WO2021210561A1

WO2021210561A1 - Refrigerator, program, terminal device, and refrigerator control system

Info

Publication number: WO2021210561A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/015258
Authority: WO
Inventors: 智之小柳; 翔太垣内; 一瑳多賀; 雅至中川
Original assignee: パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date: 2020-04-17
Filing date: 2021-04-13
Publication date: 2021-10-21
Also published as: JP2024015398A; JP7411911B2; CN115380192A; CN115380192B; JP2021169910A

Abstract

A refrigerator (1) communicable with a weather server (2) comprises a refrigerator control unit (16). The refrigerator control unit (16) receives, from the weather server (2), air temperature data indicating the air temperature of a zone including an installation site of the refrigerator (1), determines whether the current season is winter on the basis of the air temperature indicated by the received air temperature data, and if determining that the current season is winter, shifts an operation mode of the refrigerator (1) from a normal operation mode to a winter operation mode in which an inside temperature is higher than in the normal operation mode.

Description

Refrigerators, programs, terminals, and refrigerator control systems

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

Conventionally, the technology for setting the temperature inside the refrigerator is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator that 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. do.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-108740

By the way, in winter, there are people who are concerned about getting cold. Since such people tend to prefer cold foods in winter compared to seasons other than winter, it is desirable to be able to set the temperature inside the refrigerator to a temperature suitable for winter in winter.

Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to make it possible to set the temperature inside the refrigerator to a temperature suitable for winter.

In order to achieve the above object, the present disclosure is a refrigerator that can communicate with a server, and receives temperature data indicating the temperature of an area including the installation location of the refrigerator from the server, and the received temperature data indicates the temperature data. When it is determined whether or not the current season is winter based on the temperature, and when it is determined that the current season is winter, the operating mode of the refrigerator is changed from the first mode to the temperature inside the refrigerator from the first mode. It is characterized by including a refrigerator control unit for shifting to a higher second mode.

According to the present disclosure, the temperature inside the refrigerator can be set to a temperature suitable for winter.

The figure which shows the structure of the communication system Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the refrigerator Flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the refrigerator Flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator Diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerator control system Block diagram showing the functional configuration of a refrigerator, a refrigerator control server, and a terminal device 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

The first aspect is a refrigerator that can communicate with the server, receives temperature data indicating the temperature of the area including the installation location of the refrigerator from the server, and is currently based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data. If it is determined whether or not the season is winter and the current season is winter, the operation mode of the refrigerator is changed from the first mode to the second mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator is higher than that of the first mode. It is characterized in that it is provided with a refrigerator control unit.

According to this, when it is determined that the current season is winter, the temperature inside the refrigerator can be set to a temperature suitable for winter by setting the temperature inside the refrigerator high.

In the second aspect, when the refrigerator control unit determines that the current season is winter, it asks the user of the refrigerator whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator to the second mode, and the user When the instruction to shift to the second mode is received, the operation mode of the refrigerator is shifted to the second mode.

According to this, in order to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator to the second mode when the instruction to shift to the second mode is received, the operation of setting the temperature inside the refrigerator to a temperature suitable for winter is the intention of the user. It is possible to prevent the refrigerator from operating.

In the third aspect, when the refrigerator control unit receives a plurality of the temperature data from the present to a predetermined number of days back, and the average of the temperatures indicated by the received plurality of the temperature data is lower than the predetermined temperature, the present time. It is characterized in that it is determined that the season of is winter.

According to this, when the average of multiple temperatures from the present to the day retroactive by a predetermined number of days is lower than the predetermined temperature, the current season is determined to be winter, so that the temperature varies in the period from the present to the day retroactive by a predetermined number of days. Even if there is, it can be accurately determined that the current season is winter. Therefore, the temperature inside the refrigerator can be set to a temperature suitable for winter at an appropriate timing.

A fourth aspect is characterized in that, when the refrigerator control unit receives an instruction to end the second mode from a user of the refrigerator, the refrigerator control unit ends the second mode.

According to this, it is highly possible that the user tried to change the temperature inside the refrigerator from the temperature of the second mode to another temperature when receiving the end instruction from the user, so setting the temperature inside the refrigerator suitable for winter. Can be finished at the right time.

A fifth aspect is characterized in that, when the refrigerator control unit receives an operation of changing the temperature inside the refrigerator from the user of the refrigerator, the second mode is terminated.

According to this, accepting a change in the temperature inside the refrigerator from the user is likely to mean that the user tried to change the temperature inside the refrigerator from the temperature in the second mode to another temperature, so the inside of the refrigerator is suitable for winter. The temperature setting can be completed at an appropriate timing.

In the sixth aspect, the control unit of the terminal device capable of communicating with the refrigerator and the server is the communication control unit that receives the air temperature data indicating the temperature of the area including the installation location of the refrigerator from the server, and the communication control unit. A determination unit that determines whether or not the current season is winter based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data, and an operation mode of the refrigerator when the determination unit determines that the current season is winter. Is a program characterized by functioning as an operation mode control unit that shifts from a first mode to a second mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator is higher than that of the first mode.

In a seventh aspect, when the determination unit determines that the current season is winter, the operation mode control unit determines whether or not the operation mode of the refrigerator is shifted to the second mode by the user of the refrigerator. When an instruction to shift to the second mode is received from the user after making an inquiry to the refrigerator, the operation mode of the refrigerator is shifted to the second mode.

In an eighth aspect, the communication control unit receives a plurality of the temperature data from the present to a predetermined number of days back from the server, and the determination unit receives a plurality of the temperature data received by the communication control unit. When the average of the indicated temperatures is lower than the predetermined temperature, it is determined that the current season is winter.

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

According to this, a terminal device that does not have a function of controlling a 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 setting the temperature inside the refrigerator to a temperature suitable for winter.

A tenth aspect is a terminal device capable of communicating with a refrigerator and a server, and receives temperature data indicating the temperature of an area including the installation location of the refrigerator from the server, and obtains the temperature indicated by the received temperature data. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the current season is winter, and when it is determined that the current season is winter, the operation mode of the refrigerator is changed from the first mode to the second mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator is higher than that of the first mode. It is characterized by having a control unit for shifting to a mode.

An eleventh aspect is a refrigerator control system having a refrigerator and a terminal device capable of communicating with the refrigerator and the server, wherein the terminal device obtains temperature data indicating the temperature of an area including a place where the refrigerator is installed. It is determined whether or not the current season is winter based on the temperature indicated by the temperature data received from the server, and when it is determined that the current season is winter, the operation mode of the refrigerator is set to the second. When the transition instruction information indicating an instruction to shift from the first mode to the second mode having a higher internal temperature than the first mode is transmitted to the refrigerator, and the refrigerator receives the transition instruction information, the operation mode of the refrigerator is changed. It is characterized in that the transition from the first mode to the second mode is performed.

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 a configuration of a communication system 1000 including a refrigerator 1.

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

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 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 communicates with the communication device 3 installed at the user P's home H, and communicates with the weather server 2 via the communication device 3.

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

The meteorological server 2 is a server device that provides meteorological data related to the weather in the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1. Examples of the meteorological data provided by the meteorological server 2 include air temperature data indicating the temperature of the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1, humidity data indicating the humidity of the area, wind speed data indicating the wind speed of the area, and the like. .. In the present embodiment, the temperature data is exemplified as the weather data provided by the weather server 2, but the weather data provided by the weather server 2 may include at least the temperature data and may include other data such as humidity data. .. In the present embodiment, the temperature data of 1 provided by the meteorological server 2 indicates at least the daily minimum temperature.

The area of the meteorological data provided by the meteorological server 2 may be an area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1, for example, a primary subdivision area or a secondary subdivision area, and is a geographical range defined by the national meteorological agency. It may be in other areas.

Further, in each figure, the weather server 2 is represented by one block, but this does not necessarily mean that the weather server 2 is composed of a single server device. For example, the weather server 2 may be configured to include a plurality of server devices having different processing contents.

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the refrigerator.

Refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator control unit 16, a refrigerator communication unit 17, a refrigerator operation unit 18, and a cooling 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 installation location information 1613, and various other data. The installation location information 1613 is information indicating the installation location of the refrigerator 1. In the present embodiment, since the installation location of the refrigerator 1 is the home H of the user P, the installation location information 1613 is information indicating the address, zip code, and the like of the home H. 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 weather server 2 according to a predetermined communication standard. The communication standard used by the refrigerator communication unit 17 may be a wireless communication standard (for example, IEEE802.11a / 11b / 11g / 11n / 11ac, Bluetooth®) or a wired communication standard.

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

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

Next, the operation of the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart FA showing the operation of the refrigerator 1.

At the start of the flowchart FA shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode. The normal operation mode corresponds to the "first mode" of the present disclosure. The normal operation mode is an operation mode in which the refrigerator 1 is operated in a normal operation in which the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 is, for example, 1 ° C. to 2 ° C. lower than that in the winter operation described later.

The refrigerator control unit 16 of the refrigerator 1 determines whether or not a start trigger for starting the processing of the flowchart FA has occurred (step SA1).

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

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

When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the start trigger has not occurred (step SA1: NO), the refrigerator control unit 16 determines step SA1 again.

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

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

Also, the temperature data request information includes a plurality of date information indicating the date. In the present embodiment, the refrigerator control unit 16 requests the weather server 2 for temperature data of all dates in the period from the present to a predetermined number of days (for example, 7 days). Therefore, in step SA2, the refrigerator control unit 16 transmits the temperature data request information including the date information for all dates in the period from the present to the day retroactive by a predetermined number of days to the weather server 2 by the refrigerator communication unit 17.

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

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

Next, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether or not the current season is winter based on the temperature data received from the weather server 2 (step SA4).

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

The refrigerator control unit 16 determines in step SA4 whether the current season is winter or not (step SA5).

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

The winter operation mode is an operation mode in which the refrigerator 1 is operated in winter, which is an operation in which the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 is set higher than the normal operation by, for example, 1 ° C. to 2 ° C. The winter operation mode corresponds to the "second mode" of the present disclosure. In the winter operation mode, the temperature inside the refrigerator may be raised for all the storage chambers, or the temperature inside the refrigerator may be raised for any storage chamber such as only the refrigerating chamber 11.

For example, the refrigerator control unit 16 lowers the rotation speed of the compressor 191 from the rotation speed during normal operation in winter operation, and reduces the cooling amount of each storage chamber of the refrigerator 1. Further, for example, the refrigerator control unit 16 lowers the rotation speed of the cooling fan 195 from the rotation speed during normal operation to reduce the circulation amount of cold air in the refrigerator 1. Further, for example, in the winter operation, the refrigerator control unit 16 lowers the rotation speed of the compressor 191 from the rotation speed during the normal operation and lowers the rotation speed of the cooling fan 195 from the rotation speed during the normal operation to reduce the cooling amount. , And reduce the amount of circulation. Instead of lowering the rotation speed of the compressor 191 from the rotation speed during normal operation, the period for stopping the operation of the compressor 191 may be lengthened. Further, instead of lowering the rotation speed of the cooling fan 195 from the rotation speed during normal operation, the period for stopping the operation of the cooling fan 195 may be lengthened.

When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the current season is not winter (step SA5: "other than winter"), 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 winter operation mode, and does not start the winter operation.

Returning to the description after step SA6, when the winter operation is started, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether or not an end trigger for ending the winter operation has occurred (step SA7).

Here, a plurality of end triggers are illustrated.

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

<Second end trigger>
The refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the end trigger has occurred when the operation of the user P received by the refrigerator operation unit 18 is an operation of changing the temperature inside the refrigerator 1.

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

The refrigerator control unit 16 may determine whether or not the end trigger of any one of the first end trigger, the second end trigger, and the third end trigger has occurred, or any plurality of them. It may be determined whether or not any of the termination triggers has occurred. When the refrigerator control unit 16 is configured to determine whether or not it has occurred only for the third end trigger, the refrigerator 1 does not have to include the refrigerator operation unit 18 as a functional configuration.

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

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

As explained above, the refrigerator 1 can communicate with the weather server 2. The refrigerator 1 receives temperature data indicating the temperature of the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1 from the meteorological server 2, determines whether or not the current season is winter based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data, and determines whether or not the current season is winter. When it is determined that the current season is winter, the refrigerator control unit 16 is provided to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode.

According to this configuration, the refrigerator 1 can set the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 to a temperature suitable for winter by setting the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 high when it is determined that the current season is winter. .. Further, since the refrigerator 1 raises the internal temperature in the winter operation mode higher than that in the normal operation mode, the power consumption can be suppressed as compared with the normal operation mode.

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

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

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

Accepting the end instruction from user P is highly likely that user P tried to change the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 from the temperature in the winter operation mode to another temperature. Therefore, according to this configuration, the refrigerator 1 can finish setting the temperature suitable for winter at an appropriate timing.

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

Accepting a change in the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 is highly likely that the user P is trying to change the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 from the temperature in the winter operation mode to another temperature. Therefore, according to this configuration, the refrigerator 1 can finish setting the temperature suitable for winter at an appropriate timing.

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

In the description of the second embodiment, the same components as the components of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

In the first embodiment, the refrigerator control unit 16 automatically shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode when it is determined that the current season is winter. In the second embodiment, when the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the current season is winter, it inquires whether to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode, and after making an inquiry, shifts to the winter operation mode. When the user P receives an instruction to cause the refrigerator 1, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is changed to the winter operation mode.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the refrigerator 1 of the second embodiment.

The refrigerator 1 of the second embodiment includes a refrigerator display unit 20 as a functional unit for inquiring whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode as compared with the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment.

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

FIG. 5 is a flowchart FB showing the operation of the refrigerator 1 of the second embodiment. In FIG. 5, the same steps as those in the flowchart FA shown in FIG. 3 are assigned the same step numbers, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

At the start time of the flowchart FB shown in FIG. 5, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode as in FIG.

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

For example, whether or not the refrigerator control unit 16 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode by displaying the character string "Do you want to change the operation mode to the winter operation mode?" On the refrigerator display unit 20. Ask user P.

Next, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether or not the user P has received an instruction to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode (step SB2).

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

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

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

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

When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the user P has received an instruction not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode (step SB3: YES), 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 winter operation mode, and does not start the winter operation.

On the other hand, when the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the user P has not received an instruction not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode (step SB3: NO), the predetermined time after starting the inquiry in step SB1. (Step SB4).

When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the inquiry in step SB2 was started (step SB4: NO), the process returns to step SB2, and the process in step SB2 is executed again.

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

In the present embodiment, the display on the refrigerator display unit 20 is used to inquire whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode, but the mode of the inquiry is not limited to the display. For example, the refrigerator control unit 16 may inquire by voice output whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode by the speaker built in the refrigerator 1 or the speaker externally connected to the refrigerator 1. In the case of this configuration, the refrigerator 1 outputs an audio signal to a speaker or a speaker externally connected to the refrigerator 1 as a function unit for inquiring whether to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode. A unit is provided in place of or together with the refrigerator display unit 20.

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

According to this configuration, when the instruction to shift to the winter operation mode is received, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is shifted to the winter operation mode, so that the operation of setting the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 to a temperature suitable for winter is performed. It is possible to prevent the operation of the refrigerator 1 that is not intended by the user P.

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

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerator control system 2000.

In the description of the third embodiment, the same components as the components of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

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

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

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

The refrigerator control system 2000 includes a terminal device 5 having a touch panel 52. The terminal device 5 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 5. 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 "513". The refrigerator control application 513 corresponds to the "program" and "application program" of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 1, the user P who is at home is shown by a dotted line, and the user P who has gone out from home H is shown by a solid line. When the terminal device 5 is used by the user P at home, the terminal device 5 is connected to the refrigerator control server 4 via the communication device 3 or without the communication device 3 by the function of the refrigerator control application 513. Communicate to control the operation of the refrigerator 1. Further, when the terminal device 5 is used by the user P who has gone out from the home H, the terminal device 5 communicates with the refrigerator control server 4 connected to the global network GN by the function of the refrigerator control application 513 without going through the communication device 3. To control the operation of the refrigerator 1.

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

Next, the functional configurations of the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator control server 4, and the terminal device 5 of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configurations of the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator control server 4, and the terminal device 5.

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

In the third embodiment, the refrigerator storage unit 161 stores the refrigerator ID 1614. Refrigerator ID 1614 is identification information of the refrigerator 1, for example, a serial number of the refrigerator 1.

The refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 7 illustrates a case where the refrigerator operation unit 18 and the refrigerator display unit 20 are not provided as a functional configuration, but the refrigerator 1 includes the refrigerator operation unit 18 and the refrigerator display. It may include at least one of the parts 20.

Next, the function of the refrigerator control server 4 will be described.

The refrigerator control server 4 includes a server control unit 40 and a server communication unit 41.

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

The server storage unit 410 has a storage area for storing a program executed by the server processor 400 and data processed by the server processor 400. The server storage unit 410 stores the control program 411 executed by the server processor 400, the setting data 412 related to the setting of the refrigerator control server 4, the refrigerator control database 413, and various other data. The server storage unit 410 has a non-volatile storage area for non-volatilely storing programs and data. Further, the server storage unit 410 may include a volatile storage area and form a work area for temporarily storing the program executed by the server processor 400 and the data to be processed.

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

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

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

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

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

Next, the functional configuration of the terminal device 5 will be described.

The terminal device 5 includes a terminal control unit 50, a terminal communication unit 51, and a touch panel 52. The terminal control unit 50 corresponds to the "control unit" of the present disclosure.

The terminal control unit 50 includes a terminal processor 500, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU and an MPU, and a terminal storage unit 510, and controls each unit of the terminal device 5. The terminal control unit 50 executes various processes in cooperation with hardware and software so that the terminal processor 500 reads the control program 511 stored in the terminal storage unit 510 and executes the process. The refrigerator control application 513 is pre-installed on the terminal device 5. The refrigerator control application 513 is read from the terminal storage unit 510 by the terminal processor 500 and executed to set the terminal control unit 50 into a setting unit 501, a communication control unit 502, a determination unit 503, and an operation mode control unit. Make it function as 504. Details of these functional units will be described later.

The terminal storage unit 510 has a storage area for storing a program executed by the terminal processor 500 and data processed by the terminal processor 500. The terminal storage unit 510 stores the control program 511 executed by the terminal processor 500, the setting data 512 related to the setting of the terminal device 5, the refrigerator control application 513, the user ID 4131, the installation location information 1613, and various other data. The terminal storage unit 510 has a non-volatile storage area for non-volatilely storing programs and data. Further, the terminal storage unit 510 may include a volatile storage area and may form a work area for temporarily storing the program executed by the terminal processor 500 and the data to be processed.

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

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

As described above, the terminal control unit 50 functions as a setting unit 501, a communication control unit 502, a determination unit 503, and an operation mode control unit 504.

The setting unit 501 makes various settings related to the functions of the refrigerator control application 513. For example, the setting unit 501 sets various settings related to the functions of the refrigerator control application 513 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 513. I do. The application setting data is data related to the setting of the function of the refrigerator control application 513, and includes various setting items.

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

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

The determination unit 503 determines whether or not the current season is winter based on the temperature data output from the communication control unit 502. Similar to the refrigerator control unit 16 of the first embodiment, the determination unit 503 calculates the average of the daily minimum temperature indicated by the plurality of received temperature data, and the calculated average of the daily minimum temperature is a predetermined predetermined temperature. It is determined whether or not the temperature is lower than (for example, 6 ° C.). When the determination unit 503 determines that the average of the calculated daily minimum temperatures is equal to or higher than a predetermined predetermined temperature, the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is a season other than winter. On the other hand, when the determination unit 503 determines that the average of the calculated daily minimum temperatures is lower than a predetermined predetermined temperature, the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter. The determination unit 503 outputs the determination result to the operation mode control unit 504.

The operation mode control unit 504 indicates transition instruction information indicating an instruction to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode when the determination result of the determination unit 503 is that the current season is winter. Is transmitted to the refrigerator 1 by the terminal communication unit 51.

Next, the operation of the refrigerator control system 2000 of this embodiment will be described.

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

At the start time of each flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode as in FIGS. 3 and 5.

The communication control unit 502 of the terminal control unit 50 of the terminal device 5 determines whether or not a start trigger for starting the processing of the flowchart FC has occurred (step SC1).

For example, in step SC1, the communication control unit 502 determines that the start trigger has occurred when a predetermined time has arrived.

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

When the communication control unit 502 determines that the start trigger has not occurred (step SC1: NO), the communication control unit 502 determines step SC1 again.

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

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

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

Similar to the first embodiment, when the meteorological server 2 receives the air temperature data request information, the meteorological server 2 stores the air temperature data of the area corresponding to the set place indicated by the installation place information included in the air temperature data request information in a predetermined database. Get from. The meteorological server 2 acquires the temperature data for all dates indicated by all the date information included in the temperature data request information from a predetermined database. When the meteorological server 2 acquires a plurality of temperature data, it transmits the plurality of acquired temperature data as a response to the received temperature data request information to the terminal device 5.

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

Next, the determination unit 503 determines whether or not the current season is winter based on a plurality of meteorological data output from the communication control unit 502 (step SC4).

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

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

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

With reference to the flowchart FD, the server control unit 40 of the refrigerator control server 4 determines whether or not the migration instruction information has been received from the terminal device 5 by the server communication unit 41 (step SD1).

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

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

With reference to the flowchart FE, the refrigerator control unit 16 of the refrigerator 1 determines whether or not the transition instruction information has been received from the refrigerator control server 4 by the refrigerator communication unit 17 (step SE1).

When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the transition instruction information has been received (step SE1: YES), does the refrigerator ID 1614 added to the received transition instruction information match the refrigerator ID 1614 stored in the refrigerator storage unit 161? Whether or not it is determined (step SE2).

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

On the other hand, when the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the refrigerator ID 1614 does not match (step SE2: 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 winter operation mode, and does not start the winter operation.

As described above, the refrigerator control unit 16 starts the winter operation only when the refrigerator ID 1614 added to the transition instruction information matches the refrigerator ID 1614 stored in the refrigerator storage unit 161. This has the following effects. Assuming that the winter operation is started without depending on the refrigerator ID 1614, if the communication information 4132 associated with the refrigerator ID 1614 in the refrigerator control database 413 is not appropriate information, the refrigerator 1 not intended by the user P performs the winter 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 413 is not properly updated, the refrigerator 1 not intended by the user P starts winter operation. there is a possibility. Therefore, as in the refrigerator control unit 16 described above, the winter operation is surely started only when the refrigerator ID 1614 added to the transition instruction information matches the refrigerator ID 1614 stored in the refrigerator storage unit 161. In addition, the refrigerator 1 intended by the user P can start winter operation.

Returning to the explanation of the flowchart FE, when the winter operation is started, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether or not the end trigger has occurred, as in the first embodiment (step SE4).

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

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

As described above, the refrigerator control application 513 uses the terminal control unit 50 of the terminal device 5 capable of communicating with the refrigerator 1 and the weather server 2 to provide temperature data indicating the temperature of the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1 to the weather server. The communication control unit 502 received from 2 and the determination unit 503 for determining whether or not the current season is winter based on the temperature indicated by the air temperature data received by the communication control unit 502, and the determination unit 503 are the current season. When it is determined that is winter, the operation mode control unit 504 that shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode in which the internal temperature is higher than the normal operation mode is made to function.

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

Further, the refrigerator control system 2000 has a refrigerator 1 and a terminal device 5 capable of communicating with the refrigerator 1 and the weather server 2. The terminal device 5 receives the air temperature data indicating the air temperature of the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1 from the meteorological server 2, and determines whether or not the current season is winter based on the air temperature indicated by the received air temperature data. When it is determined that the current season is winter, transition instruction information indicating an instruction to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode is transmitted to the refrigerator 1. Upon receiving the transition instruction information, the refrigerator 1 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode.

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

The communication control unit 502 receives a plurality of temperature data from the meteorological server 2 from the present to the day retroactive by a predetermined number of days. The determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter when the average of the daily minimum temperatures indicated by the plurality of temperature data received by the communication control unit 502 is lower than the predetermined temperature.

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

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

According to this configuration, the terminal device 5 that does not have the function of controlling the refrigerator 1 can be changed to the terminal device 5 that has the function by installing the refrigerator control application 513. Therefore, the general-purpose terminal device 5 can be a terminal device 5 capable of setting the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 to a temperature suitable for winter.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, the fourth embodiment will be described.

In the description of the fourth embodiment, the same components as the components of the third embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

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

The operation mode control unit 504 of the fourth embodiment displays various user interfaces on the touch panel 52, inquires whether to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode, and sets the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to winter. Accepts instructions to shift to the operation mode.

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

When the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter and the display screen of the touch panel 52 is the non-application screen HAG, the operation mode control unit 504 pushes the first user interface UI 1 to the touch panel 52 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 513, such as a home screen.

The first user interface UI 1 includes inquiry information J1 inquiring the user P whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode. When the first user interface UI 1 is touch-operated by the user P, the operation mode control unit 504 shifts the display screen of the touch panel 52 from the non-application screen HAG to the application screen AG that displays the second user interface UI 2. When the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter, the operation mode control unit 504 displays the first user interface UI1 on the touch panel 52 when the display screen of the touch panel 52 is the application screen AG. The second user interface UI2 is superimposed and displayed on the application screen AG without being caused.

The second user interface UI 2 includes inquiry information J1 inquiring the user P whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode. 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 shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode. The NO button B2 is a software button for receiving an instruction from the user P not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode.

When the NO button B2 is touch-operated by the user P, the operation mode control unit 504 stops the display of the second user interface UI 2 without shifting the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode. On the other hand, when the YES button B1 is touch-operated by the user P, the operation mode control unit 504 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode, and the third user interface UI3 replaces the second user interface UI2. Is displayed on the touch panel 52.

The third user interface UI 3 includes the operation start information J2 indicating that the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is shifted to the winter operation mode and the refrigerator 1 has started the winter operation.

Next, the operation of the refrigerator control system 2000 of the fourth embodiment will be described.

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

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

At the start time of each flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode as in FIG.

When the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter (step SC5: YES), the operation mode control unit 504 displays the first user interface UI1 or the second user interface UI2 on the touch panel 52. Then, the user P is inquired whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode (step SC10).

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

Next, when the operation mode control unit 504 determines that the user P has not received an instruction to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode (step SC11: NO), the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is changed to the winter operation mode. It is determined whether or not the instruction not to be transferred is received from the user P (step SC12). The operation mode control unit 504 makes an affirmative determination in step SC12 when the NO button B2 of the second user interface UI2 is touch-operated.

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

On the other hand, when the operation mode control unit 504 determines that the user P has received an instruction not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode (step SC12: YES), the operation mode control unit 504 stops the display of the second user interface UI2 and the refrigerator 1 is stopped. The inquiry for whether or not to shift the operation mode to the winter operation mode is completed (step SC13).

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

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

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 case where the refrigerator 1 shifts the operation mode from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode when the refrigerator 1 starts the winter operation is illustrated, but the operation mode of the shift source is the normal operation. The mode is not limited to the mode, and any operation mode other than the winter operation mode may be used. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the refrigerator 1 shifts the operation mode from the winter operation mode to the normal operation mode when the refrigerator 1 ends the winter operation is illustrated, but the operation mode of the shift destination is the normal operation. The mode is not limited to the mode, and any operation mode other than the winter operation mode may be used. Here, the operation mode other than the winter operation mode corresponds to the "first mode" of the present disclosure.

Further, for example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the temperature data request information includes the date information for all dates in the period from the present to the day retroactive by a predetermined number of days is illustrated. However, the temperature data request information is arbitrary in the period from the present to the day retroactive by a predetermined number of days, such as a configuration including date information indicating a date every other day in the period from the present to the day retroactive by a predetermined number of days. It may be configured to include date information for dates.

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

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

Further, for example, in the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment described above, the configuration in which the refrigerator control server 4 adds the refrigerator ID 1613 when transmitting the migration instruction information to the refrigerator 1 is illustrated, but the refrigerator control server 4 May be configured to transmit the transition instruction information to the refrigerator 1 without adding the refrigerator ID 1613. In the case of this configuration, when the refrigerator 1 receives the transition instruction information from the refrigerator control server 1, the refrigerator 1 shifts the operation mode to the winter operation mode without executing the processes of step SE2 shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. 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 413 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 1 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 at least. Alternatively, 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 50, and the server control unit 40 may be realized by a plurality of processors or semiconductor chips.

Further, each part shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 7 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 5, and the other parts of the refrigerator control server 4 can be arbitrarily changed without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Further, for example, the step units of the operations shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the operation of the refrigerator 1, and the processing units are divided. The disclosure is not limited by the method or name. 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. Further, for example, the operation step units shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the operation of each part of the refrigerator control system 2000, and the processing is performed. The disclosure is not limited by the method or name of the unit division. 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 refrigerator, the program, the terminal device, and the refrigerator control system according to the present disclosure can be used for setting the temperature inside the refrigerator.

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

Claims

A refrigerator that can communicate with the server
The temperature data indicating the temperature of the area including the installation location of the refrigerator is received from the server, and based on the received temperature data, it is determined whether or not the current season is winter, and the current season is determined. Is provided with a refrigerator control unit that shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator from the first mode to the second mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator is higher than that of the first mode when it is determined that is winter.
A refrigerator that features that.
The refrigerator control unit
If it is determined that the current season is winter, the user of the refrigerator is inquired as to whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator to the second mode.
When an instruction to shift to the second mode is received from the user, the operation mode of the refrigerator is shifted to the second mode.
The refrigerator according to claim 1.
The refrigerator control unit
When a plurality of the temperature data from the present to a predetermined number of days back are received and the average of the temperatures indicated by the received plurality of the temperature data is lower than the predetermined temperature, it is determined that the current season is winter.
The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2.
The refrigerator control unit
When the user of the refrigerator receives an instruction to end the second mode, the second mode is terminated.
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the refrigerator is characterized by the above.
The refrigerator control unit
When the operation of changing the temperature inside the refrigerator is received from the user of the refrigerator, the second mode is terminated.
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the refrigerator is characterized by the above.
The control unit of the terminal device that can communicate with the refrigerator and the server,
A communication control unit that receives temperature data indicating the temperature of the area including the installation location of the refrigerator from the server, and
A determination unit that determines whether or not the current season is winter based on the temperature indicated by the temperature data received by the communication control unit.
When the determination unit determines that the current season is winter, the operation mode control unit is used to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator from the first mode to the second mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator is higher than that of the first mode. Make it work
A program characterized by that.
The operation mode control unit
When the determination unit determines that the current season is winter, the user of the refrigerator is inquired as to whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator to the second mode, and after the inquiry, the user asks the user of the second mode. When the instruction to shift to is received, the operation mode of the refrigerator is shifted to the second mode.
The program according to claim 6, wherein the program is characterized by the above.
The communication control unit receives a plurality of the temperature data from the current to the day retroactive by a predetermined number of days from the server, and receives a plurality of the temperature data.
The determination unit determines that the current season is winter when the average of the temperatures indicated by the plurality of temperature data received by the communication control unit is lower than the predetermined temperature.
The program according to claim 6 or 7.
The program is an application program that can be installed in the terminal device.
The program according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that.
A terminal device that can communicate with refrigerators and servers.
The temperature data indicating the temperature of the area including the place where the refrigerator is installed is received from the server, and the temperature data is received from the server.
Based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data, it is determined whether or not the current season is winter.
When it is determined that the current season is winter, the refrigerator is provided with a control unit that shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator from the first mode to the second mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator is higher than that of the first mode.
A terminal device characterized by that.
A refrigerator control system having a refrigerator and a terminal device capable of communicating with the refrigerator and the server.
The terminal device is
The temperature data indicating the temperature of the area including the place where the refrigerator is installed is received from the server, and the temperature data is received from the server.
Based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data, it is determined whether or not the current season is winter.
When it is determined that the current season is winter, transition instruction information indicating an instruction to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator from the first mode to the second mode in which the temperature inside the refrigerator is higher than that of the first mode is transmitted to the refrigerator. ,
The refrigerator
Upon receiving the transition instruction information, the operation mode of the refrigerator is shifted from the first mode to the second mode.
A refrigerator control system that features that.