JP6236641B2 - Washing machine communication system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine communication system that enables communication between a portable terminal and a washing machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technology that can connect a household electrical appliance to a communication network and adjust a washing machine control program via the communication network (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A system is also known in which a washing machine is connected to a communication network so that operation control data or the like corresponding to the item to be washed can be acquired from an external database (for example, see Patent Document 2). The washing machine system via these communication networks is configured to cope with the following situations, for example.

  For example, according to the operation control program stored in the memory of the washing / drying machine itself, the laundry is controlled to be washed or dried. The operation control program is selected from a plurality of courses according to the needs of the user, or is changed according to the situation. Selection from a plurality of courses or change of courses is performed by the user directly operating the operation switches of the washing / drying machine or via a network.

  In addition, the variety of laundry types, the variety of detergents and softeners, the variety of washing methods, and the diversification of practical knowledge in washing and drying are progressing. Therefore, in order to store various washing conditions, operation control programs, practical knowledge, etc. in the memory of the operation control means of the washing / drying machine as in the prior art, a large memory capacity is required. Providing a large capacity memory in each of the washing / drying machines itself causes an increase in the price of the washing / drying machine. In addition, various washing conditions and practical knowledge often change over time, and it is practically difficult to frequently change and update the program data initially stored in the memory, and cannot cope with changes over time. That was the situation.

  On the other hand, for example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is possible to reduce the storage amount of an operation control program in a laundry machine, simplify operation control means such as a microcomputer, and a display device. A laundry system is disclosed that can cope with laundry conditions and practical knowledge.

  According to these laundry systems, if operation control information such as control data and practical knowledge is stored in the external data supply means, operation control information corresponding to this is selected by selecting a laundry target item from the home terminal. It can be taken in by this home terminal, and the operation control information can be held in the laundry device when necessary. As a result, it is possible to reduce the storage amount of operation control information in the laundry machine, simplify operation control means such as a microcomputer, and display device, and easily deal with the latest washing conditions and practical knowledge.

JP 2002-85885 A JP 2003-210887 A

However, in the conventional configuration, the washing machine is only controlled via the network, and information on the washing machine is not actively obtained. In addition, since the washing machine is turned off when it is not normally used, there is a problem that a large-capacity nonvolatile memory is required when storing a large amount of information.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described conventional problems and to provide a washing machine communication system in which stored information of a washing machine can be easily obtained using a portable terminal.

  The washing machine communication system according to the present invention includes a washing machine, a portable terminal, and a server. The washing machine controls a washing machine control unit that controls a driving course, a washing machine storage unit that stores information related to driving, and a network. A washing machine communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the server via the mobile terminal, and the portable terminal includes a terminal display unit, an input unit that inputs control contents of the washing machine, and the server via the network. A terminal communication unit that communicates wirelessly, and the server includes a server communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the portable terminal and the washing machine via the network, and the washing machine communication unit includes the laundry The information stored in the machine storage unit is transmitted to the server, and the server, based on the information received from the washing machine communication unit, ecologically relates to a reduction rank of power consumption and / or water consumption. And generating the eco information and the definition of the eco information to the mobile terminal via the server communication unit. The mobile terminal receives the eco information and the definition of the eco information received from the server communication unit. It is set as the structure which can be displayed on the said terminal display part.

  Thus, a washing machine communication system with increased convenience can be provided without increasing the nonvolatile memory capacity of the washing machine. In addition, the user can know the operating status of the washing machine, such as power consumption and water consumption, and the definition of eco information even when there is no intention to acquire eco information. Can raise awareness about the environment.

  The washing machine communication system of the present invention can improve the convenience by making it easy to acquire the accumulated information of the washing machine.

Configuration diagram of washing machine system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Schematic perspective view of the washing machine and portable terminal Schematic top view showing the operation panel of the washing machine Flow chart of the washing machine system Flow chart of the washing machine system A figure showing the communication instruction screen on the mobile terminal The figure which shows the screen of the portable terminal The figure which shows the screen of the portable terminal The figure which shows the screen of the portable terminal The figure which shows the screen of the portable terminal The figure which shows the screen of the portable terminal

The washing machine communication system according to the present invention includes a washing machine, a portable terminal, and a server. The washing machine controls a washing machine control unit that controls a driving course, a washing machine storage unit that stores information related to driving, and a network. A washing machine communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the server via the mobile terminal, and the portable terminal includes a terminal display unit, an input unit that inputs control contents of the washing machine, and the server via the network. A terminal communication unit that communicates wirelessly, and the server includes a server communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the portable terminal and the washing machine via the network, and the washing machine communication unit includes the laundry The information stored in the machine storage unit is transmitted to the server, and the server, based on the information received from the washing machine communication unit, ecologically relates to a reduction rank of power consumption and / or water consumption. And generating the eco information and the definition of the eco information to the mobile terminal via the server communication unit. The mobile terminal receives the eco information and the definition of the eco information received from the server communication unit. It is set as the structure which can be displayed on the said terminal display part.

  Thus, a washing machine communication system with increased convenience can be provided without increasing the nonvolatile memory capacity of the washing machine. In addition, the user can know the operating status of the washing machine, such as power consumption and water consumption, and the definition of eco information even when there is no intention to acquire eco information. Can raise awareness about the environment.

  Furthermore, the present invention may display the washing method that contributes to energy saving on the terminal display unit.

  Thereby, the user can know how to do laundry that contributes to energy saving, and can be highly convenient.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Further, the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a washing machine system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the washing machine and the portable terminal according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic top view showing the operation panel of the washing machine in the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the washing machine communication system will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The washing machine communication system of the present invention includes a washing machine 1, which is an electric device, a portable terminal 10, and a server 300. The washing machine 1 and the portable terminal 10 are devices that can communicate with a reader / writer by RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) or NFC (Near Field Communication).

  The washing machine 1 communicates with the mobile terminal 10 using short-range wireless communication via the loop antenna 27 mounted on the washing machine 1. The washing operation of the washing machine 1 is a washing operation in which clothes are immersed in detergent water and rotating the washing tub to remove dirt, a clothes soaked in detergent water is rinsed with water, and dehydration is performed to dehydrate clothes containing water. It is configured to include at least one of driving and drying operation in which warm air is applied to dry the clothes. And each operation | movement is performing various processes further. For example, in the case of a washing operation, there are a cloth amount determination step, a detergent amount display step, a water supply step, a press washing step, a fir washing step, and so on.

  The mobile terminal 10 is composed of a communication device such as a mobile phone, for example, and is equipped with a loop antenna 106. The mobile terminal 10 communicates with the washing machine 1 using short-range wireless communication via the loop antenna 106 and is communicably connected to the server 300 via the network 200 (communication network). The portable terminal 10 may be any device provided with a reader / writer that can communicate with the RFID or NFC of the washing machine 1, but a portable device is more preferable.

  The server 300 is configured by a known server computer or the like, and is connected to the mobile terminal 10 via the network 200 so as to be communicable.

(Configuration of mobile device)
The mobile terminal 10 includes a first communication unit 101 (terminal communication unit), a second communication unit 102 (terminal communication unit), a terminal display unit 103, a terminal operation unit 104, a terminal control unit 105, and a loop antenna 106.

  The first communication unit 101 communicates with the washing machine 1 using short-range wireless communication via the loop antenna 106.

  The loop antenna 106 is an antenna for performing close proximity wireless communication. In the present embodiment, for example, RFID or NFC in a high frequency band using the 13.56 MHz band is assumed as the proximity wireless communication, but is not limited to this frequency band. The frequency band of the close proximity wireless communication may be a UHF band of 90 MHz to 1 GHz or a frequency band exceeding 2 GHz band.

  Proximity wireless communication has a short communication distance and requires close proximity of loop antennas of two wireless communication devices that perform communication. A mark indicating the position of the loop antenna is attached to the surface of the wireless communication device on which the loop antenna is mounted, and the user moves the marks of the two wireless communication devices closer to each other between the two wireless communication devices. Communicate with. Since the RFID built in the mobile phone cannot increase the output of the loop antenna, for example, it is necessary to align the loop antennas in units of several millimeters, and it is necessary to bring the loop antennas close to each other accurately.

  When a current is passed through the loop antenna 106 by the first communication unit 101 of the mobile terminal 10, a magnetic flux passing through the loop antenna 106 is generated. When the loop antenna 106 and the loop antenna 27 of the washing machine 1 are sufficiently close to each other, the magnetic flux passing through the loop antenna 106 passes through the loop antenna 27 of the washing machine 1. Thereby, the loop antenna 27 and the loop antenna 106 are magnetically coupled. When the communication unit of the mobile terminal 10 changes the current of the loop antenna 106, the magnetic flux passing through the loop antenna 106 changes, and the magnetic flux passing through the loop antenna 27 also changes accordingly, and the washing machine communication unit 22 of the washing machine 1 changes accordingly. By detecting the change, information is transmitted from the portable terminal 10 to the washing machine 1.

  Further, the magnetic flux passing through the loop antenna 27 is changed by changing the load impedance of the feeding point of the loop antenna 27 by the washing machine communication unit 22 of the washing machine 1. Since the change in the magnetic flux is a change in the current flowing through the loop antenna of the loop antenna 106, the communication unit of the mobile terminal 10 detects the change in the current, so that information is transmitted from the washing machine 1 to the mobile terminal 10. Done.

  As described above, transmission / reception between the washing machine 1 and the portable terminal 10 is realized by magnetic coupling between the loop antenna 106 and the loop antenna 27, and generation of magnetic flux for magnetic coupling is performed by the portable terminal 10. This is realized by supplying power to the loop antenna 106, and the output of the power supply cannot be increased. Therefore, it is necessary to bring the loop antenna 106 and the loop antenna 27 close to each other.

  In the present embodiment, the first communication unit 101 communicates with the washing machine 1 using the short-range wireless communication via the loop antenna 106, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this, Other wireless communication using radio waves or light other than distance wireless communication may be used.

  The second communication unit 102 communicates with the server 300 using the network 200. The network 200 is, for example, a mobile communication network.

  The terminal display unit 103 displays a screen for displaying an operation course used in the washing machine 1 and a communication instruction screen for instructing the user to cause the washing machine 1 to transmit the set operation course. The terminal operation unit 104 includes, for example, a touch panel or operation keys, and is used for an input operation on a screen for selecting and setting a driving course displayed on the terminal display unit 103 by accepting an input operation by a user.

  The terminal control unit 105 controls the entire mobile terminal 10 and includes a display control unit 105a, a first communication control unit 105b, and a second communication control unit 105c.

  The display control unit 105 a switches the display screen displayed on the terminal display unit 103. For example, after the selection / setting on the screen for selecting / setting detergent or softener is completed, the screen is switched to the communication instruction screen. The first communication control unit 105 b controls the first communication unit 101. The second communication control unit 105 c controls the second communication unit 102.

  In the present embodiment, the communication instruction screen allows the user to bring the loop antenna 106 of the mobile terminal 10 and the loop antenna 27 of the washing machine 1 close to each other in order for the first communication unit 101 and the washing machine 1 to communicate. It is a screen for instructing. The first communication unit 101 transmits information related to the detergent or the softener to the washing machine 1 after the first communication unit 101 and the washing machine 1 are brought close to a communicable distance.

  The second communication unit 102 receives the text to be displayed determined by the server 300. The wording to be displayed is a wording that is output to a screen for allowing the user to select and set a driving course to be used in the washing machine 1, or a wording that outputs the setting of a registered driving course to the screen. Or a word for instructing the user to bring the washing machine 1 and the mobile terminal 10 close to each other. Second communication unit 102 further receives information to be transmitted to washing machine 1 determined by server 300. The information to be transmitted to the washing machine 1 is information used for controlling and displaying the washing machine 1 corresponding to the driving course set by the user.

(Structure of washing machine)
The washing machine 1 is a washing / rinsing / dehydrating / drying unit 21 (hereinafter referred to as a washing unit 21 (washing function unit)), washing machine communication that performs washing, rinsing, dehydration, drying, and the like, which are the original functions of the washing machine. Unit 22, washing machine control unit 23, washing machine storage unit 24, washing machine operation unit 25, washing machine display unit 26, and loop antenna 27.

  The washing unit 21 realizes functions of washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying, a motor that rotates the washing tub, a water supply valve that adjusts the amount of water supply, a drain valve for draining, and washing water (detergent water, rinsing) A circulation pump for circulating water), a pass pump used for drawing bath water into the washing machine 1, a heater for generating warm air for drying, a sending fan for circulating the pump, and the like.

  The washing machine communication unit 22 (communication control unit) transmits and receives various types of information to and from the mobile terminal 10 bidirectionally by proximity wireless communication via the loop antenna 27. The loop antenna 27 is an antenna for performing close proximity wireless communication. The washing machine communication unit 22 corresponds to an example of a reception unit and a transmission unit. The washing machine 1 communicates with the mobile terminal 10 via the washing machine communication unit 22 and communicates with the server 300 via the network 200 via the mobile terminal 10. In addition, although communication with the server 300 and the washing machine 1 was performed via the portable terminal 10, it is not restricted to this, It is good also as the washing machine 1 and a network communicating directly.

The washing machine control unit 23 is a microcomputer, and includes a memory (not shown) that stores a program, data, and the like created in advance for causing the washing machine 1 to function. The washing machine control unit 23 includes a process management unit 23a, a water level determination unit 23b, a response content determination unit 23c, a cloth amount detection unit 23d, and an operation reservation washing machine control unit 23e.

  The process management unit 23a manages the process performed in each operation (washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying) and controls the washing unit 21. Controlling the washing unit 21 means controlling the rotation of the motor while detecting the shaking of the washing tub, detecting the water level supplied to the washing tub, opening and closing the water supply valve, opening and closing the drain valve, The heater is turned ON / OFF while detecting the temperature of the wind.

  The washing machine control unit 23 includes a cloth amount detection unit 23d that controls the washing unit 21 to detect the amount of clothes put into the washing machine. The cloth amount detection unit 23d controls the washing unit 21 so as to drive a motor that rotates the washing tub into which the garment is put with a constant torque, and monitors the number of rotations of the washing tub so as to monitor the garment put into the washing tub. Detect the amount. The method for detecting the amount of cloth is not particularly limited to the above method, and it is sufficient that the amount of clothes put into the washing machine can be detected. A method of checking the displacement speed of the water level in the washing tub at the time of water supply may be used, or a method using a weighing scale provided in a mechanical part that indicates the washing tub may be used.

  The washing machine control unit 23 includes a water level determination unit 23b that determines a water level to be supplied into the washing tub during the washing operation. The water level determination unit 23b determines the water level according to the amount of clothes by the cloth amount detection unit 23d. When the amount of cloth is large, the water level is raised, and when it is small, the water level is lowered. By carrying out like this, according to the clothes thrown into the washing machine 1, a required washing | cleaning performance and a rinse performance can be obtained, without using water unnecessarily. Furthermore, when the water level setting unit 23b is instructed by the user by the washing machine operation unit 25 to set the water level, the water level determination unit 23b follows the water level setting.

  The response content determination unit 23c is a processing unit that determines the response content to the inquiry when receiving an inquiry about the washing machine specifying information from the portable terminal 10 via the washing machine communication unit 22. When a signal for inquiring information on the washing machine 1 such as the current state of the washing machine main body of the washing machine 1 is received, it is a processing unit that determines the response content to the inquiry signal.

  The washing machine storage unit 24 includes a washing machine specifying information washing machine storage unit 24a, an automatic course storage unit 24b, and an operation information storage unit 24c.

  Washing machine identification information The washing machine storage unit 24a stores in advance washing machine identification information for identifying the washing machine 1, for example, the model number and serial number of the washing machine 1. The washing machine specifying information is stored in advance at the time of manufacture.

  The recommended course storage unit 24b stores driving courses recommended by the manufacturer. Various parameters corresponding to the amount of cloth are stored in the automatic course storage unit 24d. For example, in the case of only washing, the time of the washing process, the rinsing process, and the dehydration process, the number of rotations of the washing tub, the amount of water, the number of times of rinsing, and the like are stored. In addition, in the washing / drying through course for washing and drying, in addition to the above, the drying time is also stored.

  The operation information storage unit 24c stores and stores the number of times of washing operation and drying operation. In addition, the cloth amount, energy saving level information, and water saving information at that time are also accumulated and stored.

  The washing machine operation unit 25 includes, for example, operation buttons and receives an input operation by the user.

The washing machine display unit 26 (display unit) is composed of, for example, a 7-segment LED, and digitally displays water level setting, washing time, number of rinses, dehydration time, detergent amount display, softener amount display, remaining time, reserved time, and the like. . Here, the washing machine operation unit 25 is an operation button, and the washing machine display unit 26 is a display corresponding to a 7-segment LED. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the washing machine display unit 26 may be configured with a liquid crystal panel, and the washing machine operation unit 25 may be configured with a touch panel. If the washing machine display unit 26 is configured with a dot matrix type liquid crystal panel and a part or all of the washing machine operation unit 25 is configured with a touch panel combined with the liquid crystal panel, the user can write a sentence, a photograph, a figure, etc. While providing information using the button, buttons for presenting options can be displayed as a diagram on the liquid crystal panel, and selection of the button area by the user can be detected by the touch panel. Thereby, it can be set as a more intuitive and easy-to-understand information provision and operation part.

(Server configuration)
The server 300 includes a communication unit 301, a storage unit 302, and a control unit 303.

  The communication unit 301 communicates with the mobile terminal 10 using a network.

  The storage unit 302 stores a menu screen displayed on the mobile terminal 10 for each product of the washing machine 1. Further, the storage unit 302 stores a plurality of driving courses customized by the user.

  The control unit 303 is configured by a CPU or the like, and controls the operation of the communication unit 301. The control unit 303 is connected to the mobile terminal 10 based on the information received via the communication unit 301 and the information stored in the storage unit 302. Information to be transmitted is generated via the communication unit 301.

(Driving course setting)
Next, the setting method of the driving course in this Embodiment is demonstrated. 4 and 5 are flowcharts of the washing machine system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a communication instruction screen diagram on the mobile terminal according to the first embodiment. 7-11 is a figure which shows the screen of the portable terminal in Embodiment 1 of this invention.

  First, in step S <b> 401, the terminal control unit 105 of the mobile terminal 10 activates an application for displaying a screen for controlling the washing machine 1 on the terminal display unit 103. At this time, the terminal operation unit 104 receives a start instruction of the application from the user. The terminal control unit 105 activates the application based on the accepted activation instruction.

  Next, in step S402, the display control unit 105a displays a screen for allowing the user to input user information. The user information is information including an ID number for identifying the user and a password, and is information set by the user before this step and recorded in the server 300. A screen for inputting the ID number and password is displayed on the terminal display unit 103 of the mobile terminal 10, and the user inputs the ID number and password via the terminal operation unit 104 of the mobile terminal 10.

  Next, in step S <b> 403, the mobile terminal 10 transmits the input ID number and password to the server 300.

  In step S431, the server 300 receives the transmitted ID number and password, and in the next step S432, compares the ID number and password recorded in advance in the server 300 with those received in step S431. Whether or not the user is registered in advance is authenticated, and the result is transmitted to the mobile terminal 10 in step S433.

  The portable terminal 10 receives the authentication result for the user in step S404. If the authentication result is OK in step S405, the mobile terminal 10 returns to step S406. If the authentication is not performed, the mobile terminal 10 returns to step S402. The information input screen is redisplayed and the user is again prompted to enter the correct ID number and password.

  Next, in step S406, a communication instruction screen for instructing the user to bring the first communication unit 101 and the washing machine 1 close to each other for communication between the first communication unit 101 and the washing machine 1 is displayed. The terminal display unit 103 is controlled. The terminal display unit 103 displays a communication instruction screen. More specifically, the communication instruction screen is a screen for instructing the user to bring the loop antenna 106 of the mobile terminal 10 close to the loop antenna 27 of the washing machine 1. The communication instruction screen is stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown) included in the mobile terminal 10, and the display control unit 105a reads the communication instruction screen from the storage unit and displays it.

  On the communication instruction screen G1 shown in FIG. 6, for example, a message “Please touch the corresponding home appliance” is displayed. The communication instruction screen G1 is a screen that guides the user to bring the mobile terminal 10 close to the washing machine 1. When the communication instruction screen G1 is displayed on the terminal display unit 103 of the mobile terminal 10, the user loops the mobile terminal 10 so that the mobile terminal 10 and the washing machine 1 can communicate with each other by proximity wireless communication. The antenna 106 and the loop antenna 27 of the washing machine 1 are brought close to each other.

  The use of proximity wireless communication that enables communication by allowing the user to bring the loop antenna 106 of the mobile terminal 10 and the loop antenna 27 of the washing machine 1 close to each other requires an operation of the user for communication. There is a feature that the user clearly selects the target. Thereby, even when the user owns a plurality of devices to be operated, it is possible to intuitively specify the device to be operated.

  Next, in step S407, the first communication control unit 105b displays request information for requesting washing machine specifying information for specifying the washing machine 1 after the communication instruction screen is displayed on the terminal display unit 103. 1st communication part 101 is controlled to transmit to. The first communication unit 101 transmits the request information to the washing machine 1 after the communication instruction screen is displayed on the terminal display unit 103. The first communication unit 101 starts transmitting request information to the washing machine 1 in conjunction with the display of the communication instruction screen on the terminal display unit 103.

  Next, in step S471, the washing machine communication unit 22 of the washing machine 1 is transmitted by the first communication unit 101 of the mobile terminal 10 after the first communication unit 101 and the washing machine 1 are brought close to a communicable distance. Received request information.

  Next, in step S472, the response content determination unit 23c of the washing machine 1 reads the washing machine specifying information from the washing machine specifying information washing machine storage unit 24a.

  Next, in step S473, the response content determination unit 23c controls the washing machine communication unit 22 to transmit the washing machine specifying information to the mobile terminal 10. The washing machine communication unit 22 transmits the washing machine specifying information to the mobile terminal 10. The request information includes address information for specifying the mobile terminal 10, and the washing machine communication unit 22 transmits the washing machine specifying information to the mobile terminal 10 based on the address information included in the request information. To do.

Note that the response content determination unit 23c may transmit state information such as the use history of the washing machine 1 and error information to the portable terminal 10 together with the washing machine specifying information. The error information is detected by, for example, monitoring the state of a load such as a motor or a heater and sensing information of a water level sensor and a temperature sensor in the washing unit 21.

  Next, in step S <b> 408, the first communication unit 101 of the mobile terminal 10 receives the washing machine specifying information transmitted by the washing machine communication unit 22 of the washing machine 1.

  The processing after step S408 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S501, the second communication control unit 105c controls the second communication unit 102 so as to transmit the washing machine specifying information received by the first communication unit 101 to the server 300. The second communication unit 102 transmits the washing machine specifying information received by the first communication unit 101 to the server 300. The washing machine identification information transmitted by the washing machine 1 is transmitted together with address information for identifying the server 300, and the second communication unit 102 is configured to perform washing machine identification information based on the address information transmitted together with the washing machine identification information. Is transmitted to the server 300.

  In the present embodiment, address information for specifying the server 300 is transmitted together with the washing machine specifying information transmitted by the washing machine 1, but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto, and the portable terminal 10 is the server. Address information for specifying 300 may be stored.

  Next, in step S <b> 511, the communication unit 301 of the server 300 receives the washing machine specifying information transmitted by the second communication unit 102 of the mobile terminal 10.

  Next, in step S512, the control unit 303 creates menu screen information corresponding to the washing machine 1 specified by the washing machine specifying information. Here, the control unit 303 reads a menu screen corresponding to the washing machine 1 specified by the washing machine specifying information from the storage unit 302.

  Next, in step S <b> 513, the communication unit 301 transmits menu screen information for displaying a menu screen unique to the washing machine 1 to the mobile terminal 10.

  Next, in step S <b> 502, the second communication unit 102 of the mobile terminal 10 receives the menu screen information transmitted by the communication unit 301 of the server 300.

  Next, in step S503, the display control unit 105a switches the display screen to the menu screen based on the menu screen information received by the second communication unit 102. The terminal display unit 103 displays a screen G2 that is a menu screen based on the menu screen information received by the second communication unit 102.

  In the above description, regarding the display of the menu screen of the electric device, the method for specifying the electric device by transmitting request information from the portable terminal 10 to the electric device and sending back a response to the request from the electric device has been described. However, it is not limited to this method. For example, after the user authentication is completed in step S405 in FIG. 4, the mobile terminal 10 acquires list information on a unique menu screen for each electric device that can be used with respect to the server 300, and the list is displayed on the terminal. It is displayed on the display unit 103. When the user selects an electric device used via the terminal operation unit 104, which list is selected is transmitted from the mobile terminal 10 to the server 300. Thereby, the second communication unit 102 of the mobile terminal 10 receives the menu screen information transmitted by the communication unit 301 of the server 300 (step S502), and the display control unit 105a is received by the second communication unit 102. The display screen may be switched to the menu screen based on the menu screen information (step S503). In this way, the menu screen can be displayed without causing the mobile terminal 10 and the washing machine 1 to communicate with each other in order to display the menu screen.

  While the menu screen is displayed, the terminal operation unit 104 accepts selection by the user of the item displayed on the menu screen, displays the screen according to the selected item, and responds to the selected item. The washing machine 1 is controlled.

  A screen G2 illustrated in FIG. 7 is an example of a menu screen. On the screen G2, the menu screen G2 includes a product name 701 indicating the product name and product number of the washing machine 1, an eco information display button 702 for displaying information on the energy saving state of the washing machine 1, and support for the washing machine 1 A course setting button 703 for displaying information, a status confirmation display button 704 for inquiring the current state of the washing machine body, and a detergent / softener setting display button 705 for setting detergent and softener information of the washing machine are displayed. Is done.

  The eco information display button 702, the course setting button 703, the status confirmation display button 704, and the detergent / softener setting display button 705 can be selected via the terminal operation unit 104. When the eco information display button 702 is selected, a screen representing information related to energy saving such as power consumption of the washing machine 1 is displayed. When the course setting button 703 is selected, a screen representing information for setting the driving course and reservation of the washing machine 1 is displayed. When the status confirmation display button 704 is selected, a communication instruction screen for allowing the portable terminal 10 and the washing machine 1 to communicate with each other to display the current state of the washing machine main body is displayed. When the detergent / softener setting button 705 is selected, the detergent or softener used can be selected, and the washing machine 1 is set so as to operate according to the set detergent or softener. Can do.

  Note that the items displayed on the menu screen G2 are not limited to the items shown in FIG. 7, and various items can be displayed.

  Hereinafter, the eco information will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the eco information display button 702 on the screen G2 is selected, a screen G3 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. The user can recognize from the display 801 that the screen is the eco information screen. The screen G3 is displayed with respect to the eco rank, and when the button 802 is colored, the user recognizes that the eco rank is displayed. Further, by selecting the button 802 and the button 805, the display of the eco rank information shown in FIG. 8 and the display of the cloth amount / number of times shown in FIG. 9 can be switched.

  In the displays 803 and 804, eco ranks for washing and drying are displayed. The display 803 represents the eco rank when the mobile terminal 10 and the washing machine 1 communicated last time. A display 804 represents an eco rank when the mobile terminal 10 and the washing machine 1 communicate with each other.

  Here, the eco rank of laundry will be described. The washing machine 1 is provided with an optical sensor 21a that detects the turbidity of the washing water. When the turbidity of the washing water is high, the laundry is largely contaminated. When the turbidity of the washing water is low, the laundry is judged to be less dirty. The washing machine control unit 23 uses the optical sensor 21a to control the amount of washing water, the washing time, and the dewatering time to be reduced when there is little dirt. At this time, when the washing time is reduced, the power consumption is also reduced. In the present embodiment, ranks are divided into three stages, and ranks are displayed according to the degree of power consumption reduction. For example, when a power consumption amount of 3% is reduced as compared with a predetermined washing time in the selected course, it is defined as a level 1 energy reduction effect. If the 6% power consumption is reduced, it is defined as a level 2 energy reduction effect. If the power consumption is reduced by 9%, it is defined as a level 3 energy reduction effect.

  Furthermore, on the screen G3, a graphic reminiscent of ecology is displayed according to the levels 1 to 3. For example, level 1 is displayed as one leaf mark, level 2 is displayed as two leaf marks, and level 3 is displayed as three leaf marks. As a result, it is possible to notify the user that the energy has been visually saved. Thus, according to the washing machine communication system of the present invention, information can be extracted from the washing machine, converted into information that can be easily recognized by the user, and displayed on the portable terminal. Therefore, it is possible to provide a washing machine communication system that is satisfactory even for users with high eco-consciousness in recent years. In addition, the said level is an example and may be not only an energy saving level but the reduction level of the amount of water used, for example, and may be both.

  When the button 805 is selected, a screen G4 that displays information related to the amount of cloth and the number of times is displayed. The screen G4 displays the amount of laundry cloth per time as shown in FIG. In addition, the number of uses per week is displayed. As a result, the user does not normally know how much laundry he is driving, but he is often aware of how much cloth he is driving relative to the rated capacity. Will be. If the percentage of operation with a small amount of cloth is large, the number of operations and the amount of water used are large, which is contrary to ecology. Therefore, in order to improve energy saving property and water saving, it is desirable that the operation ratio with a large amount of cloth is large. In this way, the user can be made aware of the environment.

  In addition, the following methods can be used to raise environmental awareness. When the button 806 is selected, a screen G5 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. The screen G5 displays the definition of eco information, the recommended washing method, and the like. The display 1001 displays how the eco rank levels 1 to 3 are defined. In addition, the display 1002 displays a recommended washing method as to what washing method is energy saving and water saving.

  When the history reference button 807 on the screen G3 or the history reference button 903 on the screen G4 is selected, a screen G6 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. The screen G6 displays the date on which information is acquired from the washing machine 1 for each month. In the present embodiment, the screen G6 is displayed as a calendar, and the month displayed on the terminal display unit 103 is displayed on the display 1101. Further, in the calendar display of the display 1102, the date when the washing machine 1 and the portable terminal 10 communicate with each other is bolded and colored and emphasized. Furthermore, a graphic display indicating that communication has been performed is performed. In the display 1102 in FIG. 11, communication is performed on June 1, 2012, and June 13.

  The description of the screen G3 is resumed. When the latest acquisition button 808 on the screen G3 or the latest acquisition button 904 on the screen G4 is selected, a communication instruction screen G1 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. The portable terminal 10 receives information from the washing machine 1 by the communication between the washing machine 1 and the portable terminal 10. At this time, the portable terminal 10 only receives information from the washing machine 1, and the terminal control unit 105 does not perform control for transmitting information to the washing machine 1.

  As described above, communication between the washing machine 1 and the portable terminal 10 is necessary to display the eco-rank and the eco-information about the amount and the number of cloths. However, information is not accumulated unless the user consciously communicates. Therefore, even when the washing machine 1 communicates with the portable terminal 10 without selecting the latest acquisition buttons 808 and 904 for obtaining the eco information, the information is sent from the washing machine 1 to the portable terminal 10. Is sent.

For example, when the course setting button 703 shown in the screen G2 of FIG. 7 is selected and the washing machine 1 and the mobile terminal 10 communicate with each other to set the operation course of the washing machine 1, the washing machine control unit 23 stores the past Information related to driving is read from the washing machine storage unit 24 and transmitted to the mobile terminal 10. When the state confirmation button 704 is selected, the mobile terminal 10 requests the washing machine 1 to transmit information. The washing machine control unit 23 transmits the current driving information to the portable terminal 10, reads information related to past driving from the washing machine storage unit 24, and transmits the information to the portable terminal 10. When the detergent / softener setting button 705 is selected, information on the detergent or softener set on the mobile terminal 10 is transmitted to the washing machine 1. All these operations require communication between the washing machine 1 and the portable terminal 10 to exchange information. Therefore, when there is communication between the washing machine 1 and the portable terminal 10, driving information is transmitted from the washing machine 1 to the portable terminal 10 even if the communication is not for the purpose of exchanging driving information. Thereby, even when the user does not intend to acquire information on the washing machine, the information can always be acquired from the washing machine. Since the opportunity to suck out information from the washing machine storage unit 24 can be increased, the operation information of the washing machine 1 can be acquired without enlarging the nonvolatile memory capacity of the washing machine storage unit 24, and the convenience has been increased. A washing machine communication system can be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the washing machine 1 and the portable terminal 10 communicate with each other after the user is authenticated. Since the information exchanged with the washing machine is a kind of personal information, security can be improved when information is transmitted from the washing machine to the portable terminal.

  In the present embodiment, the communication between the mobile terminal 10 and the washing machine 1 is short-range wireless communication via a loop antenna, but is not limited to this. Communication between the portable terminal 10 and the washing machine 1 may be performed by a method capable of communication between a plurality of terminals via a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi, or a one-to-one communication method such as infrared communication may be used. good.

  Communication for connecting the mobile terminal 10 to the network 200 may be a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi.

  As described above, the washing machine according to the present invention can register a user's favorite course using a portable terminal, which improves convenience for the user and is useful as a washing machine.

1 Washing Machine 10 Mobile Terminal 21 Laundry Department (Laundry Function Department)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 Washing machine communication part 23 Washing machine control part 23a Process management part 23b Water level determination part 23c Response content determination part 23d Cloth amount detection part 24 Washing machine memory | storage part 24c Operation information storage part 25 Washing machine operation part 26 Washing machine display part 27 Loop Antenna 101 First communication unit (terminal communication unit)
102 2nd communication part (terminal communication part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 103 Terminal display part 104 Terminal operation part 105 Terminal control part 105a Display control part 105b 1st communication control part 105c 2nd communication control part 106 Loop antenna 300 Server (washing machine information server)
301 communication unit 302 storage unit (user information storage unit)
303 Control unit

Claims (2)

In a washing machine communication system composed of a washing machine, a portable terminal and a server,
The washing machine includes a washing machine control unit that controls a driving course, a washing machine storage unit that stores information related to driving, and a washing machine communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the server via a network. The terminal includes a terminal display unit, an input unit that inputs control details of the washing machine, and a terminal communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the server via the network,
The server includes a server communication unit that wirelessly communicates with the portable terminal and the washing machine via the network,
The washing machine communication unit transmits the information stored in the washing machine storage unit to the server,
The server generates eco information related to a reduction rank of power consumption and / or water consumption based on the information received from the washing machine communication unit, and defines the eco information and the definition of the eco information in the server communication unit. To the mobile terminal via
The washing machine communication system in which the portable terminal can display the eco information received from the server communication unit and the definition of the eco information on the terminal display unit. The washing machine communication system according to claim 1, wherein the portable terminal displays a washing method contributing to energy saving on the terminal display unit.

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