JP2022060203A - Refrigerator display system, refrigerator, and terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator display system capable of making refrigerators that are becoming more multifunctional easier to use, and refrigerators and terminals constructing the refrigerator display system.

SOLUTION: A refrigerator display system is composed of a refrigerator and a terminal having a communication function for communicating with the refrigerator. When setting content is changed in the refrigerator, the refrigerator transmits setting content information indicating the changed setting content to the terminal, and the terminal reflects and displays the setting content information received from the refrigerator.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present embodiment relates to a refrigerator display system constructed by a refrigerator and a terminal, and a refrigerator and a terminal for constructing the refrigerator display system.

In recent years, home appliances such as refrigerators have become more multifunctional. However, as the function of the refrigerator is increased, a setting button for setting the function, an LED for displaying indicating that the function is set, and the like must be added. Therefore, as the number of functions of the refrigerator increases, the setting unit becomes complicated and the manufacturing cost increases. Also, even if the refrigerator functions are increased, some users do not use those functions at all. In addition, the more multifunctional the refrigerator is, the more complicated the setting becomes. Against this background, there is a demand for a technology that realizes a refrigerator that is becoming more multifunctional at a lower manufacturing cost and that is easier to use.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-040939

The present embodiment provides a refrigerator display system capable of making a refrigerator, which is becoming more multifunctional, easier to use, and a refrigerator and a terminal for constructing the refrigerator display system.

The refrigerator display system according to the present embodiment is a refrigerator display system constructed by a refrigerator and a terminal having a communication function for communicating with the refrigerator. When the setting content is changed in the refrigerator, the refrigerator transmits the setting content information indicating the changed setting content to the terminal, and the terminal reflects the setting content information received from the refrigerator. Let me display it.

The refrigerator according to the present embodiment constructs a refrigerator display system according to the present embodiment.

The terminal according to this embodiment constructs a refrigerator display system according to this embodiment.

The figure which shows the configuration example of the home electric appliance setting system which concerns on 1st Embodiment Diagram showing a configuration example of the operation panel Diagram showing a terminal configuration example Figure showing configuration example of setting screen (1) Figure showing configuration example of setting screen (Part 2) Figure showing configuration example of setting screen (3) Flow chart showing an example of control contents when setting various functions of home appliances from a terminal Diagram showing a configuration example of setting content information FIG. 1 equivalent diagram according to the second embodiment Figure 6 equivalent diagram The figure which shows the configuration example of a part of the operation panel

Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments relating to the home appliance setting system will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, substantially the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.
(First Embodiment)
The refrigerator setting system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example of a home electric appliance setting system, and is constructed including at least a refrigerator 11 and a terminal 12. The refrigerator 11 is an example of a home electric appliance, and includes an operation panel 13 and a communication adapter 14. The refrigerator 11 includes a refrigerating room, a freezing room, a vegetable room, an ice making room, and the like as storage rooms. The terminal 12 is composed of a high-performance mobile phone such as a so-called smartphone, and has at least a communication function for communicating with various external devices.

The operation panel 13 is an example of setting means on the home appliance side, and includes operation buttons and the like for setting various functions of the refrigerator 11. The function of the refrigerator 11 that can be set via the operation panel 13 is limited to a predetermined function as will be described in detail later. The communication adapter 14 is detachably attached to a communication connector (not shown) included in the refrigerator 11. That is, the communication adapter 14 is an element that can be retrofitted to the refrigerator 11. The communication adapter 14 may be built in the refrigerator 11 at the time of manufacturing the refrigerator 11, for example.

The refrigerator 11 and the terminal 12 are connected to each other via a communication adapter 14 so as to be able to wirelessly communicate with each other, whereby the refrigerator setting system 10 is constructed. The refrigerator setting system 10 may be constructed by connecting the refrigerator 11 and the terminal 12 so as to be capable of wired communication via a communication cable such as a USB cable. Further, the refrigerator 11 and the terminal 12 are communicably connected to an external server 16 via a wide area network 15 such as the Internet. The server 16 is composed of a well-known computer system, and stores various information such as information for accessing the refrigerator 11 and the terminal 12, and various computer programs including application software described later in detail. It is configured to be able to distribute various information and programs. As the information for accessing the refrigerator 11 or the terminal 12, for example, the IP address of the refrigerator 11 or the terminal 12 can be considered.

Next, a configuration example of the operation panel 13 of the refrigerator 11 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the operation panel 13 has an essential function setting unit 21 and an additional function setting unit 22. The essential function setting unit 21 is an element for setting a function defined as an "essential function" among various functions included in the refrigerator 11. In this case, as an essential function, a "temperature control function" for adjusting the set temperature of each storage room of the refrigerator 11 is defined. Therefore, in this case, the essential function setting unit 21 is configured as a set temperature adjusting unit that adjusts the set temperature of each storage room of the refrigerator 11.

Specifically, the essential function setting unit 21 adjusts the refrigerating room setting temperature control button 21a for adjusting the set temperature of the refrigerating room (not shown) of the refrigerator 11 and the set temperature of the freezing room (not shown) of the refrigerator 11. The freezing room setting temperature control button 21b for the purpose is provided. Further, the essential function setting unit 21 includes a refrigerating room set temperature level display unit 21c that displays the level of the set temperature of the refrigerating room of the refrigerator 11, and a freezing room set temperature level that displays the level of the set temperature of the freezing room of the refrigerator 11. A display unit 21d and a display unit 21d are provided.

The set temperature of the refrigerating room of the refrigerator 11 can be adjusted in a plurality of steps, in this case, three steps of strong, medium, and weak, according to the number of operations of the refrigerating room set temperature control button 21a. Then, when the set temperature of the refrigerating room is adjusted by operating the refrigerating room set temperature control button 21a, the refrigerator 11 lights the LED of the refrigerating room set temperature level display unit 21c corresponding to the set temperature level. Further, the set temperature of the freezing chamber of the refrigerator 11 can be adjusted in a plurality of stages, in this case, three stages of strong, medium, and weak, according to the number of operations of the freezing chamber set temperature adjusting button 21b. Then, when the set temperature of the freezing room is adjusted by operating the freezing room set temperature control button 21b, the refrigerator 11 lights the LED of the freezing room set temperature level display unit 21d corresponding to the set temperature level.

The additional function setting unit 22 is an element for setting a function other than the above-mentioned essential function among various functions included in the refrigerator 11. In this case, the "quick freezing function" and the "quick ice making function" are defined as additional functions. Therefore, in this case, the additional function setting unit 22 is configured as a setting unit for setting the batch freezing function and a setting unit for setting the batch ice making function.

Specifically, the additional function setting unit 22 is set to the one-shot freezing button 22a for setting the "one-shot freezing function", the one-shot ice making button 22b for setting the "one-shot ice making function", and the refrigerator 11. The default button 22c that cancels various functions, the one-shot freezing setting display unit 22d that displays that the one-shot freezing function is set, and the one-shot ice making setting display unit that displays that the one-shot ice making function is set. 22e and an external setting display unit 22f for displaying that the function of the refrigerator 11 is remotely set from the outside. The simultaneous freezing function is a function of freezing the storage in the freezing chamber in a shorter time than usual by cooling the freezing chamber of the refrigerator 11 more rapidly than usual. The one-shot ice making function is a function of making ice in a shorter time than usual by cooling the ice making chamber of the refrigerator 11 (not shown) more rapidly than usual.

When the simultaneous freezing button 22a is operated and the execution of the simultaneous freezing function is set, the refrigerator 11 displays that the simultaneous freezing function is being executed while the simultaneous freezing function is being executed. The LED of the setting display unit 22d is turned on. When the batch freezing button 22a is continuously pressed for a predetermined time, for example, when it is continuously pressed for 3 seconds or longer, the batch freezing function is executed in the so-called power saving mode. As a result, the quick freezing function is executed with lower power consumption. In this case, the refrigerator 11 lights the LED of the power saving display unit 22g indicating that the simultaneous freezing function is being executed in the power saving mode.

When the batch ice making button 22b is operated and the batch ice making function is set to be executed, the refrigerator 11 indicates that the batch ice making function is being executed while the batch ice making function is being executed. The LED of the setting display unit 22e is turned on. When the ice making button 22b is continuously pressed for a predetermined time, for example, when the ice making button 22b is continuously pressed for 3 seconds or longer, the ice making function is executed in the so-called power saving mode. As a result, the ice making function is executed at once with lower power consumption. In this case, the refrigerator 11 lights the LED of the power saving display unit 22h indicating that the ice making function is being executed in the power saving mode.

The default button 22c is an example of the release means. When the default button 22c is operated, the refrigerator 11 is configured to release only the function set by the terminal 12 as described in detail later. As a result, the refrigerator 11 is configured so that the functions set by the terminal 12 are returned to the initial state. The refrigerator 11 may be configured to cancel all the functions of the refrigerator 11 including the functions set by the terminal 12 when the default button 22c is operated. According to this configuration, the user operates the default button 22c to set the refrigerator 11 in a state in which the settings of all the functions of the refrigerator 11 are returned to the initial state, that is, the settings at the time of manufacturing the refrigerator 11. It can be returned to the state.

The external setting display unit 22f is an example of display means. When each function is set by the terminal 12, the refrigerator 11 turns on the LED of the external setting display unit 22f as described in detail later. As a result, the user can grasp that each function of the refrigerator 11 is set remotely from the terminal 12.

According to the refrigerator 11 configured as described above, among the plurality of functions included in the refrigerator 11, a predetermined function, in this case, a function for adjusting the set temperature of the refrigerating room and the setting of the freezing room, which are defined as essential functions. The temperature control function and the one-shot freezing function and the one-shot ice making function defined as additional functions can be set via the operation panel 13 provided in the refrigerator 11.

By the way, in addition to the above-mentioned predetermined functions that can be set via the operation panel 13, the refrigerator 11 has, for example, a vegetable freezing function, a dry freezing function, a hot food freezing function, a power saving mode function, a timer power saving function, an outing function, and a peak. It has various functions such as a shift function.
The vegetable freezing function is a function of freezing vegetables in the vegetable chamber by cooling the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator 11 (not shown) to a temperature lower than usual. The dry freezing function is a function of freezing the vegetables in the vegetable room while removing the moisture of the vegetables in the vegetable room by cooling the vegetables in the refrigerator 11 while supplying air with a blower fan (not shown). The hot freezing function is a function of freezing the hot storage in the freezing chamber by cooling the freezing chamber more rapidly than usual.

The power saving mode function is a function of operating the refrigerator 11 with lower power consumption than usual. The timer power saving function is a function of operating the refrigerator 11 with lower power consumption than usual from the set start time to the end time. The refrigerator 11 is configured to be able to measure the time by a time measuring means such as a timer (not shown). The outing function is a function that automatically switches the refrigerator 11 to operate with lower power consumption than usual when the opening / closing of the door of the refrigerator 11 is not detected for a predetermined time or longer. note that. The refrigerator 11 is configured to detect the opening / closing of the door by a sensor for detecting the opening / closing of the door (not shown). The peak shift function is a function for preventing an operation in which power consumption is high, for example, a defrosting operation for removing frost adhering to a cooler (not shown), at the peak of power demand.

The refrigerator 11 is configured to remotely set functions other than these predetermined functions via an external terminal 12. Therefore, the refrigerator 11 is configured so that functions other than the predetermined functions cannot be directly set via the operation panel 13.

Next, a configuration example of the terminal 12 will be described. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the terminal 12 is mainly composed of a control unit 31 that controls the overall operation of the terminal 12. A display unit 32, an operation unit 33, a communication function unit 34, and the like are connected to the control unit 31. The display unit 32 is composed of a display such as a liquid crystal panel. The operation unit 33 is composed of a touch panel switch formed on the display screen of the display unit 32, a mechanical switch provided around the display unit 32, and the like. The communication function unit 34 is an element that realizes a communication function for communicating with an external device. In this case, the communication function unit 34 establishes a communication line between the communication adapter 14 of the refrigerator 11 and connects the terminal 12 and the refrigerator 11 so as to be communicable.

Further, the terminal 12 incorporates an external home electric appliance, in this case, application software for remotely setting various functions of the refrigerator 11. This application software is preliminarily incorporated in the terminal 12 by downloading it from the server 16 to the terminal 12, for example. Then, the terminal 12 virtually realizes the terminal side setting function unit 36 and the setting screen selection function unit 37 by the software by executing this application software by the control unit 31. The terminal 12 may be configured to realize these functional units 36 and 37 by hardware.

The terminal-side setting function unit 36 is an example of the terminal-side setting means, and among various functions of the refrigerator 11, at least a function other than the above-mentioned predetermined function is performed via a communication line established with the refrigerator 11. It has a function to set remotely. In this case, the terminal-side setting function unit 36 is configured so that the predetermined function of the refrigerator 11 can also be remotely set via the communication line established with the refrigerator 11. That is, the terminal-side setting function unit 36 is configured to be able to remotely set all the functions of the refrigerator 11 via a communication line established with the refrigerator 11.

The setting screen selection function unit 37 is an example of the setting screen selection means, and has a function of the terminal side setting function unit 36 to select a setting screen to be displayed on the display unit 32. Here, a configuration example of a setting screen displayed on the display unit 32 by the terminal-side setting function unit 36 will be described. That is, the terminal 12 is configured to be able to display a plurality of setting screens, in this case, the setting screen G1 exemplified in FIG. 4, the setting screen G2 exemplified in FIG. 5, and the setting screen G3 exemplified in FIG. The setting screen selection function unit 37 selects any one of a plurality of setting screens G1 to G3 according to a selection operation by the user via a selection screen (not shown). Then, the terminal 12 is configured to display the setting screen selected via the setting screen selection function unit 37 on the display unit 32.

Next, a configuration example of each setting screen G1 to S3 will be described in more detail. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the setting screen G1 is a setting screen that imitates an operation panel designed on the assumption that it is mounted on a refrigerator. The setting screen G1 is provided with an operation area 41 and a display area 42. In the operation area 41, the refrigerating operation unit 41a in which the characters "refrigerating" are written, the refrigerating operation unit 41b in which the characters "freezing" are written, and the refrigerating function operating unit 41c in which the characters "refrigerating function" are written, The ice making operation unit 41d with the characters "ice making", the power saving operation unit 41e with the characters "power saving", and the key lock operation unit 41f with the almost pentagonal mark are arranged in a row in the vertical direction. There is. Various operation units 41a to 41f provided in the operation area 41 are provided so as to be touch-operable by the user.

In the display area 42, an indicator 43 composed of a plurality of arcuate segments and a plurality of marks 44 are arranged in a row in the vertical direction. At the bottom of the indicator 43, a character mark marked "strong" and a character mark marked "weak" are arranged in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the mark 44 includes a character mark 44a described as "frozen hot food", a character mark 44b described as "frozen vegetables", a character mark 44c described as "dry", and "freezing at once". The character mark 44d marked with, the character mark 44e marked "Ikki ice making", the character mark 44f marked "Ice making off", the character mark 44g marked "Power saving", and "Outing". A character mark 44h, a character mark 44i marked with "peak shift", a character mark 44j marked with "eco", and a key mark 44k with the shape of the key are provided.

The refrigerating operation unit 41a is an operation unit for adjusting the set temperature of the refrigerating room of the refrigerator 11 by remote control from the terminal 12. The terminal 12 can adjust the set temperature of the refrigerating room of the refrigerator 11 in a plurality of stages, in this case, three stages of strong, medium, and weak, according to the number of operations of the refrigerating operation unit 41a by the user. Further, the terminal 12 changes the number of lit segments among the plurality of segments of the indicator 43 according to the stage of the set temperature of the refrigerating room set by the operation of the refrigerating operation unit 41a.

In this case, when the set temperature of the refrigerating room is adjusted to the "weak" level by the operation of the refrigerating operation unit 41a, the terminal 12 lights one of the five segments of the indicator 43 to the "medium" level. When adjusted to, 3 segments are lit, and when adjusted to "strong" level, 5 segments are lit. The user can visually grasp the level of the set temperature of the refrigerating room adjusted by the operation of the refrigerating operation unit 41a by the number of lighting segments. Further, the terminal 12 transmits information indicating the set temperature of the refrigerating room adjusted by the operation of the refrigerating operation unit 41a to the refrigerator 11. The refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of the refrigerating room based on the information obtained from the terminal 12.

The freezing operation unit 41b is an operation unit for adjusting the set temperature of the freezing chamber of the refrigerator 11 by remote control from the terminal 12. The terminal 12 can adjust the set temperature of the freezing chamber of the refrigerator 11 in a plurality of stages, in this case, three stages of strong, medium, and weak, according to the number of operations of the freezing operation unit 41b by the user. Further, the terminal 12 changes the number of lit segments among the plurality of segments of the indicator 43 according to the stage of the set temperature of the freezing chamber set by the operation of the freezing operation unit 41b. The user can visually grasp the level of the set temperature of the freezing chamber adjusted by the operation of the freezing operation unit 41b by the number of lighting segments. Further, the terminal 12 transmits information indicating the set temperature of the freezing chamber adjusted by the operation of the freezing operation unit 41b to the refrigerator 11. The refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of the freezing chamber based on the information obtained from the terminal 12.

The freezing function operation unit 41c is an operation unit for executing various freezing functions included in the refrigerator 11 by remote control from the terminal 12. The terminal 12 sequentially selects the hot food freezing function, the vegetable freezing function, the dry freezing function, and the one-shot freezing function according to the number of operations of the freezing function operation unit 41c by the user. Then, the terminal 12 lights the character marks 44a to 44d corresponding to the freezing function selected by the operation of the freezing function operation unit 41c. Further, the terminal 12 transmits information indicating the freezing function selected by the operation of the freezing function operation unit 41c to the refrigerator 11. The refrigerator 11 performs the selected freezing function based on the information obtained from the terminal 12.

The ice making operation unit 41d is an operation unit for executing the ice making function provided in the refrigerator 11 by remote control from the terminal 12. The terminal 12 sequentially switches the on / off setting of the ice making function at once according to the number of operations of the ice making operation unit 41d by the user. Then, when the one-shot ice making function is set to ON, the terminal 12 lights the character mark 44e marked with "one-shot ice making". Further, when the ice making function is set to off, the terminal 12 lights the character mark 44f marked with "ice making off".

Then, when the ice making function is switched on by the operation of the ice making operation unit 41d, the terminal 12 transmits a setting signal for switching the ice making function on to the refrigerator 11. Upon receiving this setting signal from the terminal 12, the refrigerator 11 switches on the ice making function at once and executes the ice making function at once. On the other hand, when the ice making function is switched off by the operation of the ice making operation unit 41d, the terminal 12 transmits a setting signal for switching the ice making function to off to the refrigerator 11. Upon receiving this setting signal from the terminal 12, the refrigerator 11 switches off the ice making function at once and cancels the on setting of the ice making function at once. As a result, the ice making function is stopped at once.

The power saving operation unit 41e is an operation unit for executing various power saving functions included in the refrigerator 11 by remote control from the terminal 12. The terminal 12 sequentially selects the power saving mode function, the outing function, and the peak shift function according to the number of operations of the power saving operation unit 41e by the user. Then, the terminal 12 lights the character marks 44g to 44i corresponding to the power saving function selected by the operation of the power saving operation unit 41e. Further, the terminal 12 transmits information indicating the power saving function selected by the operation of the power saving operation unit 41e to the refrigerator 11. The refrigerator 11 executes the selected power saving function based on the information given from the terminal 12.

The key lock operation unit 41f is an operation unit for disabling the setting operation of the refrigerator 11 via the setting screen G1. The terminal 12 sequentially switches between the setting inoperable state and the setting operation possible state according to the number of operations of the key lock operation unit 41f by the user. In the setting operation impossible state, the operation input to the various operation units 41a to 41e other than the key lock operation unit 41f of the setting screen G1 becomes invalid, so that the setting operation of the refrigerator 11 via the setting screen G1 becomes impossible. The terminal 12 turns on the key mark 44k when the setting operation is switched to the inoperable state. On the other hand, in the setting operation enable state, the operation input to the various operation units 41a to 41f of the setting screen G1 becomes effective, whereby the setting operation of the refrigerator 11 via the setting screen G1 becomes possible. When the terminal 12 is switched to the setting operation enable state, the key mark 44k is turned off.

Further, the terminal 12 lights the character mark 44j of "eco" when the operating state of the refrigerator 11 is the eco-driving state. That is, when the operating state of the refrigerator 11 satisfies a predetermined condition, the refrigerator 11 determines that the operating state of the refrigerator 11 is an eco-operating state. The predetermined conditions are that the number of times the door is opened and closed within the predetermined time is less than or equal to the predetermined number of times, the temperature change in each storage chamber within the predetermined time is within the predetermined range, and the refrigeration cycle (not shown) within the predetermined time. It is conceivable that the operating time of the compressor is within the specified time. When the refrigerator 11 determines that the operating state of the refrigerator 11 is the eco-operating state, the refrigerator 11 transmits information indicating that the refrigerator 11 is in the eco-operating state to the terminal 12. Upon receiving this information, the terminal 12 lights the character mark 44j of "eco". Further, when the refrigerator 11 determines that the operating state of the refrigerator 11 is not the eco-driving state, the refrigerator 11 transmits information indicating that the refrigerator 11 is not the eco-driving state to the terminal 12. Upon receiving this information, the terminal 12 turns off the character mark 44j of "eco".

Next, the setting screen G2 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the setting screen G2 is a setting screen realized by a hierarchical structure. That is, the setting screen G2 is provided with a refrigerator mark 51, which simply indicates the entire refrigerator 11, and a setting button 52. Further, around the refrigerator mark 51, a setting state display unit 53a to 53e indicating the current setting state of each storage room of the refrigerator 11 and a power consumption display unit 54 indicating the current power consumption of the refrigerator 11 are provided. Has been done.

The refrigerator 11 transmits information indicating the current set state of each storage room, for example, set temperature information indicating the set temperature of each storage room, information indicating the set state of each function, and the like to the terminal 12. The terminal 12 displays the current setting state of each storage room of the refrigerator 11 on the setting state display units 53a to 53e based on the information received from the refrigerator 11. Further, the refrigerator 11 transmits power consumption information indicating the current power consumption of the refrigerator 11 to the terminal 12. The terminal 12 displays the current power consumption of the refrigerator 11 on the power consumption display unit 54 based on the power consumption information received from the refrigerator 11.

Further, when the setting button 52 is operated, the terminal 12 shifts the screen displayed on the display unit 32 to a setting operation screen (not shown). The setting operation screen is provided with an input operation unit for inputting the set temperature of each storage room of the refrigerator 11, an input operation unit for inputting on / off of setting of various functions of the refrigerator 11, and the like. When the user's setting operation is input via these various input operation units, the terminal 12 transmits the input information to the refrigerator 11. The refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of each storage room, sets on / off of each function, and the like based on the information received from the terminal 12.

Next, the setting screen G3 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the setting screen G3 is a setting screen realized by a text-based structure. That is, the setting screen G3 is provided with a plurality of menu buttons 61 for setting various functions of the refrigerator 11. These menu buttons 61 are provided so as to be touch-operable.

Specifically, the menu button 61a on which the characters "freezing room temperature setting" are written is a menu button for adjusting the set temperature of the freezing room of the refrigerator 11. The terminal 12 can adjust the set temperature of the freezing chamber of the refrigerator 11 in a plurality of stages, in this case, three stages of strong, medium, and weak, according to the number of times the user operates the menu button 61a. Further, the terminal 12 changes the display character of the touch button 61a to any of "strong", "medium", and "weak" according to the stage of the set temperature of the freezing room set by the operation of the menu button 61a. .. Then, the terminal 12 transmits information indicating the set temperature of the freezing room adjusted by the operation of the menu button 61a to the refrigerator 11. The refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of the freezing chamber based on the information obtained from the terminal 12.

The menu button 61b on which the characters "refrigerating room temperature setting" are written is a menu button for adjusting the set temperature of the refrigerating room of the refrigerator 11. The terminal 12 can adjust the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator 11 in a plurality of stages, in this case, three stages of strong, medium, and weak, according to the number of times the user operates the menu button 61b. Further, the terminal 12 changes the display character of the menu button 61b to any of "strong", "medium", and "weak" according to the stage of the set temperature of the refrigerating room set by the operation of the menu button 61b. .. Then, the terminal 12 transmits information indicating the set temperature of the refrigerating room adjusted by the operation of the menu button 61b to the refrigerator 11. The refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of the refrigerating room based on the information obtained from the terminal 12.

The menu button 61c on which the characters "ice making at once" are written is a menu button for switching the setting of the ice making function of the refrigerator 11 on / off. The terminal 12 sequentially switches the on / off setting of the ice making function at once according to the number of operations of the menu button 61c by the user. Then, when the ice making function is switched on by the operation of the menu button 61c, the terminal 12 switches the display character of the menu button 61c from "OFF" to "ON" and turns on the ice making function at once. The setting signal for switching is transmitted to the refrigerator 11. Upon receiving this setting signal from the terminal 12, the refrigerator 11 switches on the ice making function at once and executes the ice making function at once. On the other hand, when the ice making function is switched off by the operation of the menu button 61c, the terminal 12 switches the display character of the menu button 61c from "ON" to "OFF" and turns off the ice making function at once. The setting signal for switching is transmitted to the refrigerator 11. Upon receiving this setting signal from the terminal 12, the refrigerator 11 switches off the ice making function at once and cancels the on setting of the ice making function at once. As a result, the ice making function is stopped at once.

The menu button 61d on which the characters "stop ice making" are written is a menu button for switching the on / off setting of the ice making function of the refrigerator 11. The terminal 12 sequentially switches the on / off setting of the ice making function according to the number of times the user operates the menu button 61d. Then, when the ice making function is switched on by the operation of the menu button 61d, the terminal 12 switches the display character of the menu button 61d from "OFF" to "ON" and switches the ice making function on. The setting signal of is transmitted to the refrigerator 11. Upon receiving this setting signal from the terminal 12, the refrigerator 11 switches the ice making function on and executes the ice making function. On the other hand, the terminal 12 switches the display character of the menu button 61d from "ON" to "OFF" and switches the ice making function to off when the ice making function is switched off by operating the menu button 61d. The setting signal of is transmitted to the refrigerator 11. Upon receiving this setting signal from the terminal 12, the refrigerator 11 switches the ice making function to off and cancels the on setting of the ice making function. As a result, the ice making function is stopped.

The other menu buttons 61e to 61k can be used to turn on / off the refrigerator 11's quick freezing function, vegetable freezing function, dry freezing function, hot freezing function, power saving mode function, peak shift function, and outing function, respectively. It is a menu button for switching. The terminal 12 sequentially switches the on / off setting of each function according to the number of operations of each menu button 61e to 61k by the user, and sets the display character of each menu button 61e to 61k to "ON" or "OFF". Switch to. Then, the terminal 12 transmits a setting signal for switching each function on or off to the refrigerator 11, and the refrigerator 11 sets on / off of each function according to the setting signal received from the terminal 12.

Further, the menu button 61t is a menu button for switching the on / off setting of the timer power saving function of the refrigerator 11. The terminal 12 sequentially switches the on / off setting of the timer power saving function according to the number of operations of the menu button 61t by the user, and switches the display character of the menu button 61t to "ON" or "OFF". Then, the terminal 12 transmits a setting signal for switching the timer power saving function on or off to the refrigerator 11, and the refrigerator 11 sets on / off of the timer power saving function according to the setting signal received from the terminal 12. ..

The button 61ts with the character "start" is a button for inputting the start time of the timer power saving function, and the button 61te with the character "end" is the end of the timer power saving function. This is a button for entering the time. When the terminal 12 transmits the setting signal for setting the timer power saving function to the refrigerator 11, the terminal 12 also transmits the information indicating the start time and the end time input via these buttons 61ts and 61te to the refrigerator 11. do.

Next, an example of a communication mode when various functions of the refrigerator 11 are set from the terminal 12 will be described. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the refrigerator 11 indicates setting content information indicating the current setting content of the refrigerator 11 when a communication line is established with the terminal 12. Is transmitted to the terminal 12 (A1). The setting content information is stored in, for example, a register provided in the control device of the refrigerator 11, and the data of each address is rewritten according to the current setting content of the refrigerator 11.

Here, a configuration example of this setting content information will be described. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the data of 1 to 4 digits of the address "00" of the setting content information indicates the set temperature of the freezing room, and the data of 5 to 8 digits of the address "00" is the refrigerating room. Indicates the set temperature of. In addition, the data in the 1st to 8th digits of the address "01" are the on / off setting state of the ice making function, the on / off setting state of the ice making stop function, and the on / off setting state of the ice freezing function, respectively. , Power saving function on / off setting state, peak shift function on / off setting state, outing function on / off setting state, timer power saving function on / off setting state, vegetable freezing function on / off Shows the setting status of.

The first digit data of the address "02" shows the on / off setting state of the dry freezing function, and the second digit data of the address "02" shows the on / off setting state of the hot freezing function. ing. Then, when each function is set to "off", the corresponding data is rewritten to "0", and when each function is set to "on", the corresponding data is "1". Is rewritten to. Further, the 8-bit data stored in the address "03" indicates the start time of the timer power saving function. Also, the 8-bit data stored in the address "04". Timer Indicates the end time of the power saving function.

When the application program is started, the terminal 12 displays a setting screen selected in advance from the setting screens G1 to S3 (B1). At this time, the terminal 12 reflects the current setting contents of the refrigerator 11 in each item of the displayed setting screen based on the setting contents information received from the refrigerator 11. As a result, the terminal 12 displays the current setting contents of the refrigerator 11. When the setting content is changed in the refrigerator 11, the refrigerator 11 transmits the setting content information indicating the changed setting content to the terminal 12. Then, the terminal 12 reflects the newly received setting content information in each item of the displayed setting screen. As a result, the terminal 12 displays the current setting contents of the refrigerator 11 in real time.

Then, when the setting is input via the display setting screen, the terminal 12 transmits the setting change information to the refrigerator 11 (B2). This setting change information is information indicating that the input for changing the setting of the refrigerator 11 has been made on the terminal 12 side. When the refrigerator 11 receives the setting change information from the terminal 12, the refrigerator 11 transmits a setting change permission signal to the terminal 12 (A2). Then, when the terminal 12 receives the setting change permission signal from the refrigerator 11, the terminal 12 transmits the change content information indicating the setting content input via the setting screen to the refrigerator 11 (B3). When the refrigerator 11 receives the change content information from the terminal 12, each function is set based on the change content information (A3). Then, the refrigerator 11 transmits the setting content information indicating the changed setting content to the terminal 12 (A4).

When the terminal 12 receives the setting content information reflecting the changed setting content from the refrigerator 11, the terminal 12 collates the setting content information with the changed content information transmitted to the refrigerator 11. As a result, the terminal 12 verifies whether or not the setting of each function of the refrigerator 11 has been changed based on the change content information (B4). Then, when the setting of each function of the refrigerator 11 is changed based on the change content information (B5: YES), the terminal 12 transmits a setting change confirmation signal to the refrigerator 11 (B6). If the setting of each function of the refrigerator 11 is not changed based on the change content information (B5: NO), the terminal 12 proceeds to step B3 and changes the setting of each function of the refrigerator 11. Repeat the process for.

According to the refrigerator setting system 10 according to the present embodiment, the refrigerator 11 includes an operation panel 13 for setting a predetermined function of the refrigerator 11, while the terminal 12 has at least a predetermined function among various functions of the refrigerator 11. It is provided with a terminal-side setting function unit 36 for setting functions other than the above. According to this configuration, the operation panel 13 on the refrigerator 11 side can be configured by focusing on only the minimum elements necessary for setting a predetermined function, and the configuration can be simplified. Further, even if the operation panel 13 on the refrigerator 11 side has a simple configuration, a user who wants to use the function can arbitrarily set a function other than the predetermined function via the external terminal 12. As a result, even if the functions of the refrigerator 11 are increased, there is no risk of complicating the operation panel 13 and increasing the cost. Therefore, the refrigerator 11 with increasing functions can be realized at a lower manufacturing cost. Moreover, various functions of the refrigerator 11 can be set in a simpler manner.

Further, as the predetermined function, it is preferable to set a function considered to be indispensable in the refrigerator 11 or a function often used. This is because it is easier to use such a function when it is set directly from the refrigerator 11 than when it is set indirectly from the terminal 12.

Further, the refrigerator 11 includes an external setting display unit 22f that displays when a function other than a predetermined function is set by the terminal side setting function unit 36 on the terminal 12 side. According to this configuration, the user can easily grasp that each function of the refrigerator 11 is set remotely from the terminal 12. Further, for example, when a certain function of the refrigerator 11 is operating, is the operation performed by the setting from the terminal 12, or is it performed because some trouble has occurred in the refrigerator 11. Can be easily determined.

Further, the refrigerator 11 includes a default button 22c for canceling the function set by the terminal side setting function unit 36 on the terminal 12 side. According to this configuration, the function set remotely from the terminal 12 can be easily canceled on the refrigerator 11 side.

Further, the refrigerator 11 may be configured to cancel all the functions of the refrigerator 11 including the functions set by the terminal 12 when the default button 22c is operated. According to this configuration, the setting state of the refrigerator 11 can be reset to the initial state by operating the default button 22c, and the subsequent setting of each function can be performed again from the initial state.

In the present embodiment, the operation panel 13 on the refrigerator 11 side is provided with only operation buttons and display units related to predetermined functions. Therefore, even if the user confirms the operation panel 13, various functions of the refrigerator 11 can be set. It is not possible to grasp the status, especially the setting status of functions other than the predetermined function. However, in the present embodiment, the refrigerator 11 is provided with a default button 22c for canceling the setting of various functions. As a result, the user can temporarily return the refrigerator 11 to the initial state by operating the default button 22c even when the user cannot grasp what the setting state of various functions of the refrigerator 11 is. , Various functions of the refrigerator 11 can be set again.

Further, the terminal 12 has a configuration in which the setting screen displayed by the terminal-side setting function unit 36 can be selected by the setting screen selection function unit 37. As a result, it is possible to provide a setting screen according to the user's preference, and it is possible to improve operability and usability.

Further, the terminal 12 can also set a predetermined function by the terminal side setting function unit 36. According to this configuration, all the functions of the refrigerator 11 can be set remotely, for example, even when the user is out or the refrigerator 11 does not exist in the room where the refrigerator 11 is installed. All the functions of the refrigerator 11 can be set and operated. In this case, the operation panel 13 on the refrigerator 11 side has a simple configuration that is the minimum necessary for operating a predetermined function. For example, the adjustment of the set temperature is "strong", "medium", and "weak". It can be set only in 3 steps. Therefore, in the setting from the terminal 12, for example, the adjustment of the set temperature may be set in a plurality of stages of three or more stages, or may be finely set in units of 1 degree or 0.1 degree. May be good. That is, the setting operation from the terminal 12 may be configured to be more detailed than the setting operation from the operation panel 13, which is a simple configuration.

(Second Embodiment)
According to the refrigerator setting system 20 illustrated in FIG. 9, the refrigerator 11 further includes a storage device 71. The storage device 71 is an example of a storage means, and stores the setting contents actually set in the refrigerator 11 at any time. As a result, information indicating the past setting contents of the refrigerator 11 is accumulated in the storage device 71.

By the way, since the storage capacity of the storage device 71 is limited, it is not preferable to store all the information indicating the setting contents of the refrigerator 11 in the past in the storage device 71. Therefore, the refrigerator 11 is configured to store only the information indicating a specific setting content among the setting contents of the refrigerator 11 in the past.

That is, the terminal 12 displays the setting screen G4 illustrated in FIG. This setting screen G4 is a setting screen G4 described above with check boxes 56a and 56b added. The check boxes 56a and 56b are elements used to save the setting contents input to the setting screen G4. When the check box 56a is checked, the terminal 12 sets the setting content information when transmitting the setting content information indicating the setting content input to the setting screen G4 to the refrigerator 11 [1]. The storage command information [Set1] that commands the storage as is attached. Further, when the check box 56b is checked, the terminal 12 sets the setting content information when transmitting the setting content information indicating the setting content input to the setting screen G4 to the refrigerator 11. 2] Attach the save command information [Set2] instructing to save as.

When the storage command information [Set1] is attached to the setting content information received from the terminal 12, the refrigerator 11 sets each function based on the setting content information and sets the setting content information [1]. ] As stored in the storage device 71. If the storage command information [Set2] is attached to the setting content information received from the terminal 12, each function is set based on the setting content information, and the setting content information is set as the setting [2]. Store in the storage device 71.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the operation panel 13 of the refrigerator 11 has a setting button 81 as an example of the setting means, a setting display unit 82a on which "Set1" meaning setting 1 is written, and a setting 2. A setting display unit 82b with “Set2” meaning “Set2”, a selection button 83, and selection display units 84a and 84b are provided. When the refrigerator 11 stores the setting content information received from the terminal 12 in the storage device 71 as the setting [1], the refrigerator 11 turns on the LED of the setting display unit 82a. Note that FIG. 11 shows a state in which the LED of the setting display unit 82a is turned on.

Further, when the refrigerator 11 stores the setting content information received from the terminal 12 in the storage device 71 as the setting [2], the refrigerator 11 turns on the LED of the setting display unit 82b. The user can grasp whether or not the setting contents of the refrigerator 11 in the past are saved based on the lighting status of the setting display units 82a and 82b.

The refrigerator 11 turns on the selection display unit 84a corresponding to the setting [1] or the selection display unit 84b corresponding to the setting [2] while sequentially switching according to the number of operations of the selection button 83. Then, when the setting button 81 is operated, the refrigerator 11 reads out the setting content information corresponding to the setting in which the selection display unit 84 is lit at that time from the storage device 71. Then, the refrigerator 11 sets each function of the refrigerator 11 based on the read setting content information.

Even if the functions of the refrigerator 11 are increased by the refrigerator setting system 20 according to the present embodiment, there is no risk of complicating the operation panel 13 and increasing the cost. Therefore, the refrigerator 11 having more functions is lower. It can be realized at a manufacturing cost and can be set in a simpler manner.

Further, the refrigerator setting system 20 includes a storage device 71 for storing the setting contents of the refrigerator 11 and a setting button 81 for setting each function of the refrigerator 11 based on the setting contents stored in the storage device 71. .. According to this configuration, the setting contents of the refrigerator 11 in the past can be easily reproduced, and the refrigerator 11 can be operated with the setting contents according to the user's preference. The storage device 71 may be provided not in the refrigerator 11 but in, for example, the terminal 12 or the server 16.

Further, the setting content information that can be stored in the storage device 71 is not limited to two, and the number can be appropriately changed for implementation. In this case, the number of check boxes 56 provided on the setting screen G4 and the number of setting display units 82 and selection display units 84 provided on the operation panel 13 may be changed according to the number of memorable setting content information.

(Other embodiments)
The present embodiment is not limited to the plurality of embodiments described above, and can be modified or extended as follows, for example.
The refrigerator 11 is configured to enable the setting operation from the operation panel 13 when the setting operation is input from both the operation panel 13 and the terminal 12 for the functions that can be set via the operation panel 13. Alternatively, it may be configured to enable the setting operation from the terminal 12. Further, regarding the functions that can be set via the operation panel 13, the refrigerator 11 can be set from the operation panel 13 and from the terminal 12 when the setting operation is input from both the operation panel 13 and the terminal 12. It may be configured to enable the slower of the setting operations.

The essential function setting unit 21 may include, as an essential function, at least a set temperature adjusting function for adjusting the set temperature of each storage chamber. Therefore, the refrigerator may be configured so that functions other than the temperature control function are further defined as essential functions and can be adjusted by the essential function setting unit 21.
The home electric appliance for constructing the home electric appliance setting system is not limited to the refrigerator 11, and may be composed of other home electric appliances such as a washing machine and a cooking machine.

Further, the terminal for constructing the home appliance setting system is not limited to the smartphone, and may be configured by, for example, a TV, a tablet, a personal computer, etc., or a dedicated terminal provided for the home appliance setting system. It may be configured. That is, the terminals for constructing the home appliance setting system according to the present embodiment are various terminals as long as they are connected to the home appliances so as to be communicable and have an input unit for inputting the user's operation. Kind can be applied.

Further, the relationship between the home appliance for constructing the home appliance setting system and the terminal does not have to be one-to-one, and for example, one home appliance may be configured to be remotely set and operated from a plurality of terminals. , A plurality of home appliances may be configured to be remotely set and operated from one terminal. Further, a configuration may be configured in which a plurality of home appliances can be set and operated remotely from a plurality of terminals.

The home appliance setting system according to the present embodiment is a home appliance setting system constructed by a home appliance and a terminal having a communication function for communicating with the home appliance. In this system, the home electric appliance includes a home electric appliance side setting means for setting a predetermined function of the home electric appliance. Further, the terminal includes a terminal-side setting means for setting a function other than the predetermined function among the functions of the home electric appliance. According to this configuration, even if the functions of home appliances are increased, there is no risk of complicating the setting means on the home appliances side and increasing the cost. Therefore, it is possible to realize home appliances with increasing functions at a lower manufacturing cost. Moreover, various functions of the home electric appliance can be set in a simpler manner.

The home electric appliance according to the present embodiment is a home electric appliance having a communication function for communicating with a terminal and constructing a home electric appliance setting system together with the terminal. This home electric appliance includes a home electric appliance side setting means for setting a predetermined function of the home electric appliance. Then, among the functions of the home electric appliance, the functions other than the predetermined function are set by the terminal-side setting means provided in the terminal.

The terminal according to the present embodiment has a communication function for communicating with a home electric appliance, and is a terminal for constructing a home electric appliance setting system together with the home electric appliance. Then, this terminal includes a terminal-side setting means for setting a function other than a predetermined function among the functions of the home electric appliance.

By constructing a home appliance setting system with the home appliance and the terminal according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a home appliance with increasing functionality at a lower manufacturing cost, and to provide various functions of the home appliance. It can be set in a simpler manner.

Although a plurality of embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

In the drawings, 10 and 20 are refrigerator setting systems (home appliances setting system), 11 are refrigerators (home appliances), 12 are terminals, 13 are operation panels (home appliances side setting means), and 22c are default buttons (release means). 22f is an external setting display unit (display means), 36 is a terminal side setting function unit (terminal side setting means), 37 is a setting screen selection function unit (setting screen selection means), 71 is a storage device (storage means), and 81 is. Indicates a setting button (setting means).

Claims (4)

A refrigerator display system constructed of a refrigerator and a terminal having a communication function for communicating with the refrigerator.
When the setting content is changed in the refrigerator, the refrigerator transmits the setting content information indicating the changed setting content to the terminal.
The terminal is a refrigerator display system that reflects and displays setting content information received from the refrigerator. The refrigerator can be set to a predetermined function of the refrigerator.
The terminal can set a function other than the predetermined function among the functions of the refrigerator, and when the setting of the predetermined function is changed in the refrigerator, the changed setting content is reflected. The refrigerator display system according to claim 1, which displays information on the predetermined function. A refrigerator for constructing the refrigerator display system according to claim 1 or 2. A terminal for constructing the refrigerator display system according to claim 1 or 2.

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