JP7503172B2 - Refrigerator setting system, refrigerator and program - Google Patents

Description

This embodiment relates to a refrigerator setting system that includes a refrigerator capable of communicating with a terminal, as well as a refrigerator included in the refrigerator setting system and a program executed by a control device for the refrigerator.

In recent years, home appliances such as refrigerators have become increasingly multifunctional. However, as the number of functions of a refrigerator increases, it is necessary to add setting buttons for setting the functions and LEDs for indicating that the functions have been set. Therefore, the more functions a refrigerator has, the more complex its setting section becomes and the higher its manufacturing costs become. Furthermore, even if a refrigerator's functions are increased, some users never use those functions. Furthermore, the more functions a refrigerator has, the more complicated its settings become. Against this background, there is a demand for technology that can realize increasingly multifunctional refrigerators at lower manufacturing costs and make them easier to use.

JP 2014-040939 A

This embodiment provides a refrigerator setting system that can make refrigerators, which are becoming increasingly multifunctional, easier to use, as well as a refrigerator provided in the refrigerator setting system and a program executed by a refrigerator control device.

The refrigerator setting system according to this embodiment is a refrigerator setting system including a refrigerator capable of communicating with a terminal. The terminal is capable of setting a plurality of predetermined functions of the refrigerator and transmitting setting content information corresponding to a combination of setting contents of the plurality of predetermined functions to the refrigerator, and the refrigerator includes an operation unit for switching the combination of setting contents of the plurality of predetermined functions, and is capable of switching the combination of the setting contents of the plurality of predetermined functions on a per-combination basis , and is capable of changing the setting contents of each of the plurality of predetermined functions by switching the combination of the setting contents of the plurality of predetermined functions on a per-combination basis .

The refrigerator according to this embodiment is equipped with the refrigerator setting system according to this embodiment.

The program according to the present embodiment causes a control device for controlling a refrigerator having an operation unit for switching a combination of setting contents of a plurality of specified functions to execute the following processes: receiving setting content information corresponding to the combination of setting contents of the plurality of specified functions from a terminal capable of setting the plurality of specified functions of the refrigerator; switching the combination of the setting contents of the plurality of specified functions on a per-combination basis based on the setting content information; and changing each of the setting contents of the plurality of specified functions in response to switching of the combination of the setting contents of the plurality of specified functions on a per-combination basis .

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a home appliance setting system according to a first embodiment; A diagram showing an example of the operation panel configuration A diagram showing an example of a terminal configuration A diagram showing an example of the configuration of the setting screen (part 1) Example of the configuration of the settings screen (part 2) A diagram showing an example of the configuration of the setting screen (part 3) A flowchart showing an example of control contents when various functions of a home appliance are set from a terminal. A diagram showing an example of the configuration of setting information FIG. 1 according to the second embodiment FIG. 6 equivalent diagram A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a part of the operation panel

Hereinafter, a number of embodiments of the home appliance setting system will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that substantially the same elements in the respective embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
First Embodiment
1 is an example of a home appliance setting system and includes at least a refrigerator 11 and a terminal 12. The refrigerator 11 is an example of a home appliance and includes an operation panel 13 and a communication adapter 14. The refrigerator 11 includes storage compartments such as a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, a vegetable compartment, and an ice maker compartment. The terminal 12 is configured with a high-function mobile phone such as a smartphone and includes at least a communication function for communicating with various external devices.

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

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

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

Specifically, the essential function setting unit 21 includes a refrigerator compartment set temperature adjustment button 21a for adjusting the set temperature of a refrigerator compartment (not shown) of the refrigerator 11, and a freezer compartment set temperature adjustment button 21b for adjusting the set temperature of a freezer compartment (not shown) of the refrigerator 11. The essential function setting unit 21 also includes a refrigerator compartment set temperature level display unit 21c for displaying the set temperature level of the refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator 11, and a freezer compartment set temperature level display unit 21d for displaying the set temperature level of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11.

The set temperature of the refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator 11 can be adjusted in multiple steps, in this case three steps: strong, medium, and weak, depending on the number of times the refrigerator compartment set temperature adjustment button 21a is operated. When the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment is adjusted by operating the refrigerator compartment set temperature adjustment button 21a, the refrigerator 11 lights up the LED of the refrigerator compartment set temperature level display unit 21c that corresponds to the set temperature level. The set temperature of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11 can be adjusted in multiple steps, in this case three steps: strong, medium, and weak, depending on the number of times the freezer compartment set temperature adjustment button 21b is operated. When the set temperature of the freezer compartment is adjusted by operating the freezer compartment set temperature adjustment button 21b, the refrigerator 11 lights up the LED of the freezer compartment set temperature level display unit 21d that corresponds to the set temperature level.

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

Specifically, the additional function setting unit 22 includes a quick-freeze button 22a for setting the "quick-freeze function," a quick-ice-making button 22b for setting the "quick-ice-making function," a default button 22c for canceling various functions set in the refrigerator 11, a quick-freeze setting display unit 22d for indicating that the quick-freeze function is set, a quick-ice-making setting display unit 22e for indicating that the quick-ice-making function is set, and an external setting display unit 22f for indicating that the functions of the refrigerator 11 are set remotely from the outside. The quick-freeze function is a function that freezes items stored in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11 in a shorter time than usual by cooling the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11 more rapidly than usual. The quick-ice-making function is a function that makes ice in a shorter time than usual by cooling the ice-making compartment (not shown) of the refrigerator 11 more rapidly than usual.

When the burst freezing button 22a is operated to set the burst freezing function to be executed, the refrigerator 11 lights up the LED of the burst freezing setting display unit 22d, which indicates that the burst freezing function is being executed, while the burst freezing function is being executed. Note that when the burst freezing button 22a is pressed continuously for a predetermined period of time, for example, when it is pressed continuously for three seconds or more, the burst freezing function is executed in a so-called power saving mode. This allows the burst freezing function to be executed with lower power consumption. In this case, the refrigerator 11 lights up the LED of the power saving display unit 22g, which indicates that the burst freezing function is being executed in power saving mode.

When the quick ice making button 22b is operated to set the quick ice making function to be executed, the refrigerator 11 turns on the LED of the quick ice making setting display unit 22e, which indicates that the quick ice making function is being executed, while the quick ice making function is being executed. If the quick ice making button 22b is pressed continuously for a predetermined period of time, for example, for three seconds or more, the quick ice making function is executed in a so-called power saving mode. This allows the quick ice making function to be executed with lower power consumption. In this case, the refrigerator 11 turns on the LED of the power saving display unit 22h, which indicates that the quick ice making function is being executed in the power saving mode.

The default button 22c is an example of a cancellation means. When the default button 22c is operated, the refrigerator 11 is configured to cancel only the functions set by the terminal 12, as described in detail below. As a result, the refrigerator 11 is configured to return the functions set by the terminal 12 to their initial states. The refrigerator 11 may be configured to cancel the settings of all functions of the refrigerator 11, including the functions set by the terminal 12, when the default button 22c is operated. With this configuration, the user can operate the default button 22c to return the refrigerator 11 to a state in which the settings of all functions of the refrigerator 11 are returned to their initial states, that is, to the settings at the time of manufacture of the refrigerator 11.

The external setting display unit 22f is an example of a display means. When each function is set by the terminal 12 as described in detail below, the refrigerator 11 turns on the LED of this external setting display unit 22f. This allows the user to know that each function of the refrigerator 11 is being remotely set from the terminal 12.

According to the refrigerator 11 configured as described above, among the multiple functions of the refrigerator 11, predetermined functions, in this case the functions of adjusting the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment and the set temperature of the freezer compartment, which are defined as required functions, and the quick freezing function and quick ice making function, which are defined as additional functions, can be set via the operation panel 13 of the refrigerator 11.

In addition to the above-mentioned predetermined functions that can be set via the operation panel 13, the refrigerator 11 has various other functions, such as a vegetable freezing function, a dry freezing function, a hot item freezing function, a power saving mode function, a timer power saving function, an outing function, and a peak shift function.
The vegetable freezing function is a function for freezing vegetables in a vegetable compartment (not shown) of the refrigerator 11 by cooling the vegetable compartment to a temperature lower than normal. The dry freezing function is a function for freezing vegetables while removing moisture from the vegetables in the vegetable compartment by cooling the vegetable compartment while supplying air into the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator 11 with a blower fan (not shown). The hot item freezing function is a function for freezing hot items stored in the freezer compartment by cooling the freezer compartment more rapidly than normal.

The power saving mode function is a function that operates the refrigerator 11 at a lower power consumption than normal. The timer power saving function is a function that operates the refrigerator 11 at a lower power consumption than normal between a set start time and a set end time. The refrigerator 11 is configured to be able to measure time using a timing means such as a timer (not shown). The outing function is a function that automatically switches the refrigerator 11 to operate at a lower power consumption than normal when the opening and closing of the refrigerator 11 door is not detected for a predetermined time or more. The refrigerator 11 is configured to detect the opening and closing of the door using a sensor for detecting the door opening and closing (not shown). The peak shift function is a function that does not perform operations that consume high power during peak power demand, such as defrosting operations that remove frost that has adhered to a cooling unit (not shown).

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

Next, an example of the configuration of the terminal 12 will be described. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the terminal 12 is mainly configured with a control unit 31 that controls the overall operation of the terminal 12. A display unit 32, an operation unit 33, a communication function unit 34, etc. are connected to the control unit 31. The display unit 32 is configured with a display device such as a liquid crystal panel. The operation unit 33 is configured with a touch panel switch formed on the display screen of the display unit 32, a mechanical switch provided around the display unit 32, etc. The communication function unit 34 is an element that realizes a communication function for communicating with an external device. In this case, the communication function unit 34 establishes a communication line with the communication adapter 14 of the refrigerator 11, and connects the terminal 12 and the refrigerator 11 so that they can communicate with each other.

In addition, application software for remotely setting various functions of an external home appliance, in this case the refrigerator 11, is installed in the terminal 12. This application software is installed in the terminal 12 in advance, for example by downloading it from the server 16 to the terminal 12. The terminal 12 executes this application software using the control unit 31, thereby virtually realizing the terminal side setting function unit 36 and the setting screen selection function unit 37 by software. Note that the terminal 12 may be configured to realize these function units 36, 37 by hardware.

The terminal-side setting function unit 36 is an example of a terminal-side setting means, and has a function of remotely setting at least the functions of the refrigerator 11, excluding the above-mentioned predetermined functions, among the various functions of the refrigerator 11, via a communication line established with the refrigerator 11. In this case, the terminal-side setting function unit 36 is configured so that the predetermined functions of the refrigerator 11 can also be remotely set via the communication line established with the refrigerator 11. In other words, the terminal-side setting function unit 36 is configured so that all functions of the refrigerator 11 can be remotely set via the communication line established with the refrigerator 11.

The setting screen selection function unit 37 is an example of a setting screen selection means, and has a function of selecting a setting screen to be displayed on the display unit 32 by the terminal side setting function unit 36. Here, an example of the configuration of the setting screen to be displayed on the display unit 32 by the terminal side setting function unit 36 will be described. That is, the terminal 12 is configured to be able to display a plurality of setting screens, in this case, the setting screen G1 exemplified in FIG. 4, the setting screen G2 exemplified in FIG. 5, and the setting screen G3 exemplified in FIG. 6. The setting screen selection function unit 37 selects one of the plurality of setting screens G1 to G3 in response to a selection operation by the user via a selection screen not shown. The terminal 12 is then configured to display the setting screen selected via the setting screen selection function unit 37 on the display unit 32.

Next, a configuration example of each of the setting screens G1 to S3 will be described in more detail. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the setting screen G1 is a setting screen that imitates an operation panel designed on the assumption that it will be installed in a refrigerator. This setting screen G1 is provided with an operation area 41 and a display area 42. In the operation area 41, a refrigeration operation section 41a with the word "refrigeration" written on it, a freezing operation section 41b with the word "freezing" written on it, a freezing function operation section 41c with the word "freezing function" written on it, an ice making operation section 41d with the word "ice making" written on it, a power saving operation section 41e with the word "power saving" written on it, and a key lock operation section 41f with an approximately pentagonal mark written on it are arranged in a vertical line. The various operation sections 41a to 41f provided in the operation area 41 are provided so that the user can touch and operate them.

In the display area 42, an indicator 43 consisting of a plurality of arc-shaped segments and a plurality of marks 44 are arranged in a vertical line. Below the indicator 43, a character mark marked "Strong" and a character mark marked "Weak" are arranged horizontally. Specifically, the marks 44 include a character mark 44a marked "Freeze hot items", a character mark 44b marked "Freeze vegetables", a character mark 44c marked "Dry", a character mark 44d marked "Quick freeze", a character mark 44e marked "Quick ice making", a character mark 44f marked "Ice making off", a character mark 44g marked "Power saving", a character mark 44h marked "Go out", a character mark 44i marked "Peak shift", a character mark 44j marked "eco", and a key mark 44k marked with the shape of a key.

The refrigeration operation unit 41a is an operation unit for adjusting the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator 11 by remote operation from the terminal 12. The terminal 12 can adjust the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator 11 in multiple stages, in this case three stages: high, medium, and low, depending on the number of times the user operates the refrigeration operation unit 41a. The terminal 12 also varies the number of lit segments of the indicator 43 depending on the stage of the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment set by operating the refrigeration operation unit 41a.

In this case, the terminal 12 lights one of the five segments of the indicator 43 when the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment is adjusted to the "low" level by operation of the refrigerator operation unit 41a, lights three segments when the set temperature is adjusted to the "medium" level, and lights five segments when the set temperature is adjusted to the "high" level. The user can visually grasp the level of the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment adjusted by operation of the refrigerator operation unit 41a based on the number of lit segments. The terminal 12 also transmits information indicating the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment adjusted by operation of the refrigerator operation unit 41a to the refrigerator 11. The refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment based on the information obtained from the terminal 12.

The freezer operation unit 41b is an operation unit for adjusting the set temperature of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11 by remote operation from the terminal 12. The terminal 12 can adjust the set temperature of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11 in multiple stages, in this case three stages of strong, medium, and weak, depending on the number of times the user operates the freezer operation unit 41b. The terminal 12 also varies the number of segments that light up among the multiple segments of the indicator 43 depending on the stage of the set temperature of the freezer compartment set by operating the freezer operation unit 41b. The user can visually grasp the level of the set temperature of the freezer compartment adjusted by operating the freezer operation unit 41b based on the number of segments that light up. The terminal 12 also transmits information indicating the set temperature of the freezer compartment adjusted by operating the freezer operation unit 41b to the refrigerator 11. The refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of the freezer compartment based on the information obtained from the terminal 12.

The freezing function operation unit 41c is an operation unit for executing various freezing functions equipped in the refrigerator 11 by remote operation from the terminal 12. The terminal 12 sequentially selects the hot food freezing function, vegetable freezing function, dry freezing function, and burst freezing function according to the number of times the user operates the freezing function operation unit 41c. The terminal 12 then lights up the character marks 44a to 44d corresponding to the freezing function selected by operating the freezing function operation unit 41c. The terminal 12 also transmits information indicating the freezing function selected by operating the freezing function operation unit 41c to the refrigerator 11. The refrigerator 11 executes the selected freezing function based on the information obtained from the terminal 12.

The ice-making operation unit 41d is an operation unit for executing the rapid ice-making function of the refrigerator 11 by remote operation from the terminal 12. The terminal 12 sequentially switches the rapid ice-making function on/off depending on the number of times the user operates the ice-making operation unit 41d. When the rapid ice-making function is set to on, the terminal 12 lights up the character mark 44e that reads "Rapid ice-making". When the rapid ice-making function is set to off, the terminal 12 lights up the character mark 44f that reads "Ice-making off".

When the rapid ice-making function is switched on by operating ice-making operation unit 41d, terminal 12 transmits a setting signal to refrigerator 11 to switch the rapid ice-making function on. When refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from terminal 12, it switches the rapid ice-making function on and executes the rapid ice-making function. On the other hand, when the rapid ice-making function is switched off by operating ice-making operation unit 41d, terminal 12 transmits a setting signal to refrigerator 11 to switch the rapid ice-making function off. When refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from terminal 12, it switches the rapid ice-making function off and cancels the on setting of the rapid ice-making function. This stops the rapid ice-making function.

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

The key lock operation section 41f is an operation section for disabling the setting operation of the refrigerator 11 via the setting screen G1. The terminal 12 switches between a setting operation disabled state and a setting operation enabled state in sequence depending on the number of times the user operates the key lock operation section 41f. In the setting operation disabled state, operation input to the various operation sections 41a to 41e of the setting screen G1 except for the key lock operation section 41f is invalid, and thus the setting operation of the refrigerator 11 via the setting screen G1 is disabled. When the terminal 12 is switched to the setting operation disabled state, it turns on the key mark 44k. On the other hand, in the setting operation enabled state, operation input to the various operation sections 41a to 41f of the setting screen G1 is valid, and thus the setting operation of the refrigerator 11 via the setting screen G1 is enabled. When the terminal 12 is switched to the setting operation enabled state, it turns off the key mark 44k.

In addition, the terminal 12 lights up the character mark 44j of "eco" when the operating state of the refrigerator 11 is the eco-operation state. That is, the refrigerator 11 determines that the operating state of the refrigerator 11 is the eco-operation state when the operating state of the refrigerator 11 satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition may be that the number of times the door is opened and closed within a predetermined time is less than a predetermined number, that the temperature change in each storage compartment within a predetermined time is within a predetermined range, and that the operating time of a compressor of a refrigeration cycle (not shown) within a predetermined time is within a predetermined time. When the refrigerator 11 determines that the operating state of the refrigerator 11 is the eco-operation state, it transmits information indicating that the refrigerator 11 is in the eco-operation state to the terminal 12. When the terminal 12 receives this information, it turns on the character mark 44j of "eco". In addition, when the refrigerator 11 determines that the operating state of the refrigerator 11 is not the eco-operation state, it transmits information indicating that the refrigerator 11 is not in the eco-operation state to the terminal 12. When the terminal 12 receives this information, it turns off the "eco" character mark 44j.

Next, the setting screen G2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the setting screen G2 is a setting screen realized by a hierarchical structure. That is, the setting screen G2 is provided with a refrigerator mark 51 that simply indicates the entire refrigerator 11, and a setting button 52. In addition, around the refrigerator mark 51, there are provided setting status display sections 53a to 53e that indicate the current setting status of each storage compartment of the refrigerator 11, and a power consumption display section 54 that indicates the current power consumption of the refrigerator 11.

The refrigerator 11 transmits information indicating the current setting state of each storage compartment, such as set temperature information indicating the set temperature of each storage compartment and information indicating the setting state of each function, to the terminal 12. The terminal 12 displays the current setting state of each storage compartment of the refrigerator 11 on the setting state display units 53a to 53e based on the information received from the refrigerator 11. The refrigerator 11 also transmits power consumption information indicating the current power consumption of the refrigerator 11 to the terminal 12. The terminal 12 displays the current power consumption of the refrigerator 11 on the power consumption display unit 54 based on the power consumption information received from the refrigerator 11.

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

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

Specifically, the menu button 61a, which has the words "freezer temperature setting" written on it, is a menu button for adjusting the set temperature of the freezer of the refrigerator 11. The terminal 12 is capable of adjusting the set temperature of the freezer of the refrigerator 11 in multiple stages, in this case three stages: strong, medium, and weak, depending on the number of times the user operates the menu button 61a. The terminal 12 also changes the characters displayed on the touch button 61a to either "strong," "medium," or "weak" depending on the stage of the set temperature of the freezer set by operating the menu button 61a. The terminal 12 then transmits information indicating the set temperature of the freezer adjusted by operating the menu button 61a to the refrigerator 11. The refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of the freezer based on the information obtained from the terminal 12.

Menu button 61b, which has the words "Refrigerator temperature setting" written on it, is a menu button for adjusting the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment of refrigerator 11. Terminal 12 is capable of adjusting the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment of refrigerator 11 in multiple stages, in this case three stages: strong, medium, and weak, depending on the number of times the user operates menu button 61b. Furthermore, terminal 12 changes the displayed characters on menu button 61b to either "strong," "medium," or "weak" depending on the stage of the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment set by operating menu button 61b. Then, terminal 12 transmits information indicating the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment adjusted by operating menu button 61b to refrigerator 11. Refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment based on the information obtained from terminal 12.

Menu button 61c, which has the words "Instant ice making" written on it, is a menu button for switching the on/off setting of the instant ice making function of refrigerator 11. Terminal 12 sequentially switches the on/off setting of the instant ice making function depending on the number of times the user operates menu button 61c. When the instant ice making function is switched on by operating menu button 61c, terminal 12 switches the display of menu button 61c from "OFF" to "ON" and also transmits a setting signal to refrigerator 11 to switch on the instant ice making function. When refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from terminal 12, it switches on the instant ice making function and executes the instant ice making function. On the other hand, when the instant ice making function is switched off by operating menu button 61c, terminal 12 switches the display of menu button 61c from "ON" to "OFF" and also transmits a setting signal to refrigerator 11 to switch off the instant ice making function. When refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from terminal 12, it switches the rapid ice-making function off and cancels the on setting of the rapid ice-making function. This stops the rapid ice-making function.

Menu button 61d, which has the words "Stop Ice Making" written on it, is a menu button for switching the ice-making function of refrigerator 11 between on and off. Terminal 12 sequentially switches the ice-making function between on and off depending on the number of times the user operates menu button 61d. When the ice-making function is switched on by operating menu button 61d, terminal 12 switches the display of menu button 61d from "OFF" to "ON" and transmits a setting signal to refrigerator 11 to switch the ice-making function on. When refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from terminal 12, it switches the ice-making function on and executes the ice-making function. On the other hand, when the ice-making function is switched off by operating menu button 61d, terminal 12 switches the display of menu button 61d from "ON" to "OFF" and transmits a setting signal to refrigerator 11 to switch the ice-making function off. When refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from terminal 12, it switches the ice-making function off and cancels the on setting of the ice-making function. This stops the ice-making function.

The other menu buttons 61e to 61k are used to switch the on/off settings of the refrigerator 11's quick freezing function, vegetable freezing function, dry freezing function, hot food freezing function, power saving mode function, peak shift function, and outing function. The terminal 12 switches the on/off settings of each function in sequence depending on the number of times the user operates each menu button 61e to 61k, and also switches the display characters of each menu button 61e to 61k to "ON" or "OFF". The terminal 12 then sends a setting signal to the refrigerator 11 to switch each function on or off, and the refrigerator 11 sets each function on or off depending on the setting signal received from the terminal 12.

The menu button 61t is a menu button for switching the timer power saving function of the refrigerator 11 between on and off. The terminal 12 sequentially switches the timer power saving function between on and off depending on the number of times the user operates the menu button 61t, and also switches the text displayed on the menu button 61t between "ON" and "OFF". The terminal 12 then transmits a setting signal to the refrigerator 11 for switching the timer power saving function between on and off, and the refrigerator 11 sets the timer power saving function between on and off depending on the setting signal received from the terminal 12.

The button 61ts marked with the word "START" is a button for inputting the start time of the timer power saving function, and the button 61te marked with the word "END" is a button for inputting the end time of the timer power saving function. When the terminal 12 sends a setting signal to the refrigerator 11 to set the timer power saving function to ON, it also sends information indicating the start time and end time entered via the buttons 61ts, 61te to the refrigerator 11.

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

Here, an example of the configuration of this setting information will be described. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the first to fourth digits of the setting information address "00" indicate the set temperature of the freezer, and the fifth to eighth digits of the setting information address "00" indicate the set temperature of the refrigerator. The first to eighth digits of the setting information address "01" respectively indicate the on/off setting state of the quick ice making function, the on/off setting state of the ice making stop function, the on/off setting state of the quick freezing function, the on/off setting state of the power saving function, the on/off setting state of the peak shift function, the on/off setting state of the outing function, the on/off setting state of the timer power saving function, and the on/off setting state of the vegetable freezing function.

The first digit of address "02" indicates the on/off setting of the dry freezing function, and the second digit of address "02" indicates the on/off setting of the hot freezing function. When each function is set to "off," the corresponding data is rewritten to "0," and when each function is set to "on," the corresponding data is rewritten to "1." The 8-bit data stored in address "03" indicates the start time of the timer power-saving function. The 8-bit data stored in address "04" indicates the end time of the timer power-saving function.

When the application program is started, the terminal 12 displays a setting screen that has been previously selected from setting screens G1 to S3 (B1). At this time, the terminal 12 reflects the current settings of the refrigerator 11 in each item of the displayed setting screen based on the setting content information received from the refrigerator 11. As a result, the current settings of the refrigerator 11 are displayed on the terminal 12. If any changes are made to the settings of the refrigerator 11, the refrigerator 11 transmits setting content information indicating the changed settings to the terminal 12. The terminal 12 then reflects the newly received setting content information in each item of the displayed setting screen. As a result, the current settings of the refrigerator 11 are displayed in real time on the terminal 12.

When a setting is input via the displayed setting screen, terminal 12 transmits setting change information to refrigerator 11 (B2). This setting change information indicates that an input has been made to terminal 12 to change the settings of refrigerator 11. When refrigerator 11 receives the setting change information from terminal 12, it transmits a setting change permission signal to terminal 12 (A2). When terminal 12 receives the setting change permission signal from refrigerator 11, it transmits change content information indicating the settings input via the setting screen to refrigerator 11 (B3). When refrigerator 11 receives the change content information from terminal 12, it sets each function based on the change content information (A3). Then refrigerator 11 transmits setting content information indicating the changed settings to terminal 12 (A4).

When the terminal 12 receives from the refrigerator 11 the setting information reflecting the changed settings, it compares the setting information with the change information sent to the refrigerator 11. This allows the terminal 12 to verify whether the settings of each function of the refrigerator 11 have been changed based on the change information (B4). If the settings of each function of the refrigerator 11 have been changed based on the change information (B5: YES), the terminal 12 sends a setting change confirmation signal to the refrigerator 11 (B6). If the settings of each function of the refrigerator 11 have not been changed based on the change information (B5: NO), the terminal 12 proceeds to step B3 and repeats the process of changing the settings of each function of the refrigerator 11.

According to the refrigerator setting system 10 of this embodiment, the refrigerator 11 is provided with an operation panel 13 for setting the predetermined functions of the refrigerator 11, while the terminal 12 is provided with a terminal-side setting function unit 36 for setting at least the functions of the refrigerator 11 except for the predetermined functions. With this configuration, the operation panel 13 on the refrigerator 11 side can be configured with only the minimum elements necessary to set the predetermined functions, and the configuration can be simplified. Even if the operation panel 13 on the refrigerator 11 side is configured simply, the user who wants to use the function can arbitrarily set the functions other than the predetermined functions via the external terminal 12. As a result, even if the functions of the refrigerator 11 are increased, there is no risk of the operation panel 13 becoming more complicated or expensive, and therefore the refrigerator 11 with increasing functionality can be realized at a lower manufacturing cost, and the various functions of the refrigerator 11 can be set in a simpler manner.

Furthermore, it is advisable to set functions that are considered essential or frequently used in the refrigerator 11 as the predetermined functions. This is because it is more convenient to set such functions directly from the refrigerator 11 rather than indirectly from the terminal 12.

The refrigerator 11 also has an external setting display unit 22f that displays when functions other than a specified function have been set by the terminal side setting function unit 36 on the terminal 12 side. With this configuration, the user can easily understand that each function of the refrigerator 11 has been remotely set from the terminal 12. Also, for example, when a certain function of the refrigerator 11 is operating, the user can easily determine whether the operation is being performed due to a setting from the terminal 12 or whether the operation is being performed due to some malfunction of the refrigerator 11.

The refrigerator 11 also has a default button 22c that cancels functions set by the terminal side setting function unit 36 on the terminal 12 side. With this configuration, functions set remotely from the terminal 12 can be easily canceled on the refrigerator 11 side.

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

In this embodiment, the operation panel 13 on the refrigerator 11 side is only equipped with operation buttons and displays related to predetermined functions, so even if the user checks the operation panel 13, they are unable to grasp the setting state of the various functions of the refrigerator 11, especially the setting state of functions other than the predetermined functions. However, in this embodiment, a default button 22c for canceling the settings of the various functions is provided on the refrigerator 11 side. As a result, even if the user is unable to grasp the setting state of the various functions of the refrigerator 11, the user can return the refrigerator 11 to its initial state by operating the default button 22c, and can then reset the settings of the various functions of the refrigerator 11.

The terminal 12 is also configured to be able to select the setting screen displayed by the terminal side setting function unit 36 using the setting screen selection function unit 37. This allows a setting screen to be provided according to the user's preferences, improving operability and ease of use.

The terminal 12 can also set a specific function by the terminal-side setting function unit 36. With this configuration, all functions of the refrigerator 11 can be set remotely, and all functions of the refrigerator 11 can be set even when the user is out or not in the room where the refrigerator 11 is installed. In this case, the operation panel 13 on the refrigerator 11 side has a simple configuration that is the minimum necessary for operating the specific function, and for example, the set temperature can be adjusted only in three stages, "strong," "medium," and "weak." Therefore, in the setting from the terminal 12, for example, the set temperature can be adjusted in multiple stages of three or more, or it can be finely set in units of 1 degree or 0.1 degree. In other words, it is preferable to configure the setting operation from the terminal 12 to be more finely performed than the setting operation from the operation panel 13, which has a simple configuration.

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

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

That is, the terminal 12 displays the setting screen G4 shown in FIG. 10. This setting screen G4 is obtained by adding check boxes 56a and 56b to the setting screen G4 described above. The check boxes 56a and 56b are elements used to save the setting contents entered in the setting screen G4. If the check box 56a is checked, the terminal 12 attaches save command information [Set1] that commands the setting contents information to be saved as setting [1] when sending the setting contents information indicating the setting contents entered in the setting screen G4 to the refrigerator 11. If the check box 56b is checked, the terminal 12 attaches save command information [Set2] that commands the setting contents information to be saved as setting [2] when sending the setting contents information indicating the setting contents entered in the setting screen G4 to the refrigerator 11.

When the setting information received from the terminal 12 is accompanied by save command information [Set1], the refrigerator 11 sets each function based on the setting information and stores the setting information as setting [1] in the storage device 71. When the setting information received from the terminal 12 is accompanied by save command information [Set2], the refrigerator 11 sets each function based on the setting information and stores the setting information as setting [2] in the storage device 71.

As shown in FIG. 11, the operation panel 13 of the refrigerator 11 is provided with a setting button 81, which is an example of a setting means, a setting display section 82a marked with "Set 1" meaning setting 1, a setting display section 82b marked with "Set 2" meaning setting 2, a selection button 83, and selection display sections 84a and 84b. When the refrigerator 11 stores the setting content information received from the terminal 12 in the storage device 71 as setting [1], it turns on the LED of the setting display section 82a. Note that FIG. 11 shows the state in which the LED of the setting display section 82a is turned on.

When the refrigerator 11 stores the setting information received from the terminal 12 as setting [2] in the storage device 71, the refrigerator 11 turns on the LED of the setting display unit 82b. Based on the lighting status of the setting display units 82a and 82b, the user can know whether the previous settings of the refrigerator 11 have been saved or not.

The refrigerator 11 sequentially lights up the selection display section 84a corresponding to setting [1] or the selection display section 84b corresponding to setting [2], switching between the two depending on the number of times the selection button 83 is operated. When the setting button 81 is operated, the refrigerator 11 reads from the storage device 71 the setting content information corresponding to the setting for which the selection display section 84 is lit. The refrigerator 11 then sets each function of the refrigerator 11 based on the setting content information that has been read.

Even with the refrigerator setting system 20 according to this embodiment, there is no risk of the operation panel 13 becoming more complicated or expensive even if the functions of the refrigerator 11 are increased, and therefore the refrigerator 11, which has an increasingly multi-functionality, can be manufactured at a lower cost and can be set up in a simpler manner.

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

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

Other Embodiments
This embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified or expanded as follows, for example.
Refrigerator 11 may be configured to validate the setting operation from operation panel 13 when a setting operation is input from both operation panel 13 and terminal 12 for a function that can be set via operation panel 13, or to validate the setting operation from terminal 12. Also, refrigerator 11 may be configured to validate the setting operation from operation panel 13 or the setting operation from terminal 12, whichever is later, when a setting operation is input from both operation panel 13 and terminal 12 for a function that can be set via operation panel 13.

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

The terminal that constructs the home appliance setting system is not limited to a smartphone, but may be, for example, a television, a tablet, a personal computer, or a dedicated terminal provided for the home appliance setting system. In other words, the terminal that constructs the home appliance setting system according to this embodiment can be any of a variety of terminals as long as it is communicably connected to the home appliances and has an input unit for inputting user operations.

The relationship between the home appliances and the terminals that make up the home appliance setting system does not have to be a one-to-one relationship. For example, a single home appliance may be configured to be remotely configured from multiple terminals, or multiple home appliances may be configured to be remotely configured from a single terminal. Also, multiple home appliances may be configured to be remotely configured from multiple terminals.

The home appliance setting system according to this embodiment is a home appliance setting system constructed with a home appliance and a terminal having a communication function for communicating with the home appliance. In this system, the home appliance has a home appliance side setting means for setting a specific function of the home appliance. The terminal has a terminal side setting means for setting functions of the home appliance excluding the specific function. With this configuration, even if the functions of the home appliance are increased, there is no risk of the home appliance side setting means becoming more complicated or expensive. Therefore, home appliances with increasingly more functions can be realized at lower manufacturing costs, and various functions of the home appliance can be set in a simpler manner.

The home appliance according to this embodiment has a communication function for communicating with a terminal, and configures a home appliance setting system together with the terminal. This home appliance has a home appliance side setting means for setting a specific function of the home appliance. Then, functions of this home appliance, excluding the specific function, are set by a terminal side setting means provided in the terminal.

The terminal according to this embodiment has a communication function for communicating with a home appliance, and is a terminal that, together with the home appliance, constructs a home appliance setting system. This terminal also includes a terminal-side setting means for setting functions of the home appliance, excluding a specified function.

By constructing a home appliance setting system using the home appliances and terminals according to this embodiment, it is possible to realize home appliances with an increasingly multi-functionality at lower manufacturing costs, and to set various functions of the home appliances in a simpler manner.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

In the drawings, 10 and 20 indicate a refrigerator setting system (home appliance setting system), 11 indicates a refrigerator (home appliance), 12 indicates a terminal, 13 indicates an operation panel (home appliance side setting means), 22c indicates a default button (cancellation means), 22f indicates an external setting display unit (display means), 36 indicates a terminal side setting function unit (terminal side setting means), 37 indicates a setting screen selection function unit (setting screen selection means), 71 indicates a storage device (storage means), and 81 indicates a setting button (setting means).

Claims (6)

A refrigerator setting system including a refrigerator capable of communicating with a terminal,
the terminal is capable of setting a plurality of predetermined functions of the refrigerator and transmitting setting content information corresponding to a combination of setting contents of the plurality of predetermined functions to the refrigerator,
The refrigerator includes an operation unit that switches a combination of setting contents of the plurality of specified functions, and the refrigerator setting system is capable of switching the combination of the setting contents of the plurality of specified functions on a per-combination basis , and is capable of changing each of the setting contents of the plurality of specified functions by switching the combination of the setting contents of the plurality of specified functions on a per-combination basis . The refrigerator setting system according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerator is capable of storing combinations of setting contents of the plurality of predetermined functions, and is capable of storing the combinations of setting contents of the plurality of predetermined functions by assigning setting names to the combinations. the refrigerator includes a display unit that displays a combination of setting contents of the plurality of predetermined functions applied to the refrigerator ,
3. The refrigerator setting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display unit is capable of indicating a combination of setting contents of the plurality of predetermined functions applied to the refrigerator by using information capable of distinguishing the combination of setting contents of the plurality of predetermined functions . The refrigerator setting system according to claim 3, wherein the display unit is capable of displaying a combination of setting contents of the plurality of predetermined functions stored in the refrigerator separately from a combination of setting contents of the plurality of predetermined functions applied to the refrigerator. A refrigerator equipped with the refrigerator setting system according to claim 1. A control device for controlling a refrigerator having an operation unit for switching a combination of settings of a plurality of predetermined functions ,
receiving setting content information corresponding to a combination of setting contents of the plurality of predetermined functions from a terminal capable of setting the plurality of predetermined functions of the refrigerator;
a process of switching a combination of setting contents of the plurality of predetermined functions on a per-combination basis based on the setting content information;
a process of changing the setting contents of the plurality of predetermined functions in response to switching of the combination of the setting contents of the plurality of predetermined functions on a per combination basis ;
A program that executes the following.

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