JP7458765B2 - Information processing systems, home appliances, and programs - Google Patents

Description

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

A home appliance, a server device, and a communication terminal device are connected via a communication network, and sensing information from a sensor provided in the communication terminal device is sent to the home appliance, and information is notified using the home appliance based on the sensing information. Home appliance network systems that perform this are known. However, if information is notified without sufficient consideration of the user's condition, the user's convenience when using the home appliance may be impaired.

Japanese Patent No. 6460762

An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system, a home appliance, and a program that can improve user convenience when using home appliances.

The information processing system of the embodiment is a system in which home appliances and terminal devices are connected via a network. The information processing system has a state detection section and a control section. The state detection unit is provided in the terminal device and detects user state information. The control unit is provided in the terminal device, and acquires the status information detected by the status detection unit at a timing when the washing machine, which is the home appliance, finishes operating, and provides information regarding the home appliance. Change the information notification mode . The control unit may notify information regarding the washing machine when the user is at home based on the status information detected by the status detection unit, and when the user is not at home. will not be notified.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a washing machine according to an embodiment. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing an example of a notification mode of information related to the washing machine according to a user's status. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing an example of a notification mode of information related to the washing machine according to a user's status. The figure which shows an example of the notification mode of the information regarding a washing machine according to a user's condition. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing part of the configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a control flow of the information processing system according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, an information processing system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. Further, redundant explanations of these configurations may be omitted. As used herein, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and includes cases where it is based on another element in addition to XX. Moreover, "based on XX" is not limited to the case where XX is used directly, but also includes the case where it is based on calculations and processing performed on XX. In this specification, "YY1 or YY2" is not limited to the case where only "YY1" or only "YY2" exists, but also includes the case where both "YY1" and "YY2" exist. . This also applies when there are three or more elements connected by "or". In this specification, "at least one of ZZ1 and ZZ2" is not limited to the case where both "ZZ1" and "ZZ2" exist as a premise, but when only "ZZ1" exists, or "ZZ2" This includes cases where there is only one. “XX”, “YY1”, “YY2”, “ZZ1”, and “ZZ2” are each arbitrary elements (for example, arbitrary information, functions, or configurations).

[1. Information processing system configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment. Information processing system 100 includes home appliances and terminal devices connected to the home appliances via a network. Home appliances include, for example, at least some of washing machines, refrigerators, rice cookers, microwave ovens, and air conditioners. The terminal device includes, for example, at least some of a mobile terminal device, a television, and a smart speaker. In the following description, an example will be described in which the home appliance is the washing machine 1 and the terminal devices are the mobile terminal device 110, the television 120, and the smart speaker 130.

The washing machine 1 can communicate with the mobile terminal device 110, the television 120, and the smart speaker 130, for example, via a router R installed in the house. The mobile terminal device 110 is equipped with a sensor 112 that detects user status information. The user status information is, for example, the user's location information, and the sensor 112 is a GPS sensor. The sensor 112 is an example of a "status detection unit." The washing machine 1 is connected to the network NW via the router R and can communicate with the cloud server 200. The network NW includes, for example, one or more of the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), a public line, a telephone line, a wireless base station, and the like.

Cloud server 200 communicates with washing machine 1 and terminal devices via network NW. The cloud server 200 receives, for example, the user's location information detected through the mobile terminal device 110 via the network NW, and stores the user's location information in a database. The user's location information includes, for example, latitude information, longitude information, and height information.

[2. Overall configuration of washing machine]
Next, the overall configuration of the washing machine 1 will be explained.
Although not shown in the drawings, a water tank is provided inside the housing 1A, which has a substantially cylindrical shape with an open front, communicates with the input port 2, and stores washing water. A drum (not shown) in which clothes are stored is provided in the water tank. As shown in FIG. 2, a front surface of a casing 1A of the washing machine 1 is provided with an opening 2 for loading clothes into the drum. A door 3 is provided on the front surface of the housing 1A. The door 3 is movable between an open position where it opens the input port 2 to the drum and a closed position where it closes the input port 2 to the drum.

An operation panel 5 is provided on the top surface of the housing 1A. The operation panel 5 is, for example, a touch panel display. The operation panel 5 receives user input operations related to the washing operation of the washing machine 1, for example.

A laundry treatment agent inlet 6 is provided on the front surface of the housing 1A. The laundry treatment agent input port 6 is used when a user manually inputs detergent or fabric softener for one washing operation into the water tank.

A water supply valve unit 8 is provided on the top surface of the housing 1A. A connection port 7 is provided on the top of the water supply valve unit 8, and a water pipe is connected to the connection port 7, through which tap water is supplied. The water supply valve unit 8 is provided with a number of water supply valves 38, which will be described later. When the water supply valves 38 are opened, water is supplied to the water tub via the laundry treatment agent inlet 6 or the automatic dispensing mechanism 10.

An automatic dosing mechanism 10 for automatically dosing detergent or softener into the water tank is provided on the top surface of the housing 1A. The automatic dosing mechanism 10 includes, for example, a detergent tank 11, a softener tank 12, and a pump. The automatic dosing mechanism 10 automatically throws the detergent contained in the detergent tank 11 or the softener contained in the softener tank 12 into the water tank by driving a pump. The pump is a metering pump and includes, for example, a syringe pump. The detergent tank 11 or the softener tank 12 is arranged in a tank accommodating part 13 recessed in the upper surface of the housing 1A. A lid 14 is provided on the top surface of the housing 1A. The lid 14 is movable between an open position where the upper opening of the tank accommodating part 13 is opened and a closed position where the upper opening of the tank accommodating part 13 is closed.

3 to 5 are diagrams showing examples of notification modes of information regarding the washing machine 1 according to the user's condition. The washing machine 1, the mobile terminal device 110, the television 120, and the smart speaker 130 are communicably connected to the cloud server 200 via the router R. share location information. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the user is located near television 120. In this case, the user's location information may be detected based on the usage status of the television 120 recognized by the camera, for example, by mounting a camera on the television 120 or other equipment. Therefore, the washing machine 1 transmits information regarding the washing machine 1 to the television 120 via the router R to notify the user. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the user is located near the washing machine 1. Therefore, the washing machine 1 notifies the user of information regarding the washing machine 1 through the operation panel 5 included in the washing machine 1. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the user is located away from both washing machine 1 and television 120. Therefore, the washing machine 1 notifies the user of information regarding the washing machine 1 through the mobile terminal device 110 carried by the user. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the user may notify the user of information regarding the washing machine 1 through the smart speaker 130. The information regarding the washing machine 1 is, for example, information including a message indicating that the washing operation of the washing machine 1 has ended.

[3. Control-related functional configuration]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration related to control of the washing machine 1. As shown in FIG. The control unit 20 is realized by a computer having a microcomputer, a timer, and the like. A communication device 30, an operation panel 5, a rotation sensor 32, a water level sensor 34, an automatic loading mechanism 10, a motor 36, a water supply valve 38, a drain valve 40, a circulation pump 42, and a drying unit 44 are connected to the control unit 20. There is.

The communication device 30 is, for example, a wireless module including an antenna and a high frequency circuit. The communication device 30 can communicate with the mobile terminal device 110, the television 120, the smart speaker 130, and the cloud server 200 via the router R and the network NW.

The motor 36 is, for example, a brushless DC motor, and rotates the drum in both forward and reverse directions.

The rotation sensor 32 is attached to the rotation shaft of the motor 36 and detects the rotation position of the motor 36.

The water level sensor 34 is provided at the top of the housing 1A and detects the level of water stored in the water tank.

The water supply valve 38 is, for example, an electromagnetic on-off valve, and is provided in the water supply valve unit 8. The water supply valve 38 is switched between an open state and a closed state based on control from the control unit 20. When the water supply valve 38 is in an open state, tap water supplied to the water supply valve unit 8 is supplied to the water tub via the laundry treatment agent inlet 6 or the automatic inlet mechanism 10.

The drain valve 40 is, for example, an electromagnetic on-off valve, and is provided at the drain port of the water tank. Based on control from the control unit 20, the drain valve 40 is switched between an open state and a closed state. When the drain valve 40 is in an open state, water stored in the water tank is discharged to the outside of the washing machine 1.

The suction port of the circulation pump 42 sucks water stored in the water tank through the filter unit, and circulates the sucked water to the water tank.

The drying unit 44 circulates and supplies hot air into the water tank to dry the clothes. The drying unit 44 includes, for example, a circulation duct, and a blower fan and a heater provided in the circulation duct. The drying unit 44 may, for example, include dehumidification means such as a heat pump provided within the circulation duct.

The control unit 20 controls each mechanism, such as the motor 36, water supply valve 38, drain valve 40, circulation pump 42, etc., according to an operation control program based on, for example, an operation signal from the operation panel 5 by the user and a detection signal from the water level sensor 34. and executes the washing operation consisting of each process such as washing process, rinsing process, dehydration process, etc. In the washing process and the rinsing process, the control unit 20 drives the circulation pump 42 as appropriate while supplying water to a predetermined water level in the water tank, and alternately moves the drum in the forward and reverse directions at a relatively low speed at predetermined time intervals. Controls rotation. The control unit 20 performs control to continuously rotate the drum in one direction at high speed during the dewatering process.

The control unit 20 changes the notification mode of information related to the washing machine 1 based on the user's location information detected by the sensor 112 mounted on the mobile terminal device 110. The control unit 20 is an example of a "status acquisition unit" and a "notification control unit." For example, the control unit 20 may notify information related to the washing machine 1 using the washing machine 1 or the mobile terminal device 110 based on the user's location information.

Control unit 20 changes the notification mode of information regarding washing machine 1 based on the positional relationship between washing machine 1 and mobile terminal device 110. For example, when the mobile terminal device 110 is present in the vicinity of the washing machine 1, the control unit 20 may notify information regarding the washing machine 1 using the washing machine 1.

The control unit 20 switches whether or not to notify the user of information related to the washing machine 1 based on the user's location information. For example, the control unit 20 may notify the user of information related to the washing machine 1 when the user is inside the home, and may not notify the user of information related to the washing machine 1 when the user is outside the home.

The control unit 20 switches whether or not to notify the information regarding the washing machine 1 when the user's status information changes. For example, the control unit 20 may notify information regarding the washing machine 1 when the user moves from outside the home to inside the home. Further, the control unit 20 sets a scheduled operation of the washing machine 1 according to the time when the user returns home, and notifies the user that the washing machine 1 is in the reserved operation state when the washing machine 1 is executing the scheduled operation. Or, when the washing machine 1 ends the reserved operation, the user may be notified that the reserved operation has ended. In addition, for example, when the user moves from inside the home to outside the home, if the reserved operation of the washing machine 1 is not set, the control unit 20 may set the washing course of the washing machine 1 using the tank cleaning agent. The user may be offered a tank cleaning course that cleans the tank and drum. That is, when it is assumed that the washing operation of the washing machine 1 will not be performed for a long time, the control unit 20 instructs the user to execute the tank cleaning course in order to perform maintenance on the washing machine 1. You may make suggestions. Further, for example, when the user moves from the bedroom to the living room and starts watching TV 120, the control unit 20 notifies the user of a recommended washing course or the operating state of the washing machine 1. You may also

Control unit 20 changes the notification mode of information regarding washing machine 1 based on the user's characteristics regarding washing machine 1 . The user characteristics include, for example, family structure such as husband, wife, and children, age, gender, and the like. For example, the control unit 20 may change the notification mode of the information regarding the washing machine 1 depending on whether the user is the person who performed the laundry. In this case, for example, if the first user (e.g., his wife) washes the laundry multiple times a day, the control unit 20 may instruct the first user to terminate the operation when the washing machine 1 finishes operating. In addition, the content of the first user's actions may be notified to a second user (for example, a husband) who is present outside the home. This facilitates communication within the home between the first user and the second user.

The control unit 20 changes the notification mode of the information related to the washing machine 1 based on the odor information. The odor information is detected, for example, by an odor sensor mounted on the mobile terminal device 110. The odor information may be information related to odors emitted by the user himself or herself, or information related to odors in the environment in which the user was staying. If the numerical value indicating the degree of odor is high, the control unit 20 may notify the user to recommend a washing course with a high cleaning level. The control unit 20 may also notify the user to recommend a washing course that eliminates odors depending on the type of odor, such as the odor of grilled meat or the odor of cigarettes. The control unit 20 may also notify the user to recommend washing different clothes depending on the degree of odor.

The control unit 20 changes the notification mode of the information related to the washing machine 1 based on the information related to the amount of activity of the user. The information related to the amount of activity of the user is detected, for example, by an activity sensor mounted on the mobile terminal device 110. The information related to the amount of activity of the user may be information related to the heart rate of the user, information related to the number of steps taken by the user, or information related to the moving speed or distance of the user. The information related to the amount of activity of the user may also be associated with the location information of the user. For example, when the amount of activity of the user is high, the control unit 20 may determine that the degree of dirt on the clothes is high and notify the user to recommend a washing course with a high degree of cleaning. For example, when the user has a history of staying in a park, the control unit 20 may determine that the clothes are likely to be muddy and notify the user to recommend a washing course suitable for muddy dirt. When washing clothes for multiple users together, the control unit 20 may determine the degree of dirt on the clothes based on the aggregate value of the amount of activity for each user, and notify the user to recommend a washing course suitable for the degree of dirt on the clothes.

Control unit 20 changes the notification mode of information regarding washing machine 1 based on weather information in addition to the user's location information. Weather information is obtained, for example, from an external server through the network NW. The weather information includes, for example, information regarding weather, temperature, humidity, and pollen. Weather information may be associated with the user's location information. For example, if the amount of pollen in the area where the user is present is large and the user is outside the home, the control unit 20 notifies the user to recommend a washing course suitable for cleaning pollen. . In this case, even if the amount of pollen in the area where the user is present is large, the control unit 20 does not recommend a washing course suitable for cleaning pollen if the user is present in the house.

[4. Control flow of notification processing]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the main control flow of notification processing. First, the control unit 20 determines whether it is time to notify information regarding the washing machine 1 (S10). The notification timing of the information regarding the washing machine 1 includes, for example, the timing when the washing operation of the washing machine 1 ends.

If it is the timing to notify the information regarding the washing machine 1 (S10: YES), the control unit 20 acquires the user's status information (S12). Further, the control unit 20 sets a notification mode of information regarding the washing machine 1 based on the user's status information (S14), and notifies the user of the information regarding the washing machine 1 in the set notification mode (S16). This completes the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, if it is not the timing to notify the information regarding the washing machine 1 (S10: NO), the control unit 20 ends the process of this flowchart without going through the processes of S12 to S16.

[5. advantage]
The information processing system 100 of this embodiment detects the user's status information and changes the notification mode of information regarding the washing machine 1 based on the user's status information. This allows information to be notified by appropriate means.

In this embodiment, the control unit 20 changes the notification mode of information regarding the washing machine 1 based on the positional relationship between the washing machine 1 and the mobile terminal device 110. Thereby, information can be notified by means suitable for the user's location.

In this embodiment, the control unit 20 switches whether or not to notify the user of information about the washing machine 1 based on the user's status information. This allows the information to be notified effectively.

In this embodiment, the control unit 20 switches whether or not to notify information regarding the washing machine 1 when the user's status information changes. Thereby, information can be notified effectively.

In this embodiment, the control unit 20 changes the notification mode of information regarding the washing machine 1 based on the user's characteristics regarding the washing machine 1 . Thereby, it is possible to notify the user of information that is meaningful to the user.

In this embodiment, the control unit 20 changes the notification mode of information related to the washing machine 1 based on the odor information. This makes it possible to notify information according to the odor information, such as recommending a washing course suitable for the type and level of odor.

In this embodiment, the control unit 20 changes the notification mode of information regarding the washing machine 1 based on information regarding the amount of activity of the user. Thereby, when the amount of activity of the user is high, it is possible to notify information according to the amount of activity of the user, such as determining that the clothes are heavily soiled and recommending a washing course with a high degree of cleaning.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Washing machine, 20...Control unit, 100...Information processing system, 110...Mobile terminal device, 120...Television, 130...Smart speaker, 200...Cloud server, NW...Network, R...Router.

Claims (10)

An information processing system including a home appliance and a terminal device connected to the home appliance via a network,
a state detection unit provided in the terminal device and configured to detect user state information;
The state information provided in the home appliance is acquired and detected by the state detection unit at the timing when the washing machine, which is the home appliance, has finished operating, and the notification mode of information regarding the home appliance is changed. a control section,
Equipped with
The control unit includes :
Based on the state information detected by the state detection unit,
Notifying information regarding the washing machine when the user is at home;
An information processing system that does not notify when the user is not at home. The control unit changes a notification mode of information regarding the home appliance based on the positional relationship between the home appliance and the terminal device.
The information processing system according to claim 1. The control unit switches whether or not to notify information regarding the home appliance based on the status information detected by the status detection unit.
The information processing system according to claim 1 or claim 2. The control unit switches whether or not to notify information regarding the home appliance when the state information detected by the state detection unit changes.
The information processing system according to claim 3. The status information includes user characteristics regarding the home appliance,
The control unit changes a notification mode of information regarding the home appliance based on user characteristics regarding the home appliance detected by the state detection unit.
The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. the status information includes odor information,
The control unit changes a notification mode of the information related to the home appliance based on the odor information detected by the state detection unit.
The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The status information includes information regarding the amount of activity of the user,
The control unit changes a notification mode of information regarding the home appliance based on information regarding the amount of activity of the user detected by the state detection unit.
The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The control unit changes a notification mode of information regarding the home appliance based on weather information in addition to the status information detected by the status detection unit.
The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A status acquisition unit that acquires user status information when an operation of a washing machine, which is a home appliance, is completed;
A notification control unit that changes a notification mode of information about the home appliance;
Equipped with
The notification control unit,
Based on the status information acquired by the status acquisition unit,
When the user is in the house, update and notify the notification information regarding the washing machine,
A home appliance that does not notify the user when the user is not at home. For home appliances,
Obtaining user status information at the timing when the washing machine, which is the home appliance, finishes operating;
Changing a notification mode of information regarding the home appliance based on the acquired user status information;
updating and notifying information regarding the washing machine when the user is at home;
A program for performing the following steps: not notifying the user when the user is not at home.

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