JP2022173798A - Washing machine, control method, and control system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing machine and the like capable of executing various kinds of control programs more simply and safely.SOLUTION: A washing machine 500 includes: a washing function part for performing an operation related to washing with respect to laundry on the basis of washing information from external equipment; and a control device 550 for controlling the washing function part. The washing information includes: a plurality of pieces of control information each of which is control information related to a parameter for controlling the operation of the washing function part; and order information related to the order for executing the plurality of pieces of control information. The control device 550 (i) classifies the plurality of pieces of control information contained in the washing information into one or more washing steps on the basis of a classification rule, and (ii) corrects the washing information by adding common information related to control common in one or more pieces of first control information contained in a first washing step, in the first washing step. The control device allows the washing function part to execute the operation based on the washing information by executing the washing information after the correction. The one or more pieces of first control information are continuous in terms of the order.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present disclosure relates to washing machines, control methods, and control systems.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, household appliances, housing equipment, etc. are controlled according to operating conditions (control programs) prepared in advance by their manufacturers. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2004-100002 discloses a washing machine that allows a user to set operating conditions for washing that the user wants to perform.

JP 2003-284889 A

However, in the above-described conventional technology, the control program developed in advance by the manufacturer of the product must be stored in advance in the product, and it is difficult to customize and update the control program according to the desires of various users.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a washing machine or the like that can more easily and safely execute a wide variety of control programs.

A washing machine according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a washing machine that can communicate with an external device, and includes a communication unit that receives washing information from the external device, and a washing machine that performs washing on the laundry based on the washing information. and a control device for controlling the washing function unit, wherein the washing information includes a plurality of control information, each of which is control information related to a parameter for controlling the operation of the washing function unit; and order information relating to the order of executing the plurality of control information, and the control device (i) classifies the plurality of control information included in the laundry information into one or more washing processes based on a classification rule. and (ii) adding, to a first washing step of the one or more washing steps, common information regarding control common to one or more pieces of first control information included in the first washing step, By correcting the washing information and executing the corrected washing information, the washing function unit executes an operation based on the washing information, and the one or more pieces of first control information are consecutive in the order.

Further, a washing machine according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a washing machine that can communicate with an external device, and includes: a communication unit that receives washing information from the external device; On the other hand, a washing function unit that performs an operation related to washing, a control device that controls the washing function unit, and a detection unit that detects the operation state of the washing function unit, and the washing information is including a plurality of control information that are control information relating to parameters for controlling the operation of functional units, and order information relating to the order in which the plurality of control information are executed, wherein the control device controls the plurality of controls included in the washing information; Information is classified into one or more washing processes based on classification rules, and depending on whether or not the operating state while the first washing process of the one or more washing processes is being executed satisfies a predetermined condition. and adding determination information for determining a washing process to be executed next to the first washing process by the washing function unit to the first washing process, thereby correcting the washing information and generating the corrected washing information. causes the washing function unit to execute the operation based on the washing information, and the one or more pieces of first control information are consecutive in the order.

In addition, these general or specific aspects may be realized by a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. and any combination of recording media.

A washing machine according to an aspect of the present disclosure can more easily and safely execute a wide variety of control programs.

FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2A is a hardware configuration diagram of a cloud server according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2B is a hardware configuration diagram of the apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2C is a hardware configuration diagram of a terminal according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the washing machine. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the washing machine. FIG. 6A shows a first example of blocks that define an application according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6B shows a second example of blocks that define applications in the first embodiment. FIG. 6C shows a third example of blocks that define applications in the first embodiment. FIG. 6D shows a fourth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. FIG. 6E shows a fifth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. FIG. 6F shows a sixth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. FIG. 6G shows a seventh example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. FIG. 6H shows an eighth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. FIG. 6I shows a ninth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. FIG. 6J shows a tenth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. FIG. 6K shows an eleventh example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. FIG. 6L shows a twelfth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. FIG. 6M shows a thirteenth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. FIG. 6N shows a fourteenth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. FIG. 6O shows a fifteenth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. FIG. 6P shows a sixteenth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. 7 is a sequence diagram of the system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 8 shows an example of a device database according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 9 shows an example of an execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of pre-execution confirmation processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 shows an example of a rule database according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 12 shows a first example of modification of the execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 shows a second example of modification of the execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 shows a third example of modification of the execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. FIG. 15 shows a fourth example of modification of execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. FIG. 16 shows a fifth example of modification of execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 shows a sixth example of modification of the execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 shows a seventh example of modification of execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. FIG. 19 shows an eighth example of modification of execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. FIG. 20 shows a ninth example of modification of execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a classification rule according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of pre-execution confirmation processing according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 23A shows modification of the execution content declaration in Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 23B shows modification of the execution content declaration in Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 23C shows modification of the execution content declaration in Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 24 is a flowchart of pre-execution confirmation processing according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 25A shows a first example of modification of an execution content declaration in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 25B shows a first example of modification of the execution content declaration in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 25C shows a first example of modification of the execution content declaration in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 25D shows a first example of modification of the execution content declaration in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 26A shows a second example of modification of the execution content declaration in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 26B shows a second example of modification of the execution content declaration in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 26C shows a second example of modification of the execution content declaration in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 26D shows a second example of modification of the execution content declaration in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 27A is a sequence diagram of a system according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 27B is a sequence diagram of the system according to Modification 5 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 27C is a sequence diagram of the system according to Modification 6 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 27D is a sequence diagram of the system according to Modification 7 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 27E is a sequence diagram of the system according to Modification 8 of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 28 shows a flowchart of pre-execution confirmation processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 29 shows a flowchart of pre-execution confirmation processing according to the third embodiment. FIG. 30 shows a flowchart of pre-execution confirmation processing according to the fourth embodiment. 31 shows an example of a rule database according to Embodiment 4. FIG.

(Findings on which this disclosure is based)
The circumstances leading up to the present disclosure by the inventors of the present application will be described. 2. Description of the Related Art An open development environment is required in order to develop a control program in accordance with the desires of various users in home electric appliances and the like having actuators and/or heaters. In other words, there is a demand for an environment in which the degree of difficulty in developing control programs is reduced so that third parties can easily participate in the development of control programs. In such an environment, for example, an apparel company can develop a washing machine control program for washing clothes sold by the company.

Therefore, the present inventors used functional blocks that abstract the control of the actuators and heaters included in the product to build an environment in which control programs can be developed while maintaining safety assurance. We investigated a mechanism that can package a control program consisting of a combination of functional blocks and distribute it as an application. This makes it possible to distribute a wide variety of applications and customize and update products to meet the needs of a wider variety of users. However, in such an environment, dangerous applications (ie, applications that cannot safely control the product) may be delivered, making the product less secure.

For example, programs included in home electric appliances, etc. are incorporated in equipment for directly controlling actuators and/or heaters, and programs developed by manufacturers and programs developed by third parties are mixed. It is envisioned to contain intermingled with each other. At this time, it is highly likely that the manufacturer will not disclose information, including know-how, on all consumer electronics products, etc., to third parties. For example, the parameters or timing for driving actuators and heaters are know-how related to the performance of consumer electronics and the like of the manufacturer. Therefore, manufacturers are less likely to open their know-how to third parties so that they can freely drive home appliances and the like, as this may lead to a decrease in competitiveness.

Therefore, due to lack of information on home appliances, etc., third parties may create applications that include control combinations or parameter ranges that manufacturers do not expect, that is, applications that do not guarantee safety. Users do not want such applications to be provided to them.

In addition, it is conceivable that manufacturers of home electric appliances and the like will try to update users' lives by providing new control programs. However, development of a wide variety of new control programs requires a huge amount of man-hours such as parameter adjustment or hardware performance evaluation. Since home appliances, etc. are physically driven by hardware such as actuators and/or heaters, programs for home appliances, etc. may require more man-hours for performance evaluation, etc. compared to programs for smartphones. easily expected. However, in an age where on-demand development that fits the lifestyle of each user is required instead of mass production, it is required to develop a wide variety of control programs for home appliances, etc., similar to smartphone programs. Therefore, the manufacturer must create a wide variety of applications that ensure the safety of the product while reducing the enormous number of man-hours.

In addition, manufacturers may want to ensure safe operation even when consumer electronic products are operated using applications provided by third parties. At this time, it is desired to reduce the amount of work for actually driving a wide variety of applications with household electrical appliances and the like to verify safety.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a device or the like that can more easily and safely execute a wide variety of applications defined by a plurality of functional blocks that drive actuators and/or heaters.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

It should be noted that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. Numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

Also, each figure is not necessarily strictly illustrated. In each figure, substantially the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment 1)
[1.1 Hardware configuration]
The hardware configuration of system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 2C. FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a hardware configuration diagram of the cloud server 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a hardware configuration diagram of the device 20 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2C is a hardware configuration diagram of terminal 30 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a cloud server 10, devices 20a-20h used in facilities 2a-2d, and terminals 30a-30d. The facilities 2a-2d are, for example, houses, but are not limited to this. Facilities 2a-2d may be, for example, condominiums, shops, offices, and the like. System 1 is an example of a control system.

The cloud server 10 is a virtual server provided via a computer network (for example, the Internet). Cloud server 10 is communicatively connected to devices 20a-20h and terminals 30a-30d via a computer network. A physical server may be used instead of the cloud server 10 . The cloud server 10 is an example of an external device.

As shown in FIG. 2A, cloud server 10 virtually includes processor 11 and memory 12 connected to processor 11 . Processor 11 functions as a sequence manager and a device manager, which will be described later, when instructions or software programs stored in memory 12 are executed.

Devices 20a-20h are electromechanical devices utilized at facilities 2a-2d. In FIG. 1, illustration of the devices 20c to 20h used in the facilities 2b to 2d is omitted. Hereinafter, the devices 20a to 20h will be referred to as the device 20 when it is not necessary to distinguish between them.

As the device 20, household electric appliances (household appliances), housing equipment, and the like can be used. Household appliances (household appliances) and housing equipment are not limited to equipment used in houses, but also include equipment used in business. Note that in the present disclosure, household appliances and housing equipment may be abbreviated as household appliances and the like. Examples of home appliances include microwave ovens, rice cookers, blenders, electric ovens, electric toasters, electric pots, hot plates, IH (induction heating) cookers, roasters, bakeries, electric pressure cooking pots, and electric waterless cooking pots. , multi-cookers, coffee makers, refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, air purifiers, humidifiers, dryers, fans, and ion generators. Examples of housing equipment include electric shutters, electronic locks, and electric water heaters for bathtubs. Note that the device 20 is not limited to these devices.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the device 20 includes a housing 21, an actuator 22, a heater 23, and a controller . Note that the device 20 may include at least one of the actuator 22 and the heater 23 and may not include both the actuator 22 and the heater 23 .

The housing 21 accommodates the actuator 22 , the heater 23 and the controller 24 . Also, the housing 21 may have an internal space for processing an object. For example, the washing tub of a washing machine, the heating chamber of a microwave oven, the inner pot of a rice cooker, and the like correspond to internal spaces for processing objects.

Actuators 22 are mechanical elements that convert input energy into physical motion based on electrical signals. The actuator 22 can be, for example, an electric motor, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic actuator, or the like, but is not limited to these.

The heater 23 is an electric heater that converts electrical energy into thermal energy. The heater 23 heats the object by Joule heating, induction heating, dielectric heating, or the like. As the heater 23, for example, a nichrome wire, a coil, a magnetron, or the like can be used.

An example of why the device 20 of the present disclosure includes the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 will now be described. Consider a case where a manufacturer of home electric appliances provides a third party with a development environment in which all parameters for driving the actuator 22 and the heater 23 and combination of driving can be freely controlled. At this time, the third party creates a program for controlling the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 outside the parameter range assumed by the manufacturer to safely drive the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23, or the drive limit of the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23. becomes possible to create. In particular, driving the actuator 22 that physically moves or the heater 23 that outputs thermal energy, which the manufacturer does not assume, poses a serious problem of ensuring safety. Drives not assumed by the manufacturer include, for example, high-speed rotation of an electric motor, which is an example of an actuator, and supply of overcurrent to the heater 23 . The inventors of the present application aimed not to impede construction of an environment in which a wide variety of applications can be provided to users by excessively considering safety aspects. Therefore, it is assumed that the actuator 22 that physically moves or the heater 23 that outputs thermal energy is specialized to ensure safety, and the apparatus 20 of the present disclosure is targeted.

The control unit 24 is a controller that controls the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23, and functions as a device that will be described later. The control unit 24 is configured by, for example, an integrated circuit.

The terminals 30a-30d are used at the facilities 2a-2d, respectively, and function as user interfaces. Note that the terminals 30b to 30d used in the facilities 2b to 2d are not shown in FIG. In the following description, the terminals 30a to 30d are referred to as the terminal 30 when it is not necessary to distinguish between them.

The terminal 30 is connected to the cloud server 10 and the device 20 via a computer network and functions as a user interface (UI), which will be described later. As the terminal 30, a portable information terminal such as a smart phone and a tablet computer can be used. The terminal 30 may be a terminal fixed to the walls, floors, or ceilings of the facilities 2a-2d. Terminal 30 may also be included in device 20 . For example, the terminal 30 may be implemented as a display terminal having a display or the like built into each of the devices 20a-20h.

As shown in FIG. 2C, terminal 30 includes display 31 and input device 32 . As the display 31, for example, a liquid crystal display and an organic EL display can be used. As the input device 32, for example, a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, mechanical buttons, etc. can be used. A voice input device may also be used as the input device 32 . The display 31 and the input device 32 may be implemented integrally as a touch screen. Alternatively, a gesture input device may be used as the input device 32 . A gesture input device has, for example, a camera and a recognition unit. A camera captures an image including a gesture, and a recognition unit recognizes the gesture using the image.

[1.2 Functional configuration]
Next, the functional configuration of the system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the system 1 according to the first embodiment.

The cloud server 10 has a sequence manager 100 and a device manager 200 . Apparatuses 20a-20h comprise devices 300a-300h, respectively. Terminals 30a-30d are provided with UIs 400a-400d, respectively.

In the following, the devices 300a to 300h are referred to as the device 300 when it is not necessary to distinguish between them. In addition, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the UIs 400a to 400d, the UI 400 is used.

The sequence manager 100 manages multiple applications. A plurality of applications are downloaded from the application distribution platform to the sequence manager 100, for example, by user's operation. Alternatively, applications contained in the application delivery platform may not be downloaded to sequence manager 100 . In that case, information indicating that the application included in the application delivery platform is linked may be recorded in the database of the sequence manager 100 . Details of the application will be described later.

The device manager 200 has a database for managing a plurality of facilities 2a to 2d and the devices 300 and UIs 400 used in each of the facilities 2a to 2d. The device manager 200 manages the devices 300 and UI 400 by recording device information and UI information associated with the facilities 2a to 2d in the database. The device information and UI information include, for example, control functions, drive functions, operating status, and the like. For example, the device manager 200 can manage the operating status of the device 300 and grasp the operating schedule of the device 300 . Also, the device manager 200 may manage log information of the device 300 .

Note that such a database may be possessed by the sequence manager 100 instead of the device manager 200, or may be possessed by both the sequence manager 100 and the device manager 200. FIG.

Device 300 has control and drive functions for apparatus 20 . Device 300 can drive apparatus 20 according to instructions from device manager 200 .

The UI 400 provides information to the user and accepts input from the user.

Next, the configuration of washing machine 500 as an example of apparatus 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of washing machine 500. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of washing machine 500. As shown in FIG.

Washing machine 500 includes housing 501 having an internal space. An opening is provided on the front side of the housing 501 , and a door 505 that can be freely opened and closed is provided in the opening of the housing 501 . A door lock mechanism 506 for locking a door 505 is provided at the opening of the housing 501 .

A water tank 502 elastically supported by the housing 501 is provided inside the housing 501 . Water tub 502 is an example of a tub included in washing machine 500 . Inside the water tank 502, a bottomed cylindrical washing tank 503 (also referred to as a drum) having an opening formed at one end on the front side and a bottom formed on the other end on the rear side is rotatable about a rotation axis Ax1. is provided in A gap is formed between the inner surface of water tub 502 and the outer surface of washing tub 503 . The rotation axis Ax1 of the washing tub 503 is inclined, for example, so that the opening of the washing tub 503 is above the bottom.

Washing tub 503 is provided with a plurality of holes penetrating the side surface of washing tub 503 . A washing motor 504 for rotating the washing tub 503 is provided on the rear surface of the tub 502 . The washing motor 504 is, for example, a DC motor, and can freely control the rotation speed by inverter control.

A vibration sensor 507 is provided above the water tank 502 . A vibration sensor 507 detects the degree of vibration of the water tank 502 .

A water supply pipe 512 is connected to the upper portion of the water tank 502 . The water supply pipe 512 is connected to water supply. The water supply pipe 512 is provided with a water supply valve 511 for stopping the inflow of water from the tap. The water supply valve 511 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve that electrically opens and closes when a control signal is input. The water supply pipe 512 is provided with an automatic dispenser 513 containing a liquid detergent and/or a softener to be introduced into the washing tub 503 . The automatic dispenser 513 is a device that uses an actuator to measure an amount of liquid detergent and/or softener according to a control signal, and injects the measured liquid detergent and/or softener into the water supply pipe 512 . Therefore, the water from the tap and the predetermined amount of liquid detergent and/or softener charged by the automatic dispenser 513 are mixed in the water supply pipe 512 to form washing water, which flows into the tub 502 . Note that the automatic dispenser 513 may have both an actuator for injecting the liquid detergent and an actuator for injecting the softener.

Washing machine 500 is also provided with a water level sensor (not shown) that detects the water level of water tub 502 . The water level sensor may be a pressure sensor arranged in a pipe separate from the water supply pipe 512 connected to the water tank 502 and detecting the internal pressure of the water tank 502 . That is, the water level of the water tank 502 is detected using the detection result of the pressure sensor.

A bath water pipe 517 is connected to the top of the water tank 502 . A hose for introducing water stored in a domestic bathtub is connected to the bath water pipe 517 . A bath pump 516 is connected to the bath water pipe 517 for pumping up the water stored in the bathtub. By driving the bath pump 516, water can be supplied by the bath pump that introduces the water in the bathtub into the water tank 502 through the hose.

A drain pipe 521 is connected to the bottom of the water tank 502 . The drain pipe 521 is connected to a drain hose that discharges washing water to the outside of the washing machine 500 . The drain pipe 521 is provided with a drain filter 522 for removing foreign substances in the water flowing through the drain pipe 521 and a drain valve 523 for stopping the water from flowing from the drain pipe 521 to the drain hose. The drain valve 523 is, for example, an electromagnetic valve that electrically opens and closes when a control signal is input.

A circulation pipe 525 is connected to the drain pipe 521 . The circulation pipe 525 has one end connected to the drain pipe 521 and the other end connected to the front lower portion of the water tank 502 . It is a pipe for returning the water that has flowed through the drain pipe 521 and passed through the drain filter 522 to the water tank 502 . A circulation pump 524 for circulating the water in the water tank 502 is connected to the circulation pipe 525 . When the circulation pump 524 is driven, the washing water that has flowed through the drainage pipe 521 and then into the circulation pipe 525 is returned to the water tank 502 by the circulation pump 524 .

One end of the duct 533 is connected to the upper front side of the water tank 502 , and the other end of the duct 533 is connected to the upper rear side of the water tank 502 . The duct 533 is provided with a heat pump 532 that heats the air in the duct 533 after cooling it, and a circulation fan 534 that circulates the air in the duct 533 . The heat pump 532 is composed of a refrigerant circuit (not shown), and the refrigerant circuit has a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator. In the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant circulates by driving the compressor. In the heat pump 532, the air in the duct 533 is heated by the condenser after being cooled by the evaporator. Moisture in the air inside the duct 533 is removed by being cooled by the evaporator, and then the air inside the duct 533 is heated by being heated by the condenser to become dry, high-temperature air. The warmed, dried, high-temperature air is blown into the water tank 502 by the circulation fan 534 . This promotes drying of the laundry such as clothes inside the water tub 502 .

An intake sensor 531 is provided upstream of the duct 533 . The intake sensor 531 is a sensor that detects the temperature of air flowing upstream of the duct 533 .

A hot air sensor 535 is provided downstream of the duct 533 . A hot air sensor 535 detects the temperature of the air inside the duct 533 .

A sterilization device 536 for sterilizing the laundry in the washing tub 503 is provided on the downstream side of the duct 533 . The sterilization device 536 produces beneficial substances such as charged fine particle water. Since the air containing the efficacy substance generated by the sterilization device 536 is blown into the washing tub 503 by the circulation fan 534, the laundry inside the washing tub 503 is sterilized by the efficacy substance.

A first bubble sensor 541 and a second bubble sensor 542 are provided inside the water tank 502 to detect that bubbles are generated inside the water tank 502 . The first foam sensor 541 detects that more foam than the first amount is generated inside the water tank 502 . A second foam sensor 542 detects that more than a second amount of foam is generated inside the water tank 502 . The first amount is greater than the second amount. That is, the first bubble sensor 541 detects that more bubbles than the second bubble sensor 542 are generated.

A hot water heater 543 for heating the washing water in the water tank 502 is provided below the water tank 502 . A hot water sensor 544 is provided at the bottom of water tank 502 to detect that the temperature of the wash water in water tank 502 is higher than a predetermined temperature.

An operation panel 560 that receives input for operating washing machine 500 from the user is provided on the upper front side of housing 501 . Operation panel 560 may perform display according to the result of receiving input from the user, and may output sound according to the result. Further, the operation panel 560 may display the calculation result by the control device 550, or may output a sound indicating the calculation result. Further, operation panel 560 may display the operating state of washing machine 500, or may output a sound indicating the operating state. The communication unit 570 is a communication interface capable of communicating with an external device, for example, communicably connected to a computer network. The communication unit 570 may be a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) interface, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) interface, or an interface for connecting to a mobile phone communication network. . Also, the communication unit 570 may be communicatively connected to a hub device (not shown) communicatively connected to the cloud server 10 . That is, the communication unit 570 may be communicably connected to the cloud server 10 via a hub device. The communication unit 570 may communicate with the hub device by infrared/near field communication or the like, or may communicate with the communication interface exemplified above.

A control device 550 is provided in the housing 501 . The control device 550 acquires detection results from various sensors including the vibration sensor 507 , the water level sensor 515 , the intake sensor 531 , the hot air sensor 535 , the first foam sensor 541 , the second foam sensor 542 and the hot water sensor 544 . The controller 550 controls the washing motor 504, the door lock mechanism 506, the water supply valve 511, the automatic feeder 513, the bus pump 516, the drain valve 523, the circulation pump 524, the heat pump 532, the circulation fan 534, and the sterilization according to the detection result. It controls the operation of device 536 , hot water heater 543 and operation panel 560 . The washing motor 504, the door lock mechanism 506, the water supply valve 511, the automatic feeder 513, the bus pump 516, the drain valve 523, the circulation pump 524, the heat pump 532, the circulation fan 534, the sterilization device 536, and the hot water heater 543 are , is an example of a washing function unit that performs operations related to washing with respect to laundry, and is also an example of the actuator 22 or the heater 23 . Various sensors such as vibration sensor 507, water level sensor 515, intake sensor 531, warm air sensor 535, first foam sensor 541, second foam sensor 542, and hot water sensor 544 detect the operating state of the washing function unit. It is an example of a detection unit that Further, since the control device 550 controls the washing function unit, it may function as a detection unit that detects the operating state of the washing function unit. For example, the control device 550 may measure the elapsed time of each operation of the washing function unit as the operating state of the washing function unit.

The application will now be described. In the present embodiment, an application (hereinafter also abbreviated as an application) is a control program defined by a plurality of functional blocks (hereinafter abbreviated as blocks) for driving the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23. means. Each of the multiple blocks can contain parameters for driving the actuator 22 or the heater 23 . Specifically, each of the plurality of blocks abstracts control of the actuator 22 or heater 23 . Note that each of the plurality of blocks is an example of control information.

Note that the application may include blocks that do not drive the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 in addition to multiple blocks that drive the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 . Examples of blocks that do not drive the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 include information display using the interface of the device 300, audio output using the buzzer of the device 300, turning on/off the lamp of the device 300, and the like. . The block may also include a condition to start driving the actuator 22 or heater 23 . For example, an application including a first block and a second block will be described. Here, when switching to the second block during execution of the first block, the first block is switched to the second block when a start condition included in the second block is satisfied. Also, a block may contain an end condition rather than a start condition. When switching to the second block during execution of the first block, the first block is switched to the second block when a termination condition included in the first block is satisfied.

Next, specific examples of blocks defining applications of washing machine 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6O. Each block shown in FIGS. 6A to 6O is control information related to parameters for controlling the operation of the washing function unit.

FIG. 6A shows a first example of blocks that define an application according to the first embodiment. A block 1000 shown in FIG. 6A is a block that controls a washing amount detection operation for detecting the amount of laundry such as clothes put into the washing tub 503 . In the washing amount detection operation, for example, by driving the washing motor 504 and detecting the torque current flowing through the washing motor 504, the memory of the control device 550 is referred to for the washing amount previously associated with the detected torque current. , and the specified amount of laundry is detected as the amount of laundry in the washing tub 503 .

FIG. 6B shows a second example of blocks that define applications in the first embodiment. A block 1010 shown in FIG. 6B is a block for controlling water supply operation to the water tank 502 and includes parameters 1011 and 1012 . The parameter 1011 includes a value indicating the amount of water supplied to the water tank 502 in water level after water supply. It can also be said that the parameter 1011 indicates the operation timing of the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 . For example, the control device 550 continues water supply until the water level of the water tank 502 detected by the water level sensor 515 reaches the water level indicated by the parameter 1011, and stops the water supply when the water level reaches the water level indicated by the parameter 1011. control. The parameters 1012 include parameters specifying the water supply route. Specifically, the parameter 1012 is a first water supply route in which water is supplied from the water supply pipe 512 by opening the water supply valve 511, or a first water supply route in which water is supplied from the bath water pipe 517 by driving the bus pump 516. This is a parameter that specifies whether the water supply route is No. 2 or not. In the case of water supply through the first water supply path, the control device 550 starts water supply by opening the water supply valve 511 and stops water supply by closing the water supply valve 511 . In the case of water supply through the second water supply route, the controller 550 starts supplying water by starting to drive the bus pump 516 and stops supplying water by stopping driving the bus pump 516 .

In addition, when water is supplied through the second water supply route in the water supply operation, if the water level does not reach the level indicated by the parameter 1011 even after a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 to 10 minutes), the control device 550 Water supply may be performed by switching from the second water supply route to the first water supply route.

FIG. 6C shows a third example of blocks that define applications in the first embodiment. A block 1020 shown in FIG. 6C is a block that controls the rinsing operation of pouring water into the water tank 502 and includes parameters 1021-1025. The water injection rinsing operation is an operation for rinsing the laundry by rotating the washing tub 503 while supplying water to the water tub 502 to agitate the laundry and water. In the water-rinsing operation, for example, the washing tub 503 is rotated to rinse the laundry while the water level in the water tub 502 is raised and lowered by repeatedly supplying water or draining water between the upper limit water level and the lower limit water level. Parameter 1021 includes a value that indicates the upper limit of the water level when water is supplied to water tank 502 in the water filling rinse operation. In other words, the parameter 1021 indicates the water level that triggers the action of stopping the water supply and opening the drain valve 523 . Parameter 1022 includes a value indicating the lower limit of the water level when water is supplied to tank 502 . In other words, the parameter 1022 indicates the water level that triggers the action of starting water supply and closing the drain valve 523 . Thus, it can be said that the parameters 1021 and 1022 indicate the operation timings of the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 . Parameter 1023 includes a value that indicates the operating time for the irrigation rinse operation. It can also be said that the parameter 1023 indicates the driving time of the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 . Parameter 1024 includes a value indicating the number of revolutions (rotational speed) of washing tub 503 , that is, the rotational speed of washing motor 504 . Parameter 1025 includes a value indicative of agitation intensity. The value indicating the stirring strength is, for example, a value indicating the time from the start of one rotation of the washing tub 503 in the rinsing operation until the rotation speed indicated by the parameter 1024 is reached. It can also be said that the parameters 1024 and 1025 indicate the driving intensity of the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 .

FIG. 6D shows a fourth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. Block 1030 shown in FIG. 6D is a block that controls the detergent dosing operation and includes parameters 1031 . The detergent injection operation is an operation of automatically injecting a predetermined amount of liquid detergent into the water supply pipe 512 by driving the actuator of the automatic injection machine 513 . Parameter 1031 includes a value that indicates the amount of liquid detergent to be added to water supply line 512 . It can also be said that the parameter 1031 indicates the amount of movement of the actuator for charging the liquid detergent of the automatic dispenser 513 .

FIG. 6E shows a fifth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. A block 1040 shown in FIG. 6E is a block that controls the softener injection operation and includes parameters 1041 . The softening agent injection operation is an operation of automatically injecting a predetermined amount of softening agent into the water supply pipe 512 by driving the actuator of the automatic injection machine 513 . Parameter 1041 includes a value that indicates the amount of softener input to water supply pipe 512 . It can also be said that the parameter 1041 indicates the amount of movement of the actuator for charging the softener of the automatic dispenser 513 .

FIG. 6F shows a sixth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. Block 1050 shown in FIG. 6F is a block that controls the agitation operation of the washing machine and includes parameters 1051-1058. Parameter 1051 includes information indicating the type of agitation (eg, normal, rubbing, shaking). The parameter 1051 can also be said to indicate the type of function. Parameter 1052 includes a value indicating the number of revolutions (rotation speed) of the drum (washing tub 503 ), that is, the rotation speed of washing motor 504 . It can also be said that the parameter 1052 indicates the driving strength of the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 . The parameter 1053 includes a value indicating one rotation time of the washing tub 503 in the stirring operation, that is, the drive time of the washing motor 504 . The parameter 1054 includes a value indicating the time during which the rotation of the washing tub 503 is stopped between one rotation operation and the next rotation operation in the stirring operation, that is, the stop time of the washing motor 504 . Parameter 1055 includes a value that indicates the duration of the stir action. It can also be said that the parameters 1053 to 1055 indicate the driving time of the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23. Parameter 1056 includes a value indicating to start watering into aquarium 502 . That is, parameter 1056 includes a value indicating that water supply valve 511 is to be opened. In other words, the parameter 1056 indicates the state after the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 are driven. Parameter 1057 includes a value indicating the rotation direction (forward or reverse) of the circulation pump. Parameter 1058 includes a value indicative of agitation intensity. The value indicating the stirring strength is, for example, a value indicating the time from the start of one rotation of the washing tub 503 in the rinsing operation until the rotation speed indicated by the parameter 1052 is reached. It should be noted that block 1050 may include parameters for driving hot water heater 543 until the water temperature in water tank 502 rises to a predetermined temperature.

Controller 550 performs the type of agitation indicated by parameter 1051 in the agitation operation. Controller 550 rotates washing motor 504 at the number of revolutions indicated by parameter 1052 with the strength of agitation indicated by parameter 1056, and stops washing motor 504 after the operation time indicated by parameter 1055 has elapsed from the start of the agitation operation. . Also, the control device 550 opens the water supply valve 511 based on the parameter 1056 in the stirring operation. Also, the control device 550 operates the circulation pump 524 in the rotation direction indicated by the parameter 1057 in the stirring operation.

FIG. 6G shows a seventh example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. Block 1060 shown in FIG. 6G is a block for controlling the drum rotation operation and includes parameters 1061-1065. The parameter 1061 includes a value indicating the number of revolutions (rotational speed) of the drum (washing tub 503 ), that is, the rotational speed of the washing motor 504 . It can also be said that the parameter 1061 indicates the driving strength of the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 . Parameter 1062 includes a value indicating the rotation direction of the drum (washing tub 503). In other words, the parameter 1062 indicates the type of operation of actuator 22 and/or heater 23 . The parameter 1063 includes a value indicating whether to turn on or off the operation of automatically injecting a predetermined amount of liquid detergent into the water supply pipe 512 by driving the actuator of the automatic injector 513 . Parameter 1064 includes a value indicating to start watering into aquarium 502 . That is, parameter 1064 includes a value indicating that water supply valve 511 is to be opened. In other words, the parameter 1064 indicates the state after the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 are driven. Parameter 1065 includes a value indicating the direction of rotation (forward or reverse) of circulation pump 524 . It should be noted that block 1060 may include parameters for driving hot water heater 543 until the water temperature in water tank 502 rises to a predetermined temperature.

The control device 550 rotates the washing motor 504 in the rotation direction indicated by the parameter 1062 at the number of rotations indicated by the parameter 1061 in the drum rotation operation. Further, the control device 550 opens the water supply valve 511 based on the parameter 1063 during the drum rotation operation. Further, the control device 550 operates the circulation pump 524 in the direction based on the parameter 1064 in the drum rotation operation.

FIG. 6H shows an eighth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. A block 1070 shown in FIG. 6H is a block for controlling dehydration operation and includes parameters 1071 and 1072 . The parameter 1071 includes a value indicating the number of revolutions (rotational speed) of the drum (washing tub 503 ), that is, the rotational speed of the washing motor 504 . It can also be said that the parameter 1071 indicates the driving strength of the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 . Parameter 1072 includes a value that indicates the operating time of the dehydration operation. In the spin-drying operation, controller 550 rotates washing motor 504 at the number of revolutions indicated by parameter 1071, and stops washing motor 504 when the operating time indicated by parameter 1072 has elapsed since the start of the spin-drying operation.

FIG. 6I shows a ninth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. A block 1080 shown in FIG. 6I is a block that controls the operation of draining water from the water tank 502 and includes parameters 1081 and 1082 . Parameter 1081 includes a value indicating the open or closed state of drain valve 523 . Parameter 1082 contains a value that indicates the water level that triggers to stop draining. In the drain operation, the control device 550 opens the drain valve 523 to start draining the washing water in the water tank 502 to the outside of the washing machine 500 . After that, when the water level sensor detects that the water level of the water tank 502 is the water level indicated by the parameter 1082, the controller 550 closes the drain valve 523 and ends the drain operation.

FIG. 6J shows a tenth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. Block 1090 shown in FIG. 6J is a block that controls door lock operation and includes parameters 1091 . Parameter 1091 includes a value indicating whether door lock mechanism 506 is to be locked or unlocked. It can also be said that the parameter 1091 indicates the state after the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 are driven. Controller 550 switches door lock mechanism 506 to the locked state if parameter 1091 indicates that door lock mechanism 506 is in the locked state and door lock mechanism 506 is in the unlocked state. Controller 550 switches door lock mechanism 506 to the unlocked state if parameter 1091 indicates that door lock mechanism 506 is to be in the unlocked state and door lock mechanism 506 is in the locked state.

FIG. 6K shows an eleventh example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. A block 1100 shown in FIG. 6K is a block that controls the dipping operation and includes parameters 1101 and 1102 . Parameter 1101 includes a value indicating the direction of rotation (forward or reverse) of circulation pump 524 . Parameter 1102 includes a value that indicates the operating time of the immersion operation. The control device 550 operates the circulation pump 524 in the rotational direction indicated by the parameter 1101, and stops the circulation pump 524 when the operating time indicated by the parameter 1102 has elapsed from the start of the immersion operation.

FIG. 6L shows a twelfth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. A block 1110 shown in FIG. 6L is a block for controlling sterilization/antibacterial operation and includes parameters 1111 and 1112 . The parameter 1111 includes a value indicating the operating time for driving the sterilization device 536 and circulation fan 534 . Parameter 1112 includes a value indicating the number of revolutions (rotational speed) of circulation fan 534 . The control device 550 drives the sterilization device 536 and the circulation fan 534 in the sterilization/antibacterial operation, and stops the sterilization device 536 and the circulation fan 534 after the operation time indicated by the parameter 1111 has elapsed. In the sterilization/antibacterial operation, controller 550 drives circulation fan 534 at the number of revolutions (rotational speed) indicated by parameter 1112 .

FIG. 6M shows a thirteenth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. Block 1120 shown in FIG. 6M is a block that controls buzzer operation and includes parameters 1121 . Parameter 1121 includes a value indicating the operating time for driving the speaker of operation panel 560 . In the buzzer operation, the control device 550 outputs the buzzer sound, and stops the output of the buzzer sound when the operation time indicated by the parameter 1121 has elapsed after starting the output of the buzzer sound.

FIG. 6N shows a fourteenth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. A block 1130 shown in FIG. 6N is a block for controlling air blowing operation and includes parameters 1131 and 1132 . Parameter 1131 includes a value indicating an operating time for driving circulation fan 534 . Parameter 1132 includes a value indicative of the temperature of air blown into aquarium 502 by circulation fan 534 . In the blowing operation, the control device 550 drives the circulation fan 534, and stops the circulation fan 534 when the operation time indicated by the parameter 1131 has elapsed since the driving of the circulation fan 534 was started. Alternatively, the control device 550 drives the circulation fan 534 in the air blowing operation, and when the hot air sensor 535 detects that the temperature has dropped below the temperature indicated by the parameter 1132 after starting to drive the circulation fan 534, circulation is performed. Stop fan 534 .

FIG. 6O shows a fifteenth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. Block 1140 shown in FIG. 6O is a block that controls the drying operation and includes parameters 1141 . Parameters 1141 include values that indicate the pattern of drying operation (operation mode), such as low, normal, and firm. Specifically, in the low-temperature pattern, drying is performed at a low temperature in which the temperature inside the washing tub 503 is lower than a predetermined temperature. In the standard pattern, drying is performed at a standard temperature in which the temperature inside the washing tub 503 is higher than a predetermined temperature. In the firm pattern, drying is continued for a certain period of time after it is detected that the inside of washing tub 503 is in a dry state. The control device 550 determines that the air is dry when the difference between the temperature on the intake side detected by the intake sensor 531 and the temperature on the exhaust side detected by the warm air sensor 535 is less than a predetermined difference. . Each pattern includes the drying operation time [m], the fan rotation speed [rpm] of the circulation fan 534, the drying detection temperature [deg] by the intake sensor 531 and/or the hot air sensor 535, and the same agitation type as the parameter 1051. , the same drum rotation speed [rpm] as the parameter 1052, the same drum ON time [s] as the parameter 1053, the same drum OFF time [s] as the parameter 1054, and the like.

FIG. 6P shows a sixteenth example of blocks defining applications in the first embodiment. Block 1150 shown in FIG. 6P is a block that controls the foam generation operation and includes parameters 1151-1153. Parameter 1151 includes a value indicating the number of revolutions (rotational speed) of washing tub 503 , that is, the rotational speed of washing motor 504 . Parameter 1152 includes a value indicating the rotation direction of the drum (washing tub 503). In other words, the parameter 1152 indicates the type of operation of actuator 22 and/or heater 23 . Parameter 1153 includes a value that indicates the operating time of the foam generation operation. In the foam generating operation, controller 550 rotates washing motor 504 at the number of revolutions indicated by parameter 1153, and stops washing motor 504 when the operating time indicated by parameter 1153 has elapsed since the start of the foam generating operation.

A plurality of blocks such as those shown in FIGS. 6A-6O are used to define an application. It should be noted that the plurality of blocks shown in FIGS. 6A to 6O are examples, and the blocks for washing machine 500 are not limited to these. For example, blocks may be layered by abstraction level.

For example, the level of abstraction may vary between a manufacturer-oriented hierarchy and a non-manufacturer-oriented hierarchy. Non-manufacturer examples are hierarchies for other manufacturers, hierarchies for third parties.

At this time, the hierarchy for manufacturers has a lower abstraction level than the hierarchy for non-manufacturers. The low level of abstraction means that the details close to the parameters driving the actuators and heaters are controlled.

On the other hand, the producer enables non-manufacturers to develop applications by providing them with blocks having the minimum level of abstraction that guarantees know-how and safety. Manufacturers can allow more people to develop applications by providing blocks with higher levels of abstraction to general users. A higher level of abstraction corresponds, for example, to blocks defined in terms that general users themselves can understand without specialized knowledge. Terms that can be understood without specialized knowledge are, for example, contents corresponding to the functions themselves of household electrical appliances and the like. Specifically, when "plenty" is selected as the parameter for the amount of water in the "wash" block in the washing machine, in one embodied layer, the water level parameter in the water supply block is increased from 60 mm to 100 mm, Changes are made such as reducing the amount of rotation parameter in the agitation block from 120 rpm to 100 rpm. From the above, the rearrangement and parameter change of blocks at a higher level of abstraction can be realized with blocks at a lower abstraction level. With these blocks, it is possible to freely develop applications by rearranging and adjusting parameters while ensuring the safety and confidentiality of driving the actuators and heaters.

[1.3 Processing]
Next, the processing of the system 1 configured as above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram of system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[1.3.1 Preparation Phase F100]
First, the preparation phase F100 will be described.

(Step S110)
The sequence manager 100 sends sequence manager information to the device manager 200 . Transmission of this sequence manager information is performed, for example, by an instruction from the system administrator. The device manager 200 registers the received sequence manager information in, for example, a sequence manager database. Note that this step may be skipped if the sequence manager information is pre-registered in the sequence manager database.

The sequence manager information includes, for example, the identifier and/or address (eg, URL (Uniform Resource Locator), IP (Internet Protocol) address, etc.) of the sequence manager 100 . Furthermore, the sequence manager information may contain arbitrary information.

(Step S112)
The device 300 transmits device information 1201 to the device manager 200 . This device information 1201 is transmitted, for example, when the device 300 is connected to a computer network. The device manager 200 registers the received device information 1201 in the device database 1200 . Note that if the device information 1201 is registered in the device database 1200 in advance, this step may be skipped.

Note that the device information 1201 may be transmitted to the UI 400 and then registered in the device manager 200 via the UI 400 .

Device information 1201 includes identifiers and/or addresses of devices 300 . Furthermore, device information 1201 may include arbitrary information. 8 shows an example of a device database according to Embodiment 1. FIG. A plurality of pieces of device information including device information 1201 are registered in the device database 1200 of FIG. Each device information includes device ID, address, type, manufacturer name, actuator/heater, and deterioration level. Actuator/heater is identification information of actuator 22 and/or heater 23 that constitute device 300 . The deterioration level is an example of deterioration information indicating whether the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 forming the device 300 have deteriorated. Here, the deterioration level indicates more deterioration as the value increases. The device information 1201 may include information on executable blocks. The information about executable blocks may be information associated with executable or non-executable blocks contained in the database, or may be information only about executable blocks. Also, whether or not a block is executable can be prepared in advance based on information such as an actuator/heater included in the device information 1201 .

Note that the device information 1201 may include information that can identify the facilities 2a to 2d.

(Step S114)
The UI 400 transmits UI information to the device manager 200 . The transmission of this UI information is performed, for example, by a user's instruction. The device manager 200 registers the received UI information in, for example, a UI database. Note that this step may be skipped if the UI information is pre-registered in the UI database.

UI information includes the identifier and/or address of UI400, for example. Furthermore, UI information may include arbitrary information.

Note that the UI information may include information that can specify the facilities 2a to 2d.

By the above processing, the sequence manager 100, the device manager 200, the device 300, and the UI 400 can be associated with each other and establish a connection with each other. Thus, the preparation phase F100 ends.

[1.3.2 Phase before application execution F200]
Next, the application pre-execution phase F200 will be described. Before the application pre-execution phase F<b>200 , the application is downloaded from the application distribution platform to the sequence manager 100 according to instructions from the user via the UI 400 . With the application downloaded to the sequence manager 100 in this manner, the following processing is performed.

(Step S210)
The UI 400 receives an application execution request from the user and transmits the application execution request including application identification information to the sequence manager 100 . For example, the user selects an application from multiple applications downloaded to the sequence manager 100 via the UI 400 and instructs execution of the selected application.

Note that the application execution request transmitted from the UI 400 to the sequence manager 100 is transmitted together with information that can specify the facilities 2a to 2d.

Note that the application execution request does not have to be explicitly accepted from the user. For example, a user's action or state may be detected, and an application execution request may be automatically sent to the sequence manager 100 based on the detection result.

(Step S212)
The sequence manager 100 transmits to the device manager 200 the execution content declaration of the application identified by the application execution request. The execution content declaration includes information of a plurality of blocks that define the application to be executed and information that can specify the facilities 2a to 2d.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 shows an implementation statement 1300 for an application defined by combining multiple blocks for the washing machine shown in FIGS. 6A-6O. The execution content declaration 1300 includes a plurality of blocks 1301 , information 1302 on devices required to execute each block 1301 , and order information 1303 on the order of execution of each block 1301 . The execution content declaration 1300 is an example of laundry information.

Note that the execution content declaration 1300 may not include the information 1302 regarding the device. In this case, the device manager 200 needs to search for a device capable of executing the corresponding block in the facility indicated by the received facility information from the information of the plurality of blocks 1301 and allocate the device.

In FIG. 9, the device information 1302 indicates the model number of the device 300, but is not limited to this. The device-related information 1302 may be any information as long as it can indicate the conditions of the devices 300 that can be allocated to blocks. For example, the device information 1302 may include multiple model numbers, or may include only the device type, purpose of use, placement location, or any combination thereof.

(Step S214)
The device manager 200 allocates the device 300 linked to the device manager 200 to each block included in the execution content declaration 1300 based on the information that can identify the facilities 2a to 2d. For example, the device manager 200 registers in each of the plurality of blocks 1301 shown in FIG. 9 and in the device database 1200 shown in FIG. Allocate DEV001. It should be noted that if the operating status of the device 300 or the connection status to the cloud is managed, allocation of the device 300 that is in operation may be prohibited.

For example, if the plurality of blocks shown in FIG. 9 are not registered as being connected to the facility indicated by the received facility information, that is, if the target device does not exist in the facility, the device manager 200 declares execution details. notifies the sequence manager 100 that the requested application cannot be executed.

(Step S215)
The device manager 200 notifies the device 300 of the result of device allocation. As a result, a plurality of blocks included in the application are transmitted to the allocated devices 300 respectively.

(Step S216)
Device 300 validates a block before executing the block. That is, before executing a block, the device 300 checks whether the device 300 will have problems when the block is executed. For example, device 300 checks for safety and/or efficiency issues.

Device 300 then changes the block based on the confirmation result. This fixes the block so that it does not cause any problems.

Such pre-execution confirmation processing will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of pre-execution confirmation processing according to the first embodiment.

(Step S2165)
Device 300 obtains the rule corresponding to the block. The rule is a rule regarding the order of washing. The rule defines whether or not the execution content declaration 1300 in which the second block (second control information) is executed after the first block (first control information) is allowed. In other words, the rule defines whether or not the order of two consecutively executed blocks among the plurality of blocks 1301 defined in the execution content declaration 1300 is permissible. For example, the device 300 refers to the rule database to obtain conditions under which the order of two blocks to be executed consecutively is not allowed. The rule database may be included in the device 300, the sequence manager 100, or the device manager 200, for example.

The rules defined in the rule database 1400 will be specifically described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 shows an example of a rule database according to Embodiment 1. FIG. A first rule 1401, a second rule 1402, a third rule 1403, a fourth rule 1404, and a fifth rule 1405 are registered in the rule database 1400 of FIG. Each of the first rule 1401, the second rule 1402, the third rule 1403, the fourth rule 1404, and the fifth rule 1405 follows the first block (first control information) and then the second rule. It is stipulated that the block (second control information) is not allowed to be executed. That is, each of the first rule 1401, the second rule 1402, the third rule 1403, the fourth rule 1404, and the fifth rule 1405 is a rule regarding the order of washing.

The first rule 1401 allows, for example, the first block to include parameters related to water supply to the water tank 502 of the washing machine 500, and the second block to include parameters for controlling operations performed in a water-free environment. not. The first blocks in this case are, for example, blocks 1010, 1020, 1050, 1060. FIG. Operations performed in a water-free environment include operations that are not allowed to be performed while water is stored in water tank 502 . The no-water environment specifically means that the water level of the water tank 502 is lower than a predetermined water level (for example, the minimum water level detectable by the water level sensor). In other words, when water is stored in the water tank 502, it means that the water level of the water tank 502 is equal to or higher than a predetermined water level. The second blocks are, for example, blocks 1000, 1070, 1110, and the like. The reason why the operation for detecting the amount of laundry in block 1000 is an operation performed in a water-free environment is that it is difficult to accurately detect the amount of laundry when the laundry is submerged in water. The reason why the dehydration operation in block 1070 is performed in a water-free environment is that it is difficult to dehydrate effectively when the laundry is submerged in water. Further, the reason why the sterilization/antibacterial operation of block 1110 is executed in a water-free environment is that when the laundry is submerged in water, the air containing effective substances such as charged fine particle water is supplied to the washing tub 503. This is because the performance of the active substance cannot be sufficiently obtained even if it is released.

The second rule 1402 allows, for example, the first block to include parameters related to heating in the water tub 502 of the washing machine 500, and the second block to include parameters for controlling operations performed in a heat-restricted environment. not. The first block in this case is block 1140, for example. The first block in this case is blocks 1050, 1060, etc., including parameters for driving the hot water heater 543 until the temperature of the wash water in the water tank 502 reaches a predetermined water temperature (eg, 60 degrees) or higher. good too. Operations performed in a heat-restricted environment include operations that are not allowed to be performed when the temperature inside water tank 502 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. Specifically, the heat-restricted environment is when the temperature of the space within the water tank 502 is below a predetermined temperature, or when the temperature of the wash water within the water tank 502 is below a predetermined water temperature. The second block is, for example, block 1080 if parameter 1081 indicates drain valve 523, block 1090 if parameter 1091 indicates unlocking the door, and the like. The reason why the drain operation of block 1080 is performed in a heat-restricted environment is that high-temperature water flows into the drain pipe outside the washing machine 500, thereby preventing the drain pipe from being deformed or damaged by heat. It is for The reason why the operation of unlocking the door in block 1090 is an operation executed in a heat-restricted environment is that when the user opens the door 505 and tries to take out the laundry in the washing tub 503, the user touches the hot laundry. This is to prevent

In the third rule 1403, for example, the first block contains parameters relating to the rotation of the washing tub 503 of the washing machine 500 in which water is stored, and the second block controls operations performed in a prohibited environment. Not allowed to contain parameters. The first block in this case is, for example, blocks 1050, 1060, 1070, and so on. Operations performed in a prohibited environment include operations in which the water surface within tub 502 (or wash tub 503) is not allowed to move. Specifically, the prohibited environment is that the water tub 502 (or washing tub 503) vibrates or stands still with less than a predetermined amplitude (or predetermined displacement). The second blocks are, for example, blocks 1010, 1020, and the like. The reason why block 1010 is an operation performed in a prohibited environment is that it is difficult to accurately detect the water level when the water surface is moving.

Although not shown, for example, when the water supply operation is started after the agitation operation is started in a block that performs the water supply operation while the agitation operation is being performed, the sub-block for the agitation operation is regarded as the first block. , the water supply operation sub-block may be regarded as the second block.

In the fourth rule 1404, for example, the first block includes parameters related to blowing air into the water tub 502 (or washing tub 503) of the washing machine 500, and the second block controls operations performed in a prohibited environment. It is not allowed to contain parameters that The first block in this case is, for example, blocks 1130, 1140, and so on. Operations performed in a prohibited environment include operations in which the water surface within tub 502 (or wash tub 503) is not allowed to move. Specifically, the prohibited environment is that the water level in tub 502 (or washing tub 503) oscillates or remains stationary below a predetermined amplitude (or predetermined displacement). The second blocks are, for example, blocks 1010, 1020, and the like. The reason why block 1010 is an operation performed in a prohibited environment is that it is difficult to accurately detect the water level when the water surface is moving.

In the fifth rule 1405, for example, the first block includes parameters for rotating the washing tub 503 of the washing machine 500 in a first rotation, and the second block includes parameters in a second rotation different from the first rotation. It is not allowed to include parameters that rotate the wash tub 503 . Here, different rotations between the first rotation and the second rotation may mean different rotation speeds. That is, the first rotation speed in the first rotation may be different from the second rotation speed in the second rotation. Moreover, different rotations between the first rotation and the second rotation may mean that the directions of the respective rotations are different from each other. That is, the direction of the first rotation may be different from the direction of the second rotation.

The first block in this case is, for example, blocks 1050, 1060, 1070, and so on. The second blocks are, for example, blocks 1050, 1060, 1070, etc. that are rotated differently from the first blocks.

Note that in FIG. 11, each of the first rule 1401, the second rule 1402, the third rule 1403, the fourth rule 1404, and the fifth rule 1405 follows the first block and then the second block. is not allowed to be executed, it may be specified that the second block is allowed to be executed after the first block. Even in this case, it can be defined that execution of a combination of the first block and the second block that is not defined as a rule is not allowed.

For example, the actuator 22 or the heater 23 has parameters that can be safely driven depending on the environment of the device 300 such as the inner space of the housing 21, and the permissible block order is only the performance of the actuator 22 or the heater 23 itself. may not depend on Therefore, in order to drive safely in any environment, safety is given the highest priority, and the room for developing a wide variety of applications is reduced. Therefore, a rule may be associated with information such as the device 300 independently of an application. By using such rules, it is possible to achieve both safety and development of a wide variety of applications.

The rules relate to blocks combined in an order that the actuators 22 or heaters 23 can be safely driven. A plurality of blocks combined in an order that can be safely driven may be an order that considers the start condition or end condition of the block. By executing the first block until the start condition of the second block is reached, the order in which the blocks are executed can be set assuming that a load that affects the safety of the actuator 22 or the heater 23 is applied. That is, the order in which the blocks are executed depends on the performance of the actuator 22 or the heater 23, the conditions for starting or ending the blocks, and the like.

Each of the first rule 1401, the second rule 1402, the third rule 1403, the fourth rule 1404, and the fifth rule 1405 further includes the type, manufacturer name, actuator/heater and , may have This allows the device 300 to acquire rules corresponding to the block-driven actuators 22 or heaters 23 from the rule database 1400 .

(Step S2166)
The device 300 determines if it is allowed to execute the second block after the first block. Here, if it is determined that execution of the second block after the first block is not permitted (No in S2166), the device 300 skips subsequent step S2167 and ends the pre-execution confirmation process. On the other hand, if it is determined that execution of the second block after the first block is permitted (Yes in S2166), the device 300 proceeds to the next step S2167.

(Step S2167)
The device 300 corrects the execution content declaration 1300 based on the rules of the rule database 1400, and ends the pre-execution confirmation process. Correction of the execution content declaration 1300 means, for example, adding a third block (third control information) to the execution content declaration 1300 as control information of the order to be executed after the first block. Correction of the execution content declaration 1300 means, for example, correcting the information regarding the parameters included in the first block or the information regarding the parameters included in the second block in the execution content declaration 1300 . Modifying the execution content declaration 1300 means, for example, restricting the execution of the second block. Alternatively, modification of the execution content declaration 1300 may be any combination of adding the above blocks, modifying parameters, and restricting the execution of the second block.

A specific example of such correction of the execution content declaration 1300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 20. FIG.

FIG. 12 shows a first example of modification of the execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 12, the execution content declaration indicates that after block 1010 of water supply operation, block 1070 of dehydration operation, which is an operation executed in a no-water environment, is executed. Since this is not allowed by the first rule 1401 , the control device 550 adds a drain operation block 1080 containing parameters relating to draining water from the water tank 502 as control information in the order to be executed next to the block 1010 . In other words, even if the dehydration operation is set to be performed after the water supply operation, the control device 550 adds the water discharge operation between the water supply operation and the dehydration operation. Therefore, the water tank 502 can be set to a no-water environment before the dehydration operation is started, and the dehydration can be effectively performed.

In FIG. 12, even if block 1110 for sterilization/antibacterial operation is set instead of block 1070 for dehydration operation, block 1080 for drainage operation is similarly added between block 1070 and block 1110. good too. As a result, the water tank 502 can be made into a water-free environment before the sterilization/antibacterial operation is started, and the laundry can be effectively sterilized.

Also, in FIG. 12, instead of the water supply operation block 1010, a water supply operation block 1020, a stirring operation block 1050 including water supply operation parameters, and a drum rotation operation block 1060 are set. Similarly, adding a drain operation block 1080 immediately after that will have the same effect as above.

FIG. 13 shows a second example of modification of the execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 13, as in FIG. 12, the execution content declaration indicates that block 1070 of dehydration operation, which is an operation executed in a no-water environment, is executed after block 1010 of water supply operation. Since this is not allowed by the first rule 1401, the controller 550 modifies the block 1070 to add a parameter 1073 relating to drainage from the water tank 502 just before the block 1070 to generate a new block 1070A. You may A parameter 1073 is a parameter indicating that the drain valve 523 is controlled to be open. Therefore, the water tank 502 can be set to a no-water environment before the dehydration operation is started, and the dehydration can be effectively performed.

In FIG. 13, even if block 1110 for sterilization/antibacterial operation is set instead of block 1070 for dehydration operation, block 1110 is similarly modified so that parameter 1073 is added just before block 1110. good too. As a result, the water tank 502 can be made into a water-free environment before the sterilization/antibacterial operation is started, and the laundry can be effectively sterilized.

Also, in FIG. 13, instead of the water supply operation block 1010, a water supply operation block 1020, a stirring operation block 1050 including water supply operation parameters, and a drum rotation operation block 1060 are set. Similarly, by adding a parameter 1073 to the block immediately after that so that the water is drained just before the action of that block is performed, the same effect as above can be obtained.

FIG. 14 shows a third example of modification of the execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 14, in the declaration of execution contents, block 1000 for detecting the amount of laundry, which is an operation executed in a water-free environment, is executed after block 1010 for water supply operation. Since this is not allowed by the first rule 1401, the controller 550 restricts the execution of block 1000 to the order in which block 1010 is executed. Specifically, controller 550 deletes block 1000 or skips execution of block 1000 . Further, when the control device 550 reads and executes blocks sequentially, it may limit the execution of block 1000 by stopping the operation after the execution of block 1010 is completed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the laundry amount detection operation from being performed in an environment where it is difficult to accurately detect the amount of laundry. Therefore, it is possible to reduce power consumption related to the operation for detecting the amount of laundry.

FIG. 15 shows a fourth example of modification of execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 15, the execution content declaration indicates that block 1090 of door unlocking operation, which is an operation executed in a heat-restricted environment, is executed after block 1140 of drying operation. Since this is not allowed by the second rule 1402 , the control device 550 adds a fan operation block 1130 including a parameter related to heat dissipation in the washing tub 503 as the control information of the order to be executed next to the block 1140 . That is, even if the door unlocking operation is set to be performed after the drying operation, the control device 550 adds the air blowing operation between the drying operation and the door unlocking operation. Therefore, the temperature inside the washing tub 503 can be lowered below the predetermined temperature before the door unlocking operation is started, and the user can be prevented from touching hot laundry. Instead of adding the block 1130 for the air blowing operation, a parameter for performing the air blowing operation may be added to the block 1090 for the door unlocking operation so that the air blowing operation is performed immediately before the door unlocking operation. It may be added to block 1140 of actions.

FIG. 16 shows a fifth example of modification of execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 16, in the execution content declaration, it is shown that block 1080 of draining operation, which is an operation executed in a non-thermal environment, is executed after block 1050 of stirring operation with high temperature water equal to or higher than a predetermined water temperature. there is Since this is not allowed by the second rule 1402 , the control device 550 adds a block 1150 of standby operation containing parameters related to heat dissipation as control information of the order to be executed next to the block 1050 . In the standby operation of block 1150, controller 550 waits to execute next block 1080 until a predetermined period of time (eg, 10 minutes) has elapsed. In other words, even if it is set that the draining operation is to be performed after the stirring operation with high-temperature water, the control device 550 adds a standby operation between the stirring operation with high-temperature water and the draining operation. Therefore, the temperature of the washing water in the water tank 502 can be lowered below a predetermined water temperature before the draining operation is started, and the flow of high-temperature water to the drain pipe outside the washing machine 500 can be suppressed. can. It should be noted that instead of adding the block 1150 for the waiting action, a parameter for performing the waiting action may be added to the block 1080 for the draining action so that the waiting action is performed immediately before the draining action, or the block 1050 for the stirring action may be added. may be added to Although the standby operation is given as an example of the operation for dissipating heat, the heat is not limited to this, and the heat can be dissipated by performing the water discharge operation after the water supply operation.

FIG. 17 shows a sixth example of modification of the execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 17, the execution content declaration indicates that after block 1050 of stirring operation, block 1010 of water supply operation, which is an operation executed in a prohibited environment, will be executed. Since this is not allowed by the third rule 1403, the control device 550 sets the control information of the order to be executed next to the block 1050 to wait without doing anything for a predetermined period of time (for example, one minute). Add action block 1150 . That is, even if the water supply operation is set to be performed after the stirring operation, the control device 550 adds the standby operation between the stirring operation and the water supply operation. Therefore, the water tub 502 (or the washing tub 503) can vibrate or stand still with less than a predetermined amplitude (or a predetermined displacement) before the water supply operation is started, and the shaking of the water surface can be reduced. Instead of adding the standby operation block 1150, a parameter for performing the standby operation may be added to the water supply operation block 1010 so that the standby operation is performed immediately before the water supply operation. may be added to

In FIG. 17, even if a block 1120 for water supply operation, a block 1050 for stirring operation including parameters for water supply operation, and a block 1060 for drum rotation operation are set instead of block 1010 for water supply operation, A wait operation block 1150 may be added between the blocks containing parameters for the agitation operation and the water supply operation. As a result, the water tank 502 can be set to a prohibited environment before the water supply operation is started, and the water level of the water tank 502 can be effectively detected during the water supply operation.

Also, in FIG. 17, when a drum rotation block 1060 is set in place of the stirring block 1050, a standby block 1150 is added immediately after that, as described above. A similar effect can be obtained.

FIG. 18 shows a seventh example of modification of execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 18, in the execution content declaration, it is shown that block 1010 of water supply operation, which is an operation executed in a prohibited environment, is executed after block 1130 of air supply operation. Since this is not allowed by the fourth rule 1404, the control device 550 sets the control information of the order to be executed next to the block 1130 to wait without doing anything for a predetermined period of time (for example, one minute). Add action block 1150 . That is, even if the water supply operation is set to be performed after the air blow operation, the control device 550 adds the standby operation between the air blow operation and the water supply operation. Therefore, the shaking of the water surface can be reduced before the water supply operation is started. Instead of adding the standby operation block 1150, a parameter for performing the standby operation may be added to the water supply operation block 1010 so that the standby operation is performed immediately before the water supply operation, or the air blow operation block 1130 may be added. may be added to

In FIG. 18, even if a block 1120 for pouring water instead of block 1010 for water supply operation, a block 1050 for stirring operation including parameters for water supply operation, and a block for drum rotation operation 1060 are set, A standby operation block 1150 may be added between the blocks containing parameters for the blow operation and the water operation. As a result, the water tank 502 can be set to a prohibited environment before the water supply operation is started, and the water level of the water tank 502 can be effectively detected during the water supply operation.

FIG. 19 shows an eighth example of modification of execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 19, the execution content declaration indicates that block 1050 of stirring operation, which is an operation using rotation different from the dehydration operation, is executed after block 1070 of dehydration operation. Since this is not allowed by the fifth rule 1405, the control device 550 sets the control information of the order to be executed next to the block 1070 to wait without doing anything for a predetermined period of time (for example, 30 seconds). Add action block 1150 . In other words, even if it is set that a stirring operation using rotation different from the dehydrating operation is to be performed next to the dehydrating operation, the control device 550 adds a standby operation between the dehydrating operation and the stirring operation. . Therefore, the washing tub 503 can be stopped before the stirring operation is started, and the stirring operation can be easily switched to another rotating rotation. Instead of adding the standby operation block 1150, a parameter for performing the standby operation may be added to the agitation operation block 1050 so that the standby operation is performed immediately before the agitation operation. may be added to Note that the two blocks are not limited to being applied to the combination of the dehydration operation and the stirring operation. It may be applied to a combination of two of the agitation operation, the drum rotation operation and the dewatering operation, or may be applied to a combination of agitation operation followed by a different rotation agitation operation, or a different rotation operation followed by the drum rotation operation. It may be applied to a combination of rotating drum rotation motions, or to a dewatering motion followed by a combination of different rotating dewatering motions. Instead of adding the standby operation, the rotation of washing tub 503 may be stopped by adding an operation of braking the rotation of washing tub 503 .

FIG. 20 shows a ninth example of modification of execution content declaration according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 20, in the execution content declaration, block 1070B including block 1070 for dehydration operation is followed by block 1050B including block 1050 for stirring operation, which is an operation using rotation different from the dehydration operation. It is Block 1070B further includes parameters 1074 waiting immediately after block 1070 of the dewatering operation. Block 1050B also includes a parameter 1057 that waits just before block 1050 of the stir operation. In this way, the parameters 1074 and 1057 are duplicated in block 1050B, which is set to be executed next to block 1070B. In this case, controller 550 deletes duplicate parameters 1074 . Note that the control device 550 may delete the parameter 1057 instead of deleting the parameter 1074 .

Now, return to the description of FIG.

(Step S217)
The device 300 transmits the result of the pre-execution confirmation to the device manager 200 . If the block has changed, the changed block may be sent to the device manager 200 .

(Step S218)
The device manager 200 replies to the sequence manager 100 with the result of device allocation. Also, if blocks have been changed in the pre-execution confirmation, the application including the changed blocks may be sent to the sequence manager 100 .

(Step S220)
The sequence manager 100 receives the allocation result notification from the device manager 200 and notifies the user of execution preparation completion via the UI 400 .

(Step S222)
The UI 400 displays a list of devices on which the application is executed, and displays a graphical user interface (GUI) for accepting input from the user to confirm execution of the application. Note that the UI 400 may accept changes in device allocation from the user. Also, the UI 400 does not have to display the list of devices.

(Step S224)
The UI 400 receives an execution confirmation input from the user and transmits an application start instruction to the device manager 200 . The device manager 200 transfers the application start instruction to the sequence manager 100 .

Note that steps S220, S222, and S224 provide information to the user again before the application is executed, but may be omitted because the user's work may increase.

As described above, the application pre-execution phase F200 ends.

[1.3.3 Application execution phase F300]
Next, the application execution phase F300 will be described.

(Step S310)
The sequence manager 100 receives an application start instruction and selects the first block (first block) from a plurality of blocks included in the application. The sequence manager 100 then transmits an instruction to execute the selected first block to the device manager 200 .

Note that when a plurality of blocks are operated continuously, the sequence manager 100 may collectively send execution instructions for the plurality of blocks to the device manager 200 .

The device manager 200 transmits a first block execution instruction to the device 300 allocated to the first block based on the first block execution instruction received from the sequence manager 100 .

(Step S312)
The device manager 200 receives the instruction to execute the first block and updates the schedule (scheduled usage time) of each device.

(Step S314)
Device 300 receives the instruction to execute the first block and executes the first block.

(Step S316)
The device 300 sends a completion notification to the device manager 200 when execution of the first block is completed. Note that if an error occurs during execution of the first block, the device 300 may transmit error information to the device manager 200 . Also, the device 300 may transmit event information to the device manager 200 during execution of the first block. As the event information, for example, sensor output values, device operations, or the like can be used, but the event information is not limited to this. The device manager 200 transfers the completion notification and/or various information received from the device 300 to the sequence manager 100 .

(Step S318)
The sequence manager 100 receives the completion notification of the first block, updates the progress of the application, and selects the next block (second block). Also, when receiving error information, the sequence manager 100 executes processing corresponding to the error information (for example, returning to the previous block, returning to the first block, waiting, etc.). Information on processing corresponding to error information may be stored in the sequence manager 100 in advance, or may be received from the user via the UI 400, for example. Also, when receiving event information, the sequence manager 100 executes processing corresponding to the event information. For example, if the event information includes the output value of the water level sensor, the sequence manager 100 updates the water level parameter for indicating the water level included in the block being executed.

(Step S320)
The sequence manager 100 transmits an instruction to execute the selected second block to the device manager 200 .

The instruction to execute the second block may be an instruction to the same device as the instruction to execute the first block (S310), or may be an instruction to a different device.

It should be noted that the second block execution instruction may be transmitted to the device manager 200 together with a plurality of block execution instructions in the same manner as the first block execution instruction.

Since the subsequent processing is the same as the processing for the first block (S312-S318), illustration and description are omitted. The blocks included in the application are executed in order, and when the execution of the last block is completed, the application execution phase F300 ends.

Note that here, execution of blocks is instructed one by one, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the execution of multiple blocks to which the same device is allocated may be instructed collectively. In that case, it may be checked in advance whether each block satisfies the parameter range for function execution, or the block corresponding to the change may be downloaded to the device side before execution. Also, for example, each block execution instruction may be issued to a plurality of devices.

[1.4 Effect etc.]
As described above, an environment in which a wide variety of applications can be developed is provided by the application including blocks and the rule database, and the physically moving actuator 22 or It enables safe driving of the heater 23 that outputs thermal energy. In other words, it is possible to provide an environment in which applications can be freely developed and a function to ensure safety independently of the application. As a result, for example, the development of a wide variety of applications with a high degree of freedom and the development of a rule database to ensure safety can be created in parallel, enabling the early development of a wide variety of applications. can make it possible.

Also, even after the application is provided, it is possible to change the application to one that guarantees more safety by changing the rule database. In addition, even if a situation that the manufacturer does not anticipate in advance needs to be improved, the rule database can be defined independently of the application without changing the various applications themselves. By updating the database, it becomes possible to support all applications.

A countermeasure that maintains the rule base for error handling by detecting the state when the application is executed without changing the application itself is also conceivable. However, this coping method always deals with it after an error state has occurred, which means that a situation in which a load is placed on the home appliance or a situation in which safety cannot be ensured is allowed. Therefore, a rule database is held independently of the application, and by referring to the rule data and changing the content of the application, it is possible to ensure safety.

Washing machine 500 in the present embodiment is washing machine 500 capable of communicating with cloud server 10 (external device). The washing machine 500 includes a communication unit 570 that receives an execution content declaration (washing information) from the cloud server 10, a washing function unit that performs operations related to washing the laundry based on the washing information, and a washing function unit. and a control device 550 for controlling. The execution content declaration includes a plurality of blocks, each of which is control information relating to parameters for controlling the operation of the washing function unit, and order information relating to the order in which the plurality of blocks are to be executed. The control device 550 corrects the execution content declaration based on the rules regarding the order of washing, and executes the control information included in the corrected execution content declaration, thereby causing the washing function unit to execute the operation based on the execution content declaration.

According to this, the washing function part can be driven based on the application defined by the plurality of blocks. Therefore, it is possible to develop applications using blocks that abstract the control of the washing machine 500, and not only manufacturers but also third parties can develop a wide variety of applications, and these applications can be executed by the washing machine 500. It can be easily executed. Additionally, impermissible action statements can be modified before the laundry function is activated based on the application. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the washing function unit from performing operations in an unacceptable order. In other words, even if an application developer erroneously instructs the washing function unit to perform operations in an unacceptable order, the execution of an application that cannot safely control washing machine 500 is suppressed. can be done. In addition, it is possible to prevent washing machine 500 from operating inefficiently. Therefore, even when an application developer creates an application that emphasizes suitability for the user rather than ensuring the safety of the washing function unit, the safety of washing machine 500 controlled by the application can be improved. In addition, the operating efficiency of washing machine 500 can be improved, and power consumption can be reduced.

Further, for example, if the control device 550 does not allow execution of the first block included in the execution content declaration and the second block set in the order information to be executed next to the first block in the order information, A third block may be added to the execution content declaration as control information for the order to be executed after the first block.

According to this, if two blocks to be executed consecutively are not allowed, a third block can be added in the order between the two blocks, so that the washing function unit can perform the two blocks in the order that is not allowed. can be prevented from performing the actions of

Further, for example, if the control device 550 does not allow execution of the first block included in the execution content declaration and the second block set in the order information to be executed next to the first block in the order information, Information about the parameters contained in the first block or information about the parameters contained in the second block may be modified.

According to this, when two blocks to be executed consecutively are not allowed, the information about the parameters contained in one of the two blocks can be corrected, so that the washing function unit can can be prevented from executing one block of operations.

Further, for example, if the control device 550 does not allow execution of the first block included in the execution content declaration and the second block set in the order information to be executed next to the first block in the order information, Execution of the second block may be restricted.

According to this, if the two blocks to be executed consecutively are not permitted, the execution of the second block can be restricted, so that the washing function unit is prevented from executing the operations of the two blocks in an order that is not permitted. can be prevented.

Further, for example, the first rule allows the first block to include parameters relating to the water supply to the water tank 502 of the washing machine 500, and the second block to include parameters for controlling the operation performed in a water-free environment. It does not have to be. For example, operations performed in a water-free environment may include operations that are not permitted to be performed when water tank 502 is filled with water. Therefore, it is possible to prevent execution of the operation based on the second block, which cannot obtain a sufficient effect even if it is executed with water in the water tank 502 . As a result, wasteful operation can be suppressed, and power consumption can be reduced.

Further, for example, the second rule allows the first block to include parameters relating to heating in the water tub 502 of the washing machine 500, and the second block to include parameters for controlling operations performed in a heat-restricted environment. It does not have to be. For example, operations performed in a heat-restricted environment may include operations that are not allowed to be performed when the temperature inside water tank 502 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the execution when the temperature in the water tank 502 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, so that the high temperature environment in the water tank 502 can reduce the adverse effect on the outside of the washing machine 500. Safety can be guaranteed.

Also, for example, in the third rule, the first block includes parameters relating to the rotation of the washing tub 503 in which water is stored, and the second block includes parameters for controlling operations performed in a prohibited environment. may not be allowed. For example, operations performed in a prohibited environment may include operations in which the water surface within wash tub 503 is not allowed to move. Therefore, it is possible to control the operation of the second block in a state in which the shaking of the water surface is reduced, so that the operation of the second block can be effectively controlled.

Further, for example, in the fourth rule, the first block includes parameters relating to the blowing of air into the washing tub 503 of the washing machine 500, and the second block includes parameters for controlling the operation performed in the prohibited environment. may not be allowed. Therefore, it is possible to control the operation of the second block in a state in which the shaking of the water surface is reduced, so that the operation of the second block can be effectively controlled.

Further, for example, in the fifth rule, the first block includes parameters for rotating the washing tub 503 of the washing machine 500 in the first rotation, and the second block includes parameters in the second rotation different from the first rotation. It may not be allowed to include parameters that rotate the wash tub 503 . For example, the first rotation speed in the first rotation may be different than the second rotation speed in the second rotation. Also, for example, the first rotation direction may be different from the second rotation direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the continuous execution of different rotation operations, and to effectively switch the rotation of the washing tub 503 .

Further, for example, if the first block includes parameters related to water supply to water tub 502 of washing machine 500 and the second block includes parameters for controlling operation performed in a water-free environment, controller 550 controls the first Based on the above rule, a third block containing parameters relating to drainage from the water tank 502 is added to the execution content declaration as control information for the order of execution between the first block and the second block. Therefore, by draining the water before the operation executed in the water prohibited environment is started, the water tank 502 can be set to the water prohibited environment, and the operation of the second block can be effectively performed.

Further, for example, if the first block includes parameters related to water supply to water tub 502 of washing machine 500 and the second block includes parameters for controlling operation performed in a water-free environment, controller 550 controls the first , the second block may be modified to add a parameter for draining water from the water tank 502 immediately before the parameter controlling operations performed in a no-water environment. Therefore, by draining the water before the operation executed in the water prohibited environment is started, the water tank 502 can be set to the water prohibited environment, and the operation of the second block can be effectively executed.

Further, for example, if the first block includes parameters related to heating in water tub 502 of washing machine 500 and the second block includes parameters for controlling operation performed in a heat-restricted environment, controller 550 controls the second block. Based on the above rule, a third block including parameters related to the heat dissipation of the water tank 502 may be added as control information for the order of execution between the first block and the second block to the execution content declaration. Therefore, by dissipating heat before the operation executed in the heat-restricted environment is started, the temperature of the water tank 502 can be lowered and the heat-restricted environment can be established, and the operation of the second block can be effectively performed. can be done.

Further, for example, if the first block includes parameters related to heating in water tub 502 of washing machine 500 and the second block includes parameters for controlling operation performed in a heat-restricted environment, controller 550 controls the second block. , the second block may be modified so as to add a parameter related to the heat dissipation of the water tank 502 just before the parameter controlling the operation performed in the athermal environment. Therefore, by dissipating heat before the operation executed in the heat-restricted environment is started, the temperature of the water tank 502 can be lowered and the heat-restricted environment can be established, and the operation of the second block can be effectively performed. can be done.

Further, for example, if the first block included in the execution content declaration and the second block set in the order information to be executed next to the first block overlap based on the rule, the control device 550 (i) delete the first block or the second block; or (ii) delete the information about the parameters contained in the first block or the information about the parameters contained in the second block. Therefore, redundant operation blocks or parameters are deleted, so that execution of useless operations can be reduced. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced.

Further, for example, in the device 20 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 24 refers to the first rule and sets the parameter included in the first parameter range to a value in which at least one of the actuator 22 and the heater 23 is permitted to be driven. The application may be changed by changing the parameters within the range specified.

According to this, a parameter included in the unacceptable first parameter range can be changed to a parameter included in the allowable range. In addition, the developer of the software incorporated in the device 20 that controls the actuator 22 and the heater 23 checks the safety of each application every time. , and prevent actuators 22 and/or heaters 23 from being driven with unacceptable parameters.

Further, for example, in the device 20 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 24 refers to the first rule and sets the parameter included in the first parameter range to a value in which at least one of the actuator 22 and the heater 23 is permitted to be driven. The application may be modified by changing the parameters within the range and adding new blocks to the blocks.

According to this, since the parameter included in the unacceptable first parameter range can be changed to the parameter included in the allowable range, it is possible to prevent the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 from being driven with the unacceptable parameter. can be prevented. Furthermore, since new blocks can be added, it is also possible to supplement functions that have deteriorated due to parameter changes with new blocks.

Further, for example, in the device 20 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 24 may change the application by deleting blocks having parameters included in the first parameter range.

According to this, blocks having parameters included in the unacceptable first parameter range can be deleted, so that the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 can be prevented from being driven with unacceptable parameters. For example, if the actuator 22 and heater 23 are not capable of performing the parameters specified by the application developer in the first place, the deletion allows control without confusion of the device. On the other hand, the user may be notified of the deletion.

Further, for example, in the device 20 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 24 refers to the first rule to determine whether each of the plurality of parameters included in the plurality of blocks is included in the first parameter range. If determined and the parameter is determined to fall within the first parameter range, the block containing the parameter may be changed.

According to this, it is possible to more reliably change a block having a parameter included in the unacceptable first parameter range.

Further, for example, in the device 20 according to the present embodiment, the application may include information on the order in which each of the plurality of blocks is executed and information on the timing at which each of the plurality of blocks is executed. The timing information of each block indicates, for example, the time between the start timing of the block and the start or end timing of another block (for example, the first block).

According to this, the application can include order and timing information, and can be judged and executed sequentially while checking the parameter range of each block.

Further, for example, in the device 20 according to the present embodiment, the first parameter range may be a parameter range that allows at least one of the actuator 22 and the heater 23 to reach the durable temperature.

According to this, it is possible to prevent the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 from reaching the endurable temperature when the application is executed, and it is possible to improve the safety of the device 20 controlled by the application. .

Further, for example, the device 20 in the present embodiment may include a housing 21 having an internal space, and the first parameter range may be a parameter range that allows the internal space to reach the endurable temperature.

According to this, it is possible to prevent the internal space of the housing 21 from reaching the endurable temperature when the application is executed, and it is possible to improve the safety of the device 20 controlled by the application.

(Modification of Embodiment 1)
(Modification 1)
In modifying execution content declaration 1300 (laundry information), control device 550 may perform the following processing without being limited to the specific example described in the first embodiment.

Specifically, the control device 550 classifies the plurality of blocks 1301 included in the execution content declaration 1300 into one or more washing processes based on classification rules, and then classifies the first washing process among the one or more washing processes. The execution content declaration 1300 may be modified by adding common information common to one or more first blocks included in the first washing process to the washing process. The controller 550 classifies each of the plurality of blocks 1301 into one or more washing processes. The one or more washing steps include, for example, a water supply step, a stirring step, a drainage step, a dehydration step, a drying step, an air blowing step, a sterilization/antibacterial step, and an immersion step. One or more first blocks included in the first washing process are consecutive in the order indicated by the order information included in the execution content declaration 1300 . The common information indicates the operating state while one washing process is being performed by the vibration sensor 507, the water level sensor 515, the intake sensor 531, the warm air sensor 535, the first foam sensor 541, the second foam sensor 542, and It includes detection information for the controller 550 to obtain from various sensors such as the hot water sensor 544 .

A classification method for classifying each block into one or more washing processes and a process of adding common information by the control device 550 will be described. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a classification rule according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of pre-execution confirmation processing according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG.

First, the control device 550 identifies attributes of the plurality of blocks 1301 using the classification rules 1410 (S2171). For each of the plurality of blocks 1301 , the control device 550 may specify an attribute in which the name of the block is associated with the classification rule 1410 as the attribute of the block. In the classification rule 1410, as shown in FIG. 21, block names are associated with attributes. Classification rules 1410 may include no-attribute as an attribute for classifying into one or more laundry processes. In other words, the control device 550 may specify the attribute of the block associated with no attribute in the classification rule as no attribute. Note that if the attribute corresponding to the block cannot be specified by the classification rule, that is, if there is no attribute that matches the block according to the classification rule, the control device 550 may determine that the block has no attribute.

Note that the control device 550 may use other classification rules to identify the attribute of the block based on the identifier pre-assigned to the block. Other classification rules associate block identifiers with attributes.

In addition, the control device 550 may use another classification rule to identify the attribute of the block based on a combination of one or more parameter types included in the block. Still another classification rule associates a combination of one or more types of parameters included in a block with an attribute. For example, in still another classification rule, a combination of a parameter related to water supply and a parameter related to rotation of the washing tub in one direction (that is, left rotation or right rotation) and an attribute indicating the water supply process are associated. It is Further, for example, in still another classification rule, a combination of a parameter related to water supply and a parameter related to rotation in both directions (that is, left rotation and right rotation) of the washing tub containing water, and an attribute indicating the stirring process correspond. attached.

Next, control device 550 classifies the plurality of blocks into one or more washing processes based on the identified attributes (S2172). Specifically, the control device 550 classifies one or more consecutive blocks with the same attribute in the order indicated by the order information into one washing process. That is, in the order indicated by the order information, when a plurality of blocks of the first attribute are consecutive, the control device 550 puts the consecutive blocks of the first attribute into the first washing step corresponding to the first attribute. classified into

Note that, in the order indicated by the order information, if a no-attribute block is sandwiched between blocks with the first attribute, the control device 550 regards the no-attribute block as the first attribute block and assigns it to the first attribute block. It may be classified into a corresponding first wash step. Also, in the order indicated by the order information, if a non-attribute block is sandwiched between a first attribute block and a second attribute block, the control device 550 replaces the non-attribute block with the first attribute block. , it may be classified into the first washing process corresponding to the first attribute, or may be classified into the second washing process corresponding to the second attribute. Here, whether to be classified into the first washing process or the second washing process may be determined in advance. The second attribute is an attribute different from the first attribute. The second washing process is a process different from the first washing process, and is a washing process subsequent to the first washing process.

In addition, after classifying each block into one or more washing processes, the control device 550 corrects a plurality of blocks included in each washing process using rules defined in the rule database 1400 shown in FIG. You may try to run A method of correcting a plurality of blocks is the same as in the first embodiment. The control device 550 may, for example, apply the first rule 1401 to the blocks classified as the water supply process, thereby attempting to execute the process of correcting the blocks classified as the water supply process. The control device 550 may also try to execute a process of correcting a plurality of blocks classified as the stirring process by applying the second rule 1402 to the plurality of blocks classified as the stirring process, for example. The control device 550, for example, applies the third rule 1403 to the plurality of blocks classified as the water supply process or the agitation process, thereby attempting to execute processing for correcting the plurality of blocks classified as the water supply process or the agitation process. good too. The controller 550 may attempt to perform a process to modify the blocks classified for the drying process, for example, by applying the fourth rule 1404 to the blocks classified for the drying process.

Also, the control device 550 may set a rule corresponding to each washing process, as shown in the first rule 1401 for correcting a plurality of blocks included in the water supply process. In other words, for each wash process, controller 550 may modify that wash process based on the modification rules for that wash process. Accordingly, the control device 550 can correct a plurality of blocks included in each washing process by referring only to the correction rule for the washing process, so it is necessary to refer to other correction rules. is eliminated, and the processing load can be reduced.

Next, the control device 550 adds common information to each washing process (S2173).

FIGS. 23A to 23C show modification of execution content declaration in Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. In FIG. 23A, in the execution content declaration, the block 1000 for detecting the amount of laundry, the block 1060 for rotating the drum, the block 1150 for generating foam, the block 1050 for stirring, and the block 1010 for water supply are executed in this order. It is shown that Based on the classification rule 1410, the control device 550 identifies that the attribute of the block 1000 of the laundry amount detection operation is the laundry amount determination process, and determines the block 1060 of the drum rotation operation, the block 1150 of the foam generation operation, and the drum rotation operation. block 1060 and the attribute of block 1010 of the water operation is the water process. Based on the classification rule 1410, the control device 550 determines that the block 1050 of the stirring operation is either the water supply process or the stirring process, and the block 1050 of the stirring operation is sandwiched between the blocks 1150 and 1010 of the attribute of the water supply process. Therefore, it is assumed that the attribute of block 1050 of the agitation operation is the water supply process.

Then, as shown in FIG. 23B, the control device 550 classifies the block 1000 of the laundry amount detection operation into the laundry amount determination step 1500, the block 1060 of the drum rotation operation, the block 1150 of the foam generation operation, and the block 1050 of the stirring operation. , and block 1010 of the water operation are grouped into a water step 1510 .

Next, as shown in FIG. 23C, the control device 550 performs a drum rotation operation block 1060, a foam generation operation block 1150, an agitating operation block 1050, and a water supply operation included in the water supply step 1510, in the water supply step 1510. Add common information 1511 about control common in block 1010 of . The common information 1511 may include detection information for measuring the time from the start of the water supply step 1510 until the water level of the water tank 502 detected by the water level sensor reaches a predetermined water level in the water supply step 1510, It may include detection information for acquiring the amount of change (increase) per unit time of the water level of the water tank 502 detected by the water level sensor.

In the water supply step 1510, the control device 550 determines whether or not the time from the start of the water supply step 1510 to the predetermined water level exceeds the predetermined time. may be canceled and the operation panel 560 may indicate that an error has occurred. In this case, the control device 550 may notify the user's terminal via the communication unit 570 that an error has occurred. If the control device 550 determines in the water supply step 1510 that the time from the start of the water supply step 1510 to the predetermined water level does not exceed the predetermined time, the water supply step 1510 is continued.

In the water supply step 1510, the control device 550 determines whether or not the amount of change per unit time of the water level of the water tank 502 (that is, the rate of change) is within a predetermined speed range. If it is determined to be out of the speed range, the water supply step 1510 may be stopped and the operation panel 560 may indicate that an error has occurred. In this case, the control device 550 may notify the user's terminal via the communication unit 570 that an error has occurred. If the control device 550 determines in the water supply process 1510 that the amount of change per unit time (that is, the rate of change) of the water level of the water tank 502 is within a predetermined speed range, the water supply process 1510 is continued.

In washing machine 500 according to this modification, controller 550 (i) classifies a plurality of blocks included in an execution content declaration (washing information) into one or more washing processes based on classification rules, and (ii) The washing information is corrected by adding common information about control common to one or more blocks included in the first washing process to the first washing process of the one or more washing processes. Then, the control device 550 executes the modified execution content declaration, thereby causing the washing function unit to execute the operation based on the execution content declaration. One or more blocks included in the first washing step are consecutive in the order indicated by the order information.

Therefore, when the user only specifies a plurality of blocks to be executed by washing machine 500, control device 550 performs control common to one or more blocks included in the first washing step among the plurality of blocks. Add common information about . Therefore, it is possible to make the washing function unit perform control that is effective to be executed in parallel while the first washing process is being executed. can operate efficiently.

(Modification 2)
In modifying execution content declaration 1300 (washing information), control device 550 is not limited to the specific examples described in Embodiment 1 and Modification 1 thereof, and may perform processing described below.

Specifically, the control device 550 classifies a plurality of blocks 1301 included in the execution content declaration 1300 into one or more washing processes based on classification rules, and then performs the first washing process among the one or more washing processes. Determination information for determining the washing process to be executed next to the first washing process by the washing function unit according to whether or not the operating state while the processes are being executed satisfies a predetermined condition is provided as the first washing process. Execution content declaration 1300 may be modified by adding . One or more washing steps are the same as in Modification 1. Specifically, when the first washing process ends while the operating state satisfies a predetermined condition in the first washing process, the determination information instructs the washing function unit to execute the second washing process after the first washing process. If the operating state does not satisfy a predetermined condition in the first washing process, the first washing process is stopped and the washing function unit executes the third washing process different from the second washing process. That is, the determination information is whether to continue the first washing process and shift to the second washing process after the first washing process is completed, or to stop the first washing process and shift to the third washing process, depending on the operating state. is information used by the control device 550 to determine Note that the second washing process includes the block next to the last block of the first washing process in the order indicated by the order information among the plurality of blocks included in the execution content declaration 1300 . That is, the second washing process includes blocks in the order following the first washing process.

By executing the detection information, the control device 550 acquires the operating state of the washing function part while the first washing process is being performed from various sensors and the like. The control device 550 determines whether the acquired operating state satisfies a predetermined condition, and if the first washing step ends while the operating state satisfies the predetermined condition, the first washing step Then, the second washing process is executed by the washing function unit. On the other hand, when the acquired operating state does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the control device 550 stops the first washing process and causes the washing function unit to perform a third washing process different from the second washing process.

The detection information may be information for the control device 550 to sequentially acquire the operating state of the washing function part while the first washing process is being performed from various sensors or the like. That is, by executing the detection information, the control device 550 may sequentially acquire the operating state of the washing function part while the first washing process is being performed from various sensors or the like.

Processing for adding decision information by the control device 550 will be described. 24 is a flowchart of pre-execution confirmation processing according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG.

First, the control device 550 identifies attributes of the plurality of blocks 1301 using the classification rules 1410 (S2171).

Next, control device 550 classifies the plurality of blocks into one or more washing processes based on the identified attributes (S2172).

Next, the control device 550 adds determination information to each washing process (S2173a).

FIGS. 25A to 25D show a first example of modification of execution content declaration in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. In FIG. 25A, the action statement indicates that block 1070 of the dewatering operation is to be performed. Based on the classification rules, the controller 550 identifies that the attribute of the dehydration operation block 1070 is dehydration process.

Then, the controller 550 classifies the dehydration operation block 1070 into the dehydration step 1520 as shown in FIG. 25B.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25C, the control device 550 causes the washing function unit to execute the dehydration process next to the dehydration process depending on whether or not the operating state during the execution of the dehydration process 1520 satisfies a predetermined condition. Determination information 1521 for determining the washing process to be performed is added to the dehydration process 1520 . For example, the decision information 1521 continues the dehydration process 1520 when no bias in the cloth is detected while the dehydration process 1520 is being performed, and stops the dehydration process when the bias in the cloth is detected. This is information indicating that the rinsing process is to be started. Note that the control device 550 sequentially acquires the magnitude of vibration detected by the vibration sensor 507 from the vibration sensor 507, and detects unevenness of the cloth when the magnitude of the acquired vibration exceeds the second threshold. good too. Note that the magnitude of vibration detected by the vibration sensor 507 is an example of the operating state. Further, it is an example of a predetermined condition that the magnitude of vibration is equal to or less than the second threshold.

Therefore, when the control device 550 executes the corrected execution content declaration and the dehydration step 1520 is being executed, when the bias of the cloth is detected, that is, when the vibration detected by the vibration sensor 507 exceeds the second threshold, the controller 550 may discontinue the dewatering step 1520 and proceed to the rinsing step 1530 based on decision information 1521, as shown in FIG. 25D. Rinse step 1530 is an example of a third wash step that is different from the second wash step.

Note that the rinsing step 1530 may include determination information indicating that the dewatering step 1520 is to be performed again after the rinsing step 1530 . Accordingly, when the rinsing process 1530 ends, the control device 550 executes the dewatering process 1520 again. In this manner, the control device 550 stops the spin-drying step 1520 and performs the rinsing step 1530 when a fabric skew is detected, so that the fabric skew can be eliminated before the spin-drying step 1520 .

It should be noted that determination information 1521 is added to the dehydration step 1520 to be executed again as well as the dehydration step 1520 that was performed first. As a result, the control device 550 performs control to add the rinsing step 1530 until the dewatering step 1520 is completed without detection of unevenness of the cloth.

On the other hand, the control device 550 controls the control device 550 when no bias of the cloth is detected while the dehydration step 1520 is being performed, that is, when the magnitude of the vibration detected by the vibration sensor 507 remains equal to or less than the second threshold. When the dehydration process is finished, the washing function unit is caused to execute the second washing process scheduled after the dehydration process. The second wash process is a wash process that includes a block of actions that were scheduled to follow block 1070 of the dehydration action in the action declaration. If there is no second washing process, the control device 550 may end washing control.

Although not shown, the control device 550 may add common information to the dehydration process 1520 after classifying the dehydration operation block 1070 into the dehydration process 1520 as in the first modification. The common information may include detection information for detecting the magnitude of vibration detected by the vibration sensor 507 in the dehydration step 1520 .

FIGS. 26A to 26D show a second example of modification of execution content declaration in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. In FIG. 26A, in the execution content declaration, it is shown that the pre-drying operation block 1070a, the drying operation block 1070, and the drying operation block 1140 are executed. The block 1070a for the pre-dehydration operation includes the same parameters as the block 1070 for the dehydration operation, but has different parameter values. Thus, the pre-spin operation block 1070a is treated the same as the spin operation block 1070 in the wash process classification. Based on the classification rules, the controller 550 identifies that the attributes of the pre-dewatering operation block 1070a and the dewatering operation block 1070 are the dewatering process, and that the drying operation block 1140 is the drying process.

Then, as shown in FIG. 26B, the control device 550 classifies the preliminary dehydration block 1070a and the dehydration block 1070 into the dehydration process 1522, and classifies the drying process block 1140 into the drying process 1540. As shown in FIG.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26C, the control device 550 causes the washing function unit to execute the dehydration process next to the dehydration process depending on whether or not the operating state during the execution of the dehydration process 1522 satisfies a predetermined condition. Determination information 1523 for determining the washing process to be performed is added to the dehydration process 1522 . The determination information 1523 indicates, for example, that the dehydration process is stopped and the rinsing process is started when the bias of the cloth is detected while the preliminary dehydration operation of the dehydration process 1522 is being performed, and This information indicates that the dehydration process is stopped and the dehydration process is started again when the bias of the cloth is detected while the dehydration operation is being performed. Further, the determination information 1523 is information indicating that the dehydration step 1522 is to be continued when the unevenness of the cloth is not detected in the dehydration step 1522 .

For this reason, when the control device 550 executes the modified execution content declaration and the pre-dehydration operation of the dehydration step 1522 is being performed, when the bias of the cloth is detected, that is, when the vibration sensor 507 detects When the magnitude of vibration exceeds the second threshold, the control device 550 may stop the dewatering step 1522 and shift to the rinsing step based on the decision information 1523 . Further, when the bias of the cloth is detected while the dehydration operation of the dehydration step 1522 is being performed, that is, when the magnitude of the vibration detected by the vibration sensor 507 exceeds the second threshold value, the control device 550 In this case, the control device 550 may stop the dehydration step 1522 and shift to the dehydration step 1524 based on the decision information 1523 as shown in FIG. 26D. The dehydration step 1524 is an example of a third washing step different from the second washing step.

The dehydration step 1524 may include determination information 1525 indicating that the drying step 1540 is to be performed again after the dehydration step 1524 . This decision information 1525 may further indicate that the dehydration step 1524 should be stopped and the dehydration step should be performed again when unevenness of the cloth is detected, or the dehydration step It may indicate that 1524 is stopped to perform a rinse step. As a result, the control device 550 executes the drying step 1540 when the dehydration step 1524 is completed without detecting the unevenness of the cloth.

Note that the determination information 1541 may be added to the drying step 1540 as well. The decision information 1541, for example, continues the dehydration step 1520 if clogging of the filter is not detected while the drying step 1540 is being performed, and stops the drying step 1540 if clogging of the filter is detected. This is information indicating that the display is shifted to the presentation step of displaying an error. In this case, the control device 550 sequentially acquires the current value of the fan motor of the circulation fan 534 from the current sensor provided in the fan motor, and clogs the filter when the acquired current value exceeds the first threshold value. may be detected. The first threshold may be calculated by adding or subtracting a predetermined difference value to or from the current value at the start of the drying step 1540, or may be a predetermined fixed value. good. Note that the current value of the fan motor detected by the current sensor is an example of the operating state. Further, the fact that the current value is equal to or less than the first threshold is an example of the predetermined condition.

Here, the decision information 1541 has been described as to stop the drying process 1540 and shift to the presentation process of displaying an error when clogging of the filter is detected, but this is not the only option. Continuing, after the drying process 1540 is completed, or after the washing process following the drying process 1540 is completed, the presenting process may be performed.

The determination information 1541 is the difference between the moving average of the detection value of the hot air sensor 535 in a predetermined period based on the current time and the detection value of the hot air sensor 535 at the start of the drying process 1540 as the third threshold value. If the difference is equal to or greater than the third threshold, the control device 550 determines to end the drying process 1540, and if not, the control device 550 determines to continue the drying process 1540. It may be information for

On the other hand, while the dewatering step 1522 is being performed, the control device 550 determines that when no bias in the cloth is detected, that is, the magnitude of vibration detected by the vibration sensor 507 remains equal to or less than the second threshold. When the dehydration process is completed, the washing function unit is caused to execute the drying process 1540 scheduled after the dehydration process.

Although not shown, the control device 550 sorts the preliminary dehydration operation block 1070a and the dehydration operation block 1070 into the dehydration step 1522, and then, similarly to the first example in the first modification, common information may be added to dehydration step 1522 . The common information may include detection information for detecting the magnitude of vibration detected by the vibration sensor 507 in the dehydration step 1520 .

In washing machine 500 in this modified example, the common information includes detection information for control device 550 to acquire the operating state while the first washing process is being performed from various sensors and the like. By executing the detection information, the control device 550 acquires the operating state during the execution of the first washing process from various sensors and the like. If the first washing process ends while the acquired operating state satisfies the predetermined condition, the control device 550 causes the washing function unit to execute the second washing process after the first washing process. If the acquired operating state does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the control device 550 stops the first washing process and causes the washing function unit to perform a third washing process different from the second washing process.

According to this, the control device 550 determines whether to continue the first washing process or stop the first washing process and shift to the third washing process according to the acquired operating state. It is possible to cause the washing function unit to execute a washing process suitable for the situation.

Also, for example, the second washing process includes a second block next to one or more first blocks in the order indicated by the order information among the plurality of blocks. Therefore, when the first washing process is continued and the first washing process ends, the control device 550 controls the second washing process including the second block next to one or more first blocks included in the first washing process. can be executed by the washing function unit.

Further, for example, the detection information is information for the control device 550 to sequentially acquire the operating state during the execution of the first washing process from various sensors or the like. By executing the detection information, control device 550 sequentially acquires the operating state from various sensors and the like while the first washing process is being performed. For this reason, the control device 550 determines whether to continue the first washing process or stop the first washing process and shift to the third washing process according to the sequentially acquired operating conditions. It is possible to cause the washing function unit to perform a washing process suitable for the operating state of the time.

(Modification 3)
In modifying execution content declaration 1300 (laundry information), control device 550 is not limited to the specific examples described in Embodiment 1, Modifications 1 and 2 thereof, and may perform processing described below. .

Control device 550 uses the operating state result obtained in the first washing step by executing the common information described in Modification 1 of Embodiment 1, as described in Modification 2 of Embodiment 1. second, to determine whether to continue the first washing process and cause the washing function unit to execute the next second washing process, or to stop the first washing process and cause the washing function unit to execute the third washing process. , determination information may be added to the first wash step. In other words, Modification 1 and Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 may be combined.

For example, the control device 550 adds common information 1511 to the water supply process 1510 as in the specific examples of FIGS. Add determination information (not shown) for determining whether to continue the water supply step 1510 or to stop the water supply step 1510 and shift to the presentation step of displaying an error depending on whether the conditions are satisfied. good too.

The common information 1511 may include detection information indicating that the time from the start of the water supply process until reaching a predetermined water level is measured. The common information 1511 includes timing information for causing a timing unit (not shown) to measure the elapsed time from the start of the water supply process and for causing the operation panel 560 to display time information regarding the elapsed time measured by the timing unit. You can The timekeeping unit may be a functional unit included in control device 550 or may be a functional unit different from control device 550 .

In the water supply step 1510, the control device 550 determines whether or not the time from the start of the water supply step 1510 to the predetermined water level exceeds the predetermined time. may be stopped, and a presentation step of causing the operation panel 560 to indicate that an error has occurred may be executed. The predetermined condition in this case is that the time from the start of the water supply process 1510 to the predetermined water level is less than the predetermined time. In this case, the control device 550 may notify the user's terminal via the communication unit 570 that an error has occurred. If the control device 550 determines in the water supply step 1510 that the time from the start of the water supply step 1510 to the predetermined water level does not exceed the predetermined time, the water supply step 1510 is continued.

In addition, in the water supply step 1510, the control device 550 determines whether or not the amount of increase in the water level of the water tank 502 per unit time (that is, the rate of increase) is within a predetermined speed range. If it is determined that the speed is out of the range, the water supply step 1510 may be stopped, and a presentation step may be executed to cause the operation panel 560 to indicate that an error has occurred. The predetermined condition in this case is that the rate of change in the water level of the water tank 502 is within a predetermined range. In this case, the control device 550 may notify the user's terminal via the communication unit 570 that an error has occurred. If the control device 550 determines in the water supply process 1510 that the amount of increase in the water level of the water tank 502 per unit time (that is, the rate of increase) is within a predetermined speed range, the water supply process 1510 is continued.

In this way, the control device 550 obtains speed information about the rate of change in the water level of the water tank 502 in the water supply step 1510, and determines whether or not the speed information is within a predetermined range of speed information. may be added to the water supply step 1510. The control device 550 acquires speed information about the speed of change in the water level of the water tank 502 in the water supply step 1510, determines whether the speed information is within the range of the predetermined speed information, and determines whether the speed information is within the range of the predetermined speed information. When the water supply step 1510 ends while the water supply step 1510 is included in the range of , the washing function unit is caused to execute the washing step scheduled after the water supply step 1510 . On the other hand, when the acquired speed information does not fall within the range of the predetermined speed information, the control device 550 stops the water supply step 1510 and causes the washing function unit to execute the presenting step.

Further, the control device 550 may cause the operation panel 560 to display the elapsed time from the start of the water supply process 1510 by executing the common information 1511 . The elapsed time may be indicated by the time counted up from the start of the water supply step 1510, or may be indicated by the counted down time obtained by subtracting the counted up time from the time required for the water supply step 1510.

It should be noted that the control device 550 may apply similar processing to the water discharge process as well as the water supply process. In the drainage process, the control device 550 determines whether or not the time from the start of the drainage process until the water level reaches a predetermined level exceeds a predetermined time. Alternatively, a presentation step may be executed to cause the operation panel 560 to present that an error has occurred. The predetermined water level may be, for example, a water level at which water tank 502 is considered to have no water. The predetermined condition in this case is that the time from the start of the drainage process until the water level reaches the predetermined level is less than the predetermined time. In this case, the control device 550 may notify the user's terminal via the communication unit 570 that an error has occurred. If the control device 550 determines that the time from the start of the drainage process to the predetermined water level does not exceed the predetermined time in the drainage process, the controller 550 continues the drainage process.

In addition, the control device 550 determines whether or not the amount of decrease in the water level of the water tank 502 per unit time (that is, the rate of decrease) is within a predetermined speed range in the draining process. If it is determined to be out of the range, the drainage process may be stopped, and a presentation process may be executed to cause the operation panel 560 to indicate that an error has occurred. The predetermined condition in this case is that the rate of change in the water level of the water tank 502 is within a predetermined range. In this case, the control device 550 may notify the user's terminal via the communication unit 570 that an error has occurred. If the controller 550 determines in the draining process that the amount of decrease in the water level of the water tank 502 per unit time (that is, the rate of decrease) is within a predetermined range, the control device 550 continues the draining process.

In this way, the control device 550 acquires speed information about the speed of change in the water level of the water tank 502 in the drainage process, and provides decision information for determining whether the speed information is within a predetermined speed information range. It may be added to the drainage process. The control device 550 acquires speed information about the rate of change in the water level of the water tank 502 in the drainage process, determines whether the speed information is within a range of predetermined speed information, and determines whether the speed information is within the predetermined speed information. When the draining process ends while being included in the range, the washing function unit is caused to execute the washing process scheduled after the draining process. On the other hand, when the acquired speed information is not within the range of the predetermined speed information, the control device 550 stops the draining process and causes the washing function unit to execute the presenting process.

Further, the controller 550 may add common information including detection information for detecting the state of foam generation in the water tank 502 in the water supply process or the agitation process to the water supply process or the agitation process. In addition, the control device 550 sequentially acquires the state of foam generation in the water tub 502 as an operating state, and determines the washing process to be executed by the washing function unit after the first washing process according to the acquired state of foam generation. You may add the decision information for doing to a water supply process or a stirring process. Specifically, the determination information in this case is, if the generation of bubbles is not detected in the water supply process or the stirring process, the water supply process or the stirring process is continued, and if the water supply process or the stirring process ends, the water supply is performed. It indicates that the washing function unit is caused to execute the washing process scheduled after the process or the stirring process. Further, the determination information indicates that when generation of foam is detected in the water supplying process or the stirring process, the water supplying process or the stirring process is stopped and the washing function section executes the defoaming process. The defoaming step is, for example, a step of performing a drain operation, a stirring operation, a water supply operation, and a drain operation in this order.

Therefore, by executing the determination information, the control device 550, when the water supply process or the stirring process ends while the acquired status of foam generation indicates that the generation of foam is not detected, determines whether the water supply process or the stirring process The washing function unit is caused to execute the next washing process. In addition, by executing the decision information, if the acquired foam generation status indicates that foam generation has been detected, the control device 550 stops the water supply process or the agitation process and transfers the defoaming process to the washing function unit. let it run.

(Modification 4)
Although the processing of the system 1 has been described with reference to FIG. 7 in the first embodiment, the flow of processing is not limited to this. In particular, with respect to the pre-execution confirmation (S216) described in detail, the timing at which the pre-execution confirmation is performed and the main module are not limited to this. Therefore, several modified examples of the sequence diagram of the system 1 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 27A to 27E.

27A is a sequence diagram of system 1 according to Modification 4 of Embodiment 1. FIG. In FIG. 27A, the pre-execution confirmation (S216) is performed by the device 300 immediately before the device 300 receives the execution instruction (S310) and executes the block (S314).

As a result, the software incorporated in the device 300 can have a simple configuration in which pre-execution confirmation is performed immediately before execution of a block. That is, steps S215 and S217 can be omitted. As a result, it is no longer necessary to incorporate the functions and communication APIs for performing these processes into the device 300, and it is possible to reduce the memory usage of the microcomputer installed in the device 300. FIG.

Note that the device manager 200 and/or the UI 400 may be notified of the result of the pre-execution confirmation. For example, when a parameter is changed or a block execution stop instruction is issued as a result of pre-execution confirmation, the confirmation result may be notified to the device manager 200 or the UI 400 .

(Modification 5)
27B is a sequence diagram of system 1 according to Modification 5 of Embodiment 1. FIG. In FIG. 27B, the pre-execution confirmation (S216) is performed by the device manager 200 as it is when the device manager 200 notifies the allocation result (S218).

As a result, the software installed in the device 300 does not need to include the pre-execution confirmation function (S216). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the use of the memory of the device 300, leading to cost reduction of the device 300. FIG.

Further, in the above-described Embodiment 1, regarding the block execution (S314) by the device 300, the flow of processing performed by the instruction from the sequence manager 100 mounted on the cloud server 10 has been described. The form to be used is not limited to this either.

For example, the content of the notification from the sequence manager 100 may be stored in the memory within the device 300 and the block may be executed by a direct instruction from the user through the UI 400 of the device 20 or the terminal 30 . That is, the application may be downloaded into the device and the user may execute the application at any timing.

(Modification 6)
27C is a sequence diagram of system 1 according to Modification 6 of Embodiment 1. FIG. In FIG. 27C, in the application execution phase F300, the sequence manager 100 notifies the device 300 of one or more blocks to be executed by the device 300 (S310C). Device 300 then stores the notified one or more blocks in memory (S311C).

Thereafter, the device 300 receives an instruction to execute one or more stored blocks from the user (S312C), and executes the one or more blocks in order from the first block (S314).

As described above, by storing blocks in the device 300, the device 300 can be controlled without the communication between the device manager 200 and the device 300. Therefore, the communication between the cloud server 10 and the device 20 becomes unstable. Accordingly, the risk of stopping or delaying the operation of the device 300 can be reduced. Therefore, this modification is more effective in an environment where the reliability of communication with the cloud server 10 is low and/or in the device 300 in which stoppage or delay of the device during application execution is unacceptable.

Note that in Modification 6, as in Embodiment 1, pre-execution confirmation (S216) has an important meaning, but the timing at which pre-execution confirmation (S216) is performed and the main modules are limited to FIG. 27C. not. That is, modification 6 may be combined with modification 4 or 5.

(Modification 7)
27D is a sequence diagram of system 1 according to Modification 7 of Embodiment 1. FIG. Modification 7 corresponds to a combination of Modifications 4 and 6. FIG. In Modified Example 7, as shown in FIG. 27D, the pre-execution confirmation (S216) is performed by the device 300 immediately before the device 300 receives the execution instruction (S312C) and executes the block (S314).

If a block is downloaded to the device 300 and the user executes the block at arbitrary timing, the timing of downloading the block and the timing of executing the block are likely to be significantly different. That is, the block may be executed several days, months, or years after the block is downloaded to the device 300 . In that case, there is a possibility that the deterioration level of the device 300 or the like may change between the time the block is downloaded and the time the block is executed. Therefore, in the device 300 whose block execution is affected by the deterioration level, the pre-execution confirmation is performed by the device 300 immediately before the block is executed, so that the pre-execution confirmation according to the deterioration level is possible.

(Modification 8)
27E is a sequence diagram of system 1 according to Modification 8 of Embodiment 1. FIG. Modification 8 corresponds to a combination of Modification 5 and Modification 63. FIG. In Modified Example 8, as shown in FIG. 27E, the pre-execution confirmation (S216) is performed by the device manager 200 as it is when the device manager 200 notifies the allocation result (S218).

(Embodiment 2)
Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the pre-execution confirmation is skipped when the application has already been authenticated. The present embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

Note that the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the system 1 in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, so illustration and description are omitted.

[2.1 Processing]
In the present embodiment, the processing is the same as that of the first embodiment except that step S216 for confirmation before execution in the first embodiment is replaced with step S216A. Therefore, step S216A of the pre-execution confirmation process will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 28 shows a flowchart of pre-execution confirmation processing according to the second embodiment.

(Step S2161A)
The device 300 acquires application authentication information. The application authentication information includes information indicating that the application has been authenticated when the application has been authenticated.

Application authentication is, for example, a mechanism for assuring the quality of an application, and enables confirmation of safety and/or identity (not falsified) of the application. An example of an application to which authentication information is assigned will be described. If the application's code change history indicates that no parameter range changes were made, then the application is associated with information indicating that it has been authenticated.

(Step S2162A)
Device 300 determines whether the application has been authenticated based on the acquired application information. Here, if it is determined that the application has been authenticated (Yes in S2162A), the device 300 skips steps S2165 to S2167 and ends the pre-execution confirmation process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the application has not been authenticated (No in S2162A), the device 300 proceeds to the next step S2165.

[2.2 Effects, etc.]
As described above, the device 20 in the present embodiment includes at least one of the actuator 22 and the heater 23, and the controller 24 that controls at least one of the actuator 22 and the heater 23. The controller 24 , the actuator 22 and the heater 23, each of which is defined by a plurality of blocks that drive at least one of the actuator 22 and the heater 23 and includes information indicating whether or not the authentication has been completed; A first rule defining a first parameter range in which driving of at least one of the actuator 22 and the heater 23 is not permitted if the application does not include information indicating that it has been authenticated. and modifying the application by modifying at least one of the plurality of blocks, wherein at least one of the plurality of blocks has a parameter included in the first parameter range, and based on the modified application, At least one actuator 22 is driven.

According to this, the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 can be driven based on applications defined by a plurality of blocks. Therefore, it is possible to develop applications using blocks that abstract the control of the device 20 , and it is possible to easily execute various applications developed in this manner on the device 20 . Additionally, blocks with parameters falling within the unacceptable first parameter range may be modified before actuator 22 and/or heater 23 are driven based on the application. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 from being driven with unacceptable parameters. In other words, it is possible to suppress the execution of an application that cannot safely control the device 20, thereby improving the safety of the device 20 controlled by the application. Furthermore, when the application has not been authenticated, the processing accompanying the change of the application can be performed, and when the application has been authenticated, the processing load can be reduced. Therefore, there is no need to perform judgment processing for parameter ranges for all applications, and management by authentication reduces the processing load and provides a standard for designing parameter ranges, making it easier and safer for application developers. design becomes possible.

Further, for example, in the device 20 according to the present embodiment, if the application has information indicating that the application has been authenticated, the application need not be changed without referring to the first rule.

According to this, when the application has already been authenticated, the processing for changing the block can be skipped, and the processing load can be reduced.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the pre-execution confirmation is skipped when the creator of the application and the creator of the device are the same. The present embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

Note that the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the system 1 in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, so illustration and description are omitted.

[3.1 Processing]
In the present embodiment, the processing is the same as that of the first embodiment except that step S216 of confirmation before execution in the first embodiment is replaced with step S216B. Therefore, step S216B of the pre-execution confirmation process will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 29 shows a flowchart of pre-execution confirmation processing according to the third embodiment.

(Step S2161B)
Device 300 acquires application creator information. The application creator information indicates the creator of the application. A creator means a company, individual, organization, or the like that creates an application, and is sometimes called a developer or an author.

(Step S2163B)
The device 300 acquires device manufacturer information. The device manufacturer information indicates the manufacturer of the device. A manufacturer means a company, an individual, an organization, or the like that manufactured the device 300 (that is, the apparatus 20), and is sometimes called a manufacturer.

(Step S2164B)
Device 300 determines whether the creator of the application and the creator of device 300 are different. If the creator of the application is an individual and the creator of the device 300 is a company, the device 300 and the company that the creator of the application belongs to are the creator of the device 300 and the creator of the device 300. may be determined to be the same as the creator of Further, if the application creator is the developer of the device 300 outsourced, the device 300 may determine that the application creator and the device 300 creator are the same.

If the creator of the application and the creator of the device 300 are the same (No in S2164B), the device 300 skips steps S2165 to S2167 and ends the pre-execution confirmation process. On the other hand, if the creator of the application and the creator of the device 300 are different (Yes in S2164B), the device 300 proceeds to the next step S2165.

[3.2 Effects, etc.]
As described above, the device 20 in the present embodiment includes at least one of the actuator 22 and the heater 23 and the controller 24 that controls at least one of the actuator 22 and the heater 23. The controller 24 Obtaining an application defined by a plurality of blocks for driving at least one of an actuator 22 and a heater 23 and including information indicating a creator, each of the plurality of blocks for driving the actuator 22 or the heater 23 to acquire information indicating the manufacturer of the device 20, and if the manufacturer of the application and the manufacturer of the device 20 are different, driving of at least one of the actuator 22 and the heater 23 is not allowed. Modifying the application by modifying at least one of the plurality of blocks with reference to a first rule defining a range, wherein at least one of the plurality of blocks has a parameter included in the first parameter range. , drives at least one of actuator 22 and heater 23 based on the modified application.

According to this, the actuator and/or the heater can be driven based on the application defined by the plurality of blocks. Therefore, it is possible to develop applications using blocks that abstract the control of the device 20 , and it is possible to easily execute various applications developed in this manner on the device 20 . Additionally, blocks with parameters falling within the unacceptable first parameter range may be modified before actuator 22 and/or heater 23 are driven based on the application. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 from being driven with unacceptable parameters. In other words, it is possible to suppress the execution of an application that cannot safely control the device 20, thereby improving the safety of the device 20 controlled by the application. Furthermore, when the creator of the application and the manufacturer of the device 20 are different, it is possible to perform processing that involves changing the application. can be reduced.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, Embodiment 4 will be described. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that pre-execution confirmation is performed using a rule corresponding to the deterioration level of the device. The present embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

Note that the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the system 1 in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, so illustration and description are omitted.

[4.1 Processing]
In the present embodiment, the processing is the same as that of the first embodiment except that step S216 of confirmation before execution in the first embodiment is replaced with step S216C. Therefore, step S216C of the pre-execution confirmation process will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 30 shows a flowchart of pre-execution confirmation processing according to the fourth embodiment.

(Step S2163C)
The device 300 acquires device deterioration information. Device deterioration information indicates the deterioration level of actuator 22 and/or heater 23 included in device 20 . A method for detecting the deterioration level is not particularly limited, and may be detected by a sensor, for example.

(Step S2165C)
Device 300 obtains a rule corresponding to the degradation level. For example, the device 300 references a rule database to obtain parameter ranges corresponding to the level of deterioration of the actuator 22 or heater 23 driven by the block.

31 shows an example of a rule database according to Embodiment 4. FIG. Rules 1401C to 1404C are registered in the rule database 1400C of FIG. Each of the rules 1401C-1404C has a parameter range that defines an unacceptable range. For example, rule 1401C has a range greater than 1000 rpm as an unacceptable range for motor MM0001 with degradation level 0. For example, rule 1402C has a range greater than 800 rpm as an unacceptable range for motor MM0001 with deterioration level 1 . That is, rule 1402C is more non-permissive and less permissive than rule 1401C.

Each of the rules 1401C-1404C further has a type, manufacturer name, actuator/heater, and deterioration level. Thereby, the device 300 can acquire the rule corresponding to the deterioration level of the block-driven actuator 22 or the heater 23 from the rule database 1400C. For example, the device 300 refers to the rule database 1400C of FIG. 31 and acquires the rule 1401C for the dehydration block when the deterioration level of the motor MM0001 driven by the dehydration block is 0.

Items for determining the deterioration level are, for example, the number of times the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 included in the device 300 are used, the time of use, or the number of days of use from the start of operation to the present. These items are assumed to increase roughly proportionally with user usage. Therefore, the rule is determined so that the deterioration level increases as the value corresponding to the item increases.

Also, the item that determines the deterioration level is, for example, the added value of the temperature of the heater 23 or the reproducibility of the input and output of the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 . The added value of the temperature of the heater 23 is a value obtained by adding the temperature when the heater 23 is driven. For example, the average temperature, intermediate temperature, or maximum temperature of heater 23 during block execution is used. The temperature of the heater 23 may be the ratio of the effective temperature to the limit temperature of the heater 23 or the difference of the effective temperature to the limit temperature of the heater 23 .

The reproducibility of the input and output of the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 refers to the relationship between the input value for driving the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 and the output of the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23. is required. The ratio between the actual output value for a given input and the output value specified in the relationship is used.

[4.2 Effects, etc.]
As described above, the device 20 in the present embodiment includes at least one of the actuator 22 and the heater 23, and the controller 24 that controls at least one of the actuator 22 and the heater 23. The controller 24 , an application defined by a plurality of blocks that drive at least one of the actuator 22 and the heater 23, each of the plurality of blocks having parameters for driving the actuator 22 or the heater 23, and the actuator 22 and the heater 23 is deteriorated, and if the deterioration information indicates that at least one of the actuator 22 and the heater 23 is not deteriorated, the actuator 22 and the heater 23 are deteriorated. changing the application by changing at least one first block included in the plurality of blocks with reference to a first rule defining a first parameter range in which driving of at least one of the heaters 23 is not permitted, and at least One first block has a parameter included in the first parameter range, and if the deterioration information indicates that at least one of the actuator 22 and the heater 23 is deteriorated, the actuator 22 and the heater 23 Modifying the application by modifying at least one second block included in the plurality of blocks with reference to a second rule defining a second parameter range different from the first parameter range, at least one of which is not allowed to be driven and at least one second block having parameters included in the second parameter range to drive at least one of actuator 22 and heater 23 based on the modified application.

According to this, the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 can be driven based on applications defined by a plurality of blocks. Therefore, it is possible to develop applications using blocks that abstract the control of the device 20 , and it is possible to easily execute various applications developed in this manner on the device 20 . Additionally, blocks with parameters falling within the unacceptable first parameter range may be modified before actuator 22 and/or heater 23 are driven based on the application. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the actuator 22 and/or the heater 23 from being driven with unacceptable parameters. In other words, it is possible to suppress the execution of an application that cannot safely control the device 20, thereby improving the safety of the device 20 controlled by the application. In addition, different parameter ranges can be used depending on the aging information of the device 20, and blocks can be used to allow the actuator 22 and/or heater 23 from the application side to take into account the performance of aging devices. to further improve the safety of the device 20 controlled by the application.

(Other embodiments)
Although the system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as it does not depart from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art can think of are applied to the present embodiment, and a form constructed by combining the components of different embodiments may also be one or more of the present disclosure. may be included within the scope of the embodiments.

Also, in each of the above embodiments, the sequence manager 100 and the device manager 200 are included in the cloud server 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. Sequence manager 100 and/or device manager 200 may be included in device 20 . Also, the UI 400 is included in the terminal 30, but may be included in the device 20. FIG.

Also, in each of the above embodiments, the application may be changed based on the deterioration information. For example, the device 300 refers to parameter conversion information in which a plurality of degradation levels and a plurality of parameter conversion methods are associated with each other, acquires a conversion method corresponding to the degradation level, and uses the acquired conversion method to block You may transform the parameters contained in . The conversion method may be defined, for example, by a value after conversion or by a coefficient applied to a value before conversion.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, when a parameter is included in the non-permissible range in the pre-execution confirmation, the block is changed and then the block is executed, but this is not the only option. For example, if the parameter falls within the unacceptable range and the state of the device 300 is different than expected, the block is not executed, and the device manager 200 and/or the sequence manager 100 is notified of execution stop (error). may

It can be used for home appliances and the like that can execute applications defined by a plurality of functional blocks.

1 system 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d facility 10 cloud server 11 processor 12 memory 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f, 20g, 20h device 21 housing 22 actuator 23 heater 24 control section 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d Terminal 31 Display 32 Input device 100 Sequence manager 200 Device manager 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 300e, 300f, 300g, 300h Device 400, 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d UI
500 washing machine 501 housing 502 water tub 503 washing tub 504 washing motor 505 door 506 door lock mechanism 507 vibration sensor 511 water supply valve 512 water supply pipe 513 automatic feeder 515 water level sensor 516 bus pump 517 bath water pipe 521 drainage pipe 522 drainage filter 523 Drainage valve 524 Circulation pump 525 Circulation pipe 531 Intake sensor 532 Heat pump 533 Duct 534 Circulation fan 535 Hot air sensor 536 Sterilization device 541 First foam sensor 542 Second foam sensor 543 Hot water heater 544 Hot water sensor 550 Control device 560 Operation panel 570 Communication unit 1000, 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070, 1070a, 1080, 1090, 1100, 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, 1301 Block 1011, 1012, 1021 to 1023, 1031, 1041, 1051 to 1056, 1061 to 1064, 1071, 1072, 1081, 1091, 1101, 1102, 1111, 1112, 1121, 1131, 1132, 1141 Parameter 1200 Device database 1201 Device information 1300 Execution content declaration 1302 Device information 1303 Sequence information 1400, 1400C Rule database 1401 to 1405, 1401C, 1402C, 1403C, 1404C Rule 1410 Classification rule 1500 Laundry amount determination process 1510 Water supply process 1511 Common information 1520, 1522, 1524 Dehydration process 1521, 1523, 1525, 1541 Decision information 1530 Rinsing process 15 F100 Preparation phase F200 Application pre-execution phase F300 Application execution phase

Claims (13)

A washing machine capable of communicating with an external device,
a communication unit that receives washing information from the external device;
a washing function unit that performs an operation related to washing the laundry based on the washing information;
A control device that controls the washing function unit,
The washing information includes a plurality of pieces of control information, each of which is control information relating to parameters for controlling the operation of the washing function unit, and order information relating to the order in which the plurality of pieces of control information are executed,
The control device is
(i) classifying the plurality of control information contained in the washing information into one or more washing processes based on classification rules; correcting the washing information by adding common information about control common to one or more pieces of first control information included in the first washing process;
causing the washing function unit to perform an operation based on the washing information by executing the corrected washing information;
The one or more pieces of first control information are consecutive in the order of the washing machine. moreover,
A detection unit that detects the operating state of the washing function unit,
The common information includes detection information for the control device to acquire from the detection unit the operating state while the first washing process is being performed,
The control device is
By executing the detection information, the operating state during the execution of the first washing process is acquired from the detection unit,
causing the washing function unit to execute a second washing process after the first washing process when the first washing process ends while the acquired operating state satisfies a predetermined condition;
2. The washing function unit according to claim 1, wherein when the acquired operating state does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the first washing process is stopped and a third washing process different from the second washing process is executed by the washing function unit. washing machine. 3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein said second washing step includes second control information next to said one or more first control information in said order among said plurality of pieces of control information. The detection information is information for the control device to sequentially acquire the operating state during the execution of the first washing process from the detection unit,
The washing machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control device sequentially acquires the operating state during the execution of the first washing process from the detection unit by executing the detection information. . The first washing step is a water supply step or a drainage step,
The detection information is information for detecting speed information relating to a water level change speed in a water tank provided in the washing machine in the water supply process or the water discharge process,
the predetermined condition is that the speed information is included in a range of predetermined speed information;
The control device is
Acquiring the speed information from the detection unit as the operating state,
When the water supply process or the water discharge process is completed while the acquired speed information is within the range of the predetermined speed information, the second washing process is performed by the washing function unit after the water supply process or the water discharge process. and run
If the acquired speed information is not within the range of the predetermined speed information, the water supply step or the water discharge step is stopped and the washing function unit is caused to perform the third washing step different from the second washing step. The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4. The first washing step is a water supply step or a stirring step,
The detection information is information for detecting the state of foam generation in a water tub of the washing machine in the water supply step or the stirring step,
the predetermined condition is that the generation of bubbles is not detected;
The control device is
Acquiring the state of foam generation from the detection unit as the operating state,
If the water supply step or the stirring step ends while the acquired foam generation status indicates that the foam generation is not detected, the second washing step is performed next to the water supply step or the stirring step. Let the washing function unit execute,
When the obtained state of foam generation indicates that the generation of foam is detected, the water supply step or the stirring step is stopped, and the washing function unit executes the third washing step different from the second washing step. The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4. The first washing step is a drying step,
The detection information is information for detecting a current value of a fan motor of a blower fan that blows air into a water tank provided in the washing machine in the drying process,
The predetermined condition is that the current value is equal to or less than a first threshold,
The control device is
Acquiring the current value as the operating state from the detection unit,
causing the washing function unit to execute the second washing step after the drying step when the drying step ends while the acquired current value is equal to or less than the first threshold;
5. Any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein when the acquired current value exceeds the first threshold value, the drying process is stopped and the washing function unit is caused to execute the third washing process different from the second washing process. or the washing machine according to item 1. The first washing step is a dehydration step,
The detection information is information for detecting the magnitude of vibration of a water tub provided in the washing machine in the dehydration step,
the predetermined condition is that the magnitude of the vibration is equal to or less than a second threshold;
The control device is
Acquiring the magnitude of the vibration as the operating state from the detection unit,
causing the washing function unit to execute the second washing process next to the dehydration process when the dehydration process ends while the magnitude of the acquired vibration is equal to or less than the second threshold,
5. When the magnitude of the acquired vibration exceeds the second threshold, the washing function unit is caused to stop the dehydration process and perform the third washing process different from the second washing process. The washing machine according to any one of . moreover,
a timer that measures the elapsed time from the start of the first washing process;
a display unit;
The common information is timing information for causing the timing unit to measure the elapsed time from the start of the first washing step and for causing the display unit to present time information related to the elapsed time measured by the timing unit. including
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control device causes the display unit to display time information regarding the elapsed time obtained from the time measuring unit by executing the time measuring information. 10. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein for each of the one or more washing steps, the control device modifies the washing step based on correction rules for the washing step. A washing machine capable of communicating with an external device,
a communication unit that receives washing information from the external device;
a washing function unit that performs an operation related to washing the laundry based on the washing information;
a control device that controls the washing function unit;
A detection unit that detects the operating state of the washing function unit,
The washing information includes a plurality of pieces of control information, each of which is control information relating to parameters for controlling the operation of the washing function unit, and order information relating to the order in which the plurality of pieces of control information are executed,
The control device is
classifying the plurality of control information included in the washing information into one or more washing processes based on a classification rule;
According to whether or not the operating state satisfies a predetermined condition while the first washing process of the one or more washing processes is being executed, the washing function unit executes the first washing process next to the first washing process. correcting the washing information by adding determination information for determining the washing process to be performed to the first washing process;
causing the washing function unit to perform an operation based on the washing information by executing the corrected washing information;
The one or more pieces of first control information are consecutive in the order of the washing machine. A control method executed in a washing machine capable of communicating with an external device,
receiving from the external device a plurality of pieces of control information, each of which is control information relating to parameters for controlling an operation related to washing, and order information relating to the order in which the plurality of pieces of control information are executed;
(i) classifying the plurality of control information contained in the washing information into one or more washing processes based on classification rules; correcting the washing information by adding common information about control common to one or more pieces of first control information included in the first washing process;
By executing the corrected washing information, an operation based on the washing information is executed,
The one or more pieces of first control information are consecutive in the order. Control method. A control system comprising an external device and a washing machine capable of communicating with the external device,
The washing machine
a communication unit that receives washing information from the external device;
a washing function unit that performs an operation related to washing the laundry based on the washing information;
A control device that controls the washing function unit,
The washing information includes a plurality of pieces of control information, each of which is control information relating to parameters for controlling the operation of the washing function unit, and order information relating to the order in which the plurality of pieces of control information are executed,
The control device is
(i) classifying the plurality of control information contained in the washing information into one or more washing processes based on classification rules; correcting the washing information by adding common information about control common to one or more pieces of first control information included in the first washing process;
causing the washing function unit to perform an operation based on the washing information by executing the corrected washing information;
The control system, wherein the one or more pieces of first control information are consecutive in the order.

Images