JP2023030981A - Control method, control device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To properly perform additional drying of laundry.SOLUTION: In a control method for controlling a washing machine which has a function of drying laundry, log information of a washing machine is acquired (S1), a total value is acquired of the time from the end of a first operation for drying first laundry washed by the washing machine till the first laundry is taken out, based on the acquired log information (S2), notification is received which shows that a second operation for drying second laundry washed by the washing machine is finished (S3), and in the case where the time shown in the total value has elapsed in the state where the second laundry is not taken out of the washing machine after the finish of the second operation (S4), control is performed for making the washing machine perform a third operation for drying the second laundry further (S5).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

The present disclosure relates to control methods, control devices, and programs.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of additionally drying washed and dried laundry in a washing machine having a function of drying the laundry. Additional drying is also referred to as additional drying.

Japanese Patent No. 6199554

The present disclosure provides a control method for a washing machine that appropriately performs additional drying of laundry.

A control method according to the present disclosure is a control method for controlling a washing machine having a function of drying laundry, in which log information of the washing machine is obtained, and washing is performed by the washing machine based on the obtained log information. obtain a statistical value of the time from the end of the first run of drying the first laundry washed by the washing machine until the first laundry is taken out, and dry the second laundry washed by the washing machine; A notification indicating that the second run has ended has been received, and the time indicated by the statistic has elapsed since the second run has ended and the second load has not been removed from the washing machine. In this case, the control method controls the washing machine to perform a third operation for further drying the second laundry.

The control method in the present disclosure can appropriately perform additional drying of the laundry.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of a washing machine control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of a server according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a log of the washing machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing additional drying information according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of retrieval information in the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of fetched information in the embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of an image displayed by the terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of an image displayed by the terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a third example of an image displayed by the terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth example of an image displayed by the terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing first processing of the server in the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing second processing of the server in the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing control processing for additional drying or wrinkle prevention of the server in the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing of the washing machine in the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing server processing in the modification of the embodiment.

(Findings on which this disclosure is based)
The inventors of the present invention have found that the drying by a washing machine described in the "Background Art" section has the following problems.

In general, a washing machine having a function of drying laundry dries the washed laundry over a predetermined period of time after washing the laundry.

At this time, if the laundry is not sufficiently dried and the laundry is left in the washing tub of the washing machine for a relatively long time, it may cause the laundry or the washing machine to smell, Things may wrinkle.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of additionally drying washed and dried laundry in a washing machine having a function of drying the laundry. More specifically, the washing machine disclosed in Patent Literature 1 controls whether or not to perform additional drying according to the user's confirmation of the finishing of the clothes.

However, there is room for improvement in additional drying control.

The present disclosure provides a control method for a washing machine that appropriately performs additional drying of laundry. More specifically, the present invention provides a washing machine control method for appropriately performing additional drying of laundry based on the manner in which the washing machine is normally used.

A control method according to the present disclosure is a control method for controlling a washing machine having a function of drying laundry, in which log information of the washing machine is obtained, and washing is performed by the washing machine based on the obtained log information. obtain a statistical value of the time from the end of the first run of drying the first laundry washed by the washing machine until the first laundry is taken out, and dry the second laundry washed by the washing machine; A notification indicating that the second run has ended has been received, and the time indicated by the statistic has elapsed since the second run has ended and the second load has not been removed from the washing machine. In this case, the control method controls the washing machine to perform a third operation for further drying the second laundry.

According to the above aspect, the washing machine uses the statistical value of the time until the laundry is taken out by the user, which is obtained from the log information, to control whether or not to further dry the once-dried laundry. do. The statistical value of the time until the laundry is taken out by the user, which is obtained from the log information, reflects the time until the laundry is taken out by the user in normal use of the washing machine by the user. Therefore, the washing machine can appropriately control the additional drying operation of the laundry at the timing that reflects the mode of normal use of the washing machine by the user. Thus, the control method described above can appropriately perform additional drying of the laundry.

Further, the washing machine has a function of performing a fourth operation in which the washing machine further dries the first laundry due to an operation by a user after the first operation is completed, and the third operation is performed. further, based on the log information, determining whether the ratio of the number of times the fourth operation is performed to the number of times the first operation is performed is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio; The control for performing the third operation may be performed when it is determined that the ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio.

According to the above aspect, the washing machine causes the laundry to be additionally dried when the laundry is relatively frequently dried due to the user's operation during normal use of the washing machine by the user. Therefore, the above control method can perform additional drying of the laundry more appropriately according to the rate at which the laundry is dried by the user's operation.

Further, when it is determined that the ratio is less than the predetermined ratio, the washing machine is controlled to perform a wrinkle prevention operation for preventing the laundry from wrinkling after the second operation is completed. may

According to the above aspect, the washing machine causes the laundry to be wrinkle-preventing operation when the laundry is relatively rarely dried due to the operation by the user during normal use of the washing machine by the user. In the above case, since the user may not like the additional drying, it is possible to limit the additional drying, and to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in the laundry by the wrinkle prevention operation. . Therefore, the above control method can appropriately prevent wrinkles of the laundry in addition to the additional drying of the laundry.

Further, when performing the control to cause the third operation, it is further determined whether the statistical value is less than the threshold value, and if it is determined that the statistical value is less than the threshold value, the The above-mentioned control may be performed to cause three operations.

According to the above aspect, when the time until the laundry is taken out in the user's normal use of the washing machine is relatively short, the washing machine performs the washing at the timing reflecting the user's normal use of the washing machine. Run the additional drying operation. In the above case, the need for the additional drying operation is low when the laundry is removed within a relatively short time, while the need for the additional drying operation is low when the laundry is not removed within a relatively short time. is high. Therefore, it is useful to perform the additional drying operation at a timing that reflects how the user usually uses the washing machine. Therefore, the above control method can perform additional drying of the laundry more appropriately.

Further, control is performed to cause the washing machine to perform a wrinkle prevention operation for preventing the laundry from wrinkling during the period from the end of the second operation to the elapse of the time indicated by the statistical value. You may

According to the above aspect, the washing machine performs the laundry wrinkle prevention operation before the laundry additional drying operation when the time until the laundry is taken out in the normal use of the washing machine by the user is relatively short. Let In the above case, the laundry may be taken out before the additional drying operation, in which case there is an advantage that the additional drying operation is not required. Therefore, the above control method can perform additional drying of the laundry more appropriately.

Further, when the statistical value is equal to or greater than a threshold value, regardless of whether or not the time indicated by the statistical value has elapsed since the second operation was completed, the control to cause the third operation to be performed. You may

According to the above aspect, when the time until the laundry is taken out in the normal use of the washing machine by the user is relatively long, the washing machine is arranged to match the timing of taking out the laundry in the normal use of the washing machine by the user. Regardless, the additional drying operation of the laundry is made. This is because the need for the additional drying operation is high in the above case. Therefore, the above control method can perform additional drying of the laundry more appropriately.

Further, when the control for performing the third operation is performed, the terminal may be controlled to output an image or sound indicating that the control for performing the third operation is performed.

According to the above aspect, the terminal can easily inform the user that the washing machine has performed additional drying by means of an image or sound. Therefore, the above control method can properly perform additional drying of the laundry while notifying the user.

Furthermore, status information indicating the status of the washing machine when the second operation is performed is acquired, and the same status information as the status information when the second operation is performed is obtained from the log information of the washing machine. Log information related to the information may be extracted, and the statistical value of the time until the first laundry is removed may be obtained based only on the extracted log information.

According to the above aspect, the washing machine reflects the manner of use in the same situation as when the washing machine washes the second laundry in the user's usual use of the washing machine, Additional drying operations can be controlled. Therefore, the above control method can perform additional drying of the laundry more appropriately.

The status information may also include the amount of laundry or the weather or humidity at the location of the washing machine.

According to the above aspect, the washing machine, among the user's usual use of the washing machine, the amount of laundry when the washing machine washes the second laundry, or the weather or humidity at the location of the washing machine, Extra drying operations for the laundry can be controlled to reflect the same amount of laundry or the usage pattern of the washing machine location in terms of weather or humidity. Therefore, the above control method can perform additional drying of the laundry more easily and more appropriately.

A control device according to the present disclosure is a control device that controls a washing machine having a function of drying laundry, and includes a processor and a memory, and the processor uses the memory to control the washing machine. Log information is acquired, and based on the acquired log information, the time from the end of the first operation for drying the first laundry washed by the washing machine to the removal of the first laundry obtaining statistics; receiving a notification indicating that a second run of drying a second load of laundry washed by the washing machine has ended; A control device for controlling the washing machine to perform a third operation for further drying the second laundry when the time indicated by the statistical value has elapsed without taking out the laundry from the washing machine.

According to the above aspect, the same effects as those of the above control method can be obtained.

A program according to the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to execute the control method described above.

According to the above aspect, the same effects as those of the above control method can be obtained.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and redundant descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary verbosity in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

It is noted that the inventor(s) provide the accompanying drawings and the following description in order for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, which are intended to limit the claimed subject matter. not something to do.

(Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a washing machine control method and a control device for appropriately performing additional drying of laundry will be described.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of a control system 1 for a washing machine 20 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1 , control system 1 includes server 10 , washing machine 20 , and terminal 30 . Server 10, washing machine 20, and terminal 30 are connected via network N so as to be able to communicate with each other.

Network N may include any network such as a mobile phone carrier communication network, an Internet service provider's network or the Internet.

Server 10 is a control device that controls washing machine 20 . Server 10 controls washing machine 20 by transmitting control information through network N. FIG. The server 10 controls the additional drying or anti-wrinkle operation of the washing machine 20 .

The washing machine 20 is a washing machine having a function of washing laundry in a washing tub and drying the washed laundry. The washing machine 20 is, for example, a drum-type washing machine. Washing machine 20 also includes a processor (for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)), a memory, and a communication interface (not shown). The washing machine 20 is operated by a processor executing a program using a memory. Washing machine 20 operates in accordance with control instructions received from server 10 via network N and a communication interface.

The operation of the washing machine 20 includes at least a washing operation, a drying operation, and a wrinkle prevention operation.

The washing operation is an operation for washing the laundry placed in the washing tub of washing machine 20 . The washing operation is to remove the water and detergent by rinsing and spin-drying after washing the laundry (that is, putting water and detergent into the washing tub containing the laundry and stirring it). Each of washing, rinsing and dehydration in the above is also referred to as operation.

The drying operation is an operation for drying the laundry put in the washing tub of the washing machine 20 and washed by the washing operation. The drying operation is, for example, rotating the washing tub while applying warm air to the laundry in the washing tub over a predetermined period of time. The drying operation is also referred to as drying operation.

The washing machine 20 performs a drying operation (also referred to as an additional drying operation) for further drying the laundry dried by the drying operation. The washing machine 20 can perform the additional drying operation based on the operation by the user U, and when receiving control information for performing the additional drying operation from the server 10, the washing machine 20 can perform the additional drying operation according to the received control information. can be done.

The anti-wrinkle operation is an operation for preventing the laundry from wrinkling after washing and drying, or for maintaining the softness of the laundry. The anti-wrinkle operation is, for example, rotating the washing tub once every several minutes. The anti-wrinkle operation is generally called "fluffy keep" or the like. The washing machine 20 can perform the wrinkle prevention operation based on the operation by the user U, and when receiving control information for performing the wrinkle prevention operation from the server 10, the washing machine 20 performs the wrinkle prevention operation according to the received control information. can do. The anti-wrinkle operation is also referred to as an anti-wrinkle operation.

Washing machine 20 accumulates a log (also referred to as log information) indicating a history of operations or actions performed, and transmits the log to server 10 . The log may be sent each time the washing machine 20 is operated or operated, or may be sent at predetermined time intervals (for example, several minutes, several tens of minutes, or several hours).

Terminal 30 is an information terminal owned by user U of washing machine 20 . The terminal 30 includes a processor (for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)), a memory, a communication interface, a user interface device (an operation reception unit, a display screen and a speaker), and the like. The terminal 30 is, for example, a smart phone, a tablet, or a personal computer.

The terminal 30 presents the user U with information regarding the operation of the washing machine 20 . Specifically, the terminal 30 displays the information as an image on the display screen, or outputs the information as a sound through a speaker.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the server 10 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the server 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a user management unit 12, and a control unit 13 as functional units. The functional units of the server 10 can be implemented by a processor (eg, CPU) (not shown) of the server 10 executing a predetermined program using a memory (not shown).

Acquisition unit 11 is a functional unit that acquires information about washing machine 20 via network N and a communication interface. Acquisition unit 11 acquires the log transmitted by washing machine 20 and provides the acquired log to user management unit 12 .

The user management unit 12 is a functional unit that uses the log acquired by the acquisition unit 11 to manage information about users. The user management unit 12 manages trends in the amount of time it takes for the user U of the washing machine 20 to take out the laundry after the drying operation ends. Specifically, the user management unit 12 manages whether the time it takes for the user U of the washing machine 20 to take out the laundry after the drying operation is finished is relatively short or relatively long. In other words, the user management unit 12 determines whether the user U of the washing machine 20 tends to take out the laundry in a relatively short time after the drying operation ends, or does not take out the laundry in a relatively short time and takes a relatively long time. Control whether it tends to be taken out after the passage of time.

The user management unit 12 acquires the time when the user U of the washing machine 20 takes out the laundry as the time when the power of the washing machine 20 is turned off by the user U's operation. In general, after the drying operation, the washing machine 20 performs the wrinkle prevention operation with the power turned on and the door of the washing tub locked. When the user U takes out the laundry from the washing machine 20 , the power is turned off by an operation, and then the laundry is taken out from the washing machine 20 . Therefore, it is estimated that the time when the power of the washing machine 20 is turned off by the operation by the user U is almost the same as the time when the user U of the washing machine 20 takes out the laundry.

Based on the log acquired by the acquiring unit 11, the user management unit 12 determines whether the drying operation (corresponding to the first operation) for drying the laundry (corresponding to the first laundry) washed by the washing machine 20 has ended. , a statistical value of the time until the washing machine 20 is turned off is obtained. The statistical value is, for example, the average value or median value of the time. The above statistic is also called normal retrieval time.

The control unit 13 is a functional unit that controls operation of the washing machine 20 . The control unit 13 controls the washing machine 20 to perform the additional drying operation or the wrinkle prevention operation through the network N and the communication interface. Further, the control unit 13 controls presentation of information by the terminal 30 .

The control unit 13 sends a notification indicating that the drying operation (equivalent to the second operation) for drying the laundry (equivalent to the second laundry) washed by the washing machine 20 is completed through the network N via the communication interface. to receive. When receiving the notification, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the washing machine 20 is to perform the drying operation (corresponding to the third operation) for further drying the second laundry, and determines to perform the third operation. If so, it transmits control information for causing the third operation to the washing machine 20 . After the second operation of the washing machine 20 is completed, the control unit 13 determines to perform the third operation when the normal removal time elapses without the second laundry being removed from the washing machine 20. - 特許庁

Note that the control unit 13 acquires status information indicating the status of the washing machine 20 when the second operation was performed, and sets the same status information as the status information when the second operation was performed in the log of the washing machine 20. Such log information may be extracted, and the normal take-out time until the first laundry is taken out by the user U may be obtained based only on the extracted log. Here, the status information may include, for example, the amount of laundry, or the weather or humidity at the washing machine 20 location. The weather or humidity at the location of washing machine 20 can be obtained by communication from a server that holds weather information (for example, a server that holds weather forecast information). Also, the humidity at the location of washing machine 20 can be sensed by a humidity sensor if washing machine 20 is equipped with a humidity sensor.

Based on the log of the washing machine 20, the control unit 13 also determines whether or not the ratio of the number of times the fourth operation is performed to the number of times the first operation is performed is equal to or greater than a predetermined percentage, and the ratio reaches the predetermined percentage. In the case where it is determined that the above is the case, when the normal removal time has passed without the second laundry being removed from the washing machine 20, the third operation may be controlled. Here, the fourth operation is an operation in which the washing machine 20 further dries the first laundry due to an operation by the user U after the first operation ends. The predetermined ratio can be, for example, approximately 80% to 90%.

In that case, when the control unit 13 determines that the ratio is less than the predetermined ratio, the control unit 13 may control the washing machine 20 to perform the wrinkle prevention operation after the second operation ends.

The control unit 13 also determines whether or not the normal removal time is less than the threshold. Control may be performed to perform the third operation when the normal removal time has elapsed.

In that case, the washing machine 20 may be controlled to perform the wrinkle prevention operation after the second operation is completed and before the normal removal time elapses.

On the other hand, when the normal removal time is equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit 13 may perform control to cause the third operation regardless of whether or not the normal removal time has elapsed since the end of the second operation. .

Further, the control unit 13 controls presentation of information. Under the control of the server 10, the terminal 30 (a) after the server 10 has decided to perform the additional drying operation, before the washing machine 20 performs the additional drying operation, and (b) when the washing machine 20 performs the additional drying operation. Control the presentation of information after initiation, or (c) when washing machine 20 is performing continuous wash and dry operations. In the case of (b), more specifically, when the control to perform the third operation is performed, the terminal 30 transmits information (specifically, an image or sound) indicating that the control to perform the third operation has been performed. You may control output. The image is output by displaying the image on the display screen of the terminal 30 . Audio is output by causing a speaker provided in the terminal 30 to output the audio.

Information used by the control system 1 to control the washing machine 20 will be described below.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a log of washing machine 20 in this embodiment.

The log is information generated and transmitted by washing machine 20 and acquired by acquisition unit 11 of server 10 . The log indicates the history of operations performed by washing machine 20 or state changes of washing machine 20 . One entry (one line) included in the log corresponds to one operation or state change performed by washing machine 20 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the log of the washing machine 20 includes the device ID, date and time, power status, course, operation, and amount of laundry.

The device ID indicates the identifier of the washing machine 20 that performed the operation or state change related to the entry. The device ID is information that can uniquely identify washing machine 20, and can include one or more numbers, letters, symbols, or the like. The device ID is the same in the following.

The date and time indicates the date and time when washing machine 20 performed the operation or state change related to the entry. The date and time indicates the date and time in a year-month-day format and an hour-minute-second format, such as "January 18, 2020, 9:20:30". The date and time will be shown in the same format hereinafter.

The power state indicates the power state of washing machine 20 (that is, whether the power is off or on) when there is an operation or state change related to the entry. If the entry indicates a state change, the power state indicates the power state after the state change.

The course indicates the operation course of the washing machine when the operation or state change related to the entry is performed. An operation course is a concept that indicates one or more operations that washing machine 20 performs continuously. For example, the “automatic (washing/drying)” operation course is a course in which the washing machine 20 continuously performs the washing operation and the drying operation. etc.) is decided by the washing machine 20 (in other words, the user U does not decide). The “automatic (drying)” operation course is a course in which the washing machine 20 performs the drying operation, and is a course in which the washing machine 20 determines the details of the operations included in the drying operation.

The action indicates the action related to the entry.

The amount of laundry is an index indicating the amount of laundry in the washing tub of washing machine 20 when washing machine 20 executes the operation related to the entry.

The series of logs shown in FIG. 3 indicates that the washing machine 20 has executed the “automatic (washing and drying)” operation course, that is, the washing operation and the drying operation have been continuously executed (#1 to #6 in FIG. 3). After that, the power of washing machine 20 was turned off by user U (#7 in FIG. 3), and thereafter washing machine 20 performed a drying operation due to an operation by user U (#8 to #9 in FIG. 3). ) is an example of a log when

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing additional drying information according to the present embodiment. The additional drying information indicates the history of the drying operation performed by the washing machine 20 due to the user U's operation. One entry (one line) included in the additional drying information corresponds to one drying operation executed by washing machine 20 due to user U's operation.

The additional drying information is information generated and updated by the user management unit 12 with reference to the log acquired by the acquisition unit 11 .

As shown in FIG. 4, the additional drying information includes the device ID, date and time, course, amount of laundry, operating time, amount of additional drying laundry, and additional drying time.

The device ID indicates the identifier of the washing machine 20 that performed one drying operation related to the entry.

The date and time indicates the date and time when the course performed before one drying operation related to the entry was executed. The above course can also be said to be the course executed earlier for the laundry in the washing tub when the drying operation is performed.

A course indicates a course performed before one drying operation related to the entry.

The amount of laundry is an index indicating the amount of laundry in the washing tub of washing machine 20 when the course performed before one drying operation related to the entry is executed.

The operation time indicates the time required for the course performed before one drying operation related to the entry.

The amount of laundry to be additionally dried is an index indicating the amount of laundry in the washing tub of the washing machine 20 during one drying operation related to the entry.

The additional drying time indicates the time required for one drying operation related to the entry.

The user management unit 12 finds in the log (see FIG. 3) the history of the washing operation and the drying operation that have been continuously performed, and after the drying operation, the power is turned off by the operation of the user U. The drying operation (#8 to #9 in FIG. 3) can be determined as the additional drying operation. Then, the user management unit 12 acquires the amount of cloth related to the additional drying operation as the amount of additional drying cloth, and also sets the duration of the additional drying operation (that is, the time from the start of drying to the end of drying) as the additional drying time. to get as

Entry #2 included in the additional drying information shown in FIG. It corresponds to extra drying with an amount of 3 and an extra drying time of 50 minutes.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of fetched information in this embodiment. FIG. 5 shows, as an example of the removal information, the removal time, which is the time from the end of the drying operation until the user U removes the dried laundry from the washing tub. One entry (one line) included in the take-out information indicates the take-out time for one drying run.

The fetched information is information generated and updated by the user management unit 12 with reference to the log acquired by the acquisition unit 11 .

As shown in FIG. 5, the removal information includes a device ID, operation start date and time, operation end date and time, power off date and time, and removal time.

The device ID indicates the identifier of the washing machine 20 that has performed one drying operation related to the entry.

The operation start date and time indicates the start date and time of one drying operation related to the entry. The operation start date and time may be the start date and time of the course including one drying operation for the entry.

The operation end date and time indicates the end date and time of one drying operation related to the entry.

The power-off date and time indicates to the user U the date and time when the washing machine 20 was powered off after one drying operation related to the entry was completed.

The take-out time indicates the time from the end of one drying operation for the entry until the user U takes out the laundry. The removal time is calculated as the elapsed time from the operation end date and time to the power off date and time.

Note that the takeout information is not limited to the takeout time shown in FIG. Another aspect of retrieval information will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of fetched information in this embodiment. The extraction information shown in FIG. 6 indicates the tendency of the extraction time for each device, more specifically, the tendency of length of the extraction time.

One entry (one line) shown in FIG. 6 indicates the trend of unloading time for one washing machine 20 .

As shown in FIG. 6, the takeout information includes the device ID and the takeout time trend.

The device ID is a device ID that indicates the washing machine 20 corresponding to the entry.

The takeout time trend indicates the takeout time trend for the washing machine 20 corresponding to the entry. The take-out time trend can be expressed as, for example, "relatively short" or "relatively long." In this case, the long or short threshold can be, for example, about 20 to 30 minutes.

The tendency of the removal times can be obtained by aggregating the removal times shown in FIG. 5 for each washing machine 20, calculating a statistical value, and comparing the statistical value with a predetermined threshold value.

Images displayed by the terminal 30 under the control of the server 10 will be described below.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of an image displayed by terminal 30 according to the present embodiment.

The image shown in FIG. 7 asks the user U whether or not to perform the additional drying operation after the server 10 (control unit 13) determines to perform the additional drying operation and before the washing machine 20 performs the additional drying operation. contains a message. The message is, for example, "Do you want to start additional drying?", but is not limited to this.

The image shown in FIG. 7 also includes a button for receiving user U's response to the above question. The buttons are, for example, a button that receives a positive response (specifically a button that says "yes") and a button that receives a negative response (specifically a button that says "no"). ), including but not limited to.

When the user U operates a button for receiving an affirmative response, the terminal 30 transmits information indicating the response to the server 10 . The server 10 receives the response and executes the previously determined additional drying operation. On the other hand, when the user U operates a button for receiving a negative response, the terminal 30 transmits information indicating the response to the server 10 . The server 10 receives the response and cancels the execution of the previously determined additional drying operation.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of an image displayed by terminal 30 according to the present embodiment.

The image shown in FIG. 8 includes a message informing the user U that the additional drying operation has started after the washing machine 20 has started the additional drying operation under the control of the server 10 (control unit 13). The message is, for example, the message "Additional drying for 30 minutes has started", but is not limited to this.

The image shown in FIG. 8 also includes a button for receiving user U's response to the above message. The buttons include, for example, a button for receiving an affirmative response (specifically, a button labeled "OK") and a button for receiving a response to change the content of driving (specifically, a button labeled "Change"). button) and is not limited to.

When the user U operates a button for receiving an affirmative response, the terminal 30 transmits information indicating the response to the server 10 . The server 10 receives the response and continues execution of the additional drying operation. On the other hand, when the user U operates a button that receives a response to change the content of driving, the terminal 30 displays an image (not shown) for changing the specific content of driving. A change in the content of the operation may include, for example, canceling the additional drying operation or changing the time of the additional drying operation. The terminal 30 transmits to the server 10 information indicating the details of driving after the change. The server 10 changes the execution of the previously determined additional drying operation according to the content of the operation after the change.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a third example of an image displayed by the terminal according to this embodiment.

The image shown in FIG. 9 is an image obtained by adding to the image shown in FIG. 8 an electricity charge expected to be required for the additional drying operation (also referred to as "estimated electricity charge").

The electricity charge can be calculated by multiplying the electricity consumption of the washing machine 20 required for the additional drying operation by the electricity charge per unit of electricity. The buttons shown in FIG. 9 are the same as those described in FIG.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth example of an image displayed by terminal 30 according to the present embodiment.

The image shown in FIG. 10 includes the remaining time of the drying operation (for example, "30 minutes") when the washing machine 20 is continuously performing the washing operation and the drying operation. It can also be said that the remaining time of the drying operation is the time until the start of the additional drying operation.

Further, the image shown in FIG. 10 is a button for receiving from the user U the setting for the additional drying operation scheduled after the drying operation being executed (specifically, "additional drying setting" is described. buttons), including but not limited to:

When the button is operated by the user U, the terminal 30 displays an image (not shown) for setting a specific additional drying operation. Setting the additional drying operation may include, for example, stopping the additional drying operation or setting the time for the additional drying operation. The terminal 30 transmits to the server 10 information indicating the details of driving after setting. The server 10 changes the execution of the additional drying operation according to the contents of the operation after setting.

Processing of the control system 1 configured as above will be described.

First, log and information update processing executed by the server 10 will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the first processing of server 10 in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11 , in step S<b>101 , acquisition unit 11 determines whether or not a new log has been acquired from washing machine 20 . If it is determined that a new log has been acquired (Yes in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102; otherwise (No in step S101), step S101 is executed again. In other words, the acquiring unit 11 waits in step S101 until acquiring a new log.

In step S102, the user management unit 12 updates the additional drying information (see FIG. 4) based on the log acquired in step S101.

In step S103, the user management unit 12 updates the extraction information (see FIG. 5) based on the log acquired in step S101. After completing step S103, the process proceeds to step S101.

Through the series of processes shown in FIG. 11, the server 10 repeatedly acquires the log of the washing machine 20, and acquires and updates additional drying information and removal information each time the log is acquired.

Next, a process of controlling washing machine 20 and terminal 30 by server 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the second processing of server 10 in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12 , in step S<b>201 , control unit 13 determines whether or not it has received from washing machine 20 a notification that the second operation has ended (also referred to as a drying end notification). If it is determined that the drying end notification has been received (Yes in step S201), the process proceeds to step S202, otherwise (No in step S201), step S201 is executed again. That is, the control unit 13 waits in step S201 until receiving the drying end notification.

In step S202, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the ratio of additional drying performed in the operation included in the log of the washing machine 20 that sent the notification received in step S201 is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio. If it is determined that the additional drying rate is equal to or higher than the predetermined rate (Yes in step S202), the process proceeds to step S203, otherwise (No in step S202), the process proceeds to step S211.

In step S203, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the normal removal time for the washing machine 20 that transmitted the notification received in step S201 is less than the threshold. If it is determined that the normal extraction time is less than the threshold (Yes in step S203), the process proceeds to step S204, otherwise (No in step S203), the process proceeds to step S221.

Note that when the tendency of the take-out time (see FIG. 6) is used as the take-out information, when the take-out time trend is "relatively short", it is determined in step S203 that the normal take-out time is less than the threshold ( Yes in step S203), and the time when the takeout time tends to be "relatively long" corresponds to when it is determined in step S203 that the normal takeout time is not less than the threshold (No in step S203).

In step S<b>204 , the control unit 13 executes control processing for causing the washing machine 20 to operate for additional drying or wrinkle prevention. Detailed processing included in step S204 will be described in detail later.

In step S<b>205 , control unit 13 determines whether or not a notification that washing machine 20 has been turned off by user U (also referred to as a power-off notification) has been received from washing machine 20 . If it is determined that the power-off notification has been received (Yes in step S205), the process proceeds to step S206. Otherwise (No in step S205), step S205 is executed again. In other words, control unit 13 waits in step S<b>205 until receiving a power-off notification from washing machine 20 .

In step S206, the control unit 13 notifies the terminal 30. This notification includes a notification that the washing machine 20 has been powered off.

In step S<b>211 , the control unit 13 generates a wrinkle prevention operation start command and transmits the generated start command to the washing machine 20 .

In step S212, the control unit 13 notifies the terminal 30. This notification includes a notification that washing machine 20 has started the anti-wrinkle operation. After executing step S212, the process proceeds to step S205.

In step S<b>221 , control unit 13 determines whether or not a power-off notification has been received from washing machine 20 . If it is determined that the power-off notification has been received (Yes in step S221), the process proceeds to step S206; otherwise (No in step S221), the process proceeds to step S222.

In step S<b>222 , control unit 13 generates an additional drying start command and transmits the generated start command to washing machine 20 .

In step S223, the control unit 13 notifies the terminal 30. This notification includes notification that washing machine 20 has started the additional drying operation. After executing step S223, the process proceeds to step S205.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing control processing for additional drying or wrinkle prevention of server 10 in the present embodiment. The processing shown in FIG. 13 is detailed processing included in step S204 of FIG.

In step S<b>301 , control unit 13 determines whether or not a power-off notification has been received from washing machine 20 . If it is determined that the power-off notification has been received (Yes in step S301), the process proceeds to step S306; otherwise (No in step S301), the process proceeds to step S302.

In step S<b>302 , the control unit 13 generates a wrinkle prevention operation start command and transmits the generated start command to the washing machine 20 .

In step S<b>303 , control unit 13 determines whether or not a power-off notification has been received from washing machine 20 . If it is determined that the power-off notification has been received (Yes in step S303), the process proceeds to step S306; otherwise (No in step S303), the process proceeds to step S304.

In step S304, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the normal removal time has elapsed after receiving the drying end notification (step S201). If it is determined that the normal removal time has elapsed after receiving the drying end notification (Yes in step S304), the process proceeds to step S305, otherwise (No in step S304), the process proceeds to step S303.

When the trend of the take-out time (see FIG. 6) is used as the take-out information, the normal take-out time is a predetermined value of a relatively short take-out time (for example, 15 minutes) when the take-out time trend is "relatively short." ) is used, and a predetermined value for a relatively long withdrawal time (eg, 2 hours) can be used when the withdrawal time trend is "longer".

In step S<b>305 , the control unit 13 generates an additional drying operation start command and transmits the generated start command to the washing machine 20 .

In step S<b>306 , the control unit 13 notifies the terminal 30 . The above notification includes a notification that the washing machine 20 has been powered off when the step S306 is executed based on the determination result of step S301 or S303 being Yes. Further, the notification includes a notification that additional drying has started when step S306 is executed after step S305 is executed.

12 and 13, the server 10 causes the washing machine 20 to appropriately perform additional drying or wrinkle prevention operation as follows, based on the manner in which the washing machine 20 is normally used by the user U. can be executed.

(1) For a user who relatively often performs additional drying in normal use and when the normal removal time is relatively short, the wrinkle prevention operation is performed after the second operation is completed, and then the additional drying operation is performed. conduct.

(2) If the user frequently performs additional drying in normal use and the normal take-out time is relatively long, the additional drying operation is performed after the second operation is completed.

(3) If the user relatively seldom performs additional drying in normal use, the wrinkle prevention operation is performed without performing the additional drying operation after the end of the second operation.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram showing processing of washing machine 20 in the present embodiment.

In step S401, washing machine 20 determines whether or not a command has been received from server 10 (control unit 13). If it is determined that an instruction has been received (Yes in step S401), the process proceeds to step S402, otherwise (No in step S401), step S401 is executed again. That is, washing machine 20 waits in step S401 until it receives a command from server 10 .

In step S402, washing machine 20 determines whether or not the command received in step S401 includes a command to start additional drying. If it is determined that the command includes an additional drying start command (Yes in step S402), the process proceeds to step S403, otherwise (No in step S402), the process proceeds to step S405.

In step S403, washing machine 20 performs an additional drying operation.

In step S404, washing machine 20 performs wrinkle prevention operation. When execution of the wrinkle prevention operation ends, the series of processes shown in FIG. 15 ends.

In step S405, washing machine 20 determines whether or not the command received in step S401 includes a wrinkle prevention start command. If it is determined that the command includes a wrinkle prevention start command (Yes in step S405), the process proceeds to step S404, otherwise (No in step S405), the series of processes shown in FIG. 14 is terminated. do.

By the series of processes shown in FIG. 14, the washing machine 20 performs a drying or wrinkle prevention operation under the control of the server 10. FIG.

(Modification of Embodiment)
In this modified example, another form of the washing machine control method for appropriately performing additional drying of laundry will be described.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processing of the server 10 in the modified example of this embodiment.

In step S1, the server 10 acquires log information of the washing machine.

In step S2, based on the log information acquired in step S1, the server 10 determines the time from the end of the first operation for drying the first laundry washed by the washing machine until the first laundry is taken out. Get the normal fetch time, which is a time statistic.

At step S3, the server 10 receives a notification indicating that the second operation of drying the second laundry washed by the washing machine has ended.

In steps S4 and S5, the server 10 further dries the second laundry when the normal removal time has passed without the second laundry being removed from the washing machine after the second operation is finished. Control the third operation to the washing machine.

By the series of processes shown in FIG. 15, the server 10 can appropriately perform additional drying of the laundry by the washing machine.

As described above, according to the control methods of the above embodiments and modifications, the washing machine uses the statistical value of the time until the laundry is taken out by the user, which is obtained from the log information. control whether or not to further dry the washed laundry. The statistical value of the time until the laundry is taken out by the user, which is obtained from the log information, reflects the time until the laundry is taken out by the user in normal use of the washing machine by the user. Therefore, the washing machine can appropriately control the additional drying operation of the laundry at a timing that reflects the mode of normal use of the washing machine by the user. Thus, the control method described above can appropriately perform additional drying of the laundry.

In addition, the washing machine causes the laundry to be additionally dried when the laundry is relatively frequently dried due to the user's operation during normal use of the washing machine by the user. Therefore, the above control method can perform additional drying of the laundry more appropriately according to the rate at which the laundry is dried by the user's operation.

In addition, the washing machine performs the wrinkle prevention operation for the laundry when the laundry is relatively rarely dried due to the user's operation during normal use of the washing machine by the user. In the above case, since the user may not like the additional drying, it is possible to limit the additional drying, and to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in the laundry by the wrinkle prevention operation. . Therefore, the above control method can appropriately prevent wrinkles of the laundry in addition to the additional drying of the laundry.

Further, when the time until the laundry is taken out in the normal use of the washing machine by the user is relatively short, the washing machine performs additional drying of the laundry at the timing reflecting the mode of normal use of the washing machine by the user. let me drive In the above case, the need for the additional drying operation is low when the laundry is removed within a relatively short time, while the need for the additional drying operation is low when the laundry is not removed within a relatively short time. is high. Therefore, it is useful to perform the additional drying operation at a timing that reflects how the user usually uses the washing machine. Therefore, the above control method can perform additional drying of the laundry more appropriately.

In addition, when the time until the laundry is taken out in the user's normal use of the washing machine is relatively short, the washing machine performs the laundry wrinkle prevention operation before the laundry additional drying operation. In the above case, the laundry may be taken out before the additional drying operation, in which case there is an advantage that the additional drying operation is not required. Therefore, the above control method can perform additional drying of the laundry more appropriately.

In addition, when the time until the laundry is taken out in the user's normal use of the washing machine is relatively long, the washing machine does not wash the laundry regardless of the time when the user takes out the laundry in the normal use of the washing machine. Run the additional drying operation. This is because the need for the additional drying operation is high in the above case. Therefore, the above control method can perform additional drying of the laundry more appropriately.

In addition, the terminal can easily inform the user that the washing machine has performed additional drying by means of an image or sound. Therefore, the above control method can properly perform additional drying of the laundry while notifying the user.

In addition, the washing machine performs the additional drying operation of the laundry reflecting the usage mode in the same situation as when the washing machine washed the second laundry in the user's usual use of the washing machine. can be controlled. Therefore, the above control method can perform additional drying of the laundry more appropriately.

In addition, the washing machine is used for the user's usual use of the washing machine, the amount of laundry when the washing machine washes the second laundry, or the weather or humidity at the location of the washing machine, and the amount of the same laundry. Additional drying operations for the laundry can be controlled to reflect the amount, or usage aspect of the washing machine's local weather or humidity. Therefore, the above control method can perform additional drying of the laundry more easily and more appropriately.

As described above, the embodiment has been described as an example of the technique of the present disclosure. To that end, the accompanying drawings and detailed description have been provided.

Therefore, among the components described in the attached drawings and detailed description, there are not only components essential for solving the problem, but also components not essential for solving the problem in order to exemplify the above implementation. can also be included. Therefore, it should not be immediately recognized that those non-essential components are essential just because they are described in the attached drawings and detailed description.

In addition, the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present disclosure is applicable to control devices that control the operation or operation of washing machines.

1 Control System 10 Server 11 Acquisition Unit 12 User Management Unit 13 Control Unit 20 Washing Machine 30 Terminal N Network U User

Claims (11)

A control method for controlling a washing machine having a function of drying laundry,
Acquiring log information of the washing machine,
Based on the acquired log information, acquire a statistical value of the time from the end of the first operation for drying the first laundry washed by the washing machine until the first laundry is taken out,
receiving a notification indicating that the second operation for drying the second laundry washed by the washing machine has ended;
After the end of the second operation, if the time indicated by the statistical value has passed without the second laundry being removed from the washing machine, the second laundry is further dried. A control method for controlling the operation of the washing machine. The washing machine has a function of performing a fourth operation in which the washing machine further dries the first laundry due to an operation by a user after the first operation is completed,
When performing the control to cause the third operation,
Furthermore, based on the log information, determining whether the ratio of the number of times the fourth operation is performed to the number of times the first operation is performed is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio,
2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the control for performing the third operation is performed when it is determined that the ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio. When it is determined that the ratio is less than the predetermined ratio,
3. The control method according to claim 2, further comprising controlling the washing machine to perform a wrinkle prevention operation for preventing the laundry from wrinkling after the second operation is finished. When performing the control to cause the third operation,
Further, determining whether the statistical value is less than a threshold,
4. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising performing the control to perform the third operation when it is determined that the statistical value is less than the threshold value. After the end of the second operation until the time indicated by the statistical value elapses, the washing machine is controlled to perform a wrinkle prevention operation to prevent wrinkles from occurring in the laundry. Item 5. The control method according to item 4. Furthermore, when the statistical value is equal to or greater than a threshold, regardless of whether or not the time indicated by the statistical value has elapsed since the second operation was completed, the control to cause the third operation to be performed. Item 6. The control method according to any one of items 1 to 5. According to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the control for performing the third operation is performed, the terminal outputs an image or sound indicating that the control for performing the third operation is performed. Described control method. Furthermore, obtaining status information indicating the status of the washing machine when the second operation is performed,
extracting log information related to the same status information as the status information when the second operation is performed from the log information of the washing machine;
The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the statistical value of the time until the first laundry is taken out is obtained based only on the extracted log information. 9. The control method according to claim 8, wherein the status information includes the amount of laundry or the weather or humidity of the location of the washing machine. A control device for controlling a washing machine having a function of drying laundry,
comprising a processor and a memory,
The processor, using the memory,
Acquiring log information of the washing machine,
Based on the acquired log information, acquire a statistical value of the time from the end of the first operation for drying the first laundry washed by the washing machine until the first laundry is taken out,
receiving a notification indicating that the second operation for drying the second laundry washed by the washing machine has ended;
After the end of the second operation, if the time indicated by the statistical value has elapsed without the second laundry being removed from the washing machine, the second laundry is further dried. A control device for controlling operation of the washing machine. A program that causes a computer to execute the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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