JP7411911B2 - Refrigerator, program, terminal device, and refrigerator control system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigerator, a program, a terminal device, and a refrigerator control system.

Conventionally, techniques for setting the internal temperature of a refrigerator are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator that identifies the day of the week and date and time when large quantities of food are purchased based on past changes in the amount stored in the refrigerator, and increases the cooling amount on the specified day and date to lower the internal temperature. do.

JP2013-108740A

By the way, some people worry about getting cold in winter. Since such people tend not to like cold food in winter compared to seasons other than winter, it is desirable to be able to set the internal temperature of the refrigerator to a temperature suitable for winter.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable the temperature inside the refrigerator to be set to a temperature suitable for winter.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a refrigerator capable of communicating with a server, which receives temperature data indicating the temperature of an area including the installation location of the refrigerator from the server, and which the received temperature data indicates. It is determined whether the current season is winter based on the temperature, and if it is determined that the current season is winter, the operation mode of the refrigerator is changed from a first mode to a lower internal temperature than the first mode. The present invention is characterized by comprising a refrigerator control section that causes the refrigerator to shift to a second high mode.

According to the present invention, the internal temperature of the refrigerator can be set to a temperature suitable for winter.

Diagram showing the configuration of a communication system Block diagram showing the functional configuration of a refrigerator Flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator Block diagram showing the functional configuration of a refrigerator Flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator Diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerator control system Block diagram showing the functional configuration of a refrigerator, a refrigerator control server, and a terminal device Flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system Diagram showing an example of a user interface Flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system

A first invention is a refrigerator capable of communicating with a server, which receives temperature data indicating the temperature of an area including the installation location of the refrigerator from the server, and based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data, the current temperature is It is determined whether the season is winter or not, and when it is determined that the current season is winter, the operation mode of the refrigerator is shifted from a first mode to a second mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator is higher than the first mode. The refrigerator is characterized by comprising a refrigerator control unit that controls the operation of the refrigerator.
According to this, by setting the internal temperature of the refrigerator high when it is determined that the current season is winter, the internal temperature of the refrigerator can be set to a temperature suitable for winter.

In a second invention, when the refrigerator control unit determines that the current season is winter, the refrigerator control unit inquires of the user of the refrigerator whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator to the second mode; When an instruction to shift to the second mode is received from , the operating mode of the refrigerator is shifted to the second mode.
According to this, in order to shift the operating mode of the refrigerator to the second mode when an instruction to shift to the second mode is received, the operation of setting the internal temperature of the refrigerator to a temperature suitable for winter is the user's intention. This can prevent the refrigerator from operating incorrectly.

A third aspect of the invention is that the refrigerator control unit receives a plurality of the temperature data up to a predetermined number of days back from the present time, and when the average temperature indicated by the received plurality of temperature data is lower than the predetermined temperature, It is characterized by determining that the season of is winter.
According to this, the current season is determined to be winter when the average of multiple temperatures from the present to a predetermined number of days back is below a predetermined temperature, so there is variation in temperature during the period from the present to a predetermined number of days back. Even if there is, it can be accurately determined that the current season is winter. Therefore, the internal temperature of the refrigerator can be set to a temperature suitable for winter at the appropriate timing.

A fourth invention is characterized in that the refrigerator control unit ends the second mode when receiving an instruction to end the second mode from a user of the refrigerator.
According to this, accepting the termination instruction from the user means that the user is likely trying to change the refrigerator's internal temperature from the second mode temperature to another temperature, so setting the refrigerator's internal temperature suitable for winter. can be finished at an appropriate time.

A fifth invention is characterized in that the refrigerator control unit ends the second mode when receiving an operation to change the internal temperature of the refrigerator from a user of the refrigerator.
According to this, if the user accepts a change in the refrigerator's internal temperature, it is highly likely that the user tried to change the refrigerator's internal temperature from the second mode temperature to another temperature. Temperature settings can be finished at an appropriate time.

A sixth invention provides a control unit of a terminal device that can communicate with a refrigerator and a server, and a communication control unit that receives temperature data indicating the temperature of an area including the installation location of the refrigerator from the server; a determination unit that determines whether the current season is winter based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data; and an operation mode of the refrigerator when the determination unit determines that the current season is winter. This program is characterized in that the program functions as an operation mode control section for shifting from a first mode to a second mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator is higher than the first mode.
According to this, by setting the internal temperature of the refrigerator high when it is determined that the current season is winter, the internal temperature of the refrigerator can be set to a temperature suitable for winter.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is that the operation mode control unit determines whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator to the second mode when the determination unit determines that the current season is winter. and, after the inquiry, if an instruction to shift to the second mode is received from the user, the operating mode of the refrigerator is shifted to the second mode.
According to this, in order to shift the operating mode of the refrigerator to the second mode when an instruction to shift to the second mode is received, the operation of setting the internal temperature of the refrigerator to a temperature suitable for winter is the user's intention. This can prevent the refrigerator from operating incorrectly.

In an eighth aspect, the communication control section receives a plurality of the temperature data from the server up to a predetermined number of days back from the present, and the determination section receives the plurality of temperature data received by the communication control section. It is characterized in that the current season is determined to be winter when the average temperature shown is below a predetermined temperature.
According to this, the current season is determined to be winter when the average of multiple temperatures from the present to a predetermined number of days back is below a predetermined temperature, so there is variation in temperature during the period from the present to a predetermined number of days back. Even if there is, it can be accurately determined that the current season is winter. Therefore, the internal temperature of the refrigerator can be set to a temperature suitable for winter at the appropriate timing.

A ninth invention is characterized in that the program is an application program that can be installed on the terminal device.
According to this, a terminal device that does not have the function of controlling a refrigerator can be turned into a terminal device that has the function by installing the application program. Therefore, a general-purpose terminal device can be used as a terminal device that can set the internal temperature of the refrigerator to a temperature suitable for winter.

A tenth invention is a terminal device capable of communicating with a refrigerator and a server, the terminal device receiving temperature data indicating the temperature of an area including the installation location of the refrigerator from the server, and adjusting the temperature indicated by the received temperature data. If it is determined that the current season is winter, the operation mode of the refrigerator is changed from the first mode to the second mode, which has a higher internal temperature than the first mode. The present invention is characterized by comprising a control section for shifting to the mode.
According to this, by setting the internal temperature of the refrigerator high when it is determined that the current season is winter, the internal temperature of the refrigerator can be set to a temperature suitable for winter.

An eleventh invention is a refrigerator control system comprising a refrigerator and a terminal device capable of communicating with the refrigerator and a server, wherein the terminal device transmits temperature data indicating the temperature of an area including the installation location of the refrigerator. It is determined whether the current season is winter based on the temperature that is received from the server and indicated by the received temperature data, and when it is determined that the current season is winter, the operation mode of the refrigerator is set to Transfer instruction information indicating an instruction to transfer from the first mode to a second mode in which the internal temperature is higher than the first mode is transmitted to the refrigerator, and upon receiving the transfer instruction information, the refrigerator changes the operating mode of the refrigerator. The method is characterized in that the first mode is shifted to the second mode.
According to this, by setting the internal temperature of the refrigerator high when it is determined that the current season is winter, the internal temperature of the refrigerator can be set to a temperature suitable for winter.

Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[First embodiment]
First, a first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a communication system 1000 including a refrigerator 1. As shown in FIG.

The communication system 1000 is a system in which the refrigerator 1 and the weather server 2 transmit and receive various information via the global network GN, and the refrigerator 1 performs various information processing based on the transmitted and received various information. The global network GN includes the Internet, telephone networks, and other communication networks. The weather server 2 corresponds to the "server" of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a refrigerator 1 is installed in a user's P's home H. The refrigerator 1 includes a main box 10 with an open front, and the main box 10 has a refrigerator compartment 11, an ice-making compartment 12, a fresh-freeze compartment 13, a freezer compartment 14, and a vegetable compartment 15 formed therein. A rotary left door 11A and a right door 11B are provided at the front opening of the refrigerator compartment 11. Each of the ice making compartment 12, the fresh freezing compartment 13, the freezing compartment 14, and the vegetable compartment 15 is provided with drawers 12A, 13A, 14A, and 15A for storing food.

The refrigerator 1 is communicatively connected to a communication device 3 installed in the user's P's home H, and communicates with the weather server 2 via the communication device 3.

The communication device 3 is connected to the global network GN and communicates with the weather server 2 connected to the global network GN. The communication device 3 functions as an interface device for connecting the refrigerator 1 to the global network GN. The communication device 3 has functions such as a modem-related function, a router function, and a NAT (Network Address Translation) function. The communication device 3 transfers data sent and received between the refrigerator 1 and the weather server 2 connected to the global network GN.

The weather server 2 is a server device that provides weather data regarding the weather in the area including the location where the refrigerator 1 is installed. Examples of the weather data provided by the weather server 2 include temperature data indicating the temperature of the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1, humidity data indicating the humidity of the area, wind speed data indicating the wind speed of the area, etc. . In this embodiment, temperature data is exemplified as weather data provided by the weather server 2, but the weather data provided by the weather server 2 only needs to include at least temperature data, and may also include other data such as humidity data. . In this embodiment, one piece of temperature data provided by the weather server 2 indicates at least the daily minimum temperature.

Note that the area of the weather data provided by the weather server 2 may be any area that includes the installation location of the refrigerator 1, and may be, for example, a primary subdivision area, a secondary subdivision area, or another area.
Furthermore, although the weather server 2 is represented by one block in each figure, this does not necessarily mean that the weather server 2 is constituted by a single server device. For example, the weather server 2 may be configured to include a plurality of server devices with different processing contents.

Next, the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1 will be explained.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the refrigerator.

The refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator control section 16 , a refrigerator communication section 17 , a refrigerator operation section 18 , and a cooling section 19 .

The refrigerator control unit 16 includes a refrigerator processor 160, which is a processor such as a CPU or an MPU that executes a program, and a refrigerator storage unit 161, and controls each part of the refrigerator 1. Refrigerator control unit 16 executes various processes through cooperation of hardware and software such that refrigerator processor 160 reads control program 1611 stored in refrigerator storage unit 161 and executes the process.

Refrigerator storage unit 161 has a storage area that stores programs executed by refrigerator processor 160 and data processed by refrigerator processor 160. The refrigerator storage unit 161 stores a control program 1611 executed by the refrigerator processor 160, setting data 1612 related to settings of the refrigerator 1, installation location information 1613, and other various data. The installation location information 1613 is information indicating the installation location of the refrigerator 1. In this embodiment, the installation location of the refrigerator 1 is the home H of the user P, so the installation location information 1613 is information indicating the address, postal code, etc. of the home H. Refrigerator storage section 161 has a nonvolatile storage area that stores programs and data in a nonvolatile manner. Further, the refrigerator storage unit 161 may include a volatile storage area and constitute a work area in which programs to be executed by the refrigerator processor 160 and data to be processed are temporarily stored.

The refrigerator communication unit 17 includes communication hardware that conforms to a predetermined communication standard, and under the control of the refrigerator control unit 16, communicates with devices connected to the global network GN according to the predetermined communication standard. In this embodiment, the refrigerator communication unit 17 communicates with the weather server 2 according to a predetermined communication standard. The communication standard used by the refrigerator communication unit 17 may be a wireless communication standard (for example, IEEE802.11a/11b/11g/11n/11ac, Bluetooth (registered trademark)) or a wired communication standard.

The refrigerator operation section 18 includes an operation means such as an operation switch provided at a predetermined position such as the front surface of the right door 11B, detects the operation of the operation means by the user P, and outputs the detection result to the refrigerator control section 16. do. The refrigerator operation unit 18 may include a touch panel together with or in place of the operation switch. Refrigerator control section 16 executes processing corresponding to the operation on the operating means based on input from refrigerator operation section 18 .

The cooling unit 19 includes a compressor 191, a condenser 192, a capillary tube 193, a cooler 194, a cooling fan 195 that sends cold air generated by the cooler 194 to each accommodation chamber, and a cooling fan 195 that divides the cold air sent by the cooling fan 195. The refrigerator 1 is provided with a mechanism such as a damper 196 for cooling each storage chamber of the refrigerator 1 , and cools each storage chamber of the refrigerator 1 under the control of the refrigerator control section 16 .

Next, the operation of the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment will be explained.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart FA showing the operation of the refrigerator 1.

It is assumed that at the start of the flowchart FA shown in FIG. 3, the operating mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operating mode. The normal operation mode corresponds to the "first mode" of the present invention. The normal operation mode is an operation mode in which the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 is, for example, 1 to 2 degrees Celsius lower than the winter operation described later.

Refrigerator control unit 16 of refrigerator 1 determines whether a start trigger for starting the process of flowchart FA has occurred (step SA1).

For example, in step SA1, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that a start trigger has occurred when a predetermined time has arrived.
For example, in step SA1, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that a start trigger has occurred when a predetermined day and time have arrived.

If the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the start trigger has not occurred (step SA1: NO), it performs the determination in step SA1 again.

On the other hand, when the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the start trigger has occurred (step SA1: YES), the refrigerator communication unit 17 transmits temperature data request information requesting temperature data to the weather server 2 (step SA2).

The temperature data request information includes installation location information 1613 stored in the refrigerator storage section 161.

Furthermore, the temperature data request information includes a plurality of pieces of date information indicating dates. In this embodiment, the refrigerator control unit 16 requests the weather server 2 for temperature data for all dates in a period up to a predetermined number of days (for example, 7 days) back from the current time. Therefore, in step SA2, the refrigerator control unit 16 transmits temperature data request information including date information for all dates in the period from the current date to the date a predetermined number of days back to the weather server 2 through the refrigerator communication unit 17.

When the weather server 2 receives the temperature data request information, it acquires the temperature data of the area including the setting location indicated by the installation location information included in the temperature data request information from a predetermined database. The weather server 2 acquires temperature data for all dates indicated by all date information included in the temperature data request information from a predetermined database. After acquiring the temperature data, the weather server 2 transmits all of the acquired temperature data to the refrigerator 1 as a response to the received temperature data request information.

Refrigerator control unit 16 receives temperature data from weather server 2 through refrigerator communication unit 17 (step SA3). In step SB3, the refrigerator control unit 16 receives temperature data from the weather server 2 for all dates indicated by all date information included in the temperature data request information transmitted in step SA2.

Next, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether the current season is winter based on the temperature data received from the weather server 2 (step SA4).

In step SA4, the refrigerator control unit 16 calculates the average daily minimum temperature indicated by the plurality of received temperature data. Next, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether the calculated average daily minimum temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature (for example, 6° C.). If the calculated average daily minimum temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the current season is not winter, that is, the current season is a season other than winter. On the other hand, if the calculated average daily minimum temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the current season is winter.

In step SA4, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether the current season is determined to be winter or not (step SA5).

When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the current season is winter in step SA4 (step SA5: "winter"), the refrigerator control unit 16 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode, and Start operation (step SA6).

The winter operation mode is an operation mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 is set to be, for example, 1° C. to 2° C. higher than the normal operation. The winter driving mode corresponds to the "second mode" of the present invention. In the winter operation mode, the temperature inside the refrigerator may be increased for all storage chambers, or the temperature inside the refrigerator may be increased for any storage chamber such as only the refrigerator compartment 11, for example.
For example, during winter operation, the refrigerator control unit 16 lowers the rotation speed of the compressor 191 from the rotation speed during normal operation to reduce the amount of cooling in each storage chamber of the refrigerator 1. Further, for example, the refrigerator control unit 16 lowers the rotation speed of the cooling fan 195 from the rotation speed during normal operation to reduce the amount of cold air circulated in the refrigerator 1. For example, in winter operation, the refrigerator control unit 16 lowers the rotation speed of the compressor 191 than the rotation speed during normal operation, lowers the rotation speed of the cooling fan 195 than the rotation speed during normal operation, and reduces the cooling amount. , and decrease circulation volume. Note that instead of lowering the rotation speed of the compressor 191 from the rotation speed during normal operation, the period during which the operation of the compressor 191 is stopped may be lengthened. Furthermore, instead of lowering the rotation speed of the cooling fan 195 from the rotation speed during normal operation, the period during which the operation of the cooling fan 195 is stopped may be lengthened.

If the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the current season is not winter (step SA5: "Other than winter"), it ends this process. That is, the refrigerator control unit 16 does not shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode, and does not start the winter operation.

Returning to the explanation after step SA6, when the refrigerator control unit 16 starts the winter operation, it determines whether or not an end trigger for ending the winter operation has occurred (step SA7).
Here, multiple examples of termination triggers will be given.

<First termination trigger>
The refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the termination trigger has occurred when the operation by the user P received by the refrigerator operation unit 18 is an operation indicating an instruction to terminate winter operation or an operation indicating an instruction to terminate winter operation mode. do.

<Second end trigger>
Refrigerator control unit 16 determines that an end trigger has occurred when the user P's operation received by refrigerator operation unit 18 is an operation to change the internal temperature of refrigerator 1.

<Third termination trigger>
After the refrigerator control unit 16 starts winter operation, the refrigerator communication unit 17 transmits temperature data request information to the weather server 2 every time a predetermined timing arrives, and determines whether the current season is winter. do. If the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the current season is not winter, it determines that the termination trigger has occurred.

The refrigerator control unit 16 may determine whether any one of the first termination trigger, the second termination trigger, and the third termination trigger has occurred, or may determine whether any one of the termination triggers has occurred. It may also be determined whether any of the termination triggers has occurred. In addition, in the case of a configuration in which the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether or not only the third termination trigger has occurred, the refrigerator 1 does not need to include the refrigerator operation unit 18 as a functional configuration.

Returning to the explanation of step SA7, if the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the termination trigger has not occurred (step SA7: NO), it performs the determination of step SA7 again while continuing the winter operation.

On the other hand, if the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the termination trigger has occurred (step SA7: YES), the refrigerator control unit 16 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the winter operation mode to the normal operation mode, and ends the winter operation (step SA8). .

As described above, the refrigerator 1 can communicate with the weather server 2. The refrigerator 1 receives temperature data indicating the temperature of the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1 from the weather server 2, and determines whether the current season is winter based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data, A refrigerator control section 16 is provided which shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode when it is determined that the current season is winter.

According to this configuration, by setting the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 to a high value when the current season is determined to be winter, the refrigerator 1 can set the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 to a temperature suitable for winter. . Moreover, since the refrigerator 1 makes the internal temperature higher in the winter operation mode than in the normal operation mode, power consumption can be suppressed compared to the normal operation mode.

The refrigerator control unit 16 receives a plurality of temperature data from the present day to a predetermined number of days back, and determines that the current season is winter when the average daily minimum temperature indicated by the plurality of received temperature data is lower than a predetermined temperature. It is determined that

According to this configuration, the current season is determined to be winter when the average of the minimum temperatures of multiple days from the present day to the day a predetermined number of days back is lower than a predetermined temperature. Even if the daily minimum temperature varies, it can be accurately determined that the current season is winter. Therefore, the refrigerator 1 can set the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 to a temperature suitable for winter at an appropriate timing.

When the refrigerator control unit 16 receives an instruction to end the winter operation mode from the user P, the refrigerator control unit 16 ends the winter operation mode.

If the end instruction is received from the user P, there is a high possibility that the user P tried to change the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 from the winter operation mode temperature to another temperature. Therefore, according to this configuration, the refrigerator 1 can finish setting the temperature suitable for winter at an appropriate timing.

When the refrigerator control unit 16 receives an operation to change the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 from the user P, the refrigerator control unit 16 ends the winter operation mode.

If the change in the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 is accepted, there is a high possibility that the user P is trying to change the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 from the winter operation mode temperature to another temperature. Therefore, according to this configuration, the refrigerator 1 can finish setting the temperature suitable for winter at an appropriate timing.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
In the description of the second embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

In the first embodiment, the refrigerator control unit 16 is configured to automatically shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode when it is determined that the current season is winter. In the second embodiment, when determining that the current season is winter, the refrigerator control unit 16 inquires whether or not to shift the operating mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operating mode, and after making the inquiry, shifts to the winter operating mode. This configuration is configured to shift the operating mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operating mode when an instruction to do so is received from the user P.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1 according to the second embodiment.
Compared to the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment, the refrigerator 1 of the second embodiment includes a refrigerator display section 20 as a functional section that inquires whether to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode.

The refrigerator display section 20 includes a display panel provided at a predetermined position, such as the front surface of the right door 11B, and displays information on the display panel under the control of the refrigerator control section 16. The display panel included in the refrigerator display section 20 may function as a display panel for a touch panel when the operation means of the refrigerator operation section 18 is a touch panel.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart FB showing the operation of the refrigerator 1 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, the same steps as those in the flowchart FA shown in FIG. 3 are given the same step numbers, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.
At the start of the flowchart FB shown in FIG. 5, the operating mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operating mode, as in FIG. 3.

When the refrigerator control unit 16 of the refrigerator 1 determines that the current season is winter (step SA5: "winter"), the refrigerator control unit 16 displays on the refrigerator display whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode. The unit 20 inquires of the user P (step SB1).

For example, the refrigerator control unit 16 displays a character string “Do you want to change the operation mode to winter operation mode?” on the refrigerator display unit 20, thereby determining whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to winter operation mode. Inquire of user P.

Next, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether an instruction to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has been received from the user P (step SB2).

For example, when the user P's operation received by the refrigerator operation unit 18 is an operation indicating an instruction to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode, the refrigerator control unit 16 makes an affirmative determination in step SB2.

When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that an instruction to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has been received from the user P (step SB2: YES), the refrigerator control unit 16 executes the processing from step SA6 onwards.

On the other hand, when determining that the instruction to shift the operating mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operating mode has not been received from the user P (step SB2: NO), the refrigerator control unit 16 shifts the operating mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operating mode. When determining whether or not an instruction not to do so has been received from the user P (step SB3).

For example, if the user P's operation received by the refrigerator operation unit 18 is an operation indicating an instruction not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode, the refrigerator control unit 16 makes an affirmative determination in step SB3.

If the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that an instruction not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has been received from the user P (step SB3: YES), this process ends. That is, the refrigerator control unit 16 does not shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode, and does not start winter operation.

On the other hand, if the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the instruction not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has not been received from the user P (step SB3: NO), the refrigerator control unit 16 waits a predetermined period of time after starting the inquiry in step SB1. It is determined whether or not the period has elapsed (step SB4).

If the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the predetermined time has not passed since the start of the inquiry in step SB2 (step SB4: NO), the process returns to step SB2 and executes the process in step SB2 again.

On the other hand, if the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the inquiry in step SB1 (step SB4: YES), the refrigerator control unit 16 ends the inquiry (step SB5) and ends this process. That is, the refrigerator control unit 16 does not shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode, and does not start the winter operation.

In the present embodiment, the refrigerator display section 20 displays a display to inquire as to whether or not the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 should be shifted to the winter operation mode, but the form of the inquiry is not limited to the display. For example, the refrigerator control unit 16 may inquire by voice output, using a speaker built into the refrigerator 1 or a speaker externally connected to the refrigerator 1, as to whether or not to shift the operating mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operating mode. In this configuration, the refrigerator 1 has an audio signal output that outputs an audio signal to a speaker or a speaker externally connected to the refrigerator 1 as a functional unit that inquires whether to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode. The refrigerator display section 20 is provided instead of or together with the refrigerator display section 20.

As described above, when the refrigerator control unit 16 of the present embodiment determines that the current season is winter, the user of the refrigerator 1 determines whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode. When an instruction to shift to the winter operation mode is received from the user P, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is shifted to the winter operation mode.

According to this configuration, in order to shift the operating mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operating mode when an instruction to shift to the winter operating mode is received, the operation of setting the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 to a temperature suitable for winter includes: It is possible to prevent the operation of the refrigerator 1 that is not intended by the user P.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of refrigerator control system 2000.
In the description of the third embodiment, the same components as those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

The refrigerator control system 2000 is a system in which the terminal device 5 used by the user P of the refrigerator 1 controls the operation of the refrigerator 1 via the global network GN.

Refrigerator control system 2000 includes refrigerator 1. In FIG. 6, similar to FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 is installed in the user's P's home H. The refrigerator 1 is communicatively connected to a communication device 3 installed in a user's P's home H, and communicates with a refrigerator control server 4 via the communication device 3.

The communication device 3 communicates with a weather server 2 and a refrigerator control server 4 connected to the global network GN. Furthermore, when the terminal device 5 has established a communication connection with the communication device 3, the communication device 3 functions as an interface device for connecting the terminal device 5 to the global network GN. The communication device 3 transfers data sent and received between the refrigerator 1 and a refrigerator control server 4 connected to the global network GN. Furthermore, the communication device 3 transfers data sent and received between the terminal device 5 that establishes the communication connection, and the weather server 2 and refrigerator control server 4 that are connected to the global network GN.

Refrigerator control system 2000 includes a terminal device 5 having a touch panel 52. The terminal device 5 is configured by, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. An application program for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1 is installed in the terminal device 5 . In the following description, the application program for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1 will be referred to as a "refrigerator control application" and will be given the reference numeral "513." The refrigerator control application 513 corresponds to the "program" and "application program" of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a user P who is at home is shown by a dotted line, and a user P who is away from home H is shown by a solid line. When used by a user P who is at home, the terminal device 5 is connected to the refrigerator control server 4 connected to the global network GN via the communication device 3 or not via the communication device 3 by the function of the refrigerator control application 513. The operation of the refrigerator 1 is controlled by communication. In addition, when the terminal device 5 is used by a user P who has gone out from home H, the terminal device 5 communicates with the refrigerator control server 4 connected to the global network GN without going through the communication device 3 by the function of the refrigerator control application 513. to control the operation of the refrigerator 1.

The refrigerator control system 2000 includes a refrigerator control server 4. The refrigerator control server 4 is a server device that controls the operation of the refrigerator 1, and is connected to the global network GN. In addition, although the refrigerator control server 4 is expressed by one block in each figure, this does not necessarily mean that the refrigerator control server 4 is constituted by a single server device. For example, the refrigerator control server 4 may be configured to include a plurality of server devices with different processing contents. Moreover, although the weather server 2 and the refrigerator control server 4 are illustrated as separate server devices in each figure, the weather server 2 and the refrigerator control server 4 may be configured as the same server device.

Next, the functional configurations of the refrigerator 1, refrigerator control server 4, and terminal device 5 of this embodiment will be explained.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator control server 4, and the terminal device 5.

First, the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1 will be explained.
In the third embodiment, the refrigerator storage unit 161 stores the refrigerator ID 1614. The refrigerator ID 1614 is identification information of the refrigerator 1, and is, for example, the serial number of the refrigerator 1.

Although the refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 7 does not include the refrigerator operation section 18 and the refrigerator display section 20 as a functional configuration, the refrigerator 1 does not include the refrigerator operation section 18 and/or the refrigerator display section 20. A refrigerator display section 20 may be provided.

Next, the functions of the refrigerator control server 4 will be explained.
The refrigerator control server 4 includes a server control section 40 and a server communication section 41.

The server control section 40 includes a server processor 400, which is a processor such as a CPU or an MPU that executes programs, and a server storage section 410, and controls each section of the refrigerator control server 4. The server control unit 40 executes various processes through cooperation of hardware and software, such that the server processor 400 reads a control program 411 stored in the server storage unit 410 and executes the process.

The server storage unit 410 has a storage area that stores programs executed by the server processor 400 and data processed by the server processor 400. The server storage unit 410 stores a control program 411 executed by the server processor 400, setting data 412 related to settings of the refrigerator control server 4, a refrigerator control database 413, and other various data. The server storage unit 410 has a nonvolatile storage area that stores programs and data in a nonvolatile manner. Further, the server storage unit 410 may include a volatile storage area and constitute a work area in which programs to be executed by the server processor 400 and data to be processed are temporarily stored.

The refrigerator control database 413 is a database that stores various information related to the operation control of the refrigerator 1. One record R stored in the refrigerator control database 413 has a user ID 4131, a refrigerator ID 1614, and communication information 4132. Note that one record R stored in the refrigerator control database 413 may further include one or more different types of information.

The user ID 4131 is identification information for identifying the user P who uses the refrigerator control application 513, and is appropriately assigned to the user P who uses the refrigerator control application 513.

As described above, the refrigerator ID 1614 is the identification information of the refrigerator 1.

The communication information 4132 is information for communicating with the refrigerator 1 with the associated refrigerator ID 1614 in the same record R. Communication information 4132 includes, for example, address information, security information, and the like.

The server communication unit 41 includes communication hardware that conforms to a predetermined communication standard, and under the control of the server control unit 40, communicates with devices connected to the global network GN according to the predetermined communication standard. In this embodiment, the server communication unit 41 communicates with the refrigerator 1 and the terminal device 5.

Next, the functional configuration of the terminal device 5 will be explained.
The terminal device 5 includes a terminal control section 50, a terminal communication section 51, and a touch panel 52. The terminal control section 50 corresponds to the "control section" of the present invention.

The terminal control section 50 includes a terminal processor 500, which is a processor such as a CPU or an MPU that executes a program, and a terminal storage section 510, and controls each section of the terminal device 5. The terminal control unit 50 executes various processes through the cooperation of hardware and software, such that the terminal processor 500 reads the control program 511 stored in the terminal storage unit 510 and executes the process. A refrigerator control application 513 is installed on the terminal device 5 in advance. The refrigerator control application 513 is read from the terminal storage section 510 by the terminal processor 500 and executed, thereby controlling the terminal control section 50 to the setting section 501, the communication control section 502, the determination section 503, and the operation mode control section. 504. Details of these functional units will be described later.

The terminal storage unit 510 has a storage area that stores programs executed by the terminal processor 500 and data processed by the terminal processor 500. The terminal storage unit 510 stores a control program 511 executed by the terminal processor 500, setting data 512 related to settings of the terminal device 5, a refrigerator control application 513, a user ID 4131, installation location information 1613, and other various data. The terminal storage unit 510 has a nonvolatile storage area that stores programs and data in a nonvolatile manner. Further, the terminal storage unit 510 may include a volatile storage area and constitute a work area in which programs to be executed by the terminal processor 500 and data to be processed are temporarily stored.

The terminal communication unit 51 includes communication hardware that conforms to a predetermined communication standard, and under the control of the terminal control unit 50, communicates with devices connected to the global network GN according to the predetermined communication standard. The terminal communication unit 51 uses the function of the refrigerator control application 513 to communicate with the weather server 2 and the refrigerator control server 4 according to a predetermined communication standard. The communication standard used by the terminal communication unit 51 is a wireless communication standard.

The touch panel 52 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel, and a touch sensor provided overlappingly or integrally with the display panel. The display panel displays various images under the control of the terminal control unit 50. The touch sensor detects a touch operation and outputs it to the terminal control unit 50. The terminal control unit 50 executes processing corresponding to a touch operation based on input from the touch sensor.

As described above, the terminal control section 50 functions as the setting section 501, the communication control section 502, the determination section 503, and the driving mode control section 504.

The setting unit 501 performs various settings regarding the functions of the refrigerator control application 513. For example, the setting unit 501 sets various settings regarding the functions of the refrigerator control application 513 by setting setting values in corresponding setting items in application setting data stored in a predetermined storage area accessible by the refrigerator control application 513. I do. Note that the application setting data is data related to setting the functions of the refrigerator control application 513, and includes various setting items.

The setting unit 501 sets the installation location of the refrigerator 1. For example, the setting unit 501 causes the touch panel 52 to display a user interface for allowing the user P to input the address and postal code of the home H, and sets the input address and postal code as the setting location of the refrigerator 1. Installation location information 1613 indicating the installation location of refrigerator 1 set by setting unit 501 is stored in terminal storage unit 510.

The communication control unit 502 transmits temperature data request information to the weather server 2 through the terminal communication unit 51 when the setting unit 501 sets the installation location of the refrigerator 1 and the start trigger shown in FIG. 8 occurs. Then, the communication control unit 502 receives temperature data from the weather server 2 through the terminal communication unit 51 as a response to the temperature data request information. Communication control section 502 outputs the received temperature data to determination section 503. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 502 outputs a plurality of pieces of temperature data to the determination unit 503.

The determination unit 503 determines whether the current season is winter based on the temperature data output from the communication control unit 502. Similar to the refrigerator control unit 16 of the first embodiment, the determination unit 503 calculates the average daily minimum temperature indicated by the plurality of received temperature data, and sets the calculated average daily minimum temperature to a predetermined temperature. (for example, 6° C.). If the determination unit 503 determines that the calculated average daily minimum temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is a season other than winter. On the other hand, when determining that the calculated average daily minimum temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature, the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter. The determination unit 503 outputs the determination result to the driving mode control unit 504.

When the determination result of the determination unit 503 is that the current season is winter, the operation mode control unit 504 generates transition instruction information indicating an instruction to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode. is transmitted to the refrigerator 1 by the terminal communication unit 51.

Next, the operation of the refrigerator control system 2000 of this embodiment will be explained.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of refrigerator control system 2000. In FIG. 8, a flowchart FC shows the operation of the terminal device 5, a flowchart FD shows the operation of the refrigerator control server 4, and a flowchart FE shows the operation of the refrigerator 1.

At the start of each flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the operating mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operating mode, similar to FIGS. 3 and 5.

The communication control unit 502 of the terminal control unit 50 of the terminal device 5 determines whether a start trigger for starting the processing of the flowchart FC has occurred (step SC1).

For example, in step SC1, the communication control unit 502 determines that a start trigger has occurred when a predetermined time has arrived.
Further, for example, in step SC1, the communication control unit 502 determines that a start trigger has occurred when a predetermined day of the week and time have arrived.

If the communication control unit 502 determines that the start trigger has not occurred (step SC1: NO), it performs the determination in step SC1 again.

On the other hand, when the communication control unit 502 determines that the start trigger has occurred (step SC1: YES), the communication control unit 502 transmits temperature data request information to the weather server 2 through the terminal communication unit 51 (step SC2).

The temperature data request information transmitted in step SC2 includes installation location information 1613 stored in the terminal storage section 510.

Further, as in the first embodiment, the temperature data request information transmitted in this embodiment includes a plurality of pieces of date information indicating dates. In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the refrigerator control unit 16 requests the weather server 2 for temperature data for all dates in the period from the present to the date a predetermined number of days (for example, 7 days) back. Therefore, in step SC2, the refrigerator control unit 16 transmits temperature data request information including date information for all dates in the period from the current date to the date a predetermined number of days back to the weather server 2 through the refrigerator communication unit 17.

In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, upon receiving the temperature data request information, the weather server 2 stores the temperature data of the area corresponding to the setting location indicated by the installation location information included in the temperature data request information in a predetermined database. Get from. The weather server 2 acquires temperature data for all dates indicated by all date information included in the temperature data request information from a predetermined database. When the weather server 2 acquires a plurality of pieces of temperature data, it transmits the acquired pieces of temperature data to the terminal device 5 as a response to the received temperature data request information.

The communication control unit 502 receives temperature data from the weather server 2 through the terminal communication unit 51 (step SC3). In step SC3, the communication control unit 502 receives temperature data for all dates indicated by all date information included in the temperature data request information transmitted in step SC2 from the weather server 2.

Next, the determination unit 503 determines whether the current season is winter based on the plurality of weather data output from the communication control unit 502 (step SC4).

Next, the driving mode control unit 504 determines whether or not the determination unit 503 has determined that the current season is winter, based on the determination result output from the determination unit 503 (step SC5).

When the driving mode control unit 504 determines that the determination unit 503 has determined that the current season is not winter (step SC5: “other than winter”), the operation mode control unit 504 ends this process. That is, the operation mode control unit 504 does not shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode, and does not cause the refrigerator 1 to start winter operation.

On the other hand, if the determining unit 503 determines that the current season is winter (step SC5: "winter"), the operating mode control unit 504 issues an instruction to shift the operating mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operating mode. The terminal communication unit 51 transmits the transition instruction information shown to the refrigerator control server 4 (step SC6). In step SC6, the operation mode control unit 504 transmits the transition instruction information to which the user ID 4131 stored in the terminal storage unit 510 is added to the refrigerator control server 4.

Referring to the flowchart FD, the server control unit 40 of the refrigerator control server 4 determines whether the server communication unit 41 has received migration instruction information from the terminal device 5 (step SD1).

When determining that the migration instruction information has been received (step SD1: YES), the server control unit 40 refers to the refrigerator control database 413 and specifies the record R that includes the user ID 4131 added to the migration instruction information (step SD1: YES). SD2).

The server control unit 40 transmits the migration instruction information received from the terminal device 5 to the refrigerator 1 through the server communication unit 41 based on the communication information 4132 included in the specified record R (step SD3). In step SD3, the server control unit 40 adds the refrigerator ID 1614 included in the record R specified in step SD2, and transmits migration instruction information.

Referring to flowchart FE, refrigerator control unit 16 of refrigerator 1 determines whether or not migration instruction information has been received from refrigerator control server 4 through refrigerator communication unit 17 (step SE1).

If the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the migration instruction information has been received (step SE1: YES), the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether the refrigerator ID 1614 added to the received migration instruction information matches the refrigerator ID 1614 stored in the refrigerator storage unit 161. It is determined whether or not (step SE2).

When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the refrigerator IDs 1614 match (step SE2: YES), the refrigerator control unit 16 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode, and starts winter operation (step SE3).

On the other hand, when the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the refrigerator IDs 1614 do not match (step SC2: NO), this process ends. That is, the refrigerator control unit 16 does not shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode, and does not start the winter operation.

In this way, the refrigerator control unit 16 starts winter operation only when the refrigerator ID 1614 added to the transition instruction information matches the refrigerator ID 1614 stored in the refrigerator storage unit 161. This produces the following effects. If the configuration is such that winter operation is started without depending on the refrigerator ID 1614, if the communication information 4132 associated with the refrigerator ID 1614 in the refrigerator control database 413 is not appropriate information, the refrigerator 1 that is not intended by the user P may start winter operation. There is a possibility of starting. For example, if the setting location of the refrigerator 1 changes due to moving etc., and the address on the network changes accordingly, if the refrigerator control database 413 is not updated appropriately, the refrigerator 1 may start operating in winter, which is not intended by the user P. there is a possibility. Therefore, by configuring the refrigerator control unit 16 described above to start winter operation only when the refrigerator ID 1614 added to the transition instruction information matches the refrigerator ID 1614 stored in the refrigerator storage unit 161, it is possible to Then, the refrigerator 1 intended by the user P can start winter operation.

Returning to the explanation of the flowchart FC, upon starting the winter operation, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether or not an end trigger has occurred, similarly to the first embodiment (step SE4).

When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the termination trigger does not occur (step SE4: NO), the refrigerator control unit 16 continues the winter operation and executes the process of step SE4 again.

When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the termination trigger has occurred (step SE4: YES), the refrigerator control unit 16 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the winter operation mode to the normal operation mode, and ends the winter operation (step SE5).

As described above, the refrigerator control application 513 sends temperature data indicating the temperature of the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1 to the terminal control unit 50 of the terminal device 5 that can communicate with the refrigerator 1 and the weather server 2. 2, a determination unit 503 that determines whether the current season is winter based on the temperature indicated by the temperature data received by the communication control unit 502, and a determination unit 503 that determines whether the current season is winter. When it is determined that it is winter, the refrigerator 1 functions as an operation mode control section 504 that shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator is higher than the normal operation mode.

Further, the terminal device 5 that can communicate with the refrigerator 1 and the weather server 2 receives temperature data indicating the temperature of the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1 from the weather server 2, and based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data, the terminal device 5 The refrigerator 1 is provided with a terminal control unit 50 that determines whether or not the season is winter and shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode when it is determined that the current season is winter.

Further, the refrigerator control system 2000 includes a refrigerator 1 and a terminal device 5 that can communicate with the refrigerator 1 and the weather server 2. The terminal device 5 receives temperature data indicating the temperature of the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1 from the weather server 2, and determines whether the current season is winter based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data. If it is determined that the current season is winter, transfer instruction information indicating an instruction to transfer the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode is transmitted to the refrigerator 1. When the refrigerator 1 receives the transition instruction information, the refrigerator 1 transitions the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode.

According to the refrigerator control application 513, the terminal device 5, and the refrigerator control system 2000, the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 can be increased by setting the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 to a high value when it is determined that the current season is winter. can be set to a temperature suitable for winter. Furthermore, the refrigerator control application 513, the terminal device 5, and the refrigerator control system 2000 can reduce the power consumption of the refrigerator 1 compared to the normal operation mode because the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 is higher than that in the normal operation mode in the winter operation mode. can.

The communication control unit 502 receives a plurality of pieces of temperature data from the weather server 2 up to a predetermined number of days back from the current time. The determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter when the average daily minimum temperature indicated by the plurality of temperature data received by the communication control unit 502 is lower than a predetermined temperature.

According to this configuration, the current season is determined to be winter when the average of the minimum temperatures of multiple days from the present day to the day a predetermined number of days back is lower than a predetermined temperature. Even if the daily minimum temperature varies, it can be accurately determined that the current season is winter. Therefore, the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 can be set to a temperature suitable for winter at an appropriate timing.

The refrigerator control application 513 is an application program that can be installed on the terminal device 5.

According to this configuration, the terminal device 5 that does not have the function of controlling the refrigerator 1 can be turned into the terminal device 5 that has the function by installing the refrigerator control application 513. Therefore, the general-purpose terminal device 5 can be used as a terminal device 5 that can set the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 to a temperature suitable for winter.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.
In the description of the fourth embodiment, the same components as those of the third embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

In the third embodiment, the operation mode control unit 504 is configured to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode when the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter. In the fourth embodiment, when the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter, the operation mode control unit 504 inquires of the user P whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode, After the inquiry, when an instruction to shift to the winter operating mode is received from the user P, the operating mode of the refrigerator 1 is shifted to the winter operating mode.

The operation mode control unit 504 of the fourth embodiment displays various user interfaces on the touch panel 52, and inquires whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode, and changes the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode. Accepts instructions to shift to operation mode.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on the touch panel 52 by the driving mode control unit 504.

If the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter, and the display screen of the touch panel 52 is the non-app screen HAG, the driving mode control unit 504 displays the first user interface UI1 on the touch panel 52 in the form of a push notification. to be displayed. The non-application screen HAG refers to a screen other than the application screen AG related to the refrigerator control application 513, such as a home screen.

The first user interface UI1 includes inquiry information J1 that inquires of the user P whether or not to shift the operating mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operating mode. When the first user interface UI1 is touch-operated by the user P, the driving mode control unit 504 causes the display screen of the touch panel 52 to transition from the non-app screen HAG to the app screen AG that displays the second user interface UI2. Note that when the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter and the display screen of the touch panel 52 is the application screen AG, the driving mode control unit 504 displays the first user interface UI1 on the touch panel 52. A second user interface UI2 is displayed in a superimposed manner on an application screen AG without causing any problems.

The second user interface UI2 includes inquiry information J1 that inquires of the user P whether to shift the operating mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operating mode. Further, the second user interface UI2 includes a YES button B1 and a NO button B2. The YES button B1 is a software button for receiving an instruction from the user P to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode. The NO button B2 is a software button for receiving an instruction from the user P not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode.

When the NO button B2 is touched by the user P, the operation mode control unit 504 stops displaying the second user interface UI2 without shifting the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode. On the other hand, when the YES button B1 is touched by the user P, the operation mode control unit 504 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode, and displays the third user interface UI3 instead of the second user interface UI2. is displayed on the touch panel 52.

The third user interface UI3 includes operation start information J2 indicating that the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 has been shifted to the winter operation mode and that the refrigerator 1 has started winter operation.

Next, the operation of the refrigerator control system 2000 of the fourth embodiment will be explained.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system 2000 according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 10, similarly to FIG. 8, a flowchart FC shows the operation of the terminal device 5, a flowchart FD shows the operation of the refrigerator control server 4, and a flowchart FE shows the operation of the refrigerator 1.

In FIG. 10, the same steps as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 are given the same step numbers, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

At the start of each flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the operating mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operating mode, similar to FIG. 8.

If the determining unit 503 determines that the current season is winter (step SC5: YES), the driving mode control unit 504 displays the first user interface UI1 or the second user interface UI2 on the touch panel 52. and asks the user P whether or not to shift the operating mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operating mode (step SC10).

Next, the operation mode control unit 504 determines whether or not an instruction to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has been received from the user P (step SC11). The driving mode control unit 504 makes an affirmative determination in step SC11 when the YES button B1 of the second user interface UI2 is touched.

Next, if the operation mode control unit 504 determines that the instruction to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has not been received from the user P (step SC11: NO), the operation mode control unit 504 changes the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode. It is determined whether an instruction not to migrate has been received from the user P (step SC12). The driving mode control unit 504 makes an affirmative determination in step SC12 when the NO button B2 of the second user interface UI2 is touched.

When the operation mode control unit 504 determines that an instruction not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has not been received from the user P (step SC12: NO), the operation mode control unit 504 returns the process to step SC11 and repeats the process at step SC11. Make a judgment.

On the other hand, if the operation mode control unit 504 determines that an instruction not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has been received from the user P (step SC12: YES), the operation mode control unit 504 stops displaying the second user interface UI2, and The inquiry as to whether or not to shift the driving mode to the winter driving mode is ended (step SC13).

Returning to the explanation of step SC11, when the operation mode control unit 504 receives an instruction to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode (step SC11: YES), the operation mode control unit 504 transmits the transition instruction information to the refrigerator control unit 51 via the terminal communication unit 51. It is transmitted to the server 4 (step SC6).

As described above, when the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter, the operation mode control unit 504 allows the user of the refrigerator 1 to determine whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode. If an instruction to shift to the winter operation mode is received from the user P after the inquiry, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is shifted to the winter operation mode.

According to this configuration, in order to shift the operating mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operating mode when an instruction to shift to the winter operating mode is received, the operation of setting the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 to a temperature suitable for winter includes: It is possible to prevent the operation of the refrigerator 1 that is not intended by the user P.

Each of the embodiments described above merely represents one aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.

For example, in each of the embodiments described above, when the refrigerator 1 starts winter operation, the operation mode is transferred from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode. The present invention is not limited to any particular mode, and any driving mode other than the winter driving mode may be used. Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the refrigerator 1 shifts the operation mode from the winter operation mode to the normal operation mode when the refrigerator 1 ends the winter operation is illustrated, but the operation mode to which the operation mode is transferred is the normal operation mode. The present invention is not limited to any particular mode, and any driving mode other than the winter driving mode may be used. Here, the driving modes other than the winter driving mode correspond to the "first mode" of the present invention.

Further, for example, in each of the embodiments described above, the temperature data request information includes date information for all dates in a period from the current date to a date a predetermined number of days back. However, the temperature data request information may be configured to include date information indicating every other day in the period from the current date to a predetermined number of days. It may also be configured to include date information for the date.

Further, for example, in each of the embodiments described above, the date information included in the temperature data request information may be date information indicating the current date.

Further, for example, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines the current season based on the average daily minimum temperature indicated by the plurality of temperature data received from the weather server 2. This configuration determines whether or not it is winter. However, instead of the average daily minimum temperature, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether the current season is winter based on the average daily maximum temperature, the average daily average temperature, the average temperature at a specific time, etc. may be determined. The determination by the determination unit 503 of the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment may be configured to perform the determination in the same manner. In the case of these configurations, the temperature data received from the weather server 2 indicates the temperature for which the average of the daily maximum temperature, daily average temperature, temperature at a specific time, etc. is calculated.

Further, for example, in the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment described above, the refrigerator control server 4 adds the refrigerator ID 1613 when transmitting the migration instruction information to the refrigerator 1, but the refrigerator control server 4 may be configured to transmit the migration instruction information to the refrigerator 1 without adding the refrigerator ID 1613. In the case of this configuration, when the refrigerator 1 receives the transition instruction information from the refrigerator control server 1, the refrigerator 1 transitions the operation mode to the winter operation mode without executing the process of step SE2 shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. Furthermore, in the case of this configuration, the refrigerator storage section 161 does not need to store the refrigerator ID 1613. Moreover, in the case of this configuration, one record R stored in the refrigerator control database 413 does not need to have the refrigerator ID 1613.

Further, for example, the types of rooms formed in the main box 10 of the refrigerator 1 are not limited to the refrigerator compartment 11, the ice-making compartment 12, the fresh-freeze compartment 13, the freezer compartment 14, and the vegetable compartment 15, and at least Alternatively, other types of rooms may be formed. Further, the number of doors provided at the front opening of the refrigerator compartment 11 may be one.

Further, the functions of the refrigerator control section 16, the terminal control section 50, and the server control section 40 may be realized by a plurality of processors or semiconductor chips.

Moreover, each part shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 is an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each part individually, and it is of course possible to have a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each part. Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, some of the functions realized by software may be realized by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of the other parts of the refrigerator 1, the terminal device 5, and the refrigerator control server 4 can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Furthermore, for example, the operation step units shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the operation of the refrigerator 1. The present invention is not limited by the manner or name. Depending on the processing content, the process may be divided into more steps. Furthermore, the process may be divided so that one step unit includes more processes. Further, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within a range that does not interfere with the spirit of the present invention. Further, for example, the step units of the operations shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the operations of each part of the refrigerator control system 2000. The present invention is not limited by the division method or name of the units. Depending on the processing content, the process may be divided into more steps. Furthermore, the process may be divided so that one step unit includes more processes. Further, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within a range that does not interfere with the spirit of the present invention.

As described above, the refrigerator, program, terminal device, and refrigerator control system according to the present invention can be used for setting the internal temperature of the refrigerator.

1 Refrigerator 2 Weather server (server)
4 Refrigerator control server 5 Terminal device 16 Refrigerator control unit 50 Terminal control unit (control unit)
502 Communication control unit 503 Judgment unit 504 Operation mode control unit 513 Refrigerator control application (program, application program)
2000 Refrigerator control system H Home (installation location)
P user

Claims (11)

A refrigerator that can communicate with a server,
Temperature data indicating the temperature of the area including the installation location of the refrigerator is received from the server, and based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data, it is determined whether the current season is winter, and the current season is determined. a refrigerator control unit that shifts the operating mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode in which the internal temperature is higher than the first mode when it is determined that it is winter;
A refrigerator characterized by: The refrigerator control unit includes:
If it is determined that the current season is winter, inquire of the user of the refrigerator whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator to the second mode;
If an instruction to shift to the second mode is received from the user, shift the operating mode of the refrigerator to the second mode;
The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerator control unit includes:
Receiving a plurality of the temperature data up to a predetermined number of days back from the present time, and determining that the current season is winter when the average temperature indicated by the plurality of received temperature data is lower than a predetermined temperature;
The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The refrigerator control unit includes:
terminating the second mode if an instruction to terminate the second mode is received from a user of the refrigerator;
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The refrigerator control unit includes:
terminating the second mode if an operation to change the internal temperature of the refrigerator is received from a user of the refrigerator;
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The control unit of the terminal device that can communicate with the refrigerator and server,
a communication control unit that receives temperature data indicating the temperature of an area including the installation location of the refrigerator from the server;
a determination unit that determines whether the current season is winter based on the temperature indicated by the temperature data received by the communication control unit;
an operation mode control unit that, when the determination unit determines that the current season is winter, shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator is higher than the first mode; make it work,
A program characterized by: The operation mode control section includes:
If the determination unit determines that the current season is winter, it inquires of the user of the refrigerator whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator to the second mode, and after the inquiry, the user asks the user whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator to the second mode. If an instruction to shift the refrigerator to the second mode is received, shift the operating mode of the refrigerator to the second mode;
7. The program according to claim 6. The communication control unit receives a plurality of pieces of temperature data from the server up to a date a predetermined number of days back from the current time,
The determination unit determines that the current season is winter when the average temperature indicated by the plurality of temperature data received by the communication control unit is lower than a predetermined temperature.
The program according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The program is an application program that can be installed on the terminal device.
The program according to any one of claims 6 to 8. A terminal device capable of communicating with a refrigerator and a server,
receiving from the server temperature data indicating the temperature of an area including the installation location of the refrigerator;
Determining whether the current season is winter based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data,
comprising a control unit that shifts the operating mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode in which the internal temperature is higher than the first mode when it is determined that the current season is winter;
A terminal device characterized by: A refrigerator control system comprising a refrigerator and a terminal device capable of communicating with the refrigerator and a server,
The terminal device is
receiving from the server temperature data indicating the temperature of an area including the installation location of the refrigerator;
Determining whether the current season is winter based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data,
If it is determined that the current season is winter, transfer instruction information indicating an instruction to transfer the operating mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode in which the internal temperature is higher than the first mode is transmitted to the refrigerator. ,
The refrigerator is
upon receiving the transition instruction information, transitioning the operating mode of the refrigerator from the first mode to the second mode;
A refrigerator control system characterized by:

Images