JP2020103871A - Information processing method and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

To achieve washing intended by a user even when a state of a washing machine changes after the reservation of the washing machine.SOLUTION: When the state of a washing machine in which a washing task is reserved is changed, at least state information which indicates the state of the washing machine after the change is received from the washing machine, and with respect to the operation change of the washing machine executing the washing task with respect to the state change of the washing machine, whether or not an instruction is required from a user of the washing machine is determined on the basis of the state information. When it is determined that the instruction is required, presentation information for urging the input of an instruction is transmitted to a corresponding terminal of the user. When instruction information which indicates the instruction from the terminal is received, control information for the operation change of the washing machine is transmitted to the washing machine on the basis of the instruction information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to an information processing method and an information processing system that provide a user with various services related to laundry in a washing machine having a remote control function.

In recent years, washing machines have become more sophisticated. For example, in Patent Document 1, the weight of the laundry stored in the laundry basket is detected, and the number of times of laundry required for washing the laundry in the washing machine is notified to the user's mobile terminal based on the weight. Techniques for doing so are disclosed.

Further, in Patent Literature 2, in order to solve the problem that the existing laundry course cannot satisfy the diversified demands of the user for washing, various kinds of clothes selected by the user and materials of the clothes are selected. Based on the above, a technique for proposing an optimum washing parameter is disclosed.

JP, 2008-102681, A JP, 2018-511379, A

However, in the technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when the state of the washing machine changes after the laundry is reserved for the washing machine, the washing intended by the user at the time of reservation is executed. Can be difficult.

The present disclosure aims to realize the laundry intended by the user even if the state of the washing machine changes after the laundry reservation.

An information processing method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a method executed by a computer, and when a state of a washing machine in which a laundry task is reserved changes, at least state information indicating the state of the washing machine after the change. Is received from the washing machine, and whether or not an instruction from the user of the washing machine is required for the operation change of the washing machine due to the state change of the washing machine in the execution of the washing task is included in the state information. If it is determined that the instruction is required, the presentation information corresponding to the operation change of the washing machine is transmitted to the terminal corresponding to the user, and the presentation information is information prompting the input of the instruction. When the instruction information indicating the instruction is received from the terminal, control information for changing the operation of the washing machine is transmitted to the washing machine based on the instruction information.

According to the present disclosure, even if the state of the washing machine changes after the reservation of the washing machine, the washing intended by the user can be realized.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the information processing system of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this indication. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the information processing system in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of this indication. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the operation panel of the washing machine shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a permission operation part. It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of a washing machine in an embodiment of this indication. It is a figure which shows an example of the measurement result which a measurement result storage part memorize|stores. It is a figure which shows an example of a process of a weight measurement part. 7 is a graph showing a temporal transition of a torque current used for controlling a motor in the processing of the weight measuring unit. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 1. It is an external view of the communication terminal shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the server shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the washing machine information which a washing machine information storage part memorize|stores. It is a figure which shows an example of the user information which a user information storage part memorize|stores. It is a figure which shows an example of the washing machine state information which a washing machine state storage part memorize|stores, and the terminal state information which a terminal state storage part memorize|stores. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of a feedback management unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. It is a figure which shows an example of the notification screen displayed on a user's communication terminal at the time of a state change notification. It is a figure which shows an example of the notification screen displayed on a user's communication terminal at the time of a state change notification. It is a figure which shows an example of the notification screen displayed on a user's communication terminal at the time of the notification of a reservation correction notification. It is a figure which shows an example of the notification screen displayed on a communication terminal at the time of a reservation change inquiry notification. It is a figure which shows an example of the notification screen displayed on a user's communication terminal at the time of abnormality notification. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a server according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of operation history information stored in a user history information storage section shown in FIG. 22. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of a feedback management unit according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

(Background to the present disclosure)
In recent years, a washing machine having the following functions is known. For example, when the laundry is put in the washing tub and the door is closed, the function of measuring the weight of the laundry and calculating the time required for operation or the amount of detergent and softening agent required is provided. There is known a washing machine equipped with the washing machine. Also, in order to use the washing tub as a laundry basket, the user puts the laundry in the washing tub and after a certain period of time, the sterilizing and deodorizing functions are automatically activated to generate an unpleasant odor There is also known a washing machine having a function of preventing the washing. In addition, a washing machine having a function of switching whether to accept remote control from a destination is also known. In addition, there is also known a washing machine having a function of receiving and executing a control request such as reservation setting and operation start from a terminal having a display and communication function such as a smartphone when remote control is permitted.

In a washing machine having these functions, a user makes a laundry plan such as drying freshly washed laundry or touching dry and fluffy laundry when returning home, After putting in an appropriate amount of detergent, the operator may reserve the operation completion time and then go out or set the washing course from the place where he/she goes. In this case, if the state of the washing machine changes when another person adds or removes laundry later at home, it will not be possible to finish the washing at the reserved operation completion time, or the amount of detergent put in will be appropriate. There is a possibility that it will disappear in a small amount. In particular, it is expected that the state of the washing machine is likely to change after the reservation in a double-income household with an increasing number of children in recent years. For example, the state of the washing machine changes because the child who returned home from school puts in dirty laundry after the parent made a reservation for washing such as the completion time of driving assuming going home from work and went out This is the case.

As described above, the conventional washing machine has a problem that when the state of the washing machine changes after a reservation for washing, the washing intended by the user is not performed.

Since neither of the technologies of Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above discloses that the state of the washing machine changes after the reservation is made, the user intends to make the reservation when the state of the washing machine changes after the reservation of the laundry. It can be difficult to perform the washing done.

Here, in order to realize the washing intended by the user, when the state of the washing machine changes, a response request for the user to input an instruction as to whether or not the reservation content can be changed due to the state change is sent to the user at the destination. A mode of notifying the terminal is also possible. However, for example, even if there is a change in the state, if the reservation content is slightly changed, it is not necessary to notify the user of such an answer request. Therefore, if the answer request is notified to the user's terminal every time the state changes, time is taken for inputting an instruction for the answer request, and the user is annoyed. In particular, it is preferable that the user at work is not required to input such an instruction.

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

An information processing method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a method executed by a computer, and when a state of a washing machine in which a laundry task is reserved changes, at least state information indicating the state of the washing machine after the change. Is received from the washing machine, and whether or not an instruction from the user of the washing machine is required for the operation change of the washing machine due to the state change of the washing machine in the execution of the washing task is included in the state information. If it is determined that the instruction is required, the presentation information corresponding to the operation change of the washing machine is transmitted to the terminal corresponding to the user, and the presentation information is information prompting the input of the instruction. When the instruction information indicating the instruction is received from the terminal, control information for changing the operation of the washing machine is transmitted to the washing machine based on the instruction information.

According to this configuration, when the state changes in the washing machine for which the laundry task is reserved, the changed state information of the washing machine is received from the washing machine, and based on the state information, the user changes the operation of the washing machine. It is determined whether or not the instruction of is required. Then, when it is determined that the instruction from the user is necessary, the presentation information prompting the user to input the instruction is transmitted to the user's terminal.

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

As described above, according to this configuration, when the state of the washing machine changes and it is necessary to change the operation of the washing machine, the washing machine is controlled based on the user's instruction. Is prevented from being performed, and the intention of the user can be reflected in the operation of the washing machine after the state change of the washing machine. Further, according to this configuration, since the presentation information is transmitted to the user's terminal after the necessity of the instruction from the user is determined, the notification to the user can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the notification to the user while realizing the washing intended by the user even if the state of the washing machine changes after the reservation of the washing machine. Further, from another viewpoint, even if the state of the washing machine changes after the reservation of the washing machine, the amount of communication in the communication with the terminal can be reduced in the process for realizing the washing intended by the user, and the battery consumption of the terminal can be reduced. Can be reduced.

In the above configuration, further, the position information of the terminal is acquired, further, it is determined whether or not the user is out based on the position information, and the presentation information is transmitted when it is determined that the user is out. You may.

According to this configuration, since the presentation information is transmitted when the user goes out, it is possible to realize the washing intended by the user even in a situation where it is difficult to grasp the state change of the washing machine.

In the above configuration, the state change may be a change of laundry loaded in the washing machine.

According to this configuration, when the laundry changes, the state information can be received from the washing machine. Therefore, the operation of the washing machine can be changed according to the change of the laundry.

In the above configuration, the change in the laundry in the laundry tub may be a change in the amount of the laundry in the laundry tub.

According to this configuration, when the amount of laundry changes, state information indicating the changed amount of laundry can be received from the washing machine. Therefore, it is possible to change the operation according to the changed laundry amount.

In the above configuration, the state change may be a change in the state of the door of the washing machine.

According to this configuration, it is possible to detect a change in the state of the door of the washing machine as a change in the state of the washing machine and determine the necessity of notifying the presentation information. Therefore, the state change of the washing machine can be easily detected.

In the above configuration, the state change may be a change in laundry content or laundry time.

According to this configuration, it is possible to detect the change in the washing content or the washing time as the state change of the washing machine, and determine the necessity of notifying the presentation information. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately determine the necessity of changing the operation of the washing machine.

In the above configuration, the reservation of the laundry task includes a laundry time, the instruction is an instruction of the user for changing the reserved washing time, and the operation change is a change of the reserved washing time. Yes, the instruction necessity determination is a determination as to whether the washing task is completed by the time indicated by the reserved washing time or within the time indicated by the washing time in the changed state of the washing machine. May be

According to this configuration, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to change the reserved washing time due to the state change, and when it is determined that the washing time needs to be changed, the presentation information prompting the user to change the washing time is displayed. Sent to the user's terminal. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing time from being changed without the user's permission.

In the above configuration, the reservation of the laundry task includes laundry content, the instruction is an instruction of the user for the reserved laundry content, and the operation change is a change of the reserved laundry content, The instruction necessity determination may be a determination as to whether or not the reserved laundry content is executable in the changed state of the washing machine.

According to this configuration, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to change the laundry content (for example, a laundry course) that has been reserved in accordance with the state change, and when it is determined that the laundry content needs to be changed, the user can change the laundry content. Presentation information prompting an instruction is transmitted to the user's terminal. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the laundry content from being changed without the user's permission.

In the above configuration, when the laundry task is not reserved, the laundry content may be estimated from the past operation history of the washing machine.

According to this configuration, when the state change occurs when the laundry task is not reserved, the laundry content is estimated from the past operation history of the washing machine, so the estimated laundry content is the laundry after the state change. When it is determined that the above item cannot be realized, it is possible to transmit, to the user terminal, presentation information that causes the user to set a laundry content different from the estimated laundry content. Therefore, when the laundry task is not reserved, it is possible to prevent the laundry content different from usual from being executed without the user's permission.

In the above configuration, the control information may include a lock of a door of the washing machine.

According to this configuration, since the door of the washing machine is locked after the instruction information is transmitted from the user's terminal, the state of the washing machine is changed by opening the door of the washing machine after transmitting the instruction information. It can be prevented. Therefore, notification to the user can be suppressed.

In the above configuration, when it is determined that the instruction is not required in the determination of whether or not the instruction is necessary, the control information for executing the operation change may be transmitted.

According to this configuration, when it is determined that the instruction from the user is not necessary, the operation change is performed according to the state change. For example, when the operation change due to the state change is small and it is not necessary to ask for the user's instruction. In, the operation is changed without requiring the user to give an instruction, and the user's trouble can be saved.

In the above configuration, when the state of the washing machine changes after the operation change based on the control information, additional presentation information may be transmitted to the terminal.

According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the user that the state of the washing machine has changed again.

The present disclosure can also be realized as an information processing program that causes a computer to execute each characteristic configuration included in such an information processing method, or an information processing system that operates according to the information processing program. Further, it goes without saying that such a computer program can be distributed via a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a communication network such as the Internet.

It should be noted that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present disclosure. Numerical values, shapes, constituent elements, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Further, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements not described in the independent claim showing the highest concept are described as arbitrary constituent elements. Further, the contents of each of the embodiments can be combined.

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

(Embodiment 1)
1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system 30 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing system 30 includes a washing machine 1 to be remotely controlled, a communication terminal 34 (an example of a terminal) owned by a user of the washing machine 1, and a server 35 that provides various services related to the washing machine 1. ing.

The washing machine 1 is communicatively connected to the communication terminal 34 via the communication unit 24 shown in FIG. The washing machine 1 and the communication terminal 34 may be connected to the server 35 via the Internet 33.

The server 35 can exchange information with the communication terminal 34 connected to the Internet 33. The information processing system 30 according to the first embodiment may be configured to span a plurality of networks as shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the information processing system 30 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. A public telephone network 31 constructed by a telephone company is connected to the Internet 33 by a gateway system 32. The public telephone network 31 includes a wireless telephone network.

A home network 37 is connected to the Internet 33 by a modem 36. The home network 37 includes a wired LAN or a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

The communication terminal 34 is connectable to the public telephone network 31, and is configured to remotely control the washing machine 1 via the public telephone network 31, the gateway system 32, the Internet 33, the modem 36, and the home network 37. ..

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the washing machine 1, an outer tub 2 is supported in a suspended state by a suspension structure having a vibration isolation structure. Inside the outer tub 2, a washing tub 3 (inner tub) formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape is provided. The washing tub 3 is supported by the outer tub 2 so that the axial direction is inclined downward from the back side to the front side.

The washing tub 3 is also called a drum in a drum type washing machine. On the front side of the outer tub 2, a clothes inlet/outlet 4 communicating with the open end of the washing tub 3 is formed. A door 5 is provided on the inclined surface on the front side of the washing machine 1 so that the opening of the washing tub 3 can be opened and closed. By opening and closing the door 5, the user can put the laundry in and out of the washing tub 3 through the clothes door 4.

The door 5 can be locked. When the door 5 is locked, the door 5 cannot be opened unless it is unlocked. That is, even if the door 5 is pushed or pulled, the door 5 does not open.

The washing tub 3 is rotationally driven in the forward and reverse directions by a motor 7 attached to the back side of the outer tub 2. Further, a water injection pipe 8 and a drainage pipe 9 are connected to the outer tub 2, and water is poured and drained into the outer tub 2 by controlling the water injection valve and the drainage valve.

The drainage pipe 9 is provided with a water level measuring unit 18 including an air cap or the like. When water is supplied to the outer tub 2, the water level rises, and the water pressure applied to the water level measuring unit 18 rises in proportion thereto. The water level measuring unit 18 estimates the amount of water supplied to the outer tub 2 from the applied water pressure.

By using the water level measuring unit 18, the washing machine 1 can detect whether or not the outer tub 2 is sufficiently filled with water and whether or not the water is sufficiently drained from the outer tub 2.

Further, the washing machine 1 may include a heating unit 12 for heating air or water. By providing the heating unit 12, the washing machine 1 can supply hot air to the laundry through the duct 11 to dry the laundry.

In addition, the washing machine 1 may have a function of heating the water to warm water by supplying the heat generated by the heating unit 12 to the water injection conduit 8 via the duct 11. By washing the laundry with warm water, the washing machine 1 can remove more dirt from the laundry in the washing tub 3 as compared with the case of washing the laundry with cold water.

The washing machine 1 may also include a pump 17 for returning the water accumulated in the drainage pipe 9 to the water injection pipe 8 again. By using the pump 17, the washing machine 1 can reuse the water discarded from the drainage pipe 9 for washing, and thus can wash with a smaller amount of water supply.

Further, inside the motor 7, there is provided a rotation detector 14 including a position detecting element for detecting the position of the rotor of the motor.

The washing machine 1 having the above-described configuration measures the weight of the laundry put into the washing tub 3 and determines the operation time according to the weight.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the operation panel 10 of the washing machine 1 shown in FIG. The operation panel 10 includes an operation unit and a display unit for allowing the user to set the operation content of the washing machine 1. The operation panel 10 includes a laundry course setting unit 100, a timer reservation button 120, a driving start button 121, a completion time display unit 130 for timer reservation, a time advance button 135, and a time return button 136. And a decision button 140 for deciding the operation content.

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

When the washing machine 1 detects that the door lock button 124 is pressed while the door 5 is closed, the washing machine 1 locks the door 5 so that the door 5 does not open. Further, when the door lock button 124 is pressed again, the washing machine 1 unlocks the door 5.

The washing course setting unit 100 includes buttons corresponding to the respective washing courses. For example, a button 101 corresponding to the washing course only for the washing step, a button 102 corresponding to the washing course only for the drying step, and a washing step. And a button 103 corresponding to a washing course for performing both the drying process and the drying process. The user selects a washing course by pressing any one of the buttons 101 to 103.

The button corresponding to each washing course may include a light emitting diode. The light emitting diode may be turned on when the button corresponding to the light emitting diode is selected and turned off when the button corresponding to the light emitting diode is not selected. In the example of FIG. 4, the light emitting diode of the button 101 is lit, indicating that the laundry course only for the laundry process is being selected.

The washing course that can be set in the washing course setting unit 100 is exemplified by the washing course only for the washing step, the washing course for only the drying step, and the washing course for performing both the washing step and the drying step. A laundry course may be adopted.

Other laundry courses that can be set by the laundry course setting unit 100 include, for example, a laundry course that takes time but only careful washing, and a laundry course that only performs short washing. In addition, a laundry course in which a small amount of water is poured and a laundry course using warm water can be adopted as the selectable laundry course.

The washing machine 1 further has a function of starting operation after a lapse of a predetermined time by using a timer reservation. The user sets the wash completion time by pressing the timer reservation button 120, and pressing the time advance button 135 and the time return button 136. Then, when the user presses the enter button 140, the washing machine 1 operates to complete the washing at the washing completion time based on the operating time according to the weight of the laundry and the set washing completion time. Calculate the start time. Then, when the washing machine 1 detects that the operation start time has been reached, the washing machine 1 starts operation.

The washing machine 1 may further have a function of starting operation immediately without using the timer reservation. In this case, the washing machine 1 may start the operation immediately when it is detected that the operation start button 121 is pressed immediately after the laundry course is selected by the operation of the setting section 100 of the laundry course.

The example in which the operation unit of the operation panel 10 is realized by the push button has been described, but it may be realized by using other means as long as it is a means capable of receiving an operation from the user. For example, the operation unit of the operation panel 10 may be configured with a touch panel.

Further, the operation unit of the operation panel 10 is exemplified by means for notifying the user of the setting content being selected by turning on the light emitting diode. However, as long as the means for notifying the user of the setting content being selected, other means may be used. It may be used. For example, when the operation unit is configured by a touch panel, a mode may be adopted in which the color or brightness of the selected button is changed with respect to the color or brightness when it is not selected.

Please refer to FIG. When the user opens the door 5, puts laundry and detergent into the washing tub 3, closes the door 5 and operates the operation panel 10 to start the operation of the washing machine 1, the outer tub 2 is filled with the pouring liquid. A predetermined amount of water is injected from the water pipe line 8, and the washing tub 3 is rotationally driven by the motor 7 to start the washing process.

By the rotation of the washing tub 3, the laundry stored in the washing tub 3 is lifted in the rotation direction by the stirring protrusion 6 provided on the inner peripheral wall of the washing tub 3, and the stirring is performed to drop from the lifted appropriate height position. The operation is repeated. As a result, a washing process is performed in which the laundry is hit and washed.

After the required washing process, the dirty washing liquid is discharged from the drainage line 9. Then, the washing machine 1 spins the washing tub 3 at a high speed to spin off the washing liquid contained in the laundry. When the dehydration is completed, the washing machine 1 injects water into the outer tub 2 from the water injection pipe 8 to perform the rinsing step.

Also in this rinsing step, the laundry stored in the washing tub 3 is repeatedly stirred by the stirring protrusions 6 being lifted and dropped by the rotation of the washing tub 3. As a result, a rinsing step involving rinsing is performed.

After the required rinsing process, the dirty water is discharged from the drainage pipe 9, and the dehydration process of dehydrating the water contained in the laundry by the dehydration operation of rotating the washing tub 3 at a high speed is performed.

The upper surface of the washing machine 1 is provided with a permission operation unit 19 for inputting a user's operation as to whether or not to permit the remote control of the washing machine 1.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the permission operation unit 19. The permission operation unit 19 includes a push button 19a for allowing the user to set permission/non-permission of remote operation, and a determination result display unit 19b showing a determination result of permission/non-permission of remote operation by the permission determination unit 40.

The determination result display unit 19b includes a light emitting diode lamp and is turned on when remote operation is permitted, and is turned off when remote operation is not permitted. For example, when the determination result storage unit 41 illustrated in FIG. 6 stores the determination result of “non-permission”, the determination result display unit 19b allows the push button 19a to be pressed and the permission determination unit 40 to perform a remote operation. If allowed, turn on the LED lamp. On the other hand, in the determination result display unit 19b, when the determination result storage unit 41 stores the determination result of “permitted”, the push button 19a is pressed and the permission determination unit 40 disallows the remote operation. In this case, turn off the light emitting diode lamp.

The permission operation unit 19 may be realized by means other than the push button as long as the user can set whether or not to permit the remote control of the washing machine 1. ..

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

In addition, the washing machine 1 may include a motion sensor 25 that determines whether or not there is a person around the washing machine 1. As the human sensor 25, for example, a pyroelectric infrared sensor, a distance measuring infrared sensor, a thermography, or a camera can be adopted.

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

The control unit 20 is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU and a memory, and the memory stores a control program and data for controlling the operation of the entire washing machine 1. The control unit 20 includes a permission determination unit 40, a weight measurement unit 43, a measurement result response unit 45, an operation request reception unit 46, an operation control unit 48, and a state notification unit 49. In addition, in FIG. 6, the permission determination unit 40, the weight measurement unit 43, and the operation request reception unit 46 are configured by a CPU and a memory, and the measurement result response unit 45, the operation control unit 48, and the state notification unit 49 are the CPUs. It is composed of.

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

For example, when the washing machine 1 is not in operation and the determination result storage unit 41 stores the determination result of "non-permission", the permission determination unit 40 presses the push button 19a of the permission operation unit 19. If the determination is made, the determination result storage unit 41 stores the determination result of “permitted”. On the other hand, when the washing machine 1 is not in operation and the determination result storage unit 41 stores the determination result of "non-permission", the permission determination unit 40 presses the push button 19a of the permission operation unit 19. If the determination is made, the determination result storage unit 41 stores the determination result of “not permitted”. The permission determination unit 40 does not permit or disallow the remote operation even if the push button 19a of the permission operation unit 19 is pressed during the operation of the washing machine 1.

For example, immediately after the power is turned on, the permission determination unit 40 causes the determination result storage unit 41 to store the determination result of the remote operation “not permitted”. This prevents the washing machine 1 from being erroneously operated by remote control when the user does not know that the washing machine 1 has a remote control function or when the user has no intention of using the remote control. be able to.

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

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

The driving request receiving unit 46 receives the driving request when the permission determination unit 40 permits the remote operation when the communication unit 24 receives the driving request. The driving request receiving unit 46 acquires the driving request by interpreting the instruction input to the operation panel 10. The driving request receiving unit 46 includes a driving request storage unit 47, and stores the received driving request in the driving request storage unit 47. When starting the operation of the washing machine 1 according to the operation request, the operation request receiving unit 46 instructs the operation control unit 48 to start the operation.

The operation control unit 48 rotates the washing tub 3 by driving the motor 7 according to the operation request received by the operation request receiving unit 46, and starts the operation of the washing machine 1. In addition, the operation control unit 48 instructs a sterilization device (not shown) to perform sterilization and deodorization operation when a predetermined time has elapsed since the remote operation was “permitted” by the permission determination unit 40. This makes it possible to deodorize and sterilize the laundry put into the washing tub 3 when the remote operation is "permitted".

When the state notification unit 49 changes the state of the washing machine 1 by updating the measurement result stored in the weight measuring unit 43 or changing the operating state of the washing machine 1 by the operation control unit 48, The state information indicating the state of the washing machine 1 is transmitted to the server 35 via the communication unit 24.

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

The rotation detection unit 14 is composed of, for example, an encoder, detects the rotation speed and the rotation speed of the motor 7, and outputs the detection result to each of the weight measurement unit 43 and the operation control unit 48.

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

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

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the measurement result 150 stored in the measurement result storage unit 44. The measurement result 150 includes a measurement value 160 and a progress status 170. The measured value 160 is the weight of the laundry measured by the weight measuring unit 43. The progress status 170 indicates a status regarding measurement of the weight of the laundry. In this status, for example, "Measurement completed" indicating that the weight measurement is completed, "Measuring" indicating that the weight measurement is in progress, and the laundry weight measurement is not executed. There is "unmeasured" to indicate that. In the example of FIG. 5, the progress status 170 indicating “measurement completed” is stored.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing of the weight measuring unit 43. FIG. 9 is a graph showing a temporal transition of the torque current used for controlling the motor 7 in the processing of the weight measuring unit 43. In FIG. 9, the vertical axis represents the rotation speed (r/min) of the motor 7, and the horizontal axis represents time (s). Hereinafter, the processing of the weight measuring unit 43 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

In step S51, the weight measuring unit 43 causes the measurement result storage unit 44 to store the progress state 170 of “Measuring” since the measurement of the weight of the laundry has been started.

In step S52, the weight measuring unit 43 rotates the motor 7 and acquires the torque current. Specifically, the process of step S52 is as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 9, the weight measuring unit 43 detects the acceleration torque current Iq1 supplied to the motor 7 during the first detection process. The first detection step is a step of accelerating the rotation speed of the motor 7 from the first rotation speed N1 to the second rotation speed N2 while controlling the torque current Iq to accelerate the motor 7 at a constant angular acceleration α1. Is.

Next, the weight measuring unit 43 accelerates the motor 7 to the third rotation speed N3, and then detects the deceleration torque current Iq2 that is supplied to the motor 7 during the second detection process. The second detection step is a step of reducing the rotation speed from the fourth rotation speed N4 to the fifth rotation speed N5 while controlling the torque current to reduce the motor 7 at a constant angular acceleration α2.

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

In step S53, the weight measuring unit 43 calculates the weight by utilizing the fact that the acceleration torque current Iq1 and the deceleration torque current Iq2 supplied to the motor 7 are proportional to the weight. For example, the weight measuring unit 43 calculates representative values of the acceleration torque current Iq1 and the deceleration torque current Iq2, and substitutes the representative values into a function for converting the torque current into the laundry weight to obtain the laundry weight. Should be calculated. The representative value may be the average value of the acceleration torque current Iq1 and the deceleration torque current Iq2, or the larger value of the acceleration torque current Iq1 and the deceleration torque current Iq2. Alternatively, the smaller value of the acceleration torque current Iq1 and the deceleration torque current Iq2 may be adopted.

In step S54, the weight measurement unit 43 stores the progress state 170 of “measurement completed” and the measurement value 160 indicating the measured weight in the measurement result storage unit 44 because the measurement of the weight of the laundry is completed.

Here, the weight of the laundry is illustrated as the measured value 160, but other values may be adopted as long as the information can calculate the weight. For example, as the measurement value 160, the acceleration torque current Iq1 and the deceleration torque current Iq2 may be adopted. In this case, the above-described representative values of the acceleration torque current Iq1 and the deceleration torque current Iq2 are adopted as the values indicating the weight of the laundry.

The weight measuring unit 43 may store the “unmeasured” progress status 170 in the measurement result storage unit 44 when the door 5 is opened. At this time, the weight measuring unit 43 may delete the measurement value 160 stored in the measurement result storage unit 44.

After the door 5 is opened, the progress state 170 of “unmeasured” is stored in the measurement result storage unit 44, and the measured value 160 is deleted, so that the laundry is put into the washing tub 3 after the door 5 is opened. If this happens, it is possible to prevent erroneous use of old measurement results.

It should be noted that the weight measuring unit 43 may lock the door 5 so as not to open the door 5 before rotating the motor 7 in step S52.

The weight measuring unit 43 locks the door 5 to prevent a person from accidentally opening the door 5 while the laundry tub 3 is rotating and being caught in the rotation of the laundry tub 3. it can.

When the communication unit 24 of the washing machine 1 receives a request for the measurement result 150 from the server 35, the measurement result response unit 45 responds with the measurement result 150 via the communication unit 24.

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

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

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

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

The operation unit 342 receives an input from the user and outputs it to the control unit 344. As shown in FIG. 11, the operation unit 342 is configured with, for example, a touch panel attached to the display unit 341. In this case, the operation unit 342 detects the user's operation content by detecting that the area such as the button and keyboard displayed on the display unit 351 has been touched by the user. As the touch panel, a capacitance type touch panel or a pressure sensitive touch panel can be adopted.

The display unit 341 may be divided into an operation area including a cursor button and an enter button, and a display area for displaying a drawing object currently selected by operating the cursor button. In this case, the operation unit 342 may be composed of a cursor button and an enter button, and a touch panel that detects inputs to these buttons. Further, in this case, when the operation unit 342 detects that the user has pressed the cursor button, the display unit 341 may move the cursor. Further, in this case, when the operation unit 342 detects that the user presses the decision button, the operation unit 342 may determine that the operation of selecting the drawing object on which the cursor button is positioned is input by the user.

Although the display unit 341 is described as being configured by a display device, this is an example, and other means may be adopted as long as it is a means capable of presenting information to the user. Further, although the operation unit 342 is described as being configured by a touch panel, this is an example, and other means may be adopted as long as it is a means for receiving an operation from the user.

For example, instead of the display unit 341, information may be presented to the user by a speaker that produces a sound. The operation unit 342 may be configured by a voice recognition interface using a microphone that recognizes voice.

The communication unit 343 includes a communication device that connects the communication terminal 34 to the public telephone network 31, the Internet 33, and the home network 37.

The control unit 344 controls the operation of each unit of the communication terminal 34. The control unit 344 is configured by a computer including an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU or a dedicated processor, and a semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only memory). The control unit 344 controls the operation of each unit of the communication terminal 34 by reading and executing various information stored in an unillustrated auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and a program for performing various controls. Control.

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

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

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

The communication unit 50 includes a communication device that connects the server 35 to the Internet 33 via a communication path such as Wi-Fi or a wired LAN, and receives various information transmitted from the washing machine 1 and the communication terminal 34. At the same time, various information is transmitted to the washing machine 1 and the communication terminal 34. For example, the communication unit 50 receives, from the washing machine 1, state information indicating at least the state of the washing machine 1 after the change when the state of the washing machine 1 for which a laundry task is reserved changes.

The information management unit 60 includes a washing machine information storage unit 61 that stores information about the remote control target washing machine 1 and a user information storage unit 62 that stores information about the washing machine 1 that can be used by the user.

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

The feedback management unit 80 determines whether or not the user of the washing machine 1 needs an instruction to change the operation of the washing machine 1 due to the state change of the washing machine 1 when executing the reserved washing task. It judges based on. The laundry task indicates a task to be processed by the washing machine 1, and the reserved laundry task includes, for example, information such as the laundry completion time set by the user and the laundry course selected by the user.

When the feedback management unit 80 determines that an instruction from the user is required, the feedback management unit 80 issues a reservation change inquiry notification (an example of presentation information) that prompts input of the instruction to the communication terminal 34 corresponding to the user via the communication unit 50. Send.

Specifically, the feedback management unit 80 stores the changed state of the washing machine 1 indicated by the state information in the weight information 610 by item number or the reservation time information 612 by course stored in the washing machine information storage unit 61. If it is outside the allowable range, the reservation change inquiry notification may be transmitted via the communication unit 50.

In addition, the feedback management unit 80 outputs a control request for controlling the washing machine 1 to the device control management unit 90 according to the content of the notification to the communication terminal 34 or the instruction from the communication terminal 34.

When the device control management unit 90 acquires the control request from the feedback management unit 80, the device control management unit 90 transmits control information for causing the washing machine 1 to execute the control requested by the control request to the washing machine 1 via the communication unit 50.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the washing machine information stored in the washing machine information storage unit 61. The washing machine information includes weight information 610 by item number, weight information 611 by course, and reservation time information 612 by course.

The product number-specific weight information 610 stores the maximum weight in the washing process and the maximum weight in the drying process in association with each other for each product number of the washing machine 1. Here, the product number is a number given in advance to the washing machine 1 in order to distinguish the type of the washing machine 1 and the like in terms of product management. The maximum weight is the maximum value of the weight of the laundry that can be processed by the washing machine 1 when performing the washing process or the drying process.

In the example of the weight information by product number 610 in FIG. 13, for example, in the washing machine 1 having the product number #1, the maximum weight when performing the washing process is “11 kg” and the maximum weight when performing the drying process is “6 kg”. The information is stored.

The weight information 611 for each course stores the maximum weight when performing the washing process and the maximum weight when performing the drying process in association with each other for each washing course. The washing course included in the weight information 611 for each course includes, for example, a washing course for washing delicate clothes, a washing course for washing heavily soiled laundry with warm water for a certain period of time, and a washing course for disinfecting operation. There is. Each of these laundry courses may have a different maximum weight of laundry that can be processed. In addition, these laundry courses may not be able to process the maximum weight of the laundry stored in the weight information 610 for each product number. Therefore, the weight information for each course 611 stores a laundry course for which sufficient processing cannot be realized with the maximum weight stored in the weight information for each product number 610. Therefore, the maximum weight stored in the weight information by course 611 is set to a value smaller than the maximum weight stored in the weight information by product number 610.

The reserved time information 612 for each course stores a range of reservable operation completion times corresponding to each of the washing process, the washing/drying process for performing both the washing process and the drying process, and the drying process for each laundry course. ing. For example, in the course #A, “2 to 24 hours” is stored as the range of the operation completion time that can be reserved for the laundry process. This indicates that, when reserving the course #A, the operation completion time can be set within a range from 2 hours to 24 hours after the present time as a reference. The washing completion time is a time that specifies from the present time to the washing completion time.

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

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

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

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

The washing machine status information 710 stores the machine ID, remote control availability, operation status, course content, remaining operation time, and laundry weight in association with each other. The device ID is an identifier of the washing machine 1. Remote control availability is information indicating whether or not remote control of the washing machine 1 is permitted. Here, if the remote operation is permitted, the remote operation propriety is “permitted”, and if the remote operation is not permitted, the remote operation propriety is “not permitted”. The operating state is information indicating the laundry task currently being executed by the washing machine 1. The operating state includes “initial” indicating that the washing machine 1 is not executing the washing task and is in the initial state, and “reserved” indicating that the washing task is reserved. When the washing machine 1 is executing the washing task, the operating state is the name of the washing task (for example, “washing” indicating the washing step, “rinsing” indicating the rinsing step, and “drying” indicating the drying step). ) Is adopted. The course content indicates the course name of the washing course set in the washing machine 1. For example, if the laundry course is not set, the course content is “unset”, and if the laundry course is set, the course content is a course name such as “course #A”.

The remaining operation time indicates the remaining time until the washing task is completed. In the washing machine 1 in the first row, since the laundry task has not been reserved and executed, “undecided” is stored as the remaining operation time. In the washing machine 1 in the second row, since the operation completion time of the reserved laundry task is 7 hours later, “7 hours” is stored as the remaining operation time. In the washing machine 1 in the third row, the washing task currently being executed “washing” ends after 30 minutes, so “30 minutes” is stored as the remaining operation time.

The washing machine state information 710 is updated when the information management unit 60 acquires the state information from the washing machine 1 via the communication unit 50. The state information may be transmitted from the washing machine 1 when the state of the washing machine 1 changes, or may be periodically transmitted from the washing machine 1. In addition, the state information may be transmitted from the washing machine 1 when the washing machine 1 receives a request for obtaining the state information from the server 35. Here, for example, the server 35 may transmit the state information acquisition request to the washing machine 1 when receiving the state information acquisition request transmitted from the communication terminal 34.

The terminal status information 720 stores a terminal ID, position information, Wi-Fi usage status, and connection source information in association with each other. The terminal ID is an identifier of the communication terminal 34. The position information is information indicating whether or not the user is at home. The Wi-Fi usage status indicates whether or not the communication terminal 34 is communicating using the Wi-Fi function. As the connection source information, for example, when the communication terminal 34 is communicating using the Wi-Fi function, the global IP address of the Wi-Fi access point is adopted. Further, as the connection source information, for example, when communication is not performed using the Wi-Fi function, a global IP address given to the communication terminal 34 by the administrator of the public telephone network 31 is adopted.

The position information, the Wi-Fi usage status, and the connection source information are used to estimate whether the user is at home or out. For example, the Wi-Fi usage status is “utilization”, and the connection source information of the communication terminal 34 stored in the terminal status information 720 is the connection source information of the washing machine 1 of the corresponding user stored in the user equipment information 620. If they match, it is estimated that the user is at home and the location information is set to "home". On the other hand, the Wi-FI usage status is “not used”, or the connection source information of the communication terminal 34 stored in the terminal status information 720 becomes the connection source information of the washing machine 1 of the corresponding user stored in the user equipment information 620. If they do not match, it is estimated that the user is on the go, and the position information is set to “going out”.

However, this is an example. For example, when the position indicated by the position information transmitted from the communication terminal 34 is within a certain range with respect to the pre-registered position of the user's home, the user may be estimated to be at home. On the other hand, when the position indicated by the position information transmitted from the communication terminal 34 is not within a certain range with respect to the pre-registered user's home position, the user may be estimated to be out.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the feedback management unit 80 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As a premise that this flowchart is started, it is assumed that the user puts laundry into the washing machine 1 and the user has input an operation permitting remote operation of the washing machine 1. Therefore, it is assumed that the feedback management unit 80 has already acquired the status information including the weight of the laundry measured by the washing machine 1 at the time of loading the laundry through the communication unit 50.

First, the feedback management unit 80 uses the state information received by the communication unit 50 from the washing machine 1 to determine whether or not the state of the washing machine 1 at the beginning of loading laundry has changed (step S1201). Hereinafter, step S will be simply referred to as S. Here, the change in state is, for example, a change in the weight of the laundry put into the washing tub 3. For example, the feedback management unit 80 may determine that the weight of the laundry has changed when the weight of the laundry indicated by the previously received state information has changed with respect to the weight of the laundry indicated by the currently received state information. Good.

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

When the feedback management unit 80 determines in S1201 that the weight of the laundry has changed (YES in S1201), the feedback management unit 80 determines whether the user of the washing machine 1 in which the state change has occurred is out (S1202). For example, the feedback management unit 80 acquires the connection source information and the user ID of the corresponding washing machine 1 from the user device information 620 using the device ID included in the state information as a key. Next, the feedback management unit 80 acquires the connection source information of the communication terminal 34 of the corresponding user from the terminal status information 720 using the acquired user ID as a key. Then, if the connection source information acquired from the user device information 620 does not match the connection source information acquired from the terminal status information 720, the feedback management unit 80 may determine that the user is out. On the other hand, if both acquired connection source information match, the user may be determined to be at home. The determination result of whether or not the user is out of the office is written in the column of the position information of the corresponding user in the terminal status information 720.

If the feedback management unit 80 determines in S1202 that the user is at home (NO in S1202), the feedback management unit 80 ends the process and waits until the next state information is received. In S1202, if the feedback management unit 80 determines that the user is out (YES in S1202), the feedback management unit 80 determines whether or not the laundry task is reserved for the washing machine 1 in which the state change has occurred (YES). S1203). In this case, the feedback management unit 80 refers to the washing machine state information 710 using the device ID included in the state information as a key, and if the “operating state” of the corresponding washing machine 1 is “reserved”, it is under reservation. If the driving state is other than "reserved", it may be determined that there is no reservation.

In S1203, when the feedback management unit 80 determines that the washing machine 1 is under reservation (YES in S1203), it refers to the “course content” of the washing machine status information 710 to set the laundry course of the reserved laundry task. It is determined whether or not the specified laundry course is a reservation unchangeable course that the user does not like to change the reservation (S1204). Here, the reservation unchangeable course may be a laundry course predetermined by the manufacturer of the washing machine 1, or a laundry course set by the user as a reservation unchangeable course in advance, or It may be specified when reserving the laundry course.

For example, the non-reservable course is a laundry course specialized in washing specific laundry such as delicate clothes or towels, and a laundry course where it is desired to separately wash according to the state of the laundry such as sterilization or application. ..

In S1204, when the reservation unchangeable course is set (YES in S1204), the feedback management unit 80 sets the reservation unchangeable course in the communication terminal 34 of the user who is determined to be out of the office in S1202. An abnormality notification indicating that the state of the washing machine 1 has changed is transmitted via the communication unit 50 (S1206). In this case, the feedback management unit 80 may transmit, for example, a message such as “the reserved laundry course has been changed” to the communication terminal 34 via the communication unit 50.

Next, the feedback management unit 80 outputs a control request for instructing the corresponding washing machine 1 to issue a warning to the device control management unit 90 (S1207). As a result, the device control management unit 90 transmits control information for issuing a warning to the washing machine 1 to the corresponding washing machine 1 via the communication unit 50, and the washing machine 1 issues a warning. In this case, as the warning, for example, a beep sound is output from the speaker of the washing machine 1, an LED of the washing machine 1 is turned on, or a message indicating that the clothes added to the GUI screen of the operation panel 10 of the washing machine 1 is taken out is displayed. The display of can be adopted. Further, as the warning, when the washing machine 1 has a voice synthesizing function, a mode in which a voice message to take out the added clothes by voice synthesis is output from the speaker of the washing machine 1 may be adopted. By this warning, it is possible to inform the family at home that the laundry should not have been added, and it is possible for the family to take a measure to take out the added laundry from the washing machine 1. it can.

It should be noted that the warning is issued in S1207, the state information is not transmitted from the washing machine 1 until a certain time elapses after the feedback management unit 80 transmits the abnormality notification in S1206, and the reaction from the washing machine 1 It may be executed only when there is no. This may, for example, cause the user of the communication terminal 34, who has noticed a change in the state of the washing machine 1 by an abnormality notification, to contact a family member at home to remove the added laundry. In this case, the washing machine 1 is warned. Is not required to be issued.

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

If the reserved laundry course is not stored in the weight information 611 for each course, the feedback management unit 80 refers to the weight information 610 for each product number, reads the maximum weight of the corresponding washing machine 1, and changes the laundry after the change. If the weight of the article is equal to or less than the read maximum weight, it is determined that the state of the washing machine 1 after the change is within the allowable range. On the other hand, the feedback management unit 80 determines that the state of the washing machine 1 after the change is out of the allowable range if the weight of the changed laundry is larger than the maximum weight read from the item-number-specific weight information 610.

When it is determined in S1205 that the weight of the laundry is outside the allowable range (NO in S1205), the feedback management unit 80 makes a reservation change inquiry to the communication terminal 34 of the user who is determined to be at the destination in S1202. The notification is transmitted via the communication unit 50 (S1208). Specifically, a reservation change inquiry notification for inquiring the user of the answer to the change of the laundry completion time or the change of the reserved laundry course is transmitted.

When the reply from the user to change the reservation is transmitted from the communication terminal 34 (YES in S1209), the feedback management unit 80 requests the washing machine 1 to change the reservation according to the reply from the user. Is output to the device control management unit 90 (S1210). Thereby, the control information for changing the reservation is transmitted from the device control management unit 90 to the corresponding washing machine 1 via the communication unit 50. Specifically, when an answer is given to change the reserved time such as the laundry start time, control information for instructing the washing machine 1 to change the reserved time is transmitted to the washing machine 1. On the other hand, when a response to change the reserved laundry course is given, control information for instructing the washing machine 1 to change the laundry course is transmitted to the washing machine 1.

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

When it is determined to be NO in S1209, the feedback management unit 80 advances the processing to S1211, and gives an instruction to lock the door 5 (S1211). As a case where it is determined as NO in S1209, for example, when the response from the user cannot be obtained within a certain time after the reservation change inquiry notification is transmitted, or the response not permitting the reservation change is received from the communication terminal 34. This is the case. In addition, as a case where the answer cannot be obtained within a certain period of time, for example, the user of the communication terminal 34 who notices the state change of the washing machine 1 by the reservation change inquiry notification contacts the family at home, and the washing machine 1 There is a case where the added laundry is taken out.

In S1205, when it is determined that the changed state of the washing machine 1 is within the permissible range (YES in S1205), the feedback management unit 80 notifies the communication terminal 34 of the user who is determined to be at the destination in S1202. The reservation correction notification is transmitted via the communication unit 50 (S1212). Specifically, a reservation correction notification that notifies that the laundry start time is changed is transmitted. This washing start time is a time advanced to complete the washing task at the initial washing completion time. In this case, the feedback management unit 80 may transmit control information for changing the washing start time to the washing machine 1 via the device control management unit 90 and the communication unit 50, and cause the washing machine 1 to change the washing start time. .. The control information transmitted here is an example of the control information for changing the operation when it is determined that the instruction is not required.

Next, the feedback management unit 80 outputs a control request for the reservation correction instruction to the device control management unit 90 (S1213). As a result, the device control management unit 90 transmits the control information of the reservation correction instruction to the washing machine 1 via the communication unit 50. Specifically, control information instructing to change the reservation start time is transmitted to the washing machine 1. In the case of YES in S1205, the state change is within the allowable range, and by advancing the washing start time, the washing task can be completed by the initial washing completion time. Also, if the laundry task is completed when returning home, there is no problem for the user. Therefore, in this case, the laundry start time is changed without requesting the user's instruction for the reservation change inquiry notification.

When it is not determined in S1203 that the reservation is in progress (NO in S1203), the feedback management unit 80 changes the state of the washing machine 1 with respect to the communication terminal 34 of the user who is determined to be at the destination in S1202. A state change notification indicating that is transmitted via the communication unit 50 (S1214).

The user who has received the notification in S1206, S1208, S1212, and S1214 uses the communication terminal 34 to contact the family at home by telephone, email, or the like, and causes the family to take out the added laundry. May be. Alternatively, control information for executing or extending the sterilization and deodorizing operation may be transmitted to the washing machine 1 via the server 35 to prohibit execution of the washing task.

17 and 18 are diagrams showing an example of the notification screen displayed on the user's communication terminal 34 at the time of the state change notification in S1214. When the communication unit 343 of the communication terminal 34 receives the state change notification from the server 35, the control unit 344 causes the push notification screen 1701 to slide-in display from above the display area of the display unit 341. On the push notification screen 1701, a message indicating that laundry has been added is displayed.

When the push notification screen 1701 is tapped by the user and the operation unit 342 detects the tap, the control unit 344 causes the display unit 341 to display the state change notification screen 1702 illustrated in FIG. Accordingly, the user of the communication terminal 34 can confirm that the state of the washing machine 1 has changed due to the addition of laundry, without making an inquiry to the server 35 by himself.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen 1900 displayed on the user's communication terminal 34 at the time of the notification of the reservation correction notification in S1212. At the top of the notification screen 1900, a heading column 1901 “Change laundry start time” is provided. Below this heading column 1901 is provided a message display column 1902 showing a message relating to the reservation correction notification. In the message display field 1902, a message indicating that the laundry start time has been changed due to the addition of laundry, the currently reserved laundry course, and the completion time are displayed. Completion time refers to the washing completion time. The washing start time refers to the time from the present time to the start of washing.

The user wants the laundry to be completed when returning home. Therefore, it is important that the washing is completed when the user returns home, and the washing start time is not so important as the washing completion time. Therefore, regarding the change of the washing start time, the message display column 1902 does not display the washing start time itself, but only displays a message indicating that the washing start time has been changed. Since the message display field 1902 displays the laundry course and the finished time, the user can confirm that the reserved laundry course and the finished time are not changed, which gives a sense of security.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen 2000 displayed on the communication terminal 34 at the time of notification of a reservation change inquiry in S1208. At the top of the notification screen 2000, there is provided a heading column 2001 in which "Inquiry about laundry reservation change" is written. Below the heading column 2001, a message display column 2002 showing a message regarding an inquiry is provided. In the message display field 2002, a message indicating that it is necessary to change the laundry course or the completion time by adding laundry, the currently reserved laundry course and the completion time are displayed. As a result, the user can be notified that the laundry course or the completion time needs to be changed.

Below the message display field 2002, a course input field 2003 for allowing the user to input the change of the laundry course and a time input field 2004 for allowing the user to input the change of the completion time are provided.

When the course input field 2003 is tapped, one or more changeable laundry courses are displayed in a pull-down display. The one or more laundry courses displayed here are, for example, laundry courses that can keep the weight of the laundry after the state change within an allowable range, and are laundry courses extracted by the feedback management unit 80. Accordingly, the user can set an appropriate laundry course without estimating a laundry course that can keep the weight of the laundry after the state change within the allowable range.

Below the course input field 2003, a time input field 2004 for allowing the user to input a change in the completion time is provided. The user inputs the desired finished time in the time input field 2004 after the change. Here, the time input field 2004 may be configured to accept only the input of the completion time after the original completion time and not to accept the completion time before the original completion time. Further, the time input field 2004 may be configured so that the changeable finish time is displayed in a pull-down display and the user can select a desired finish time from the pull-down display. Alternatively, the time input field 2004 may display the shortest completion time from the present time and a message prompting the user to input the completion time after the completion time. Here, the shortest completion time is the time calculated by extending the original completion time according to the increase in the weight of the laundry after the state change, and the laundry course and the state reserved by the feedback management unit 80. It is the time calculated based on the weight after the change. Further, as the changeable completion time displayed in the pull-down, a time obtained by extending the shortest completion time from the present time by a fixed time can be adopted.

The laundry course or finished time input by the user is transmitted from the communication terminal 34 to the washing machine 1 via the server 35, and the laundry course or finished time of the washing machine 1 is changed.

In this way, the user can change the laundry course or the completion time through the notification screen 2000. Therefore, it is possible to provide feedback to the user in order to prevent the laundry from being carried out at the laundry course or the finished time which the user at the destination does not intend.

The notification screen 2000 is configured such that the user can change either the laundry course or the finished time, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and both the laundry course and the finished time can be selected. May be.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen 2100 displayed on the user's communication terminal 34 at the time of notification of an abnormality in S1206. The notification screen 2100 displays a message indicating that laundry may not be performed as scheduled because laundry has been added. Thereby, the user can confirm that the state of the washing machine 1 is abnormal from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the user's disappointment when the laundry is not finished when returning home or the laundry is not sufficiently soiled.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the state of the washing machine 1 changes and it is necessary to change the operation of the washing machine 1, the user instructs the desired washing course or the desired completion time, and The washing machine 1 can be controlled based on the instruction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operation change from being performed without the user's permission, and it is possible to reflect the user's intention in the operation change accompanying the state change of the washing machine. Further, since the reservation change inquiry notification is transmitted to the communication terminal 34 after the necessity of the instruction from the user is determined, it is possible to suppress the notification requesting the user to reply. As a result, the amount of communication when communicating with the communication terminal 34 can be reduced, and the battery consumption of the communication terminal 34 can be reduced.

(Embodiment 2)
The second embodiment is to estimate the laundry course set by the user from the past operation history of the washing machine 1 and determine the necessity of the reservation change inquiry notification for the estimated laundry course.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 35 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. 22, the difference from the first embodiment is that the information management unit 60 further includes a user history information storage unit 63.

23 is a diagram showing an example of the operation history information 630 stored in the user history information storage unit 63 shown in FIG. The operation history information 630 is a database that stores the operation history of the washing machine 1 based on a user's instruction, and stores the operation date, the device ID, the operation content, and the laundry course in association with each user ID.

The user ID is a user identifier. The operation day indicates the day when the user inputs an operation instructing the washing machine 1. The device ID is the device ID of the washing machine 1 designated by the user. The operation content is the operation content instructed by the user to the washing machine 1. The operation contents include “start” to start washing without making a reservation by pressing the operation start button 121 right now, “reservation” to make the washing machine 1 make a reserved operation, and the like. In addition, as the operation contents, there are "cancel" when the reserved laundry task is canceled and "time change" when the reserved operation completion time is changed.

The laundry course is a laundry course instructed by the user to the washing machine 1. For example, in the first line, the user having the user ID “user #1” performs the washing of the washing course “course #A” on the washing machine 1 having the device ID “equipment #1” on September 27. An operation history indicating that an instruction to start immediately is input is stored.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the feedback management unit 80 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that in FIG. 24, the same processing numbers as those in FIG. 16 are attached. When it is determined in S1203 that the laundry task is not reserved (NO in S1203), the feedback management unit 80 estimates the laundry course set by the user (S1501).

Here, the estimation of the laundry course is determined based on the life cycle information of the user regarding the washing machine 1, such as the frequency of use of the laundry course or the frequency of use of the laundry course for each day of the week. For example, the feedback management unit 80 extracts the operation history of the corresponding user from the operation history information 630, classifies the extracted operation history according to the laundry course, calculates the usage frequency for each laundry course, and the laundry with the highest usage frequency. The course may be estimated as a laundry course set by the user. On the other hand, when the usage frequency of the laundry course with the highest usage frequency is less than or equal to the threshold, the feedback management unit 80 may determine that the laundry course could not be estimated.

Alternatively, the feedback management unit 80 classifies the operation history of the corresponding user by the laundry course and the day of the week to calculate the frequency of use for each day of the laundry course, and the user selects the laundry course with the highest frequency of use on the same day as today. It may be estimated as the laundry course set by. On the other hand, if the usage frequency of the laundry course with the maximum usage frequency on the same day as today is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold value, the feedback management unit 80 may determine that the laundry course could not be estimated.

In addition, here, the laundry course with the highest frequency of use was estimated by day of the week, but this is an example, and if today is a weekday, it will be a weekday; if today is a holiday, it will be a holiday. The course may be estimated.

When it is determined in S1203 that the laundry task is not reserved (NO in S1203), the process of S1501 is executed. If the laundry course can be estimated in S1501 (YES in S1501), the process proceeds to S1204. On the other hand, if the laundry course cannot be estimated in S1501 (NO in S1501), the process proceeds to S1214.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the laundry task is not reserved and the state change of the washing machine 1 occurs, the washing course is estimated from the past operation history of the washing machine 1 (S1501). It is determined whether or not the estimated laundry course needs to be changed (S1204, S1205), and when it is determined that the estimated laundry course needs to be changed, a reservation change inquiry notification for prompting the estimated laundry course change is transmitted to the user's communication terminal 34. (S1208). Therefore, when the laundry task is not reserved, it is possible to prevent the laundry content different from usual from being executed without the user's permission.

(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, in S1205 shown in FIG. 16, it is determined whether or not the washing task can be completed within the reserved washing completion time in the changed state of the washing machine 1.

For example, if the weight of the additionally loaded laundry is small, the washing machine 1 can complete the laundry task within the reserved laundry completion time. Therefore, in the third embodiment, when the feedback management unit 80 determines that the laundry task can be completed within the reserved laundry completion time when the state of the washing machine 1 changes due to additional input of laundry, the reservation is made. It is determined that it is not necessary to send the change inquiry notification. In this case, the feedback management unit 80 may transmit the state change notification described in S1214 to the communication terminal 34, for example.

On the other hand, if the state of the washing machine 1 changes due to additional loading of laundry or the like and the feedback management unit 80 determines that the laundry task cannot be completed within the reserved laundry completion time, the feedback management unit 80 transmits a reservation change inquiry notification. Judge that it is necessary. In this case, the feedback management unit 80 may determine YES in S1205, and may proceed to S1209.

The feedback management unit 80 calculates the operating time according to the weight of the laundry after the state change, and if the operating time is substantially the same as the operating time before the state change, within the reserved laundry completion time. It can be determined that the laundry task can be completed.

Then, in the present embodiment, for example, the feedback management unit 80 transmits a reservation change inquiry notification that prompts the user to specify the changed laundry completion time. When the user receives an answer designating the washing completion time, the feedback management unit 80 may transmit control information for completing the washing task at the changed washing completion time to the washing machine 1.

According to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to change the reserved laundry completion time due to the state change, and when it is determined that the laundry completion time needs to be changed, the reservation change inquiry notification is sent to the communication terminal 34. Sent. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing completion time from being changed without the user's permission.

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

(Embodiment 4)
In the fourth embodiment, in S1205 shown in FIG. 16, it is determined whether the reserved washing course is executable in the changed state of the washing machine 1.

For example, if the weight of the laundry after the state change is less than or equal to the maximum weight corresponding to the reserved laundry course, the washing machine 1 can complete the laundry task in the reserved laundry course. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, when the feedback management unit 80 determines that the laundry task can be completed in the reserved laundry course when the state of the washing machine 1 changes due to additional input of laundry or the like, the feedback management inquiry 80 Do not send notifications. In this case, the feedback management unit 80 may transmit the state change notification described in S1214 to the communication terminal 34, for example.

On the other hand, if the state of the washing machine 1 changes due to additional loading of laundry or the like and the feedback management unit 80 determines that the laundry task cannot be completed in the reserved laundry course, the feedback management unit 80 transmits a reservation change inquiry notification. In this case, the feedback management unit 80 may determine YES in S1205 and may proceed to S1208.

Then, in the present embodiment, for example, the feedback management unit 80 transmits, to the communication terminal 34, a reservation change inquiry notification that causes the user to select the changed laundry course. Then, if the user obtains a response permitting the laundry completion time, the feedback management unit 80 may transmit control information for completing the laundry task at the changed laundry completion time to the washing machine 1.

According to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to change the reserved laundry course according to the state change, and when it is determined that the laundry course needs to be changed, the reservation change inquiry notification is transmitted to the communication terminal 34. It Therefore, it is possible to prevent the laundry course from being changed without the user's permission.

(Embodiment 5)
In the first and second embodiments, the change in the weight of the laundry is adopted as the state change. On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, the change of the state of the door 5 is adopted as the state change. For example, if the user opens the door 5 before adding laundry, or closes the door 5 after adding user laundry, YES is determined in S1201 of FIG. 16 and the processing from S1202 is executed. To be done. In this case, when the open/close sensor of the door 5 detects the open state or the closed state of the door 5, the washing machine 1 may transmit the state information including the content to the server 35.

Although the change of the door 5 is adopted as the state change here, this is an example, and the change of the washing course or the washing completion time may be adopted as the state change. For example, after a user reserves a laundry task and goes out, the family at home may arbitrarily change the laundry course or the laundry completion time. In the present embodiment, in such a case, YES is determined in S1201 and the processes of S1202 and thereafter are executed.

(Modification)
Furthermore, when the state of the washing machine 1 additionally changes after the operation change based on the control information, the additional notification may be transmitted to the communication terminal 34. For example, when it is determined that the laundry put in the washing machine 1 has changed after the warning is issued in the washing machine 1, the feedback management unit 80 notifies the communication terminal 34 of the state change of the washing machine 1. Send. Note that the operation change based on the control information may be a door lock that can be released. The state change of the washing machine 1 may be the state change of the door of the washing machine 1 or the change of the washing course as described above.

Further, when the state of the washing machine 1 after the additional state change is the same as the state before the previous state change (including the state that can be regarded as the same), the operation before the action change is executed for the washing machine 1. You may let me. For example, when the state of the washing machine 1 changes to the state before the state change of the washing machine 1 in step S1201 occurs, the feedback management unit 80 is scheduled before the state change of the washing machine 1 in step S1201 occurs. The washing machine 1 is caused to execute the same operation.

According to this modification, it is possible to notify the user that the state of the washing machine 1 has changed again. In particular, when the state of the washing machine 1 returns to the state before the change, the washing machine 1 automatically operates based on the reservation before the change, so that the user can save an additional instruction. This makes it possible to improve user convenience, reduce the amount of communication, and reduce the amount of processing in the communication terminal 34.

The present disclosure is useful in the technical field of remotely controlling a washing machine.

1: washing machine 34: communication terminal 35: server 60: information management unit 61: washing machine information storage unit 62: user information storage unit 63: user history information storage unit 70: state management unit 71: washing machine state storage unit 72: Terminal state storage unit 80: Feedback management unit 90: Device control management unit

Claims (13)

A computer implemented method comprising:
When the state of the washing machine for which the laundry task is reserved changes, at least the state information indicating the state of the washing machine after the change is received from the washing machine,
For the operation change of the washing machine accompanying the change of the state of the washing machine in the execution of the washing task, it is determined whether or not an instruction from the user of the washing machine is required based on the state information,
When it is determined that the instruction is required, the presentation information corresponding to the operation change of the washing machine is transmitted to the terminal corresponding to the user, and the presentation information is information prompting the input of the instruction,
When instruction information indicating the instruction is received from the terminal, control information for changing the operation of the washing machine is transmitted to the washing machine based on the instruction information.
Information processing method. Furthermore, acquiring the location information of the terminal,
Furthermore, it is determined whether the user is out based on the position information,
The presentation information is transmitted when it is determined that the user is out.
The information processing method according to claim 1. The state change is a change of the laundry put in the washing machine,
The information processing method according to claim 1. The change in the laundry is a change in the amount of the laundry,
The information processing method according to claim 3. The state change is a change in the state of the door of the washing machine,
The information processing method according to claim 1. The state change is a change in laundry content or washing time,
The information processing method according to claim 1. The laundry task reservation includes laundry time,
The instruction is an instruction of the user for changing the reserved washing time,
The operation change is a change of the reserved washing time,
The necessity determination of the instruction is a determination of whether or not the washing task is completed until the time indicated by the reserved washing time or within the time indicated by the washing time in the changed state of the washing machine. ,
The information processing method according to claim 1. The laundry task reservation includes laundry content,
The instruction is an instruction of the user regarding the reserved laundry content,
The operation change is a change of the reserved laundry content,
The determination of necessity of the instruction is a determination of whether or not the reserved laundry content is executable in the state of the washing machine after the change,
The information processing method according to claim 1. Furthermore, when the laundry task is not reserved, the laundry content is estimated from the past operation history of the washing machine,
The information processing method according to claim 8. The control information includes a lock of a door of the washing machine,
The information processing method according to claim 1. When it is determined that the instruction is not required in the instruction necessity determination, control information for executing the operation change is transmitted,
The information processing method according to claim 1. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein when the state of the washing machine changes after the operation change based on the control information, additional presentation information is transmitted to the terminal. A receiving unit that receives, from the washing machine, at least state information indicating the state of the washing machine after the change when the state of the washing machine for which the laundry task is reserved changes.
A determination unit that determines, based on the state information, whether or not an instruction from the user of the washing machine is required for the operation change of the washing machine accompanying the state change of the washing machine in the execution of the washing task,
When it is determined that the instruction is required, a transmission unit that transmits the presentation information corresponding to the operation change of the washing machine to the terminal corresponding to the user,
The presentation information is information for prompting input of the instruction,
When the instruction information indicating the instruction is received from the terminal, the transmitting unit transmits control information for changing the operation of the washing machine to the washing machine based on the instruction information.
Information processing system.