WO2021210560A1 - Program, terminal device, and refrigerator control system - Google Patents

Abstract

A refrigerator control application (213) causes a terminal control unit (20) of a terminal device (2) that is capable of communicating with a refrigerator (1) via a global network (GN) to function as: a detection unit (202) that detects whether a user of the refrigerator (1) is located in a retail establishment where food products can be obtained; and an operation control unit (203) that causes the refrigerator (1) to start precooling if the detection unit (202) has detected that the user is located in a retail establishment, and does not cause the refrigerator (1) to start precooling if the detection unit (202) has detected that the user is not located in a retail establishment.

Description

Programs, terminals, and refrigerator control systems

This disclosure relates to programs, terminal devices, and refrigerator control systems.

Conventionally, the technology for setting the temperature inside the refrigerator is known. For example, Patent Document 1 specifies a day of the week and a date and time for purchasing a large amount of food based on a change in the amount of food stored in the refrigerator in the past, and increases the cooling amount on the specified day and date to lower the temperature inside the refrigerator. Disclose.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-108740

However, Patent Document 1 has a problem that the amount of cooling in the refrigerator is increased on the specified day of the week and the date and time even if the user does not acquire the food due to purchase or the like.

Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to increase the possibility that the amount of cooling in the refrigerator can be increased when the user is located at a food acquisition destination such as a store.

In order to achieve the above object, the program of one aspect of the present disclosure positions the control unit of the terminal device capable of communicating with the refrigerator via the network at a food acquisition destination where the user of the refrigerator can acquire food. A detection unit that detects whether or not to do so, and a case where the detection unit detects that the user is located at the food acquisition destination, and a case where the detection unit detects that the user is not located at the food acquisition destination. Also, when the cooling operation for increasing the amount of cooling in the refrigerator is started in the refrigerator and the detection unit detects that the user is not located at the food acquisition destination, the cooling operation is not started in the refrigerator. It is characterized by functioning as an operation control unit.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the possibility that the amount of cooling in the refrigerator can be increased when the user is located at a food acquisition destination such as a store.

Diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerator control system Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the refrigerator, terminal device, and refrigerator control server The figure for demonstrating the detection of the detection part Flow chart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system Diagram showing an example of the user interface Flow chart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system Diagram showing an example of the user interface Flow chart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system

In the first aspect, the control unit of the terminal device capable of communicating with the refrigerator via the network is a detection unit that detects whether or not the user of the refrigerator is located at a food acquisition destination where food can be acquired. When the detection unit detects that the user is located at the food acquisition destination, the amount of cooling in the refrigerator is increased as compared with the case where the detection unit detects that the user is not located at the food acquisition destination. When the detection unit detects that the user is not located at the food acquisition destination, the refrigerator is started to perform the cooling operation, and the refrigerator is made to function as an operation control unit that does not cause the refrigerator to start the cooling operation. It is a program characterized by.

According to this, when the detection unit detects that the user is located at the food acquisition destination, the cooling amount in the refrigerator is increased, and when the detection unit detects that the user is not located at the food acquisition destination. , Do not increase the amount of cooling inside the refrigerator. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility that the amount of cooling in the refrigerator can be increased when the user is located in the place where food can be obtained.

In the second aspect, when the detection unit positions the terminal device of the user within a range set as the food acquisition destination for a predetermined time or longer, the detection unit is located at the food acquisition destination. It is characterized by detecting.

According to this, it is possible to more accurately detect whether or not the user is located at the food acquisition destination, so that the possibility of increasing the cooling amount in the refrigerator when the user is located at the food acquisition destination is further increased. Can be enhanced.

In the third aspect, when the detection unit detects that the user is located at the food acquisition destination, the operation control unit does not ask the user whether or not to start the cooling operation in the refrigerator. , The refrigerator is characterized in that the cooling operation is started.

According to this, when the detection unit detects that the user is located in a food acquisition destination, the refrigerator automatically starts a cooling operation that increases the amount of cooling inside the refrigerator. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to give an instruction to start the cooling operation every time the detection unit detects that the user is located in the food acquisition destination. Therefore, when the user is located at the place where the food can be obtained, the possibility that the cooling amount in the refrigerator can be increased can be further increased, and the time and effort for starting the cooling operation can be reduced.

In the fourth aspect, when the detection unit detects that the user is located at the food acquisition destination, the operation control unit asks the user whether or not to start the cooling operation in the refrigerator, and the user is asked. When the user receives an instruction to start the cooling operation, the refrigerator is started to start the cooling operation.

According to this, when the instruction to start the cooling operation for increasing the cooling amount in the refrigerator is received, the refrigerator is started the cooling operation. Therefore, the cooling operation started by the refrigerator is the refrigerator not intended by the user. It is possible to prevent the operation of.

The fifth aspect is characterized in that the food acquisition destination is a store where the user can acquire food by accounting.

According to this, when the detector detects that the user is located in a store where the user is likely to acquire food, the amount of cooling inside the refrigerator is increased, and if the user is not located in the store, the detector will increase the amount of cooling. When detected, the amount of cooling inside the refrigerator is not increased. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility that the cooling amount in the refrigerator can be increased when the user acquires the food.

The sixth aspect is characterized in that the program is an application program that can be installed by the terminal device.

According to this, a terminal device that does not have a function of starting a cooling operation that increases the amount of cooling in the refrigerator can be made into a terminal device that has the function by installing an application program. Therefore, the general-purpose terminal device can be a terminal device capable of increasing the amount of cooling in the refrigerator when the user is located at the place where food can be obtained.

A seventh aspect is a terminal device capable of communicating with the refrigerator via a network, in which the user of the refrigerator detects whether or not the user is located in a food acquisition destination where food can be acquired, and the user detects the food. When it is detected that the food is located at the acquisition destination, the refrigerator is started to perform a cooling operation for increasing the amount of cooling in the refrigerator as compared with the case where the user detects that the food is not located at the food acquisition destination. The refrigerator is provided with a control unit that prevents the refrigerator from starting the cooling operation when it is detected that the food is not located at the food acquisition destination.

According to this, when it is detected that the user is located in the food acquisition destination, the cooling amount in the refrigerator is increased, and when the user detects that the food is not in the food acquisition destination, the cooling amount in the refrigerator is increased. Does not increase the amount of cooling. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility that the amount of cooling in the refrigerator can be increased when the user is located in the place where food can be obtained.

An eighth aspect is a refrigerator control system including a refrigerator and a terminal device capable of communicating with the refrigerator via a network, wherein the terminal device can acquire food that can be acquired by a user of the refrigerator. When it is detected whether or not it is located first and the user is located at the food acquisition destination, it is inside the refrigerator as compared with the case where it is detected that the user is not located at the food acquisition destination. When the start instruction information indicating the start instruction of the cooling operation for increasing the cooling amount of the refrigerator is transmitted to the refrigerator and it is detected that the user is not located at the food acquisition destination, the start instruction information is not transmitted to the refrigerator. The refrigerator is characterized in that when it receives the start instruction information, it starts the cooling operation.

According to this, when it is detected that the user is located in the food acquisition destination, the cooling amount in the refrigerator is increased, and when the user detects that the food is not in the food acquisition destination, the cooling amount in the refrigerator is increased. Does not increase the amount of cooling. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility that the amount of cooling in the refrigerator can be increased when the user is located in the place where food can be obtained.

A ninth aspect is characterized in that the refrigerator terminates the cooling operation when it detects the opening and closing of a door or a drawer provided in the refrigerator for the first time after starting the cooling operation.

When the user stores the food acquired at the food acquisition destination in the refrigerator, the refrigerator is likely to quickly bring the temperature of the food to the optimum storage temperature. Therefore, since it is not necessary for the user to continuously increase the cooling amount after storing the food acquired at the food acquisition destination in the refrigerator, the cooling operation can be completed at an appropriate timing according to the ninth aspect.

A tenth aspect is characterized in that the refrigerator ends the cooling operation when a predetermined time elapses after starting the cooling operation.

According to this, it is highly possible that the cooling operation can be completed at the timing when the user returns home from the food acquisition destination or when the user stores the food acquired at the food acquisition destination in the refrigerator, so the cooling operation is appropriate. It can be finished at the timing.

Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
First, the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerator control system 1000.

The refrigerator control system 1000 is a system in which the terminal device 2 used by the user P of the refrigerator 1 controls the operation of the refrigerator 1 via the global network GN. Global network GN includes the Internet, telephone networks and other communication networks. The global network GN corresponds to the "network" of the present disclosure.

The refrigerator control system 1000 includes a refrigerator 1. In FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 is installed at the home H of the user P. The refrigerator 1 includes a main box body 10 having an open front surface, and the main box body 10 is formed with a refrigerating room 11, an ice making room 12, a fresh freezing room 13, a freezing room 14, and a vegetable room 15. A rotary left door 11A and a right door 11B are provided in the opening on the front surface of the refrigerator compartment 11. The left door 11A and the right door 11B correspond to the "door" of the present disclosure. The ice making chamber 12, the fresh freezing chamber 13, the freezing chamber 14, and the vegetable compartment 15 are each provided with drawers 12A, 13A, 14A, and 15A for accommodating food.

The refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment communicates with the communication device 4 installed at the home H of the user P, and communicates with the refrigerator control server 3 via the communication device 4.

The communication device 4 connects to the global network GN and communicates with the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN. The communication device 4 functions as an interface device for connecting the refrigerator 1 to the global network GN. Further, the communication device 4 functions as an interface device for connecting the terminal device 2 to the global network GN when the terminal device 2 establishes a communication connection with the communication device 4. The communication device 4 has functions related to a modem, a router function, a NAT (Network Address Translation) function, and the like. The communication device 4 transfers data transmitted / received between the refrigerator 1 and the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN. Further, the communication device 4 transfers data transmitted / received between the terminal device 2 that establishes the communication connection and the refrigerator control server 3 that connects to the global network GN.

The refrigerator control system 1000 includes a terminal device 2 having a touch panel 22. The terminal device 2 is composed of, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. An application program for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1 is installed in the terminal device 2. In the following description, the application program for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1 is referred to as a "refrigerator control application" and is designated by "213". The refrigerator control application 213 corresponds to the "program" and the "application program" of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 1, the user P at home is shown by a dotted line. Further, in FIG. 1, a solid line shows a user P who goes out from his / her home H and goes to a store TP that can acquire food F by accounting, that is, a store TP that sells food F. The store TP corresponds to the “food acquisition destination” of the present disclosure. When the terminal device 2 is used by the user P at home, the terminal device 2 is connected to the refrigerator control server 3 via the communication device 4 or without the communication device 4 by the function of the refrigerator control application 213. Communicate to control the operation of the refrigerator 1. Further, when the terminal device 2 is used by the user P who has gone out from the home H, the terminal device 2 communicates with the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN by the function of the refrigerator control application 213 without going through the communication device 4. To control the operation of the refrigerator 1.

The refrigerator control system 1000 includes a refrigerator control server 3. The refrigerator control server 3 is a server device that controls the operation of the refrigerator 1 and is connected to the global network GN. In each figure, the refrigerator control server 3 is represented by one block, but this does not necessarily mean that the refrigerator control server 3 is composed of a single server device. For example, the refrigerator control server 3 may be configured to include a plurality of server devices having different processing contents.

Next, the functional configurations of the refrigerator 1, the terminal device 2, and the refrigerator control server 3 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configurations of the refrigerator 1, the terminal device 2, and the refrigerator control server 3.

First, the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1 will be described.

Refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator control unit 16, a refrigerator communication unit 17, a cooling unit 18, and a sensor unit 19.

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

The refrigerator storage unit 161 has a storage area for storing a program executed by the refrigerator processor 160 and data processed by the refrigerator processor 160. The refrigerator storage unit 161 stores the control program 1611 executed by the refrigerator processor 160, the setting data 1612 related to the setting of the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator ID 1613 which is the identification information of the refrigerator 1, and various other data. As the refrigerator ID 1613, the serial number of the refrigerator 1 is given as an example. The refrigerator storage unit 161 has a non-volatile storage area for non-volatilely storing programs and data. Further, the refrigerator storage unit 161 may include a volatile storage area and may form a work area for temporarily storing the program executed by the refrigerator processor 160 and the data to be processed.

The refrigerator communication unit 17 is equipped with communication hardware according to a predetermined communication standard, and under the control of the refrigerator control unit 16, communicates with a device connected to the global network GN according to a predetermined communication standard. In the present embodiment, the refrigerator communication unit 17 communicates with the refrigerator control server 3 according to a predetermined communication standard. The communication standard used by the refrigerator communication unit 17 may be a wireless communication standard (for example, IEEE802.11a / 11b / 11g / 11n / 11ac, Bluetooth®) or a wired communication standard.

The cooling unit 18 divides the compressor 181, the condenser 182, the capillary tube 183, the cooler 184, the cooling fan 185 that sends the cold air generated by the cooler 184 to each storage chamber, and the cold air sent by the cooling fan 185. A mechanism for cooling each storage room of the refrigerator 1 such as a damper 186 is provided, and each storage room of the refrigerator 1 is cooled according to the control of the refrigerator control unit 16.

The sensor unit 19 includes various sensors such as an open / close sensor 191 and a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the refrigerator 1, and outputs a sensor detection signal to the refrigerator control unit 16 for each sensor. As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor unit 19 includes the left door opening / closing sensor 191A, the right door opening / closing sensor 191B, the ice making room opening / closing sensor 191C, the fresh freezing room opening / closing sensor 191D, the freezing room opening / closing sensor 191E, and the opening / closing sensor 191. It is equipped with a vegetable compartment opening / closing sensor 191F.

The left door open / close sensor 191A is provided at a predetermined position in the refrigerator compartment 11 and detects the open / closed state of the left door 11A.

The right door open / close sensor 191B is provided at a predetermined position in the refrigerator compartment 11 and detects the open / closed state of the right door 11B.

The ice making chamber opening / closing sensor 191C is provided at a predetermined position in the ice making chamber 12 and detects the open / closed state of the drawer 12A. The drawers 12A, 13A, 14A, and 15A are in the open state when they are pulled out from the corresponding accommodation chambers, and in the closed state when they are accommodated in the corresponding accommodation chambers.

The fresh freezing chamber open / close sensor 191D is provided at a predetermined position of the fresh freezing chamber 13 and detects the open / closed state of the drawer 13A.

The freezing room opening / closing sensor 191E is provided at a predetermined position in the freezing room 14 and detects the open / closed state of the drawer 14A.

The vegetable compartment opening / closing sensor 191F is provided at a predetermined position in the vegetable compartment 15 and detects the open / closed state of the drawer 15A.

The refrigerator control unit 16 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to either a normal operation mode or a precooling operation mode in which the amount of cooling in the refrigerator 1 is increased from the normal operation mode. The normal operation mode is an operation mode in which the refrigerator 1 is operated in a normal operation in which the amount of cooling in the refrigerator 1 is smaller than that in the precooling operation. On the other hand, the pre-cooling operation mode is an operation mode in which a pre-cooling operation is performed in which the amount of cooling in the refrigerator 1 is increased as compared with the normal operation. The precooling operation corresponds to the "cooling operation" of the present disclosure. The refrigerator 1 can lower the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 as compared with the normal operation by performing the precooling operation before the user P stores the food F in the refrigerator 1. Therefore, the refrigerator 1 prevents the temperature inside the refrigerator from rising temporarily due to the user P accommodating the food F in the refrigerator 1, and promptly adjusts the temperature of the newly accommodated food F. The optimum storage temperature can be reached. That is, the refrigerator 1 prevents the freshness of the already stored food F and the newly stored food F from being lowered by performing the precooling operation before the user P stores the food F in the refrigerator 1. can.

In the precooling operation, the refrigerator control unit 16 increases, for example, the rotation speed of the compressor 181 from the rotation speed during the normal operation to increase the amount of cooling in the refrigerator 1. Further, for example, in the precooling operation, the refrigerator control unit 16 raises the rotation speed of the cooling fan 185 from the rotation speed during the normal operation, increases the circulation amount of cold air in the refrigerator 1, and increases the cooling amount in the refrigerator 1. Let me. Further, for example, in the precooling operation, the refrigerator control unit 16 raises the rotation speed of the compressor 181 from the rotation speed during the normal operation and raises the rotation speed of the cooling fan 185 from the rotation speed during the normal operation, so that the refrigerator 1 Increase the amount of cooling inside the refrigerator. As a result, in the precooling operation, the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 is lowered by, for example, 2 ° C. as compared with the normal operation. In the pre-cooling operation, the temperature inside the refrigerator may be lowered for all the storage chambers, or the temperature inside the refrigerator may be lowered for any storage chamber such as only the refrigerator compartment 11.

When the refrigerator control unit 16 receives the start instruction information indicating the start instruction of the precooling operation from the refrigerator control server 3 by the refrigerator communication unit 17, the refrigerator control unit 16 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the precooling operation mode to precool. Start operation. When the pre-cooling operation is started, the refrigerator control unit 16 ends the pre-cooling operation when a trigger for ending the pre-cooling operation occurs, and shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the pre-cooling operation mode to the normal operation mode.

In the present embodiment, the refrigerator control unit 16 opens / closes at least one of the left door 11A, the right door 11B, and the drawers 12A, 13A, 14A, and 15A based on the detection signal of the opening / closing sensor 191 output from the sensor unit 19. When is detected, the precooling operation is terminated, assuming that the termination trigger has occurred. Further, the refrigerator control unit 16 ends the pre-cooling operation on the assumption that the end trigger has occurred when a predetermined time (for example, 2 hours) has elapsed since the pre-cooling operation was started.

Next, the function of the refrigerator control server 3 will be described.

The refrigerator control server 3 includes a server control unit 30 and a server communication unit 31.

The server control unit 30 includes a server processor 300, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU and MPU, and a server storage unit 310, and controls each unit of the refrigerator control server 3. The server control unit 30 executes various processes in cooperation with hardware and software so that the server processor 300 reads the control program 311 stored in the server storage unit 310 and executes the processes.

The server storage unit 310 has a storage area for storing a program executed by the server processor 300 and data processed by the server processor 300. The server storage unit 310 stores the control program 311 executed by the server processor 300, the setting data 312 related to the setting of the refrigerator control server 3, the refrigerator control database 313, and various other data. The server storage unit 310 has a non-volatile storage area for storing programs and data in a non-volatile manner. Further, the server storage unit 310 may include a volatile storage area and form a work area for temporarily storing the program executed by the server processor 300 and the data to be processed.

The refrigerator control database 313 is a database that stores various information related to the operation control of the refrigerator 1. One record R stored in the refrigerator control database 313 has a user ID 3131, a refrigerator ID 1613, and communication information 3132. In addition, one record R stored in the refrigerator control database 313 may further have one or a plurality of different types of information.

The user ID 3131 is identification information that identifies the user P who uses the refrigerator control application 213, and is appropriately assigned to the user P who uses the refrigerator control application 213.

As described above, the refrigerator ID 1613 is the identification information of the refrigerator 1.

Communication information 3132 is information for communicating with the refrigerator 1 of the refrigerator ID 1613 associated with the same record R. The communication information 3132 includes, for example, address information, security information, and the like.

The server communication unit 31 is equipped with communication hardware according to a predetermined communication standard, and under the control of the server control unit 30, communicates with a device connected to the global network GN according to a predetermined communication standard. In the present embodiment, the server communication unit 31 communicates with the refrigerator 1 and the terminal device 2.

Next, the functional configuration of the terminal device 2 will be described.

The terminal device 2 includes a terminal control unit 20, a terminal communication unit 21, a touch panel 22, and a GPS receiving unit 23. The terminal control unit 20 corresponds to the "control unit" of the present disclosure.

The terminal control unit 20 includes a terminal processor 200, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU and an MPU, and a terminal storage unit 210, and controls each unit of the terminal device 2. The terminal control unit 20 executes various processes in cooperation with hardware and software so that the terminal processor 200 reads the control program 211 stored in the terminal storage unit 210 and executes the process. The refrigerator control application 213 is pre-installed on the terminal device 2. The refrigerator control application 213 is a program that causes the terminal control unit 20 to function as the setting unit 201, the detection unit 202, and the operation control unit 203 by being read from the terminal storage unit 210 by the terminal processor 200 and executed. be. Details of these functional units will be described later.

The terminal storage unit 210 has a storage area for storing a program executed by the terminal processor 200 and data processed by the terminal processor 200. The terminal storage unit 210 stores the control program 211 executed by the terminal processor 200, the setting data 212 related to the setting of the terminal device 2, the refrigerator control application 213, the user ID 3131, and various other data. The terminal storage unit 210 has a non-volatile storage area for non-volatilely storing programs and data. Further, the terminal storage unit 210 may include a volatile storage area and may form a work area for temporarily storing the program executed by the terminal processor 200 and the data to be processed.

The terminal communication unit 21 is equipped with communication hardware according to a predetermined communication standard, and under the control of the terminal control unit 20, communicates with a device connected to the global network GN according to a predetermined communication standard. The terminal communication unit 21 communicates with the refrigerator control server 3 according to a predetermined communication standard by the function of the refrigerator control application 213. The communication standard used by the terminal communication unit 21 is a wireless communication standard.

The touch panel 22 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel and a touch sensor provided on top of or integrally with the display panel. The display panel displays various images under the control of the terminal control unit 20. The touch sensor detects the touch operation and outputs it to the terminal control unit 20. The terminal control unit 20 executes a process corresponding to the touch operation based on the input from the touch sensor.

The GPS receiving unit 23 periodically receives GPS signals from GPS satellites by an antenna (not shown), and hardware that calculates the position (for example, latitude and longitude) of the terminal device 2 based on the received GPS signals. Be prepared. The GPS receiving unit 23 generates position data indicating the calculated position of the terminal device 2 and outputs it to the terminal control unit 20.

As described above, the terminal control unit 20 functions as a setting unit 201, a detection unit 202, and an operation control unit 203.

The setting unit 201 makes various settings related to the functions of the refrigerator control application 213. For example, the setting unit 201 sets various settings related to the functions of the refrigerator control application 213 by setting the setting values in the corresponding setting items in the application setting data stored in the predetermined storage area accessible to the refrigerator control application 213. I do. The application setting data is data related to the setting of the function of the refrigerator control application 213, and includes various setting items.

The setting unit 201 sets the position of the store TP, which is the reference for detection by the detection unit 202. In the following description, the position of the store TP is simply referred to as "store position" and is designated by "TPI". In the present embodiment, the setting unit 201 can set up to three store position TPIs. The maximum number that can be set is only an example, and may be more or less.

When setting the store position TPI, the setting unit 201 displays, for example, a user interface for causing the user P to input the address of the store TP on the touch panel 22, and sets the input address as the store position TPI.

Alternatively, the setting unit 201 may display the map on the touch panel 22 and set the position on the map pointed by the user P by the touch operation as the store position TPI.

The setting unit 201 sets a range to be regarded as a store TP in the detection by the detection unit 202 for each set store position TPI. In the following description, the range set by the setting unit 201 as a store TP is referred to as a “store range” and is designated by a “TPH” code. For example, the setting unit 201 sets a range with a radius of α meter in the store range TPH centered on the set store position TPI. The radius from the store position TPI in the store range TPH may be different or the same for each store position TPI set by the setting unit 201. Further, the radius from the store position TPI in the store range TPH may be predetermined or may be changed by the user P.

The detection unit 202 detects whether or not the user P is located in the store TP based on the position of the terminal device 2 indicated by the position data output from the GPS receiving unit 23. The detection unit 202 outputs the detection result to the operation control unit 203. The detection unit 202 starts detecting whether or not the user P is located in the store TP when the setting unit 201 sets the store position TPI, and when the setting unit 201 does not set the store position TPI. Does not start detecting whether or not the user P is located in the store TP. The detection unit 202 detects whether or not the terminal device 2 is continuously located within the store range TPH set by the setting unit 201 for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) or more, so that the user P becomes the store TP. Detects whether or not it is located.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the detection of the detection unit 202.

In FIG. 3, it is assumed that the setting unit 201 sets the store position TPI for each of the stores TP1, TP2, and TP3. Further, in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the setting unit 201 sets the store range TPH for each of the stores TP1, TP2, and TP3.

In FIG. 3, the store range TPH1 is a circular range centered on the store position TPI of the store TP1. Further, the store range TPH2 is a circular range centered on the store position TPI of the store TP2. Further, the store range TPH3 is a circular range centered on the store position TPI of the store TP3.

When the position of the terminal device 2 indicated by the position data output from the GPS receiving unit 23 is the position TI1 in FIG. 3, the detection unit 202 determines that the terminal device 2 is not located within any store range TPH. Judgment is made, and it is detected that the user P is not located in the store TP.

When the position of the terminal device 2 indicated by the position data output from the GPS receiving unit 23 is the position TI2 in FIG. 3, the detection unit 202 determines that the position is located in the store range TPH1. Then, when the detection unit 202 determines that the terminal device 2 is continuously located in the store range TPH1 for a predetermined time or longer, the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP1.

When the position of the terminal device 2 indicated by the position data output from the GPS receiving unit 23 is the position TI3 in FIG. 3, the detection unit 202 determines that the position is located in the store range TPH2. Then, when the detection unit 202 determines that the terminal device 2 is continuously located in the store range TPH2 for a predetermined time or longer, the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP2.

When the position of the terminal device 2 indicated by the position data output from the GPS receiving unit 23 is the position TI4 in FIG. 3, the detection unit 202 determines that the position is located in the store range TPH3. Then, when the detection unit 202 determines that the terminal device 2 is continuously located in the store range TPH3 for a predetermined time or longer, the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP3.

In FIG. 3, the shape of the store range TPH is a circle centered on the store position TPI, but the shape of the store range TPH is not limited to a circle and may be another shape such as a rectangle. Further, in FIG. 3, the center of the store range TPH is the store position TPI, but the center of the store range TPH is not limited to the store position TPI as long as the store range TPH includes the store position TPI.

Returning to the description of FIG. 2, when the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP, the terminal communication unit 21 sends the start instruction information indicating the start instruction of the precooling operation to the refrigerator control server 3 It is transmitted to the refrigerator 1 via. On the other hand, when the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is not located in the store TP, the operation control unit 203 does not transmit the start instruction information by the terminal communication unit 21.

Next, the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000. In FIG. 4, the flowchart FA shows the operation of the terminal device 2, the flowchart FB shows the operation of the refrigerator control server 3, and the flowchart FC shows the operation of the refrigerator 1.

At the start of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode and the refrigerator 1 is performing the normal operation.

The operation control unit 203 of the terminal control unit 20 of the terminal device 2 determines whether or not the detection unit 202 has detected that the user P is located in the store TP based on the detection result from the detection unit 202 (step SA1). ..

When the detection unit 202 does not detect when the user P is located in the store TP, that is, when the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is not located in the store TP (step SA1: NO), the operation control unit 203 again. The process of step SA1 is executed.

On the other hand, when the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP (step SA1: YES), the operation control unit 203 transmits the start instruction information to the refrigerator control server 3 by the terminal communication unit 21 (step SA2). ). In step SA2, the operation control unit 203 transmits the start instruction information to which the user ID 3131 stored in the terminal storage unit 210 is added to the refrigerator control server 3.

With reference to the flowchart FB, the server control unit 30 of the refrigerator control server 3 determines whether or not the start instruction information has been received from the terminal device 2 by the server communication unit 31 (step SB1).

When the server control unit 30 determines that the start instruction information has been received (step SB1: YES), the server control unit 30 refers to the refrigerator control database 313 and identifies the record R including the user ID 3131 added to the start instruction information (step SB1: YES). SB2).

The server control unit 30 transmits the start instruction information received from the terminal device 2 to the refrigerator 1 by the server communication unit 31 based on the communication information 3132 included in the specified record R (step SB3). In step SB3, the server control unit 30 adds the refrigerator ID 1613 included in the record R specified in step SB2, and transmits the start instruction information.

With reference to the flowchart FC, the refrigerator control unit 16 of the refrigerator 1 determines whether or not the start instruction information has been received from the refrigerator control server 3 by the refrigerator communication unit 17 (step SC1).

When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the start instruction information has been received (step SC1: YES), does the refrigerator ID 1613 added to the received start instruction information match the refrigerator ID 1613 stored in the refrigerator storage unit 161? Whether or not it is determined (step SC2).

When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the refrigerator ID 1613 matches (step SC2: YES), the refrigerator control unit 16 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the precooling operation mode, and starts the precooling operation (step SC3).

On the other hand, when the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the refrigerator ID 1613 does not match (step SC2: NO), the refrigerator control unit 16 ends this process. That is, the refrigerator control unit 16 does not shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the precooling operation mode, and does not start the precooling operation.

As described above, the refrigerator control unit 16 starts the precooling operation only when the refrigerator ID 1613 added to the start instruction information matches the refrigerator ID 1613 stored in the refrigerator storage unit 161. This has the following effects. Assuming that the precooling operation is started without depending on the refrigerator ID 1613, if the communication information 3132 associated with the refrigerator ID 1613 in the refrigerator control database 313 is not appropriate information, the refrigerator 1 not intended by the user P performs the precooling operation. May start. For example, when the setting location of the refrigerator 1 changes due to a move or the like and the address on the network changes due to this, if the refrigerator control database 313 is not properly updated, the refrigerator 1 unintended by the user P starts the precooling operation. there is a possibility. Therefore, as in the refrigerator control unit 16 described above, the precooling operation is surely started only when the refrigerator ID 1613 added to the start instruction information matches the refrigerator ID 1613 stored in the refrigerator storage unit 161. In addition, the refrigerator 1 intended by the user P can start the precooling operation.

Returning to the explanation of the flowchart FC, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether or not the end trigger has occurred when the precooling operation is started (step SC4).

When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the end trigger does not occur (step SC4: NO), the refrigerator control unit 16 continues the precooling operation and executes the process of step SC4 again.

When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the end trigger has occurred (step SC4: YES), the refrigerator 1 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the precooling operation mode to the normal operation mode, and ends the precooling operation (step SC5).

As described above, the refrigerator control application 213 uses the terminal control unit 20 of the terminal device 2 capable of communicating with the refrigerator 1 via the global network GN, and the store TP in which the user P of the refrigerator 1 can acquire the food F. When the detection unit 202 detects whether or not the user P is located in the store TP and the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP, the precooling operation is started in the refrigerator 1, and the detection unit is not located in the store TP. When 202 is detected, it functions as an operation control unit 203 that does not cause the refrigerator 1 to start the precooling operation.

Further, the terminal device 2 capable of communicating with the refrigerator 1 via the global network GN detects whether or not the user P of the refrigerator 1 is located in the store TP where the food F can be acquired, and the user P is located in the store TP. Then, when it is detected, the precooling operation is started in the refrigerator 1, and when it is detected that the user P is not located in the store TP, the terminal control unit 20 is provided so as not to start the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1.

Further, in the refrigerator control system 1000 including the refrigerator 1 and the terminal device 2 capable of communicating with the refrigerator 1 via the global network GN, the terminal device 2 is a store TP in which the user P of the refrigerator 1 can acquire the food F. If it is detected that the user P is located in the store TP, the start instruction information indicating the start instruction of the precooling operation is transmitted to the refrigerator 1, and the user P must be located in the store TP. If detected, the start instruction information is not transmitted to the refrigerator 1. When the refrigerator 1 receives the start instruction information, the refrigerator 1 starts the precooling operation.

According to this, when it is detected that the user P is located in the store TP, the cooling amount in the refrigerator 1 is increased, and when it is detected that the user P is not located in the store TP, the inside of the refrigerator 1 is stored. Does not increase the amount of cooling. Therefore, the refrigerator control application 213, the terminal device 2, and the refrigerator control system 1000 can increase the possibility that the cooling amount in the refrigerator 1 can be increased when the user P is located in the store TP.

In particular, when the refrigerator control application 213, the terminal device 2, and the refrigerator control system 1000 detect that the user P is located in the store TP where the user P is likely to acquire the food F, the refrigerator 1 is stored in the refrigerator 1. The amount of cooling is increased, and when the user P detects that the user P is not located in the store TP, the amount of cooling in the refrigerator 1 is not increased. Therefore, the refrigerator control application 213, the terminal device 2, and the refrigerator control system 1000 can further increase the possibility that the cooling amount in the refrigerator 1 can be increased when the user P acquires the food F.

The detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP when the terminal device 2 of the user P is located in the store range TPH set as the store TP for a predetermined time or longer.

It is assumed that the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP when the user P is located in the store range TPH regardless of the time when the terminal device 2 is located in the store TPH. .. In the case of this configuration, the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP even if the user P passes around the store TP, that is, even if the terminal device 2 passes within the store range TPH. That is, in the case of this configuration, when the user P does not acquire the food F, there is a possibility that the amount of cooling in the refrigerator 1 is increased. Therefore, as described above, the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP when the terminal device 2 is located in the store range TPH for a predetermined time or longer, so that the user P can more accurately detect the user P. It can be detected when it is located in the store TP. Therefore, when the user P is located in the store TP, the possibility that the amount of cooling in the refrigerator 1 can be increased can be further increased.

When the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP, the operation control unit 203 causes the refrigerator 1 to start the precooling operation without asking the user P whether to start the precooling operation.

According to this configuration, when the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP, the refrigerator 1 automatically starts the precooling operation. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user P to give an instruction to start the precooling operation every time the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP. Therefore, when the user P is located in the store TP, the possibility that the cooling amount in the refrigerator 1 can be increased can be further increased, and the time and effort for starting the precooling operation can be reduced.

The refrigerator control application 213 is an application program that can be installed by the terminal device 2.

According to this configuration, the terminal device 2 that does not have the function of starting the precooling operation can be made into the terminal device 2 that has the function by installing the refrigerator control application 213. Therefore, the general-purpose terminal device 2 can be a terminal device 2 capable of increasing the amount of cooling in the refrigerator 1 when the user P is located in the store TP.

The refrigerator 1 ends the pre-cooling operation when it detects the opening and closing of the left door 11A, the right door 11B, and the drawers 12A, 13A, 14A, and 15A provided in the refrigerator 1 for the first time after the pre-cooling operation is started.

When the user P stores the food F acquired at the store TP in the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator 1 has a high possibility that the temperature of the food F can be quickly reached to the optimum storage temperature. That is, it is not necessary to continuously increase the cooling amount after the food F acquired by the user P at the store TP is stored in the refrigerator 1. Therefore, when the refrigerator 1 detects the opening and closing of the left door 11A, the right door 11B, and the drawers 12A, 13A, 14A, and 15A provided in the refrigerator 1, the precooling operation is terminated to end the precooling operation at an appropriate timing. can.

Refrigerator 1 ends the pre-cooling operation when a predetermined time has elapsed after starting the pre-cooling operation.

According to this configuration, there is a high possibility that the precooling operation can be completed at the timing when the user P returns home from the store TP or when the food F acquired by the user P at the store TP is stored in the refrigerator 1. Therefore, the precooling operation is appropriate. It can be finished at the right timing.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the second embodiment will be described.

In the description of the second embodiment, the same components as the components of the refrigerator 1, the terminal device 2, and the refrigerator control server 3 of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. do.

In the first embodiment, the operation control unit 203 automatically causes the refrigerator 1 to start the precooling operation when the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP. In the second embodiment, when the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP, the operation control unit 203 asks the user P whether to start the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1, inquires, and then precools. When the user P receives an instruction to start the operation, the refrigerator 1 is configured to start the precooling operation.

In the second embodiment, the operation control unit 203 displays various user interfaces on the touch panel 22, inquires to the user P whether or not to start the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1, and starts the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1. The instruction to be made is accepted from the user P.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on the touch panel 22 by the operation control unit 203.

When the operation control unit 203 detects that the user P is located in the store TP and the detection unit 202, if the display screen of the touch panel 22 is the non-application screen HAG, the first user interface UI 1 is pushed to the touch panel 22 in the form of a push notification. To display. The non-app screen HAG refers to a screen other than the app screen AG related to the refrigerator control app 213, such as a home screen.

The first user interface UI 1 includes inquiry information J1 inquiring the user P whether or not to start the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1. When the first user interface UI 1 is touch-operated by the user P, the operation control unit 203 shifts the display screen of the touch panel 22 from the non-application screen HAG to the application screen AG that displays the second user interface UI 2. When the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP, the operation control unit 203 causes the touch panel 22 to display the first user interface UI 1 when the display screen of the touch panel 22 is the application screen AG. The second user interface UI2 is superimposed on the application screen AG and displayed without any problem.

The second user interface UI 2 includes inquiry information J1 inquiring the user P whether or not to start the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1. Further, the second user interface UI 2 includes a YES button B1 and a NO button B2. The YES button B1 is a software button for receiving an instruction from the user P to start the precooling operation of the refrigerator 1. The NO button B2 is a software button for receiving an instruction from the user P not to start the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1.

When the NO button B2 is touch-operated by the user P, the operation control unit 203 stops the display of the second user interface UI 2 without causing the refrigerator 1 to start the precooling operation. On the other hand, when the YES button B1 is touch-operated by the user P, the operation control unit 203 causes the refrigerator 1 to start the precooling operation and displays the third user interface UI 3 on the touch panel 22 instead of the second user interface UI 2. Let me.

The third user interface UI 3 includes operation start information J2 indicating that the refrigerator 1 has started the precooling operation.

Next, the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 of the second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 6, as in FIG. 4, the flowchart FA shows the operation of the terminal device 2, the flowchart FB shows the operation of the refrigerator control server 3, and the flowchart FC shows the operation of the refrigerator 1.

In FIG. 6, the same step numbers as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 are assigned the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP (step SA1: YES), the operation control unit 203 displays the first user interface UI1 or the second user interface UI2 on the touch panel 22 and displays the refrigerator 1 Inquires to user P whether or not to start the precooling operation (step SA10).

Next, the operation control unit 203 determines whether or not the instruction to start the precooling operation of the refrigerator 1 has been received from the user P (step SA11). When the YES button B1 of the second user interface UI2 is touch-operated, the operation control unit 203 makes an affirmative determination in step SA11.

Next, when the operation control unit 203 determines that the refrigerator 1 has not received the instruction to start the precooling operation from the user P (step SA11: NO), has the operation control unit 203 received the instruction not to start the precooling operation from the user P? Whether or not it is determined (step SA12). When the NO button B2 of the second user interface UI2 is touch-operated, the operation control unit 203 makes an affirmative determination in step SA12.

When the operation control unit 203 determines that the instruction not to start the precooling operation of the refrigerator 1 is not received from the user P (step SA12: NO), the process is returned to the step SA11, and the determination of the step SA11 is performed again.

On the other hand, when the operation control unit 203 determines that the user P has received an instruction not to start the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1, the operation control unit 203 stops the display of the second user interface UI2 and starts the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1. The inquiry as to whether or not to make the user is terminated (step SA13).

Returning to the explanation of step SA11, when the operation control unit 203 receives the instruction to start the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1 (step SA11: YES), the operation control unit 203 transmits the start instruction information to the refrigerator control server 3 by the terminal communication unit 21. (Step SA2).

As described above, when the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP, the operation control unit 203 asks the user P whether to start the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1, and the user P precools. When the instruction to start the operation is received, the refrigerator 1 is made to start the precooling operation.

According to this configuration, when the instruction to start the pre-cooling operation is received, the refrigerator 1 starts the pre-cooling operation, so that the pre-cooling operation started by the refrigerator 1 is prevented from being an operation of the refrigerator 1 unintended by the user P. can.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, the third embodiment will be described.

In the description of the third embodiment, the same components as the components of the refrigerator 1, the terminal device 2, and the refrigerator control server 3 of the first and second embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals in detail. The description will be omitted as appropriate.

In the second embodiment, the operation control unit 203 asks the user P whether or not to start the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1 every time the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP. In the third embodiment, when the setting unit 201 makes a setting that does not inquire whether the refrigerator 1 starts the precooling operation, the operation control unit 203 automatically sends the refrigerator 1 to the refrigerator 1 without making the inquiry. Start the pre-cooling operation.

With reference to FIG. 7, the operation of the operation control unit 203 when the setting unit 201 makes a setting not to inquire whether to start the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface displayed on the touch panel 22 by the operation control unit 203. In the description of FIG. 4, the setting unit 201 has not set the refrigerator 1 not to inquire whether to start the precooling operation, that is, the setting to inquire whether the refrigerator 1 should start the precooling operation. It is assumed that the setting unit 201 is performing.

When the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP and the display screen of the touch panel 22 is the non-application screen HAG, the operation control unit 203 pushes the first user interface UI 1 to the touch panel 22 in the form of a push notification. To display. When the first user interface UI 1 is touch-operated by the user P, the operation control unit 203 shifts the display screen of the touch panel 22 from the non-application screen HAG to the application screen AG that displays the fourth user interface UI 4. When the operation control unit 203 detects that the user P is located in the store TP, if the display screen of the touch panel 22 is the application screen AG, the fourth user interface UI1 is not displayed on the touch panel 22. The user interface UI 4 is superimposed on the application screen AG and displayed.

The fourth user interface UI4 includes inquiry information J1, YES button B1, and NO button B2. Further, the fourth user interface UI4 includes a check box B3. The check box B3 is a check box for receiving an instruction not to display the first user interface UI1 and the fourth user interface UI4 when the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP. That is, the check box B3 is a check box for receiving an instruction not to ask the refrigerator 1 whether or not to start the precooling operation.

When the NO button B2 is touch-operated by the user P, the operation control unit 203 causes the touch panel 22 to stop the display of the fourth user interface UI 4 without causing the refrigerator 1 to start the precooling operation.

When the YES button B1 is touch-operated by the user P, the operation control unit 203 causes the refrigerator 1 to start the precooling operation and displays the third user interface UI 3 on the touch panel 22 instead of the fourth user interface UI 4.

Here, the operation control unit 203 receives an instruction not to display the first user interface UI1 and the fourth user interface UI4 when the YES button B1 is touch-operated by the user P when the check box B3 is not checked. The fact that it has not been output is output to the setting unit 201. When this is input from the operation control unit 203, the setting unit 201 does not make a setting that does not inquire whether or not to start the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1. That is, the setting unit 201 continues the setting for inquiring whether or not to start the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1.

On the other hand, the operation control unit 203 has received an instruction not to display the first user interface UI1 and the fourth user interface UI4 when the YES button B1 is touch-operated by the user P with the check box B3 checked. Is output to the setting unit 201. When this is input from the operation control unit 203, the setting unit 201 sets the refrigerator 1 not to inquire whether or not to start the precooling operation.

Next, the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 of the third embodiment will be described.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 8, as in FIGS. 4 and 6, the flowchart FA shows the operation of the terminal device 2, the flowchart FB shows the operation of the refrigerator control server 3, and the flowchart FC shows the operation of the refrigerator 1.

In FIG. 8, the same step numbers as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 are assigned the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP (step SA1: YES), the operation control unit 203 of the terminal control unit 20 of the terminal device 2 causes the refrigerator 1 to start the precooling operation. It is determined whether or not the setting is made so as not to inquire whether or not (step SA20).

When the operation control unit 203 determines that the setting unit 201 has made a setting that does not make an inquiry (step SA20: YES), the operation control unit 203 executes the processes after step SA2.

On the other hand, when the operation control unit 203 determines that the setting unit 201 has not made a setting that does not make an inquiry (step SA20: NO), the operation control unit 203 displays the first user interface UI1 or the fourth user interface UI4 on the touch panel 22. Then, the user P is inquired as to whether or not to start the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1 (step SA21).

Next, the operation control unit 203 determines whether or not the instruction to start the precooling operation of the refrigerator 1 has been received from the user P (step SA22). The operation control unit 203 makes an affirmative determination in step SA22 when the YES button B1 of the fourth user interface UI4 is touch-operated.

Next, when the operation control unit 203 determines that the refrigerator 1 has not received the instruction to start the precooling operation from the user P (step SA22: NO), has the operation control unit 203 received the instruction from the user P not to start the precooling operation to the refrigerator 1? Whether or not it is determined (step SA23). When the NO button B2 of the fourth user interface UI4 is touch-operated, the operation control unit 203 makes an affirmative determination in step SA23.

When the operation control unit 203 determines that the instruction not to start the precooling operation of the refrigerator 1 is not received from the user P (step SA23: NO), the process is returned to the step SA22, and the determination of the step SA22 is performed again.

On the other hand, when the operation control unit 203 determines that the user P has received an instruction not to start the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1, the operation control unit 203 stops the display of the fourth user interface UI4 and starts the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1. The inquiry as to whether or not to make the user is terminated (step SA24).

Returning to the explanation of step SA22, when the operation control unit 203 receives the instruction to start the precooling operation in the refrigerator 1 (step SA22: YES), the terminal communication unit 21 transmits the start instruction information indicating the start instruction of the precooling operation. It is transmitted to the refrigerator control server 3 (step SA2).

Each of the above-described embodiments shows only one aspect of the present disclosure, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the store TP is exemplified as the food acquisition destination of the present disclosure, but the food acquisition destination of the present disclosure is not limited to the store TP, and the user P can acquire the food F. It's fine. For example, the food can be obtained from a fishing spot, a relative's house of user P, a ranch, a farm, or the like. That is, the food acquisition destination may be a place where the user P can acquire the food F by himself / herself, a place where the user P can acquire the food F from another person for free or for a fee, and the like.

Further, for example, the detection unit 202 may detect whether or not the user P is located in the store TP in cooperation with an application program having a current location display function, a navigation function, or the like, a so-called map application.

Further, for example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the refrigerator 1 shifts the operation mode from the normal operation mode to the pre-cooling operation mode when the refrigerator 1 starts the pre-cooling operation is illustrated. The operation mode is not limited to the normal operation mode, and may be an operation mode other than the precooling operation mode in which the amount of cooling in the refrigerator 1 is smaller than that in the precooling operation mode. In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the refrigerator 1 shifts the operation mode from the pre-cooling operation mode to the normal operation mode when the refrigerator 1 ends the pre-cooling operation is illustrated, but the operation mode of the shift destination is changed to the normal operation mode. The operation mode is not limited to the pre-cooling operation mode, and may be any operation mode in which the amount of cooling in the refrigerator 1 is smaller than that in the pre-cooling operation mode.

Further, for example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the refrigerator control server 3 adds the refrigerator ID 1613 when transmitting the start instruction information to the refrigerator 1 is illustrated, but the refrigerator control server 3 does not add the refrigerator ID 1613. The start instruction information may be transmitted to the refrigerator 1. In the case of this configuration, when the refrigerator 1 receives the start instruction information from the refrigerator control server 1, the refrigerator 1 starts the precooling operation without executing the process of step SC2 shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 8. Further, in the case of this configuration, the refrigerator storage unit 161 does not have to store the refrigerator ID 1613. Further, in the case of this configuration, one record R stored in the refrigerator control database 313 does not have to have the refrigerator ID 1613.

Further, for example, the types of rooms formed in the main box body 10 of the refrigerator are not limited to the refrigerating room 11, the ice making room 12, the fresh freezing room 13, the freezing room 14, and the vegetable room 15, and may be small. However, yet another type of room may be formed. Further, the number of doors provided in the opening on the front surface of the refrigerator compartment 11 may be one.

Further, the functions of the refrigerator control unit 16, the terminal control unit 20, and the server control unit 30 may be realized by a plurality of processors or semiconductor chips.

Further, each part shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and the specific mounting form is not particularly limited. That is, it is not always necessary to implement the hardware corresponding to each part individually, and it is of course possible to realize the function of each part by executing the program by one processor. Further, a part of the functions realized by the software in the above-described embodiment may be realized by the hardware, or a part of the functions realized by the hardware may be realized by the software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of the refrigerator 1, the terminal device 2, and the other parts of the refrigerator control server 3 can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Further, for example, the operation step units shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the operation of each part of the refrigerator control system 1000. Yes, this disclosure is not limited by the method and name of division of processing units. It may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Further, one step unit may be divided so as to include more processes. In addition, the order of the steps may be appropriately changed as long as it does not interfere with the purpose of the present disclosure.

As described above, the program, the terminal device, and the refrigerator control system according to the present disclosure can be used for the purpose of causing the refrigerator to start a cooling operation for increasing the amount of cooling in the refrigerator.

1 Refrigerator 2 Terminal device 3 Refrigerator control server 11A Left door (door)
11B Right door (door)
12A, 13A, 14A, 15A Drawer 20 Terminal control unit (control unit)
202 Detection unit 203 Operation control unit 213 Refrigerator control application (program, application program)
1000 Refrigerator Control System F Food GN Global Network (Network)
P user TP, TP1, TP2, TP3 stores (food acquisition destinations)
TPH store range (range set as food acquisition destination)

Claims (10)

1. The control unit of the terminal device that can communicate with the refrigerator via the network,
   A detector that detects whether or not the user of the refrigerator is located in a food acquisition destination where food can be acquired.
   When the detection unit detects that the user is located at the food acquisition destination, the amount of cooling in the refrigerator is increased as compared with the case where the detection unit detects that the user is not located at the food acquisition destination. When the detection unit detects that the user is not located at the food acquisition destination, the cooling operation is started in the refrigerator, and the cooling operation is made to function as an operation control unit that is not started in the refrigerator.
   A program characterized by that.
2. The detection unit
   When the terminal device of the user is located within the range set as the food acquisition destination for a predetermined time or longer, it is detected that the user is located at the food acquisition destination.
   The program according to claim 1.
3. The operation control unit
   When the detection unit detects that the user is located at the food acquisition destination, the refrigerator is caused to start the cooling operation without asking the user whether or not to start the cooling operation.
   The program according to claim 1 or 2.
4. The operation control unit
   When the detection unit detects that the user is located at the food acquisition destination, the user is inquired as to whether or not to start the cooling operation in the refrigerator.
   When the user receives an instruction to start the cooling operation, the refrigerator is made to start the cooling operation.
   The program according to claim 1 or 2.
5. The food acquisition destination is a store where the user can acquire food by accounting.
   The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the program is characterized by the above.
6. The program is an application program that can be installed by the terminal device.
   The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that.
7. A terminal device that can communicate with the refrigerator via a network.
   Detecting whether or not the user of the refrigerator is located in a food acquisition destination where food can be acquired,
   When the user detects that the food is available at the food acquisition destination, the refrigerator starts a cooling operation that increases the amount of cooling in the refrigerator as compared with the case where the user detects that the food is not at the food acquisition destination. The refrigerator is provided with a control unit that prevents the refrigerator from starting the cooling operation when it is detected that the user is not located at the food acquisition destination.
   A terminal device characterized by that.
8. A refrigerator control system including a refrigerator and a terminal device capable of communicating with the refrigerator via a network.
   The terminal device is
   Detecting whether or not the user of the refrigerator is located in a food acquisition destination where food can be acquired,
   When the user detects that the user is located at the food acquisition destination, an instruction to start a cooling operation for increasing the amount of cooling in the refrigerator as compared with the case where the user detects that the food acquisition destination is not located. The start instruction information indicating the above is transmitted to the refrigerator,
   When it is detected that the user is not located in the food acquisition destination, the start instruction information is not transmitted to the refrigerator.
   The refrigerator
   When the start instruction information is received, the cooling operation is started.
   A refrigerator control system that features that.
9. The refrigerator
   When the opening / closing of the door or drawer provided in the refrigerator is detected for the first time after the cooling operation is started, the cooling operation is ended.
   The refrigerator control system according to claim 8.
10. The refrigerator
    After starting the cooling operation, the cooling operation is ended when a predetermined time elapses.
    The refrigerator control system according to claim 8 or 9.

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