JP7275244B2 - refrigerator display system, refrigerator and terminal - Google Patents

Description

The present embodiment relates to a refrigerator display system constructed by a refrigerator and a terminal, and a refrigerator and a terminal constructing the refrigerator display system.

In recent years, home appliances such as refrigerators have become multi-functional. However, as the functions of the refrigerator are increased, it is necessary to add a setting button for setting the function, an LED for indicating that the function is set, and the like. Therefore, as the refrigerator becomes more multi-functional, the setting section becomes more complicated and the manufacturing cost increases. Moreover, even if the functions of the refrigerator are increased, there are users who do not use those functions at all. In addition, as the number of functions of the refrigerator increases, the setting becomes complicated. Against this background, there is a demand for a technology that realizes refrigerators, which are becoming increasingly multifunctional, at a lower manufacturing cost and that makes them easier to use.

JP 2014-040939 A

The present embodiment provides a refrigerator display system that makes it easier to use refrigerators that are becoming increasingly multifunctional, and a refrigerator and a terminal that construct the refrigerator display system.

A refrigerator display system according to the present embodiment is a refrigerator display system constructed by a refrigerator and a terminal having a communication function for communicating with the refrigerator. The refrigerator is capable of setting a predetermined function of the refrigerator, and when the setting content of the refrigerator is changed, the setting content information indicating the setting content after the change is transmitted to the terminal, and the terminal , the setting content information received from the refrigerator is reflected and displayed, the functions of the refrigerator can be set except for the predetermined function, and the setting of the predetermined function can be changed in the refrigerator. If so, the information about the predetermined function is displayed reflecting the setting contents after the change .

The refrigerator according to this embodiment constructs the refrigerator display system according to this embodiment.

The terminal according to this embodiment constructs the refrigerator display system according to this embodiment.

A diagram showing a configuration example of a home appliance setting system according to the first embodiment. Diagram showing a configuration example of an operation panel Diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal Diagram showing a configuration example of the setting screen (Part 1) Diagram showing configuration example of setting screen (part 2) Diagram showing configuration example of setting screen (part 3) Flowchart showing an example of control contents when setting various functions of a home appliance from a terminal Diagram showing a configuration example of setting content information Equivalent view of FIG. 1 according to the second embodiment Equivalent to Fig. 6 Diagram showing a configuration example of part of the operation panel

A plurality of embodiments of a home appliance setting system will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the substantially same element in each embodiment, and description is abbreviate|omitted.
(First embodiment)
A refrigerator setting system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example of a home appliance setting system, and includes at least a refrigerator 11 and a terminal 12 . Refrigerator 11 is an example of a home appliance, and includes operation panel 13 and communication adapter 14 . The refrigerator 11 includes storage compartments such as a refrigerating compartment, a freezing compartment, a vegetable compartment, and an ice-making compartment. The terminal 12 is configured by a high-performance mobile phone such as a so-called smart phone, and has at least a communication function for communicating with various external devices.

The operation panel 13 is an example of home appliance side setting means, and includes operation buttons and the like for setting various functions of the refrigerator 11 . Note that the functions of the refrigerator 11 that can be set via the operation panel 13 are limited to predetermined functions as will be described later in detail. The communication adapter 14 is detachably attached to a communication connector (not shown) of the refrigerator 11 . That is, the communication adapter 14 is an element that can be retrofitted to the refrigerator 11 . Note that the communication adapter 14 may be configured to be incorporated in the refrigerator 11 when the refrigerator 11 is manufactured, for example.

The refrigerator 11 and the terminal 12 are connected via the communication adapter 14 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly with each other, thereby constructing the refrigerator setting system 10 . The refrigerator setting system 10 may be constructed by connecting the refrigerator 11 and the terminal 12 via a communication cable such as a USB cable so as to enable wired communication. The refrigerator 11 and the terminal 12 are also communicably connected to an external server 16 via a wide area network 15 such as the Internet. The server 16 is configured by a well-known computer system, and stores various information such as information for accessing the refrigerator 11 and the terminal 12, and various computer programs including application software described in detail later. It is configured so that various types of information and programs can be distributed. Information for accessing the refrigerator 11 and the terminal 12 may be, for example, the IP addresses of the refrigerator 11 and the terminal 12 .

Next, a configuration example of the operation panel 13 of the refrigerator 11 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the operation panel 13 has an essential function setting section 21 and an additional function setting section 22 . The essential function setting unit 21 is an element for setting functions defined as “essential functions” among various functions provided in the refrigerator 11 . In this case, as an essential function, a "temperature control function" for adjusting the set temperature of each storage compartment of the refrigerator 11 is defined. Therefore, in this case, the essential function setting unit 21 is configured as a temperature setting adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature setting of each storage compartment of the refrigerator 11 .

Specifically, the essential function setting unit 21 adjusts the preset temperature of the refrigerator compartment (not shown) and the preset temperature of the freezer compartment (not shown) of the refrigerator 11. and a freezer compartment set temperature adjustment button 21b. In addition, the essential function setting unit 21 includes a refrigerator compartment set temperature level display unit 21c that displays the level of the preset temperature of the refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator 11, and a freezer compartment preset temperature level that displays the level of the preset temperature of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11. and a display unit 21d.

The preset temperature of the refrigerating compartment of the refrigerator 11 can be adjusted in a plurality of stages, in this case, in three stages of high, medium, and low, according to the number of times the refrigerating compartment preset temperature adjustment button 21a is operated. Then, when the preset temperature of the refrigerator compartment is adjusted by operating the refrigerator compartment preset temperature adjustment button 21a, the refrigerator 11 lights the LED of the refrigerator compartment preset temperature level display section 21c corresponding to the set temperature level. Also, the set temperature of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11 can be adjusted in a plurality of stages, in this case, in three stages of high, medium, and low, according to the number of times the freezer compartment set temperature adjustment button 21b is operated. Then, when the set temperature of the freezer compartment is adjusted by operating the set freezer compartment temperature adjustment button 21b, the refrigerator 11 lights the LED of the freezer compartment set temperature level display section 21d corresponding to the set temperature level.

The additional function setting unit 22 is an element for setting functions other than the essential functions described above among various functions provided in the refrigerator 11 . In this case, as the additional functions, a "quick freezing function" and a "quick ice making function" are stipulated. Therefore, in this case, the additional function setting section 22 is configured as a setting section for setting the quick freezing function and a setting section for setting the quick ice making function.

Specifically, the additional function setting unit 22 includes a quick freezing button 22a for setting the "quick freezing function", a quick ice making button 22b for setting the "quick ice making function", and the refrigerator 11. A default button 22c for canceling various functions set, a quick freezing setting display section 22d for displaying that the quick freezing function is set, and a quick ice making setting display section for displaying that the quick ice making function is set. 22e, and an external setting display section 22f for displaying that the function of the refrigerator 11 is set remotely from the outside. The burst freezing function is a function of cooling the inside of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11 more rapidly than usual, thereby freezing the stored items in the freezer compartment in a shorter time than usual. The one-shot ice making function is a function of making ice in a shorter time than usual by cooling the inside of the ice making chamber (not shown) of the refrigerator 11 more rapidly than usual.

When the quick freezing button 22a is operated and execution of the quick freezing function is set, the refrigerator 11 displays that the quick freezing function is being executed while the quick freezing function is being executed. The LED of the setting display section 22d is turned on. When the quick freezing button 22a is continuously pressed for a predetermined time, for example, when the quick freezing button 22a is continuously pressed for 3 seconds or more, the quick freezing function is executed in a so-called power saving mode. As a result, the quick freezing function is executed with lower power consumption. In this case, the refrigerator 11 lights the LED of the power saving display section 22g that indicates that the quick freezing function is being performed in the power saving mode.

When the quick ice making button 22b is operated to set execution of the quick ice making function, the refrigerator 11 displays that the quick ice making function is being executed while the quick ice making function is being executed. The LED of the setting display section 22e is turned on. When the quick ice making button 22b is continuously pressed for a predetermined time, for example, when it is continuously pressed for 3 seconds or more, the quick ice making function is executed in a so-called power saving mode. This allows the quick ice making function to be performed with lower power consumption. In this case, the refrigerator 11 lights the LED of the power saving display section 22h that indicates that the one-stop ice making function is being executed in the power saving mode.

The default button 22c is an example of release means. When the default button 22c is operated, the refrigerator 11 is configured to cancel only the functions set by the terminal 12 as will be described later in detail. Thereby, the refrigerator 11 is configured so that the function set by the terminal 12 is returned to the initial state. Note that the refrigerator 11 may be configured to cancel the settings of all the functions of the refrigerator 11 including the functions set by the terminal 12 when the default button 22c is operated. According to this configuration, by operating the default button 22c, the user can set the refrigerator 11 to a state in which the settings of all the functions of the refrigerator 11 are returned to the initial state, that is, the settings at the time of manufacture of the refrigerator 11. state can be restored.

The external setting display section 22f is an example of display means. The refrigerator 11 lights the LED of the external setting display section 22f when each function is set by the terminal 12 as will be described in detail later. Thereby, the user can grasp that each function of the refrigerator 11 is remotely set from the terminal 12 .

According to the refrigerator 11 configured as described above, among the plurality of functions provided in the refrigerator 11, predetermined functions, in this case, the function of adjusting the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment and the setting of the freezer compartment, which are defined as essential functions A temperature control function and a quick freezing function and a quick ice making function defined as additional functions can be set via an operation panel 13 provided in the refrigerator 11 .

By the way, in addition to the above-described predetermined functions that can be set via the operation panel 13, the refrigerator 11 has, for example, a vegetable freezing function, a dry freezing function, a hot food freezing function, a power saving mode function, a timer power saving function, an outing function, and a peak function. It has various functions such as a shift function.
The vegetable freezing function is a function of freezing vegetables in the vegetable compartment (not shown) of the refrigerator 11 by cooling the vegetable compartment (not shown) to a temperature lower than normal. The dry freezing function is a function of freezing vegetables in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator 11 while blowing off moisture by supplying air to the vegetable compartment from a blower fan (not shown) to cool the vegetables. The hot food freezing function is a function that freezes hot storage in the freezer compartment by cooling the inside of the freezer compartment more rapidly than normal.

The power saving mode function is a function of operating the refrigerator 11 with lower power consumption than usual. The timer power saving function is a function for operating the refrigerator 11 with lower power consumption than usual from the set start time to the end time. Refrigerator 11 is configured to be able to measure time by means of a clock such as a timer (not shown). The outing function is a function of automatically switching the operation of the refrigerator 11 so that the power consumption is lower than usual when the opening and closing of the door of the refrigerator 11 is not detected for a predetermined time or longer. note that. The refrigerator 11 is configured to detect opening and closing of the door by a door opening/closing detection sensor (not shown). The peak shift function is a function for avoiding an operation that causes high power consumption, such as a defrosting operation for removing frost adhering to a cooler (not shown), during peak power demand.

The refrigerator 11 is configured to remotely set functions other than these predetermined functions via an external terminal 12 . Therefore, refrigerator 11 is configured such that functions other than predetermined functions cannot be directly set via operation panel 13 .

Next, a configuration example of the terminal 12 will be described. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the terminal 12 is mainly composed of a control section 31 that controls the overall operation of the terminal 12 . A display unit 32 , an operation unit 33 , a communication function unit 34 and the like are connected to the control unit 31 . The display unit 32 is configured by a display device such as a liquid crystal panel, for example. The operation unit 33 includes touch panel switches formed on the display screen of the display unit 32, mechanical switches provided around the display unit 32, and the like. The communication function unit 34 is an element that implements a communication function for communicating with external devices. In this case, the communication function unit 34 establishes a communication line with the communication adapter 14 of the refrigerator 11 to connect the terminal 12 and the refrigerator 11 so as to be communicable.

The terminal 12 also incorporates application software for remotely setting various functions of an external home appliance, in this case, the refrigerator 11 . This application software is preinstalled in the terminal 12 by downloading it from the server 16 to the terminal 12, for example. The terminal 12 virtually realizes the terminal-side setting function unit 36 and the setting screen selection function unit 37 by software by executing this application software with the control unit 31 . The terminal 12 may have a configuration in which these functional units 36 and 37 are realized by hardware.

The terminal-side setting function unit 36 is an example of a terminal-side setting means, and among various functions of the refrigerator 11 , at least functions other than the above-described predetermined functions are set via a communication line established with the refrigerator 11 . It has a function to be set remotely. In this case, the terminal-side setting function unit 36 is also configured to be able to remotely set a predetermined function of the refrigerator 11 via a communication line established with the refrigerator 11 . That is, the terminal-side setting function unit 36 is configured to be able to remotely set all the functions of the refrigerator 11 via a communication line established with the refrigerator 11 .

The setting screen selection function unit 37 is an example of setting screen selection means, and has a function of selecting a setting screen displayed on the display unit 32 by the terminal side setting function unit 36 . Here, a configuration example of a setting screen displayed on the display unit 32 by the terminal-side setting function unit 36 will be described. That is, the terminal 12 is configured to be able to display a plurality of setting screens, in this case, a setting screen G1 illustrated in FIG. 4, a setting screen G2 illustrated in FIG. 5, and a setting screen G3 illustrated in FIG. The setting screen selection function unit 37 selects one of the plurality of setting screens G1 to G3 in accordance with a user's selection operation via a selection screen (not shown). The terminal 12 is configured to display the setting screen selected via the setting screen selection function unit 37 on the display unit 32 .

Next, configuration examples of the setting screens G1 to S3 will be described in more detail. That is, as exemplified in FIG. 4, the setting screen G1 is a setting screen imitating an operation panel designed on the assumption that it will be installed in a refrigerator. An operation area 41 and a display area 42 are provided on the setting screen G1. In the operation area 41, a refrigerating operation part 41a with the characters "refrigerating", a freezing operation part 41b with the characters "freezing", a freezing function operation part 41c with the characters "refrigerating function", An ice-making operation unit 41d marked with the characters "ice making", a power-saving operation unit 41e marked with the characters "power-saving", and a key lock operation unit 41f marked with a substantially pentagonal mark are arranged vertically in a row. there is Various operation units 41a to 41f provided in the operation area 41 are provided so as to be touch-operable by the user.

In the display area 42, an indicator 43 composed of a plurality of arc-shaped segments and a plurality of marks 44 are arranged in a line in the vertical direction. Below the indicator 43, a character mark "strong" and a character mark "weak" are horizontally arranged. Specifically, the marks 44 include a character mark 44a that reads "hot food frozen", a character mark 44b that indicates "vegetables frozen", a character mark 44c that indicates "dry", and a character mark 44c that reads "all-in-one freeze". character mark 44d marked with , character mark 44e marked with "ice making", character mark 44f marked with "ice making off", character mark 44g marked with "power saving", character mark 44g marked with "outing" There are provided a character mark 44h, a character mark 44i with "Peak Shift", a character mark 44j with "eco", and a key mark 44k with the shape of the key.

The refrigeration operation unit 41 a is an operation unit for adjusting the set temperature of the refrigerating compartment of the refrigerator 11 by remote control from the terminal 12 . The terminal 12 can adjust the set temperature of the refrigerating compartment of the refrigerator 11 in a plurality of steps, in this case, in three steps of high, medium, and low, according to the number of times the user operates the refrigeration operation section 41a. In addition, the terminal 12 changes the number of lit segments among the plurality of segments of the indicator 43 according to the level of the preset temperature of the refrigerating compartment set by operating the refrigerating operation unit 41a.

In this case, when the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment is adjusted to the "low" level by the operation of the refrigerator operation unit 41a, the terminal 12 lights one segment out of the five segments of the indicator 43 and sets the indicator 43 to the "middle" level. 3 segments are lit when adjusted to high level and 5 segments are lit when adjusted to "strong" level. The user can visually grasp the level of the preset temperature of the refrigerating compartment adjusted by operating the refrigerating operation section 41a, based on the number of lit segments. In addition, the terminal 12 transmits to the refrigerator 11 information indicating the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment adjusted by the operation of the refrigerator operation unit 41a. Refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment based on the information obtained from terminal 12 .

The freezing operation unit 41 b is an operation unit for adjusting the set temperature of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11 by remote control from the terminal 12 . The terminal 12 can adjust the set temperature of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11 in a plurality of steps, in this case, in three steps of high, medium, and low, according to the number of times the user operates the freezer operation unit 41b. In addition, the terminal 12 changes the number of lit segments among the plurality of segments of the indicator 43 according to the level of the set temperature of the freezer compartment set by operating the freezing operation section 41b. The user can visually grasp the level of the preset temperature of the freezer compartment adjusted by operating the freezer operation unit 41b, based on the number of lit segments. In addition, the terminal 12 transmits to the refrigerator 11 information indicating the set temperature of the freezer compartment adjusted by the operation of the freezing operation section 41b. Refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of the freezer compartment based on the information obtained from terminal 12 .

The freezing function operation unit 41 c is an operation unit for executing various freezing functions provided in the refrigerator 11 by remote control from the terminal 12 . The terminal 12 sequentially selects a hot food freezing function, a vegetable freezing function, a dry freezing function, and a burst freezing function according to the number of times the user operates the freezing function operation unit 41c. Then, the terminal 12 lights the character marks 44a to 44d corresponding to the refrigerating function selected by operating the refrigerating function operation section 41c. In addition, the terminal 12 transmits to the refrigerator 11 information indicating the refrigerating function selected by operating the refrigerating function operation unit 41c. Refrigerator 11 performs the selected freezing function based on the information obtained from terminal 12 .

The ice-making operation unit 41 d is an operation unit for executing the ice-making function provided in the refrigerator 11 by remote control from the terminal 12 . The terminal 12 sequentially switches the on/off setting of the one-shot ice making function according to the number of times the ice making operation section 41d is operated by the user. Then, when the instant ice making function is set to ON, the terminal 12 lights the character mark 44e labeled "instant ice making". Further, when the quick ice making function is set to OFF, the terminal 12 lights the character mark 44f indicating "ice making OFF".

Then, when the ice-making operation unit 41d is operated to turn on the ice-making function at once, the terminal 12 transmits a setting signal for turning on the ice-making function at once to the refrigerator 11 . When refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from terminal 12, refrigerator 11 switches on the one-stop ice making function and executes the one-stop ice making function. On the other hand, when the quick ice making function is switched off by operating the ice making operation unit 41d, the terminal 12 transmits a setting signal for switching off the quick ice making function to the refrigerator 11 . When the refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from the terminal 12, it switches off the one-stop ice making function and cancels the ON setting of the one-stop ice making function. As a result, the instant ice making function stops.

The power saving operation unit 41 e is an operation unit for executing various power saving functions provided in the refrigerator 11 by remote control from the terminal 12 . The terminal 12 sequentially selects the power saving mode function, the outing function, and the peak shift function according to the number of times the user operates the power saving operation unit 41e. Then, the terminal 12 lights the character marks 44g to 44i corresponding to the power saving function selected by operating the power saving operation section 41e. In addition, the terminal 12 transmits to the refrigerator 11 information indicating the power saving function selected by operating the power saving operation unit 41e. Refrigerator 11 executes the selected power saving function based on the information provided from terminal 12 .

The key lock operation part 41f is an operation part for disabling the setting operation of the refrigerator 11 via the setting screen G1. The terminal 12 sequentially switches between a setting operation disabled state and a setting operation enabled state according to the number of times the user operates the key lock operation unit 41f. In the setting operation disabled state, operation inputs to the various operation units 41a to 41e except for the key lock operation unit 41f of the setting screen G1 are disabled, thereby disabling the setting operation of the refrigerator 11 via the setting screen G1. When the terminal 12 is switched to the setting operation disabled state, the key mark 44k is lit. On the other hand, in the setting operable state, the operation inputs to the various operation sections 41a to 41f of the setting screen G1 are enabled, thereby enabling the setting operation of the refrigerator 11 via the setting screen G1. When the terminal 12 is switched to the setting operable state, the key mark 44k is extinguished.

In addition, the terminal 12 lights the character mark 44j of "eco" when the operating state of the refrigerator 11 is the eco-operating state. That is, when the operating state of the refrigerator 11 satisfies a predetermined condition, the refrigerator 11 determines that the operating state of the refrigerator 11 is the eco-operating state. The predetermined conditions are that the number of times the door is opened and closed within a predetermined time period is less than or equal to a predetermined number of times, that the temperature change in each storage chamber within a predetermined time period is within a predetermined range, and that the refrigeration cycle (not shown) within a predetermined time period. It is conceivable that the operating time of the compressor is within a predetermined time. When the refrigerator 11 determines that the refrigerator 11 is in the eco-operating state, the refrigerator 11 transmits information indicating that the refrigerator 11 is in the eco-operating state to the terminal 12 . When the terminal 12 receives this information, it lights the character mark 44j of "eco". When refrigerator 11 determines that refrigerator 11 is not in the eco-operating state, refrigerator 11 transmits to terminal 12 information indicating that refrigerator 11 is not in the eco-operating state. Upon receiving this information, the terminal 12 extinguishes the character mark 44j of "eco".

Next, the setting screen G2 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the setting screen G2 is a setting screen realized by a hierarchical structure. That is, the setting screen G2 is provided with a refrigerator mark 51 that simply shows the entire refrigerator 11 and a setting button 52 . In addition, around the refrigerator mark 51, setting state display portions 53a to 53e indicating the current setting state of each storage compartment of the refrigerator 11 and a power consumption display portion 54 indicating the current power consumption of the refrigerator 11 are provided. It is

The refrigerator 11 transmits to the terminal 12 information indicating the current setting state of each storage compartment, for example, temperature setting information indicating the setting temperature of each storage room and information indicating the setting state of each function. Based on the information received from the refrigerator 11, the terminal 12 displays the current setting state of each storage compartment of the refrigerator 11 on the setting state display sections 53a to 53e. The refrigerator 11 also transmits power consumption information indicating the current power consumption of the refrigerator 11 to the terminal 12 . Terminal 12 displays the current power consumption of refrigerator 11 on power consumption display unit 54 based on the power consumption information received from refrigerator 11 .

Further, when the setting button 52 is operated, the terminal 12 changes the screen displayed on the display unit 32 to a setting operation screen (not shown). The setting operation screen is provided with an input operation section for inputting the set temperature of each storage compartment of the refrigerator 11, an input operation section for inputting ON/OFF settings of various functions of the refrigerator 11, and the like. When a user's setting operation is input via these various input operation units, the terminal 12 transmits the input information to the refrigerator 11 . Based on the information received from the terminal 12, the refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of each storage compartment, and sets ON/OFF of each function.

Next, the setting screen G3 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the setting screen G3 is a setting screen realized by a text-based structure. That is, the setting screen G3 is provided with a plurality of menu buttons 61 for setting various functions of the refrigerator 11 . These menu buttons 61 are provided so as to be touch-operable.

Specifically, the menu button 61 a labeled with the words “freezer temperature setting” is a menu button for adjusting the set temperature of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11 . The terminal 12 can adjust the set temperature of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11 in a plurality of steps, in this case, three steps of high, medium, and low, according to the number of times the menu button 61a is operated by the user. In addition, the terminal 12 changes the characters displayed on the touch button 61a to any one of "strong", "medium", and "weak" according to the level of the set temperature of the freezer compartment set by operating the menu button 61a. . Then, the terminal 12 transmits to the refrigerator 11 information indicating the set temperature of the freezer compartment adjusted by operating the menu button 61a. Refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of the freezer compartment based on the information obtained from terminal 12 .

The menu button 61b marked with the words “refrigerating chamber temperature setting” is a menu button for adjusting the preset temperature of the refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator 11 . The terminal 12 can adjust the set temperature of the refrigerating compartment of the refrigerator 11 in a plurality of steps, in this case, in three steps of high, medium, and low, according to the number of times the menu button 61b is operated by the user. In addition, the terminal 12 changes the characters displayed on the menu button 61b to any one of "strong", "medium", and "weak" according to the level of the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment set by operating the menu button 61b. . Then, the terminal 12 transmits to the refrigerator 11 information indicating the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment adjusted by operating the menu button 61b. Refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment based on the information obtained from terminal 12 .

The menu button 61c marked with the words “quick ice making” is a menu button for switching ON/OFF of the quick ice making function of the refrigerator 11 . The terminal 12 sequentially switches the on/off setting of the quick ice making function according to the number of times the menu button 61c is operated by the user. When the quick ice making function is turned on by operating the menu button 61c, the terminal 12 switches the characters displayed on the menu button 61c from "OFF" to "ON" and turns on the quick ice making function. A setting signal for switching is transmitted to the refrigerator 11 . When refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from terminal 12, refrigerator 11 switches on the one-stop ice making function and executes the one-stop ice making function. On the other hand, when the quick ice making function is turned off by operating the menu button 61c, the terminal 12 switches the characters displayed on the menu button 61c from "ON" to "OFF" and turns off the quick ice making function. A setting signal for switching is transmitted to the refrigerator 11 . When the refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from the terminal 12, it switches off the one-stop ice making function and cancels the ON setting of the one-stop ice making function. As a result, the instant ice making function stops.

A menu button 61 d labeled with “stop ice making” is a menu button for switching ON/OFF of the ice making function of the refrigerator 11 . The terminal 12 sequentially switches the ON/OFF setting of the ice making function according to the number of times the menu button 61d is operated by the user. When the ice-making function is turned on by operating the menu button 61d, the terminal 12 switches the characters displayed on the menu button 61d from "OFF" to "ON" and switches the ice-making function to ON. to the refrigerator 11. When the refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from the terminal 12, it switches on the ice making function and executes the ice making function. On the other hand, when the ice making function is switched off by operating the menu button 61d, the terminal 12 switches the characters displayed on the menu button 61d from "ON" to "OFF" and switches the ice making function off. to the refrigerator 11. When the refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from the terminal 12, it switches off the ice making function and cancels the on setting of the ice making function. This stops the ice making function.

The other menu buttons 61e to 61k are used to turn on/off the refrigerator 11 full freeze function, vegetable freeze function, dry freeze function, hot food freeze function, power saving mode function, peak shift function, and outing function, respectively. This is the menu button for switching. The terminal 12 sequentially switches the on/off setting of each function according to the number of times each menu button 61e to 61k is operated by the user, and the characters displayed on each menu button 61e to 61k are set to "ON" or "OFF." switch to Terminal 12 then transmits a setting signal for turning each function on or off to refrigerator 11 , and refrigerator 11 sets each function to on/off according to the setting signal received from terminal 12 .

Also, the menu button 61t is a menu button for switching ON/OFF settings of the timer power saving function of the refrigerator 11 . The terminal 12 sequentially switches the ON/OFF setting of the timer power saving function according to the number of times the menu button 61t is operated by the user, and switches the display character of the menu button 61t to "ON" or "OFF". Then, the terminal 12 transmits a setting signal for switching on or off the timer power saving function to the refrigerator 11, and the refrigerator 11 sets the timer power saving function on/off according to the setting signal received from the terminal 12. .

The button 61ts marked with the word "start" is a button for inputting the start time of the timer power saving function, and the button 61te marked with the word "end" is used to end the timer power saving function. It is a button for inputting time. When the terminal 12 transmits a setting signal for turning on the timer power saving function to the refrigerator 11, the terminal 12 also transmits to the refrigerator 11 information indicating the start time and end time input via these buttons 61ts and 61te. do.

Next, an example of a communication mode when setting various functions of the refrigerator 11 from the terminal 12 will be described. That is, as exemplified in FIG. 7, when a communication line is established with the terminal 12, the control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the refrigerator 11 transmits setting content information indicating the current setting content of the refrigerator 11. to the terminal 12 (A1). The setting content information is stored, for example, in a register included in the control device of the refrigerator 11 , and the data of each address is rewritten according to the current setting content of the refrigerator 11 .

Here, a configuration example of this setting content information will be described. That is, as exemplified in FIG. 8, the 1st to 4th digit data of the address "00" of the setting content information indicates the set temperature of the freezer compartment, and the 5th to 8th digit data of the address "00" indicates the refrigerator compartment temperature. indicates the set temperature. The data in the 1st to 8th digits of the address "01" are the ON/OFF setting state of the quick ice making function, the ON/OFF setting state of the ice making stop function, and the ON/OFF setting state of the quick freezing function. , power saving function ON/OFF setting state, peak shift function ON/OFF setting state, outing function ON/OFF setting state, timer power saving function ON/OFF setting state, vegetable freezing function ON/OFF setting state.

The first digit data of address "02" indicates the ON/OFF setting state of the dry refrigeration function, and the second digit data of address "02" indicates the ON/OFF setting state of the hot refrigeration function. ing. When each function is set to "OFF", the corresponding data is rewritten to "0", and when each function is set to "ON", the corresponding data is set to "1". can be rewritten to The 8-bit data stored at address "03" indicates the start time of the timer power saving function. Also, the 8-bit data stored at address "04" is: It shows the end time of the timer power saving function.

When the application program is started, the terminal 12 displays a setting screen selected in advance from the setting screens G1 to S3 (B1). At this time, based on the setting content information received from the refrigerator 11, the terminal 12 reflects the current setting content of the refrigerator 11 in each item of the setting screen being displayed. As a result, the current settings of the refrigerator 11 are displayed on the terminal 12 . It should be noted that when the setting content of the refrigerator 11 is changed, the refrigerator 11 transmits to the terminal 12 setting content information indicating the setting content after the change. Then, the terminal 12 reflects the newly received setting content information in each item of the setting screen being displayed. As a result, the current settings of the refrigerator 11 are displayed on the terminal 12 in real time.

Then, when the setting is input through the setting screen being displayed, the terminal 12 transmits setting change information to the refrigerator 11 (B2). This setting change information is information indicating that an input has been made to the terminal 12 side to change the setting of the refrigerator 11 . Upon receiving the setting change information from terminal 12, refrigerator 11 transmits a setting change permission signal to terminal 12 (A2). Then, when terminal 12 receives the setting change permission signal from refrigerator 11, terminal 12 transmits to refrigerator 11 change content information indicating the setting content input via the setting screen (B3). When the change information is received from the terminal 12, the refrigerator 11 sets each function based on the change information (A3). Refrigerator 11 then transmits setting content information indicating the changed setting content to terminal 12 (A4).

When the terminal 12 receives the setting content information reflecting the changed setting content from the refrigerator 11 , the terminal 12 collates the setting content information with the change content information transmitted to the refrigerator 11 . Thereby, the terminal 12 verifies whether or not the setting of each function of the refrigerator 11 has been changed based on the change content information (B4). Then, when the setting of each function of the refrigerator 11 has been changed based on the change content information (B5: YES), the terminal 12 transmits a setting change confirmation signal to the refrigerator 11 (B6). If the setting of each function of the refrigerator 11 has not been changed based on the change content information (B5: NO), the terminal 12 proceeds to step B3 and changes the setting of each function of the refrigerator 11. Repeat the process for

According to the refrigerator setting system 10 according to the present embodiment, the refrigerator 11 has the operation panel 13 for setting the predetermined functions of the refrigerator 11 , while the terminal 12 has at least the predetermined functions among the various functions of the refrigerator 11 . It has a terminal side setting function unit 36 for setting functions except for . According to this configuration, the operation panel 13 on the refrigerator 11 side can be configured with only the minimum necessary elements for setting the predetermined functions, and the configuration can be simplified. Further, even if the operation panel 13 on the refrigerator 11 side has a simple configuration, functions other than the predetermined functions can be arbitrarily set by the user who wants to use the functions via the external terminal 12 . As a result, even if the functions of the refrigerator 11 are increased, the operation panel 13 does not become complicated and the cost increases. Moreover, various functions of the refrigerator 11 can be set in a simpler manner.

As the predetermined function, it is preferable to set a function that is considered essential in the refrigerator 11 or a function that is frequently used. This is because such a function is easier to use if it is set directly from the refrigerator 11 rather than indirectly from the terminal 12 .

Refrigerator 11 also includes an external setting display section 22f that displays when a function other than a predetermined function is set by terminal side setting function section 36 of terminal 12 side. According to this configuration, the user can easily grasp that each function of the refrigerator 11 is remotely set from the terminal 12 . Also, for example, when a certain function of the refrigerator 11 is operating, whether the operation is performed according to the setting from the terminal 12, or whether the operation is performed due to some trouble in the refrigerator 11. can be easily determined.

The refrigerator 11 also includes a default button 22c for canceling the function set by the terminal-side setting function unit 36 on the terminal 12 side. According to this configuration, the function remotely set from the terminal 12 can be easily canceled on the refrigerator 11 side.

Further, the refrigerator 11 may be configured to cancel all the functions of the refrigerator 11 including the functions set by the terminal 12 when the default button 22c is operated. According to this configuration, by operating the default button 22c, the setting state of the refrigerator 11 can be reset to the initial state, and the subsequent settings of each function can be performed again from the initial state.

In this embodiment, the operation panel 13 on the refrigerator 11 side is provided only with operation buttons and a display unit related to predetermined functions. The state, in particular, the setting state of functions other than the predetermined functions cannot be grasped. However, in this embodiment, a default button 22c for canceling the settings of various functions is provided on the refrigerator 11 side. Accordingly, even if the user cannot grasp the setting state of various functions of the refrigerator 11, the user can once return the refrigerator 11 to the initial state by operating the default button 22c. , various functions of the refrigerator 11 can be set again.

The terminal 12 is configured such that a setting screen displayed by the terminal-side setting function unit 36 can be selected by the setting screen selection function unit 37 . As a result, it is possible to provide a setting screen according to the user's preference, and to improve operability and usability.

The terminal 12 can also set a predetermined function by the terminal-side setting function unit 36 . According to this configuration, all the functions of the refrigerator 11 can be remotely set. All functions of the refrigerator 11 can be set. In this case, the operation panel 13 on the side of the refrigerator 11 has a simple configuration that is the minimum necessary for operating a predetermined function. can be set only in three steps. Therefore, in the setting from the terminal 12, for example, the setting temperature may be set in multiple stages of three or more stages, or may be set in units of 1 degree or 0.1 degree. good too. In other words, the setting operation from the terminal 12 should be configured to be more detailed than the setting operation from the simple operation panel 13 .

(Second embodiment)
According to the refrigerator setting system 20 illustrated in FIG. 9 , the refrigerator 11 further includes a storage device 71 . The storage device 71 is an example of storage means, and stores the setting contents actually set in the refrigerator 11 as needed. As a result, the storage device 71 accumulates information indicating the settings of the refrigerator 11 in the past.

By the way, since the storage capacity of the storage device 71 is limited, it is not preferable to store all the information indicating the settings of the refrigerator 11 in the past in the storage device 71 . Therefore, the refrigerator 11 is configured to store only information indicating specific setting contents among the setting contents of the refrigerator 11 in the past.

That is, the terminal 12 displays the setting screen G4 illustrated in FIG. This setting screen G4 is obtained by adding check boxes 56a and 56b to the setting screen G4 described above. The check boxes 56a and 56b are elements used to save the settings entered on the setting screen G4. When the check box 56a is checked, the terminal 12 sets [1] the setting content information when transmitting the setting content information indicating the setting content input to the setting screen G4 to the refrigerator 11. Attached is the save command information [Set1] that commands to save as . In addition, when a check is input in the check box 56b, the terminal 12 sets the setting content information when transmitting the setting content information indicating the setting content input to the setting screen G4 to the refrigerator 11 [ 2] is attached with storage instruction information [Set2] for instructing storage as [Set2].

When the storage command information [Set1] is attached to the setting content information received from the terminal 12, the refrigerator 11 sets each function based on the setting content information, and sets the setting content information to [1]. ] in the storage device 71 . Also, when the save command information [Set2] is attached to the setting information received from the terminal 12, each function is set based on the setting information, and the setting information is set as the setting [2]. Stored in the storage device 71 .

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the operation panel 13 of the refrigerator 11 includes a setting button 81 which is an example of setting means, a setting display portion 82a in which "Set1" indicating setting 1, and a setting 2 are displayed. , a selection button 83, and selection display portions 84a and 84b are provided. When the refrigerator 11 stores the setting content information received from the terminal 12 as setting [1] in the storage device 71, the LED of the setting display section 82a is turned on. Note that FIG. 11 shows a state in which the LEDs of the setting display section 82a are turned on.

When the refrigerator 11 stores the setting content information received from the terminal 12 as setting [2] in the storage device 71, the refrigerator 11 lights the LED of the setting display section 82b. Based on the lighting status of the setting display portions 82a and 82b, the user can ascertain whether or not the past settings of the refrigerator 11 have been saved.

Refrigerator 11 illuminates while sequentially switching selection display portion 84a corresponding to setting [1] or selection display portion 84b corresponding to setting [2] according to the number of times selection button 83 is operated. Then, when the setting button 81 is operated, the refrigerator 11 reads from the storage device 71 the setting content information corresponding to the setting for which the selection display portion 84 is lit at that time. Then, refrigerator 11 sets each function of refrigerator 11 based on the read setting content information.

With the refrigerator setting system 20 according to the present embodiment, even if the functions of the refrigerator 11 are increased, there is no fear of complicating the operation panel 13 or increasing the cost. It can be realized at manufacturing cost and can be set by a simpler mode.

The refrigerator setting system 20 also includes a storage device 71 that stores setting details of the refrigerator 11 and setting buttons 81 that set each function of the refrigerator 11 based on the setting details stored in the storage device 71. . According to this configuration, the settings of the refrigerator 11 in the past can be easily reproduced, and the refrigerator 11 can be operated with the settings according to the user's preference. Note that the storage device 71 may be provided in the terminal 12 or the server 16 instead of the refrigerator 11, for example.

Also, the number of pieces of setting content information that can be stored in the storage device 71 is not limited to two, and the number can be changed as appropriate. In this case, the number of check boxes 56 provided on the setting screen G4 and the number of setting display sections 82 and selection display sections 84 provided on the operation panel 13 may be changed according to the number of setting content information that can be stored.

(Other embodiments)
This embodiment is not limited to the multiple embodiments described above, and can be modified or expanded as follows, for example.
Refrigerator 11 is configured to validate setting operations from operation panel 13 when setting operations are input from both operation panel 13 and terminal 12 for functions that can be set via operation panel 13. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the setting operation from the terminal 12 is validated. In addition, when a setting operation is input from both the operation panel 13 and the terminal 12 for a function that can be set via the operation panel 13 , the refrigerator 11 receives the setting operation from the operation panel 13 and the setting operation from the terminal 12 . It may be configured so that whichever of the setting operations is later is effective.

The essential function setting unit 21 may include, as an essential function, at least a temperature setting adjustment function for adjusting the temperature setting of each storage compartment. Therefore, the refrigerator may be configured such that functions other than the temperature control function are defined as essential functions and can be adjusted by the essential function setting unit 21 .
The home appliances that constitute the home appliance setting system are not limited to the refrigerator 11, and may be composed of other home appliances such as a washing machine and a heating cooker.

In addition, the terminal for constructing the home appliance setting system is not limited to a smartphone. may be configured. That is, the terminal that constructs the home appliance setting system according to the present embodiment can be connected to the home appliance so as to be communicable and has an input unit for inputting a user's operation. can be applied.

Also, the relationship between the home appliances and the terminals that construct the home appliance setting system does not have to be a one-to-one relationship. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of home electric appliances can be remotely set and operated from a single terminal. Further, the configuration may be such that a plurality of home electric appliances can be remotely set and operated from a plurality of terminals.

A home appliance setting system according to the present embodiment is a home appliance setting system constructed by a home appliance and a terminal having a communication function to communicate with the home appliance. In this system, the home appliance includes home appliance side setting means for setting a predetermined function of the home appliance. Further, the terminal includes terminal-side setting means for setting functions of the home appliance except for the predetermined function. According to this configuration, even if the functions of the home appliance are increased, there is no fear of complicating the setting means on the side of the home appliance and increasing the cost. Moreover, various functions of the home appliance can be set in a simpler manner.

A home appliance according to the present embodiment is a home appliance that has a communication function to communicate with a terminal and builds a home appliance setting system together with the terminal. The home appliance includes home appliance side setting means for setting a predetermined function of the home appliance. The functions of the home appliance, excluding the predetermined functions, are set by terminal-side setting means provided in the terminal.

A terminal according to the present embodiment is a terminal that has a communication function to communicate with a home appliance and constructs a home appliance setting system together with the home appliance. The terminal includes terminal-side setting means for setting the functions of the home appliance except for the predetermined functions.

By constructing a home appliance setting system with home appliances and terminals according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize home appliances that are becoming increasingly multi-functional at lower manufacturing costs, and to make various functions of home appliances It can be set in a simpler manner.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described above, these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

In the drawing, 10 and 20 are a refrigerator setting system (home appliance setting system), 11 is a refrigerator (home appliance), 12 is a terminal, 13 is an operation panel (home appliance side setting means), 22c is a default button (release means), 22f is an external setting display section (display means), 36 is a terminal side setting function section (terminal side setting means), 37 is a setting screen selection function section (setting screen selection means), 71 is a storage device (storage means), and 81 is A setting button (setting means) is shown.

Claims (3)

A refrigerator display system constructed with a refrigerator and a terminal having a communication function that communicates with the refrigerator,
The refrigerator is capable of setting a predetermined function of the refrigerator, and when the setting content of the refrigerator is changed, the setting content information indicating the setting content after the change is transmitted to the terminal,
The terminal reflects and displays the setting content information received from the refrigerator, is capable of setting functions of the refrigerator except for the predetermined function, and is capable of performing the predetermined function in the refrigerator. A refrigerator display system that, when settings are changed, reflects the settings after the change and displays information about the predetermined function . A refrigerator that constructs the refrigerator display system according to claim 1 . A terminal for constructing the refrigerator display system according to claim 1 .

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