JP6295446B2 - Washing machine system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a washing machine system in which operation settings of a washing machine are performed by an external device via a communication network, and in particular, a washing machine that matches a clock of a washing machine via a communication network with a washing machine having a clock function. It is about the system.

  In recent washing machines, there is a reservation function for washing operations for the purpose of using low-priced nighttime electricity charges or for washing while the user is away and completing the washing when the user returns home. Some are common. In setting the washing operation reservation function, after setting the desired washing operation, the washing machine is instructed to operate with the start of the washing operation delayed. In order to set the operation for delaying the start of the washing operation, it is preferable for the convenience of the user to let the user specify the time when the operation is scheduled to end or the time when the operation is scheduled to start.

  In order to set according to the time, a clock function is provided as a function of the washing machine. However, since the clock function generally deviates from the correct time with the passage of time, a function for adjusting the clock is required. It is most common to provide a user with an interface for adjusting the clock as a washing machine and manually adjust the clock. However, manual clock adjustment is not preferable from the viewpoint of convenience for the user.

  On the other hand, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which the time of a clock of an electric device including a washing machine is synchronized with the time of a mobile phone.

JP 2008-96389 A

  However, in the conventional configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary that the electrical device including the washing machine be able to wirelessly communicate with the mobile phone when it is time to adjust the time. Wireless communication is not always possible depending on the place where the mobile phone is placed. When a user performs a process called time adjustment, it is basically necessary to place a mobile phone unrelated to the washing machine near the washing machine, which is a problem in terms of convenience.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine system that allows a user to carry out without considering the clock setting of the washing machine and further improves convenience.

In order to solve the conventional problems, a washing machine system of the present invention includes a washing machine and an external device capable of communicating via a communication network, and the washing machine communicates via the communication network. And a clock hand moving means for moving the current time, wherein the external device transmits information related to the washing operation of the washing machine and information such as the current time to the washing machine via the communication network. The setting related to the washing operation transmitted from the external device includes at least a reservation setting for the washing operation, and the reservation setting for the washing operation is based on the current time transmitted from the external device. Whether or not the current time transmitted from the external device can be rewritten to the current time being moved by the clock moving means of the washing machine. The washing machine determines, and the determination is made from the external device even when the washing machine is in the specific state, while determining that the washing machine is in a specific state and cannot be rewritten. When the washing machine is released from the specific state by reflecting the setting related to the washing operation to be transmitted to the washing machine, the current time of the washing machine is rewritten with the current time transmitted from the external device. Thus, it is possible to provide an interface that does not require any special operation only for the user to set the clock of the washing machine.

  The washing machine system of the present invention can provide an interface for performing time setting of the washing machine without making the user aware of the time setting.

The schematic block diagram of the washing machine system in embodiment of this invention Conceptual diagram of the process during washing operation The block diagram of the washing machine system in embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the example of the detergent database for every detergent brand on a washing machine information server The figure which shows the example of the user information database on a washing machine information server The figure which shows the flowchart of the washing machine system of this invention The figure which shows the flowchart of the washing machine system of this invention The figure which shows the flowchart of the washing machine system of this invention The figure which shows the flowchart of the washing machine system of this invention The figure which shows the flowchart of the washing machine system of this invention The figure which shows the flowchart of the washing machine system of this invention The figure which shows the flowchart of the washing machine system of this invention The figure which shows the example of the detergent / softener input amount indication in the washing machine The figure which shows the example of the detergent / softener input amount indication in the washing machine The figure which shows the example of the detergent / softener input amount indication in the washing machine The figure which shows the example of the detergent / softener input amount indication in the washing machine The figure which shows the example of the communication instruction screen in the information terminal The figure which shows the example of the apparatus operation menu screen in an information terminal Figure showing an example of the detergent / softener setting menu screen on the information terminal The figure which shows the example of the detergent selection screen in an information terminal The figure which shows the example of the detergent related screen with the information terminal The figure which shows the example of the softener selection screen in an information terminal The figure which shows the example of the course selection screen in an information terminal The figure which shows the example of the driving reservation setting screen in the information terminal The figure which shows the example of the reservation time setting screen in an information terminal The figure which shows the example of the warning screen with the information terminal The figure which shows the flowchart of the driving reservation setting in the washing machine system of this invention The figure which shows the flowchart of the driving reservation setting in the washing machine system of this invention The figure which shows the flowchart of the driving | operation reservation operation | movement of the washing machine system of this invention. The figure which shows the flowchart of the time information reception process of the washing machine system of this invention. The figure which shows the example of the course information database of the washing machine system of this invention The figure which shows the example of the driving reservation setting screen in a washing machine The figure which shows the example of the course operation setting screen in a washing machine The figure which shows the example of the screen which notifies the communication failure in the information terminal The figure which shows the flowchart of the reservation setting reflection process of the washing machine system of this invention

1st invention is provided with the washing machine and external apparatus which can communicate via a communication network, The said washing machine communicates via the said communication network, The clock hand movement means which moves a present | current time An operation display means for performing various settings relating to the washing operation , and a control unit , wherein the external device transmits information relating to the washing operation of the washing machine and information such as the current time via the communication network. The setting relating to the washing operation transmitted from the external device includes at least a reservation setting for the washing operation, and the reservation setting for the washing operation includes the current transmission transmitted from the external device. time includes the time information of the operation preprogramming that based on the control unit, when the washing machine is in a particular state, is sent to the current time of the washing machine from the external device While determining that it is impossible to rewrite the current time, when the washing machine is in the particular state also, by reflecting the setting for the washing operation to be transmitted from the external device to the washing machine In the case where the washing machine leaves the specific state, it is determined that the current time of the washing machine can be rewritten to the current time transmitted from the external device , and the specific state is: A state in which the current time is displayed on the operation display means and a screen for setting the reserved operation time of the washing machine is displayed, or after the reserved operation time of the washing operation is set and before the reserved operation is started State, or a state in which a screen for changing the current time is displayed on the operation display means .

Thereby, it is possible to provide an interface that does not require a special operation just for the user to set the clock of the washing machine. Further, when the user performs an operation based on the current time information of the washing machine, it is possible to prevent rewriting with the current time transmitted from the external device. While providing an interface that does not require any special operation just for the user to set the clock of the washing machine, the user can be prevented from entering an unintended state when the clock is automatically set. .

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a system including an electric device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This system includes a washing machine 1, which is an electrical device, an information terminal 10, and a server 300.

This is a device that can communicate with a reader / writer by RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) or NFC (Near Field Communication). The washing machine 1 communicates with the information terminal 10 using near field communication via the loop antenna 27. The washing operation of the washing machine 1 is a washing operation in which clothes are immersed in washing water and the washing tub is rotated to remove dirt, a washing operation in which clothes soaked in detergent water are rinsed with water, and water-containing clothes are dehydrated. 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.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating steps to be performed in a certain washing operation. This washing operation is an operation for performing each operation (washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying).

  The information terminal 10 is composed of a communication device such as a cellular phone, for example, and communicates with the washing machine 1 using the short-range wireless communication via the loop antenna 106 and is communicably connected to the server 300 via the network 200. Has been. The information 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 is more preferably a portable device.

  The server 300 is configured by a known server computer or the like, and is communicably connected to the information terminal 10 via the network 200.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration including the electric apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The information terminal 10 includes a first communication unit 101, a second communication unit 102, a notification unit 103, an operation unit 104, a control unit 105, a loop antenna 106, and a clock hand moving unit 107.

  The first communication means 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.

  In the present embodiment, the first communication means 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 notification means 103 instructs the user to cause the user to transmit a screen for selecting and setting the detergent or softener used in the washing machine 1 and information on the set detergent or softener to the washing machine 1. Display a communication instruction screen, a screen for setting a driving reservation, and the like. The operation means 104 is composed of, for example, a touch panel or operation keys, accepts an input operation by the user, and is a screen for selecting and setting a detergent or softener displayed by the notification means 103 or a screen for setting a driving reservation. Used for input operations.

The control unit 105 controls the entire information 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 notification 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 is a screen for instructing the user to bring the first communication unit 101 and the washing machine 1 close together so that the first communication unit 101 and the washing machine 1 communicate with each other. is there. The first communication unit 101 transmits information about 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 each other so that they can communicate with each other.

  The second communication unit 102 receives the screen information to be displayed determined by the server 300. The screen information to be displayed is, for example, a screen output to a screen for allowing the user to select and set the detergent or softener used in the washing machine 1, or the setting of the already selected detergent or softener. It is a screen for outputting to the screen, a screen for instructing the user to bring the washing machine 1 and the information terminal 10 close to each other, or a screen for allowing the user to make an operation reservation setting for the washing machine 1. The second communication means 102 further receives information to be transmitted to the washing machine 1 determined by the server 300. The information to be transmitted to the washing machine 1 is information used for control and display of the washing machine 1 corresponding to the detergent or softener selected by the user, or for setting the operation reservation of the washing machine 1 Information.

  The clock hand moving means 107 is for updating the current time so as to display the time on the information terminal 10. For example, it is realized by detecting the elapse of a predetermined unit of time using the timer function of a microcomputer in the information terminal 10 and accumulating the elapsed time to update the current time. Since the information terminal 10 is always used without being connected to a power cord or the like, the information terminal 10 is equipped with a battery such as a secondary battery in order to obtain necessary power, and the clock hand moving means 107 is also powered by this battery. When the supply is received, the current time is held and updated.

  If the power supply by the battery is interrupted for some reason, even if the subsequent power supply is resumed, the clock is not moved while the power supply is interrupted. , Will be incorrect. In addition, since the time update by the timer function of the microcomputer is strictly advanced or delayed depending on the accuracy of the clock of the microcomputer, the time of the clock hand moving means 107 may be incorrect when operated for a long time. There is. For this reason, the control means 105 of the information terminal 10 periodically obtains the current time from the network 200 via the second communication means 102, compares it with the current time of the clock movement means 107, and if an update is necessary, The current time of the hand moving means 107 is overwritten with the current time acquired from the network 200.

  The washing machine 1 includes washing / rinsing, dehydration / drying means 21 (hereinafter referred to as washing means 21), communication means 22, control means 23, A storage unit 24, an operation unit 25, a display unit 26, a loop antenna 27, and a clock hand movement unit 28 are provided.

  The washing means 21 realizes the functions of washing, rinsing, dehydrating and drying, circulating a motor for rotating the washing tub, a water supply valve for adjusting the amount of water supply, a drain valve for draining, washing and rinsing water A circulation pump for causing the bath water to be drawn into the washing machine 1, a heater for generating hot air for drying, a sending fan for circulating the pump, and the like.

  The communication means 22 transmits and receives various types of information to and from the information terminal 10 in both directions by proximity wireless communication via the loop antenna 27. The loop antenna 27 is an antenna for performing close proximity wireless communication. The communication unit 22 corresponds to an example of a reception unit and a transmission unit.

  As described above, in order to perform close proximity wireless communication, it is necessary to bring the loop antenna of a device that performs communication close to each other. In this embodiment, it is necessary to bring the loop antenna 27 of the washing machine 1 close to the loop antenna 106 of the information terminal 10. Since this is realized by the act of bringing the information terminal 10 closer to the washing machine 1 by the user, it is necessary to detect whether or not the communication partner is near and capable of communication when performing actual communication. is there.

  Therefore, for example, the first communication unit 101 of the information terminal 10 periodically transmits a polling command via the loop antenna 106. When the polling command is executed, if the loop antenna 106 of the information terminal 10 is within a distance range in which close proximity wireless communication with the loop antenna 27 of the washing machine 1 is possible, the communication means 22 of the washing machine 1 The presence of the information terminal 10 is recognized by receiving the command, and a response command is transmitted to the information terminal 10 in response to the polling. The first communication means 101 of the information terminal 10 recognizes the presence of the washing machine 1 by receiving the response command. As described above, the communication unit 22 of the washing machine 1 and the first communication unit 101 of the information terminal 10 recognize each other so that close proximity wireless communication can be performed between the washing machine 1 and the information terminal 10. become. Such a state where communication is possible between the washing machine 1 and the information terminal 10 is referred to as communication establishment. The communication establishment method is not limited to the method using the polling command and the response command as described above. When the communication is established, the first communication unit 101 of the information terminal 10 transmits the polling command. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the polling command may be transmitted from the communication unit 22 of the washing machine 1. .

  The control means 23 is a microcomputer, and is provided with a memory (not shown) for storing a program created in advance for causing the washing machine 1 to function, data, and the like.

  The process management unit 23a manages the process performed in each operation (washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying) and controls the washing means 21. Controlling the washing means 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 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 means 21 so as to drive a motor that rotates the washing tub into which the clothes are put at a constant torque, and monitors the number of rotations of the washing tub so as to monitor the number of clothes 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 weight meter provided in a mechanical part that indicates the washing tub may be used.

  The control means 23 includes a water level determination unit 23b that determines the level of water supplied to 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 user has instructed the water level setting by the operation means 25, 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 for the inquiry when the inquiry is received from the information terminal 10 via the communication unit 22 for the washing machine identification information. 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 control unit 23 further includes a driving reservation control unit 23e that performs control for performing a driving driving reservation operation. The driving reservation control unit 23e calculates the time to wait until the driving is started from the time until the end of driving set by the user by the display means 26 and the operating means 25 and the time required for the washing process scheduled for driving. Then, the control means 23 controls the washing means 21 and the like to start control after the standby time has elapsed.

  The control means 23 further includes a temporary time hand movement control unit 23f. The provisional time hand movement control unit 23f temporarily stores the current time acquired by communicating with the information terminal 10 via the communication unit 22, and continuously updates the current time by reflecting the passage of time thereafter.

  The storage unit 24 includes a washing machine specifying information storage unit 24a, a detergent amount display data storage unit 24b, a softener amount display data storage unit 24c, and a rinse count setting storage unit 24d.

  The washing machine specifying information storage unit 24a stores in advance washing machine specifying information for specifying the washing machine 1, for example, the model number and serial number of the washing machine 1. In addition, information for specifying the presence or absence of the function of the washing machine 1 is stored. For example, the clock hand movement means 28 is mounted on the washing machine 1 and stores information indicating whether or not the current time can be displayed. The washing machine specifying information is stored in advance at the time of manufacture.

  In the detergent amount display data storage means 24b, the amount of detergent to be added based on the water level determined by the water level determination unit 23b when washing in the washing machine 1 is performed for the detergent specified by the user on the information terminal 10. Information for determination is stored.

  In the softener amount display data storage unit 24c, the softener specified by the user on the information terminal 10 is softened to be charged based on the water level determined by the water level determination unit 23b when washing is performed in the washing machine 1. Information for determining the dosage is stored.

  The number-of-rinsing setting storage unit 24d stores how many times the washing machine 1 performs rinsing during washing. The process management unit 23a determines how many times the rinsing is performed in the rinsing operation illustrated in FIG. 2 based on the information stored in the rinsing count setting storage unit 24d, and controls the washing unit 21.

  The operation means 25 is composed of, for example, operation buttons and receives an input operation by the user.

  The display means 26 is composed of, for example, a 7-segment LED, and digitally displays water level setting, washing time, number of times of rinsing, dehydration time, detergent amount display, softener amount display, remaining time, reserved time, and the like. Here, although the operation means 25 is an operation button and the display means 26 is a display corresponding to a 7-segment LED, it is not limited to this.

  The display means 26 may be constituted by a liquid crystal panel, and the operation means 25 may be constituted by a touch panel.

  The clock hand moving means 28 is for updating the current time in order to make a reservation for driving by specifying the current time display or the time in the washing machine 1. For example, a timer function of a microcomputer in the washing machine 1 is used. This is realized by detecting the elapse of a predetermined unit of time, accumulating the elapsed time, and updating the current time. Since the time cannot be updated when the timepiece moving means 28 is not supplied with power, a battery such as a primary battery or a secondary battery is mounted, and at least the timepiece moving means 28 is continuously supplied with power. To do.

  The current time that has been updated in this way is used, for example, when making an operation reservation for the washing machine 1. Since the driving reservation is used with the expectation that the washing operation will end at a certain time, if the washing machine 1 can continue to update the current time, a desired time can be set at the time of driving reservation. It is possible to provide a user with a means for simply making a driving reservation.

  Note that the time update by the timer function of the microcomputer is strictly faster or slower depending on the accuracy of the clock of the microcomputer. Therefore, if the timer is operated for a long time, the time of the clock hand movement means 28 may be incorrect. There is. The communication means 22 of the washing machine 1 requires an operation of bringing the loop antenna 27 in the washing machine 1 and the loop antenna of the information terminal 10 closer to each other by the user. For this reason, the washing machine 1 cannot acquire the current time from the network 200 or the like at an arbitrary timing, and it is difficult to always set the current time of the clock hand movement means 28 to the correct time.

  The server 300 includes server communication means 301, server storage means 302, and server control means 303.

  The server communication unit 301 communicates with the information terminal 10 using the network 200.

  The server storage unit 302 stores a menu screen displayed on the information terminal 10 for each product of the washing machine 1. Further, in the server storage unit 302, the types of detergents and softeners displayed on the information terminal 10, the amounts of detergents and softeners to be added with respect to the reference cloth amount for each type, and the types of detergents Information on the number of rinses recommended by the properties of the detergent is stored.

  The server storage unit 302 further includes a user information server storage unit 302a that stores a user information database in which various setting information for each user is recorded.

  The server storage unit 302 further includes a course information server storage unit 302b that stores a database of information on attribute information of courses related to courses for each washing machine. The course is a mechanism for providing users with options to greatly change the washing operation in each of the washing, rinsing, dehydrating, and drying processes in the washing machine, and gives a special feature to the laundry in each course It will be. In this embodiment, the database stored in the course information server storage unit 302b stores information for specifying a time zone in which driving reservation setting is possible for a specific course. The contents of the database will be described later.

  The server control means 303 is composed of a CPU or the like, controls the operation of the server communication means 301, and based on the information received via the server communication means 301 and the information stored in the server storage means 302, the information terminal 10 Information to be transmitted through the server communication means 301 is generated.

  The server control unit 303 includes a screen information generation unit 303 a that generates screen information for display by the notification unit 103 of the information terminal 10, and a command generation unit that generates commands for notifying and setting various settings to the washing machine 1. 303b.

Next, the operation of the electric device in the embodiment of the present invention will be described. 6 to 12 and FIGS. 27 to 30 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the system including the electrical apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. The electric device is a washing machine. FIGS. 6-11 is for demonstrating the operation | movement which selects and sets detergent and / or a softening agent, and the operation | movement which transmits time information to the washing machine 1 from the information terminal 10 by a user. FIG. 12 is for explaining the operation of the washing machine with respect to the set detergent and / or softener. 27 to 29 are for explaining an operation for setting a driving reservation and an operation for transmitting time information from the information terminal 10 to the washing machine 1. FIG. 30 is for explaining the operation of the washing machine 1 after receiving the time information.

  FIG. 6 will be described.

  First, in step S <b> 601, the control unit 105 of the information terminal 10 activates an application for displaying a screen for controlling the washing machine 1 on the notification unit 103. At this time, the operation unit 104 accepts an instruction to start the application by the user. The control unit 105 activates the application based on the accepted activation instruction.

  Next, in step S602, 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 by the notification unit 103 of the information terminal 10, and the user inputs the ID number and password via the operation unit 104.

  In step S <b> 603, the information terminal 10 transmits the input ID number and password to the server 300.

  In step S631, the server 300 receives the transmitted ID number and password, and in the next step S632, compares the ID number and password recorded in the server 300 in advance with those received in step S631 to determine whether they match. Then, it is authenticated whether or not the user is registered in advance, and the result is transmitted to the information terminal 10 in S633.

  The information terminal 10 receives the authentication result for the user in S604, returns to S606 if the authentication result is OK in S605, and returns to S602 if the authentication is not performed, and returns to the user information input screen. Is displayed again and the user is prompted to enter the correct ID number and password.

  Next, in step S606, 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 notification means 103 is controlled. The notification 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 information terminal 10 and the loop antenna 27 of the washing machine 1 close to each other. The communication instruction screen is stored in advance in storage means (not shown) included in the information terminal 10, and the display control unit 105a reads the communication instruction screen from the storage means and displays it.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a communication instruction screen in the present embodiment.

  On the communication instruction screen G1 shown in FIG. 17, 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 information terminal 10 close to the washing machine 1. When the communication instruction screen G1 is displayed on the notification unit 103 of the information terminal 10, the user can make a loop antenna of the information terminal 10 so that the information terminal 10 and the washing machine 1 can communicate with each other by proximity wireless communication. 106 and the loop antenna 27 of the washing machine 1 are brought close to each other.

Next, in step S607, after the communication instruction screen is displayed on the notification unit 103, the first communication control unit 105b sends request information requesting the washing machine specifying information for specifying the washing machine 1 to the washing machine 1. The first communication means 101 is controlled to transmit. The first communication unit 101 transmits the request information to the washing machine 1 after the communication instruction screen is displayed on the notification unit 103. The first communication unit 101 starts transmitting request information to the washing machine 1 in conjunction with the communication instruction screen being displayed on the notification unit 103.

  Next, in step S671, the communication unit 22 of the washing machine 1 is transmitted by the first communication unit 101 of the information terminal 10 after the first communication unit 101 and the washing machine 1 are brought close to a communicable distance. Receive request information.

  Next, in step S672, the response content determination unit 23c of the washing machine 1 reads the washing machine specifying information from the washing machine specifying information storage unit 24a.

  Next, in step S673, the response content determination unit 23c controls the communication unit 22 to transmit the washing machine specifying information to the information terminal 10. The communication unit 22 transmits the washing machine specifying information to the information terminal 10. The request information includes address information for specifying the information terminal 10, and the communication unit 22 transmits the washing machine specifying information to the information terminal 10 based on the address information included in the request information.

  The response content determination unit 23c may transmit status information such as a use history and error information of the washing machine 1 to the information 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 or sensing information of a water level sensor or a temperature sensor with the washing means 21.

  Next, in step S608, the first communication means 101 of the information terminal 10 receives the washing machine specifying information transmitted by the communication means 22 of the washing machine 1. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the washing machine specifying information includes information indicating whether or not the clock operating means 28 is mounted on the washing machine and whether the current time can be displayed. Thereby, the information terminal 10 can acquire information as to whether or not the clock hand moving means 28 is mounted on the washing machine 1 and is functioning. Even if the timepiece hand movement means 28 is mounted, if the battery capacity of the battery for supplying power to the timepiece movement means 28 has run out, the timepiece movement means 28 cannot continue to move the correct current time. . Thus, when the control means 23 detects that the timepiece hand movement means 28 does not operate normally, is it possible to display the current time in the washing machine identification information recorded in the washing machine identification information storage unit 24a? The information indicating whether or not the information is rewritten may be set so that display cannot be performed.

  The processing after S608 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S701, the second communication control unit 105c controls the second communication unit 102 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 means 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 to this, and the information terminal 10 is the server. Address information for specifying 300 may be stored.

  Next, in step S711, the server communication unit 301 of the server 300 receives the washing machine specifying information transmitted by the second communication unit 102 of the information terminal 10.

Next, in step S712, the server control unit 303 creates menu screen information corresponding to the washing machine 1 specified by the washing machine specifying information. Here, the server control means 30
3 reads the menu screen corresponding to the washing machine 1 specified by the washing machine specifying information from the server storage unit 302.

  Next, in step S <b> 713, the server communication unit 301 transmits menu screen information for displaying a menu screen unique to the washing machine 1 to the information terminal 10.

  Next, in step S <b> 702, the second communication unit 102 of the information terminal 10 receives the menu screen information transmitted by the server communication unit 301 of the server 300.

  Next, in step S703, 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 notification unit 103 displays 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 electrical device, the method of specifying the electrical device by transmitting request information from the information terminal 10 to the electrical device and transmitting back a response to the request from the electrical device has been described. However, it is not limited to this method. For example, the information terminal 10 acquires list information on a unique menu screen for each electrical device available to the server 300 after the user authentication is completed in S605 of FIG. 103, the user selects the washing machine that is being used via the operation means 104, so that which list is selected is transmitted from the information terminal 10 to the server 300, whereby the information terminal 10 The second communication unit 102 receives the menu screen information transmitted by the server communication unit 301 of the server 300 (step S702), and the display control unit 105a displays based on the menu screen information received by the second communication unit 102. The screen may be switched to a menu screen (step S703). By doing so, the menu screen can be displayed without causing the information 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 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 performs washing according to the selected item. The machine 1 is controlled.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen in the present embodiment.

  In the menu screen G2 shown in FIG. 18, a product name 501 indicating the product name and product number of the washing machine 1, an eco information display button 502 for displaying information on the energy saving state of the washing machine 1, and support information for the washing machine 1 are displayed. A support information display button 503 for displaying, an operation reservation button 504 for performing reservation setting for washing operation, and a setting display button 505 for setting detergent and softener information of the washing machine are displayed.

  The eco information display button 502, the support information display button 503, the operation reservation button 504, and the setting display button 505 can be selected via the operation means 104. When the eco information display button 502 is selected, a screen representing information related to energy saving such as power consumption of the washing machine 1 is displayed. When the support information display button 503 is selected, information for supporting the washing machine 1 is displayed. A screen is displayed.

  The items displayed on the menu screen G2 are not limited to the items shown in FIG. 18, and various items can be displayed.

The description of the flowchart of FIG. When the setting display button 505 is accepted on the menu screen G2 of FIG. 18 in S704, a setting explanation screen is displayed on the information terminal 10 in the next S705. Although the setting explanation screen is not particularly shown, it is an explanation screen that describes the method for setting the detergent and softener for the user, and after the explanation is confirmed, the user accepts the transition to the next step. Has a button.

  If the setting instruction is not accepted in S704 and the driving reservation instruction is accepted in S709, the process proceeds to step (8) to set the driving reservation. This corresponds to the case where the driving reservation button 504 is selected on the menu screen G2 of FIG. Step (8) and subsequent steps will be described later.

  When the transition to the next step is accepted as an instruction from the user after S705 (S706), a request for setting screen information is transmitted to the server 300 in S707.

  In the server 300, after receiving the setting screen information request from the information terminal 10 in S771, the setting content related to the detergent and softener stored in the server storage unit 302 is read for each user in S772, and the information terminal 10 The setting screen information to be displayed is created and transmitted to the information terminal in S773.

  FIG. 5 is an example of a user information database stored in the user information server storage unit 302a for each user. It is represented by one line for each user, user identification information for identifying the user, washing machine identification information for identifying the washing machine, setting of detergent, softener and rinsing frequency set, Furthermore, the operation end reservation time set last time is stored. For example, for user A, a washing machine whose washing machine identification information is NA-VX4200L-W-00000001 has been registered, and an operation end reservation has been set, and that time is 7:00 in the morning. The detergent is stored as detergent A, the softener is stored as softener A, and the number of times of rinsing is stored as a set value. The user is specified by an ID number for specifying the user input by the user in S602 of the flowchart of FIG.

  The information terminal 10 displays the setting screen based on the setting screen information transmitted from the server 300 in S708.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the setting screen in the present embodiment.

  A screen G4 shown in FIG. 19 displays a brand of detergent set by the user in the past, and when selected, displays a button 701 for calling a screen for selecting a brand of detergent, and similarly displays a brand of softener. When selected, a button 703 for calling up a screen for selecting a brand of the softening agent, a display 702 for displaying the number of times of rinsing during the washing operation, and information related to the detergent and the softening agent are washed. A button 704 for executing a process for setting the machine 1.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of processing on the screen G4.

  When the button 704 for setting the information related to the detergent and the softener in the washing machine 1 is selected in the washing machine 1 in S801, the process proceeds to the process described in the flowchart of FIG. Next, when the button 701 is selected to select a detergent brand in S802, the process proceeds to the process described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Next, when the button 703 for selecting the brand of the softening agent is selected in S803, the process proceeds to the process for selecting the brand of the softening agent, but is substantially the same as the process for selecting the brand of the detergent. This embodiment will not be described in the flowchart.

  A series of processes for setting detergent brands will be described with reference to FIG.

  In S1001, the information terminal 10 transmits a request for displaying the detergent setting screen.

  When the server 300 receives the detergent setting screen request from the information terminal 10 in S1011, the server 300 generates detergent setting screen information in S1012. The detergent setting screen information is generated from the information of the detergent brand database recorded in the server storage unit 302 and the selected detergent brand setting database recorded for each user.

  FIG. 4 is an example of a database of detergent brands in the present embodiment. For each detergent setting, the detergent name, the coefficient of the amount of detergent to be introduced with respect to the reference water amount, and the recommended number of rinses for the detergent brand are recorded. Since this database is recorded in the server 300, even when a detergent is newly released, the washing machine system as a whole can be easily accommodated by correcting the database of the server 300.

  The amount of detergent to be added during the washing operation will be described. If the amount of detergent to be added at the time of washing is too large, a large amount of foam may be generated and overflow from the washing machine. There is also a risk of overflow from the drainage channel during drainage. In addition, when dehydration is performed in a state where a large amount of bubbles are generated, there is a problem that the load on the motor applied during dehydration increases. Conversely, if the amount of detergent is too small, there is a problem that appropriate cleaning performance cannot be obtained.

  In order to avoid the problems as described above, it is necessary to add an appropriate amount of the detergent, but the appropriate amount depends on the amount of water in the washing machine when the detergent is added. In the case of a drum-type washing machine, since the amount of water used is small, excessive foaming can occur particularly when a large amount of detergent is added. Many detergent packages have a label indicating the appropriate amount of input, which assumes a certain amount of water and displays the appropriate amount by weight for that amount of water. However, even if the weight is displayed, it is not easy to measure the weight at each wash, so a measuring instrument such as a spoon is included in the detergent and the number of cups in the measuring instrument is also displayed. It is common. Here, since the sizes of the measuring instruments included in different types of detergents are naturally different, even if the standard amount of water is the same, the display of the number of cups differs depending on the detergent.

  The detergent input coefficient with respect to the reference water amount in FIG. 4 is a coefficient for appropriately displaying the number of cups for each detergent in the washing machine, and with a measuring instrument bundled with the detergent with respect to the reference water amount. Indicates how many cups are appropriate. In the example of FIG. 4, the detergent input coefficient with respect to the reference water amount with respect to the detergent A is 100, which is 100/100 = 1 cup with respect to the reference water amount by the measuring instrument bundled with the detergent. This indicates that the charging is appropriate. Since the coefficient of the detergent C is 80, it indicates that 80/100 = 0.8 cups is appropriate.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a database for detergents. In this embodiment, a similar database is also provided for softeners. Not shown. Note that information on the recommended number of rinses is not required in the softener database.

  The server 300 transmits the detergent setting screen information generated in S1012 to the information terminal 10 in S1013.

  After receiving the detergent setting screen information in S1002, the information terminal displays it in S1003.

FIG. 20 is an example of the detergent setting screen in the present embodiment. On the screen G5, a detergent name of each detergent brand stored in the server 300 and a button for selecting the detergent are displayed. When selecting the detergent A, the button 801 is selected using the operating means of the information terminal 10 and when selecting the detergent B, the button 802 is selected. In the screen G5 of this example, only the button 801 is painted out among the detergent selection buttons, which indicates that the detergent currently selected by the user is the detergent A.

  When the user selects another button in step S1004 in the flowchart of FIG. 10, the process proceeds to step S1005, and the detergent selection display is changed. For example, when the user selects the button 802 on the screen G5, the button 801 is displayed in the same manner as other detergents, and the button 802 is changed to a solid display.

  If there is no detergent used by the user on the screen G5, the button 803 is selected. A button 804 is selected to return the information regarding the user's detergent stored in the server 300 to the initial setting.

  When the button 805 is selected on the screen G5 in FIG. 20, it means that the detergent setting operation on the screen G5 is finished and the detergent is determined. As a case where there is a detergent determination operation in S1006 of the flowchart of FIG. If the detergent determination operation is not particularly performed in S1006, the process returns to S1004 to continue the display of the detergent setting screen and the process for accepting the operation by the user.

  The information terminal 10 transmits information specifying the detergent selected in S1007 to the server 300. The server 300 receives the information in S1071, and the detergent information for each user in the server storage means 302 is received in S1072. Store in the softener related setting database and transmit information to be displayed on the information terminal 10 in relation to the detergent selected in S1073. The information terminal 10 receives the information at S1008 and displays the information at S1009.

  FIG. 21 is an example of the selected detergent related screen displayed in S1009 of the flowchart of FIG. The screen G6 in FIG. 21 displays a display 901 that indicates that the number of rinses recommended by the detergent manufacturer is one, and a display that asks the user whether or not to recommend the number of rinses once. 902, and a button 904 for rinsing once and a button 903 for setting twice are provided as buttons to be selected by the user.

  FIG. 11 is a processing flowchart when the detergent selected by the user is recommended once.

  The recommended detergent for rinsing is a detergent with good defoaming. In the normal washing operation, detergents that require two rinsing steps are the mainstream, whereas if rinsing is performed only once, the washing liquid for washing is used. Rinsing is possible. The basic operation of the washing machine 1 is to repeat the rinsing process twice in accordance with many detergents that require two rinsing processes. In the example of the washing process diagram of FIG. 2, the place where the number of times of rinsing is repeated in the rinsing operation is performed twice. On the other hand, with the recommended rinse once, it is recommended to repeat the number of times of rinsing once.

  Therefore, when the user selects the recommended rinse once, the information terminal 10 displays a screen for selecting the number of recommended rinses to the user and selecting how many times to perform the rinse in relation to the detergent in S1009. It is displayed as information to be displayed.

  After the screen G6 shown in FIG. 21 is displayed, the process continues to wait until the user selects the number of times of rinsing in S1101.

When the number of times of rinsing is selected by the user on the information terminal 10, the number of times of rinsing selected in S 1102 is transmitted to the server 300.

  After receiving the selection information on the number of rinses in S1121, the server 300 updates and stores the information on the number of rinses in the detergent / softener related setting database for each user in the server storage unit 302 in S1122. In step S1123, transmission for notifying that reception of the rinse count information is completed is performed. In the information terminal 10, after receiving the rinse completion information reception notification from the server 300 in S <b> 1103, the process proceeds to S <b> 707 in the flowchart of FIG. 7.

  Next, in the flowchart of FIG. 8, processing when the setting change of the softening agent is accepted in S803 will be described. The basic processing flow is the same as the detergent setting flow described in FIG. FIG. 22 is an example of a screen for selecting the softener displayed on the information terminal 10 and changing the setting after accepting the softener setting change in this embodiment.

  On the screen G7, the softener name of each softener brand stored in the server 300 and a button for selecting the softener are displayed as in the screen G5 of FIG. The button 1001 is selected when the softener A is selected, and the button 1002 is selected using the operating means of the information terminal 10 when the softener B is selected. In the screen G7 of this example, only the button 1001 is filled in the softener selection buttons, and this indicates that the softener currently selected by the user is the softener A. When the user selects another button, the softener selection display is changed. For example, when the user selects the button 1002 on the screen G7, the button 1001 is displayed in the same manner as other softening agents, and the button 1002 is changed to a solid display.

  If there is no softening agent used by the user on the screen G7, the button 1003 is selected. A button 1004 is selected to return information on the user's softener stored in the server 300 to the initial setting.

  When the button 1005 is selected on the screen G7 in FIG. 22, it means that the softener setting operation on the screen G7 is finished and the detergent is determined.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a process for setting the washing machine 1 with the detergent and softener settings set by the user and the setting of the number of times of rinsing determined in relation to the detergent will be described. At the same time, a process of setting the current time of hand movement by the clock hand moving means 107 of the information terminal 10 to the clock hand moving means 28 of the washing machine 1 is also performed. This will also be described. This process is performed when it is accepted in step S801 in FIG. 8 that settings related to the detergent and softener are transferred to the washing machine 1. In other words, this is processing when the button 704 is selected on the screen G4 of FIG.

  First, the information terminal 10 performs transmission in S901 in order to request the server 300 to generate a setting command to be transmitted in order to perform setting in the washing machine 1.

  When the server 300 receives a request for generating a setting command in S921, the server 300 generates a setting command in S922. The setting command includes parameters for the input coefficient for the detergent brand selected by the user, the number of rinses selected additionally when the detergent is selected, and the input coefficient for the softener brand selected by the user. It is. Next, the setting command generated in S922 is transmitted to the information terminal 10 in S923.

  After receiving the setting command in S902, the information terminal 10 displays a screen for instructing the user to bring the washing machine 1 and the information terminal 10 close to each other and enable communication in S903.

  Next, in S904, processing for establishing communication with the washing machine 1 is executed. The communication establishment process is performed as follows. The information terminal 10 control means 105 instructs the first communication means 101 to execute communication establishment processing. The first communication means 101 transmits a polling command wirelessly via the loop antenna 106 in order to confirm whether a communication partner capable of responding by proximity wireless communication is close. If a response command in response to this polling command is transmitted wirelessly from the washing machine 1, it is determined that communication has been established, and the process proceeds to the next step S907. If there is no response command response to the polling command, the process advances to step S905.

  In S905, the time elapsed since the communication instruction screen was displayed is compared with a predetermined time-out determination time. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S906 and the user cannot communicate. Notify that. FIG. 34 is an example of a screen displayed on the information terminal 10 in S906, and the display 3401 notifies that communication with the washing machine 1 could not be performed. If the time for time-out determination has not elapsed, a series of processing for re-establishing communication is performed again while instructing the user to bring the device closer from S903.

  If communication is established in step S904, the information terminal 10 determines whether or not to transmit time information to the washing machine 1 in S907. For this determination, information on whether or not the clock hand moving means 28 is mounted on the washing machine 1 in the washing machine specifying information acquired in S608 of FIG. 6 is used. That is, when the clock hand moving means 28 is mounted on the washing machine 1, the time information is transmitted and the process proceeds to step S908. If the timepiece moving means 28 is not mounted on the washing machine 1, the process proceeds to step S910.

  If the time information is to be transmitted in S907, the process proceeds to S908, and the information terminal 10 carries out the washing of the current time being moved by the clock hand moving means 107 by the proximity wireless communication via the first communication means. Transmit to machine 1.

  In S941, the washing machine 1 receives the current time transmitted from the information terminal 10 in S908. Next, in S942, the provisional time hand movement control unit 23f temporarily starts moving the received current time. The time hand movement process in the temporary time hand movement control unit 23f is equivalent to the process in the clock hand movement means 28, and the elapse of a predetermined unit of time is detected using the timer function of the microcomputer in the washing machine 1, This is realized by accumulating the elapsed time and updating the current time. However, the current time hand movement in the temporary time hand movement control unit 23f is a temporary process until step S946 described later, and power supply by a battery such as a battery is not required. Due to the current time hand movement in the temporary time hand movement control unit 23f, it is possible to prevent the time received from the information terminal 10 from deviating from the current time during the subsequent processing.

  Next, the washing machine 1 transmits a reception completion notice to notify the information terminal 10 that the time information has been received in S943. Upon receiving the reception completion notification in S909, the information terminal 10 immediately proceeds to the next S910.

  In step S910, the information terminal 10 transmits the setting command for setting detergent / softener information received in S902 to the washing machine 1.

  When the washing machine 1 receives the setting command in S944, the storage unit 24 stores the information included in the command in S945. The coefficient of the input amount for the detergent brand selected by the user is stored in the detergent amount display data storage unit 24b, and the rinse number setting additionally selected when the detergent is selected is stored in the rinse number setting storage unit 24d. The input amount coefficient for the agent brand is stored in the softener amount display data storage means 24c.

  Next, the reception processing of the temporarily received time information in S942 described in S946 is performed. The detailed operation of S946 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  The flowchart of FIG. 30 explains time information reception processing in the washing machine 1.

  When the reception process is started, the control unit 23 of the washing machine 1 determines whether or not the time information can be received in step S3001. Since the clock hand movement means 107 of the information terminal 10 can be expected to always carry out the clock adjustment with the current time from the network 200, the time between the clock hand movement means of the washing machine 1 and the clock hand movement means 107 of the information terminal 10 is If they do not match, the expected value is that the current time of the time hand movement means 107 of the information terminal 10 is a more correct time. However, since there is a case where the current time when the hand is moved by the clock hand movement means of the washing machine 1 should not be overwritten as the washing machine 1, a specific example will be described below.

  First, the display unit 26 of the washing machine 1 may provide an interface for setting the scheduled operation end time. FIG. 32 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display means 26 in the above case. A display 3208 displays the current time when the hands are moved by the time hand moving means 107.

  Furthermore, the display 3207 notifies the user of a time zone that can be set as the scheduled operation end time. The earliest settable end time is determined depending on how long it takes for the washing operation for which the driving reservation is to be performed. The slowest end time that can be set may be fixed, for example, within 24 hours, or the time until the start of operation is limited in the case of a washing operation that causes a problem if waiting for a long time before starting the operation. In order to do this, a shorter time may be set. In any case, the time after a predetermined time from the current time is determined from the operation details of the washing machine 1 or the operation display characteristics of the washing machine 1. Therefore, the display 3207 is set on the premise of the current time when the hands are moved by the timepiece moving means 28 shown by the display 3208.

  As the scheduled operation end time setting, the unit of time of the scheduled operation end time is displayed on the display 3202, the unit of time is increased with the button 3201, and the unit of time is decreased with the button 3203. Similarly, the unit of minutes of the scheduled operation end time is displayed on the display 3205, the unit of minutes of the scheduled operation end time is displayed, the unit of minutes is increased with the button 3204, and the unit of minutes is decreased with the button 3206. It should be noted that if the unit for changing the minute unit is changed too finely, such as one minute unit, the button operation for setting the desired time becomes complicated, and the washing operation time is the time required for water supply and drainage. Since it changes depending on the environment where the washing machine is placed, it is meaningless even if it is too fine. Therefore, a time change of about 10 minutes is appropriate for each button operation.

  The scheduled operation end time indicated by the display 3202 and the display 3205 can be set only within the range of the time zone informed by the display 3207. As a result, the clock is moved by the clock hand moving means 28 indicated by the display 3208. It is set on the assumption of the current time.

When the washing machine 1 displays the interface for setting the scheduled operation end time shown in FIG. 32, it is considered that the process reaches step S3001 in the flowchart of FIG. When the current time displayed in the display 3208 that has been moved to the previous time in the washing machine 1 is rewritten to the current time that has been moved in the information terminal 10, the current state that has been replaced with the display 3207, the display 3202, and the display 3205. Conflicts with the time display. When the user is operating the interface shown in FIG. 32, that is, when the washing machine 1 is displaying a screen for setting the scheduled end time of operation, the current time being moved by the clock moving means of the washing machine 1 is overwritten. Should not. In such a case, the control means 23 determines in step S3001 that the time information reception is not performed, and the time information reception process of the flowchart of FIG. 30 is terminated. Thereby, the current time of the information terminal 10 temporarily moved by the temporary time hand movement control unit 23f is discarded, and is not adopted as the current time of the washing machine 1.

  Similarly, another case in which the current time of the information terminal 10 is discarded will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 33 shows an example of a screen informing the user of the course operation setting by the display means 26 of the washing machine 1. The course name is displayed on the display 3301 and the time set as the scheduled operation end time is displayed on the display 3302. In the display 3303, an operation method for starting the operation of the washing machine 1 is notified by setting the screen. A display 3304 displays the current time when the washing machine 1 is moving. The scheduled operation end time displayed on the display 3302 is set on the premise of the current time of the washing machine 1 by an interface as shown in FIG. As described above, when the scheduled operation end time has been set for the washing machine 1, the time information should not be overwritten in step S3001 of FIG. 30 as in the previous example.

  Two examples are given as cases where time information should not be accepted in step S3001, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the case where the washing machine 1 is in a state based on the current time of hand movement by the clock hand movement means 28 of the washing machine 1, the time information of the information terminal 10 should not be received in the same manner. For example, even when a screen for changing the current time itself of the washing machine 1 is displayed, or when the user has already started the washing operation and has already estimated the end time from the current time of the washing machine, the time information It is good also as not accepting.

  If it is determined in step S3001 in the flowchart of FIG. 30 that time information from the information terminal 10 is received, the process advances to step S3002. Here, time information provisional acceptance processing is performed in S942 of the flowchart of FIG. 9, and when the current time from the information terminal 10 is received by the provisional time hand movement control unit 23f, the process proceeds to next S3003. If it has not been received, the current time to be reflected has not been received, so no processing is performed and the time information reception process is terminated. As described above, the flowchart S942 in FIG. 9 is branched according to the determination in S907 in FIG. 9. The condition in S907 is the clock hand movement means 28 in the washing machine specifying information transmitted from the washing machine in S673 in FIG. Depends on whether or not is installed and functioning.

  Next, in S3003, the control unit 23 of the washing machine 1 rewrites the current time being moved by the temporary time hand movement control unit 23f overwriting the current time of the timepiece movement means 28. Thereafter, the clock hand movement means 28 continues to move the clock based on the rewritten current time.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. After S946, the washing machine 1 performs transmission to the information terminal 10 to notify that the reception of the setting command is completed in S947.

  After receiving the command reception completion notification from the washing machine 1 in S911, the information terminal 10 displays a screen for notifying the user that the setting has been completed (step S912). Thereby, the process which sets the information relevant to the detergent and softening agent by a user in the washing machine 1, and the process which reflects the present time are complete | finished.

As described above with reference to FIG. 9, after notifying the user that the information terminal 10 and the washing machine 1 are brought closer to each other in step S <b> 903, communication establishment is established in step S <b> 904 when the user brings the information terminal closer according to the notification. To do. After the establishment of communication, information related to the detergent and softener intended by the user can be transmitted to the washing machine and the current time at which the information terminal 10 is moving can be transmitted at the same time. Therefore, the user can easily set the current time for the washing machine 1 without performing a special operation.

  In step S946, the current time of the previous washing machine 1 is determined by determining whether or not to reflect the current time transmitted from the information terminal 10 to the washing machine 1 according to the display and setting state of the washing machine 1. When the time is different from the time, the washing machine 1 can be prevented from performing an operation / display not intended by the user.

  The information stored in the detergent / softener related setting database for each user in the server storage unit 302 is stored immediately after the user selects the detergent or softener and / or immediately after selecting the number of times of rinsing. Although it is immediately after the communication to the server 300, it is not limited to this. For example, it may be after communication from the information terminal 10 to the server 300 after selecting the detergent and softener set by the user and selecting to set the washing machine 1. Alternatively, a flow for transmitting a notification of completion of setting to the washing machine 1 from the information terminal 10 to the server 300 is added, and after the server 300 receives notification that the setting of the washing machine 1 is completed, the server storage It may be stored in the detergent / softener-related setting database for each user in the means 302. Since the setting of the detergent and the softening agent is updated when the user performs the setting in the washing machine 1, the setting of the detergent and the softening agent for each user of the washing machine 1 and the server 300 may be in a state of being matched. it can.

  The information in the detergent amount display data storage unit 24b, the softener amount display data storage unit 24c, and the rinse count setting storage unit 24d of the washing machine 1 is updated after communication from the information terminal 10 to the washing machine 1 is performed. However, it may be changed by the user using the operation unit 25 and the display unit 26 of the washing machine 1. Thereby, even when the information terminal 10 cannot be used, the detergent and softener data can be returned to the initial shipping state such that the detergent and softener are not selected and the number of times of rinsing is two times.

  In S907, it is determined whether or not the information terminal 10 transmits the current time to the washing machine 1 using the information on whether or not the clock operating means 28 is mounted on the washing machine 1 in the washing machine specifying information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Since the washing machine identification information is transmitted to the server 300, the determination is performed by the server 300, and the determination result is received by the information terminal 10 and used to determine whether or not to send time information to the washing machine 1. Anyway. By doing so, the processing in the information terminal 10 can be simplified.

  The current time of the washing machine 1 is determined based on the information on whether or not the clock operating means 28 is mounted on the washing machine 1 in the washing machine identification information and the state of the washing machine 1. Although it is determined whether or not to overwrite with time, it is not limited to this. For example, an interface may be provided that allows the user to select whether to overwrite the time information of the washing machine 1 using the operation / display means on the washing machine 1 or the information terminal 10. By doing so, the user can intentionally shift the current time of the information terminal 10 and the current time of the washing machine 1.

  Although the washing machine specifying information is transmitted only in S673 of FIG. 6, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be transmitted immediately after the communication establishment in S904 of FIG. By doing so, the information terminal 10 does not have to make a determination based on the washing machine specifying information received in S608 but can make a determination based on the washing machine specifying information obtained at the time of communication, so that the processing can be simplified.

  Although the time information is first transmitted after the communication is established and then the setting command is transmitted, the present invention is not limited to this. The order may be reversed.

  Next, a process of using information related to the detergent and softener set in the washing machine 1 during the washing operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  The power is turned on by the user to start the processing.

  First, in S <b> 1201, a process is performed for the user to set the washing operation in the washing machine 1 using the display unit 26 and the operation unit 25. Specific examples of settings related to washing operations include specifying courses that greatly change the washing operation, specifying the time for washing in the set course, specifying the number of rinses, specifying the dehydration time, whether there is a drying process, There are time specification, water level specification to determine the amount of water to be used during washing, and so on.

  If the user has instructed the start of operation by the operation means 25 in S1202, a process for determining the amount of cloth is performed in the next S1203. The operation of determining the amount of cloth is performed by controlling the washing means 21 by the cloth amount detection unit 23d of the control means 23.

  When the execution of the cloth amount determination process in S1203 is completed, the process is branched depending on whether or not the water level is designated in S1204. If the water level designation has been performed by the user in step S1201 before acceptance of the operation start, the process proceeds to S1205, and the designated water level is set as the water level setting during the washing operation. If the water level has not been designated, the process proceeds to step S1206, and the water level is determined according to the amount of cloth put into the washing machine 1 determined in S1203. Decrease the water level to minimize the amount of water used while ensuring the necessary cleaning and rinsing performance by lowering the water level when the amount of fabric is low and increasing the water level when the amount is large. .

  In step S1207, the process branches depending on whether detergent amount information for the detergent designated by the user is stored in the detergent amount display data storage unit 24b. Whether the information is stored or not, the processing is further branched depending on whether the softener amount information for the softener specified by the user is stored in the softener amount display data storage unit 24c. (S1208 and S1209). As a result, when both the detergent amount information and the softener amount information are stored, the detergent and softener input amount display A is displayed in step S1211. If there is detergent amount information but no flexible material information, input amount display B is displayed in S1210. If there is no detergent amount information and softener amount information is present, input amount display C is displayed in S1212. If neither the amount information nor the softener amount information is stored, the input amount display D is displayed in step S1213.

  After the input amount display (S1210 to S1213) is performed for a predetermined time, the actual washing operation such as washing and rinsing is performed in S1214, and then the operation is terminated.

  The input amount display in steps S1210 to S1213 will be described with reference to FIGS. These displays are performed by the display means 26 of the washing machine 1.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of the input amount display A in S1211. Since the detergent is designated by the user, the amount of detergent to be added is displayed on the display 1302 together with the display 1301 indicating that the display is for the designated detergent. The amount of detergent to be added is calculated from the water level setting determined in step S1205 or S1206 to calculate the amount of water used at the time of washing to obtain a ratio to the reference water amount, and is stored in the detergent amount display data storage unit 24b. This can be obtained by multiplying the detergent input amount coefficient with the reference water amount.

Similarly, the softener amount to be input is displayed on a display 1304 together with a display 1303 indicating that the display is for the designated softener. The amount of softening agent to be added can be determined in the same manner as in the case of the amount of detergent.

  An example of the input amount display B in S1210 is shown in FIG. Since the detergent is designated by the user, the amount of detergent to be added is displayed while indicating that the detergent is displayed for the designated detergent as in FIG. Since the softener is not specified by the user and it is not essential to input the softener in washing, the display of the amount of softener input is not particularly performed.

  An example of the input amount display C in S1212 is shown in FIG. Although the detergent is not designated by the user, it is assumed that the detergent is always thrown in the normal laundry. Therefore, the detergent dosage effective for many detergents is displayed, but the designated detergent corresponding to the display 1301 in FIG. Is not displayed. The softener display is the same as in the case of FIG.

  An example of the input amount display D in S1213 is shown in FIG. As in FIG. 15, the detergent is not specified by the user, but it is assumed that the detergent is always thrown in the normal laundry, so that the amount of detergent that is effective for many detergents is displayed. No indication is given for the designated detergent corresponding to 1301. As for the softener, the input amount is not displayed as in the display of FIG.

  The operation reservation setting and operation reservation operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  Step (8) and subsequent steps in FIG. 27 are steps that are executed when an operation reservation instruction is received from the menu screen of the washing machine in the description of the flowchart in FIG. First, in step S2701, a request for a screen for selecting a driving course executed by the washing machine 1 at the time of driving reservation is transmitted from the information terminal 10 to the server 300. When the server 300 receives the request for the above-described driving course selection screen in step S2721, the server 300 generates course selection screen information for selecting a driving course that can be executed by the driving reservation in the washing machine 1 in step S2722, and the next step S2723. The course selection screen information is transmitted to the information terminal 10 at.

  After receiving the course selection screen information in S2702, the information terminal 10 displays the course selection screen in S2703.

  FIG. 23 is an example of a course selection screen displayed on the information terminal 10 based on the course selection screen information generated by the server 300. A button 1101, button 1102, and button 1103 for selecting a course for washing only for washing, rinsing, and dewatering, and a button 1104 for selecting a course for continuing the drying operation after washing, There are a button 1105 and a button 1106. The course is selected by the user selecting each button through the operation means 104 of the information terminal 10.

  The course is a means for greatly changing the process operation of the washing machine 1 according to the purpose of use of the user. For example, the night course of the button 1102 is used to reduce the noise level when performing laundry washing at night. This is a course that keeps the dehydrating performance of the clothes wet by rinsing by keeping the motor speed at the time of dehydration low, and instead increasing the time of dehydration, and the blanket course of the button 1103 is a large piece of laundry This is a course in which rinsing is performed at a higher water level to improve rinsing performance, and the rotation speed during dehydration is increased over time in order to suppress the occurrence of imbalance during dehydration. To do. In each driving course, since the process operation of the washing machine 1 changes greatly, the time required for driving also changes. In particular, the drying process requires a particularly long operation time as compared with the process from washing to dehydration.

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. When a course is selected in S2704 on the information terminal 10 after the screen display in S2703, the information terminal 10 transmits information on the selected course to the server 300 in the next S2705.

  When the server 300 receives the selected course information from the information terminal 10 in S2751 and identifies the selected course, the server 300 transmits the attribute information of the course corresponding to the selected course to the information terminal 10 in S2752. The course attribute information is attribute information regarding the corresponding course. The course attribute information in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 31 is an example of a database of course attribute information stored in the course information server storage unit 302 b in the server 300. For courses such as Omakase, blanket, etc., the earliest end time and latest end time that can be set in the reservation setting of each course are stored. In this example, the time until the earliest end that can be set for the automatic course is 120 minutes, and the time until the earliest end that can be set for the blanket course is 180 minutes. Since the blanket course is a course that takes time to drive, it takes longer to drive the course than the Omakase Course. Therefore, when reserving the time when the driving ends, it can be set only from the time later than the automatic course. Note that the latest end time is 24 hours later in the present example, common to the course.

  In step S2706, the information terminal 10 receives the attribute information of the course. In step S2707, an operation reservation setting screen is generated and displayed.

  The operation reservation setting screen generation in step S2707 will be described in more detail. First, from the received attribute information of the course, time zone information capable of setting a driving reservation is generated. This is because the clock hand moving means 107 of the information terminal 10 is moving the earliest end time and the latest end time that can be set in the reservation setting in the attribute information of the course received from the information terminal. Obtained by adding to the time.

  FIG. 24 is an example of an operation reservation setting screen displayed in S2707. In the screen G9, a display 1201 indicating settable time zone information, a button 1202 for designating an operation end time, and a button 1203 for setting the previous operation end reservation time as the reservation time of the current operation reservation setting. And a button 1204 for confirming the driving reservation setting. On the button 1202 for designating the operation end time, a provisionally selected reservation time is displayed. When the button 1202 is selected to change the reservation time, or when the button 1203 is selected and the current driving reservation setting time is changed to the previous driving end reservation time, the provisional on the button 1202 is changed accordingly. The selected reservation time is also changed. The provisionally selected reservation time is determined by selecting a button 1204. The function of calling the previous scheduled operation end time with the button 1203 is described. By pressing this button, the reserved scheduled time when the previous scheduled operation end time stored in the server 300 is temporarily selected. This is reflected in the display 1202 and it is assumed that information is transmitted from the server 300 to the information terminal 10, but details are omitted in this embodiment.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. After the operation reservation setting screen is displayed in S2707, if an operation for setting the previous operation end reservation time as the reservation time of the current operation reservation setting is performed in S2708, the process proceeds to S2709. This operation corresponds to the button 1203 being selected in FIG.

In S2709, the process branches depending on whether or not the previous operation end reservation time is within the settable time zone generated in S2753. If it is within the settable time zone, the process proceeds to S2710 and the provisionally set reservation time is changed to the previous operation end reservation time. If it is out of the range, the process proceeds to S2711, and the notification unit 103 of the information terminal 10 displays a screen for warning that it is outside the settable time zone. FIG. 26 shows an example of a warning screen displayed in S2711. On the screen G11, a display 1401 that is a warning message is superimposed on a display equivalent to the screen G9 of FIG. 24, and the warning message is presented to the user. After the warning message is displayed, the operation process on the operation reservation setting screen is continued after a predetermined time, and the process returns to step S2708.

  If the previous setting time selection operation has not been performed in S2708, the process proceeds to step S2712, and the process branches depending on whether or not an instruction to change the provisionally selected time has been issued. The case where an instruction to change the time is issued in S2712 corresponds to selection of the button 1202 in the example of FIG. In this case, the notification unit 103 and the operation unit 104 of the information terminal 10 are used to execute a screen display for changing the reservation time and a process S2713 for changing the set time by an operation.

  FIG. 25 shows an example of a screen for changing the reservation time setting executed in S2713. The screen G10 displays the time in a display 1302 corresponding to the time and the display 1305 corresponding to the minute among the temporarily selected times, and a button 1301 for increasing the reservation time and a button for decreasing the time 1303, a button 1304 for increasing the reservation time, and a button 1306 for decreasing. Furthermore, a button 1307 for invalidating the time setting as a result of the operation on this screen G10 and a button 1308 for reflecting the time setting are also arranged. When the button 1307 is selected, the change of the reservation time changed by the button 1301, the button 1303, the button 1304, and the button 1306 is invalidated and the original operation reservation setting screen is displayed again. When the button 1308 is selected, the reservation time displayed on the display 1302 and the display 1305 is reflected on the reservation time temporarily selected on the operation reservation setting screen, and the operation reservation setting screen is returned.

  If the set time change instruction has not been issued in S2712, the process proceeds to step S2714, and the process branches depending on whether or not an instruction to perform the operation reservation setting has been issued. If there is no instruction to carry out the driving reservation setting, the operation processing on the driving reservation setting screen after S2708 is continued. When there is an instruction to execute the driving reservation setting, the processing after step (9) is performed.

  The processing after step (9) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In S2801, the information terminal 10 transmits to the server 300 the time information of the driving reservation set on the driving reservation setting screen and the current time during the hand movement by the clock hand moving means 107 of the information terminal 10.

  When the server 300 receives the time information of the driving reservation in S2821 and the current time during the hand movement in the information terminal 10, the server 300 records it in the user information server storage unit 302a with the time information of the driving reservation in the next step S2822. Of the information specified by the user specifying information and the center machine specifying information in the user information database, the previous operation end reservation time is updated. Thereby, the time information set this time can be used as the previous set time when the next driving reservation is set.

  After step S2822, in step S2823, the server 300 generates a setting command for setting a driving reservation in the washing machine 1 by using the command generation unit 303b. The setting command includes at least information for specifying the selected course received in S2721, and information on how many minutes after the current time the driving of the course is to be ended. Information about how many minutes after the current time the operation is to be ended is calculated by a difference between the set time at which the operation is ended received in S2821 and the current time managed by the clock hand movement means 107 of the information terminal 10.

  In step S2824, the generated setting command for setting the driving reservation is transmitted to the information terminal 10.

  When the information terminal 10 receives the setting command for setting the driving reservation in S2802, a screen for instructing the user to bring the washing machine 1 and the information terminal 10 closer to each other and allow communication is displayed in S2803.

  Next, in S2804, processing for establishing communication with the washing machine 1 is executed. The communication establishment process is performed as follows. The information terminal 10 control means 105 instructs the first communication means 101 to execute communication establishment processing. The first communication means 101 transmits a polling command wirelessly via the loop antenna 106 in order to confirm whether a communication partner capable of responding by proximity wireless communication is close. If a response command in response to this polling command is transmitted wirelessly from the washing machine 1, it is determined that communication has been established, and the process proceeds to the next step S2807. If there is no response command response to the polling command, the process advances to step S2805.

  In S2805, the time elapsed since the communication instruction screen was displayed is compared with a predetermined time-out determination time. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S2806, and communication with the user cannot be performed. Notify that. FIG. 34 shows an example of a screen displayed on the information terminal 10 in S2806, and the display 3401 informs that communication with the washing machine 1 could not be performed. If the time for time-out determination has not elapsed, a series of processing for re-establishing communication is performed again while instructing the user to bring the device closer from S2803.

  If communication is established in step S2804, the information terminal 10 determines whether or not to transmit time information to the washing machine 1 in step S2807. For this determination, information on whether or not the clock hand moving means 28 is mounted on the washing machine 1 in the washing machine specifying information acquired in S608 of FIG. 6 is used. That is, when the clock hand moving means 28 is mounted on the washing machine 1, the time information is transmitted and the process proceeds to step S2808. If the timepiece moving means 28 is not mounted on the washing machine 1, the process proceeds to step S2810.

  If the time information is to be transmitted in S2807, the process proceeds to S2808, and the information terminal 10 carries out the washing of the current time being moved by the clock hand moving means 107 by the proximity wireless communication via the first communication means. Transmit to machine 1.

  In S2841, the washing machine 1 receives the current time transmitted from the information terminal 10 in S2808. Next, in S2842, the provisional time hand movement control unit 23f temporarily starts moving the received current time. The time hand movement process in the temporary time hand movement control unit 23f is equivalent to the process in the clock hand movement means 28, and the elapse of a predetermined unit of time is detected using the timer function of the microcomputer in the washing machine 1, This is realized by accumulating the elapsed time and updating the current time. However, the current time hand movement in the temporary time hand movement control unit 23f is a temporary process until step S2846, which will be described later, and power supply by a battery such as a battery is not required. Due to the current time hand movement in the temporary time hand movement control unit 23f, it is possible to prevent the time received from the information terminal 10 from deviating from the current time during the subsequent processing.

  Next, the washing machine 1 transmits a reception completion notification in order to notify the information terminal 10 that the time information has been received in S2843. Upon receiving the reception completion notification in S2809, the information terminal 10 immediately proceeds to the next S2810.

  In step S2810, the information terminal 10 transmits the setting command received in step S2802 to the washing machine 1.

  When the washing machine 1 receives the setting command in S2844, the washing machine 1 executes a process of reflecting the reservation setting by the setting command in S2845.

  The reservation setting reflecting process in S2845 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the reservation setting reflection process is started, first, in S3501, it is determined whether or not there is time information provisionally received by the temporary time hand movement control unit 23f. If there is, the process proceeds to S3502, and if not, the process proceeds to S3507. .

  In S3502, the current time temporarily moved by the temporary time hand movement control unit is overwritten with the current time moved by the clock hand movement means 28, and the current time in the washing machine 1 is transmitted from the information terminal 10. Overwrite with the current time.

  Next, in S3503, the operation end time is calculated by adding the time of information indicating how many minutes after the current time the course operation in the setting command received in S2844 is completed at the current time updated in S3502. The operation end time calculated here may be different from the operation end time set by the user in S2707, but this is confusing for the user and should be avoided. The difference is that the information terminal 10 sends the information to the server 300 sent in S2801, which was used to create information on how many minutes from the current time the course operation in the setting command generated in S2823 is to be completed. This is because there is a difference between the current time and the current time sent from the information terminal 10 to the washing machine 1 in S2808.

  This difference occupies the time between S2803 and S2807. That is, it is the time until the user who is instructed to bring the information terminal 10 closer to the washing machine 1 performs an action of actually bringing the information terminal 10 closer to be able to communicate. However, since the timeout process is performed in S2805, if the predetermined time for determining the timeout is short, the difference between the two times can be limited to be short.

  If the time difference is sufficiently shorter than the time unit that can be set as the operation end time of the washing machine, the time that can be set in the main body of the washing machine 1 is limited. By correcting to the time that can be set in the main body, the operation end time set by the user in S2707 can be obtained. This process is performed in S3504. As described in the explanation of FIG. 32 as an example of the operation reservation screen in the washing machine 1, if the scheduled end time that can be set in the main body of the washing machine 1 is 10 minutes, the time until the timeout in S2805 is 10 times. For example, 3 minutes may be used.

  For example, it is assumed that the current time of the information terminal 10 is 12:31 at the stage of S2801, and the driving end time designated at the time of driving reservation by the user is 15:00. Then, information on how many minutes after the current time the operation in the setting command generated by the server 300 in S2823 ends is 179 minutes. If it takes up to 3 minutes before the time-out in S2805 to establish communication between the information terminal 10 and the washing machine 1, the current time of the information terminal 10 transmitted in S2808 is 12:34. In S2845, the operation end time calculated by the washing machine 1 in S3503 is 179 minutes after 12:34, so it is 15:03. Here, since the operation end time of the washing machine 1 is in units of 10 minutes, 15:00 immediately before 15:03 is selected in the operation time correction process of S3504.

  By doing in this way, the washing machine 1 is the difference between the current time of the information terminal 10 sent from the information terminal 10 and the current time of the information terminal 10 and the time specified when the user makes a driving reservation. From the time, the time designated when the user makes a driving reservation can be reconstructed and obtained.

  Strictly speaking, the transmission / reception time between the server 300 and the information terminal 10 and between the information terminal 10 and the washing machine 1 is added as an error in time, but the time until the user brings the information terminal 10 and the washing machine 1 closer to each other is added. Compared to time, it is negligibly small.

  In step S3505, reservation setting reflection processing is performed. That is, the setting of the washing machine 1 is set to the state in which the course received in S2844 is selected, and the operation end time is set to the time obtained in the previous S3504.

  Next, in S3506, a screen showing a state where the reservation setting is reflected is displayed on the display means 26 of the washing machine 1. FIG. 33 shows an example of a screen displayed at this time. In the display 3302, the time obtained in S3504 is displayed as driving reservation information, and the reservation setting reflecting process is terminated.

  If there is no provisional reception time information in S3501, reservation setting reflection processing is performed in S3507. Although the content is similar to the reflection processing in S3505, in this case, the time information is not received and the clock hand moving means 28 of the washing machine 1 is not functioning. Therefore, the setting until the end of the operation is not performed as time, but information on how many minutes from the current time the operation is ended in the setting command received in S2844 is used. In step S3508, a screen showing a state in which the reservation setting is reflected on the display unit 26 of the washing machine 1 is displayed. This screen is not shown.

  In the reservation setting reflecting process of FIG. 35, unlike the time transmission in the case of the transmission of the detergent and softener setting described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 30, it is determined whether time information can be received, That is, the processing corresponding to S3001 is not performed.

  This is because it is determined that the display state and the setting state of the previous washing machine 1 are overwritten by performing the process of reflecting the driving reservation setting in the subsequent S3505 and the screen display process in S3506. It is. For this reason, even in the example in which the processing result when the time information is sent in accordance with the communication for setting the detergent or softener in FIG. 9 is not accepted, the time information is accepted and the current time of the information terminal 10 is received. The current time of the washing machine 1 can be overwritten.

  In step S2846, the information terminal 10 is transmitted to notify that the setting command has been received. Implementation of the driving reservation operation in the washing machine 1 after the setting of the driving reservation will be described later as step (10) and subsequent steps.

  After receiving the command reception completion notification from the washing machine 1 in S2811, the information terminal 10 displays a screen for notifying the user that the setting has been completed (step S2812). Thereby, the process which sets the driving reservation setting information by the user and the current time of the information terminal 10 in the washing machine 1 is completed.

  The operation reservation operation in the washing machine 1 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  Although the reservation setting is reflected in the washing machine 1 in S2845 of FIG. 28, the actual reservation operation is not started at the time of S2845, and the reservation operation is performed unless the operation start is accepted in S2902. Absent. When the user operates the operating means 25 in S2902 and accepts the start of the reservation operation, a process for determining the cloth amount is performed in the next step S2903. The operation of determining the amount of cloth is performed by controlling the washing means 21 by the cloth amount detection unit 23d of the control means 23.

In the next step S2904, the operation reservation control unit 23e calculates an operation time for performing an appropriate course operation according to the cloth amount based on the determination result of the cloth amount. As an example of an appropriate course operation according to the amount of cloth, if the amount of cloth is large, the washing time is lengthened to ensure washing performance, or the amount of water used increases the time required for water supply and drainage. It is possible to reflect the longer time and longer drying time.

  In the next step S2905, the driving reservation control unit 23e subtracts the driving time of the course driving calculated in S2904 from the setting time specified in the setting command received in S2844 for how many minutes the driving is to be ended. The time to wait until the timing to start driving is calculated. If the clock hand movement means 28 of the washing machine 1 is functioning, the driving time of the course driving calculated in S2904 is subtracted from the driving end time obtained in S3504 until the timing at which the driving should be started. Calculate the time to wait.

  Thereafter, in S2906, the operation reservation control unit 23e of the washing machine 1 determines whether the standby time calculated in S2905 has elapsed. After the waiting time has elapsed, the washing machine 1 performs the washing operation in S2907, thereby ending the operation reservation operation.

  With the configuration and operation sequence described in the above embodiment, in the washing machine system of the present invention, it is conscious that the user sets the clock when transmitting the current time of the information terminal 10 to the washing machine 1. This can be realized easily without making it.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the washing machine 1 has the clock hand moving means 28, but the present invention is not limited to this. Even if the clock hand moving means 28 does not exist in the washing machine 1, the washing machine 1 may be operated based on the current time of hand movement by the temporary time hand movement control unit 23f that continues to supply power. In this case, after the power supply to the washing machine 1 is cut off, the current time cannot be continuously operated. However, if communication between the information terminal 10 and the washing machine 1 is performed again, the current time is used. The operation display can be realized on the washing machine 1.

  In the present embodiment, the communication between the information 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 information terminal 10 and the washing machine 1 may be performed by a method capable of communication between a plurality of terminals using a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi, or a one-to-one communication method such as infrared communication may be used. good.

  The communication for connecting the information terminal 10 to the network 200 may be a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi.

  In the present embodiment, the device that sets the clock at the current time of the information terminal 10 is a washing machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any electric device that operates based on some time information may be used. For example, it may be a clothes dryer or a dishwasher.

  As described above, when the washing machine system according to the present invention transmits information related to the washing operation such as the reservation setting from the information terminal to the washing machine, the current time is also transmitted from the external device to the user. The clock can be easily adjusted without being conscious of it. In addition to the washing machine system, the present invention can also be applied to various washing apparatuses such as a dishwasher system.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing machine 10 Information terminal 21 Washing means 22 Communication means 23 Control means 23a Process management part 23b Water level determination part 23c Response content determination part 23d Cloth amount detection part 23e Operation reservation control part 23f Temporary time hand movement control part 24 Storage means 24a Washing machine Specific information storage unit 24b Detergent amount display data storage means 24c Softener amount display data storage means 24d Rinsing frequency setting storage means 25 Operation means 26 Display means 27 Loop antenna 28 Clock hand movement means 101 First communication means 102 Second communication means 103 Notification Means 104 Operation means 105 Control means 105a Display control part 105b First communication control part 105c Second communication control part 106 Loop antenna 107 Clock movement means 200 Network 300 Server 302a User information server storage means 302b Course information server storage hand Stage 303a Screen information generation unit 303b Command generation unit

Claims (1)

A washing machine and an external device capable of communicating via a communication network;
The washing machine includes a communication means for communicating via the communication network, a clock hand moving means for moving the current time , an operation display means for performing various settings related to the washing operation , and a control unit ,
The external device includes a communication unit that transmits information related to a washing operation of the washing machine and information such as a current time to the washing machine via the communication network, and the setting related to the washing operation transmitted from the external device. Includes at least a washing operation reservation setting, and the washing operation reservation setting includes time information of an operation reservation based on the current time transmitted from the external device,
Wherein, when the washing machine is in a particular state, while determining that it is impossible to rewrite the current time transmitted current time of the washing machine from the external device,
Wherein when the washing machine is the a particular state may, by reflecting the setting for the washing operation to be transmitted from the external device to the washing machine, when the washing machine is disengaged from the particular situation Determining that the current time of the washing machine can be rewritten to the current time transmitted from the external device ,
The specific state is
A state in which a current time is displayed on the operation display means and a screen for setting a reserved operation time of the washing machine is displayed,
Or after setting the reserved driving time for washing operation and before starting the reserved driving,
Or a state where a screen for changing the current time is displayed on the operation display means,
The washing machine system characterized by being.