit of the transmission / reception circuit 33 modulates a carrier wave according to transmission data to transmit data, outputs the modulated carrier wave to the antenna coil 36, and transmits electromagnetic waves. As the modulation method, for example, ASK for changing the amplitude of the carrier (carrier) frequency, PSK for changing the phase, or the like can be used. The modulation / demodulation circuit is controlled by the logic circuit 34 and operates in synchronization with the clock. The memory 31 includes a ROM, RAM, EEPROM, and / or FRAM that stores data. Since the configuration and operation of the components of the non-contact information storage medium 30 are well known in the art, a more detailed description is omitted.

  In FIG. 2, the rice cooker 40 communicates with the information terminal 41 by various communication methods such as Bluetooth communication, infrared communication, and the information providing device 43 via the information terminal 41 and the Internet 42 which is an example of a communication network. The program and data can be downloaded. The rice cooker 40 includes a rice cooker 44 that performs heat retention, preheating (water soaking), rice washing, rice milling, and the like, which are the original functions of the rice cooker, a microcomputer 45 that is a controller, a first communication unit 46a, and an operation display unit. 47 and an RF reader / writer 48. In order to make the rice cooker 40 function in the microcomputer 45, a program and data (a combination of the type of rice, brand, degree of polished rice, etc., and a cooking method suitable for it) created before the factory shipment, and after purchase, A memory 49 for storing the downloaded program and data is provided. The rice storage bag or the rice storage container 50 has a non-contact information storage medium 51 attached, and the memory in the IC chip 52 stores the rice production place, manufacturer name, wholesaler name, dealer name, and rice type. (Brown rice, white rice, glutinous rice, japonica rice, indica rice, etc.), brand (Sasanishiki, Koshihikari, Akitakomachi, etc.), degree of polished rice, optimal rice cooking sequence (preheating (immersion) time / temperature, cooking time / temperature, unevenness) Data such as time and temperature). The information terminal 41 includes a first communication unit 46b that communicates with the rice cooker 40, a microcomputer 54 that is a control unit, a second communication unit 55, an operation unit 56, a display unit 57, and a data storage unit. 58.

  About the rice cooker comprised as mentioned above (home appliances which communicate with the non-contact information storage medium 51), the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below.

  First, when the user selects “with automatic rice seed discrimination function” and “cooking course: white rice” and operates the rice cooking key, the rice cooker 40 is contactless attached to the rice storage bag 50 by the RF reader / writer 48. Information on rice is read from the information storage medium 51 (FIG. 4, STEP 60), and a rice cooking sequence is executed based on this information. The rice storage bag 50 has rice inside and a non-contact information storage medium 51 attached to the outer surface. As shown in FIG. 3A, the non-contact information storage medium 51 includes “serial number (product number)”, “key (product name)”, and “data (for example, in the case of rice, the type of rice). , Brand, degree of polished rice, cooking method) ”. If a serial number (32 bits) is assigned to a company name, it can be used for 270 million company organizations, and if a key is assigned to a product, it can handle 270 million types of products. It is much more flexible than (FIG. 3B), and the amount of data that can be stored can be increased. User data memory sizes from 128 bytes to 1 kbytes, 2 kbytes, 4 kbytes, and other high-capacity types have been commercialized. Further, the semiconductor process is miniaturized, and the chip size is all 2.5 mm square, which is the same as the 128-byte product. ) Here, when there is no information on the rice read from the non-contact information storage medium 51, especially the rice varieties and brands match the programs and data stored in the rice cooker 40 in advance (STEP 61 to STEP 63). Then, communication with the information terminal 41 is started through the first communication means 46a. The information terminal 41 is in a standby state or an operation state by the operation means 56, but when a communication start signal (STEP 70) is detected from the rice cooker 40, a response 1 is transmitted (STEP 71), and the rice type / Reception of brand data (STEP 72) is started. When a series of data is received, the received data is analyzed. If there is a program data corresponding to the data storage means 58 as a result of the analysis, it is extracted from the data storage means 58 and the response information is constructed. On the other hand, if there is no corresponding program data, access the download page of the corresponding home page from the information providing device 43, for example, the rice producer, the seller name, and the rice cooker manufacturer name, and JAVA A program written in a trademark language is used to search for information related to the rice and download it to construct response information. The response information is, for example, the rice as a brand / brand, and the data is an optimal rice cooking sequence (preheating (immersion) time / temperature, cooking time / temperature, cooking time / temperature, etc.). When the configuration is finished, the information is transmitted to the rice cooker 40. When the reception of this data is finished (STEP 74), the rice cooker 40 completes this series of automatic rice seed discrimination processing, and inundation is performed according to the received cooking method. Time / temperature, cooking time / temperature, etc. are determined (STEP 65 to STEP 68), and rice cooking (STEP 69) is started.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by accessing the non-contact information storage medium 51 attached to the cooking ingredients, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of cooking method information related to the cooking ingredients. 41 can be automatically communicated, and the information providing apparatus 43 can automatically update the control program and / or data related to the cooking ingredients through communication.

  In addition, without directly operating the operation display means 47 of the rice cooker 40 and the operation means 56 of the information terminal 41, information on rice cooking and heat insulation can be obtained from a homepage on the Internet (information providing apparatus 43). That is, an operation for searching for information, an operation for inputting / confirming a URL, and an operation for obtaining information are unnecessary, and the control program for the rice cooker 40 and the user who is not familiar with the operation of the information terminal 41 Both or one of the data can be automatically updated.

  Further, the microcomputer 54 of the present embodiment is provided with data storage means 58 for storing programs and data created in advance for causing the information terminal 41 to function, programs and data transmitted from the outside, and the like. The data storage means 58 can be constituted by a memory card that is partly removable, in addition to a semiconductor memory and a hard disk that are fixedly installed in the information terminal 41. Of course, all the data storage means 57 can be made detachable or can be fixedly installed if necessary. As the removable storage means, various storage media such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), an IC card, a CD (compact disk), and an MD (mini disk) can be considered. Further, a data conversion means 59 for converting the input program and data into a predetermined form and a timer 60 are provided.

  Further, the antenna coil 36 in the non-contact information storage medium 51 of the present embodiment is electromagnetically coupled to the detection coil ANT in the RF reader / writer 48 in a non-contact manner. The antenna coil 36 and the detection coil ANT can be arranged close to each other or separated by a distance of several meters. The antenna coil 36 may have a predetermined size, shape, self-inductance, and mutual inductance depending on the arrangement, mounting area, and other conditions with the detection coil ANT, and the shape is not limited to a quadrangle, and is circular or elliptical. And so on. Further, it can be directly formed and mounted on the same silicon wafer as the IC chip 35. The power supply circuit 32 is configured to obtain its operating power from electromagnetic waves received by the antenna coil 36 by electromagnetic induction. However, a semi-passive type or an active type configuration in which a battery is mounted may be used. Even if a plurality of non-contact information storage media 51 exist simultaneously, for example, serial No. 1 can be identified. In addition, the non-contact information storage medium of this embodiment is attached by a method such as sewing, pasting, or printing on a package of a control target of home appliances.

  In addition, when the administrator of the site on the Internet, which is the information providing apparatus 43 of the present embodiment, upgrades the program, the serial number or key number of the non-contact information storage medium 51 is changed, so that the Internet You can connect to the site and download the upgraded new program (cooking method: rice cooking sequence) again. In addition, every time a new rice cooker model is released, the site can create a new program corresponding to the new rice cooker and post it on the site, and update the serial number or key number of the non-contact information storage medium 51. That is, information other than the cooking method regarding the cooking ingredients can be given to the non-contact information storage medium 51 attached to the cooking ingredients.

  Further, in FIG. 4 of this embodiment, STEP 60 (reading information about rice from the non-contact information storage medium 51), when the non-contact information storage medium 51 cannot be detected, a standard rice cooking sequence of the selected cooking course is performed. Execute. Similarly, when the user selects “no automatic rice seed discrimination function”, the sequence of the cooking course set by the rice cooker 40 is executed without reading out information on rice from the non-contact information storage medium 51.

  Further, the first communication means 46a, 46b of the present embodiment can be configured by communication means of various wired and wireless communication systems, for example, a wired serial communication system, a wired parallel communication system, a power line carrier communication system, a weak wireless system. It can be realized by communication method, low-power wireless communication method, Bluetooth communication method, infrared communication method including various IrDA, etc., but here it can be constructed relatively easily and has a communication area that can cover one house. The communication means is a low-power Echonet-compliant "low power radio" which is a flexible system.

  In addition, the rice cooker 40 of the present embodiment can be implemented not only for home use, but also for large-scale systems for business use such as retail stores and offices, and rice robots. In such industries, there are many requests such as making various kinds of cooking such as rice cake and porridge with one rice cooker, and in addition, there are facilities that cook rice for business use, such as increased sales of lunch boxes at convenience stores etc. There is an increasing demand for easy and large-scale cooking of rice that matches the number of times of cooking, the time of cooking, and the type of dish. On the other hand, it is not always necessary for housewives to stay at home and cook rice due to women's social advancement and the increase in elderly households, and it is expected that anyone can operate. Since the non-contact information storage medium 51 can store ID information, records of predetermined storage information, and the like, it is not necessary to perform complicated operations of the rice cooker, and non-contact information corresponding to various cooking methods. By simply attaching the storage medium 51, it is possible to cope with various cooking scenes.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a non-contact information storage medium printed on a cooking recipe card according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 5, a non-contact information storage medium 75 is formed by printing on an illustration 77 on a cooking recipe card 76 and then covered with a laminate film. On the card 76, the ingredients, amount, and cooking procedure of each cooking, that is, a recipe 78 are also printed. The non-contact information storage medium 75 includes a memory 31, a power circuit 32, a transmission / reception circuit 33 including a modulation / demodulation circuit, an IC chip 35 incorporating a logic circuit 34 including a clock, and an antenna coil 36. .

  The operation and effect of the home appliance that communicates with the non-contact information storage medium 75 configured as described above, for example, a microwave oven, will be described below.

  First, a user takes out a cooking recipe card 76 using desired cooking ingredients from a card organizing box (not shown) and brings it close to an RF reader / writer unit (not shown) of a microwave oven. After that, when the operation switch is pressed and the microwave oven is operated, the cooking method of the corresponding cooking ingredients is read out from the non-contact information storage medium 75 printed on the insertion picture 77 on the cooking recipe card 76 and cooked. Here, when the information regarding the cooking ingredients read from the non-contact information storage medium 75 does not match the program and data stored in advance in the microwave oven, the information communicates with the information terminal 41 through the first communication means 46a. To start. The information terminal 41 is in a standby state or an operation state by the operation means 56. When a communication start signal is detected from the microwave oven, the information terminal 41 transmits a response 1 and subsequently receives the type of cooked food and the name data. start. When a series of data is received, the received data is analyzed. If there is a program data corresponding to the data storage means 58 as a result of the analysis, it is extracted from the data storage means 58 and the response information is constructed. On the other hand, if there is no corresponding program data, the download page of the corresponding home page is accessed from the information providing device 43, for example, the producer of cooked ingredients, the name of the seller, and the name of the manufacturer of the microwave oven. A program written in the registered trademark language is used to search for information on the corresponding cooking ingredients and download it to construct response information. The response information includes, for example, a header as a type and a product name, and data as a cooking method such as an optimal cooking sequence / detected temperature and a microwave irradiation time. When the response information is configured, the information is transmitted to the microwave oven. When the reception of this data is completed, the microwave oven determines the microwave irradiation time, detected temperature, time, etc. according to the received cooking method, and starts cooking. Therefore, cooking can be automatically completed without setting the microwave irradiation time, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the timer time, and the like.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3A, the non-contact information storage medium 75 of the present embodiment has a serial No. for identifying food ingredients. 0: “Product name” and serial number. 1: “Product number” is stored, and all cooked ingredients can be handled.

  Further, the RF reader / writer part of the microwave oven in this embodiment can be a portable type. Thereby, it is possible to read the cooking information while being in close contact with the 77 parts of the inserted picture 76 of the cooking recipe card. Communication between the RF reader / writer unit and the microwave oven can be realized by a weak wireless communication system, a low power wireless communication system, a Bluetooth communication system, an infrared communication system including various IrDA, and the like. Further, by using a carrier (carrier) frequency or a modulation method different from that of the non-contact information storage medium 75, simultaneous communication can be performed without communication interference.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a non-contact information storage medium printed on a cooking photo of a cooking menu book according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 6, a non-contact information storage medium 79 is formed by printing on a cooking photo 81 of a cooking menu book 80 and then covered with a laminate film. On the menu book 80, each cooking ingredient, amount, cooking procedure, that is, a recipe 82 is also printed. The non-contact information storage medium 79 includes a memory 31, a power circuit 32, a transmission / reception circuit 33 including a modulation / demodulation circuit, an IC chip 35 including a logic circuit 34 including a clock, and an antenna coil 36. .

  The operation and effect of the home appliance that communicates with the non-contact information storage medium 79 configured as described above, for example, a microwave oven, will be described below.

  First, the user opens a cooking recipe page using the desired cooking ingredients in the cooking menu book 80, and makes close contact with or close to the portable RF reader / writer unit of the microwave oven. After that, when the operation switch is pressed and the microwave oven is operated, the cooking method of the corresponding cooking ingredients is read from the non-contact information storage medium 79 printed on the cooking photo 81 of the cooking menu book 80. When the information regarding the cooking ingredients read from the contact information storage medium 75 does not match the program and data stored in advance in the microwave oven, the communication with the information terminal 41 is started through the first communication means 46a. The information terminal 41 is in a standby state or an operation state by the operation means 56. When a communication start signal is detected from the microwave oven, the information terminal 41 transmits a response 1 and subsequently receives the type of cooked food and the name data. start. When a series of data is received, the received data is analyzed. If there is a program data corresponding to the data storage means 58 as a result of the analysis, it is extracted from the data storage means 58 and the response information is constructed. On the other hand, if there is no corresponding program data, the download page of the corresponding home page is accessed from the information providing device 43, for example, the producer of cooked ingredients, the name of the seller, and the name of the manufacturer of the microwave oven. A program written in the registered trademark language is used to search for information on the corresponding cooking ingredients and download it to construct response information. The response information includes, for example, a header as a type and a product name, and data as a cooking method such as an optimal cooking sequence / detected temperature and a microwave irradiation time. When the response information is configured, the information is transmitted to the microwave oven. When the reception of this data is completed, the microwave oven determines the microwave irradiation time, detected temperature, time, etc. according to the received cooking method, and starts cooking. Therefore, cooking can be automatically completed without setting the microwave irradiation time, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the timer time, and the like.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a household electrical appliance (dishwasher) that communicates with a non-contact information storage medium according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 7, the dishwasher 85 communicates with the information terminal 41 by various communication methods such as Bluetooth communication and infrared communication, and the information providing apparatus 43 via the information terminal 41 and the Internet 42 which is an example of a communication network. The program and data can be downloaded. The dishwasher 85 includes a washing / drying means 86 for performing washing, rinsing, drying, etc., which are the original functions of the dishwasher, a microcomputer 87 which is a control means, a first communication means 46a, and an operation display unit 88. , The RF reader / writer 48. The microcomputer 87 has a program and data (washing course / time, strength of washing water, drying time, etc.) created in advance before shipping to make the dishwasher 85 function, and a program and data downloaded after purchase. Is stored. The tableware 90 is attached with a non-contact information storage medium 91. The memory of the IC chip 92 includes a tableware production place, manufacturer name, wholesaler name, store name, tableware type, and optimum cleaning method ( (Data of washing temperature, time, washing water flow strength, drying temperature, time, etc.) are stored. The information terminal 41 includes a first communication unit 46b that communicates with the dishwasher 85, a microcomputer 54 that is a control unit, a second communication unit 55, an operation unit 56, a display unit 57, and data storage. Means 58.

  The operation and action of the dishwasher 85 configured as described above (home appliances communicating with the non-contact information storage medium 91) will be described below.

  First, when the user operates the washing / drying key, the dishwasher 85 uses a plurality of non-contact information storage media 91 attached to the plurality of dishes 90 housed in the cabinet by the RF reader / writer 48. Information on the 90 cleaning methods is read out, and washing, rinsing and drying sequences are executed based on this information. The non-contact information storage medium 91 is printed or sealed on the back surface of the tableware 90. Here, when there is no information that matches the program and data stored in the dishwasher 85 in advance, the first communication means 46a, and the information related to the washing of the tableware 90 read from the non-contact information storage medium 91, The information providing device 43, for example, the producer of the tableware, the name of the seller, and the name of the manufacturer of the dishwasher 85 are accessed via the information terminal 41 to access the download page of the corresponding homepage, and JAVA (registered trademark) ) Search and download information about washing the tableware in a program written in the language. When this download is completed, the dishwasher 85 calculates the minimum values of washing water strength, temperature, time, etc. of the tableware 90 in the cabinet by the microcomputer 87, determines washing water strength, temperature, time, etc. Start the process.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by accessing the non-contact information storage medium 91 attached to the tableware 90, it is possible to determine the presence / absence of information related to tableware washing. It is possible to automatically communicate, and the information providing apparatus 43 can automatically update the control program and / or data relating to the cleaning of the tableware through communication.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of a household electrical appliance (washing and drying machine) that communicates with a non-contact information storage medium in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 8, the washing and drying machine 95 communicates with the information terminal 41 by various communication methods such as Bluetooth communication and infrared communication, and the information providing apparatus 43 via the information terminal 41 and the Internet 42 which is an example of a communication network. The program and data can be downloaded. The washing / drying machine 95 includes washing / drying means 96 for performing washing, rinsing, dehydration, drying, etc., which are the original functions of the washing / drying machine, a microcomputer 97 as control means, a first communication means 46a, and an operation display unit. 98 and the RF reader / writer 48. The microcomputer 97 has a program and data (washing course / time, pulsator or drum rotation speed, drying time, etc.) created in advance before shipment from the factory to make the washing / drying machine 95 function, and downloaded after purchase. A memory 99 is provided for storing the program and data. The clothing 100 is attached with a non-contact information storage medium 101, and the memory of the IC chip 102 is the clothing production area, manufacturer name, wholesaler name, store name, clothing type, and optimum cleaning method ( (Data of washing temperature, time, washing water flow strength, drying temperature, time, etc.) are stored. The information terminal 41 includes a first communication unit 46b that communicates with the washing and drying machine 95, a microcomputer 54 that is a control unit, a second communication unit 55, an operation unit 56, a display unit 57, and data storage. Means 58.

  The operation and action of the washing / drying machine 95 (home appliance that communicates with the non-contact information storage medium 101) configured as described above will be described below.

  First, when the user operates the washing / drying key, the washing / drying machine 95 reads the plurality of non-contact information storage media 101 attached to the plurality of clothes 100 housed in the washing tub with the RF reader / writer 48. Information relating to the washing method of the garment 100 is read out, and washing, rinsing and drying sequences are executed based on this information. The non-contact information storage medium 101 is sewn or printed on the back surface of the garment 100. Here, when there is no information regarding washing and drying of the clothes 100 read from the non-contact information storage medium 101 that matches the program and data stored in the washing / drying machine 95 in advance, the first communication means 46a. And the information providing device 43 via the information terminal 41, for example, the clothing manufacturer, the seller name, and the manufacturer name of the washer / dryer 95 are accessed from the download page of the corresponding homepage, and the JAVA ( Search and download information on washing and drying of the clothing in a program written in the registered trademark language. When this download is completed, the washing / drying machine 95 calculates the minimum values of the water flow strength, temperature, time, etc. of the clothes 100 in the washing tub, and the microcomputer 97 calculates the water flow strength (or the number of rotations of the drum), the water temperature. Determine the time, etc. and start the washing process.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by accessing the non-contact information storage medium 101 attached to the clothing 100, it is possible to determine the presence / absence of information on washing and drying of the clothing. 41 and automatically update the control program and / or data related to washing and drying of the clothing from the information providing device 43 through communication.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a household electrical appliance (vacuum cleaner) that communicates with a non-contact information storage medium according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 9, the vacuum cleaner 105 communicates with the information terminal 41 by various communication methods such as Bluetooth communication, infrared communication, and the information providing apparatus 43 via the information terminal 41 and the Internet 42 which is an example of a communication network. The program and data can be downloaded. The vacuum cleaner 105 includes a cleaning unit 106 that performs suction, floor brush rotation, dust detection, full display, and the like, which are functions inherent to the vacuum cleaner, a microcomputer 107 that is a control unit, a first communication unit 46a, and an operation display. The unit 108 and the RF reader / writer 48 are included. The microcomputer 107 has a program and data (floor brush rotational speed, cleaning motor rotational speed, dust detection level, etc.) created in advance before shipping to make the vacuum cleaner 105 function, and downloaded programs and data after purchase. Is stored. The non-contact information storage medium 111 is attached to the building material 110, and the production area of the building material, the manufacturer name, the wholesaler name, the store name, the type of the building material, the optimum cleaning method (in the memory in the IC chip 112) Stores data such as the presence / absence of floor brush rotation, rotation speed, cleaning motor rotation speed (suction force), suction time, and the like. The information terminal 41 includes a first communication unit 46b that communicates with the vacuum cleaner 105, a microcomputer 54 that is a control unit, a second communication unit 55, an operation unit 56, a display unit 57, and a data storage unit. 58.

  The operation and action of the vacuum cleaner 105 (home appliance that communicates with the non-contact information storage medium 111) configured as described above will be described below.

  First, when the user operates a switch of the cleaner 105, the cleaner 105 reads information on the cleaning method from the non-contact information storage medium 111 attached to the building material 110 by the RF reader / writer 48, and cleans based on this information. Execute. In the non-contact information storage medium 111, for example, the building material 100 is sewn on the back surface in the case of a curtain, and is printed or embedded in the case of a floor material. Here, when there is no information regarding the cleaning of the building material 110 read from the non-contact information storage medium 111 that matches the program and data stored in the cleaner 105 in advance, the first communication unit 46a, and Via the information terminal 41, the download page of the corresponding home page is accessed from the information providing device 43, for example, the manufacturer and seller name of the clothing, and the manufacturer name of the vacuum cleaner 105, and the JAVA (registered trademark) language In the program written in the above, information related to cleaning of the corresponding building material 110 is searched and downloaded. When this download is finished, the vacuum cleaner 105 determines that the microcomputer 107 has a rotation of the floor brush and determines the rotation speed, rotation speed of the cleaning motor (suction strength), dust detection level, suction time, and the like. Start cleaning.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by accessing the non-contact information storage medium 111 attached to the building material 110, it is possible to determine whether or not there is information regarding cleaning of the building material. It communicates automatically and can update the control program and data regarding the cleaning of the said building material from the information provision apparatus 43, or one of them automatically by communication. Therefore, the floor stops the floor brush and sucks strongly. Carpets are strongly sucked by rotating the floor brush. The curtain can automatically set the cleaning to match the building materials, such as stopping the floor brush and sucking it weakly.

  The information providing apparatus 43 according to the present embodiment is an information provider server and can communicate with the information terminal 41 via the Internet 42. A rice cooker maker etc. can be considered as an information provider. For example, the rice cooker manufacturer using the information providing device 43 has various information on the homepage set up by the company, and can browse and read (download) from the information terminal 41 etc. It has a function of rewriting data. In the case of home use, as the information providing device 43, a personal computer or home appliance installed in the home may be used as a home server that centrally manages home appliances. It is also possible to store the data in the storage means 58 and transmit it to the rice cooker 40 again and again as needed. That is, after the program or data is downloaded from the site, the connection with the Internet may be canceled, and it can be used in an environment such as ADSL that is not always connected, such as ADSL.

  In addition, the contactless information storage medium of this embodiment is printed on a repair request page of an instruction manual, and the contact information to the manufacturer in the event of a malfunction of the home appliance (other than the RF reader / writer and communication means) It can also be used for the purpose of making a service call automatically.

  In addition, by minimizing programs and data created in advance before shipment from the factory, the ROM size can be reduced and costs can be reduced. In addition, a menu specialized for the user's needs can be downloaded from a dedicated Internet site and used instead of the manufacturer's menu.

  In addition, as a home appliance of the present embodiment, a gas table / gas cooker, a roaster, a mochi machine, an e-range hood, a home bakery, a toaster, a coffee maker / mill, a mixer / juicer, a food processor, a hot plate, a food processor, etc. Can be used.

  As described above, the home electric appliance that communicates with the non-contact information storage medium according to the present invention reads out the stored information from the non-contact information storage medium, and performs control and update of the operation content by the program or data obtained from the information. In addition, it can be applied to uses such as handling the user without looking at the manual or the like in the event of failure of the home appliance.

(A) Block diagram showing the configuration of the non-contact information storage medium in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (b) Cross-sectional view of the main part (A-A ') The block diagram which shows the structure of the rice cooker in Embodiment 1 of this invention. (A) The figure which shows the structure of the memory content of a non-contact information storage medium (b) The figure which shows a barcode system Flow chart showing data download procedure The figure which shows the non-contact information storage medium printed on the card | curd of the cooking recipe in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the non-contact information storage medium printed on the cooking photo of the cooking menu book in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the dishwasher in Embodiment 4 of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the washing dryer in Embodiment 5 of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the cleaner in Embodiment 6 of this invention. Block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional rice cooker

Explanation of symbols

31 Memory 32 Power Supply Circuit 33 Transmission / Reception Circuit 34 Logic Circuit 35 IC Chip 36 Antenna Coil 37 Sealing Material 40 Rice Cooker 41 Information Terminal 42 Internet 43 Information Providing Device 45 Microcomputer 46a, 46b First Communication Means 47 Operation Display Means 48 RF Reader / writer 50 Rice storage bag 51 Non-contact information storage medium 55 Second communication means 58 Data storage means 85 Dishwasher 95 Washer / dryer 105 Vacuum cleaner

Claims (8)

Transmission / reception means for accessing a non-contact information storage medium capable of reading or reading information in a non-contact manner using electromagnetic waves including light attached to the target article and reading information on the target article; and an information terminal using a wired system or a wireless system Communication means for communicating, and control means for controlling the operation of the device based on the information of the target article, wherein the control means is a control program or data corresponding to the target article read from the non-contact information storage medium If there is not, home appliances that receive either the corresponding program or data from the information providing device via the information terminal by communication and control the device based on the received information. The target article is a cooking ingredient, and the information stored in the non-contact information storage medium is cooking appliance information according to claim 1. 2. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the target article is a cooking ingredient, and the non-contact information storage medium is printed on a cooking recipe card, and can be read or read by bringing the card close to the transmission / reception means. 2. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the target article is a cooking ingredient, and the non-contact information storage medium is printed on a cooking photo of a cooking menu book, and can be read or read by closely contacting the transmission / reception means. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the target article is tableware, and the information stored in the non-contact information storage medium is tableware washing information. The household electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein the target article is clothing, and the information stored in the non-contact information storage medium is clothing washing information. The household electrical appliance according to claim 1, wherein the article to be recorded is a building material, and the information stored in the non-contact information storage medium is building material cleaning information. The home appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the information providing device is an information provider server, a personal computer or a home server device installed in a home.

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