JP2024066192A - Information processing system, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can improve convenience.
[Solution] An information processing system according to an embodiment is an information processing system for a refrigerator having a switchable compartment in which the setting of a temperature zone can be changed. The information processing system includes an operation receiving unit and a display control unit. The operation receiving unit receives a user's operation on a display screen. When a display related to the temperature zone is displayed on the display screen and a change operation by the user to change the temperature zone is received by the operation receiving unit, the display control unit changes the display displayed on the display screen according to the change content of the temperature zone and changes the background color displayed on the display screen.
[Selection] Figure 15

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program.

Refrigerators are known that have a selectable compartment where the temperature zone can be changed. However, information processing systems related to refrigerators are expected to become even more convenient.

JP 2008-134034 A

The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program that can improve convenience.

The information processing system of the embodiment is an information processing system for a refrigerator having a switchable compartment in which the setting of the temperature zone can be changed. The information processing system includes an operation receiving unit and a display control unit. The operation receiving unit receives a user's operation on a display screen. When a display related to the temperature zone is displayed on the display screen and a change operation by the user to change the temperature zone is received by the operation receiving unit, the display control unit changes the display displayed on the display screen according to the change content of the temperature zone and changes the background color displayed on the display screen.

1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a home appliance management system according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a front view showing the refrigerator according to the embodiment. A cross-sectional view taken along line F3-F3 of the refrigerator shown in Figure 2. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a region surrounded by line F4 shown in FIG. 3 . FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a heating device according to an embodiment. A cross-sectional view taken along line F6-F6 of the refrigerator shown in Figure 4. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a storage chamber of the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a cool air supply unit according to a modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to a control device according to the embodiment. 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining control related to the heat treatment according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a control flow regarding a heat treatment according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating control regarding switching of the temperature setting of the selectable compartment and suppression of condensation in the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a device management server according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an operation screen for changing the temperature zone of the switchable compartment in the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a basic screen related to a refrigerator according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a special function setting screen of the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a special function addition screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a special function purchase screen according to the embodiment.

The refrigerator, information processing system, information processing method, and program according to the embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same or similar functions. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted. In this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and may include a case where it is based on another element in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to the case where XX is directly used, but may also include a case where it is based on XX that has been calculated or processed. In this application, "XX or YY" is not limited to either XX or YY, but may include both XX and YY. This also applies to the case where there are three or more selective elements. XX and YY are any element (for example, any information).

In this application, "acquire" is not limited to actively acquiring by sending a transmission request, but may also include acquiring by passively receiving information transmitted from another device. "Acquire" may also include acquiring desired information by performing calculations or processing on information obtained from the outside to generate the desired information. In this application, the side closer to a user standing in front of the refrigerator as viewed from the refrigerator is defined as "front," and the side furthest from the refrigerator is defined as "rear." In this application, left and right are defined based on the direction in which a user standing in front of the refrigerator sees the refrigerator. In this application, "database" is abbreviated as "DB."

(Embodiment)
<1. Overall configuration of home appliance management system>
1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a home appliance management system 1 according to an embodiment. The home appliance management system 1 includes, for example, one or more refrigerators 100, an appliance management server 200, and a home appliance management application APP of a terminal device 300. The network NW described below may be, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a Low Power Wide Area (LPWA), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), or other public lines or dedicated lines, depending on the situation.

The refrigerator 100 is installed and used in the residence of the user U. The refrigerator 100 is connected to the network NW, for example, via a wireless router WR and a modem M installed in the residence of the user U. The refrigerator 100 can communicate with the device management server 200 via the network NW.

The device management server 200 is a management server that manages the refrigerator 100. For example, the device management server 200 manages the status and remote operation of the refrigerator 100. The device management server 200 is composed of one or more server devices (e.g., cloud servers). The device management server 200 can communicate with the refrigerator 100 and the terminal device 300 via the network NW. The device management server 200 may include an information processing unit that performs edge computing or fog computing, such as an information processing unit included in a router in the network NW. The device management server 200 is not limited to a cloud server, and may be a computer in the residence of the user U, or a home router (e.g., a wireless router WR).

The terminal device 300 is a computer used by the user U. The terminal device 300 is, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal device. However, the terminal device 300 is not limited to a mobile terminal device and may be a personal computer or the like. The terminal device 300 has, for example, a display device 301, an input device 302, and a communication unit 303. The display device 301 has a display screen 301a that can display various information. The input device 302 can accept input from the user U. The input device 302 is, for example, a touch panel that is provided on top of the display screen 301a of the display device 301. The input device 302 may include a camera, a microphone, and the like provided in the terminal device 300. The communication unit 303 is a communication module capable of wireless communication. The communication unit 303 is connected to the network NW. The communication unit 303 can communicate with the device management server 200 via the network NW.

An application program P is installed in the terminal device 300, and the functions described below are supported. The application program P is, for example, an application program for managing the refrigerator 100 (for example, managing the status and remote operation of the refrigerator 100). Hereinafter, the application software that is started by executing the application program P is referred to as the "home appliance management app APP."

The home appliance management app APP is an example of an "information processing system." Note that the "information processing system" referred to in this application is not limited to the above example, and may be realized, for example, by the refrigerator 100, by the device management server 200, or by two or more of the refrigerator 100, the device management server 200, and the home appliance management app APP. Each of the refrigerator 100, the device management server 200, and the terminal device 300 is an example of a "computer." The application program P is an example of a "program."

<2. Configuration of the refrigerator>
2.1 Housing and door
Next, the configuration of the refrigerator 100 will be described.
2 is a front view showing the refrigerator 100. The refrigerator 100 includes, for example, a housing 10 and a plurality of doors 20.

The housing 10 has an upper wall 10a, a lower wall 10b, left and right side walls 10c and 10d, and a rear wall 10e (see FIG. 3). The upper wall 10a and the lower wall 10b extend horizontally. The left and right side walls 10c and 10d rise upward from the left and right ends of the lower wall 10b and connect to the left and right ends of the upper wall 10a. The rear wall 10e rises upward from the rear end of the lower wall 10b and connects to the rear end of the upper wall 10a. The housing 10 contains a foam insulation material such as urethane foam and has thermal insulation properties.

A plurality of storage compartments 11 are provided inside the housing 10. The plurality of storage compartments 11 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 11A, a chilled compartment 11Aa, a vegetable compartment 11B, an ice-making compartment 11C, a switching compartment 11D, and a main freezer compartment 11E. The refrigerator compartment 11A is cooled, for example, to a refrigerator compartment temperature zone with an average temperature of about 2°C to 6°C. The chilled compartment 11Aa is cooled, for example, to a chilled compartment temperature zone with an average temperature of about -1°C to +1°C. The vegetable compartment 11B is cooled, for example, to a vegetable compartment temperature zone with an average temperature of about 3°C to 7°C. The ice-making compartment 11C and the main freezer compartment 11E are cooled, for example, to a freezer compartment temperature zone with an average temperature of about -20°C to -18°C.

The switchable compartment 11D is a storage compartment 11 with a changeable temperature zone setting. The switchable compartment 11D can be switched between, for example, a freezer temperature zone (average temperature of about -20°C to -18°C), a chilled temperature zone (average temperature of about -1°C to +1°C), a refrigerator temperature zone (average temperature of about 2°C to 6°C), a vegetable temperature zone (average temperature of about 3°C to 7°C), and a summer vegetable temperature zone (average temperature of about 9°C to 13°C). However, these temperature zones are merely examples. The switchable compartment 11D only needs to be able to switch between at least two temperature zones. The switchable compartment 11D may also be able to switch to a temperature zone other than those mentioned above (for example, a partial temperature zone with an average temperature of about -3°C).

In addition, from a certain point of view, the refrigerator 100 may have an upper freezer compartment 11D that is maintained in the freezer temperature zone instead of the switchable compartment 11D, and the upper freezer compartment 11D may have a heating function (e.g., a defrosting function) using a heating device 80 described below. In other words, the "switchable compartment 11D" in the following description may be appropriately read as the "upper freezer compartment 11D."

In this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 11A is located at the top, the vegetable compartment 11B is located below the refrigerator compartment 11A, the ice-making compartment 11C and the switchable compartment 11D are located below the vegetable compartment 11B, and the main freezer compartment 11E is located below the ice-making compartment 11C and the switchable compartment 11D. However, the arrangement of the storage compartments 11 is not limited to the above example. For example, the ice-making compartment 11C and the switchable compartment 11D may be located below the refrigerator compartment 11A, the vegetable compartment 11B may be located below the ice-making compartment 11C and the switchable compartment 11D, and the main freezer compartment 11E may be located below the vegetable compartment 11B. The housing 10 has an opening on the front side of each storage compartment 11 that allows food to be put in and taken out of each storage compartment 11.

The housing 10 has a first partition wall 15, a second partition wall 16, and a third partition wall 17 as partition walls that separate the multiple storage chambers 11 inside the housing 10 (see FIG. 3). Each of the first partition wall 15, the second partition wall 16, and the third partition wall 17 is a partition wall that is approximately horizontal. The first partition wall 15 is located between the refrigerator chamber 11A and the chilled chamber 11Aa and the vegetable chamber 11B, and separates the refrigerator chamber 11A and the chilled chamber 11Aa from the vegetable chamber 11B. The second partition wall 16 is located between the vegetable chamber 11B and the ice making chamber 11C and the switching chamber 11D, and separates the vegetable chamber 11B from the ice making chamber 11C and the switching chamber 11D. The third partition wall 17 is located between the ice making chamber 11C and the switching chamber 11D and the main freezer chamber 11E, and separates the ice making chamber 11C and the switching chamber 11D from the main freezer chamber 11E.

The multiple storage compartments 11 are closed by multiple doors 20 so that they can be opened and closed. The multiple doors 20 include, for example, left and right refrigerator compartment doors 20Aa, 20Ab, vegetable compartment door 20B, ice-making compartment door 20C, switching compartment door 20D, and main freezer compartment door 20E. The refrigerator compartment doors 20Aa, 20Ab are arranged in front of the opening of the refrigerator compartment 11A and close the opening of the refrigerator compartment 11A. The refrigerator compartment doors 20Aa, 20Ab are, for example, French doors (double doors). The vegetable compartment door 20B is arranged in front of the vegetable compartment 11B and closes the opening of the vegetable compartment 11B. The ice-making compartment door 20C is arranged in front of the ice-making compartment 11C and closes the opening of the ice-making compartment 11C. The switching compartment door 20D is arranged in front of the switching compartment 11D and closes the opening of the switching compartment 11D. The main freezer door 20E is disposed in front of the main freezer 11E and closes the opening of the main freezer 11E. The vegetable compartment door 20B, the ice-making compartment door 20C, the switchable compartment door 20D, and the main freezer door 20E are each, for example, a drawer door that can be pulled out toward the front of the refrigerator 100.

<2.2 Internal structure of refrigerator>
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F3-F3 of refrigerator 100 shown in Fig. 2. Refrigerator 100 includes, for example, a plurality of shelves 30, a plurality of containers 40, an air passage forming component 50, a cooling unit 60, a cold air supply adjustment unit 70, a heating device 80, a switchable compartment temperature sensor 112, and a control device 90. In this embodiment, the cooling unit 60 and the cold air supply adjustment unit 70 realize a "cold air supply unit CU."

(shelves and containers)
The shelves 30 are arranged in the refrigerator compartment 11A. The containers 40 include, for example, chilled compartment containers 41 and 42 housed in the chilled compartment 11Aa, vegetable compartment containers 43 and 44 housed in the vegetable compartment 11B, an ice-making compartment container (not shown) housed in the ice-making compartment 11C, a switching compartment container 46 housed in the switching compartment 11D, and main freezer containers 47 and 48 housed in the main freezer compartment 11E. For example, the switching compartment container 46 is connected to the switching compartment door 20D described above. When the switching compartment door 20D is pulled out to the front of the refrigerator 100, the switching compartment container 46 is pulled out to the front of the refrigerator 100 together with the switching compartment door 20D.

(Air passage forming parts)
The air-path forming component 50 includes a refrigeration air-path component 51 and a freezing air-path component 52. The refrigeration air-path component 51 is provided inside the housing 10 and extends vertically along the rear wall 10e. The refrigeration air-path component 51 forms an air path G1, which is a passage through which cool air (air) flows, near the rear wall 10e of the housing 10.

The refrigeration air passage component 51 has cold air outlets 51a, 51b and cold air return ports 51c, 51d. The cold air outlet 51a opens into the refrigerator compartment 11A and supplies cold air cooled by the first cooler 62 described below to the refrigerator compartment 11A. The cold air outlet 51b opens into the chilled compartment 11Aa and supplies cold air cooled by the first cooler 62 to the chilled compartment 11Aa. The cold air return port 51c opens into the chilled compartment 11Aa and guides the cold air that has been warmed by passing through the chilled compartment 11Aa toward the air passage G1. The cold air return port 51d opens into the vegetable compartment 11B and guides the cold air that has been warmed by passing through the refrigerator compartment 11A and the vegetable compartment 11B to the air passage G1.

The freezer air passage part 52 is provided in the housing 10 and extends vertically along the rear wall 10e. The freezer air passage part 52 forms an air passage G2, which is a passage through which cold air (air) flows, near the rear wall 10e of the housing 10. The freezer air passage part 52 has a cold air outlet 52a and a cold air return port 52b. The cold air outlet 52a supplies cold air cooled by the second cooler 64 described below to the ice making chamber 11C, the switching chamber 11D, and the main freezer chamber 11E. The cold air return port 52b opens at the bottom of the main freezer chamber 11E and guides the cold air that has been warmed by passing through one or more of the ice making chamber 11C, the switching chamber 11D, and the main freezer chamber 11E to the air passage G2.

(Cooling section)
The cooling unit 60 includes, for example, a compressor 61, a first cooler 62, a first blower 63, a second cooler 64, and a second blower 65. The first cooler 62 and the first blower 63 are arranged in the air passage G1. The first cooler 62 is supplied with the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 61 and cools the cold air flowing through the air passage G1. When the first blower 63 is driven, the cold air cooled by the first cooler 62 is supplied from the cold air outlets 51a and 51b to the refrigerator compartment 11A and the chilled compartment 11Aa. Then, the cold air warmed in one or more of the refrigerator compartment 11A, the chilled compartment 11Aa, and the vegetable compartment 11B returns to the air passage G1 from the cold air return ports 51c and 51d.

The second cooler 64 and the second blower 65 are arranged in the air passage G2. The second cooler 64 is supplied with refrigerant compressed by the compressor 61, and cools the cold air flowing through the air passage G2. When the second blower 65 is driven, the cold air cooled by the second cooler 64 is supplied from the cold air outlet 52a to the ice making chamber 11C and the main freezer chamber 11E. Then, the cold air that has been warmed in one or more of the ice making chamber 11C and the main freezer chamber 11E returns to the air passage G2 from the cold air return port 52b.

(Cold air supply adjustment section)
The cold air supply adjustment unit 70 is an adjustment unit that adjusts the amount of cold air cooled by the cooling unit 60 that is supplied to the switchable compartment 11D. The cold air supply adjustment unit 70 has, for example, a partition wall 71 and an opening/closing device 72.

The partition wall 71 is provided at the rear of the switching chamber 11D and is a wall portion that extends vertically and horizontally. The partition wall 71 forms the rear wall of the switching chamber 11D. The partition wall 71 has a cold air outlet 71a and a cold air return port 71b. The cold air outlet 71a opens into the switching chamber 11D. When the cold air outlet 71a is opened by the opening/closing device 72 described later, the cold air outlet 71a supplies cold air cooled by the second cooler 64 to the switching chamber 11D. The cold air return port 71b is disposed, for example, below the cold air outlet 71a and opens into the switching chamber 11D. The cold air return port 71b guides the cold air that has been warmed by passing through the switching chamber 11D toward the air passage G2 via the passage 71c.

The opening/closing device 72 opens and closes the cold air outlet 71a. The opening/closing device 72 is, for example, a damper. By opening the cold air outlet 71a, the opening/closing device 72 supplies the cold air cooled by the second cooler 64 and sent out by the second blower 65 to the switching room 11D. In this case, the air temperature in the switching room 11D drops due to the supplied cold air. On the other hand, the opening/closing device 72 closes the cold air outlet 71a to block the supply of cold air to the switching room 11D. In this case, the drop in the air temperature in the switching room 11D is suppressed. The control unit 91, which will be described later, can adjust the amount of cold air supplied to the switching room 11D, for example, by controlling the opening/closing angle of the opening/closing device 72 or the time length for which the opening/closing device 72 is held in the open position. In this embodiment, the control unit 91 controls the cooling unit 60, the opening/closing device 72, and the heating device 80, which will be described later, to manage the air temperature in the switching room 11D to a set temperature range.

(Heating device and temperature sensor)
The heating device 80 is provided in the switching compartment 11D and heats at least a portion of the area within the switching compartment 11D. The switching compartment temperature sensor 112 is provided in the switching compartment 11D and detects a temperature associated with the switching compartment 11D. The heating device 80 and the switching compartment temperature sensor 112 will be described in detail below.

(Control device)
The control device 90 has a circuit board and electronic components mounted on the circuit board. The control device 90 comprehensively controls the entire refrigerator 100. For example, the control device 90 controls the cooling unit 60 to perform cooling control of the refrigerator 100. The control by the control device 90 will be described in detail later.

Here, we will explain "special chill control" and "resistant starch increase control" as cooling controls that can be executed by the control unit 91 described later. Each of the "special chill control" and "resistant starch increase control" is an example of a "special function" described later.

"Special chilled control" is a cooling control performed to maintain the freshness of food for a long time. In "special chilled control", the control unit 91 alternates between low-temperature cooling control, which cools the chilled chamber 11Aa in a first temperature zone, and high-temperature cooling control, which cools the chilled chamber 11Aa in a second temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone. The average temperature of the first temperature zone is lower than 0°C. The first temperature zone is a temperature that slightly freezes the surface of the food in the chilled chamber 11Aa. The low-temperature cooling control is performed for a predetermined implementation time (e.g., 2 hours). On the other hand, the average temperature of the second temperature zone is higher than 0°C. The second temperature zone is a temperature that melts the layer of slightly frozen food on the surface of the food in the chilled chamber 11Aa. The high-temperature cooling control is performed for a predetermined implementation time (e.g., 7 hours) that is longer than the implementation time of the low-temperature cooling control. By performing such "special chilled control", it is possible to suppress drying and oxidation of food. This allows food to remain fresh for longer than with general chilled control. Note that "special chilled control" may be performed in the switchable compartment 11D instead of/in addition to the chilled compartment 11Aa.

"Resistant starch increase control" is cooling control carried out to increase the resistant starch contained in the starch in food. Resistant starch is a component that is difficult to digest and absorb in the small intestine. When user U ingests foods that contain a lot of starch, such as rice, bread, or sweets, the components contained in the starch can be changed to increase the resistant starch, thereby achieving effects such as suppressing obesity, preventing diabetes, and relieving constipation.

In "resistant starch increase control," the control unit 91 controls the temperature in the chilled compartment 11Aa to once freeze the food to its inside (e.g., to the center), and then thaws and stores the food at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time or more (e.g., at +4°C for 4 hours or more), thereby increasing the resistant starch contained in the starch in the food. Note that "resistant starch increase control" may be performed in the switchable compartment 11D instead of/in addition to the chilled compartment 11Aa.

2.3 Configuration related to heating device
Next, the configuration relating to the heating device 80 will be described in detail.
As described above, the heating device 80 is provided in the switching compartment 11D. The heating device 80 is provided, for example, at the upper end of the switching compartment 11D. In this embodiment, the heating device 80 is a heating device that heats an object to be heated by irradiating the object with infrared rays. In this application, "infrared rays" refers to electromagnetic waves having a wavelength within a range of, for example, 0.7 μm to 1000 μm, and may include near infrared rays, mid infrared rays, and far infrared rays.

In this embodiment, the heating device 80 is a heating device provided for a first function of heating (e.g., thawing) food contained in the switching compartment 11D and a second function of changing or maintaining the temperature zone of the switching compartment 11D. From a certain point of view, the heating device 80 may be a heating device provided only for the first function, or a heating device provided only for the second function. Furthermore, the term "heating device" in this application broadly refers to a heating device capable of realizing at least either the first function or the second function. The "heating device" is not limited to an infrared ray irradiation type heating device, but may be a heating device of another type. An example of this case will be described later.

(Configuration of the switching room)
First, the configuration of the switching chamber 11D will be described.
Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area surrounded by line F4 in Fig. 3. In this embodiment, the switching compartment 11D is defined by the second partition wall 16, the third partition wall 17, and the partition wall 71 of the cold air supply adjustment unit 70. For example, the ceiling wall of the switching compartment 11D is formed by the second partition wall 16. The bottom wall of the switching compartment 11D is formed by the third partition wall 17. The rear wall of the switching compartment 11D is formed by the partition wall 71 of the cold air supply adjustment unit 70.

In this embodiment, the second partition wall 16 has, for example, a horizontal portion 16a and a bent portion 16b. The horizontal portion 16a extends along the front-rear and left-right directions of the refrigerator 100. The horizontal portion 16a is a ceiling wall that forms the ceiling of the switchable compartment 11D. The horizontal portion 16a includes, for example, a surface member 101, a vacuum insulation material 102, and a foam insulation portion 103.

The surface member 101 is exposed to the switching chamber 11D and forms the ceiling surface of the switching chamber 11D. The surface member 101 is formed, for example, from a hard synthetic resin material. The vacuum insulation material 102 is an insulation material in which the surroundings of the insulation material are made into a vacuum state, and the thermal conduction by gas is made close to zero. The insulation performance (for example, insulation performance per unit thickness) of the vacuum insulation material 102 is higher than that of the foam insulation section 103. The vacuum insulation material 102 is disposed, for example, between the surface member 101 and the foam insulation section 103. The foam insulation section 103 is, for example, a foam insulation material such as urethane foam.

The bent portion 16b protrudes downward from the front end of the horizontal portion 16a. The bent portion 16b defines the opening on the front side of the switchable chamber 11D. The surface member 101 and the foam insulation portion 103 are provided on the bent portion 16b in addition to the horizontal portion 16a.

Similarly, the third partition wall 17 extends along the front-rear and left-right directions of the refrigerator 100. The third partition wall 17 is a bottom wall that forms the bottom of the switchable compartment 11D. The third partition wall 17 includes, for example, a surface member 104, a vacuum insulation material 105, and a foam insulation section 106.

The surface member 104 is exposed to the switching chamber 11D and forms the bottom surface of the switching chamber 11D. The surface member 104 is formed, for example, from a hard synthetic resin material. The vacuum insulation material 105 is an insulation material in which the surroundings of the insulation material are in a vacuum state, and the thermal conduction by gas is brought close to zero. The insulation performance of the vacuum insulation material 105 is higher than that of the foam insulation section 106. The vacuum insulation material 105 is disposed, for example, between the surface member 104 and the foam insulation section 106. The foam insulation section 106 is, for example, a foam insulation material such as urethane foam.

(Configuration of heating device)
Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the heating device 80. Fig. 5(a) is a diagram showing the heating device 80 as viewed from below. Fig. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line b-b shown in Fig. 5(a). In this embodiment, the heating device 80 is an infrared lamp having an elongated shape. The heating device 80 has, for example, an infrared ray irradiation unit 81, an irradiation direction regulation unit 82, and a protection unit 83.

The infrared ray irradiation unit 81 is, for example, a lamp using a long, thin, cylindrical glass tube. The infrared ray irradiation unit 81 irradiates infrared rays when power is supplied to it. The infrared ray irradiation unit 81 irradiates infrared rays in all directions along the diameter of the cylindrical glass tube, for example.

The irradiation direction regulating unit 82 is, for example, a top cover having at least a part of an arc-shaped inner surface 82a. The irradiation direction regulating unit 82 houses the infrared emitting unit 81 and faces the top, front, rear, left side, and right side of the infrared emitting unit 81. The inner surface 82a of the irradiation direction regulating unit 82 is a reflective surface (mirror surface) capable of reflecting infrared rays. The irradiation direction regulating unit 82 reflects, for example, infrared rays irradiated upward, forward, and backward from the infrared emitting unit 81, and regulates the irradiation direction of the infrared rays irradiated from the heating device 80. For example, the irradiation direction regulating unit 82 regulates the irradiation range R1 of the infrared rays irradiated from the heating device 80 to 45 degrees or less. For example, the irradiation direction regulating unit 82 regulates the irradiation range R1 of the infrared rays irradiated from the heating device 80 to 30 degrees or less centered on the vertical direction VD.

The protective section 83 is a protective cover that prevents the user U of the refrigerator 100 from touching the infrared irradiating section 81. The protective section 83 is disposed below the infrared irradiating section 81 and allows the infrared rays irradiated from the infrared irradiating section 81 to pass through. In this application, "allows the infrared rays to pass through" means that at least a part of the infrared rays irradiated from the irradiation source can pass through. In this embodiment, the protective section 83 is attached to the lower end of the irradiation direction restricting section 82 and is supported by the irradiation direction restricting section 82. The protective section 83 has a mesh structure that allows the infrared rays to pass through and is large enough that the user U's fingers cannot pass through.

(Installation structure of heating device)
Returning to FIG. 4, the installation structure of the heating device 80 will be described.
In this embodiment, the heating device 80 is disposed along the second partition wall 16 that forms the ceiling of the switching chamber 11D. In this embodiment, the heating device 80 is installed on the second partition wall 16 with the protective portion 83 facing downward. In this application, "installed on the wall" is not limited to the case where the heating device 80 is attached in close contact with the wall, but may include the case where the heating device 80 is attached to the wall via a holder with a gap between the heating device 80 and the wall. In this embodiment, the heating device 80 is attached to the second partition wall 16 by a holder 85 with a gap S between the heating device 80 and the lower surface of the second partition wall 16.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F6-F6 in Figure 4. For ease of explanation, the bent portion 16b of the second partition wall 16 is omitted from Figure 6. In this embodiment, the switchable compartment 11D is rectangular in plan view. The longitudinal direction of the switchable compartment 11D coincides with the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 100. In this application, the "longitudinal direction of the storage compartment (e.g., switchable compartment 11D)" refers to the direction along the long side of the rectangular storage compartment, and may also be referred to as the "long side direction." In this application, the "short side direction of the storage compartment (e.g., switchable compartment 11D)" refers to the direction along the short side of the rectangular storage compartment, and may also be referred to as the "short side direction."

The heating device 80 is disposed at a position that is off the center C of the longitudinal direction of the switching chamber 11D, and is provided along the short side direction of the switching chamber 11D. For example, the heating device 80 is disposed so that the extension direction of the infrared irradiation section 81 of the heating device 80 is parallel to the short side direction of the switching chamber 11D. For example, the heating device 80 is disposed so that the elongated glass tube of the heating device 80 is parallel to the short side direction of the switching chamber 11D.

In this embodiment, the switching chamber 11D has three regions divided in the longitudinal direction of the switching chamber 11D: a central region A1, a front end A2, and a rear end A3. In this application, "end" means a region having a length of L/4 from the end, assuming that the overall length is L. In this embodiment, assuming that the longitudinal length of the switching chamber 11D is L, the central region A1, the front end A2, and the rear end A3 are defined as follows. The central region A1 is a region in the switching chamber 11D that has a length of L/2 centered on the longitudinal center C of the switching chamber 11D. The front end A2 is a region in the switching chamber 11D that has a length of L/4 from the front end of the switching chamber 11D. The rear end A3 is a region in the switching chamber 11D that has a length of L/4 from the rear end of the switching chamber 11D. The front end A2 and the rear end A3 are a pair of ends separated in the longitudinal direction of the switching chamber 11D.

As shown in FIG. 6, the heating device 80 is disposed along the front end A2 of the switching chamber 11D. For example, at least a portion (e.g., more than half) of the heating device 80 overlaps with the front end A2 of the switching chamber 11D when viewed vertically. In this embodiment, the entire heating device 80 overlaps with the front end A2 of the switching chamber 11D when viewed vertically, and the heating device 80 does not protrude into the central region A1.

From another perspective, the heating device 80 is disposed in correspondence with the front end A2 of the switching chamber 11D. In this application, "the heating device is disposed in correspondence with one end" means that the center of the area to be heated by the heating device is located at the end. In other words, the heating device 80 does not necessarily have to be disposed directly above the end. For example, the heating device 80 only needs to have the center of the area to be heated by the heating device 80 included in the front end A2 of the switching chamber 11D.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the storage chamber 11D. In this embodiment, the switching chamber 11D (e.g., the inside of the switching chamber container 46 contained in the switching chamber 11D) includes a heating target area B11 and a non-heating target area B12.

The heating target area B11 is an area onto which infrared rays are irradiated by the heating device 80. For example, in this embodiment, the heating device 80 irradiates the heating target area B11 with infrared rays reflected by the irradiation direction regulating section 82 in addition to the infrared rays directly irradiated from the infrared irradiating section 81. The heating target area B11 is an area onto which food J1 (see FIG. 4) to be heated (e.g., to be thawed) is placed. In this application, "food" includes food ingredients.

In this embodiment, the heating target area B11 is located at a position outside the longitudinal center C of the switching chamber 11D and is provided along the short side of the switching chamber 11D. The heating target area B11 is provided along the front end A2 of the switching chamber 11D. At least a portion (e.g., the entirety) of the heating target area B11 is included in the front end A2 of the switching chamber 11D.

On the other hand, the non-heated area B12 is an area in which irradiation of infrared rays by the heating device 80 is suppressed. For example, in this embodiment, the irradiation direction control unit 82 of the heating device 80 suppresses irradiation of infrared rays toward the non-heated area B12. The non-heated area B12 is an area in which food J2 (see FIG. 4), which is to be non-heated, is placed.

In this embodiment, the non-heated area B12 is an area of the switching compartment 11D that is outside the heated area B11. The non-heated area B12 is provided, for example, in the central area A1 and the rear end area A3 of the switching compartment 11D. For example, the non-heated area B12 is larger than the heated area B11. For example, the non-heated area B12 is disposed closer to the cold air supply unit CU than the heated area B11.

(Installation of metal plates)
In this embodiment, a metal plate 86 is provided in the heating target area B11 (see FIG. 4). The metal plate 86 is disposed below the heating device 80, away from the center C in the longitudinal direction of the switching chamber 11D. The metal plate 86 is attached to, for example, the inner surface (bottom surface) of the switching chamber container 46. The metal plate 86 is made of, for example, aluminum, but is not limited thereto. In this embodiment, the metal plate 86 is formed in a flat plate shape. The metal plate 86 is an example of a "metal member." Note that the "metal member" in this application is not limited to a metal plate, and may be a metal member having a storage recess therein, such as a tray.

As shown in FIG. 7, the metal plate 86 has an outer shape that follows the outer edge of the heating target area B11 inside the switching chamber container 46. The width W1 of the metal plate 86 in the longitudinal direction of the switching chamber 11D is smaller than the width W2 of the metal plate 86 in the lateral direction of the switching chamber 11D. For example, the metal plate 86 is rectangular. The longitudinal direction of the metal plate 86 coincides with the lateral direction of the switching chamber 11D. The food J1 to be heated is placed on the metal plate 86 and heated by the heating device 80. In this embodiment, the temperature of the metal plate 86 is increased by irradiating it with infrared rays by the heating device 80. On the other hand, in this embodiment, no metal plate is provided in the non-heating target area B12. Note that another metal member independent (thermally separated) from the metal plate 86 may be provided in the non-heating target area B12.

In this embodiment, the metal plate 86 has the function of visually indicating to the user U the presence and range of the heating target area B11, and the function of efficiently transferring the energy of the infrared rays irradiated by the heating device 80 to the food J1 to be heated. Furthermore, when the temperature setting of the switchable chamber 11D is set to the positive temperature zone (a temperature zone higher than 0°C) and the food J1 to be heated is thawed, the temperature of the air inside the switchable chamber 11D, which is in the positive temperature zone, is transferred to the food J1 to be heated via the metal plate 86. This promotes thawing of the food J1 compared to when the metal plate 86 is not present.

(Thermal insulation material)
4, the switching compartment 11D has a heat insulating member 87. The heat insulating member 87 is disposed between the heating device 80 and an area of the second partition wall 16 (i.e., the ceiling wall of the switching compartment 11D) facing the heating device 80. That is, the heat insulating member 87 is disposed in the gap S between the second partition wall 16 and the heating device 80. The heat insulating member 87 is attached, for example, to the lower surface of the surface member 101 of the second partition wall 16. The heat insulating member 87 has an outer shape that is slightly larger than the heating device 80 when viewed in a plan view.

The insulating member 87 is formed of an insulating material such as glass wool. The insulating performance of the insulating member 87 (e.g., insulating performance per unit thickness) is higher than that of the foam insulation section 103, for example. The insulating member 87 prevents the heat of the heating device 80 from being transmitted to the second partition wall 16.

(Switchable compartment temperature sensor)
4, the switchable compartment 11D has a switchable compartment temperature sensor 112. The switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 is a temperature sensor that detects a temperature related to the switchable compartment 11D. The switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 is an example of a "temperature detector".

In this embodiment, the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 is attached to the underside of the second partition wall 16 (i.e., the ceiling wall of the switchable compartment 11D) and is positioned so that both the heating device 80 and the food J1 to be heated are included in the viewing angle R2. For example, the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 is a non-contact temperature sensor with a multi-lens. This allows the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 to detect the temperature of the heating device 80 and the temperature of the food J1. For example, the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 detects the temperature of the heating device 80 based on the detection result of infrared rays from the area corresponding to the heating device 80 among the detection results by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112, and detects the temperature of the food J1 based on the detection result of infrared rays from the area corresponding to the food J1.

In this embodiment, instead of/in addition to including the heating device 80 and food J1 in the viewing angle R2, the switching compartment temperature sensor 112 includes a part of the second partition wall 16 (i.e., the ceiling wall of the switching compartment 11D) in the viewing angle R2. For example, the switching compartment temperature sensor 112 includes a part of the horizontal portion 16a or a part of the bent portion 16b of the second partition wall 16 in the viewing angle R2. This allows the switching compartment temperature sensor 112 to detect the temperature of the second partition wall 16. For example, the switching compartment temperature sensor 112 detects the temperature of the second partition wall 16 based on the detection result of infrared rays from the area corresponding to the second partition wall 16 among the detection results by the switching compartment temperature sensor 112. The temperature detection result by the switching compartment temperature sensor 112 is output to the control device 90.

(Cold air supply section)
In this embodiment, the cold air outlet 71a of the cold air supply unit CU is disposed at a position higher than the upper end 46a of the switchable chamber container 46 at least on the rear side of the heating device 80. The cold air outlet 71a can blow cold air toward the vicinity of the heating device 80 without being blocked by, for example, the switchable chamber container 46. A part of the cold air blown out from the cold air outlet 71a toward the vicinity of the heating device 80 enters the gap S between the second partition wall 16 and the heating device 80 and is used to cool the second partition wall 16.

In this embodiment, when the detection result of the temperature of the second partition wall 16 (i.e., the ceiling wall of the switching room 11D) by the switching room temperature sensor 112 satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 91 rotates the second blower 65 of the cooling unit 60 and opens the opening/closing device 72. As a result, cold air is blown out from the cold air outlet 71a toward the heating device 80, and cold air is supplied to the gap S between the second partition wall 16 and the heating device 80. The "predetermined condition" is, for example, that the temperature detected for the second partition wall 16 is equal to or higher than a preset threshold temperature. The "threshold temperature" is, for example, 50°C. In this embodiment, when the temperature of the second partition wall 16 exceeds 50°C, the control unit 91 controls the cold air supply unit CU to supply cold air to the gap S between the second partition wall 16 and the heating device 80 until the temperature of the second partition wall 16 falls to 30°C or lower.

(Modification of cold air supply unit)
8 is a cross-sectional view showing a cold air supply unit CU' of a modified example of the embodiment. In this modified example, the opening and closing device 72 has a plate portion 72a provided at the cold air outlet 71a. The angle of the plate portion 72a can be changed by a driving unit (not shown) based on a control signal from a control unit 91 (described later). The plate portion 72a is driven between a closed position where the cold air outlet 71a is closed and an open position where the cold air outlet 71a is opened.

The plate portion 72a is held at an angle inclined with respect to the horizontal direction based on a control signal from the control unit 91. The plate portion 72a directs the flow direction of the cold air blown out from the cold air outlet 71a toward the inside of the switching compartment 11D diagonally upward (toward the underside of the second partition wall 16). For example, when the detection result of the temperature of the second partition wall 16 (i.e., the ceiling wall of the switching compartment 11D) by the switching compartment temperature sensor 112 satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 91 holds the plate portion 72a at an incline so that the cold air from the cold air outlet 71a is directed toward the second partition wall 16 (for example, toward the gap S between the second partition wall 16 and the heating device 80). As a result, the cold air is blown out from the cold air outlet 71a toward the second partition wall 16, and the cooling of the second partition wall 16 is promoted more efficiently.

2.4 Control related to the control device
Next, the configuration related to the control device 90 will be described.
9 is a block diagram showing the configuration related to the control device 90. The refrigerator 100 includes a temperature sensor 110 and a storage unit 190 in addition to the above-mentioned configuration.

(Temperature Sensor)
The temperature sensor 110 includes a plurality of temperature sensors capable of detecting temperatures related to the storage compartment 11. The temperature sensor 110 includes, for example, in addition to the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 described above, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 capable of detecting a temperature related to the refrigerator compartment 11A, and a main freezer compartment temperature sensor 113 capable of detecting a temperature related to the main freezer compartment 11E.

In this embodiment, the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 includes a non-contact temperature sensor (non-contact temperature detector) 112a and a contact temperature sensor (contact temperature detector) 112b. The non-contact temperature sensor 112a is a sensor that detects temperature based on, for example, infrared rays, and as described above, the heating device 80, the food J1 to be heated, and a part of the second partition wall 16 are included in the viewing angle R2. On the other hand, the contact temperature sensor 112b is a sensor that includes a thermistor, a thermocouple, or a resistance temperature detector, and detects the air temperature inside the switchable compartment 11D.

In this embodiment, the non-contact temperature sensor 112a and the contact temperature sensor 112b are provided together as a single detector unit and are attached to the underside of the second partition wall 16 for use. The non-contact temperature sensor 112a and the contact temperature sensor 112b may be provided separately. In this case, the contact temperature sensor 112b may be provided on the partition wall 71 or the like. The contact temperature sensor 112b may also be omitted, and the air temperature in the switching compartment 11D may be estimated based on the detection result of the non-contact temperature sensor 112a.

(Memory unit)
The storage unit 190 is a functional unit that stores various information. The storage unit 190 is realized by a combination of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like. The storage unit 190 stores threshold information 191, status information 192, and remaining time information 193. The threshold information 191 includes various thresholds used for controlling the refrigerator 100. The status information 192 and remaining time information 193 will be described later.

(Control device)
The control device 90 has, for example, a control unit 91, an estimation unit 92, and an information output unit 93. These functional units are realized by executing a program by one or more hardware processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted on the refrigerator 100. However, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware.

The control unit 91 controls the cold air supply unit CU and the heating device 80 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 110. For example, the control unit 91 controls the drive amount and drive time of the devices (compressor 61, first blower 63, second blower 65, opening/closing device 72, etc.) included in the cold air supply unit CU so that the temperature of each storage chamber 11 detected by the temperature sensor 110 becomes the target temperature. The control unit 91 also controls the cold air supply unit CU and the heating device 80 to perform a heating process (e.g., thawing) of the heating object in the switching compartment 11D. The control unit 91 also changes the temperature zone of the switching compartment 11D by controlling the cold air supply unit CU and the heating device 80. The control unit 91 also generates status information 192 indicating the latest status of the refrigerator 100 (e.g., the operating status of each device) when the status of the refrigerator 100 (e.g., the operating status of each device) changes or at a predetermined interval, and stores the status information in the storage unit 190.

When the food J1 to be heated is heated (e.g., thawed) by the heating device 80, the estimation unit 92 estimates the remaining time required for heating (e.g., the remaining time after thawing is complete). For example, the estimation unit 92 calculates the amount of temperature change of the food J1 to be heated between multiple points in time based on the temperatures of the food J1 to be heated detected by the non-contact temperature sensor 112a at the multiple points in time, and estimates the remaining time required for heating based on the calculated amount of temperature change. The estimation unit 92 generates remaining time information 193 indicating the remaining time required for heating based on the results estimated by the estimation unit 92, and stores the generated remaining time information 193 in the memory unit 190.

The information output unit 93 transmits the status information 192 to the device management server 200 when the status of the refrigerator 100 (e.g., the operating status of each device) changes or at a predetermined interval. In addition, when the remaining time information 193 is newly generated by the estimation unit 92, the information output unit 93 transmits the generated remaining time information 193 to the device management server 200.

2.5 Control related to heating device
Next, a description will be given of control relating to the heating device 80. First, the heating process for the heating object will be described, followed by a description of control of the heating device 80 other than the heating process.

<2.5.1 Heat treatment of object to be heated>
First, the heating process for the object to be heated will be described. The heating process described below can be applied to any of the five temperature zones (freezer temperature zone, chilled temperature zone, refrigerator temperature zone, vegetable temperature zone, and summer vegetable temperature zone) set in the switchable compartment 11D.

In this embodiment, the control unit 91 performs a heating operation by the heating device 80 when the temperature of the food J1, which is the object to be heated, is lower than the target temperature based on the temperature of the food J1 detected by the switching compartment temperature sensor 112 and a preset target temperature (e.g., the target temperature of the food J1), and ends the heating operation by the heating device 80 when the temperature of the food J1 reaches the target temperature. This completes the heating process (e.g., thawing) of the food J1. The target temperature is pre-stored in the memory unit 190, for example, as part of the threshold information 191.

(Suppression of operation of heating device when temperature is detected)
10 is a diagram for explaining control related to heating processing. In this embodiment, when the control unit 91 detects temperature (e.g., the temperature of the food J1 and/or the temperature of the second partition wall 16) during the heating processing of the food J1 by the heating device 80, the control unit 91 suppresses the operation of the heating device 80 at least while the temperature detection operation is being performed by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112. In this application, "during heating processing" is not limited to the time during which the heating device 80 is irradiating infrared rays, but refers to the period from the start of the heating operation by the heating device 80 to the time when the temperature of the heated object reaches the target temperature.

In this application, "suppressing the operation of the heating device" broadly means reducing the impact of the operation of the heating device, and is not limited to stopping the heating device 80 from emitting infrared rays, but may also include reducing the amount of infrared radiation emitted or emitting infrared rays intermittently. Furthermore, in this application, "suppressing the operation of the heating device at least while the temperature detection operation is being performed" is not limited to starting to suppress the operation of the heating device immediately before the temperature detection operation, but may also include starting to suppress the operation of the heating device at least a predetermined time earlier than the temperature detection operation (e.g., the time required to stabilize the temperature).

In this embodiment, when the control unit 91 detects the temperature during the heating process of the food J1 by the heating device 80, it suppresses the operation of the heating device 80 for a predetermined time at a predetermined cycle, and detects the temperature (e.g., the temperature of the food J1 and/or the temperature of the second partition wall 16) using the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 while the operation of the heating device 80 is suppressed. For example, the control unit 91 stops the operation of the heating device 80 for 10 seconds every 5 minutes, and detects the temperature using the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 during the 10 seconds that the operation of the heating device 80 is stopped.

(Adjustment of the cycle for suppressing operation of the heating device)
In this embodiment, when the temperature detected by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 (e.g., the temperature of food J1) is below a predetermined temperature, the control unit 91 suppresses the operation of the heating device 80 at a period of a first interval T1, and detects the temperature (e.g., the temperature of food J1) by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 while the operation of the heating device 80 is suppressed. On the other hand, when the temperature detected by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the control unit 91 suppresses the operation of the heating device 80 at a period of a second interval T2 shorter than the first interval T1, and detects the temperature (e.g., the temperature of food J1) by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 while the operation of the heating device 80 is suppressed.

The "predetermined temperature" is a temperature lower than the target temperature of food J1. Figure 10 shows an example in which the "target temperature" is set to -4°C and the "predetermined temperature" is set to -9°C. The first interval T1 is, for example, 10 minutes. The second interval T2 is, for example, 5 minutes.

(Adjusting the duration of the heating device operation inhibition)
In this embodiment, when the temperature detected by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 is below a predetermined temperature, the control unit 91 suppresses the operation of the heating device 80 for a first time S1 each time the operation of the heating device 80 is suppressed, and during the first time S1, the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 detects the temperature (e.g., the temperature of food J1). On the other hand, when the temperature detected by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the control unit 91 suppresses the operation of the heating device 80 for a second time S2 longer than the first time S1 each time the operation of the heating device 80 is suppressed, and during the second time S2, the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 detects the temperature (e.g., the temperature of food J1).

The "predetermined temperature" for adjusting this time length may be set to the same temperature as the "predetermined temperature" for adjusting the cycle, or a different temperature may be set. Figure 10 shows an example in which both the "predetermined temperature" for adjusting the time length and the "predetermined temperature" for adjusting the cycle are set to -9°C. The first time S1 is, for example, 10 seconds. The second time S2 is, for example, 30 seconds.

Note that it is not necessary to adjust both the cycle and the time length, and only one of the adjustments may be performed.

(Estimate of remaining time needed for heating)
In this embodiment, when the temperature detected by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 is below a predetermined temperature (i.e., when the operation of the heating device 80 is suppressed for the first time S1), the estimation unit 92 estimates the remaining time required for heating the food J1 based on the temperature change detected by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 during the first time S1. For example, the estimation unit 92 estimates the remaining time required for heating based on the temperatures detected by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 at multiple points in time K1 included in the first time S1. The information output unit 93 then transmits remaining time information 193 generated based on the estimation result of the estimation unit 92 to the equipment management server 200.

Similarly, when the temperature detected by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature (i.e., when the operation of the heating device 80 is suppressed for the second time S2), the estimation unit 92 estimates the remaining time based on the temperature change detected by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 during the second time S2. For example, the estimation unit 92 estimates the remaining time required for heating based on the temperatures detected by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 at multiple points K2 included in the second time S2. Then, the information output unit 93 transmits remaining time information 193 generated based on the estimation result of the estimation unit 92 to the equipment management server 200.

In this embodiment, the number of multiple time points K2 (multiple detection points) at which temperature detection is performed during one second time S2 is greater than the number of multiple time points K1 (multiple detection points) at which temperature detection is performed during one first time S1. Therefore, when estimating the remaining time based on the detection results detected during the second time S2, the estimation unit 92 can calculate the remaining time with greater accuracy than when estimating the remaining time based on the detection results detected during the first time S1.

From another perspective, the length of time between the first time point K2 and the last time point K2 included in the multiple time points K2 in one second time period S2 is greater than the length of time between the first time point K1 and the last time point K1 included in the multiple time points K1 in one first time period S1. From this perspective as well, when estimating the remaining time based on the detection results detected during the second time period S2, the estimation unit 92 can calculate the remaining time with greater accuracy than when estimating the remaining time based on the detection results detected during the first time period S1.

In this embodiment, when the remaining time estimated by the estimation unit 92 becomes zero, the control unit 91 stops the heating operation by the heating device 80. Then, the control unit 91 causes the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 to detect the temperature of the food J1 and determines whether to end the heating process or continue the heating process a little longer.

(Cooling Operation 1 During Heat Treatment)
In this embodiment, when the air temperature in the switchable compartment 11D detected by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 reaches the upper limit of the temperature zone set for the switchable compartment 11D (freezer temperature zone, chilled temperature zone, refrigerator temperature zone, vegetable compartment temperature zone, or summer vegetable temperature zone) during heating treatment of the object to be heated (food J1) by the heating device 80, the control unit 91 opens the opening/closing device 72 of the cold air supply adjustment unit 70 and drives the second blower 65 to supply cold air cooled by the second cooler 64 to the switchable compartment 11D. This makes it possible to prevent the temperature of the non-heated food J2 from rising excessively during heating treatment by the heating device 80.

The temperature set as the upper limit value from which the cold air supply starts may be set to a predetermined temperature higher than the temperature set as the upper limit value from which the cold air supply starts when no heating process is being performed by the heating device 80. In this case, the amount of cold air supplied to the switching chamber 11D during heating process by the heating device 80 is limited, and the efficiency of the heating process for the object to be heated (food J1) can be improved.

(Cooling Operation 2 During Heat Treatment)
In this embodiment, the control unit 91 performs the following control when the temperature zone of the switching compartment 11D is a predetermined temperature zone (e.g., freezing temperature zone) lower than 0°C. For example, when the temperature (e.g., air temperature) of the switching compartment 11D detected by the switching compartment temperature sensor 112 satisfies a predetermined condition while the heating device 80 is not performing heating processing, the control unit 91 resumes cooling by the cold air supply unit CU. In this case, the control unit 91 supplies cold air to the switching compartment 11D at a first supply amount by the cold air supply unit CU. The above-mentioned "predetermined condition" is, for example, that the temperature (e.g., air temperature) of the switching compartment 11D reaches the upper limit of the temperature zone set for the switching compartment 11D while the supply of cold air to the switching compartment 11D is suppressed.

On the other hand, when the temperature zone of the switching compartment 11D is a predetermined temperature zone lower than 0°C (e.g., the freezing temperature zone), when a heating process is performed to heat the food J1 using the heating device 80, the control unit 91 supplies cold air to the switching compartment 11D at a second supply amount that is greater than the first supply amount using the cold air supply unit CU.

The amount of cold air supplied from the cold air supply unit CU to the switching compartment 11D is controlled, for example, by the rotation speed of the second blower 65. For example, the control unit 91 rotates the second blower 65 at a first rotation speed (e.g., 1800 rpm) to supply a first supply amount of cold air to the switching compartment 11D. On the other hand, the control unit 91 rotates the second blower 65 at a second rotation speed (e.g., 2500 rpm) that is faster than the first rotation speed to supply a second supply amount of cold air to the switching compartment 11D. Note that the amount of cold air supplied may be controlled by the opening/closing amount or opening/closing frequency of the opening/closing device 72 instead of/in addition to the rotation speed of the second blower 65.

(Cooling Operation 3 During Heat Treatment)
In this embodiment, when food J1 is heated by the heating device 80 with the switching compartment 11D set to the first temperature zone, the control unit 91 controls the cold air supply unit CU to supply cold air to the switching compartment 11D at a third supply amount. The third supply amount of cold air is supplied, for example, when the temperature (e.g., air temperature) of the switching compartment 11D detected by the switching compartment temperature sensor 112 exceeds the upper limit value of the temperature zone set for the switching compartment 11D (the upper limit value that is the starting point for the supply of cold air). Note that, instead of the above example, the third supply amount of cold air may be supplied in response to the start of the heating operation of the heating device 80.

On the other hand, when the food J1 is heated by the heating device 80 with the switching compartment 11D set to a second temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone, the control unit 91 causes the cold air supply unit CU to supply cold air to the switching compartment 11D at a fourth supply amount less than the third supply amount. The fourth supply amount of cold air is supplied, for example, when the temperature (e.g., air temperature) of the switching compartment 11D detected by the switching compartment temperature sensor 112 exceeds the upper limit value of the temperature zone set for the switching compartment 11D (the upper limit value that is the starting point for the cold air supply). Note that instead of the above example, the fourth supply amount of cold air may be supplied in response to the start of the heating operation of the heating device 80.

The "first temperature zone" is, for example, any one of the four of the above-mentioned five temperature zones (freezer temperature zone, chilled temperature zone, refrigerator temperature zone, vegetable compartment temperature zone, or summer vegetable temperature zone) excluding the summer vegetable temperature zone. The second temperature zone is, for example, a temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone among the above-mentioned five temperature zones (chilled temperature zone, refrigerator temperature zone, vegetable compartment temperature zone, or summer vegetable temperature zone). The "third supply amount" may be, for example, the same as the above-mentioned second supply amount, or may be different. Each of the third supply amount and the fourth supply amount is controlled, for example, by the rotation speed of the second blower 65 and/or the opening/closing amount or opening/closing frequency of the opening/closing device 72.

In one example, the first temperature zone is a freezer temperature zone, and the second temperature zone is any of a chilled temperature zone, a refrigerator temperature zone, a vegetable compartment temperature zone, and a summer vegetable temperature zone. The third supply amount is, for example, a supply amount realized by rotating the second blower 65 at the second rotation speed (e.g., 2500 [rpm]). The fourth supply amount is, for example, a supply amount realized by rotating the second blower 65 at the first rotation speed (e.g., 1800 [rpm]).

The names "third supply amount" and "fourth supply amount" are used for convenience of explanation and do not assume the existence of the above-mentioned "first supply amount" and "second supply amount". Therefore, the above-mentioned "third supply amount" and "fourth supply amount" may be referred to as the "first supply amount" and "second supply amount" for the cooling operation 3, respectively.

(Control flow for heat treatment)
11 is a flow chart showing a flow of control regarding the heating process. In the following, a case where the heating device 80 is stopped as a suppression operation of the heating device 80 will be described.

This flow starts, for example, when an operation by the user U to instruct heating (e.g., defrosting) an object to be heated is accepted by an operation unit (not shown) of the refrigerator 100 or the home appliance management app APP of the terminal device 300. When the above operation by the user U is accepted, the control unit 91 starts the heating operation of the heating device 80 (S101). That is, the control unit 91 supplies power to the heating device 80 and causes it to irradiate infrared rays toward the heating target area B11. In this initial heating operation, the control unit 91 operates the heating device 80 for, for example, the second interval T2, and then stops the heating operation of the heating device 80 (S102).

Next, the control unit 91 detects the temperature of the food J1 to be heated using the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 (S103). Next, the control unit 91 determines whether the detected temperature of the food J1 is lower than the target temperature for heating the food J1 (e.g., the target temperature for thawing) (S104). If the temperature of the food J1 is equal to or higher than the target temperature (S104: NO), the control unit 91 ends the heating process.

On the other hand, if the temperature of food J1 is lower than the target temperature (S104: YES), the control unit 91 determines whether the detected temperature of food J1 is lower than a predetermined temperature (threshold temperature) (S105). If the temperature of food J1 is lower than the threshold temperature (S105: YES), the control unit 91 sets the length of the next heating period of the heating device 80 to a first interval T1 that is longer than the second interval T2 (S106). If the temperature of food J1 is lower than the threshold temperature (S105: YES), the control unit 91 sets the length of the current operation suppression time of the heating device 80 to a first time S1. In this case, the control unit 91 detects the temperature of food J1 at multiple time points K1 and estimates the remaining time required for heating based on the temperatures detected at the multiple time points K1. Then, this flow continues to S108.

On the other hand, if the temperature of food J1 is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature (S105: NO), the control unit 91 sets the length of the next heating period of the heating device 80 to a length equivalent to the second interval T2 (S107). Also, if the temperature of food J1 is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature (S105: NO), the control unit 91 sets the length of the current operation suppression time of the heating device 80 to the second time S2. Then, the control unit 91 detects the temperature of food J1 at multiple points in time K2, and estimates the remaining time required for heating based on the temperatures detected at the multiple points in time K2. Then, this flow continues to S108.

Next, the control unit 91 determines whether the temperature zone set for the switchable compartment 11D is lower than 0°C (e.g., freezer temperature zone) (S108). If the temperature zone set for the switchable compartment 11D is lower than 0°C (S108: YES), the control unit 91 increases the supply of cold air from the cold air supply unit CU compared to the reference value by, for example, setting the rotation speed of the second blower 65 to the above-mentioned second rotation speed, and supplies a third supply amount of cold air to the switchable compartment 11D (S109). Then, the flow returns to S101.

On the other hand, if the temperature zone set for the switchable compartment 11D is not lower than 0°C (S108: NO), the control unit 91 sets the rotation speed of the second blower 65 to the basic speed, for example, and supplies the fourth supply amount of cold air to the switchable compartment 11D (S110). Then, the flow returns to S101.

<2.5.2 Changing the temperature setting of the selectable compartment>
Next, the control of the heating device 80 in processes other than the heating process will be described. First, the switching of the temperature setting of the switching chamber 11D using the heating device 80 will be described.

In this embodiment, when the control unit 91 receives an operation from the user U to switch to a temperature zone higher than the currently set temperature zone among the multiple temperature zones (e.g., freezer temperature zone, chilled temperature zone, refrigerator temperature zone, vegetable compartment temperature zone, or summer vegetable temperature zone) that can be set in the switchable compartment 11D, the control unit 91 causes the heating device 80 to irradiate infrared rays into the switchable compartment 11D, thereby promoting the increase in the temperature of the switchable compartment 11D.

Here, when the control unit 91 performs a first control to heat (e.g., defrost) the food J1 to be heated, the control unit 91 controls the heating device 80 to perform a heating operation at a first output value. On the other hand, when the control unit 91 performs a second control to switch the temperature setting of the switching chamber 11D from the first temperature zone to a second temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone, the control unit 91 controls the heating device 80 to perform a heating operation at a second output value lower than the first output value. The second output value is, for example, an output value less than half the first output value. The first output value is, for example, 40 [W]. The second output value is, for example, 10 [W].

In this embodiment, when the control unit 91 performs the first control, it controls the heating device 80 to perform a heating operation at the first output value for a first period. On the other hand, when the control unit 91 performs the second control, it controls the heating device 80 to perform a heating operation at the second output value for a second period that is longer than the first period. The second period is, for example, at least twice as long as the first period. The first period is, for example, 120 minutes. The second period is, for example, 300 minutes.

2.5.3 Control for suppressing condensation
Next, the control of the heating device 80 with respect to suppressing condensation will be described.
In this embodiment, when the temperature detected by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 (e.g., the air temperature in the switchable compartment 11D) changes beyond a threshold within a predetermined time under circumstances other than when the food J1 is being heated by the heating device 80, the control unit 91 performs condensation suppression control to control the heating device 80 to perform a heating operation for a certain period of time. "Changed beyond a threshold within a predetermined period of time" corresponds to a case where a sudden temperature change occurs, for example, a change of 5°C or more within 10 minutes. The sudden temperature change may be caused, for example, by hot food being placed in the switchable compartment 11D or the temperature setting of the switchable compartment 11D being changed. The condensation suppression control is performed, for example, to suppress the formation of condensation on the surface of the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112.

In this embodiment, when food is heated by the heating device 80, the control unit 91 controls the heating device 80 to perform a heating operation at a first output value. On the other hand, when the temperature detected by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 (e.g., the air temperature in the switchable compartment 11D) changes beyond a threshold value within a predetermined time under circumstances other than when the heating device 80 is heating the food J1, the control unit 91 performs condensation suppression control to control the heating device 80 to perform a heating operation at a third output value lower than the first output value. The third output value may be the same as or different from the second output value. The third output value is, for example, 10 [W] to 30 [W].

The term "third output value" is used for convenience of explanation and does not assume the existence of the above-mentioned "second output value." Therefore, the above-mentioned "third output value" may be referred to as the "second output value" related to the condensation suppression control.

(Flow of Control)
12 is a flow chart for explaining the switching of the temperature zone of the switchable compartment 11D and the control for suppressing condensation. First, when an operation by the user U for switching the temperature setting of the switchable compartment 11D is accepted by an operation unit (not shown) of the refrigerator 100 or the home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300, the control unit 91 determines whether the temperature zone set in the switchable compartment 11D after the change is a switch to a higher temperature zone than the currently set temperature zone (S201).

When the change in temperature zone of the switchable compartment 11D is to a temperature zone higher than the currently set temperature zone (S201: YES), the control unit 91 operates the heating device 80 at low output (S202). This promotes a rise in temperature in the switchable compartment 11D. On the other hand, when the change in temperature zone of the switchable compartment 11D is to a temperature zone lower than the currently set temperature zone (S201: NO), the control unit 91 proceeds to processing of S203.

Next, the control unit 91 determines whether or not the temperature detected by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 (e.g., the air temperature in the switchable compartment 11D) has changed beyond a threshold within a predetermined time in a situation other than when the heating device 80 is heating the food J1 (S203). If the temperature detected by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 has changed beyond the threshold within a predetermined time in a situation other than when the heating device 80 is heating the food J1 (S203: YES), the control unit 91 operates the heating device 80 at low output (S202). This prevents condensation from forming in the switchable compartment 11D.

On the other hand, if the change in temperature zone of the switchable compartment 11D is to a zone lower than the currently set temperature zone, and the temperature detected by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112 does not exceed the threshold within the specified time (S203: NO), the heating device 80 maintains the heating device 80 in a stopped state (S204). Then, the control unit 91 repeats the above processes S201 to S204 at a specified cycle.

<3. Device management server>
Next, the device management server 200 will be described.
13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the device management server 200. The device management server 200 includes, for example, a device registration unit 210, an information acquisition unit 220, a request acquisition unit 230, a device control unit 240, an information transmission unit 250, a special function provision unit 260, and a storage unit 290.

The device registration unit 210, information acquisition unit 220, request acquisition unit 230, device control unit 240, information transmission unit 250, and special function provision unit 260 are realized by one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU mounted on the device management server 200, executing programs. However, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. These functional units may be provided separately in multiple server devices. Furthermore, one or more of these functional units may be provided in the home appliance management app APP of the refrigerator 100 or the terminal device 300 instead of the device management server 200.

(Device Registration Department)
The device registration unit 210 accepts device registration of the refrigerator 100. In this application, "device registration" means associating the refrigerator 100 with a user U who uses the refrigerator 100. For example, device registration is performed by associating an account of the user U (hereinafter referred to as a "user ID") with identification information of the refrigerator 100 used by the user U (hereinafter referred to as an "device ID") and registering the associated information in the device registration DB 291.

(Information Acquisition Unit)
Information acquiring unit 220 acquires status information 192 transmitted from refrigerator 100. When a heating process using heating device 80 is performed in refrigerator 100, information acquiring unit 220 acquires remaining time information 193 indicating the remaining time required for heating from refrigerator 100. Status information 192 and remaining time information 193 acquired by information acquiring unit 220 are stored in storage unit 290 as part of device status DB 292.

(Request Acquisition Unit)
The request acquisition unit 230 receives various requests from the terminal device 300. For example, the request acquisition unit 230 receives a request to change the setting state or remotely operate the refrigerator 100. For example, the request acquisition unit 230 receives a request from the terminal device 300 to change the setting of the temperature zone of the switchable compartment 11D.

(Device Control Unit)
The device control unit 240 manages changes to the setting state and remote control of the refrigerator 100. For example, when a request to remotely operate the refrigerator 100 is received by the request acquisition unit 230, the device control unit 240 generates a control command for the refrigerator 100 in response to the received request and transmits the generated control command to the refrigerator 100. This allows the refrigerator 100 to be remotely controlled. Also, when a request to change the setting of the temperature zone of the switchable compartment 11D is received by the request acquisition unit 230, the device control unit 240 generates a control command for the refrigerator 100 in response to the received request and transmits the generated control command to the refrigerator 100. This allows the setting of the temperature zone of the switchable compartment 11D to be changed.

(Information transmission unit)
The information transmitting unit 250 transmits various information to the terminal device 300. For example, when a request for transmitting information indicating the latest state of the refrigerator 100 is accepted by the request acquiring unit 230, the information transmitting unit 250 generates state information indicating the latest state of the refrigerator 100 based on the device state DB 292, and transmits the generated state information to the terminal device 300. Also, when the information acquiring unit 220 acquires remaining time information 193 from the refrigerator 100, the information transmitting unit 250 transmits the acquired remaining time information 193 to the terminal device 300. As a result, the display control unit 320 of the terminal device 300 displays the remaining time required for heating by the heating device 80 on the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300 based on the received remaining time information 193.

(Special Functions Department)
In this embodiment, refrigerator 100 has one or more (e.g., a plurality of) special functions. The above-mentioned special functions include, for example, a special function using heating device 80. The special function using heating device 80 is, for example, a function of heating (e.g., thawing) food J1, which is an object to be heated, using heating device 80 described above. The special function using heating device 80 is an example of a "first special function."

Another example of a special function is the resistant starch increase control described above. The resistant starch increase control is an example of a "second special function." The "second special function" requires a longer time to achieve its effect than the "first special function." For example, the thawing function using the heating device 80, which is the first special function, achieves its effect (thawing food J1) in about 120 minutes. On the other hand, the resistant starch increase control, which is the second special function, requires, for example, six hours or more to achieve its effect (increasing the resistant starch contained in the food). Note that the other example of the special function is not limited to the resistant starch increase control, and may be another cooling control for reducing carbohydrates, or a cooling control such as the special chill control described above.

In this embodiment, each of these multiple special functions is not available as a basic function of the refrigerator 100 in conjunction with the purchase of the refrigerator 100, but requires a separate purchase procedure. In other words, when the user U completes the purchase procedure for any special function that the user U wishes to use, the program corresponding to that special function is downloaded from the device management server 200 to the refrigerator 100, or the usage restriction of a program that was previously stored in the refrigerator 100 as the program corresponding to that special function and was given a usage restriction is lifted, and the special function becomes available.

In this embodiment, the special function providing unit 260 accepts a purchase by the user U of one or more (e.g., multiple) special functions of the refrigerator 100. For example, the special function providing unit 260 introduces the special functions of the refrigerator 100 through the terminal device 300, and accepts a request from the terminal device 300 indicating a purchase by the user U. The special function providing unit 260 then completes the purchase procedure by the user U by performing a predetermined payment process.

When the payment procedure by user U is confirmed, the special function providing unit 260 transmits a program or control parameters corresponding to the purchased special function from the device management server 200 to the refrigerator 100. The programs or control parameters corresponding to these special functions are stored in the storage unit 290 as special function information 293. Alternatively, when the payment procedure by user U is confirmed, the special function providing unit 260 may transmit a control command to the refrigerator 100 to release the usage restrictions on the program or control parameters pre-stored in the refrigerator 100. As a result, the special function purchased by user U becomes available in the refrigerator 100.

In this embodiment, the purchase prices of the multiple special features are set differently for each of the multiple special features. For example, the purchase price of a special feature with high added value is set high, and the purchase price of a special feature with low added value is set low.

In this embodiment, the special function providing unit 260 allows the user U to use each of the multiple special functions that can be provided on a trial basis during a trial usage period. For example, when the special function providing unit 260 receives a request from the user U indicating that he/she wishes to use a special function on a trial basis through the home appliance management app APP of the terminal device 300, the special function providing unit 260 sets a predetermined trial usage period for the user U and provides the special function to the user U free of charge during the trial usage period. In other words, the special function providing unit 260 transmits a program or control parameters corresponding to the special function to the refrigerator 100, or releases the usage restrictions on the program or control parameters pre-stored in the refrigerator 100. This allows the user U to use the special function on a trial basis.

In this embodiment, the length of the trial usage period differs for each of the multiple special functions. For example, the multiple special functions include a first special function and a second special function that requires a longer time to be effective than the first special function. The trial usage period set for the second special function is longer than the trial usage period set for the first special function. For example, the trial usage period set for the first special function is 7 days. On the other hand, the trial usage period set for the second special function is 14 days.

(Memory unit)
The storage unit 290 is realized by, for example, a combination of a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, an SSD, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc. The storage unit 290 stores various information. For example, the storage unit 290 stores a device registration DB 291, a device status DB 292, and special function information 293.

4. Terminal Device
Next, the terminal device 300 will be described.
14 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 300. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 310, a display control unit 320, an operation acceptance unit 330, an information transmission unit 340, and a storage unit 390.

The information acquisition unit 310, the display control unit 320, the operation acceptance unit 330, and the information transmission unit 340 are realized by one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU, mounted on the terminal device 300 executing the application program P. In other words, the information acquisition unit 310, the display control unit 320, the operation acceptance unit 330, and the information transmission unit 340 are software functional units included in the home appliance management application APP.

(Information Acquisition Unit)
The information acquiring unit 310 communicates with the device management server 200 to acquire various pieces of information from the device management server 200. For example, the information acquiring unit 310 receives status information 192 indicating the latest status of the refrigerator 100 from the device management server 200. Furthermore, when a heating process is performed using the heating device 80, the information acquiring unit 310 acquires remaining time information 193 from the device management server 200.

(Display control unit)
The display control unit 320 controls the display device 301 of the terminal device 300, thereby controlling the contents displayed on the display screen 301a of the display device 301. For example, the display on the display screen 301a described below is realized by the display control unit 320. The display realized by the display control unit 320 will be described in detail later.

(Operation reception unit)
The operation reception unit 330 receives an operation by the user U performed on the input device 302 in relation to the home appliance management application APP. For example, the operation by the user U on various operation units displayed on the display screen 301a described below is received by the operation reception unit 330.

(Information transmission unit)
Information transmitting unit 340 transmits information or signals corresponding to various operations accepted by operation accepting unit 330 to device management server 200. For example, information transmitting unit 340 transmits to device management server 200 a request for changing the settings of refrigerator 100 or a request for remote operation accepted by operation accepting unit 330.

(Memory unit)
The storage unit 390 is realized by, for example, a combination of a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, an SSD, etc. The storage unit 390 stores various information. For example, the storage unit 390 stores an application program P and special function setting information 491. The special function setting information 491 includes information indicating special functions that have been purchased and special functions that can be purchased for the refrigerator 100 used by the user U.

<5. Example of display screen>
Next, a description will be given of the display displayed on the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300. The display described below is realized by the control of the display control unit 320. An operation by the user U on the display screen 301a described below is accepted by the operation acceptance unit 330 and transmitted to the device management server 200.

<5.1 Changing the temperature zone of the selectable compartment>
In this embodiment, when a display M1 indicating the temperature zone to be set in the switchable compartment 11D is displayed on the display screen 301a and an operation by a user U to change the temperature zone is received by the operation receiving unit 330, the display control unit 320 changes the display M1 displayed on the display screen 301a in accordance with the change in the temperature zone, and also changes the background color displayed on the display screen 301a. This will be described in detail below.

Figure 15 shows an example of an operation screen D1 for changing the temperature zone of the switchable compartment 11D. In this embodiment, the display control unit 320 causes a display M1 indicating the temperature zone to be set in the switchable compartment 11D to be displayed on the operation screen D1. The display M1 includes, for example, a display M11 indicating the name of the temperature zone to be set, a display M12 indicating a description of the temperature zone to be set, and a display M13 indicating foods suitable for storage in the temperature zone to be set.

In this embodiment, display M13 includes a picture of one or more (e.g., multiple) foods suitable for storage in the set temperature range. Display M13 is displayed, for example, in the center of operation screen D1 (the center of display screen 301a).

In addition, in this embodiment, the display control unit 320 displays an operation unit B1 for changing the temperature zone of the switchable compartment 11D on the operation screen D1. That is, the operation unit B1 is displayed on the same screen as the above-mentioned display M1. The operation unit B1 is, for example, an adjustable operation unit with a display B1b of a different color according to the target temperature. In this embodiment, the operation unit B1 includes an adjustment unit B1a operated by the user U to change the temperature zone, and a display B1b that displays the target temperature in a different color.

The adjustment unit B1a is, for example, a linear movement adjustment unit in which the temperature zone setting is changed by being moved in a linear direction on the operation screen D1, but it may also be a rotational adjustment unit in which the temperature zone setting is changed by being rotated on the operation screen D1. The adjustment unit B1a is an example of a "predetermined input element."

In this embodiment, the display control unit 320 changes the color of the adjustment unit B1a according to the linear position or rotational position of the adjustment unit B1a according to the target temperature. For example, the display control unit 320 changes the color of the adjustment unit B1a to "magenta" when the target temperature zone is the freezer temperature zone, "blue-purple" when the target temperature zone is the chilled temperature zone, "light blue" when the target temperature zone is the refrigerator temperature zone, "green" when the target temperature zone is the vegetable zone, and "yellow-green" when the target temperature zone is the summer vegetable temperature zone.

Display B1b is arranged along the direction of movement or rotation of adjustment unit B1a. Display B1b displays a "magenta" area corresponding to the position of adjustment unit B1a when the new temperature is in the freezer temperature zone, a "blue-purple" area corresponding to the position of adjustment unit B1a when the new temperature is in the chilled temperature zone, a "light blue" area corresponding to the position of adjustment unit B1a when the new temperature is in the refrigerator temperature zone, a "green" area corresponding to the position of adjustment unit B1a when the new temperature is in the vegetable compartment temperature zone, and a "yellow-green" area corresponding to the position of adjustment unit B1a when the new temperature is in the summer vegetable temperature zone.

Then, when the operation receiving unit 330 receives an operation by the user U to move or rotate the adjustment unit B1a, the display control unit 320 changes the display M1 displayed on the display screen 301a according to the change in the temperature zone. For example, the display control unit 320 changes the display M11 indicating the name of the temperature zone to be set, the display M12 indicating the description of the temperature zone to be set, and the display M13 indicating foods suitable for storage in the temperature zone to be set, according to the change in the temperature zone. That is, in this embodiment, the display control unit 320 changes the display of foods included in the display M13 to foods suitable for storage in the changed temperature zone, according to the change in the temperature zone.

When the operation receiving unit 330 receives an operation by the user U to move or rotate the adjustment unit B1a, the display control unit 320 changes the display M1 according to the change in temperature range and changes the background color displayed on the display screen 301a. The "background color" is the color of the area Q that is the background of the display M1. For example, the "background color" is the color of the area Q that is the background of the display M11 indicating the name of the temperature range, the display M12 indicating the description of the temperature range, the display M13 indicating foods suitable for storage in the temperature range, and the operation unit B1.

In this embodiment, the display control unit 320 changes the background color of the operation screen D1 to "light magenta" if the destination temperature zone is the freezer temperature zone, "light blue-purple" if the destination temperature zone is the chilled temperature zone, "light light blue" if the destination temperature zone is the refrigerator temperature zone, "light green" if the destination temperature zone is the vegetable zone, and "light yellow-green" if the destination temperature zone is the summer vegetable temperature zone.

In this embodiment, the display control unit 320 changes the background color (the color of area Q) of the operation screen D1 for each temperature zone to a color similar to the color corresponding to that temperature zone in the adjustment unit B1a and display B1b, but lighter than the color of the adjustment unit B1a and display B1b. In this embodiment, the display control unit 320 simultaneously changes the color of the adjustment unit B1a and the background color of the operation screen D1 in response to the operation of the user U who changes the temperature zone.

In this embodiment, when the operation receiving unit 330 receives an operation by the user U to change the temperature zone, the display control unit 320 displays, on the same screen, a display M13 indicating foods suitable for storage in the changed temperature zone, and a background color (the color of area Q) corresponding to the changed temperature zone, depending on the change in the temperature zone.

In this embodiment, the operation receiving unit 330 receives an operation by the user U to move or rotate the adjustment unit 31a displayed on the operation screen D1 on the operation screen D1 as an operation to change the setting of the temperature zone of the switchable compartment 11D. When the temperature zone to be changed is switched in sequence in response to a change operation by the user U (for example, an operation by the user U to move or rotate the adjustment unit 31a), and when the display contents of the above-mentioned displays M11 to M13 are switched in sequence in response to the switching of the temperature zone, the display control unit 320 simultaneously switches the background color (the color of the area Q) in sequence in accordance with the switching of the display contents of the displays M11 to M13.

For example, when the user U operates the adjustment unit 31a on the operation screen D1 to switch the temperature zone of the switchable compartment 11D from the freezer temperature zone to the summer vegetable temperature zone, the display control unit 320 switches and transitions the displays M11 to M13 and background colors (the color of area Q) corresponding to the freezer temperature zone, chilled temperature zone, refrigerator temperature zone, vegetable temperature zone, and summer vegetable temperature zone, respectively, by switching them in order for each temperature zone.

<5.2 Special function indication>
In this embodiment, the display control unit 320 displays the status of the special functions on the basic screen D2 that displays the status of the refrigerator 100. The details of this will be described below.

Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of a basic screen D2 related to the refrigerator 100. The basic screen D2 is an example of a "status display screen." The basic screen D2 includes a display M2 indicating the control status of the refrigerator 100. The display M2 includes, for example, a display M21 indicating the cooling strength of the refrigerator compartment 11A, a display M22 indicating the control status related to the chilled compartment 11Aa, and a display M23 indicating the operating status of the ultraviolet sterilization device, as well as a display M24 indicating the control status of the switchable compartment 11D. The display M24 includes, for example, a display M24a indicating the temperature range set in the switchable compartment 11D and a display M24b indicating the usage status of the special function.

Display M24b showing the usage status of the special function may display, for example, "in use," "reserved," or "not in use" as the usage status of the special function. For example, if a defrosting function using the heating device 80 is used as the special function, display M24b may display, for example, "defrosting," "reserved defrosting," "defrosting completed," or "not in use."

In this embodiment, the operation unit B2 is set to be superimposed on the display M24b. When the user U presses the operation unit B2, the display control unit 320 switches the basic screen D2 to the special function setting screen D3. The special function setting screen D3 is a screen for using one or more special functions of the refrigerator 100.

Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of a special function setting screen D3. On the special function setting screen D3, operation units B3 corresponding to one or more special functions available to the user U are displayed. Each operation unit B3 includes a pictorial display (e.g., an icon) including a design showing the content of the special function. In Figure 17, the operation units B3 displayed are operation unit B3A for setting a "thaw function" and operation unit B3B for setting a "special chilled control". The user U can set the start, reservation, or end of the defrost function or special chilled control on the operation screen displayed by transitioning to it by pressing operation unit B3.

In this embodiment, the special function setting screen D3 includes an operation unit B4 for adding a special function. When the user U presses the operation unit B4, the display control unit 320 switches the special function setting screen D3 to the special function addition screen D4. The special function addition screen D4 is a screen for adding one or more special functions to the refrigerator 100.

Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of the special function addition screen D4. The special function addition screen D4 displays operation units B5 corresponding to one or more special functions that the user U can add. Each operation unit B5 includes a pictorial display (e.g., an icon) including a design showing the content of the special function. In Figure 18, operation unit B4A for setting a "frozen fruit ripe to eat function" is displayed as operation unit B5. The user U can check the details of the special functions that are candidates for addition on the special function purchase screen D5, which is displayed by transitioning to it by pressing operation unit B4.

Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of the special function purchase screen D5. The special function purchase screen D5 includes a display M3 that explains the contents of the special function that is a candidate for addition. Display M3 includes, for example, a display M31 that describes in text the contents of the special function that is a candidate for addition, and a display M32 that illustrates in pictures how to use the special function that is a candidate for addition.

The display M32 includes, for example, a picture showing the position of an area in the switchable compartment 11D where food that is the target of the special function can be placed. In the example shown in FIG. 19, a picture is displayed indicating that the special function, "frozen fruit ripe to eat function," which is a special function that uses the heating device 80, can be used by placing food on the metal plate 86 provided at the front end A2 of the switchable compartment 11D.

6. Advantages
<6.1 Heating device installation structure>
As Comparative Example 1, a configuration in which the heating device is located in the center of the storage chamber will be considered. In this configuration of Comparative Example 1, when the heating device heats the food to be heated, the entire storage chamber is heated. Therefore, it is necessary to temporarily remove the food to be heated from the storage chamber until the heating device finishes heating the food.

As a second comparative example, consider a configuration in which the heating device is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the storage chamber. In this configuration of the second comparative example, for example, it is necessary to store foods that are not to be heated away from the heating device, and it becomes necessary to line up the foods that are not to be heated in the depth direction along the left and right side edges of the storage chamber. As a result, the storage capacity of the storage chamber becomes poor.

On the other hand, the refrigerator 100 of this embodiment includes a housing 10 including a rectangular storage compartment (e.g., a switching compartment 11D) in a plan view, and a heating device 80 arranged at a position off-center in the longitudinal direction of the storage compartment and arranged along the short side of the storage compartment. With this configuration, it is easier to heat only a specific area in the storage compartment that corresponds to the heating device 80, rather than heating the entire storage compartment. In addition, in this embodiment, since the heating device 80 is arranged along the short side of the storage compartment, the area in the storage compartment that is heated by the heating device 80 can be made smaller than when the heating device 80 is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the storage compartment. Therefore, for food J2 that is not to be heated, by storing the food J2 in a location outside the heating device 80 in the storage compartment, the effort of temporarily taking the food J2 that is not to be heated can be eliminated. This improves the convenience of the user U.

In this embodiment, the storage chamber has a pair of ends (e.g., front end A2 and rear end A3) separated in the longitudinal direction of the storage chamber. The heating device 80 is provided along one end (e.g., front end A2) included in the pair of ends. With this configuration, the area in the storage chamber that is heated by the heating device 80 can be positioned at an end of the storage chamber. This allows the remaining area in the storage chamber to be effectively used as an area capable of storing food J2 that is not to be heated.

In this embodiment, the refrigerator 100 further includes a door 20D disposed in front of the storage compartment to close the opening of the storage compartment. The longitudinal direction of the storage compartment coincides with the front-rear direction of the refrigerator 100. The heating device 80 is provided along the front end A2 of the storage compartment. With this configuration, for example, food J1 to be heated that has been removed from another storage compartment 11 can be easily placed in the heating target area B11 of the storage compartment (switchable compartment 11D) that has the heating device 80. In addition, food J1 that has finished being heated can be easily removed from the storage compartment. This can increase convenience for the user U.

From another perspective, the front end A2 of the storage chamber is an area where the temperature is likely to rise due to the inflow of room temperature outside air when the door 20 is opened or closed. For this reason, if the heating target area B11 is arranged along the front end A2 of the storage chamber, the temperature of the food J1 to be heated is likely to rise due to the influence of the inflowing room temperature outside air. On the other hand, if the non-heating target area B12 is arranged along the rear end A3 of the storage chamber, the non-heating target area B12 is less likely to be influenced by room temperature outside air. For this reason, it is preferable that the heating device 80 is provided along the front end A2 of the storage chamber.

In this embodiment, the storage chamber includes a heating target area B11 where food J1 to be heated is placed, and a non-heating target area B12 where food J2 to be unheated is placed. The heating device 80 emits electromagnetic waves toward the heating target area B11 while suppressing emission of electromagnetic waves toward the non-heating target area B12. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress a temperature rise in the non-heating target area B12, and it is possible to maintain a good condition of the non-heating target food J2.

In this embodiment, the non-heated area B12 is larger than the heated area B11. With this configuration, the food J1 to be heated can be heated while storing many non-heated foods J2. This further improves the convenience for the user U.

In this embodiment, the storage compartment has a ceiling wall (e.g., horizontal portion 16a of second partition wall 16) that forms the ceiling of the storage compartment. Heating device 80 is arranged along the ceiling wall. Refrigerator 100 further includes a heat insulating member 87 arranged between an area of the ceiling wall facing heating device 80 and heating device 80. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a portion of the ceiling wall from melting or softening due to heat generated by heating device 80.

In this embodiment, the storage chamber has a wall portion (e.g., second partition wall 16) including a ceiling wall (e.g., horizontal portion 16a of second partition wall 16) that forms the ceiling of the storage chamber. Heating device 80 is disposed along the ceiling wall. The refrigerator 100 further includes a cold air supply unit CU that supplies cold air between the ceiling wall and heating device 80 when a detection result regarding the temperature of the wall portion satisfies a predetermined condition. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a part of the ceiling wall from melting or softening due to heat generated by heating device 80.

In this embodiment, the refrigerator further includes a temperature detector (e.g., switching compartment temperature sensor 112) provided in the storage compartment. The temperature detector is a non-contact temperature detector that is positioned so that both the heating device 80 and the food J1 heated by the heating device 80 are included in the viewing angle R2, and can detect the temperature of the heating device 80 and the temperature of the food J1, respectively. With this configuration, a single temperature detector can detect and monitor both the temperature of the heating device 80 and the temperature of the food J1. This allows the refrigerator 100 to be manufactured at a low cost. For example, when the temperature of the heating device 80 exceeds a threshold value, the control unit 91 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the heating device 80 and stops the heating operation of the heating device 80.

In this embodiment, the storage chamber has a ceiling wall (e.g., the horizontal portion 16a of the second partition wall 16) that forms the ceiling of the storage chamber. The heating device 80 has an infrared emitting unit 81 that emits infrared rays, and a protective unit 83 that is attached below the infrared emitting unit 81 and allows infrared rays to pass through, and is installed on the ceiling wall. This configuration prevents the user U's hands from touching the infrared emitting unit 81, improving safety and a sense of security.

In this embodiment, the storage chamber is positioned below the heating device 80, off-center in the longitudinal direction of the storage chamber, and includes a metal plate 86 on which the food J1 to be heated is placed. With this configuration, the food J1 to be heated may be heated more effectively.

In this embodiment, the width W1 of the metal plate 86 in the longitudinal direction of the storage chamber is smaller than the width W2 of the metal plate 86 in the lateral direction of the storage chamber. With this configuration, at least a portion of the area where the metal plate 86 is not provided can be effectively used as an area capable of accommodating food J2 that is not to be heated.

6.2 Control
In this embodiment, when the refrigerator 100 detects the temperature during the heating process of food by the heating device 80, the refrigerator 100 suppresses the operation of the heating device 80 at least while the temperature detector (e.g., the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112) is detecting the temperature. This configuration can suppress the heating (e.g., infrared radiation) of the heating device 80 from affecting the detection result by the temperature detector. This allows the temperature detector to measure the temperature with high accuracy, and as a result, the accuracy of the control of the refrigerator 100 can be improved.

In this embodiment, when the control unit 91 detects the temperature during the heating process of food by the heating device 80, it suppresses the operation of the heating device 80 at a predetermined cycle and detects the temperature using the temperature detector while the operation of the heating device 80 is suppressed. With this configuration, the temperature can be accurately detected by the temperature detector while the operation of the heating device 80 is suppressed at a predetermined cycle. This can further improve the accuracy of the control of the refrigerator 100.

In this embodiment, when the temperature detected by the temperature detector is below a predetermined temperature, the control unit 91 suppresses the operation of the heating device 80 at a period of a first interval, and detects the temperature with the temperature detector while the operation of the heating device 80 is suppressed. On the other hand, when the temperature detected by the temperature detector is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the control unit 91 suppresses the operation of the heating device 80 at a period of a second interval shorter than the first interval, and detects the temperature with the temperature detector while the operation of the heating device 80 is suppressed. With this configuration, while the temperature of the food J1 to be heated is low, the continuous operation time of the heating device 80 can be extended to promote heating of the food J1 (e.g., to hasten thawing), while on the other hand, when the temperature of the food J1 to be heated becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the frequency of temperature detection by the temperature detector can be increased to appropriately bring the temperature of the food J1 closer to the target temperature.

In this embodiment, when the temperature detected by the temperature detector is below a predetermined temperature, the control unit 91 suppresses the operation of the heating device 80 for a first time, and detects the temperature with the temperature detector during the first time. On the other hand, when the temperature detected by the temperature detector is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the control unit 91 suppresses the operation of the heating device 80 for a second time longer than the first time, and detects the temperature with the temperature detector during the second time. With this configuration, while the temperature of the food J1 to be heated is low, the suppression time of the heating device 80 can be shortened to promote heating of the food J1 (e.g., to hasten thawing), while when the temperature of the food J1 to be heated reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature, the possible time for temperature detection by the temperature detector can be lengthened, enabling multiple temperature detections. This, for example, can improve the accuracy of temperature detection and appropriately bring the temperature of the food J1 close to the target temperature.

In this embodiment, the refrigerator 100 further includes an estimation unit 92 that estimates the remaining time required to heat the food J1. When the operation of the heating device 80 is suppressed for a first time, the estimation unit 92 estimates the remaining time based on the temperature change detected by the temperature detector during the first time. On the other hand, when the operation of the heating device 80 is suppressed for a second time, the estimation unit 92 estimates the remaining time based on the temperature change detected by the temperature detector during the second time. With this configuration, when the temperature of the food J1 to be heated reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature, the estimation unit 92 can accurately estimate the remaining time based on the temperature change detected using the second time, which is longer than the first time. This can improve the accuracy of the remaining time notified to the user U.

In this embodiment, the storage compartment is the switching compartment 11D, the temperature setting of which can be switched. When performing the first control to defrost the food stored in the switching compartment 11D, the control unit 91 controls the heating device 80 to perform a heating operation at a first output value. On the other hand, when performing the second control to switch the temperature setting of the switching compartment 11D from the first temperature zone to a second temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone, the control unit 91 controls the heating device 80 to perform a heating operation at a second output value lower than the first output value. With this configuration, when heating the food J1 to be heated, the heating is promoted by the first output value, which is a relatively high output, and when changing the temperature zone of the switching compartment 11D, the temperature inside the storage compartment can be increased by the second output value, which is a relatively low output. This makes it possible to reduce the impact on the food stored in the switching compartment 11D (for example, the food stored directly below the heating device 80) when changing the temperature zone of the switching compartment 11D.

In this embodiment, the control unit 91 controls the heating device 80 to perform a heating operation when the temperature detected by the temperature detector changes beyond a threshold within a predetermined time in a situation other than when the heating device 80 is heating the food J1. That is, condensation may occur when a sudden temperature change occurs, such as when hot food is placed in the switchable compartment 11D or when the temperature zone of the switchable compartment 11D is changed. Condensation may cause erroneous detection by the switchable compartment temperature sensor 112. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a sudden temperature change occurs (a temperature change that exceeds a threshold within a predetermined time), the heating device 80 is operated to promote evaporation of the condensed water.

In this embodiment, when food J1 is heated by the heating device 80, the control unit 91 controls the heating device 80 to perform a heating operation at a first output value, and when the temperature detected by the temperature detector changes beyond a threshold value within a predetermined time under a situation different from when the heating device 80 is heating the food J1, the control unit 91 controls the heating device 80 to perform a heating operation at a third output value lower than the first output value. With this configuration, when the heating device 80 is operated to promote the evaporation of condensation water, the impact on the food contained in the switching chamber 11D (e.g., the food contained directly below the heating device 80) can be reduced.

In this embodiment, when the temperature zone of the storage compartment is a predetermined temperature zone lower than 0°C, and the heating device 80 is stopped and the temperature in the storage compartment satisfies a predetermined condition, and cooling by the cold air supply unit CU is resumed, the control unit 91 supplies cold air to the storage compartment at a first supply amount by the cold air supply unit CU. On the other hand, when the temperature zone of the storage compartment is the above-mentioned predetermined temperature zone and food is heated by the heating device 80, the control unit 91 supplies cold air to the storage compartment at a second supply amount that is greater than the first supply amount by the cold air supply unit CU. With this configuration, for example, when food J1 is heated by the heating device 80 in the freezer compartment temperature zone, the cold air is supplied at a second supply amount that is greater than the standard cold air supply amount (first supply amount) by the cold air supply unit CU. This makes it possible to heat the food J1 to be heated while suppressing the influence on the food J2 to be unheated contained in the storage compartment.

In this embodiment, the storage chamber includes a heating target area B11 where food J1 to be heated by the heating device 80 is placed, and a non-heating target area B12 where food J2 to be not heated is placed. The non-heating target area B12 is located closer to the cold air supply unit CU than the heating target area B11. With this configuration, cold air from the cold air supply unit CU is more likely to be supplied to the non-heating target area B12. This makes it possible to heat the heating target food J1 while further reducing the impact on the non-heating target food J2.

In this embodiment, when the storage chamber is set to the first temperature zone and food J1 is heated by the heating device 80, the control unit 91 supplies cold air to the storage chamber at a third supply amount by the cold air supply unit CU. On the other hand, when the storage chamber is set to the second temperature zone that is higher than the first temperature zone and food J1 is heated by the heating device 80, the control unit 91 supplies cold air to the storage chamber at a fourth supply amount that is smaller than the third supply amount by the cold air supply unit CU. With this configuration, it is easier to suppress the temperature rise of food that is not to be heated, whether the storage chamber is in the first temperature zone or the second temperature zone.

<6.3 Display on terminal device>
As Comparative Example 3, a case where a rotary physical operation unit for changing the temperature of the selectable compartment is provided in the refrigerator is considered. In such a configuration of Comparative Example 3, it may be difficult to know what foods should be stored at what temperature. Also, since it is a physical operation unit, it may not be possible to add more temperature zones later or to add new functions using those temperature zones.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the home appliance management application APP has an operation reception unit 330 and a display control unit 320. The operation reception unit 330 receives an operation of the user U on the display screen 301a. When the display M1 indicating the temperature zone set in the switching room 11D is displayed on the display screen 301a and the operation reception unit 330 receives a change operation of the user U to change the temperature zone, the display control unit 320 changes the display M1 displayed on the display screen 301a according to the change in the temperature zone and changes the background color displayed on the display screen 301a. With this configuration, the change in the background color makes it easier for the user U to visually understand the change in the temperature zone. This improves the convenience of the user U. In addition, with this configuration, it is easier to flexibly respond to cases where you want to increase the number of temperature zones later or add a new function using the temperature zone.

In this embodiment, when the operation reception unit 330 receives a change operation by the user U, the display control unit 320 changes the display M13 of the food included in the display M1 to a display M13 of food suitable for storage in the changed temperature zone according to the change in the temperature zone. With this configuration, the user U can refer to the display M13 of food suitable for storage in the temperature zone that changes according to the change in the temperature zone, and decide the temperature zone to which the user U will change. This can improve the convenience for the user U.

In this embodiment, when the change operation is accepted by the operation acceptance unit 330, the display control unit 320 displays, on the same screen, the background color corresponding to the changed temperature zone and a display M13 of food suitable for storage in the changed temperature zone, depending on the change in temperature zone. With this configuration, the user U can visually understand the change in temperature zone more easily based on the background color and the display M13 of the food displayed on the same screen. This can further improve the convenience for the user U.

In this embodiment, when the display M1 is switched in sequence on the display screen 301a in response to the above change operation, the display control unit 320 switches the food display M13 and background color in sequence in accordance with the switching of the display M1. This configuration makes it easier for the user U to understand the correspondence between the foods suitable for storage in each temperature zone and the temperature zones indicated by the background color. This can further improve the convenience for the user U.

In this embodiment, the operation receiving unit 330 receives an operation by the user U to move or rotate a specific input element displayed on the display screen 301a on the display screen 301a as an operation to change the temperature zone. The display control unit 320 sequentially switches the display of the above foods in accordance with the movement or rotation of the above input element by the user U. With this configuration, the display of foods suitable for storage in that temperature zone is switched sequentially in response to the operation of the input element to change the temperature zone. This makes it even easier for the user U to visually understand the changes to the temperature zone. This can improve the convenience for the user U.

In this embodiment, the refrigerator 100 has a special function that uses a heating device 80 provided in the switchable compartment 11D. The display control unit 320 displays the status of the special function on a status display screen that displays the status of the refrigerator 100. With this configuration, the user can easily recognize the usage status of the special function by checking the status display screen. This can further improve the convenience for the user U.

In this embodiment, the special function providing unit 260 allows the user to use each of the multiple special functions on a trial basis during a trial usage period. With this configuration, the user U can try out the special functions that interest him/her before actually purchasing them. This can further improve the convenience for the user U.

In this embodiment, the multiple special functions include a first special function and a second special function that requires a longer time to achieve its effect than the first special function. The trial usage period set for the second special function is longer than the trial usage period set for the first special function. With this configuration, the second special function that requires a longer time to achieve its effect can be checked by using the long trial usage period.

In this embodiment, the purchase price for purchasing a special function varies depending on each of the multiple special functions. With this configuration, special functions with low added value can be offered at a low price, and special functions with high added value can be offered at a high price.

In this embodiment, the display control unit 320 causes the display screen 301a to display an image showing the location of an area in the switchable compartment 11D where food that is the target of the special function can be placed. With this configuration, the user U can easily visually recognize the location where food should be placed to use the special function. This can further improve the convenience for the user U.

Although one embodiment has been described above, the content of the embodiment is not limited to the above example. For example, the heating target area B11 may be provided corresponding to the rear end of the storage chamber instead of the front end of the storage chamber.

In the above-described embodiment, the heating device 80 is a heating device that heats the heating object by irradiating infrared rays toward the heating object. However, the "heating device" referred to in this application is not limited to the above example, and various heating devices may be applicable. For example, the "heating device" may be a heating device that heats the heating object by irradiating microwaves toward the heating object, a heating device (e.g., a high-frequency heating device) that emits magnetic flux toward the heating object or a mounting portion on which the heating object is placed and heats the heating object by electromagnetic induction based on the magnetic flux, or a heating device that heats the heating object by thermal conduction or convection using a heater (electric heater).

In the above-described embodiment, if the refrigerator 100 is equipped with a display device 301, the contents displayed on the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300 and the operations of the user U accepted by the terminal device 300 may be displayed by the control unit 91 of the refrigerator 100 and accepted by the control unit 91 of the refrigerator 100.

According to at least one embodiment described above, when a user's operation to change the temperature zone is accepted while a display related to the temperature zone is displayed on the display screen, the display control unit of the information processing system changes the display displayed on the display screen according to the change in the temperature zone, and also changes the background color displayed on the display screen. This configuration can improve convenience.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims, as well as the scope and gist of the invention.

11D...storage room (switching room), 80...heating device, 81...infrared irradiation unit, 82...irradiation direction regulation unit, 83...protection unit, 91...control unit, 92...estimation unit, 100...refrigerator, 200...device management server, 300...terminal device, 301...display device, 301a...display screen, 320...display control unit, 330...operation reception unit, CU...cold air supply unit.

Claims (12)

An information processing system for a refrigerator having a switchable compartment in which the temperature zone setting can be changed,
an operation receiving unit that receives a user's operation on the display screen;
a display control unit that, when a change operation by the user to change the temperature zone is accepted by the operation accepting unit while an indication regarding the temperature zone is being displayed on the display screen, changes the indication displayed on the display screen in accordance with the change in the temperature zone, and changes a background color displayed on the display screen;
An information processing system comprising: When the display is switched in sequence on the display screen in response to the change operation, the display control unit switches the background color in accordance with the switching of the display.
The information processing system according to claim 1 . The labeling includes a labeling of the food suitable for storage in the temperature range;
When the change operation is accepted by the operation acceptance unit, the display control unit changes the display of the food to a display of the food suitable for storage in the changed temperature zone in accordance with the change in the temperature zone.
3. The information processing system according to claim 1. When the change operation is accepted by the operation acceptance unit, the display control unit displays, on the same screen, an indication of the food suitable for storage in the changed temperature zone and the background color corresponding to the changed temperature zone, in accordance with the content of the change in the temperature zone.
The information processing system according to claim 3 . when the display is switched in sequence on the display screen in response to the change operation, the display control unit switches the display of the food and the background color in sequence in accordance with the switching of the display.
The information processing system according to claim 3 . The refrigerator has a special function using a heating device provided in the switching compartment,
The display control unit displays a status of the special function on a status display screen that displays a status of the refrigerator.
3. The information processing system according to claim 1. The refrigerator has a plurality of special functions,
The information processing system includes:
a special function providing unit that allows the user to use each of the plurality of special functions on a trial basis during a trial use period;
the length of the trial period varies for each of the plurality of special features;
3. The information processing system according to claim 1. The plurality of special functions include a first special function and a second special function that requires a longer time to obtain an effect than the first special function,
The trial use period set for the second special function is longer than the trial use period set for the first special function.
The information processing system according to claim 7. The refrigerator has a plurality of special functions,
The information processing system includes:
a special function providing unit that accepts purchases by the user for each of the plurality of special functions;
a purchase price for purchasing the special features varies for each of the plurality of special features;
3. The information processing system according to claim 1. The refrigerator has a special function using a heating device provided in the switching compartment,
The display control unit displays, on the display screen, a picture indicating a position of an area in the switching compartment where the food to be used with the special function can be placed.
3. The information processing system according to claim 1. An information processing method for a refrigerator having a switchable compartment in which a temperature zone can be changed,
One or more computers
Displaying an indication regarding the temperature zone on a display screen;
when a change operation by a user to change the temperature zone is accepted, the display displayed on the display screen is changed according to the change in the temperature zone, and a background color displayed on the display screen is changed.
An information processing method comprising the steps of: The terminal device, a computer,
As a functional part relating to a refrigerator having a selectable compartment in which the temperature zone can be changed,
an operation receiving unit that receives a user's operation on a display screen of the terminal device;
a display control unit that, when a change operation by the user to change the temperature zone is accepted by the operation accepting unit while an indication regarding the temperature zone is being displayed on the display screen, changes the indication displayed on the display screen in accordance with the change in the temperature zone, and changes a background color displayed on the display screen;
A program to achieve this.

Images