JPWO2013111205A1 - Electrical equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The communication unit (202) receives from the external information terminal (100) an inquiry signal for inquiring which process the electric device (200) is currently performing, and the process management unit (203a) receives the electric device (200). The process at the time of receiving the inquiry signal is specified, and the process time management unit (203b) specifies the required time from the start to the end of the specified process and the specified process. The response content determination unit (203c) determines the response content for the inquiry signal according to at least one of the required time and the remaining time, and determines the communication unit ( 202) transmits the determined response content to the information terminal (100).

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric device that performs an operation including a plurality of strokes.

  Conventionally, there is a washing machine equipped with a remaining time display function for notifying a user of the remaining operation time. In such a washing machine, when washing is started by a button operation, the remaining time is displayed on a display unit included in the washing machine, which is an indication of the end time for the user.

  For example, conventionally, a washing machine has been proposed in which a portable information terminal that performs infrared communication with a washing machine displays the remaining time until the end time of the washing machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of a conventional washing machine and information terminal. The washing machine 1 includes a washing / rinsing / dehydrating / drying unit 2, a control unit 3 that controls the washing / rinsing / dehydrating / drying unit 2, and a communication unit 4. The washing machine 1 communicates (data transmission / reception) with the information terminal 10 via the communication unit 4.

  The information terminal 10 includes a communication unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, and a control unit 14. A user operates the operation unit 12 and instructs the washing machine 1 to perform washing via the communication unit 11. At this time, the communication unit 11 receives the remaining time until the end of washing from the washing machine 1, and the display unit 13 displays the received remaining time.

  By the way, when an unbalance of the washing tub is detected based on data detected by the vibration sensor during dehydration, a process of loosening the clothes or a process of stirring the clothes by putting water in the washing tub to eliminate the imbalance A special extra process is interrupted. Further, when the degree of drying of the clothes is detected and the degree of drying is insufficient, the drying time is adjusted. In these cases, the washing time is longer than the time displayed at the start of operation. For example, at the start of driving, if the remaining 3 hours are displayed, washing is completed after the scheduled 3 hours. However, if the remaining time is changed by adding a new process during operation and increasing the operation time, washing may not end after 3 hours as a result.

  Therefore, in addition to the time when washing ends, there are many users who want information on why the remaining time of the washing machine has been changed or what is the operation content (stroke) that is currently operating.

  In addition, many modern washing machines have a complicated movement to perform multiple types of washing in order to improve the washing ability. From this point of view, there are an increasing number of users who want information on what the driving content (stroke) is currently operating.

  Thus, the remaining time of the washing machine changes every moment. For this reason, when an information terminal that communicates wirelessly with a washing machine displays the remaining time, the information is frequently displayed with the washing machine in order to synchronize the remaining time displayed on the washing machine and the remaining time displayed on the information terminal in real time. I need to communicate. However, in this case, the communication load increases, and particularly when the information terminal wirelessly communicates with another electrical device, communication data collision occurs and communication is likely to fail. In order to reduce the communication load, a washing machine that transmits the remaining time and the driving status to the information terminal at predetermined time intervals has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2).

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of another conventional washing machine and information terminal. The washing machine 21 includes at least a washing / rinsing / dehydrating / drying unit 22, a control unit 23 that controls the washing / rinsing / dehydrating / drying unit 22, a communication unit 24, and a display unit 25. The control unit 23 calculates the remaining time indicating how much time is required until the driving (washing, rinsing, dehydration or drying) is completed, and displays the calculation result of the remaining time on the display unit 25 as needed. Similarly to Patent Document 1, the washing machine 21 communicates (data transmission / reception) with the information terminal 30 via the communication unit 24. The communication unit 24 transmits the remaining time to the information terminal 30 at predetermined time intervals.

  The information terminal 30 includes a communication unit 31 and a display unit 33. The communication unit 31 receives the remaining time transmitted from the communication unit 24 of the washing machine 21 at predetermined time intervals. The display unit 33 displays the remaining time received by the communication unit 31. In this way, the remaining time displayed on the display unit 25 of the washing machine 21 and the remaining time displayed on the display unit 33 of the information terminal 30 are prevented from being different.

  However, the conventional configuration has the following problems. First, the information terminal can communicate with another electrical device other than the washing machine, and can display not only information relating to the washing machine but also information irrelevant to the washing machine such as information relating to other home appliances. In addition, when the user wants to know the driving situation, the information terminal communicates with the washing machine, receives information on the current driving situation, and notifies the information.

  The operation of the washing machine can be roughly classified into a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a dehydration operation, and a drying operation. However, for example, the washing operation can be more specifically classified into a washing amount determination process, a water supply process, a tapping washing process, a fir tree washing process, a standing washing process, and a draining process. Furthermore, the time required for each process is shortened, and for example, the washing amount determination process is several tens of seconds.

  In this case, when the user wants to confirm the driving situation (timing A), the information terminal communicates with the washing machine, receives the driving situation from the washing machine, and displays a screen showing the driving situation. Is different from the timing at which the user can confirm (timing B) because the user actually needs to operate the information terminal. If the operation time of the information terminal becomes long, the difference between the timing A and the timing B may be several tens of seconds. Therefore, when the timing A is a process with a short time, or just before switching between a process and a process, the driving condition displayed on the screen may be different from the driving condition that the user wants to know.

JP 2003-047796 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-065911

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and provides an electrical device capable of matching the process performed by the current electrical apparatus with the process of the electrical apparatus displayed on the information terminal. It is intended to do.

  An electrical device according to an aspect of the present invention is an electrical device that performs an operation including a plurality of strokes, and receives an inquiry signal that inquires which stroke the electrical device is currently performing from an external information terminal. A process identification unit that manages which process the electrical device is currently performing, identifies a process at the time when the inquiry signal is received by the reception unit, and a process identified by the process identification unit A process time determining unit that determines at least one of a required time from the start to the end and a remaining time from the current time to the end of the process specified by the process specifying unit; and the required time determined by the process time determining unit A response content determination unit that determines a response content for the inquiry signal according to at least one of time and the remaining time, and is determined by the response content determination unit. The response content was provided with a transmission unit that transmits to the information terminal.

  According to the present invention, the response content to the inquiry signal is determined according to at least one of the required time from the start to the end of the specified process and the remaining time from the current time to the end of the specified process. In the vicinity of the boundary where the switch is made, it is possible to match the process performed by the current electric device main body with the display content displayed on the information terminal, and to estimate and notify the process that the user wants to know. .

  The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the washing system in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the process implemented in the washing operation which consists of washing operation, rinse operation, dehydration operation, and drying operation in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the washing system in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a table which shows an example of time (required time) required until each process of a washing operation, a rinse operation, a dehydration operation, and a drying operation is completed. It is a 1st flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the washing system in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the washing system in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a 3rd flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the washing system in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the communication instruction | indication screen in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the menu screen in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the driving | running condition screen in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a 1st flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the washing system in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the washing system in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the state reconfirmation screen in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the washing system in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the process performed in the washing operation which consists of washing operation, rinse operation, dehydration operation, and drying operation in Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the washing system in Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the conventional washing machine and an information terminal. It is a figure which shows the structure of the other conventional washing machine and information terminal.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are examples embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a washing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The laundry system shown in FIG. 1 includes a washing machine 200 that is an example of an electric device, an information terminal 100, and a server 300. In the first embodiment, the washing machine 200 is described as an example of the electric device. However, the present invention can be applied to other types of electric devices.

  The washing machine 200 is a device that can communicate with a reader / writer by RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) or NFC (Near Field Communication). The washing machine 200 communicates with the information terminal 100 using near field communication via the loop antenna 207.

  The washing operation of the washing machine 200 is a washing operation in which clothes are immersed in washing water and rotating the washing tub to remove dirt, a washing operation in which clothes soaked in detergent water are rinsed with water, and a dehydration operation in which water-containing clothes are dehydrated. , And at least one of drying operations in which warm air is applied to dry the clothes. Each operation is performed by one or a plurality of strokes. For example, the washing operation includes a washing amount determination process, a detergent amount display process, a water supply process, a tap washing process, and a fir tree washing process.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process performed in a washing operation including a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a dehydration operation, and a drying operation in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the washing operation includes a washing amount determination process, a detergent amount display process, a water supply process, a tap washing process, and a fir tree washing process. The tapping washing process and the fir tree washing process are repeated a plurality of times corresponding to the washing time. The rinsing operation includes a draining process, a laundry unraveling process, a dewatering process, a water supply process, a tap washing process, and a fir tree washing process. The rinsing operation is repeatedly performed according to a preset number of times of rinsing. The dehydration operation includes a draining process, a laundry unraveling process, and a dehydrating process. The drying operation includes a drying process, a drying condition determination process, and a washing tub cooling process. The drying process and the drying condition determination process are repeated until it is determined that the clothes are dry in the drying condition determination process.

  The information terminal 100 includes a communication device such as a mobile phone, and communicates with the washing machine 200 using the short-range wireless communication via the loop antenna 106 and is communicably connected to the server 300 via the network 400. Has been. The information terminal 100 may be any device provided with a reader / writer that can communicate with the RFID or NFC of the washing machine 200, but a portable device is more preferable.

  The server 300 is configured by a known server computer or the like, and is communicably connected to the information terminal 100 via the network 400.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the washing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The information terminal 100 includes a first communication unit 101, a second communication unit 102, a notification unit 103, an operation unit 104, a control unit 105, and a loop antenna 106.

  The first communication unit 101 includes at least an inquiry signal transmission unit 101a that transmits an inquiry signal to the washing machine 200 and a response reception unit 101b that receives a response signal of the inquiry signal. Here, the inquiry signal is communication data (command) for inquiring about the current operation state of the washing machine 200, that is, which process the washing machine 200 is currently performing. The response signal is information indicating the current operating state of the washing machine 200, that is, which process the washing machine 200 is currently performing. The first communication unit 101 communicates with the washing machine 200 using short-range wireless communication via the loop antenna 106.

  The loop antenna 106 is an antenna for performing close proximity wireless communication. In the first embodiment, for example, RFID or NFC in a high frequency band using the 13.56 MHz band is assumed as the close proximity wireless communication, but is not limited to this frequency band. The frequency band of the close proximity wireless communication may be a UHF band of 90 MHz to 1 GHz or a frequency band exceeding 2 GHz band.

  Proximity wireless communication has a short communication distance and requires close proximity of loop antennas of two wireless communication devices that perform communication. A mark indicating the position of the loop antenna is attached to the surface of the wireless communication device on which the loop antenna is mounted, and the user moves the marks of the two wireless communication devices closer to each other between the two wireless communication devices. Communicate with. Since the RFID built in the mobile phone cannot increase the output of the loop antenna, for example, it is necessary to align the loop antennas in units of several millimeters, and it is necessary to bring the loop antennas close to each other accurately.

  In the first embodiment, the first communication unit 101 communicates with the washing machine 200 using short-range wireless communication via the loop antenna 106, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this, Other wireless communication using radio waves or light other than near field communication may be used.

  The second communication unit 102 communicates with the server 300 using the network 400. Note that the network 400 is, for example, a mobile communication network.

  The notification unit 103 indicates which process the washing machine 200 currently includes in the communication instruction screen that instructs the user to transmit an inquiry signal to the washing machine 200 via the first communication unit 101 and the response signal to the inquiry signal. An operation status screen for displaying information indicating whether the operation is being performed is displayed.

  The operation unit 104 includes, for example, a touch panel or operation keys, and accepts an input operation by a user.

  The control unit 105 controls the entire information terminal 100, and includes a display control unit 105a, a first communication control unit 105b, and a second communication control unit 105c.

  The display control unit 105 a switches the display screen displayed on the notification unit 103. For example, the display control unit 105a displays a communication instruction screen, and switches to the operation status screen when receiving a response signal to the inquiry signal. The first communication control unit 105 b controls the first communication unit 101. The second communication control unit 105 c controls the second communication unit 102.

  After the communication instruction screen is displayed on the notification unit 103, the first communication unit 101 transmits an inquiry signal that inquires about the current state of the washing machine body of the washing machine 200 through the inquiry signal transmission unit 101a. And the 1st communication part 101 receives the response signal with respect to an inquiry signal from the washing machine 200 via the response receiving part 101b. In the first embodiment, the communication instruction screen allows the user to bring the loop antenna 106 of the information terminal 100 and the loop antenna 207 of the washing machine 200 close to each other in order for the first communication unit 101 and the washing machine 200 to communicate with each other. It is a screen for instructing. The first communication unit 101 transmits an inquiry signal to the washing machine 200 after the loop antenna 106 of the information terminal 100 and the loop antenna 207 of the washing machine 200 come close to a communicable distance, and a response signal to the inquiry signal Is received from the washing machine 200. In the process of receiving a response signal to the inquiry signal, the first communication unit 101 also collects washing machine specifying information (such as a product number) for specifying the washing machine 200.

  The second communication unit 102 transmits the washing machine identification information received by the first communication unit 101 and the response signal corresponding to the inquiry signal to the server 300 and also operates the notification unit 103 determined by the server 300. Receives wording information for displaying the situation. Then, the display control unit 105a switches the display screen to the driving situation screen based on the wording information received by the second communication unit 102.

  The washing machine 200 includes a washing unit 201, a communication unit 202, a control unit 203, a storage unit 204, an operation unit 205, a display unit 206, and a loop antenna 207 that perform washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying. Prepare.

  The washing unit 201 realizes functions of washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying. The washing unit 201 includes a motor for rotating the washing tub, a water supply valve for adjusting the amount of water supply, a drain valve for draining, a circulation pump for circulating washing water and rinsing water, and a pass pump for drawing bath water into the washing machine 200. The heater includes a heater for generating warm air to dry the clothes, and a blower fan for circulating the hot air.

  The communication unit 202 transmits and receives various types of information to and from the information terminal 100 via the loop antenna 207 by proximity wireless communication. The loop antenna 207 is an antenna for performing close proximity wireless communication. The communication unit 202 receives an inquiry signal for inquiring which process the washing machine 200 is currently performing from the external information terminal 100. The communication unit 202 corresponds to an example of a reception unit and a transmission unit.

  The control unit 203 includes, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a memory (not shown) that stores a program, data, and the like created in advance for causing the washing machine 200 to function. The control unit 203 also displays the response content of the inquiry signal when an inquiry signal is transmitted from the process management unit 203a, the process time management unit 203b, and the information terminal 100 that manages the operation content performed in the washing unit 201. A response content determination unit 203c to be determined. The process management unit 203a corresponds to an example of a process specifying unit, the process time management unit 203b corresponds to an example of a process time determination unit, and the response content determination unit 203c corresponds to an example of a response content determination unit.

  The process management unit 203a manages which process the washing machine 200 is currently performing, and identifies the process at the time when the communication unit 202 receives the inquiry signal. The process management unit 203a manages a process to be performed in each operation (washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying) and controls the washing unit 201. The stroke management unit 203a controls the rotation of the motor while detecting the shaking of the washing tub, detects the water level supplied to the washing tub, opens and closes the water supply valve, opens and closes the drain valve, The washing unit 201 is controlled by turning the heater on or off while detecting the temperature.

  The process time management unit 203b determines at least one of the time required from the start to the end of the process specified by the process management unit 203a and the remaining time from the current time to the end of the process specified by the process management unit 203a. . FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of time (required time) required until the respective steps of the washing operation, the rinsing operation, the dehydrating operation, and the drying operation are completed. As shown in FIG. 4, the process time management unit 203b creates a table indicating the time (required time) required until the process is completed before the washing operation is started. However, there are strokes that depend on information that is not known before operation, such as the amount of laundry, the quality of the laundry, the flow rate of water flowing from the faucet, etc. Therefore, the process time management unit 203b creates a table in which a predetermined time as a guide is associated with a process in which the required time cannot be specified before driving. The process time management unit 203b manages the actual execution time of each process, and subtracts the execution time of the current process from the required time of the current process, thereby remaining time of the current process. Also manage.

  In FIG. 4, the process time management unit 203b manages a table in which required time for each process is associated with type information indicating whether the required time fluctuates. Here, if the type information is “0”, the required time is a fixed time that does not vary depending on the laundry or the driving course. If the type information is “1”, the required time is a time that varies depending on the amount of washing or the driving course. In this case, the required time does not vary greatly. If the type information is “3”, the required time is a time that varies depending on a change in the water level. For example, the time required for the water supply stroke is a time that varies greatly depending on the water flow from the faucet. Further, the time required for the drainage process is a time that varies greatly due to a change in the water level such as the original water level of the washing tub (how much water has been stored). If the type information is “4”, the required time is a time that varies depending on the time set by the user, and is a time that is fixed when the washing operation starts. If the type information is “5”, the required time is a time that varies greatly depending on how the laundry is dried.

  The response content determination unit 203c determines the response content for the inquiry signal according to at least one of the required time and the remaining time determined by the process time management unit 203b. When the response content determination unit 203c receives an inquiry signal for inquiring information on the washing machine 200 such as the current state of the washing machine main body of the washing machine 200 from the information terminal 100 via the communication unit 202, the response content for the inquiry signal To decide. The communication unit 202 transmits the response content determined by the response content determination unit 203c to the information terminal 100.

  In addition, when the time required for the process specified by the process management unit 203a is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time, the response content determination unit 203c uses information indicating the process specified by the process management unit 203a as the response content. When the time required for the process specified by the process management unit 203a is less than the first predetermined time, information indicating the next process of the process specified by the process management unit 203a is determined as the response content. . Note that the first predetermined time is a time during which it is possible to determine whether or not to move from the current stroke to the next stroke in a short time.

  Further, when the remaining time of the process specified by the process management unit 203a is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time, the response content determination unit 203c uses information indicating the process specified by the process management unit 203a as the response content. If the remaining time of the process specified by the process management unit 203a is less than the first predetermined time, information indicating the next process of the process specified by the process management unit 203a May be determined as

  The storage unit 204 includes at least a washing machine specifying information storage unit 204a. The washing machine specifying information storage unit 204a stores in advance washing machine specifying information for specifying the washing machine 200, for example, a model number and a serial number of the washing machine 200. The washing machine specifying information is stored in advance at the time of manufacture.

  The operation unit 205 includes, for example, operation buttons and receives an input operation by the user.

  The display unit 206 includes, for example, a 7-segment LED, and digitally displays a water level rank, a washing time, the number of times of rinsing, a dehydration time, a remaining time, a reserved time, and the like.

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

  The communication unit 301 communicates with the information terminal 100 using the network 400.

  The storage unit 302 stores a menu screen displayed on the information terminal 100 for each product of the washing machine 200. In addition, the storage unit 302 stores wording information displayed on the operation status screen corresponding to the washing machine 200 specified by the washing machine specifying information and the response signal corresponding to the inquiry signal from the washing machine 200.

  The control unit 303 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls the operation of the communication unit 301 and also controls the operation of the storage unit 302 according to information received via the communication unit 301. When the control unit 303 receives the washing machine specifying information and the response signal corresponding to the inquiry signal from the information terminal 100 through the communication unit 301, the control unit 303 operates according to the washing machine specified by the washing machine specifying information and the response signal. Create wording information to be displayed on the status screen. Further, the control unit 303 controls the communication unit 301 to transmit the created wording information to the information terminal 100.

  Next, the operation of the laundry system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. 5-7 is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the washing system in Embodiment 1 of this invention.

  First, in step S <b> 1, the control unit 105 of the information terminal 100 activates an application that can display a menu screen for controlling the washing machine 200 on the notification unit 103. At this time, the operation unit 104 receives an activation instruction of the application from the user. The control unit 105 activates the application based on the accepted activation instruction.

  Next, in step S <b> 2, the display control unit 105 a uses the proximity of the loop antenna 106 of the information terminal 100 and the loop antenna 207 of the washing machine 200 in order for the first communication unit 101 and the washing machine 200 to communicate. The notification unit 103 is controlled to display a communication instruction screen for instructing the user. The notification unit 103 displays a communication instruction screen. More specifically, the communication instruction screen is a screen for instructing the user to bring the loop antenna 106 of the information terminal 100 and the loop antenna 207 of the washing machine 200 close to each other. The communication instruction screen is stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown) included in the information terminal 100, and the display control unit 105a reads the communication instruction screen from the storage unit and displays it.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a communication instruction screen according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. On the communication instruction screen G1 shown in FIG. 8, for example, a message “Please touch the corresponding home appliance” is displayed. The communication instruction screen G1 is a screen that guides the user to bring the information terminal 100 close to the washing machine 200. When the communication instruction screen G1 is displayed on the notification unit 103 of the information terminal 100, the user can make a loop antenna of the information terminal 100 so that the information terminal 100 and the washing machine 200 can communicate with each other by proximity wireless communication. 106 and the loop antenna 207 of the washing machine 200 are brought close to each other.

  Next, in step S <b> 3, after the communication instruction screen is displayed on the notification unit 103, the first communication control unit 105 b sends request information for requesting the washing machine specifying information for specifying the washing machine 200 to the washing machine 200. The first communication unit 101 is controlled to transmit. The first communication unit 101 transmits the request information to the washing machine 200 after the communication instruction screen is displayed on the notification unit 103. The first communication unit 101 starts transmission of request information to the washing machine 200 in conjunction with the display of the communication instruction screen on the notification unit 103.

  Next, in step S31, the communication unit 202 of the washing machine 200 makes the first communication of the information terminal 100 after the loop antenna 106 of the information terminal 100 and the loop antenna 207 of the washing machine 200 are brought close to each other. The request information transmitted by the unit 101 is received.

  Next, in step S32, the response content determination unit 203c of the washing machine 200 reads the washing machine specifying information from the washing machine specifying information storage unit 204a.

  Next, in step S <b> 33, the response content determination unit 203 c controls the communication unit 202 to transmit the washing machine specifying information to the information terminal 100. The communication unit 202 transmits the washing machine specifying information to the information terminal 100. The request information includes address information for specifying the information terminal 100, and the communication unit 202 transmits the washing machine specifying information to the information terminal 100 based on the address information included in the request information.

  The response content determination unit 203c may transmit status information such as a use history and error information of the washing machine 200 together with the washing machine specifying information to the information terminal 100. The error information is detected, for example, by monitoring the state of a load such as a motor and a heater, and sensing information of a water level sensor and a temperature sensor in the washing unit 201.

  Next, in step S <b> 4, the first communication unit 101 of the information terminal 100 receives the washing machine specifying information transmitted by the communication unit 202 of the washing machine 200.

  Next, in step S <b> 5, the second communication control unit 105 c controls the second communication unit 102 so as to transmit the washing machine specifying information received by the first communication unit 101 to the server 300. The second communication unit 102 transmits the washing machine specifying information received by the first communication unit 101 to the server 300. The washing machine identification information transmitted by the washing machine 200 is transmitted together with address information for identifying the server 300, and the second communication unit 102 is configured to perform washing machine identification information based on the address information transmitted together with the washing machine identification information. Is transmitted to the server 300.

  In the present embodiment, address information for specifying the server 300 is transmitted together with the washing machine specifying information transmitted by the washing machine 200, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and the information terminal 100 is the server. Address information for specifying 300 may be stored.

  Next, in step S51, the communication unit 301 of the server 300 receives the washing machine specifying information transmitted by the second communication unit 102 of the information terminal 100.

  Next, in step S52, the control unit 303 creates menu screen information corresponding to the washing machine 200 specified by the washing machine specifying information. Here, the control unit 303 reads a menu screen corresponding to the washing machine 200 specified by the washing machine specifying information from the storage unit 302.

  Next, in step S <b> 53, the communication unit 301 transmits menu screen information for displaying a menu screen unique to the washing machine 200 to the information terminal 100.

  Next, in step S <b> 6, the second communication unit 102 of the information terminal 100 receives the menu screen information transmitted by the communication unit 301 of the server 300.

  Next, in step S7, the display control unit 105a switches the display screen to the menu screen based on the menu screen information received by the second communication unit 102. The notification unit 103 displays a menu screen based on the menu screen information received by the second communication unit 102.

  Note that the information terminal 100 may acquire the list information of the menu screen unique to each electrical device from the server 300 and display the acquired list on the notification unit 103 when the application is activated in step S1. And the information terminal 100 may transmit the information for specifying the selected electric equipment to the server 300, when a user selects the washing machine currently used via the operation part 104. FIG. Thereby, the second communication unit 102 of the information terminal 100 receives the menu screen information transmitted by the communication unit 301 of the server 300 (step S6), and the display control unit 105a is received by the second communication unit 102. The display screen may be switched to the menu screen based on the menu screen information (step S7). Thereby, a menu screen can be displayed without causing the information terminal 100 and the washing machine 200 to communicate with each other.

  While the menu screen is displayed, the operation unit 104 accepts selection by the user of the item displayed on the menu screen, displays the screen according to the selected item, and performs washing according to the selected item. The machine 200 is controlled.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen in the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the menu screen G2 shown in FIG. 9, a product name 501 indicating the product name and product number of the washing machine 200, an eco information display button 502 for displaying information on the energy saving state of the washing machine 200, and support information for the washing machine 200 are displayed. A support information display button 503 for displaying, a status confirmation display button 504 for inquiring about the current state of the washing machine main body, and a setting display button 505 for setting washing machine detergent information and the like are displayed.

  The eco information display button 502, the support information display button 503, the status confirmation display button 504, and the setting display button 505 can be selected via the operation unit 104. When the eco information display button 203 is selected, a screen representing information related to energy saving such as power consumption of the washing machine 200 is displayed. When the support information display button 204 is selected, a screen representing information for supporting the washing machine 200 is displayed. When the status confirmation display button 504 is selected, a communication instruction screen for causing the information terminal 100 and the washing machine 200 to communicate is displayed in order to inquire about the current state of the washing machine body.

  Note that the items displayed on the menu screen G2 are not limited to the items shown in FIG. 9, and various items can be displayed.

  Next, in step S <b> 8, the display control unit 105 a determines whether or not a state confirmation instruction is accepted by the operation unit 104. That is, the display control unit 105a determines whether or not the state confirmation display button 504 displayed on the menu screen G2 is selected.

  Here, when it is determined that the state confirmation instruction has not been accepted (NO in step S8), the process waits until the state confirmation instruction is accepted. In the standby state, for example, when other instructions such as the eco information display button 502, the support information display button 503, and the setting button 505 are received, the screen display according to the other instructions, the operation of the information terminal 100, and the washing The operation of the machine 200 is performed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the state confirmation instruction has been received (YES in step S8), in step S9, the display control unit 105a loops the information terminal 100 in order for the first communication unit 101 and the washing machine 200 to communicate with each other. The notification unit 103 is controlled to display a communication instruction screen for instructing the user to bring the antenna 106 and the loop antenna 207 of the washing machine 200 close to each other. The notification unit 103 displays a communication instruction screen.

  As can be seen from the description of the flowchart above, when an inquiry is made about the current state of the main body of the washing machine 200, the screen displayed on the notification unit 103 of the information terminal 100 always displays a menu screen unique to the washing machine. Because it is not always, it takes time to display the menu screen.

  Next, in step S10, the first communication unit 101 of the information terminal 100 carries out an inquiry signal that inquires the washing machine 200 about the current operating state of the washing machine body, that is, what process the washing machine 200 is currently performing. To the machine 200.

  Next, in step S <b> 34, the communication unit 202 of the washing machine 200 receives the inquiry signal transmitted by the first communication unit 101 of the information terminal 100.

  Next, in step S35, the process management unit 203a identifies the process (current process) that the washing machine 200 is currently performing.

  Next, in step S36, the response content determination unit 203c obtains the current required time specified by the process management unit 203a from the process time management unit 203b.

  Next, in step S37, the response content determination unit 203c determines whether or not the current required time is less than a first predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds). That is, the response content determination unit 203c determines whether or not the process changes immediately after the current state of the washing machine body is displayed on the information terminal 100. If the current required time is less than the first predetermined time, it is highly likely that the process will change immediately after the current state of the washing machine 200 is displayed. Note that the first predetermined time is a time during which it is possible to determine whether or not to move from the current stroke to the next stroke in a short time.

  If it is determined that the current required time is less than the first predetermined time (YES in step S37), there is a high possibility that the process will change immediately. In step S38, the response content determination unit 203c The next process of the current time is determined as a response content to be returned to the information terminal 100.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the current required time is not less than the first predetermined time (NO in step S37), the process is unlikely to change immediately, so in step S39, the response content determination unit 203c. Determines the current content as a response content to be returned to the information terminal 100.

  The response content is represented by a unique numerical value associated with each process in the first embodiment. For example, a predetermined “1” is associated with the washing amount determination process, and a predetermined “2” is associated with the detergent amount display process.

  Next, in step S40, the response content determination unit 203c controls the communication unit 202 to transmit a response signal including the response content determined for the inquiry signal to the information terminal 100. The communication unit 202 transmits a response signal to the information terminal 100.

  Next, in step S <b> 11, the second communication unit 102 of the information terminal 100 receives the response signal transmitted by the communication unit 202 of the washing machine 200.

  Next, in step S <b> 12, the second communication control unit 105 c controls the second communication unit 102 so as to transmit the response signal received by the first communication unit 101 to the server 300. The second communication unit 102 transmits the response signal received by the first communication unit 101 to the server 300. The response signal for the inquiry signal transmitted by the washing machine 200 is transmitted together with the address information for specifying the server 300, and the second communication unit 102 transmits the inquiry signal based on the address information transmitted together with the response signal for the inquiry signal. Is transmitted to the server 300.

  In the first embodiment, address information for specifying the server 300 is transmitted together with a response signal to the inquiry signal transmitted by the washing machine 200. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and the information terminal 100 May store address information for specifying the server 300.

  Next, in step S54, the communication unit 301 of the server 300 receives the response signal transmitted by the second communication unit 102 of the information terminal 100.

  Next, in step S55, the control unit 303 of the server 300 explains the process specified by the response signal based on the response signal to the inquiry signal (information indicating what process is currently being performed). Create the operating status screen information. Here, the control unit 303 reads the operation status screen specified by the response signal to the inquiry signal from the storage unit 302.

  Next, in step S56, the communication unit 301 transmits driving status screen information for displaying the driving status screen to the information terminal 100.

  Next, in step S <b> 13, the second communication unit 102 of the information terminal 100 receives the driving situation screen information transmitted by the communication unit 301 of the server 300.

  Next, in step S <b> 14, the display control unit 105 a switches the display screen to the driving status screen based on the driving status screen information received by the second communication unit 102. The notification unit 103 displays the driving status screen based on the driving status screen information received by the second communication unit 102.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation status screen according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  On the operation status screen G3 shown in FIG. 10, the product name 601 indicating the product name and product number of the washing machine 200, the status information 602 indicating the process currently being executed in the washing machine 200, and the OK button for returning to the menu screen 603 is displayed.

  Next, in step S <b> 15, the control unit 105 determines whether or not to end the application for displaying the driving status screen on the notification unit 103. At this time, the operation unit 104 receives an instruction to end the application from the user. The control unit 105 ends the application based on the received end instruction. If it is determined that the application is to be terminated (YES in step S15), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined not to end the application (NO in step S15), the process returns to step S7, and the menu screen (FIG. 9) is displayed subsequently.

  Note that the case where it is determined not to end the application in the first embodiment is a case where the OK button 603 in FIG. 10 is pressed, but for example 30 even if the operation unit 104 is not particularly operated by the user. When the second has elapsed, the process may return to step S7 and the menu screen (FIG. 9) may be displayed.

  When the operation status screen for explaining the current state of the washing machine 200 is displayed on the information terminal 100, it takes time until the operation status screen is displayed, or the information on the washing machine 200 is actually obtained through short-range wireless communication. When communicating with the terminal 100, it takes some time for the user to hold the information terminal 100 over the washing machine 200. Therefore, even if the current process of the washing machine 200 is displayed in the response content determination unit 203c, if there is a high possibility that the process will immediately shift to the next process, not the current process but the next process of the current process Information can be displayed on the notification unit 103 of the information terminal 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the state of the electric device main body from being inconsistent with the display content displayed on the information terminal.

(Embodiment 2)
The configuration of the laundry system according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the laundry system according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. The response content determination unit 203c determines the information indicating the process specified by the process management unit 203a and the remaining time of the process specified by the process management unit 203a as response contents.

  The washing system of the second embodiment is different in operation after step S36 in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 of the first embodiment. 11 and 12 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the washing system according to the second embodiment. However, in FIG.11 and FIG.12, only operation | movement different from Embodiment 1 is shown in figure.

  In the second embodiment, the operations up to step S35 are the same as those in the first embodiment. In step S <b> 34, the communication unit 202 of the washing machine 200 receives the inquiry signal transmitted by the first communication unit 101 of the information terminal 100. Next, in step S35, the process management unit 203a identifies the process (current process) that the washing machine 200 is currently performing.

  Next, in step S41, the response content determination unit 203c determines the required time from the start to the end of the current process specified by the process management unit 203a and the current time and the current process specified by the process management unit 203a. Are acquired from the process time management unit 203b. Here, the process time management unit 203b measures the execution time from the start of the current process to the current time. The process time management unit 203b calculates the remaining time from the current time to the end of the current time by subtracting the current execution time from the current required time.

  Next, in step S42, the response content determination unit 203c returns the current time (a numerical value indicating the current time) and the current remaining time managed by the process time management unit 203b as response content to be returned to the information terminal 100. decide.

  Next, in step S43, the response content determination unit 203c controls the communication unit 202 to transmit a response signal including the response content determined for the inquiry signal to the information terminal 100. The communication unit 202 transmits a response signal to the information terminal 100.

  Next, in step S <b> 16, the second communication unit 102 of the information terminal 100 receives the response signal transmitted by the communication unit 202 of the washing machine 200.

  Next, in step S <b> 17, the second communication control unit 105 c causes the second communication unit 102 to transmit information (numerical value) indicating the current level among the response signals received by the first communication unit 101 to the server 300. Control. The second communication unit 102 transmits information (numerical values) indicating the current degree received by the first communication unit 101 to the server 300. Information (numerical value) indicating the current degree transmitted by the washing machine 200 is transmitted together with address information for specifying the server 300, and the second communication unit 102 is an address transmitted together with information (numerical value) indicating the current degree. Information (numerical value) indicating the current level is transmitted to the server 300 based on the information.

  In the second embodiment, the address information for specifying the server 300 is transmitted together with the information (numerical value) indicating the current degree transmitted by the washing machine 200, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this, Address information for the information terminal 100 to identify the server 300 may be stored.

  Next, in step S <b> 57, the communication unit 301 of the server 300 receives information (numerical value) indicating the current degree transmitted by the second communication unit 102 of the information terminal 100.

  Next, in step S58, the control unit 303 of the server 300 determines the process specified by the numerical value indicating the current process based on the numerical value indicating the current process (information indicating what the process is currently being performed). Create operating status screen information for explanation. Here, the control unit 303 reads an operation status screen specified by information (numerical value) indicating the current degree from the storage unit 302.

  Next, in step S <b> 59, the communication unit 301 transmits driving status screen information for displaying the driving status screen to the information terminal 100.

  Next, in step S <b> 18, the second communication unit 102 of the information terminal 100 receives the driving situation screen information transmitted by the communication unit 301 of the server 300.

  Next, in step S19, the display control unit 105a switches the display screen to the driving status screen based on the driving status screen information received by the second communication unit 102. The notification unit 103 displays the driving status screen as in the first embodiment based on the driving status screen information received by the second communication unit 102.

  Next, in step S <b> 20, the display control unit 105 a counts the elapsed time since the operation status screen is displayed, and determines whether or not the current remaining time received from the washing machine 200 has elapsed. When it is determined that the remaining time has elapsed (YES in step S20), in step S21, the display control unit 105a displays a screen (state reconfirmation screen) that prompts the user to confirm the state of the washing machine 200 again. The notification unit 103 is controlled to display. The notification unit 103 displays a state reconfirmation screen based on the control of the display control unit 105a.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a state reconfirmation screen according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the state reconfirmation screen G4 shown in FIG. 13, a word for prompting the user to confirm the state of the washing machine 200 again is displayed as a pop-up image on the driving state screen. Therefore, in the state reconfirmation screen G4, the background image 601, the wording 602 that prompts the short-distance wireless communication with the washing machine 200 again, and the re-transmission for returning to the communication instruction screen for performing short-distance wireless communication with the washing machine 200 again. A confirmation button 603 and a menu display button 604 for returning to the menu screen are displayed.

  Next, in step S22, the display control unit 105a determines which screen is to be displayed on the notification unit 103 after the state reconfirmation screen. That is, the display control unit 105a determines whether or not a reconfirmation button 603 for reconfirming the state of the washing machine 200 has been pressed by the user. At this time, the operation unit 104 accepts pressing of either the reconfirmation button 603 or the menu display button 604 by the user. If it is determined that the reconfirmation button 603 has been pressed (YES in step S22), the process returns to step S9, and the display control unit 105a notifies the communication instruction screen (FIG. 8) to be displayed subsequently. The unit 103 is controlled.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the reconfirmation button 603 is not pressed, that is, when the menu display button 604 is pressed (NO in step S22), the process returns to step S7, and the display control unit 105a continues to select the menu. The notification unit 103 is controlled to display the screen (FIG. 9).

  When it is determined that the remaining time has not elapsed (NO in step S20), in step S23, the control unit 105 determines whether or not to end the application for displaying the driving status screen on the notification unit 103. to decide. At this time, the operation unit 104 receives an instruction to end the application from the user. The control unit 105 ends the application based on the received end instruction. If it is determined that the application is to be terminated (YES in step S23), the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined not to terminate the application (NO in step S23), the process returns to step S20, and the display control unit 105a determines whether the remaining time has elapsed. If the button for displaying the menu screen is pressed in step S23, the process returns to step S7, and the display control unit 105a causes the notification unit 103 to display the menu screen (FIG. 9). You may control.

  With the above configuration, the following effects are obtained. When the operation status screen representing the current state of the washing machine 200 is displayed on the information terminal 100, the displayed content and the current state of the main body of the washing machine 200 are always inconsistent when the operation status screen is left unattended. Therefore, when the operation status screen representing the current level of the washing machine 200 is displayed on the information terminal 100, the time until the current level ends is counted. Thereby, it can be urged to transmit the inquiry signal to the washing machine 200 again at the timing when the process is switched (becomes inconsistent). Alternatively, the user can be notified that the process of the washing machine 200 displayed on the information terminal 100 and the current process of the washing machine 200 are inconsistent.

(Embodiment 3)
The configuration of the laundry system according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the laundry system according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. If the execution time of the process specified by the process management unit 203a is less than the second predetermined time, the response content determination unit 203c responds with information indicating the process before the process specified by the process management unit 203a. Determine as content.

  The washing system of the third embodiment is different in operations from step S36 to step S39 in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 of the first embodiment. That is, the operation from the reception of the inquiry signal from the washing machine 200 to the transmission of the response signal is different. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the washing system according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. However, in FIG. 14, only operations different from those of the first embodiment are illustrated.

  In the third embodiment, the operations up to step S35 are the same as those in the first embodiment. In step S <b> 34, the communication unit 202 of the washing machine 200 receives the inquiry signal transmitted by the first communication unit 101 of the information terminal 100. Next, in step S35, the process management unit 203a identifies the process (current process) that the washing machine 200 is currently performing.

  Next, in step S44, the response content determination unit 203c determines the required time from the start to the end of the current process specified by the process management unit 203a and the current process specified by the process management unit 203a from the start to the current time. The implemented time is acquired from the process time management unit 203b. Here, the process time management unit 203b measures the execution time from the start of the current process to the current time.

  Next, in step S45, the response content determination unit 203c determines whether or not the current execution time is less than a second predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). In other words, the response content determination unit 203c determines whether or not the process changes during the operation time required from when the application of the information terminal 100 is activated until the communication instruction screen is displayed (step S9). When the current execution time is less than the second predetermined time, it is immediately after the washing machine 200 shifts to the current process. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the state of the washing machine 200 that the user wants to know is the previous stroke as of the present time. The second predetermined time is a time during which it is possible to determine whether or not it is immediately after the process is switched.

  If it is determined that the current execution time is less than the second predetermined time (YES in step S45), the process that the user wants to know is likely to be the previous process, so in step S46 Then, the response content determination unit 203c determines the response content to be returned to the information terminal 100 for the previous process of the current time.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the current execution time is not less than the second predetermined time (NO in step S45), the step that the user wants to know is unlikely to be the previous step, so the step In S47, the response content determination unit 203c determines the current content as the response content to be returned to the information terminal 100. In the third embodiment, the operations after step S40 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  With the above configuration, the following effects are obtained. When the driving status screen for explaining the current state of the washing machine 200 is displayed on the information terminal 100, it takes time until the driving status screen is displayed, or the washing machine 200 is actually connected with the washing machine 200 by short-range wireless communication. When communicating with the information terminal 100, it may take time for the user to operate the information terminal 100, for example, it may take some time for the user to hold the information terminal 100 over the washing machine 200. For this reason, the stroke that the user wants to know is the stroke before the current stroke, but the stroke may be switched while the information terminal 100 is being operated.

  Therefore, when the process is just after switching, that is, when the execution time from the start of the current process to the current time is less than the second predetermined time, the response content returned to the information terminal 100 by the previous process of the current process By being determined, the process of the washing machine 200 can be notified by the information terminal 100 in consideration of the operation time.

(Embodiment 4)
The configuration of the laundry system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the laundry system according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIGS. The response content determination unit 203c is scheduled when the operation specified by the process management unit 203a is less than the second predetermined time and the process before the process specified by the process management unit 203a is started. If it is an additional process that has not been performed, information indicating the process before the process specified by the process management unit 203a is determined as the response content.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process performed in a washing operation including a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a dehydration operation, and a drying operation in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when a large vibration is detected by a vibration detection unit (not shown) provided in the washing machine 200 during the dehydration process, the washing unit 201 determines that the washing tub is unbalanced. The dehydration process is interrupted, the water supply process, the laundry unraveling process, the drainage process and the laundry unraveling process are performed, and then the normal dehydration process is performed again. The water supply process, the laundry unraveling process, the draining process, and the laundry unraveling process are processes that are not performed unless the imbalance of the washing tub is detected in the dewatering process, and additional processes that are performed in addition to normal operation (additional) Process).

  For the user, since the additional process is a process that is not initially planned, it can be assumed that the user is interested in what is being done. In the fourth embodiment, if water supply starts suddenly during a dehydration operation that does not normally supply water, the user is likely to wonder why the washing machine 200 started water supply.

  The fourth embodiment is different in operation after step S45 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 of the third embodiment. In other words, the operation from when the inquiry signal of the washing machine 200 is received until the response signal is transmitted is different. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the washing system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. However, in FIG. 16, only operations different from those in the first and third embodiments are illustrated.

  In the fourth embodiment, the response content determination unit 203c determines whether or not the current process is an additional process instead of step S46 of FIG. When it is determined that the current execution time is less than the second predetermined time (YES in step S45), in step S61, the response content determination unit 203c determines whether or not the current operation is an additional process. . The process management unit 203a manages whether or not the process performed by the washing machine 200 is a newly added process.

  Here, when it is determined that the current process is an additional process (YES in step S61), in step S62, the response content determination unit 203c determines whether the process before the current process is an additional process. . Here, when it is determined that the previous process is not an additional process (NO in step S62), or when it is determined that the current execution time is not less than the second predetermined time (step S45). In step S63, the response content determination unit 203c determines the current content as the response content to be returned to the information terminal 100.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the current process is not an additional process (NO in step S61), or if it is determined that the process before the current process is an additional process (YES in step S62), in step S64, The response content determination unit 203 c determines the response content to be returned to the information terminal 100 for the previous process. In the fourth embodiment, the operations after step S40 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  With the above configuration, the following effects are obtained. When the implementation time from the start of the current time to the current time is less than the second predetermined time, it indicates that the current time has just been switched. In addition, if a new process is added during driving, the remaining time of the entire washing operation (scheduled time to finish washing) changes, so the newly added process may be the process that the user wants to know Is expensive. Therefore, the information terminal 100 can preferentially notify the additional process desired by the user.

  In addition, there is a washing machine having a function of shortening the washing time by determining the degree of dirt on the laundry in the washing operation. In addition, there is a washing machine having a function of adjusting the time of the drying process by determining how the laundry is dried in the drying operation.

  In these cases, a new process is not added, but the time required for the scheduled process is changed depending on the state of the clothes being washed. When the time required for the process is changed, the remaining time from the current time until the end of the washing operation is also changed. For this reason, the response content determination unit 203c performs the washing operation immediately after the process is switched, that is, the current execution time is less than the second predetermined time, and the required time is changed in the previous process. In the case where the remaining time until the process is completed is corrected, information indicating the previous process of the current time may be determined as the response content.

  Thus, there is a high possibility that the process in which the remaining time of the entire laundry is changed is a process that the user wants to know. Therefore, the information terminal 100 can preferentially notify the process in which the remaining time of the entire washing desired by the user is changed.

  In step S37 of FIG. 6, if it is determined that the current required time is not less than the first predetermined time, it is determined whether or not the current execution time is less than the second predetermined time. You may perform the process of FIG.14 S45-step S47. If it is determined in step S37 of FIG. 6 that the current required time is not less than the first predetermined time, it is determined whether or not the current execution time is less than the second predetermined time. You may perform the process of step S45-step S64 of FIG.

  In addition, since the user can be notified of the process he / she wants to know, the electrical apparatus is not limited to a washing machine, and is also applicable to various washing devices such as a dishwasher, dishwasher, car washer and futon dryer. be able to. Moreover, the electrical equipment should just be an electrical equipment which performs the driving | operation which consists of a some process.

  The specific embodiments described above mainly include inventions having the following configurations.

  An electrical device according to an aspect of the present invention is an electrical device that performs an operation including a plurality of strokes, and receives an inquiry signal that inquires which stroke the electrical device is currently performing from an external information terminal. A process identification unit that manages which process the electrical device is currently performing, identifies a process at the time when the inquiry signal is received by the reception unit, and a process identified by the process identification unit A process time determining unit that determines at least one of a required time from the start to the end and a remaining time from the current time to the end of the process specified by the process specifying unit; and the required time determined by the process time determining unit A response content determination unit that determines a response content for the inquiry signal according to at least one of time and the remaining time, and is determined by the response content determination unit. The response content was provided with a transmission unit that transmits to the information terminal.

  According to this configuration, the response content to the inquiry signal is determined according to at least one of the required time from the start to the end of the specified process and the remaining time from the current time to the end of the specified process. In the vicinity of the boundary where the switch is made, it is possible to match the process performed by the current electric device main body with the display content displayed on the information terminal, and to estimate and notify the process that the user wants to know. .

  Further, in the above electric device, the response content determination unit may determine the process specified by the process specifying unit when the required time of the process specified by the process specifying unit is equal to or longer than a first predetermined time. If the required time of the process specified by the process specifying unit is less than the first predetermined time, the information indicating the next to the process specified by the process specifying unit is determined. It is preferable to determine information indicating a process as the response content.

  According to this configuration, information indicating the current process or information indicating the next process of the current process is determined as the response content according to the time from the specified current process to the next process. Therefore, it is possible to make the process performed by the current electric device main body and the display content displayed on the information terminal coincide with each other with higher accuracy.

  Further, in the above electric device, the response content determination unit may determine the process specified by the process specifying unit when the remaining time of the process specified by the process specifying unit is equal to or longer than a first predetermined time. If the remaining time of the process specified by the process specifying unit is less than the first predetermined time, the information indicating the next to the process specified by the process specifying unit is determined. It is preferable to determine information indicating a process as the response content.

  According to this configuration, information indicating the current process or information indicating the next process of the current process is determined as the response content according to the time from the specified current process to the next process. Therefore, it is possible to make the process performed by the current electric device main body and the display content displayed on the information terminal coincide with each other with higher accuracy.

  In the above electric device, it is preferable that the first predetermined time is a time during which it can be determined whether or not a transition from the current stroke to the next stroke is made in a short time.

  According to this configuration, the first predetermined time is a time during which it is possible to determine whether or not to move from the current stroke to the next stroke in a short time. And the display content displayed on the information terminal can be matched with higher accuracy.

  Further, in the above electric device, the response content determination unit determines the information indicating the process specified by the process specifying unit and the remaining time of the process specified by the process specifying unit as the response content. It is preferable.

  According to this configuration, the information indicating the process specified by the process specifying unit and the remaining time of the process specified by the process specifying unit are determined as response contents. When the current process of the electric device is displayed on the information terminal, if the display screen is left unattended, the displayed content and the process performed by the current electric device are always inconsistent. Therefore, the remaining time of the identified process is determined as the response content and transmitted to the information terminal, so that when the current process of the electrical device is displayed on the information terminal, the time until the current process ends is counted. Then, it is possible to prompt the user to transmit the inquiry signal to the electric device again at the timing when the process is switched. In addition, it is possible to notify the user that the process performed by the current main body of the electric device and the display content displayed on the information terminal are inconsistent.

  Further, in the electric device, the process time determining unit further determines an execution time from the start of the process specified by the process specifying unit to a current time, and the response content determining unit is determined by the process specifying unit. When the execution time of the specified process is less than the second predetermined time, it is preferable that information indicating a process before the process specified by the process specifying unit is determined as the response content.

  According to this configuration, the case where the execution time from the start of the identified current process to the current time is less than the second predetermined time indicates that the process has just been switched. Further, when trying to display the state of the electrical device, the user needs to operate the information terminal, and there is a possibility that the process is switched during the operation.

  Therefore, when the execution time from the start of the specified process to the current time is less than the second predetermined time, information indicating the process before the specified process is determined as the response content. In consideration of time, it is possible to notify the process of the electrical device that the user wants to know.

  Further, in the electric device, the process time determining unit further determines an execution time from the start of the process specified by the process specifying unit to a current time, and the response content determining unit is determined by the process specifying unit. In the case where the execution time of the specified process is less than a second predetermined time, and the process before the process specified by the process specifying unit is an additional process not scheduled at the start of operation It is preferable that information indicating a process before the process specified by the process specifying unit is determined as the response content.

  According to this configuration, the case where the execution time from the start of the identified current process to the current time is less than the second predetermined time indicates that the process has just been switched. Further, when a new process is added, the scheduled time for the end of the operation changes, so the newly added process is highly likely to be a process that the user wants to know.

  Therefore, if the specified process was performed for less than the second predetermined time and the process before the specified process was an additional process that was not scheduled at the start of operation, the specified process was specified. Since the information indicating the process before the process is determined as the response content, the process that the user wants to know can be preferentially notified.

  Further, in the electrical device, the stroke time determination unit further determines an execution time from the start of the stroke specified by the stroke specification unit to the current time, and the stroke changes a remaining time until the end of operation. The response content determination unit includes a process preceding the process specified by the process specifying unit and the execution time of the process specified by the process specifying unit is less than a second predetermined time. When the remaining time until the end of the operation is changed, it is preferable to determine, as the response content, information indicating a process before the process specified by the process specifying unit.

  According to this configuration, the case where the execution time from the start of the identified current process to the current time is less than the second predetermined time indicates that the process has just been switched. Further, when the electric device is a washing machine, for example, the remaining time of the entire washing operation may vary depending on the degree of dirt on the clothes. Thus, in an electrical device, the remaining time until the end of operation may be changed. The process in which the operation time is changed is likely to be a process that the user wants to know.

  Therefore, if the time specified for the specified process is less than the second predetermined time and the remaining time until the end of operation is changed in the process before the specified process, the specified process Since information indicating the previous process is determined as the response content, the process that the user wants to know can be preferentially notified.

  In the above electric device, it is preferable that the second predetermined time is a time during which it can be determined whether or not it is immediately after the process is switched.

  According to this configuration, since the second predetermined time is a time during which it is possible to determine whether or not it is immediately after the process is switched, the process that the user wants to know can be preferentially notified. .

  It should be noted that the specific embodiments or examples made in the section for carrying out the invention are merely to clarify the technical contents of the present invention, and are limited to such specific examples. The present invention should not be interpreted in a narrow sense, and various modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

  The electric device according to the present invention can match the process performed by the current electric device with the process of the electric device displayed on the information terminal, and is useful for an electric device that operates in a plurality of processes. It is.

Claims (9)

An electrical device that operates in a plurality of strokes,
A receiving unit for receiving an inquiry signal for inquiring which process the electrical device is currently carrying out from an external information terminal;
A process identifying unit that manages which process the electrical device is currently performing, and identifies a process at the time of receiving the inquiry signal by the receiving unit;
A process time determining unit that determines at least one of a required time from the start to the end of the process specified by the process specifying unit and a remaining time from the current time to the end of the process specified by the process specifying unit;
A response content determination unit that determines a response content to the inquiry signal according to at least one of the required time and the remaining time determined by the process time determination unit;
An electric device comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the response content determined by the response content determination unit to the information terminal. The response content determination unit
When the required time of the process specified by the process specifying unit is equal to or longer than a first predetermined time, information indicating the process specified by the process specifying unit is determined as the response content,
When the required time of the process specified by the process specifying unit is less than the first predetermined time, information indicating the next process of the process specified by the process specifying unit is determined as the response content. ,
The electric device according to claim 1. The response content determination unit
In the case where the remaining time of the process specified by the process specifying unit is equal to or longer than a first predetermined time, information indicating the process specified by the process specifying unit is determined as the response content,
When the remaining time of the process specified by the process specifying unit is less than the first predetermined time, information indicating the next process of the process specified by the process specifying unit is determined as the response content. ,
The electric device according to claim 1. The first predetermined time is a time during which it is possible to determine whether or not to move from the current process to the next process in a short time.
The electric device according to claim 2 or 3. The response content determination unit determines the information indicating the process specified by the process specifying unit and the remaining time of the process specified by the process specifying unit as the response content.
The electric device according to claim 1. The process time determining unit further determines an execution time from the start of the process specified by the process specifying unit to the current time,
When the execution time of the process specified by the process specifying unit is less than a second predetermined time, the response content determination unit includes information indicating a process before the process specified by the process specifying unit. Determining the response content;
The electric apparatus in any one of Claims 1-5. The process time determining unit further determines an execution time from the start of the process specified by the process specifying unit to the current time,
The response content determination unit is configured such that the execution time of the process specified by the process specifying unit is less than a second predetermined time, and a process before the process specified by the process specifying unit is scheduled when the operation starts. In the case of an additional process that has not been performed, information indicating a process before the process specified by the process specifying unit is determined as the response content.
The electric apparatus in any one of Claims 1-5. The process time determining unit further determines an execution time from the start of the process specified by the process specifying unit to the current time,
The process includes a process of changing the remaining time until the end of operation,
The response content determination unit is configured such that the execution time of the process specified by the process specifying unit is less than a second predetermined time, and the end of the operation in the process before the process specified by the process specifying unit. When the remaining time has been changed, information indicating a process before the process specified by the process specifying unit is determined as the response content.
The electric apparatus in any one of Claims 1-5. The second predetermined time is a time during which it can be determined whether or not it is immediately after the process is switched.
The electric device according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

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