JP7615063B2 - Cleaning Equipment - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to various cleaning devices for home and commercial use.
For example, this relates to washing machines and dishwashers (including dishwasher-dryers) installed in ordinary households.

Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to an information processing terminal and an information acquisition system that acquire information regarding the inventory, remaining amount, etc. of non-durable consumer goods (hereinafter referred to as "consumer goods") such as various detergents (cleaning agents) used by the cleaning equipment, functional replacement parts (e.g., dust collection filters, deodorizing materials, odor absorbents, rechargeable batteries), grains such as rice used in rice cookers and other cooking appliances, or food ingredients such as frozen foods stored in refrigerators (including freezers).
The present invention also relates to a management system for managing the remaining amount of consumables and a purchasing support system for consumables.

In general, the main approach for consumables of electrical equipment installed in the home is for the individual user to keep track of the remaining amount, stock, expiration date, etc., and replenish them as necessary. As an exception, for electrical equipment installed in kitchen furniture, ceilings, etc. (sometimes called "built-in equipment"), replacement of functional replacement parts may be outsourced to a specialist company.

In addition, for commercial electrical appliances (including those that also use gas burners) used in restaurant kitchens and other facilities such as stores, employees, managers, and specialist businesses who use the electrical appliances procure, replenish, and replace the consumables.

For individual users of these electrical appliances, as well as the aforementioned employees and managers (collectively referred to as "users"), it is a hassle to grasp the inventory and remaining quantity of the consumable goods, and to grasp the timing for replenishing or replacing the consumable goods, before replenishing or replacing the consumable goods.
Moreover, the characteristics, operating environment, and frequency of each electrical appliance differ, and the amount of consumables consumed varies. For example, even if a single electrical appliance (such as a washing machine) is used in the same household, the amount consumed per operation varies depending on the user or selected items that actually use it, so even if detergent is stored in the home as a backup, it is difficult to accurately predict when it will run out. It may also happen that the electrical appliance cannot be operated due to a lack of necessary consumables.

In the field of (commercial) dishwashers, a technology has been proposed for a detergent supply unit that is installed midway through the piping connected to the dishwasher, in which a liquid-out sensor detects a "no detergent" state in the piping, and then the detergent container is replaced or filled with detergent, and a predicted number of times that the detergent container will be used up is set based on the number of times the detergent supply unit is operated from after the liquid-out sensor detects a "detergent present" state until it again detects "no detergent" (see Patent Document 1).

In addition, a bathtub cleaning device that cleans a bathtub with water and detergent in a detergent tank has been proposed that includes a refill preparation state detection means that detects a state in which the remaining amount of the detergent falls below a predetermined threshold amount as a refill preparation state, a planned number of days to obtain acquisition means that, when the refill preparation state is detected, acquires the planned number of days until the detergent for refilling is obtained, a detergent remaining amount acquisition means that acquires the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent tank either when the refill preparation state is detected or when the planned number of days to obtain is obtained, an average number of washes acquisition means that acquires the average number of washes per day, a restriction necessity determination means that determines whether or not to limit the amount of detergent used based on the remaining amount of detergent, the planned number of days to obtain, and the average number of washes, and a usage amount limiting means that limits the amount of detergent used during the cleaning based on the result of the determination of whether or not to limit (see Patent Document 2).

Furthermore, a technology has been proposed for dishwashers, which are a type of cleaning device, in which a tank for storing liquid detergent is provided outside the cleaning tub, and the detergent is poured into the cleaning tub (see Patent Document 3).

JP 2020-162937 A JP 2021-193 A JP 2020-178864 A

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the construction of a system in which various electrical appliances and other electric devices are provided with a network connection function and external server devices are used to collect usage data of the various electrical appliances has been considered.
However, while the technology described in Patent Document 1 makes it possible to know the predicted number of times a consumable product (detergent) for a particular electrical appliance (e.g., a commercial dishwasher) will be used up, there are cases where a user goes shopping or places an order over the Internet without noticing that consumable products for other electrical appliances are out of stock. This is the same for household electrical appliances.

In addition, the technology described in Patent Document 2, when it detects that a refill preparation state is required, determines the number of days until refill detergent is available, and limits the amount of detergent used during washing to ensure that there is enough time until refill detergent is available, which creates the same problems as Patent Document 1.

Furthermore, even with the technology described in Patent Document 3, it is not possible to know from the outside the amount of remaining liquid detergent at the time when the washing process is completed.
For these reasons, even if the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are adopted, the expectation of reducing the burden on users in managing remaining amounts of consumable products has not been fully met.

The main objective of this disclosure is to enable users to easily obtain information about consumables that require refilling or replacement, and to improve the convenience of managing remaining amounts and replacements of consumables by users.

The cleaning device according to the first disclosure comprises:
an input unit for receiving input commands from a user;
A control unit that receives an input command from the input unit and controls an operation of the function performing unit;
A measuring unit that measures an amount of a consumable product used when the function performing unit is operated;
A container containing the consumable product;
a position detection means for determining whether the container is in the correct position;
A door for opening and closing a cleaning space in which the object to be cleaned is accommodated;
a door driving device that generates a driving force for a closing operation of the door;
The Communications Department and
having
The control unit is
(1) causing the measuring unit to measure the amount of the consumable product present in the container, and acquiring measurement data MD; and when the remaining amount of the consumable product is equal to or greater than a threshold, starting a cleaning operation in response to an input from the input unit;
(2) The measurement data MD is transmitted to an external device as status information A linked to device identification information.
(3) in a state where the door is open, while the position detection means detects that the container is not in a correct installation position, the door drive device is not driven;
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

The cleaning device according to the second disclosure comprises:
an input unit for receiving input commands from a user;
A control unit that receives an input command from the input unit and controls an operation of the function performing unit;
A measuring unit that measures an amount of a consumable product used when the function performing unit is operated;
A container containing the consumable product;
a position detection means for determining whether the container is in the correct position;
A cleaning space for accommodating an object to be cleaned;
A door for opening and closing the cleaning space;
a door driving device that generates a driving force for closing the door;
The Communications Department and
having
The container is detachably installed in a storage space inside the door when the door is open,
The control unit
(1) causing the measuring unit to measure the amount of the consumable product remaining in the container to obtain measurement data MD, and starting a cleaning operation in response to an input from the input unit when the remaining amount of the consumable product is equal to or greater than a threshold value;
(2) linking the measurement data MD with device identification information and transmitting the data from the communication unit to an external network;
(3) The door drive device can be driven during a period during which the position detection means detects that the container is in a correct installation position when the door is in an open state.
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

The cleaning device according to the third disclosure comprises:
A communication unit connected to the outside;
an input unit for receiving input commands from a user;
A control unit that receives an input command from the input unit and controls an operation of the function performing unit;
A measuring unit that measures an amount of a consumable product used when the function performing unit is operated;
a consumption information acquisition unit that generates status information A to be provided to an external device from the communication unit;
a device information storage unit for storing the status information;
A container containing the consumable product;
a position detection means for determining whether the container is in the correct position;
A cleaning space for cleaning the object to be cleaned;
a door that moves in a closing direction together with the cleaning tank containing the object to be cleaned in order to open and close the cleaning space;
a door driving device that generates a driving force for closing the door;
having
The container is detachably installed in a storage space inside the door when the door is open,
The consumption information acquisition unit acquires measurement data MD by measuring the amount of the consumable product at each cleaning operation, and executes a process of estimating the number of possible operations from the measurement data MD;
The control unit transmits data indicating a result of the remaining operation number estimation process from the communication unit to an external network,
The control unit is capable of driving the door driving device while the position detection means detects that the container is in a correct installation position in the open state of the door.
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

The information processing terminal according to the fourth disclosure is
a communication unit that can be connected to the cleaning device via a network;
A terminal display unit;
an operation unit that accepts input commands from a user;
a terminal control unit that receives input commands from the operation unit and controls data processing and transmission operations;
a consumable product database for storing status information A of the consumable products of the cleaning device acquired via the communication unit;
a shopping list creation unit that extracts data from the consumer goods database within a range designated by the operation unit,
When the terminal control unit acquires the status information A via the communication unit, the terminal control unit displays a selection menu that can be inputted by the operation unit on the terminal side display unit,
The selection menu includes a first selection means for requesting the display of data related to the status information A, and a second selection means for requesting the display of more detailed data about the consumable product designated by the first selection means.
The configuration is characterized by being equipped with the above.

The information acquisition system for the fifth disclosure is
A cleaning device connected to a network;
a storage means connected to the cleaning device via the network, the storage means storing a plurality of data items for displaying the states of consumable products used in the cleaning device;
an information processing terminal connected to said storage means via said network and having a terminal-side display unit;
The cleaning device includes a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires status information A relating to a remaining status of the consumable product, and a communication unit that transmits the status information A to an outside,
the information processing terminal displays a selection screen having a plurality of input keys on the terminal display unit;
When one of the input keys is operated on the select screen, status information of a specific consumable product AA obtained from the cleaning device and status information of a specific consumable product BB obtained from an electrical appliance the same as or different from the cleaning device are displayed on the same list screen on the terminal side display unit, among the multiple data stored in the storage means;
When the consumer product AA is selected by an input key while the list screen is being displayed, information related to the consumer product AA that is not displayed on the list screen, such as information related to the operation of the related cleaning device or specific advice information related to the acquisition of the consumer product AA, is displayed on the terminal side display unit in a separate screen different from the list screen.
The configuration is characterized by the above.

The server according to the sixth disclosure is:
a cleaning device and an information processing terminal connected in a communicable state to each other via a network, and storing a plurality of data for displaying information on consumable products related to the cleaning device on a terminal display unit of the information processing terminal;
A selection screen having a plurality of input keys is displayed on the display unit of the terminal, and when the input keys are operated by a user, according to the contents of the operated input keys,
(1) among the plurality of data, consumable product data generated in response to a transmission result of status information from the cleaning device is aggregated for each user, and displayed in a list form on the terminal display unit;
(2) For a specific consumable product among the consumable products displayed in the list state, information indicating the remaining amount or the urgency of refilling or replacement is displayed on an individual display screen different from the list state on the terminal side display unit.
The configuration is characterized by executing the process.

The remaining amount management system for consumables according to the seventh disclosure is
a plurality of electrical devices including a cleaning device connected to a network;
a server connected to the electrical device via the network;
an information processing terminal that can be connected to the server via the network;
Equipped with
The server includes a user identification unit that identifies the electrical device,
Each of the plurality of electrical appliances has a function performing unit that uses a consumable product, a control unit that controls an operating state, an input unit that sets operating conditions by the control unit, a communication unit that transmits a setting result of the input unit to an outside via the network, and a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires status information A relating to a remaining state of the consumable product,
The server generates judgment information 1 and judgment information 2 regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product AA based on the status information A acquired from the cleaning device, and generates judgment information 1 and judgment information 2 regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product BB based on the status information A acquired from the same or different electrical appliance as the cleaning device,
The information processing terminal can acquire the judgment information 1 and the judgment information 2 from the server,
the information processing terminal displays, on a single list screen on a terminal display unit, the consumable products for which at least one of the acquired judgment information 1 and the acquired judgment information 2 belongs to the same level;
The configuration is characterized by the above.

The eighth disclosure relates to a consumer goods purchasing support system,
a plurality of electrical devices including a cleaning device connected to a network;
a server connected to the electrical device via the network;
an information processing terminal that can be connected to the server via the network;
Equipped with
The server has a user identification unit for identifying a user who uses the electrical device,
The server generates determination information A regarding a remaining state of a specific consumable product AA based on the status information A acquired from the cleaning device, and generates determination information B regarding a remaining state of a specific consumable product BB based on the status information A acquired from a home appliance other than the cleaning device,
the information processing terminal displays the judgment information A and the judgment information B on a single list screen on a terminal display unit for each user;
When at least one of the judgment information A and the judgment information B is displayed on the terminal display unit, the information processing terminal displays an input key which is selected when a purchase of the consumable product specified by the judgment information A or the judgment information B is desired, and which switches to a purchase screen.
The configuration is characterized by the above.

The cleaning device according to the ninth disclosure is
an input unit for receiving input commands from a user;
A control unit that receives an input command from the input unit and controls an operation of the function performing unit;
A measuring unit that measures an amount of a consumable product used when the function performing unit is operated;
A container containing the consumable product;
a position detection means for determining whether the container is in the correct position;
A cleaning space for accommodating an object to be cleaned;
A door for opening and closing the cleaning space;
a door driving device that generates a driving force for closing the door;
The Communications Department and
having
The container is detachably installed in a storage space inside the door when the door is open,
the measuring unit measures the amount of the consumable product remaining in the container before the start of a cleaning process and after the completion of the cleaning process to obtain measurement data;
The control unit instructs the start of a cleaning operation when a remaining amount of the consumable product is equal to or greater than a threshold value based on the measurement data before the start of the cleaning process,
the control unit transmits, from the communication unit to an external device, at least the measurement data after the end of the cleaning process out of the measurement data before the start of the cleaning process and the measurement data after the end of the cleaning process;
when the position detection means detects that the container is not in a correct installation position while the door is in an open state, the control unit drives a notification means that issues a notification by emitting light to notify the user, and during a period during which this notification operation continues, the control unit does not issue a command to the door drive device to close the door;
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

The cleaning device according to the tenth disclosure is
A cleaning space for accommodating an object to be cleaned;
A door that covers an entrance of the cleaning space in an openable manner; a storage space formed inside the door and isolated from the cleaning space;
A functional part for cleaning the object to be cleaned;
a door drive device that moves the door in a closing direction;
A container that is removably accommodated in the storage space and that accommodates consumer goods;
A measuring unit that measures the remaining amount of the consumable product;
An input unit for receiving a user's command;
a notification unit that notifies a result of the input by the input unit;
The Communications Department and
a control unit that controls the function performing unit, the notification unit, and the weighing unit;
having
The notification unit issues a first notification when the container is not in a normal installation position while the door is open, and issues a second notification when the container is in a normal installation position;
the control unit, when determining, in a state in which the second notification has been made, from a weighing result of the weighing unit, that the remaining amount of the consumable product in the container is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and receiving a drive command from the input unit, drives the door drive device to start a closing operation of the door;
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

The information acquisition system for the eleventh disclosure is
A cleaning device connected to a network;
a storage means connected to the cleaning device via the network, the storage means storing a plurality of data items for displaying the states of consumable products used in the cleaning device;
an information processing terminal connected to said storage means via said network and having a terminal-side display unit;
The cleaning device includes a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires status information A relating to a remaining status of the consumable product, and a communication unit that transmits the status information A to the storage means,
the information processing terminal displays a selection screen having a plurality of input keys on the terminal display unit;
When the input key is operated, information on at least one of a remaining state or urgency of a specific consumable product obtained from the cleaning device and information on at least one of a remaining time or urgency of a specific consumable part obtained from the cleaning device are displayed on the same list screen on the terminal side display unit, among the multiple data stored in the storage means.
The configuration is characterized by the above.

The server according to the twelfth disclosure is:
a plurality of data items are stored in the data processing device, the data processing device being connected to the cleaning device and the data processing terminal in a communicable state via a network, and the data items are used to display information on consumable products related to the cleaning device on a display unit of the data processing terminal;
A selection screen having a plurality of input keys is displayed on the display unit of the terminal, and when the input keys are operated by a user, according to the contents of the operated input keys,
(1) among the plurality of data, consumable product data generated in response to a transmission result of status information from the cleaning device is aggregated for each user, and displayed in a list form on the terminal display unit;
(2) For a specific consumable product among the consumable products displayed in the list state, information indicating the remaining amount or the urgency of refilling or replacing the specific consumable product is displayed on a display screen different from the list state on the terminal side display unit.
Execute the process,
Further, a judgment criterion setting unit is provided,
the judgment criteria setting unit is capable of changing the judgment criteria for the urgency level in response to an input from the information processing terminal device;
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

The information acquisition system for the thirteenth disclosure is
an electrical device including a cleaning device connected to a network;
a storage means connected to the electrical device via the network, the storage means storing a plurality of data items for displaying the states of consumable parts used in the electrical device;
an information processing terminal connected to said storage means via said network and having a terminal-side display unit;
The cleaning device includes a door for opening and closing a cleaning space, a control unit for controlling an operating state, an input unit for setting operating conditions by the control unit, a communication unit for transmitting a setting result of the input unit to an outside via the network, and a consumption information acquisition unit for acquiring status information A relating to an accumulated usage time of the consumable parts,
the information processing terminal displays a selection screen having a plurality of input keys on the terminal display unit;
when a specific input key among the input keys is operated, information on a degree of urgency corresponding to a length of time until a recommended replacement deadline as viewed from the accumulated usage time of the consumable part, which is obtained from the cleaning device, is displayed on an individual screen different from the selection screen on the terminal side display unit,
the individual screen displays information not displayed on the selection screen, and specific advice regarding replacement or inspection of the consumable part that is the subject of the urgency determination;
The configuration is characterized by the above.

A consumer goods purchasing support system according to the fourteenth disclosure includes:
a plurality of electrical devices including a cleaning device connected to a network;
a cloud server connected to the electrical device via the network;
an information processing terminal that can be connected to the cloud server via the network;
Equipped with
The cloud server has a user identification unit for identifying a user who uses the electrical device,
The cloud server generates determination information A regarding a remaining state of a specific consumable product AA based on the status information A acquired from the cleaning device, and generates determination information B regarding a remaining state of a specific consumable product BB based on the status information A acquired from a home appliance that is the same as or different from the cleaning device,
the information processing terminal displays the judgment information A and the judgment information B on a single list screen on a terminal display unit for each user;
when at least one of the judgment information A or the judgment information B is displayed on the terminal display unit, the information processing terminal displays a purchase support input key to be selected when a purchase of the consumable product specified in the judgment information A or the judgment information B is desired;
When the purchase support input key is selected, the cloud server receives the purchase request information transmitted from the information processing terminal, searches for inventory information, and transmits sales availability information to be notified on the information processing terminal.
The configuration is characterized by the above.

According to the cleaning device of the present disclosure, status information of consumable products can be generated and provided outside the home using a network.
According to the information acquisition system of the present disclosure, status information of consumable goods related to a specific user can be acquired using a network.
According to the information processing terminal of the present disclosure, status information of consumable products can be obtained from outside the home using a network and can be confirmed on the display unit.
According to the server of the present disclosure, status information of consumable products obtained from electrical appliances via a network can be provided to an information processing terminal.
Furthermore, according to the method for acquiring information on consumable goods and the system for managing remaining amount of consumable goods disclosed herein, status information on the consumable goods can be generated and provided outside the home using a network.
Furthermore, according to the consumable product purchasing support system of the present disclosure, judgment information regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product can be displayed on the terminal display unit on a per-user basis, thereby supporting the user's purchasing operation.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a consumable product remaining amount management system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing terminal (communication terminal) used in the consumable product remaining amount management system of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a network configuration to which the consumable product remaining amount management system of FIG. 1 is applied. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing kitchen furniture to which the consumables remaining amount management system of FIG. 1 is applied. FIG. 2 is a simplified vertical cross-sectional view of a dishwasher to which the consumable product remaining amount management system of FIG. 1 is applied; 6 is a schematic diagram showing, in partial vertical cross section, the entire liquid detergent metering system in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 5 . FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the dishwasher/dryer shown in FIG. 5 . 6 is a flowchart 1 showing the basic operation of the dishwasher/dryer shown in FIG. 5 . 6 is a time chart 1 showing a basic operation of the dishwasher/dryer shown in FIG. 5 . 6 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of measuring liquid detergent in the dishwasher/dryer shown in FIG. 5 . 6 is a flowchart showing the basics of a modified example of the liquid detergent metering operation in the dishwasher/dryer shown in FIG. 5 . 6 is a flowchart showing a determination operation of a control unit associated with an installation operation of a liquid detergent container (tank) in the dishwasher/dryer shown in FIG. 5 . 6 is a flowchart showing a control operation during a door opening operation of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 5 . 6 is a flowchart showing a process from the start of a cleaning step to the end of operation of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 5 . 1 is a flowchart 1 showing the basic operation of a consumable product remaining amount management system of a first server in the first embodiment. 11 is a flowchart 2 showing a basic operation of the first server's system for managing remaining amounts of consumable products in the first embodiment. 1 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperative operation between an electrical device, a first server, and a communication terminal in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. 11 is a time chart 2 showing the cooperative operation between the electrical device, the first server, and the communication terminal in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. 4 is a process explanatory diagram showing types of response menus and operation steps in a communication terminal in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of a communication terminal in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of status information transmitted from a dishwasher to a first server 20 in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of state information held by a first server in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment; FIG. 11 is a flowchart 2 showing the operation of the communication terminal in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in information about a consumable product from an electrical device to a communication terminal via a first server in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a communication terminal, showing a scene in which shopping list data is acquired from a first server in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram 2 of the operation of the communication terminal, showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from the first server in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the communication terminal, showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from the first server in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the communication terminal, showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from the first server in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the communication terminal, showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from the first server in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. 6 is a time chart showing a basic operation of the dishwasher according to the second embodiment. 31 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of measuring liquid detergent in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 30. 31 is a schematic diagram showing a door portion of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 30 in a partial vertical cross-sectional view. 31 is a display example showing the result of measuring the remaining amount of liquid detergent in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 30. FIG. 11 is an overall configuration diagram showing an electrical appliance (cleaning device) and a consumable product remaining amount management system according to a third embodiment. 35 is a schematic diagram showing, in partial longitudinal cross section, the entire liquid detergent metering system in the cleaning device shown in FIG. 34. 35 is a flowchart showing a process from start-up to the start of a cleaning process of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 34. 35 is a flowchart showing the process from the start of a cleaning step to the end of operation of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 34. 35 is an explanatory diagram showing the change in content of information about consumable products from the cleaning device to the communication terminal via the first server in the remaining amount management system shown in FIG. 34 . FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram 1 for explaining the operation of a communication terminal, showing a scene in which shopping list data is acquired from a first server in the remaining amount management system shown in FIG. 34 . FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram 2 for explaining the operation of the communication terminal, showing a scene in which shopping list data is acquired from the first server in the remaining amount management system shown in FIG. 34 . 35 is a flowchart showing the replacement operation of consumable parts of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 34. 35 is a time chart showing the correspondence between the replacement operation of consumable parts and the display unit, door drive device, etc., of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 34. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a consumable product remaining amount management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. A flowchart showing the steps of changing the judgment criteria in the first server used in Figure 43. A flowchart showing the processing steps of the judgment history inquiry operation in the first server used in Figure 43. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing, in partial longitudinal cross section, the measuring section and container storage section of a cleaning device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a control system of a cleaning apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a flowchart showing a purchasing support operation of a communication terminal in the consumable product purchasing support system of embodiment 5. 49 is a time chart showing the cooperative operation between the communication terminal, the first server, and the second server in the consumer goods purchasing support system in FIG. 48 . FIG. 49 is a front view showing a display example of the terminal display unit of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 48. 13 is a time chart showing a basic operation of a dishwasher according to a fifth embodiment. 47 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of measuring liquid detergent in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 46.

Embodiment 1.
(Part 1. Definition)
In the first embodiment, the term "electrical appliance 1" refers to an electrical appliance designed for use in facilities such as homes, apartment buildings, and stores, and includes the following appliances: Note that the term also includes commercial electrical appliances used in restaurant kitchens, factories, and the like.
(1) Electrical appliances in the kitchen: Cooking appliances (including microwave heating, electric heating, and gas heating appliances), dishwashers (including dishwasher-dryers, and also including tabletop and built-in types), electric freezers and electric refrigerators (including those with freezing functions), beverage serving equipment (including tea dispensers and coffee roasters)
(2) Visual equipment (TV receivers, monitors, etc.)
(3) Air quality improvement equipment (air conditioners, air purifiers, air deodorizers, ventilation systems, exhaust systems, etc.)
(4) Heating equipment (electric stoves, hot air supply devices, etc.)
(5) Water heaters (including equipment with water heater tanks and bathtub cleaning devices. Also includes gas-fired water heaters)
(6) Cleaning equipment (including electric floor vacuum cleaners and bedding cleaners)

In the first embodiment, the "cleaning device 1E" refers to a type of electrical device 1, and refers to cleaning equipment designed for use in facilities such as homes, apartment buildings, and stores. Examples include dishwashers, dishwashers (with dish drying functions), vegetable cleaners, and electric washing machines. It also includes commercial devices used in restaurant kitchens, factories, and the like.

The "device identification information (identifier)" of the electric device 1 is information that enables the electric device 1 to be uniquely identified. In other words, it is information for distinguishing one electric device 1 from other electric devices 1, and is information specific to the electric device 1. For example, the device identification information specifically includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) Name of the manufacturer of the electrical equipment; (2) Model name; (3) Model number; (4) Serial number; (5) Rated power consumption; (6) Date of purchase (usually the starting date of the manufacturer's or distributor's quality warranty period).
(7) Date of start of use (8) Quality assurance certificate number (9) Identification information on the network (IP address, MAC address, etc.)

"Facility identification information (facility identifier)" (also called "facility ID") is information that makes it possible to uniquely identify each home (house), office, store, or other facility that uses the electrical appliance 1. For example, it is information that combines the above-mentioned "device identification information" with information that specifies the location, building, etc., where it is used. For example, it corresponds to unique information such as the "location of the home" presented by the user US as the location where the electrical appliance 1 is used, or the name of the office or store (including the official name under the commercial registry). It may also be a telephone number or email address used at each home (house), office, store, or other facility.

In the first embodiment, the "consumable goods" are, for example, detergents, fabric softeners, disinfectants, odor absorbents, frozen foods, luxury items (including tea and coffee for beverage dispensers), etc. The "consumable goods" also include replacement parts whose original functions deteriorate, wear out, or disappear as the electrical device 1 is used. Examples of the "consumable goods" include rechargeable batteries, dry batteries, activated carbon filters, odor decomposition filters, etc.
The detergent also includes powdered synthetic detergent, powdered soap, liquid detergent, and tablet-type detergent.

Consumable products for the cleaning device 1E include liquid detergent, powder or solid detergent, fabric softener, bleach, surfactants, etc.

In the first embodiment, "status information A" includes information indicating the remaining amount or remaining rate of the consumable product, grace period information indicating the period or elapsed time until the amount of the consumable product becomes so low that the original operation is no longer possible, or information on the number of operations until the amount of the consumable product becomes so low that the original operation is no longer possible. It may also be information obtained directly from a remaining amount sensor of the consumable product (e.g., the weight of detergent) and information on predicted values calculated based on the information obtained from the remaining amount sensor of the consumable product, such as the period and number of operations that can be performed, using an estimation formula or machine learning.

In the first embodiment, the "status information A" transmitted from the electrical device 1 to the outside includes measurement data MD, which will be described later. For example, it includes at least "first measurement data" MD1, which will be described later. The measurement data includes a measurement value, such as "weight 300 g."

Furthermore, the "status information A" may be message information for conveying the remaining amount, remaining rate, grace period information, etc., indicated by the measurement data MD of the consumable product to the user US of the electrical device. For example, a message such as "One more use of detergent" or "There is little detergent left in the tank. We recommend refilling" is one example.

In the first embodiment, "status information A" is not limited to information transmitted only once from one electrical device 1. For example, when one electrical device 1 is using one consumable product (e.g., detergent AA) and another detergent (e.g., fabric softener BB), measurement data MD1A obtained by measuring the remaining amount (weight, etc.) of detergent AA once and measurement data MD1B obtained by measuring the remaining amount (weight, etc.) of fabric softener BB once may be transmitted together or in accordance with the timing of each measurement.

In addition, if the data on "consumable parts" described below (such as cumulative usage time information) and the measurement data on consumable products such as detergents described above have different characteristics or acquisition timings, they may be sent to an external device (such as a server) at different times.

The "operating information" of electrical appliance 1 refers to various pieces of information that indicate the operating state of electrical appliance 1, and includes information such as the operating pattern, various operating times, power consumption, and rated capacity (including, for example, maximum heating capacity and maximum cooling capacity). It also includes information such as a start signal indicating that the appliance is in the preparation stage for starting operation after the main power has been turned on, a stop signal indicating that the appliance has stopped, the number of operations, and the cumulative operating time since first being installed. For example, in a dishwasher, information on the start and end of the washing process is one type of operating information.

(Part 2. Configuration of the First Embodiment)
A first embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown in FIGS.
Referring to FIG.
Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram 1 of a consumable product remaining amount management system according to the embodiment 1. As is clear from Fig. 1, the consumable product remaining amount management system is composed of an electric appliance 1, an information processing terminal device (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "communication terminal") 200 such as a smartphone, a wide area public network (hereinafter, referred to as a "network") NW such as the Internet, and a first server 20.

The first server 20 may be composed of multiple servers divided according to function, such as information processing, determining remaining amounts of consumable products, and data storage, but for simplicity's sake, FIG. 1 illustrates it as having various functions on a single piece of hardware.

The first server 20 is connected to one or more information providing servers 20N via a network NW in order to update the information held in the consumer goods database 28 and the electrical appliance information storage unit 23. The information providing server 20N is, for example, a dedicated server for the maintenance and inspection service department of a manufacturer of one electrical appliance 1, or a server operated by a company that manufactures and sells multiple types of detergents, and disseminates information on the uses and functions of the detergents.

The electrical appliance 1 in this embodiment 1 is a home or commercial dishwasher/dryer 1E. In one home, a plurality of electrical appliances 1 are installed in addition to this dishwasher (dishwasher/dryer) 1E, and each is connected to the first server 20 via the network NW.

Further, although not shown, electrical appliances 1 installed in other homes or offices are also connected to the first server 20 via the network NW.
It should be noted that EC sites that handle electronic commerce, such as online shops that offer online shopping, are connected to the network NW, but are not shown in the figure.

The electrical appliance 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 5 is only the dishwasher 1E, as mentioned above. The dishwasher 1E is equipped with a housing 14 (see Fig. 5) that houses a washing tank 15 (see Figs. 4 and 5) for storing dishes, a water supply pipe (not shown) connected to a water supply, a drain pipe (not shown) connected to a drainage channel, a washing (water supply) pump 49, a drainage pump 52, etc. Note that the water supply pump 49, drainage pump 47, etc. mentioned here are power generating parts that make up the functional unit 9, which will be described later.

The cleaning tank 15 has a box shape with a bottom and an opening on the entire top surface.
When the cleaning tank 15 is stored inside the housing 14, its opening is closed by an upper cover 64, which will be described later. That is, the inside of the cleaning tank 15 becomes a sealed space, that is, a cleaning space WS.

The control unit 2 uses a central processing unit (CPU: not shown) composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and may incorporate a memory means (not shown) such as a semiconductor memory device (flash memory, ROM, RAM) and a timing means (clock circuit: not shown) that calculates the time, or these may be provided separately. In FIG. 1, a timing circuit 5 is provided separately.

The control unit 2 shown in FIG. 1 controls the entire electrical device 1 and performs various processes by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 10. In addition, as described below, the control unit 2 is configured to transmit the status information A to the outside via the network NW.

As mentioned above, the control unit 2 can also obtain date and time data related to the dishwashing operation because the timer unit 5 is provided as a timing means (clock circuit) that calculates time. The timer unit 5 also measures long-term elapsed time using a built-in battery, and stores data on the number of days that have passed since the electrical appliance 1 was first turned on in the memory unit 10.

3 is a notification unit that has a voice notification function and a character and graphic display function. 4 is a display unit that constitutes part of the notification unit 3 and is equipped with a liquid crystal display screen, a light-emitting diode (LED), etc.

4 denotes an input section that includes various input keys, input buttons, and other operation sections (not shown) that receive touch or pressing operations by the user US, and is exposed on the front surface of the housing 14 of the dishwasher/dryer 1E. Note that the input section 4 may be provided in two locations: a front operation section 54, as shown in FIG. 3, and a top operation section 54U (not shown) provided on the top display section 56U of the door 44.

The input unit 4 does not necessarily have to use an input method based on touch operations, but may be a voice input device that receives speech from the user US and converts it into an electrical signal, or a combination of these may be used. Also, a means may be used that detects the fingertip movements of the user US in a non-contact manner, or obtains the sound (knocking sound) made when lightly tapping an object such as a door 44 with the fingertip, and converts it into an electrical signal for input.

6 is a device information storage unit that stores various information related to the electrical device 1. The "device information" referred to here includes the device identification information. It also has basic information related to the consumption of consumables for the consumption information acquisition unit 11 described below. For example, the amount of liquid detergent 42 consumed when a standard amount of dishes is washed using the normal wash cycle is stored as a weight value, such as "XX g". In this case, data on the effective volume of the tank 16 (see FIG. 6) into which the detergent is poured is also stored, and therefore data on the maximum capacity (weight) of the liquid detergent 42 is also stored.

7 is a power supply unit to which AC power, for example, at a voltage of 100V (volts) or 200V and a frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz is supplied from a commercial power source (not shown). By operating the operation section of the main power switch (not shown) located in the input section 4, the supply of commercial power to the power supply unit 7 can be started or cut off. However, in the case of a built-in dishwasher/dryer 1E installed in kitchen furniture or the like, the power cord (not shown) is always connected to the power supply section of the house, and is structured so that the user US cannot plug and unplug it each time.

8 is a communication unit. This communication unit is composed of two units, communication unit A and communication unit B. Communication unit A is compatible with the communication method of Bluetooth (registered trademark), which is one of the short-range wireless communication standards, so that it can communicate with the communication terminal 200. On the other hand, communication unit B uses a communication method based on a wireless LAN such as WiFi (registered trademark), so that it can communicate with a wireless router 251 (see Figure 3), which is an access point of the network NW.

When the communication unit 8 transmits the status information A, the device identification information is linked and transmitted so that the sender of the status information A can be identified on the receiving side. Therefore, the first server 20 that receives the status information A can identify which user US and which electrical device 1 the status information is from.

9 is a function performing part. The function performing part 9 varies depending on the type and use of the electrical appliance 1. In the example of this embodiment 1, the electrical appliance 1 is mainly explained as a dishwasher-dryer 1E, so the function performing part 9 corresponds to the configuration for achieving the functions of washing and drying dishes.

The details of the function performing section 9 are described in Fig. 5 and Fig. 7. In the case where the electrical appliance 1 is a dishwasher (which in the following description includes a dishwasher-dryer that also has a drying function) 1E, the function performing section 9 corresponds to a shower nozzle 50 (see Fig. 5) that sprays cleaning water such as warm water onto the dishes, and a cleaning pump (water supply pump) 49 that supplies the cleaning water. In the case where cleaning water is sprayed from above the dishes, the shower nozzle 50 may be called a shower head 50, and both of these may be provided.

In addition, the functional parts 9W include an electric heater 51 for producing hot water for washing and drying the dishes after washing, a drainage pump 52 for discharging the water after washing, and a blower fan 53 for filling the internal space of the washing tank 15 with hot air.
In addition, a detergent supply section 43 that dispenses a dedicated liquid detergent 42 (see Figure 5) stored in a dedicated tank 16 (see Figure 5) outside and in front of the cleaning tank 15 is also part of the function performing section 9W.

In the following description, the functional section 9 of the dishwasher (dishwasher/dryer) 1E may be referred to as the washing section 9W. When referring to the device in a comprehensive manner that also includes devices that wash items other than dishes, it will be referred to as the "washing device" 1E.

The control section 2 supplies various electric signals for driving, speed control, or stopping to the function performing section 9 to control the operation of the function performing section 9 .
The control contents of the control unit 2 are transmitted from the communication unit 8 to a first server 20 described later as the “operation information” of the electric appliance 1. For example, when a main power source is turned on before the electric appliance 1 starts operating, a start signal SS, which is a type of operation signal, is transmitted to the first server 20.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a consumption information acquisition unit, which is one of the characteristic parts of this electrical appliance 1. This consumption information acquisition unit 11, which will be described in detail in FIG. 6, receives data (first measurement data MD1) that is the result of measuring the consumption amount of "dedicated liquid detergent 42," which is one of the consumable products used in the electrical appliance (dishwasher 1E) 1, measured by the measuring unit 12. It also has a function of retaining data that indicates the measurement results.

The consumption information acquisition unit 11 also has the function of chronologically storing the results of measurement by the measuring unit 12 (weight values of liquid detergent 42) and generating and storing data (second measurement data MD2) indicating the amount and rate of change.

The consumption information acquisition unit 11 calculates the amount of consumables (liquid detergent 42, etc.) consumed during each operation (main power ON to main power OFF). As a result, the average consumption amount over a certain period or number of operations is also generated as needed, and the stored data is updated. In other words, the data is updated every time a cleaning operation is performed, and is kept as the latest data. Note that the first measurement data MD1 and the second measurement data MD2 are collectively referred to as "measurement data MD" in the following explanation.

The amount of the consumable product (in this case, liquid detergent 42) acquired by the consumption information acquisition unit 11 is ultimately transmitted to the device information storage unit 6 and stored therein. At that time, the "status information A" is generated according to the amount of the consumable product.

For example, when the amount of consumables (in this case, liquid detergent 42) is low and only the amount expected for one normal dishwashing cycle remains, information such as a "recommended message" encouraging the user US to take action, such as "Detergent is running out. Please refill," or information for "alarm processing" that requests the control unit 2 to issue a specific "alarm" indicating that detergent has run out, is generated as one type of "status information A."

The status information A is transmitted from the communication unit 8 to the outside in response to a command from the control unit 2. The control unit 2 also acquires the "status information A" from time to time and notifies the remaining amount of the consumable material by the notification unit 3. In the worst case scenario where the consumable material does not reach the specified amount, even if a command to start cleaning is received from the input unit 4, a command is issued to the function performance unit 9 and the cleaning operation is not started.

13 is a bus (bus-type network) that connects the control unit 2 with the device information storage unit 6, the consumption information acquisition unit 11, the function performance unit 9, etc.

In this embodiment 1, the device information storage unit 6 does not generate "status information A" randomly during the dishwashing operation. In other words, the timing of measuring the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 in the measuring unit 12 and the timing of transmitting status information A from the communication unit 8 to the outside are controlled by the control unit 2.

The functions of the control unit 2, the device information storage unit 6, and the consumption information acquisition unit 11 shown in FIG. 1 are realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit that realizes each function may be dedicated hardware, or may be a processor that executes a program stored in a memory.

When the processing circuit is a processor, the functions of the control unit 2, the device information storage unit 6, and the consumption information acquisition unit 11 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the storage unit 10, which is memory. The processor realizes the functions of the control unit 2, the device information storage unit 6, and the consumption information acquisition unit 11 by reading and executing the programs stored in the storage unit 10.

These programs cause the microcomputer to execute the control procedures of the control unit 2, the device information storage unit 6, and the consumption information acquisition unit 11. The storage unit 10 is typically a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.

Continuing with reference to FIG.
20 is the first server.
The control unit 21 is responsible for the overall control of the first server 20, and may, for example, include a central processing unit (CPU: not shown) composed of a microcomputer or the like, a memory unit 22 such as a semiconductor memory device (flash memory, ROM, RAM, HDD), and a timing means (clock circuit: not shown) for calculating time, or these may be provided separately.

The control unit 20 shown in FIG. 1 controls each functional unit, such as the user identification unit 24, the electrical device information storage unit 23, the judgment criteria storage unit 25, the consumable goods database 28, the command data generation unit 31, and the list history unit 33, which will be described later, to realize the functions of the first server 20.

The functions of the user identification unit 24, electrical device information storage unit 23, criterion storage unit 25, consumer goods database 28, command data generation unit 31, and list history unit 33 shown in FIG. 1 may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit that realizes each function may be dedicated hardware, or may be a processor that executes a program stored in the storage unit 22. For example, the functions of the user identification unit 24, electrical device information storage unit 23, criterion storage unit 25, consumer goods database 28, and command data generation unit 31 may be realized by software using a program stored in the storage unit 22.

The electric device information storage unit 23 stores various information related to the electric devices 1 for each of the device identification information.
For example, there are separate databases for dishwasher 1E model number A001 and dishwasher 1E model number A002, and each database holds information on the corresponding dishwasher 1E. In particular, the amount of detergent consumed when washing a standard amount of dishes using the normal washing course is stored as a weight value, such as "XX g." In this case, data on the effective volume of tank 16 (see FIG. 5) into which liquid detergent 42 is poured is also stored, and therefore data on the maximum capacity (weight) of liquid detergent 42 is also stored.

23R is an appliance consumables database that stores the "status information A" transmitted from various electrical appliances 1 according to the appliance identification information of the electrical appliances 1.

Various information about the consumable products corresponding to the various electrical appliances 1 (for example, the detergent manufacturer name, detergent product name, detergent weight per unit, capacity, etc.) is stored in a consumable product database 28 .
The consumer product database 28 includes various information such as a "product category" indicating the type of electrical equipment in which the consumer product (e.g., a specific liquid detergent) is used, a "manufacturer name" indicating the name of the manufacturer (contractor) that produces the consumer product, a "product category" indicating the type of consumer product, "product identification information" indicating an identifier that can identify the consumer product, a "product name" indicating the official name of the consumer product, and "capacity or weight information" indicating the sales unit (number of bottles, number of pieces, etc.) and capacity of the consumer product.

The information in the consumer goods database 28 is updated periodically in response to an update command from the schedule determination unit 26 described below, or whenever necessary in response to a notification from the manufacturer indicated in the "manufacturer name" field. For example, the consumer goods database 28 can update and enrich its own information whenever necessary from the information providing server 20N via the network NW.

In FIG. 1, 24 is a user identification unit.
The user identification unit 24 holds information (user information) about the user US who uses (registers) the electric device 1. In order to uniquely identify the user US, the user identification unit 24 holds information corresponding to a "user ID" issued to each user US and a "family ID" indicating that the user US is a family member (constituent) of the user US.
Furthermore, since the user ID or family ID is linked to the device identification information, the relationship between the specific electrical device 1 and the user US or family member can be understood.

Although not shown in FIG. 1 for simplicity, the first server 20 also issues a "facility ID" for each of the above-mentioned "facility identification information," and the "facility ID" is linked to the "user ID," and the facility ID information is stored in the user identification unit 24. Therefore, if one user US registers multiple IDs in the first server 20 corresponding to a home, an office, etc., the status information A can be stored and retrieved separately for the office or home.

In FIG. 1, 25 is a criterion storage unit.
The judgment criteria storage unit 25 stores judgment criteria data that is the criterion for judging the remaining amount of the consumable product.
The criterion data is stored in such a manner that a predetermined "keyword" and a "remaining charge level" are linked to each other so that the criterion data can be collated with text data provided by a voice recognition unit 32 (described later).

The keywords include various words and phrases related to consumer goods. For example, if the electrical appliance 1 is classified as a cleaning appliance such as a washing machine or dishwasher, keywords such as "detergent," "fabric softener," and "tank" are prepared. For other types of electrical appliance 1, such as a vacuum cleaner, keywords such as "replacement part," "filter," "paper bag," and "battery" are prepared.

On the other hand, the "remaining amount level" indicates the remaining amount of a consumable product and the necessity for refilling, replacement, etc. in stages. The remaining amount level is divided into a number of stages (levels) according to the type of consumable product and the necessity for refilling or replacement.
The "remaining amount level" is classified into, for example, "full amount,""sufficientlevel,""acceptablelevel,""smallamount," etc. "Full amount" and "sufficient level" indicate that a large amount remains and that there is no need to replenish. Furthermore, the keywords associated with the "small amount" level may include words that indicate the wishes or expectations of the user US, such as "want to replenish" or "run out."

In the above-mentioned dishwasher 1E as the electrical appliance 1, the appliance information storage unit 6 holds status information A, and the control unit 2 can determine whether or not the liquid detergent 42 needs to be refilled from measurement data MD, such as the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42, measured by the measuring unit 12. For this reason, the first server 20 does not essentially need a function for determining whether or not the liquid detergent 42 needs to be refilled.
However, not only the dishwasher 1E but also various other electric appliances 1 can be connected to the first server 20. Some of these electric appliances 1 may not be able to determine the need for refilling consumable products by themselves. Therefore, in this first embodiment, the control unit 21 on the first server 20 side is also able to identify the type and characteristics of the electric appliance 1 from the device identification information, identify the consumable products to be used, determine the remaining amount of the consumable products, and determine the need for refilling or replacement and the degree of urgency.

In FIG. 1, 26 is a schedule determination unit.
The schedule determination section 26 has a calendar function and can store event schedule information for at least one year (maximum 365 days).

The schedule management function itself has already been proposed in many patent documents. In this embodiment 1, the input unit 4 of the electrical device 1 can register the scheduled date and scheduled start time (or time period) of an event (e.g., shopping, going out, starting cooking, etc.) for each user US in a home, office, store, etc.

When event information is stored in the schedule determination unit 26, a notification is issued from the schedule determination unit 26 at the stored date and time. In the case of the electrical device 1, the notification may be displayed on the display unit 3D or notified by voice from the notification unit 3. Alternatively, a method of issuing a notification to the communication terminal 200 held by the user US (also called a "push-type notification") may also be used.

When the electric appliance 1 is activated, a notification may be sent to the electric appliance 1 based on the event information registered by the schedule determination unit 26 .
Also, at a certain time, a command may be issued to each preregistered electric appliance 1 in a home, office, etc., requesting the provision of the "status information A" including remaining amount information of consumable goods. Note that the "command" in this case is a type of "command data (command command) CD" described later. The command command can also be issued via the communication terminal 200, so that the user US can simultaneously collect remaining amount information of consumable goods for multiple electric appliances 1 in his/her home using the communication terminal 200 when going out for shopping, etc.

The "shopping list PL" is a list that aggregates and displays information on consumables that need to be obtained for the user US, so that the user US can know when consumables used in the electrical appliance 1 owned or managed by the user US have run out of power or when the functionality of the electrical appliance 1 has deteriorated due to long-term use and replacement of individual parts is necessary.

The schedule determination unit 26 also has a convenient function whereby, if the time for creating the shopping list PL is set, at the set time, the latest shopping list PL is updated and automatically sent to the communication terminal 200 (a type of push-type notification).

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 27 denotes a judgment history recording unit.
This determination history recording unit 27 is a database that stores the determination history of the process of creating a list (the shopping list PL) regarding the need to replenish or replace consumable products, generated by the control unit 21. When the "status information A" includes a determination result indicating the need to replenish a specific consumable product, as in the case of the dishwasher 1E described above, information on the consumable product is also recorded in the shopping list PL.

The shopping list PL is stored for each "device identification information" of at least one electrical device 1 in each home or office, and is stored in the device consumable goods database 23R described below so that it can be provided for each communication terminal 200, i.e., for each registered user US.

This judgment history recording unit 27 stores the latest versions of the numerical values of the judgment criteria, calculation formulas, etc., of the shopping list PL generated by the control unit 21. On the other hand, the numerical values of the judgment criteria, calculation formulas, etc., used when creating past shopping lists PL are stored in the listing history unit 33, which will be described later, and the data is held for a certain period of time.

In FIG. 1, 28 is the consumer goods database as described above.
The information in the consumer goods database 28 is automatically updated periodically in response to an update command signal from the schedule determination unit 26. For example, the information is acquired via the network NW from the information providing server 20N, which provides information from a consumer goods distributor or the like, and is updated as needed.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 29 denotes a provider of application software (hereinafter referred to as an "application provider") that the communication terminal 200 and the electric device 1 can acquire by wireless communication via the network NW.
By downloading the application software of this app providing unit 29, the electrical device 1 and the communication terminal 200 can smoothly exchange information with the first server 20, and can also request various processes (including the provision of data contained in the shopping list PL) from the first server 20.

The electrical appliance 1 can also receive from the first server 20 a control program showing effective operation of the dishwasher 1E, and data on consumable products stored in the consumable product database 28. Furthermore, the electrical appliance 1 can also receive command data CD requesting the provision of the status information A, and send the latest status information A back to the first server 20.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 30 denotes a transmitting/receiving unit that performs wireless communication via the network NW.
The transmitting/receiving unit 30 receives the status information A from the electric appliance 1. Also, in response to a request from the communication terminal 200, the transmitting/receiving unit 30 transmits inventory information and the like of the consumable goods stored in the appliance consumable goods database 23R.

That is, the transmitting/receiving unit 30 can transmit to the communication terminal 200 the shopping list PL related to the specified electric appliance 1 from the shopping list PL held in the electric appliance information holding unit 23 .
The control unit 21 extracts a shopping list PL of various electrical appliances 1 related to a specific user US by using the "user ID" and device identification information included in the request signal from the communication terminal 200. The transmission/reception unit 30 can transmit this to the communication terminal 200.

Therefore, the user US can obtain comprehensive information about consumable products that need to be replenished or replaced by using the communication terminal 200. In other words, for the above-mentioned dishwasher 1E, the information about the liquid detergent 42 as a consumable product includes the name of the detergent's manufacturer or distributor, the product name, or a product ID that can identify the product. Note that this product ID is, for example, unique information such as two-dimensional information that can be searched for on a network NW such as the Internet.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 31 denotes a command data generating unit.
For example, when the dishwasher 1E performs a series of dishwashing and drying operations from the washing step to the drying step, it is necessary to select and execute one of a plurality of washing menus for each operation.

Therefore, this dishwasher 1E can be operated either by operating the "washing course selection" button (or input key) provided on the input unit 4 (this is called the "normal control mode"), or by operating external information selected by operating the communication terminal 200 (this is called the "external control mode").

The command data generating unit 31 can generate commands for determining the operating conditions (e.g., washing time, etc.) in the external control mode. This command is acquired by the electrical appliance 1 via the communication unit 8 by operating the communication terminal 200. For example, the command data CD can be used to change the course from washing and drying dishes for four people to washing and drying dishes for six people.

In the first embodiment, the command data CD is a command from the first server 20 to set the operating conditions of the electric device 1 .
For example, if the electrical appliance 1 is a dishwasher (a type of cleaning device 1E), it refers to something that includes instructions (command data) that specify a means for generating hot water to be used as a cleaning liquid (such as an electric heater) and operating conditions (including at least one of, but not limited to, the cleaning time, the temperature of the hot water, and the drying time after cleaning) so that the items to be cleaned can be washed. This applies to both a series of operation programs for changing the operating conditions and cases in which parameter setting values for setting, calculation formulas for judgment, etc. are specified.

When the electric appliance 1 obtains command data CD from the outside, it receives a setting command (control command) signal requesting compliance with the above-mentioned operating conditions.
After this, the electrical device 1 further receives a status command (state confirmation) signal.
In response to this, the electrical device 1 receives the setting command (control command) signal and returns the latest status indicating the state of the electrical device 1 as a "status command response (state confirmation response)" signal.
By repeating such transmission and reply several times, the electric device 1 is controlled by the command data CD from the first server 20. In the following description, such detailed description will be omitted.

When the first server 20 constantly monitors the operation of the electrical device 1, there is no transmission or reception of the setting command (control command) signal, but rather two types of signals are repeatedly exchanged at a specified monitoring time interval (e.g., 5 minutes): a status command (status check) signal and a "status command response (status check response)" signal in response to the status command. If the status of the electrical device 1 changes during the 5-minute monitoring period, the "status command response (status check response)" signal is immediately sent to the first server 20 at that point.

In FIG. 1, 32 is a voice recognition unit.
The speech information of the user US received by the communication terminal 200 can be converted into a standard command prepared in advance in the first server 20 .
That is, the speech information uttered to the communication terminal 200 is converted into text data in the communication terminal 200, and then transmitted to the first server 20 in the form of text data (voice input signal).

The voice recognition unit 32 of the first server 20 receives the text data (voice input signal) via the transmission/reception unit 30 and determines whether it can be converted into a standard command stored in the memory unit 22.

The voice recognition unit 32 requests the command data generation unit 31 to convert the text data of the speech information (voice input signal) into various commands (command data) CD prepared as standard commands. Therefore, when the user US inputs a command by voice to the communication terminal 200, the command data generation unit 31 generates command data CD of the corresponding command.

Therefore, the user US can obtain status information A of the electric appliance 1 at home (registered beforehand) from the first server 20 by voice input using the communication terminal 200 while away from home or from a remote location. Even if the main power supply of the electric appliance 1 at home is turned off, the information on the consumable goods has been obtained by the first server 20, so the consumable goods data can be obtained without any problems.

In FIG. 1, 33 is a list history section.
The listing history section 33 stores the criteria for the most recent version or earlier of the shopping list PL generated by the control section 20, the target data at the time of the judgment, the measurement data MD, etc. In other words, every time the shopping list PL is updated, the criteria applied when the old shopping list PL was created, for example, a threshold value relating to the urgency of refilling (for example, a remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 of 50 g or less is judged to be "high urgency"), is stored and saved in the listing history section 33 in sequence.
The criteria data is retained for a certain period of time.

The basic data, judgment criteria, and other data of the past shopping list PL stored in this listing history unit 33 are arranged in chronological order based on the time of storage and are also searchable, so that when a request is made by a specific user US through the communication terminal 200, the control unit 21 can provide information such as the remaining amount of consumable goods sorted by the identification information of the electrical appliance 1 and by type of consumable goods from among the past data. Note that when a specific key is pressed on the input unit 4 of the electrical appliance 1, the first server 20 may send the shopping list PL data stored in the listing history unit 33 to the requesting electrical appliance 1.

34 is a bus (bus-type network) that connects the control unit 21 with the electrical device information storage unit 23, the judgment criteria storage unit 25, the command data generation unit 31, the list history unit 33, the transmission/reception unit 30, etc.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication terminal (information processing terminal device) 200 used in the consumable product remaining amount management system of the first embodiment.
The electric appliance 1 can obtain various data by wireless communication with a communication terminal 200 such as a smartphone. As described above, within one home, the communication terminal 200 performs wireless communication with the electric appliance 1 using a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

When the communication terminal 200 is indoors, it is connected to the network NW via a specific wireless router 251 (see FIG. 3) installed there. Then, it can access the first server 20 in the external space via the network NW.

The communication terminal 200 can achieve "remote control" of the electrical appliance 1 by downloading (reading) control application software from the application software provider 29. "Remote control" here refers to control using the external control mode described above. In other words, even if the user US is in a remote outdoor location, he or she can use the communication terminal 200 to send command data CD to the target home appliance 1 via the network NW.

The communication terminal 200 can be easily carried by the user US and used for making calls and communicating data (including e-mail information) indoors, outdoors, or when away from home. It is a device that can download information from an outdoor information site, send and receive e-mail, and transmit remote control signals, but it can also be a terminal device that cannot make calls. A small portable personal computer is also a type of communication terminal 200.

The communication terminal 200 in the present embodiment 1 has a function of transmitting and receiving signals by short-range communication while being in close proximity (or in contact) with the input unit 4 of each electrical device 1 within a few centimeters. Note that this short-range communication is an international standard technology for wireless communication known as Near Field Communication (abbreviation: NFC).

In this NFC communication, a so-called wireless tag (NFC tag) is embedded in the electrical device 1 .
On the other hand, it is also possible to send control data (command data CD) from the communication terminal 200 to an NFC storage unit (not shown) of the electric device 1 and control the electric device 1 according to the control command.

The communication terminal 200 shown in FIG. 2 will be described in detail below.
A communication terminal 200 such as a smartphone has a communication unit 210, a communication control unit 211, a terminal control unit (central processing unit: CPU) 212, ROM and RAM 213, a speaker 214, a touch-type operation unit 215, a terminal side display unit 216 having a display screen (with touch-type input function), an electrical equipment database (memory unit) 217, an attitude detection unit 218, a remote operation information generation unit 219, a memory unit 220, a shopping list creation unit 231, and a mail order processing unit 234.

The communication unit 210 has an NFC input/output unit 221 for short-range wireless communication. This allows two paths to be used: wireless communication via the network NW and short-range wireless communication (NFC).

Reference numeral 222 denotes a voice input unit that converts the voice of a user US or the like into an input signal.
The touch-type operation unit 215, the terminal side display unit 216, and the voice input unit 222 are integrated in hardware to form a display operation unit 225. Note that a search unit that analyzes the voice signal from the voice input unit 222 and performs term search, information search, etc. is not shown. The search unit may be provided inside the communication terminal 200, or may be provided in the external first server 20, so that the search function is provided outside the communication terminal 200.

The attitude detection unit 218 is equipped with various sensors such as a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a gravity sensor, and can detect the tilt and orientation of the communication terminal 200. As a result, a signal that detects the up-down direction of the communication terminal 200 is output to the terminal control unit 212.

The terminal control unit 212 receives a detection signal from the attitude detection unit 218 and controls the display direction of the terminal side display unit 216 .
The terminal control unit 212 inputs the signal received from the communication unit 8 of the electric device 1 to the remote operation information generating unit 219 .

The terminal control unit 212 has an audio processing unit 230, a video processing unit 232, an electrical device selection unit 232, a video processing unit 233, and a remote control information generation unit 219. The remote control information generation unit 219, the audio processing unit 230, the electrical device selection unit 232, and the video processing unit 233 may all be functionally realized by a single computer program, or may be configured by separate processing circuits.

The image processing unit 233 analyzes and processes images (including still images and videos) captured through a camera lens (not shown). For example, it generates information that identifies consumable goods from a bottle or outer box of liquid detergent 42 photographed by a user US at a store, etc.

The voice processing unit 230 converts the speech of the user US received by the voice input unit 222 into a voice signal in a specified format.

The electric appliance database 217 holds “notification data” 223 of the electric appliance 1 in order to generate notification information (including image information) for the display unit 3 D and notification unit 3 of the electric appliance 1 .
The electric device database 217 also holds “remote control data” 224 for the control unit 2 of the electric device 1 .

Furthermore, the electric device database 217 can store status information A obtained from the electric device 1 .
Furthermore, the electrical appliance database 217 can store consumable goods data 227 acquired from the electrical appliance 1 and shopping list data 228 generated by the communication terminal 200 .

The notification data 223 and remote control data 224 may be stored in the communication terminal 200 from the beginning, or may be downloaded from the first server 20, which is an information providing means, by connecting the data to the first server 20 via the network NW. In other words, the notification database 217 does not need to be constructed by storing data in a fixed manner, and may be in a form in which information is acquired as needed and temporarily stored in a volatile memory.

The remote control information generating unit 219 processes the signal acquired from the electrical device 1 via the terminal control unit 212 and the input signal from the display operation unit 225, and generates remote control information for the electrical device 1 (control information for the "external control mode").

The remote operation information generating unit 219, which receives an input command from the operation unit 225 and transmits command data CD from the communication unit 210 to the electrical device 1, is controlled by the central processing unit 212 so as not to execute the operation of acquiring the status information A while the command data CD is being transmitted from the communication unit 210.

The terminal control unit 212 executes the entire processing of the communication terminal 200 according to a control program stored in the ROM/RAM 213, reads data required in the process of executing the processing from the ROM/RAM 213, and stores data generated in the process of executing the processing in the ROM/RAM 213.

The storage unit 220 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory that can store information about various electrical appliances 1 read from the communication unit 210. For example, it is used to temporarily store shopping list PL information about a specific electrical appliance 1 downloaded (read) from the first server 20. Note that this shopping list PL information may also be stored in the electrical appliance database 217 as data on extracted consumable goods. In other words, the data resulting from data processing by the terminal control unit 212 is basically stored in the electrical appliance database 217.

When the user US touches a specific portion of the terminal display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200, the remote operation information generating unit 219 generates remote operation information based on the touch signal.
The remote operation information is transmitted from the communication unit 210 to the electric device 1 .

If the electric appliance 1, for example the dishwasher 1E, has already been started by power being supplied to the power unit 7, the control unit 2 of the electric appliance 1 treats the received remote control information as command data CD. Note that the electric appliance 1 does not always operate in accordance with the remote control information of the communication terminal 200. Even if it does operate, the range in which it operates according to the command data CD may be limited to a certain range. For example, in the case of a heating appliance or a cooking appliance 1H that generates heat, the range in which it can be remotely controlled is limited. For example, if there is a heat source that radiates heat to the outside from the main body (external case or top plate 170) (see FIG. 3) of the cooking appliance 1H (see FIG. 3), the power supply to the cooking appliance 1H cannot be started by a remote control signal.

Meanwhile, on the communication terminal 200 side that transmitted the remote operation information, the display on the terminal side display unit 216 changes based on the remote operation information. In other words, the contents of the display screen of the terminal side display unit 216 on the display operation unit 225 of the communication terminal 200 and the display contents of the display unit 3D of the electrical device 1 change in similar contents and order, but the timing of the change does not necessarily have to be in real time. Also, depending on the type of electrical device 1, the command data CD may be transmitted from the communication terminal 200 only once.

When remote control information is generated and transmitted by the communication terminal 200, the information that is acquired by the electrical device 1 as a regular remote control signal (command data CD) is limited to only that received during a reception period determined by each electrical device 1. In addition, the remote control information from the communication terminal 200 is transmitted all at once when a predetermined confirmation transmission key is pressed on the communication terminal 200.

In FIG. 2, 226 is a terminal identification information storage unit. This terminal identification information storage unit 226 stores a unique number for identifying this communication terminal 200. The unique number is, for example, a telephone number or a manufacturing number (serial number) assigned by the manufacturer of the communication terminal.

In FIG. 2, 229 is a user information storage unit. This user information storage unit 229 stores information about the user US (e.g., information such as name) for identifying the user US who uses this communication terminal 200.

In FIG. 2, 235 is an option setting section. After the user US of this communication terminal 200 registers the electrical device 1 in the first server 20 using his/her own user ID, he/she can change the urgency criteria for the electrical device 1, for example, "urgency of acquisition: within 2 days," within the range defined by the first server.

The judgment criteria in this case are stored in the judgment criteria storage unit 25, and the judgment criteria for one electrical device 1 can be specified by the user ID and device identification information. The "urgency" here can be freely set by the user himself/herself, taking into consideration the "number of days" until the user US obtains the consumable goods. Note that, although within three days is always classified as "urgent" by default, in cases where the user US needs a considerable amount of time to obtain the consumable goods due to circumstances of the user US, it is better for the user US to receive an alert earlier, so the criterion can be changed to within seven days, for example, as "high urgency."

The difference between the "urgency" and the "margin of safety" will now be described.
The margin is determined based on the standard consumption amount per operation determined by the manufacturer of the electrical appliance 1 (such as the dishwasher 1E) and according to the number of days until the remaining amount of the consumable material becomes so low that it interferes with the operation of the electrical appliance 1. In other words, since the threshold value for determining the margin is determined by the manufacturer, it can be said to be a common index that is applicable to all users of the same electrical appliance 1.

In contrast, the "urgency" can be freely set by the user, taking into consideration the "number of days" until the user US obtains the consumable goods. For example, even if the default setting is for everything to be classified as "urgent" within three days, the threshold value (three days) can be changed to "one day" or "ten days" depending on the circumstances of the user US. In other words, even if the same electrical appliance (dishwasher 1E) is used by different users US, the "urgency" allows the level and range of notifications to be flexibly selected to suit the circumstances of each individual user US.

The margin can be displayed in three levels, for example. For example, a large margin can be displayed as "A" or "large," and a medium margin can be displayed as "B" or "medium." Note that instead of using letters or symbols, the margin can be displayed as a graphic such as a bar graph on the display unit 3D (see FIG. 1).

The electrical appliance 1 is not limited to one that necessarily generates the margin data. Even if the electrical appliance 1 is not capable of acquiring such data, the consumable product remaining amount management system of this embodiment 1 can be used.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a network configuration to which the remaining amount management system for consumable goods shown in Fig. 1 is applied. The diagram shown in Fig. 1 shows kitchen furniture 121 in one home (house HA) and a network environment.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 251 denotes a wireless router installed in one house HA, and can wirelessly connect a network NW such as an Internet line to an electric device 1 .
Although not shown, the first server 20 cooperates with other servers to configure a cloud server 300 .

Reference numeral 200 denotes an information processing terminal (communication terminal) such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.
The kitchen furniture 121 includes, for example, a sink and a water faucet (tap) 165 connected to a water supply.
This kitchen furniture 121 is equipped with a built-in dishwasher 1E.
Reference numeral 1E denotes a cooking appliance, which is one type of electric appliance 1, and in the example of FIG. 3, it is a built-in induction cooking appliance or a built-in gas cooking appliance.

170 is the top plate of the cooking device 1H. 171 indicates a heating section using a gas burner or a heating section using an induction heating source. In the example of FIG. 3, an example is shown in which there are three heating sections. 250 is an exhaust port cover made of a wire mesh or other breathable structure, which covers an exhaust port (not shown) that exhausts high-temperature air and steam generated in a heating chamber (not shown) inside the cooking device 1H.

The dishwasher 1E is a type in which the washing tub 15 can be pulled out to the front side of the kitchen furniture 121, and an operation unit 54 that allows the user US to input by touch operation is arranged horizontally at the top of the door 44 that forms the entire front side. A handle 55 is formed in the center of the left and right of the operation unit 54 into which the fingertips of the user US can be inserted. The operation unit 54 corresponds to the input unit 4 shown in FIG. 1.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing kitchen furniture 121 to which the remaining amount management system for consumables shown in Fig. 1 is applied. A front display unit 56F showing the state in which the washing operation is in progress or the main power is on is arranged on the front (front surface) of the operation unit 54. A top display unit 56U is also arranged on the top surface of the door 44. A display screen capable of displaying the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 as numerical values, figures, etc. is arranged on the top display unit 56U. In addition, a top operation unit 54U (not shown) having touch input type input keys as part of the operation unit 54 may also be provided on this top display unit 56U.

The door 44 has a certain thickness in the front-rear direction, and this thickness is utilized to define a storage space 45 (see FIG. 6) inside.
The storage space 45 is an enclosed space to prevent the infiltration of water vapor generated inside the cleaning tank 44 during cleaning, and only the opening for inserting the tank (container) 16 is connected to the outside.

In FIG. 4, 57 is a lid that can be opened and closed to cover the entrance to the storage space 45. By opening this lid 57, a tank (container) 16 (see FIG. 6) containing the liquid cleaning 42 can be installed in the storage space 45 of the door 44. In other words, as shown by the thick arrow in FIG. 4, the tank 16 can be installed detachably from the right side of the door 44. When the lid 57 is completely closed, the storage space 45 is isolated from the space inside the cleaning tank 15, and water vapor and the like cannot enter from the cleaning tank 15 side. The lid 57 is supported by the door 44 by a hinge (not shown) so that it can be rotated.

170 is the top plate of the cooking device 1H. 171 indicates a heating section using a gas burner or an induction heating source. In the example of FIG. 3, an example is shown in which there are three heating sections 171. 171L is the heating port located to the left of the center of the top plate 170, 171M is the central heating port, and 171R is the heating port located on the right side.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a simplified vertical cross-sectional view of a dishwasher (washing and drying machine) 1E to which the consumable product remaining amount management system of FIG. 1 is applied, showing a state in which the door 44 is pulled out to the maximum extent.
Reference numeral 67 denotes an internal space of the housing (main body case) 14 forming the outer shell of the dishwasher 1E. Reference numeral 58 denotes a fixed rail installed inside the housing 14 in the front-rear direction, and reference numeral 59 denotes a movable rail supported by the fixed rail 58 and moving integrally with the washing tub 15 in the front-rear direction.

As shown in FIG. 5, legs 61 that come into contact with an internal installation surface 60 of the kitchen furniture 121 are provided on the bottom 14B of the housing 14 at two locations on each of the front, rear, left and right sides.
A restricting member 62 for restricting the position of the rear leg 61 is attached to the kitchen furniture 121 by a fastening member such as a screw near the rear of the housing 14. This prevents the dishwasher 1E from accidentally moving from a predetermined position inside the kitchen furniture 121.
Reference numeral 64 denotes a flat upper cover that closes the upper opening of the cleaning tank 15 when the cleaning tank 15 is stored inside the housing 14 .

65 is a mesh shelf or basket that is installed inside the washing tank 15 so that it can be freely removed, and is installed to hold tableware 66. The shelf 65 is installed inside the washing tank 15 so that it can be freely attached and detached. 50 is a shower nozzle that sprays hot water mixed with liquid detergent 42 onto the tableware 66.

121A is an installation port formed on the front of the kitchen furniture 121. When the cleaning tank 15 is pushed into the correct position inside the housing 14 together with the door 44, this installation port 121A faces the top, bottom, left and right end faces of the door 44 in close proximity. In other words, when the door 44 is pushed in, the gap (facing distance) between the four peripheral faces of the door 44 (top, bottom, right side, left side) and the installation port 121A of the kitchen furniture 121 is a few mm or less.

Although not shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cleaning tank 15 and door 44 are pulled backwards by a door drive device 86 having a drive motor 70 (see Figure 7). The door 44 is also pushed out by the power of this drive motor 70, but the door may be pulled forward by the user US rather than pushed out by the power of the door drive device 86. Alternatively, only the initial small opening (for example, about 10 cm) may be performed by a spring or the power of the drive motor 70. The first embodiment employs this "initial push-out within a certain range" configuration.

In this embodiment 1, the door 44, together with the cleaning tank 15, is pulled back from the pushed-out state to the inside of the housing 14 by a door drive device 86 having a drive motor 71. In other words, when the user US lightly touches the operation unit 54, the door 44 can be moved from the forward position to the storage position. Note that, instead of using the touch operation of the operation unit 54, a command to open or close the door 44, or both, may be given by the door drive device 86 using voice input or other methods.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram, partly in vertical cross section, showing the entire measuring system for liquid detergent 42 in the dishwasher 1E shown in FIGS.
6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a portion of the door 44 that covers the front side of the washing tub 15 of the dishwasher 1E and moves in the front-rear direction together with the washing tub. It is a schematic enlarged view of the circled X portion in FIG. 5.

In FIG. 6, 44F is a front wall surface that constitutes the front surface (surface) of the door 44. 44B is a rear wall surface that forms a vertically long rectangular storage space 45 when viewed from the side between the front wall surface 44F and the rear wall surface 44B. Note that the storage space 45 may be formed between another member provided inside the rear wall surface 44B and that member.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a tank (container) having a horizontally long rectangular external shape as seen from the front (front) side, and is entirely made of a transparent plastic material.
A lid 16A is provided on the ceiling of the tank 16 and can be opened to pour liquid detergent 42 into the tank 16. The tank 16 can be placed in the storage space 45 from the right side by opening the lid 57 shown in FIG.

The front-to-rear spacing of the storage space 45 is slightly larger than the front-to-rear thickness of the tank 16, so that the tank 16 can be easily inserted into the storage space 45 from its entrance with the door 44 pulled forward from the housing 14 of the dishwasher 1E, as shown in FIG. 5. When inserted, the tank 16 is kept horizontal inside the storage space 45.

Reference numeral 35 denotes a weighing circuit which constitutes a part of the weighing unit 12 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 36 denotes a light emitting circuit which issues a command to emit a predetermined light upon receiving a signal from the measuring circuit 35. Reference numeral 39 denotes a light emitting element which emits light for detecting the water level upon receiving a command from the light emitting circuit 36. Reference numeral 40 denotes a light receiving element which receives the light from the light emitting element 39 and transmits a signal based on the received light to the light receiving circuit 38.

The light emitting element 39 and the light receiving element 40 are disposed on the front wall surface 44F and the rear wall surface 44B at positions facing each other on a single horizontal line.
In FIG. 6, the dashed arrow from the light emitting element 39 to the light receiving element 40 indicates the light beam for detecting the water level.

For example, when the light emitting element 39 is installed at the vertical center of the tank 16, if there is more than half of the liquid detergent 42 inside the tank 16, the light transmittance is low due to the inherent color of the liquid detergent 42. Therefore, the amount of light received by the light receiving element 40 is lower than the threshold value. Therefore, it is possible to detect that there is at least 50% or more of the liquid detergent 42 remaining.
On the other hand, when the surface of the liquid detergent 42 is below the horizontal line that crosses the light emitting element 39 and the light receiving element 40, the amount of light received by the light receiving element 40 exceeds the threshold value because the amount of light from the light emitting element 39 is not reduced by the liquid detergent 42. This causes the measuring circuit 35 to determine that the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is less than 50%.

In this way, the light-emitting element 39 and the light-receiving element 40 can detect whether there is a suitable liquid detergent 42 with poor light transmittance (non-transparent) inside the tank 16, so if a detergent that is not suitable liquid detergent 42 is a transparent liquid, the quality of such a detergent can also be detected.
The light emitting element 39 and the light receiving element 40 constitute a third sensor capable of measuring the mass of the liquid detergent 42. If a plurality of combinations of the light emitting element 39 and the light receiving element 40 are provided in the vertical direction, the amount of the liquid detergent 42 can be detected more precisely.

37 is a weight sensor located at the bottom of the storage space 45, which measures the total weight of the liquid detergent 42 and the tank 16, and inputs the measurement result to the weighing circuit 35. With this configuration, the weighing circuit 35 can estimate how much liquid detergent 42 is inside the tank 16 from the weight measurement result. Since the weighing circuit 35 knows the weight of the tank 16 itself in advance, it can measure the net weight of the liquid detergent 42 inside the tank 16. Furthermore, when the tank 16 moves directly sideways over the weight sensor 37 and is stored in a specified position in the storage space 45, the measuring part of the weight sensor 37 comes into contact with the tank 16 directly below its center of gravity as if supporting it, so the weight sensor 37 can accurately measure the weight of the tank 16.

16M is a permanent magnet attached to the bottom of the tank 16. 46 is a reed switch (magnetically sensitive switch) that faces the permanent magnet 16M in close proximity when the tank 16 is inserted to the correct installation position. This reed switch 46 is inserted into the tank detection circuit 35S of the metering circuit 35, so when the tank 16 is installed in the correct position, the metering circuit 35 detects that the tank 16 has been installed. 93A and 93B are signal lines connecting the reed switch 46 and the metering circuit 35.

In other words, the permanent magnet 16M and reed switch 46 are sometimes called tank position detection means 72 because, when the tank 16 is installed in the correct position, they send a signal to the weighing circuit 35 to detect that the tank 16 is installed correctly.

If the installation detection signal for the tank 16 does not reach the control unit 2 from the metering circuit 35 (metering unit 12), an alarm "Tank installation forgotten" is issued at the step S3. Furthermore, if the installation detection signal for the tank 16 does not reach the control unit 2, the control unit 2 cannot issue the operation start command of step S6 described in FIG. 8.

Although not adopted in this embodiment 1, a float may be placed in the liquid detergent 42 and the vertical position of the float may be detected mechanically or optically to detect the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42.
In this embodiment 1, the mechanical configuration is less than that of a configuration using such a float, and a light emitting element 39, a light receiving element 40, and a weight sensor 37 are adopted as a method for detecting the amount of liquid detergent 42 in a non-contact manner.

48 is an (electric) control valve (or a small pump) that dispenses liquid detergent 42 from tank 16 into cleaning tank 15. Liquid detergent 42 is dispensed at a predetermined timing according to commands from control unit 2 shown in FIG. 1. If control valve 48 itself does not have a flow control function, a flow meter may be inserted midway through the detergent dispense path (pipe) and control valve 48 may be opened and closed according to data from the flow meter.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the dishwasher 1E.
7, reference numeral 71 denotes a water volume detection unit which is made up of, for example, a water level sensor and detects whether or not a preset amount of cleaning water has been supplied to the lower part of the cleaning tank 15.
Reference numeral 51 denotes the electric heater, which is not shown in the figure but is composed of a first heater 51 A and a second heater 51 B. The first heater 51 A is provided in the cleaning tank 15 and heats the cleaning water stored therein.
The second heater 51B is provided in an air passage that connects the blower fan 53 and the cleaning tank 15, and heats the outside air that is supplied to the cleaning tank 15. The various components described above are electrically connected to the control unit 2.

The blower fan 53 supplies outside air into the washing tank 15 and expels the hot and humid air in the washing tank 15 to the outside of the housing 14 of the dishwasher 1E through an exhaust port (not shown) provided in the door 44.

The temperature detector 76 detects the temperature of the washing water. The drain pump 52 is provided in the washing tank 15 and drains the washing water in the washing tank 15 outside the dishwasher 1E.

The water supply valve 80 is provided between the rear of the cleaning tank 15 and the rear wall of the housing 14, and controls the supply of tap water to the cleaning tank 15. The cleaning pump 49 is provided in the cleaning tank 15, and pumps the cleaning water stored at the bottom of the cleaning tank 15 to the cleaning nozzle (shower nozzle) 50 (see Figure 6).

81 is the drive circuit of the water supply valve 80, 82 is the drive circuit of the electric heater 51, 83 is the drive circuit of the cleaning pump 49, 84 is the drive circuit of the drainage pump 52, and 85 is the drive circuit of the blower fan 53.

The detergent supply section 43 described in FIG. 6 includes the control valve 48 and a drive circuit 74 as shown in FIG.
The notification unit 3 has a display unit 3D such as a liquid crystal screen, a voice drive circuit (voice synthesis device) 78 for performing voice notifications, and a display unit drive circuit 79 for controlling the display operation of the display unit 3D.

As shown in Fig. 7, the measuring section 12 described in Fig. 1 includes the measuring circuit 35, the weight sensor 37, the control valve 48, and the drive circuit 74. In Fig. 7, the control valve 48 and the drive circuit 74 are included in the detergent supply section 43. The measuring section 12 further includes the light emitting circuit 36 and the light receiving circuit 38 as optical detection sections.
Reference numeral 35T denotes an opening detection circuit that detects the opening of a lid 16A that is provided on the ceiling surface of the tank 16 so as to be freely opened and closed.
35R is a detection circuit that detects the state of a locking mechanism (not shown) for keeping the lid 57 in the closed position. For example, when the locking mechanism is released, it issues a signal (release signal) indicating that the lid 57 is in the open state. The release signal is input to the control unit 2.
72 is the tank position detection means.

The dishwasher 1E of this embodiment 1 has a door drive device 86 for driving the door 44 and the washing tub 15 forward and closing the door 44 by the power of the drive motor 70.
The door drive device 86 is proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent No. 4874142 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-24678.

In this embodiment 1, there is a drive motor 70, a pinion gear (not shown), a slide shaft (not shown), and a closing detection switch 87. The door 44 can be opened and closed by rotating one drive motor 70 in the forward and reverse directions.

Furthermore, the door drive device 86 is provided with a drive circuit 89 that drives the motor 70, and an overcurrent detection device 90 that detects an overcurrent flowing through the motor 70. The overcurrent detection device 90 measures the current of the drive circuit 89, and detects an overcurrent when the measured current exceeds a preset current value, thereby protecting the drive motor 70.

The closed detection switch 87 is composed of, for example, a limit switch, and when it detects that the door 44 is closed based on the position of the slide shaft (not shown), it inputs a detection signal to the control unit 2 and stops driving the drive motor 70. In other words, when the door 44 is pulled back to the back of the housing 14, the drive of the door 44 is stopped. Note that, since the door 44 is not configured to be pushed forward to its maximum extent when it is opened, an "open detection switch" is not provided when the door is open, but one may be provided.

When the door 44 is opened by the door drive device 86, the door 44 does not move inadvertently in the opening or closing direction due to the resistance provided by a combination of a pinion gear (not shown) and a slide shaft (not shown), but a latch mechanism may be provided to prevent the door 44 from moving when it reaches a predetermined open position. Also, a latch mechanism may be provided to mechanically hold the door 44 in the closed position, and the locked state of the latch mechanism may be automatically released when the motor 70 starts to drive.

In FIG. 7, MC is a control device including the control unit 2, the device information storage unit 6, the memory unit 10, and the consumption information acquisition unit 11. This control device is configured, for example, by mounting various circuit components including a microcomputer on a single circuit board.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart 1 showing the basic operation of the control unit 2, illustrating the operation of a dishwasher 1E as an electrical appliance to which the consumable product remaining amount management system is applied in the first embodiment.

8, steps S1 to S7 are operation steps defined in a series of control operation programs from washing to drying stored in the control unit 2. Note that the steps after the start of the washing operation are not shown in the figure.
First, when the operation button of the main power switch (not shown) in the input unit 54 is pressed (step S1), the control unit 2 judges the presence or absence of an abnormality in the next step S2. For example, the control unit 2 checks the signals of various sensors (such as the temperature detection unit 76 and the water volume detection unit 75) to check whether there is an electrical abnormality in the washing pump 49 constituting the function exerting unit 9, and whether there is water leakage from the washing tank 15 containing the dishes, and judges the presence or absence of an abnormality.

If no abnormality is found, the display unit 3D is activated in step S2 to display the message "Since no abnormality is found, washing of dishes can be started."
At this step S2, if the dishwasher 1E is set to send startup information to the communication terminal 200 or the first server 20, the startup information (initial operating status data OS1) is wirelessly transmitted from the communication unit 8 at this stage.

In the next step S3, the display unit 3D and the notification unit 3 provide notifications and audio guidance to prompt the user to make necessary inputs, such as selecting a "washing course," at the input unit 54. As will be described later, this dishwasher 1E uses liquid detergent 42 (consumable product). If the remaining amount of liquid detergent is less than a specified amount, the display unit 3D will display a message to replenish the detergent at this stage, and the notification unit 3 will also provide an audio notification.

The washing course indicates a basic form or type of washing operation and is also called a "washing mode."
In this embodiment 1, the cleaning courses are, for example, a "normal course", a "thorough course", a "reserved course", and the like.

The normal course is convenient to select when washing dishes immediately after a meal, for example, and is advantageous in terms of saving water, time, and energy.
The thorough course is convenient to select when thoroughly washing dishes that are very dirty or oily, and the washing process takes longer than the normal course. It is recommended to select this course when washing dishes that have been left for a while after a meal.
The reserved course is a course in which operation is started a certain time (for example, four hours) after the reservation is made, or conversely, an operation end time is set and the start of operation is left to the cleaning device 1E side. In this embodiment 1, the control program is set so that operation is automatically started four hours after the reservation is made.
In addition to these, there is also a "drying course" that only dries hand-washed dishes, as well as courses that combine the courses mentioned above.

In the next step S4, a standby initial screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 3D, and usage precautions for the user US are displayed on the standby initial screen.
In addition, if the input unit 54 is a touch-type input unit that uses the display screen (display panel) of the display unit 3D, a touch key unit (icon) is displayed on the initial standby screen for selecting one of a number of cleaning courses.

In the next step S5, it is determined whether or not a required washing course (operation mode) has been selected via the input unit 54. If it has been input, step S5 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to step S6.
If a cleaning course (operation mode) is not selected through the input unit 54, the determination in step S5 is repeated for a certain period of time (for example, 10 minutes) until an input is made.
If the remaining amount of liquid detergent is less than the specified amount, the process does not proceed to step S6 until it is detected that the liquid detergent 42 has been refilled into the tank 16 to the specified amount or more, as will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S6, it is determined whether the operation start key (button) on the input unit 4 has been pressed, and if it has been pressed, the determination is "Yes" and the process proceeds to step 7. In step S7, the cleaning pump 49 is operated to store a certain amount of cleaning water in the cleaning tank 15, and the flow of electricity to the electric heater 51 (first heater 51A) that heats the cleaning water is also started.

After this, the liquid detergent 42 is also added to the cleaning water in an amount determined by the control unit 2. Note that in the reserved course, operation starts four hours after the course is set, so liquid detergent 42 is automatically added when operation starts.

The warm cleaning water (mixed with the liquid detergent 42) is sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 50 toward the tableware 66 placed on the dish basket (shelf 65). The cleaning nozzle 50 rotates in reaction to the spray of cleaning water, spraying it evenly onto multiple pieces of tableware. In this way, the cleaning process is carried out.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a time chart 1 showing a basic operation of the dishwasher 1E in the first embodiment.

9, steps S1 to S7 correspond to the operation steps of the control unit 2 described in FIG. 8, so the following description will focus on the differences from FIG.
First, the control unit 2 detects that the main power switch (not shown) has been turned on (step S1), and transmits data indicating that it has been started up (initial operating status data OS1) from the communication unit 8 to the outside.

Next, the display unit 3D is started to display the initial standby screen, and then a display is displayed to prompt the user US to select a cleaning course (operation mode), and similar voice guidance is provided by the notification unit 3 (S4).

When this display and voice notification is given, the user US can press a specific input key (operation button) on the input unit 54 to obtain a specific operation program stored in the external first server 20 as the command data CD. The actual command data CD is obtained from the communication terminal 200. Therefore, when the initial communication state is established between the communication terminal 200 and the dishwasher 1E, data including the "device identification information" (the initial operation state data OS1 described above) is provided to the communication terminal 200 from the communication unit 8.

Then, the communication unit 8 of the dishwasher 1E compares the contents of the data, including the device identification information, transmitted immediately before with the contents of the command data CD received from the communication terminal 200. Note that such data collection and comparison is performed multiple times within a certain time limit on the dishwasher 1E side. Note that if the data comparison is not completed within the certain time limit, it is treated as a communication failure.

If it is determined that there is no discrepancy between the contents of the data sent from the communication unit 8 and the contents of the received command data CD (such as in device identification information), it determines that the command data CD is regular data and stores the command data CD in a specified storage area of the storage unit 10.

As shown in FIG. 9, the period during which the command data CD can be acquired from the outside (acquirable period TB1) is the period immediately before the input unit 4 issues a command to start the cleaning operation.
In FIG. 9, step SX1 is a process for measuring the initial value of the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42, which will be described in FIG.
This step SX1 is set before step S5 in which the operation mode is selected, but it may be set after step S5.

As in the example shown in FIG. 9, if step SX1 is set before step S5, the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is checked at step S5 before the "cleaning course selection" button (or input key) on the input unit 54 is operated to select the "normal control mode" or the "external control mode", and if the "external control mode" is selected, the "result of remaining amount check" is notified to the communication terminal 200 at that time, improving convenience for the user US.

In other words, the dishwasher 1E compares the contents of the data (initial operating status data OS1) including the device identification information sent immediately before with the contents of the command data CD received from the communication terminal 200 using the communication unit 8, and the control unit 2 can also confirm the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 measured by the measuring unit 12. If the remaining amount is such that it would be difficult to start operation, a warning such as "low detergent remaining" can be sent to the communication terminal 200. This makes it possible to prompt the user US to refill the liquid detergent 42 as soon as possible. It is also possible to avoid a situation in which a command to start operation is received when there is not enough detergent remaining.

In FIG. 9, S6 indicates a stage where the cleaning operation is started by the input unit 4.
The period TB1 during which the command data CD can be acquired is limited from step S4 to step S6, and this period TB1 is set to, for example, 30 minutes based on step S4. This time is measured by the timer 5 and input to the control unit 2. Therefore, when the aforementioned 30 minutes (timeout time) has elapsed, the control unit 2 forcibly turns off the main power switch of the power supply unit 7, and all preparations for starting operation are terminated.
After step S6, command data CD cannot be acquired from the outside during the period until step S10 is completed. Even if command data CD is transmitted from communication terminal 200, the dishwasher 1E rejects the reception of the command data CD.

After step S6, a specified amount of cleaning water is supplied to the cleaning tank 15 from the cleaning pump 49 of the function performing unit 9. A specified amount of liquid detergent 42 is also supplied to the cleaning tank. Then, the cleaning process is started.

Step S8 indicates the end of the cleaning process, and step S9 indicates the start of the drying process.
Between steps S8 and S9, although this differs depending on the washing course (operating mode), for example, after the washing process, the washing water is once drained by the drain pump 52, a "rinsing process" is performed in which new washing water is sprayed on the dishes once or multiple times. After that, after the draining process is completed and as much water as possible is drained from the washing tank 15, the electric heater 51 (second heater 51B) for drying and the blower fan 53 are energized to fill the inside of the washing tank 15 with high-temperature hot air, and the process proceeds to the drying process.

In the drying process from step S9, fresh air is introduced from the outside into the inside of the cleaning tank 15, and the blower fan 53 is operated continuously to expel moisture to the outside of the cleaning tank 15.
The drying process from step 9 ends automatically when the time set by the control unit 2 has elapsed (step S10), and the notification unit 9 notifies the user that the operation has ended. The display unit 3D also displays a similar indication of the operation ending (step S11). After this, the power supply to the power supply unit 7 is automatically cut off, and the series of washing and drying operations ends (step S12).

During steps S7 to S10 in FIG. 9, the control unit 2 performs a process AP1 for estimating the remaining amount (amount used) of liquid detergent 42, which will be described with reference to FIG. 14, and a process AP2 for estimating the number of possible operations based on the remaining amount estimation result.
Moreover, the information obtained by these processes is transmitted as one type of the status information A to the first server 20 from the communication unit 8 via the network NW.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the basics of the operation of measuring liquid detergent 42 in dishwasher 1E of the first embodiment.
In FIG. 10, SA1 to SA8 indicate operation steps of the control unit 2, the weighing unit 12, the notification unit 3, and the like.
The following description will be given on the assumption that the maximum allowable volume of the tank 16 is 310 cc. The weighing capacity of the weight sensor 37 is in the range of 60 g to 400 g, and the minimum unit is 1 g.

First, the control unit 2 detects that a main power switch (not shown) is turned on (step S1), and when started up, issues a command to the weighing circuit 35.
If the reed switch 46 is ON, the weighing circuit 35 determines that the tank 16 is in a predetermined storage position, and issues a weighing (measurement) command to the weight sensor 37 to measure the weight. Then, data indicating the weight value of the measurement result (e.g., 350 g) is temporarily stored in the memory unit 12M (not shown) built into the weighing unit 12 (step SA1).

The weighing unit 12 subtracts the weight of the tank 16 itself (e.g., 60 g), which is known in advance, from the measured value (weight value, e.g., 350 g) in step SA1, and calculates that the weight of the liquid detergent 42 is 290 g. Since the specific gravity of the liquid detergent 42 is approximately 1.0, it can be seen that approximately 290 cc of liquid detergent 42 is contained. In other words, the tank is at the full level at this point.

The threshold value for "Condition 1" used in the judgment of step SA2 (Condition 1 not met) is "200 g or more." Therefore, if the amount is 295 g as described above, the judgment of step SA2 will be a negative answer of "NO," and since there is sufficient liquid detergent 42, no further weight measurement will be performed.

If the weight measured in step SA1 is 250 g, the weight of the liquid detergent 42 is calculated to be 190 g after subtracting the weight of the tank 16 itself (60 g). Therefore, step SA2 is judged as "Yes" and the process proceeds to step SA3.

Next, step SA3 will be described.
At step SA2, the measurement circuit 35 has already started the light emitting circuit 36, causing the light emitting element 39 to emit light in a predetermined wavelength range.
As in the example described in step SA1, if the weight measurement result of the tank 16 is 250 g, the net weight of the liquid detergent 42 will be 190 g, and in this case the liquid level is above the vertical midpoint of the tank 16. Therefore, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 6, the light beam for detecting the water level penetrates the liquid detergent 42, and the light receiving unit 40 cannot receive the specified amount of light. The light receiving circuit 38 inputs this state to the measuring circuit 35.

In the next step SA4, it is found that the liquid detergent 42 is at a level that blocks the progress of the light beam for detecting the water level, so the amount of water at this point is 155 cc (half of the full amount of 310 cc) or more. However, since the threshold for the judgment in this step SA4 is "150 g," the judgment in this step SA4 is "Yes," and the process proceeds to step SA5.

In the next step SA5, the display unit 3D displays, using text, a bar graph, or the like, that there is a sufficient amount of liquid detergent 42 remaining, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the user of the same by voice. Then, the device transitions to a "standby state" in which it waits for a command to start operation from the user.

On the other hand, if the weight measured in step SA1 is 150 g, the net weight of the liquid detergent 42 is calculated to be 90 g. Therefore, if the "Condition 2" of the judgment in step SA4 is 150 g, this step SA4 will be "No". Then, proceed to step SA6.

In step SA6, the display unit 3D displays, by using text, a bar graph, or the like, that the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is insufficient, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the user by voice to the same effect. The user is then prompted to refill the liquid detergent 42.

If the user US subsequently removes the tank 16 from the storage space 45, refills it with liquid detergent 42, and then sets it back in the storage space 45, the measurement circuit 35 detects this removal and attachment of the tank 16. As described above, this is because the reed switch 46 is temporarily turned OFF when the tank 16 is pulled out. When the tank 16 is set back in the correct position, the process returns to step SA1 and the weight is measured (the previous measurement value is reset).

Before removing the tank 16, the lid 57 is opened. Since there is a detection circuit 35R that detects the state of a locking mechanism (not shown) for keeping the lid 57 in the closed position, when the locking mechanism is released to open the lid 57, a signal (release signal) indicating that the lid 57 is in an open state is input to the control unit 2.

On the other hand, if the tank 16 is not removed from the storage space 45, the process proceeds to step SA8. In step SA8, the display unit 3D displays in text a message indicating that there is not enough liquid detergent 42 remaining and that operation cannot be started unless it is refilled, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the same effect by audio. Then, after a certain grace period (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed, the power supply unit 7 is shut off.

The contents of steps SA6 and SA8 are temporarily stored in the memory unit 12M (not shown) built into the weighing unit 12 each time.
1 acquires the most recent weight measurement result data from among various data stored in the memory unit 12M (not shown) of the weighing unit 12. In this case, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 extracts the calculated weight data of the liquid detergent 42 excluding the weight of the tank 16, and stores this data. Then, it waits for a dishwashing operation start command to arrive (enters a standby state).

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the basics of a modified example which improves part of the liquid detergent metering operation shown in FIG.
Steps SA8 to SA10 in FIG. 11 are different from the operation steps shown in FIG.
11, it is determined whether or not there is an amount of liquid detergent 42 remaining that is sufficient for one dishwashing. For example, if 40 g (minimum) of liquid detergent 42 is required for one dishwashing, and the weight value (including the weight of tank 16) measured in step SA1 is, for example, 120 g, and if the weight of tank 16 is 60 g as described in FIG. 10, the weight to be determined in step SA8 is 120 g - 60 g = 60 g.

As described above, if 60 g of liquid detergent 42 remains, the determination in step SA8 is "Yes," and the process can proceed to step SA9. In other words, in step SA9, one-time dishwashing is permitted, and this is displayed on the display unit 3D, and the notification unit 3 can also make an audio announcement such as, "There is enough detergent for one use, so you can start the operation."

On the other hand, if it is determined in step SA8 that there is not enough liquid detergent 42 remaining for one wash run, the process proceeds to step SA10. In this step SA10, the display unit 3D displays in text a message indicating that there is not enough liquid detergent 42 remaining for one run and that operation cannot be started unless it is replenished, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the same effect by audio. Then, after a certain grace period (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed, the power supply unit 7 is shut off.

In this way, the operation program in FIG. 11 is more flexible than the operation program in FIG. 10 in that it can perform a single wash even when there is only a small amount of liquid detergent 42 remaining, and is highly convenient because it can perform a single wash even if the user US accidentally forgets to refill the liquid detergent 42 and does not have any stock on hand to replenish it.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the determination operation of the control unit 2 accompanying the operation of installing the container (tank 16) of the liquid detergent 42 in the dishwasher 1E.
The operation steps ST1 to ST11 shown in FIG. 12 are defined by the control program of the control unit 2 shown in FIG.

Before removing the tank 16, the user US opens the lid 57. When the user opens the lid 57, a signal (release signal) indicating that the lid 57 is open is input to the control unit 2. When the user then closes the lid 57, the release signal stops.

In addition, when the tank 16 is pulled out, the reed switch 46 is turned OFF once, and then the reed switch 46 is turned ON, so that the control unit 2 detects that the tank 16 has been removed and then attached.

The control unit 2 can detect that the installation operation of the tank 16 has been performed by either the opening and closing of the lid 57 as described above, or the change of the reed switch 46 from OFF to ON, or by either one of them. In this embodiment 1, step ST1 is started by detecting the opening and closing of the lid 57 as described above.

After step ST1, the next step ST2 determines whether the reed switch 46 is ON. As mentioned above, the permanent magnet 16M and reed switch 46 are tank position detection means 72 that detects that the tank 16 is correctly installed when the tank 16 is installed in the correct position, so if the tank 16 is placed in the correct position, step ST2 will be judged as "Yes."

If the tank 16 is not in the correct position, the process proceeds to step ST7, where the display unit 3D displays a message requesting the user US to check the position of the tank 16. At the same time, the notification unit 3 also issues a voice message requesting the user US to check the position of the tank 16.

At step ST2, the measurement circuit 35 has already started the light emitting circuit 36, causing the light emitting element 39 to emit light in a predetermined wavelength range.
10, in the case of a liquid detergent weighing 290 g, its liquid level is close to the ceiling surface of the tank 16. Therefore, as shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 6, the light beam for detecting the liquid level is emitted toward the inside of the liquid detergent 42, and the light receiving unit 40 cannot receive the specified amount of light. The light receiving circuit 38 inputs this state to the measuring circuit 35.

In the next step ST4, if it is found that the liquid detergent 42 is at a level where it blocks the progress of the light beam for detecting the water level, the amount of liquid detergent 42 at that point is 155 cc (155 g) or more. However, since the threshold for the judgment in this step ST4 is "150 g", the judgment in this step ST4 is "Yes", and the process proceeds to step ST5.

In the next step ST5, the display unit 3D displays, by using characters, a bar graph, etc., that there is a sufficient amount of liquid detergent 42 remaining. Thereafter, the notification unit 3 also notifies the user of the same message by using voice.
In step ST6, if there is a command to start the operation from the user US, the device notifies the user that the cleaning process can be started and transitions to a "standby state." The process up to this point is temporarily stored in the memory unit 12M (not shown) built into the weighing unit 12, but may also be recorded in the memory unit 10.

On the other hand, if the weight of the liquid detergent 42 is measured to be 90 g in step ST3 as described above, and the "Yes condition" for the determination in step ST4 is 150 g, this step ST4 will be "No". Then, proceed to step ST8.

In step ST8, the display unit 3D displays, by means of text, a bar graph, or the like, that the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is insufficient, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the user of the same by sound. The user is then prompted to refill the liquid detergent 42.

If the user US subsequently removes the tank 16 from the storage space 45, refills it with liquid detergent 42, and then sets it back in the storage space 45, the measurement circuit 35 detects this removal and attachment of the tank 16. As described above, this is because the reed switch 46 is temporarily turned OFF when the tank 16 is pulled out. When the tank 16 is set back in the correct position, the process returns to step ST3 and the weight is measured (the previous measurement value is reset).

Before removing the tank 16, the lid 57 is opened, and because there is a detection circuit 35R that detects the state of a locking mechanism (not shown) for keeping the lid 57 in the closed position, the control unit 2 detects that the lid 57 has changed from an open state to a closed state. Therefore, by pulling out the tank 16, the reed switch 46 turns OFF once, and the control unit 2 detects that the tank 16 has been attached or detached.

On the other hand, if the tank 16 is not removed from the storage space 45, the process proceeds to step ST11. In step ST11, the display unit 3D displays in text that there is not enough liquid detergent 42 remaining and that operation cannot be started unless it is refilled, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the same effect by audio. Then, after a certain grace period (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed, the power supply unit 7 is shut off.

The details indicating the process leading up to step ST8 are also temporarily stored in the memory unit 12M (not shown) built into the weighing unit 12, but may also be recorded in the memory unit 10.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 2 during a door opening operation of the electrical appliance (dishwasher 1E) of the first embodiment.
The operation steps SM1 to SM6 shown in FIG. 13 are defined by the control program of the control unit 2 shown in FIG.

When the door 44 is open, the user US can close the door 44 at any time. When the user places his/her finger on the handle (handle) 55 of the operation unit 54, an operation switch (not shown) arranged inside the handle 55 detects the operation and sends a signal to the control unit 2.
The control unit 2 can issue a command to the drive circuit 89 to drive the drive motor 70 and move the door 44 in the closing direction.

Step SM1 shown in FIG. 13 is a step for judging whether or not a door operation signal has been received from the operation switch (not shown) on the handle 55 as described above.
In the next step SM2, as described in step ST1 of FIG. 12, if the tank position detection means 72, which is composed of a permanent magnet 16M and a reed switch 46, detects that the tank 16 is correctly installed, the result is "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SM3.

In the next step SM3, for example, the alarm unit 3 issues a voice message such as "The door will close." Then, the process proceeds to step SM4, where the process waits for a command to move (close) the door 44. If a command to move is received, step SM4 becomes "Yes," and the process proceeds to step SM5, where the control unit 2 issues a command to the drive circuit 89. This causes the drive motor 70 to rotate in a predetermined direction, and starts the operation of pulling the door 44 back into the housing 14.

On the other hand, if step SM2 is judged as "No," the process proceeds to step SM6, where the notification unit 3 and the display unit 3D prompt the user US to confirm that the tank 16 is correctly installed. For example, the user is prompted to check that the lid 57 of the door 44 is completely closed, etc.

As is clear from the above explanation, unless the tank 16 refilled with liquid detergent 42 is placed in the correct position in the storage space 45 and the lid 57 is completely closed, the control unit 2 will not issue a command to move the door 44, even if the user operates the handle 55.
Therefore, the door 44 will not move inadvertently with part of the tank 16 protruding outward from the right end face of the door 44, so that the tank 16 will not collide with the edge of the installation opening 121A of the kitchen furniture 121 and be damaged.

Although not described in detail, when the tank 16 is removed from the storage space 45 while the door 44 is open, for example, a display section (not shown) on the top surface of the door 44 may display the fact that the tank 16 is not installed, or light may be emitted from the top surface toward the installation opening 121A of the kitchen furniture 121 using a light-emitting element such as an LED to draw attention.
It is even more preferable that when the tank position detection means 72 determines that the tank 16 has been correctly stored in the door 44, the light emission of the light emitting element (shown) is stopped at that stage.

The storage space 45 that houses the tank 16 also houses the weight sensor 37 and other electrical components as described in FIG. 6, so it is undesirable for moisture and water vapor generated inside the cleaning tank 15 to flow in. However, in this embodiment 1, unless it has been confirmed that the lid 57 is closed, the door 44 will not close from the open state and the cleaning process will not start, so safety is also high in this respect.

Next, FIG. 14 will be described.
FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the process from the start of the washing step to the end of operation of the dishwasher 1E shown in FIG.
As shown in Figure 14, when the user US places the cleaning tank 15 in the housing 14 and then issues a command to start operation via the input unit 54 (step SB1), the operation of the cleaning pump 49 connected to the water pipe is started while the drainage pump 52 is stopped, and the water supply process is started (step SB2).

When a specified amount of cleaning water (tap water) accumulates in the cleaning tub 15, a water level detection unit 71 equipped with a water level sensor (not shown) sends a signal to the control unit 2 to stop the cleaning pump 49. Then, a control valve (or supply pump) 48 in a supply line connecting the tank 16 to the inside of the cleaning tub 15 opens in response to a command from the control unit 2, and the liquid detergent 42 required for one dishwashing cycle is injected into the cleaning tub 15 (step SB3). Note that the amount of this liquid detergent 42 varies depending on the number of dishes to be washed and the selection of a cleaning course (for example, "thorough cleaning"), and is not always a constant amount.

After the liquid detergent 42 has been poured into the washing tub 15, the water stored in the washing tub 15 is heated by the electric heater 51 (first heater 51A) until it becomes hot water, which can then be used for washing dishes. In other words, the control unit 2 automatically starts the washing operation. After that, it is determined whether the specified washing time determined by the control unit 2 has elapsed (step SB4), and when the washing time has elapsed, the washing process ends (step SB4). The washing time is determined using the time data from the timer unit 5 described in FIG. 1.

Next, the drain pump 52 is started (step SB5), and the drain process begins. When drainage is completed, the drain pump 52 is stopped, and the cleaning pump 49 is started again, and clean water is stored in the cleaning tank 15. The water stored in the cleaning tank 15 is heated by the electric heater 51 (51A) and becomes hot water, which is also used for rinsing (step SB6). When the specified rinsing process time has elapsed, the drain pump 52 is started, and the drain process begins (step SB7).

It is determined whether drainage is complete (step SB8), and if so, the second electric heater 51B is energized to heat the air inside the cleaning tank 15 and start the drying process (step SB9). In addition, the blower fan 53 is operated to supply warm air heated by the electric heater 51B to the cleaning tank 15, so that hot air circulates throughout the inside of the cleaning tank 15. As a result, humid air is continuously released from the cleaning tank 15 to the outside, and is gradually replaced by dry air.

Steps SB9 to SB12 are characteristic operations of this electrical appliance (dishwasher 1E).
In step SB9, the control unit 2 performs the process AP1 for estimating the remaining amount (amount used) of the liquid detergent 42 described with reference to FIG. 9, and the process AP2 for estimating the number of possible operations based on the result of the remaining amount estimation.

First, in step SB9, the actual remaining net amount (weight value: e.g., 290 g) of liquid detergent 42 measured in step SA1 of FIG. 11 excluding the weight value of the tank 16 (e.g., 60 g) is read from memory unit 12M (not shown) built into the measuring unit 12. Then, a calculation is performed to subtract the amount (weight value: e.g., 40 g) of liquid detergent 42 supplied in response to the command in step SB3 of FIG. 14 from the remaining amount (weight value: e.g., 290 g). The remaining amount (weight) is then found to be 250 g. This is the process AP1 for estimating the remaining amount (usage) of liquid detergent 42 shown in FIG. 9.

Next, in step SB9, the control unit 2 performs process AP2 for estimating the number of possible operations based on the remaining amount estimation result (250 g). Specifically, the control unit 2 uses the average amount (average weight value WA) of the liquid detergent 42 dispensed in each washing in the dishwashing process in the past in step SB3.
For example, if the average value is 45 g, then 250÷45=5.5 times, so that five cleaning operations can be performed.

In the dishwasher 1E of this embodiment 1, the amount (weight) of liquid detergent 42 dispensed from the tank 16 for each dishwashing is not constant. However, if the amount is constant, the "average value (average weight value WA)" of the amount of liquid detergent 42 dispensed is a constant value.

On the other hand, if the amount (weight) of liquid detergent 42 dispensed from tank 16 for one dishwash is not constant, the "average value (average weight value WA)" of the amount of liquid detergent 42 dispensed is determined from the results of weight measurement (step SA1 in Figure 11) after one washing operation is completed and before the next wash is performed.

In other words, the difference between the weight measurement of the tank 16 performed before the immediately preceding cleaning step (step SA1 in FIG. 11) and the weight measurement during the next cleaning operation (step SA1) indicates the actual amount of liquid detergent 42 used. Therefore, the measurements in step SA1 are added up sequentially, and the total weight value WT for, for example, five cleaning operations is divided by the number of cleaning operations (five).

In this embodiment 1, in the remaining operation count estimation process AP2, since it is desired to notify the user US of the remaining operation count with a margin of one operation, the aforementioned "five times" is corrected to "four times" by the control unit 2.

In this way, "status information A" including the information "250 g of liquid detergent remaining" and "four possible runs" is generated by the control unit 2. This "status information A" is then acquired by the consumption information acquisition unit 11 (step SB10). Note that "status information A" may also include data on the dishwashing course selected by the user US before issuing the command to start operation (step SB1 in FIG. 8) and the amount of dishes entered at that time (e.g., conversion data such as four servings, six servings, etc.).

In the next step SB11, this "status information A" is stored in chronological order in a specified area of the memory unit 10 (step SB10). In the next step SB12, the most recent "status information A" stored in the memory unit 10 is transmitted from the communication unit 8 via the network NW to the first server 20. Note that when this status information A is transmitted, it is linked to the appliance identification information of this dishwasher 1E, and is stored in the appliance consumption database 23R of the electrical appliance information storage unit 23 shown in FIG. 1, linked to the appliance identification information of the dishwasher 1E.

The transmission process of step SB12 is executed at the latest by the end of the drying process (step S10), as explained in FIG. 9. Therefore, the main power switch is not turned off before the transmission, and step SB12 is executed every time the dishes are washed. Note that the processing of step SB12 may be executed at a timing prior to the end of the washing process (step S8) shown in FIG. 9.

As explained in FIG. 9, the drying process ends automatically when the time set by the control unit 2 has elapsed, and the notification unit 9 notifies the user that operation has ended (step SB13). The display unit 3D also similarly displays that operation has ended (step SB13). After this, the power supply from the power supply unit 7 is automatically cut off, and the series of cleaning and drying operations ends (step SB14).

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
Fig. 15 is a flowchart 1 showing a basic operation of the consumable product remaining amount management system of the first server 20 in the embodiment 1. Note that Fig. 15 omits an explanation of the management of the remaining amount of consumable products for each facility such as each home or office by facility ID.

Steps SC1 to SC5 show the process order of the remaining amount management system for consumable products in the first server 20. Steps SC1 to SC5 shown in FIG. 15 also show operations that are periodically and repeatedly executed by the first server 20.

The operation shown in FIG. 15 is started at the timing set by the input of the schedule determination unit 26 shown in FIG. 1. For example, the user US can set in the schedule determination unit 26 that the operation is executed only twice a day, at 8:01 a.m. and 5:01 p.m. Note that if the user US does not wish to operate at a fixed time, the operation shown in FIG. 15 is not executed.

First, when the time information in the built-in time circuit (not shown) reaches "17:01", the control unit 21 checks whether it matches the time setting data in the schedule determination unit 26 (step SC1).

In the next step SC2, status information A relating to a specific user ID is collected from the appliance consumable goods database 23R for each user ID (step SC2).
For example, as explained in step SB12 of Fig. 14, "status information A" including information such as "250 g of liquid detergent remaining" and "four possible operation times" is transmitted from the communication unit 8 to the first server 20 via the network NW. Therefore, this "status information A" is extracted from the appliance consumable goods database 23R.

The next step SC3 is a process of determining whether or not the consumables are at a level that requires immediate replenishment at least before the start of the next operation.
The definition information of the "urgency" in step SC3 in Fig. 15 is stored in the judgment criteria storage unit 25 (see Fig. 1) in a list (table format) for each type of consumable product and device identification information of the electric device 1. For example, in the case of the domestic dishwasher 1E shown in Fig. 1, the device consumable product database 23R defines the urgency with two parameters, "remaining amount of liquid detergent" and "number of times operation can be performed", and stores this parameter information. If it is a commercial dishwasher 1E used in a restaurant or the like, it is significantly different from the domestic dishwasher 1E.

Meanwhile, in the judgment criteria memory unit 25, there are, for example, three levels of "urgency" for the liquid detergent 42. In the case of the domestic dishwasher 1E, "less than 150 g remaining" is set as "high urgency." This is a level that would be consumed in about three washes for an average dishwashing scale (four servings of dishes, normal wash course). In other words, in a household that washes about four servings of dishes every day, if the tank 16 is not refilled with liquid detergent 42 within three days, the tank 16 will be low on liquid detergent 42.

For example, in the case of domestic dishwasher 1E, when "250g of liquid detergent remaining" is present, this does not correspond to the "high urgency" level. If "110g of liquid detergent remaining" is present, at least one of the two parameters, "amount of liquid detergent remaining" and "number of possible operations", corresponds to "less than 150g of liquid detergent", so it corresponds to the "high urgency" level.
Thus, in step SC4, the "liquid detergent 42" is determined to be a consumable product of "high urgency" level, and is stored in the "list of consumable products with designated urgency" in the appliance consumable product database 23R.

Step SC5 is an optional function that the control unit 21 has. In step SC5, when it is determined that there is a consumable product with this urgency level, the first server 20 transmits a list (shopping list PL) showing the consumable products with the urgency level to the communication terminal 200 designated in advance.

As can be seen from the above explanation, the first server 20 automatically extracts the remaining amount of consumables at that time from the appliance consumables database 23R at the set time every day, creates a list of only consumables with urgency level data (from high to low), and stores it in the "consumables list with urgency designation" in the appliance consumables database 23R. If an optional function is selected, the consumables list is notified to the communication terminal 200 of the user US.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
Fig. 16 is a flowchart 2 showing the basic operation of the consumable product remaining amount management system of the first server 20 in the embodiment 1. Note that Fig. 16 also explains how the remaining amount of consumable products is managed for each facility, such as each home or office, using a facility ID.

Steps SC11 to SC15 show the process order of the remaining amount management system for consumable products in the first server 20.
Steps SC11 to SC15 shown in FIG. 16 are not operations that the first server 20 periodically and repeatedly executes, but rather indicate operations that are executed only when a predetermined request is received from the communication terminal 200.

Step SC11 shows the operation when the first server 20 receives a request for provision of specific data from the communication terminal 200 (hereinafter referred to as "terminal request 1"). First, the received user ID is compared with the database of the user identification unit 24 to identify the user US. If a facility ID is input in addition to the user ID, the corresponding facility is identified from the user identification unit 24. This identifies both the facility and the user US.

In the next step SC12, it is determined whether remaining amount data (status information A) of consumable goods is being requested for all registered electric appliances 1 in the facility.
When a terminal request 1 is received from the communication terminal 200 with respect to an electric appliance 1 belonging only to a specific user US (determination in step SC12 is "No"), the control unit 21 extracts consumable goods for which an urgency level has been determined from data linked to the user ID of the specific user US (step SC14). In other words, rather than searching for status information A on a per-home, per-store, per-office basis, the presence or absence of urgent consumable goods is extracted only within the scope of the electric appliance 1 linked to the user ID of one user US (step SC14).

On the other hand, if the terminal request 1 is to extract urgency level data for a single household, store, office, etc., the presence or absence of consumable goods with the specified urgency level is extracted within the range of various electrical appliances 1 registered in the facility identified by the input "facility ID" (step SC13).

In step SC15, the urgency designation data (three levels) extracted in step SC13 or SC14 is stored in the "urgency designation consumable product list" in the equipment consumable product database 23R.

Then, a list showing the consumable products with the specified urgency level is sent to the communication terminal 200 that sent terminal request 1.

As can be seen from the explanation of FIG. 16, the user US can use the communication terminal 200 to send a terminal request 1 to the first server 20 at any timing.
Therefore, for example, when the user US goes shopping at a store such as a supermarket or a home improvement center, the user US can know the latest remaining amount data of consumable goods at that time using the communication terminal 200 that he/she brought with him/her. Moreover, since the consumable goods list in this case is a "consumable goods list with urgency designation" extracted based on the judgment criteria in the judgment criteria storage unit 25, that is, the shopping list PL, the user US can easily and quickly recognize consumable goods with high urgency.

Next, reference will be made to FIG. 17 and FIG.
Fig. 17 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperative operation between the electric device 1, the first server 20, and the communication terminal 200 in the remaining amount management system in embodiment 1. Fig. 18 is a time chart 2 showing the cooperative operation between the electric device 1, the first server 20, and the communication terminal 200 in the remaining amount management system in embodiment 1. Note that Fig. 17 describes the operation from the point in time when the electric device 1 acquires the status information A.

The first step SD1 indicates the stage where status information A is acquired in an electrical appliance 1, such as a dishwasher 1E. This status information A is sent to the first server 20 (step SD2).

The following steps SD3 to SD8 show the operation of the first server 20.
First, when status information A is acquired (step SD3), the status information A is stored in the appliance consumable product database 23R by user ID. Then, status information for determining "urgency" (three levels) is extracted from the status information A stored in the appliance consumable product database 23R (step SD4), and the extracted consumable product data is stored in the "consumable product list with specified urgency" in the appliance consumable product database 23R (step SD5).

In the next step SD6, it is determined whether it is time to notify the list of consumable materials with the specified urgency level. If the user has input a timing instruction to the schedule determination unit 26 in advance, it is determined whether it is the notification timing set in the schedule determination unit 26.
For example, if a rule is set such that when the first server 20 acquires the status information A from the electric device 1, the first server 20 immediately notifies the communication terminal 200, the process proceeds directly from step SD6 to the next step SD7. If it is not the timing to notify, the process ends.

In step SD7, the transceiver unit 30 acquires "status information A" including consumable product data with a specified urgency level from the first server 20 (step SD7), and transmits a message requesting a response to the communication terminal 200 (step SD8).

The following steps SD9 to SD14 show the operation of the communication terminal 200.
When communications terminal 200 receives the confirmation message (step SD9), it displays the message on terminal display unit 216, which has a display screen (step SD10).

When the display operation unit 225 of the communication terminal 200 receives an input by a touch operation or a voice input (step SD11), a response information menu for displaying the entire response information is read from the electric device database 217 (step SD12). The response information menu is then displayed on the terminal side display unit 216 (step SD13). The response information menu will be described with reference to FIG. 19.
When the user US selects one of the response information menus, the selected one of the response information menus is transmitted from the communication section 210 (step SD14).

The first server 20 receives the transmitted response information menu (step SD15) and determines whether additional data processing is required for the response information menu (step SD16). Note that step SD13D1 described in the following FIG. 19 is an example of a case in which additional data processing is required.

If additional data processing is required, the process proceeds to step SD17, where the necessary data processing is performed, and the generated data is stored in the equipment consumable goods database 23R. The data obtained by the data processing is then transmitted to the communication terminal 200 (step SD18).

When the data transmitted to the communication terminal 200 is received again by touching the display operation unit 225 of the communication terminal 200 or input by voice (step SD11), a response information menu for displaying the entire response information is read from the electrical equipment database 217 (step SD12). In this way, in step SD14, one response information menu selected by the user is transmitted to the first server 20 again.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step SD16 that additional data processing is not required, the series of operations ends unless step SD131 in FIG. 19 is selected.
If step SD131 is selected, the next planned shopping date and the like are input to the schedule determination unit 26 (step SD19), and the series of operations ends.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
FIG. 19 is a process explanatory diagram showing types of response menus and operation steps in the communication terminal 200 with respect to the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment.

In FIG. 19, displaying the initial screen for confirming user intentions (step SD13) means displaying a total of four options, steps SD13A1, SD13B1, SD13C1, and SD13D1 in FIG. 19, in list form. This display is also performed on the terminal display unit 216. Note that the range of the display of the initial screen for confirming user intentions (step SD13) is indicated by a dashed frame in FIG. 19.

The scope of the display of the initial user intention confirmation screen (step SD13) described in this Figure 19 does not completely match the select screen 216D, list screen (input screen) 216P, and individual screen (input screen) 216V described in Figures 25 (A) (B) and 26 (A) (B), respectively, and some of the descriptions in this Figure 19 have been simplified.

The four options will be explained in turn below.
First, step SD13A1 is a case where the user selects to check the stock information of each consumable product individually. In this case, the terminal display unit 216 switches to a stock information check screen (SD13A2), and when the user US operates the display screen (or inputs by voice), the display screen switches to a display screen showing detailed stock information of the corresponding consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) as shown in SD13A3. In this way, information can be checked in sequence up to deeper hierarchical levels.
The option of step SD13A1 may be hereinafter referred to as a "second selection means." This "second selection means" corresponds to the "second selection means (icon 274)" described in FIG.

Next, step SD13B1 is the case where the user US selects to purchase the relevant consumer good when going shopping. In this case, the terminal display unit 216 then switches to a confirmation screen for inputting plans to go shopping (SD13B2), and when the user US operates the display screen to input their shopping plans (or inputs them by voice), the process proceeds to a step of issuing a command to the schedule determination unit 26 to reflect data such as the user US's planned shopping date and the time zone of the planned date, as shown in SD13B3. In this way, information deep in the hierarchy can be checked in sequence.

Next, step SD13C1 is the case where the user US selects to purchase the relevant consumable goods through mail order without going out shopping. In this case, the mail order processing unit 234 is started, and then the terminal display unit 216 switches to a display screen that connects to a pre-set mail order site (SD13C2).

After this, the application (order) for the mail order is completed on the communication terminal 200, and the screen switches to a confirmation screen indicating that a response signal indicating that the order has been received from the mail order site is received (SD13C3).

Next, step SD13D1, which is the fourth response information menu, is the case when the user selects to check the status of each consumable item corresponding to all electrical appliances 1 that the user US has previously registered as owning, and to consider obtaining any consumable items that are in short supply.

That is, it is convenient to collectively consider the status of consumables of all the electric appliances 1 linked to each user ID.
In this case, the terminal display unit 216 then switches to a confirmation screen that instructs the user US to comprehensively collect and provide status information A about the various electrical devices 1 linked to the user ID of the user US (SD13D2).
The options in step SD13D1 may be hereinafter referred to as a "collective selection means." This "collective selection means" corresponds to the input means (icon) 100B for selecting "Consumable Goods Management" from the "individual menu" described in FIG. 25(A).

After completing steps SD13A3, SD13B3, SD13C3, and SD13D2 described above, perform the operation input to confirm the response information as described above and proceed to transmission step SD14 to the first server 20.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
Fig. 20 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the communication terminal 200 in the remaining amount management system in the embodiment 1. Fig. 20 shows an example in which users US, including an individual user US in a home using an electric appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E) and a manager (including an employee of the store) of a store or office using another electric appliance 1, use the communication terminal 200.

When the display operation unit 225 of the communication terminal 200 receives input by touch operation or voice input (step SE1), an input key (icon 100B, which will be described in FIG. 25) for selecting the individual menu of "Consumable Goods Management" is displayed on the display screen displayed on the terminal side display unit 216. This display screen is called a select screen 216D (see FIG. 25).

When the icon 100B (see FIG. 25) is touched, the individual menu (submenu) of "Consumable Goods Management" shown on the selection screen 216D (see FIG. 25) is selected (step SE3).

As is clear from the above explanation, the input screen 216D, as described in Figure 25 and subsequent figures, is displayed on the terminal display unit 216 at any time based on the display data from the electrical equipment database 217.

The input screen 216D (selection screen, see FIG. 25) at the step SE3 stage does not provide a means for initially specifying the range of data search, by selecting whether to target only a specific electrical device 1 linked to one user ID, or to target all electrical devices 1 linked to that user US.

Therefore, in the next step SE4, data covering all consumables of all electrical appliances 1 is automatically displayed. In other words, data on all consumables lists corresponding to a specific user ID can be obtained in list form and displayed on the terminal display unit 216 (list screen 216P, described in FIG. 26).

Next, steps SE4 and SE5 are added when the user US has selected an optional function in advance.
Step SE4 corresponds to the display screen of Fig. 26(A). When icon 100B of Fig. 25(A) is selected, the display screen of Fig. 26(A) is displayed, which is added as an option, so Fig. 26(B) may be displayed instead of the display screen of Fig. 26(A).

Step SE5 is a step displayed when there is a consumable product with a specified urgency level, and corresponds to the display screen in FIG.
In this way, when the user US requests detailed information about a particular consumable product by touch operation or the like (step SE7), the process proceeds to step SE8.

In addition, the information at step SE6 may be notified at step SE4, and step SE5 may be omitted.

If the user US has not selected the optional function, the process proceeds directly from step SE3 to step SE6.
Step SE6 is a step in which, as explained in step SD5 of Figure 17, when there is data on consumable goods to which "alert level" information has been added and which has been previously stored in the first server 20, information on the relevant consumable goods is displayed on the list screen 216P.

As another optional function, the degree of reduction in consumable goods may be displayed at step SE5. This involves obtaining and displaying data such as the weight and volume of the consumable goods reduced in one operation of the electrical device 1 from changes in the status information A obtained by the first server 20. As a result, information is provided to the user US in the form shown in display area 291 in FIG. 29(A).

As described in FIG. 17, when a search is performed for consumable products associated with classification information of "alertness" from among the status information A stored in the device consumable product database 23R, if there is no status information A with a high "alertness," the series of display operations ends.

On the other hand, if the selection to display details of a consumable product with high urgency is made in step SE7, the determination in step SE7 is "Yes", and the process proceeds to step SE8.
In step SE8, detailed information on specific consumable products that are "highly urgent" and that the user US is desired to obtain as soon as possible is displayed.

When the input screen 216D (described in FIG. 26 and subsequent figures) is touched or a voice input is given, the input screen 216D changes to a display requesting confirmation as to whether or not to add to the shopping list PL, i.e., whether or not to change the shopping list (step SE9). For example, the input screen 216D displays the question "Do you want to change the shopping list?" together with two icons, "Change" and "Don't change," and asks the user to select one of the icons by touching.

If "Change" is selected in step SE9, the process proceeds to step SE10. In step SE10, the user US is asked to confirm whether there are any consumer goods that should be displayed in further detail. If a selection is made to request additional data on consumer goods (step SE12), the process returns to step SE8, and detailed data on consumer goods corresponding to the added items is displayed.

When the communication terminal 200 first obtains detailed information data on a consumable product determined to have a "high urgency" from the first server 20 in step SE8, the data is temporarily stored as "extracted consumable product data" in a specific storage area in the electrical equipment database 217. "Temporarily" here means that the data will be automatically deleted after 24 hours, for example. Alternatively, the data may be automatically deleted as old data when the shopping list is changed (step SE11) as shown in FIG. 20.

If "Change" is selected for the shopping list in step SE9, then in step SE10 the terminal control unit 212 generates a shopping list (overwrites an existing shopping list if one already exists) and displays it on the terminal display unit 216. This shopping list is temporarily stored as "shopping list data" in the electrical equipment database 217. For example, it is retained for 48 hours after it is stored, after which it is either automatically deleted, or a confirmation message such as "Do you want to delete?" is displayed on the terminal display unit 216 in advance, and it is deleted if the user agrees to the deletion.

When the display of step SE11 is completed, the series of operations shown in FIG. 20 ends. Similarly, when "Do not change" is selected in step SE9, the series of operations shown in FIG. 20 ends. The operation of the shopping list creation unit 231 ends here.

In this manner, the communication terminal 200 can collect information on consumable products to be purchased from the state information A on the consumable products of each electric appliance 1, and create a draft of the shopping list PL.
Furthermore, as described with reference to FIG. 20, the communication terminal 200 can call up a past shopping list PL showing consumables of each electric appliance 1, and the user US can add to it at will.

At step SE11, the previous "shopping list data" (final version) stored in the electrical equipment database 217 is displayed. When the user looks at the list, he or she can say "add" by voice input, or when the input key 285 (see FIG. 27) "purchase" is displayed, the user can touch the input key 285 to indicate the addition of the consumable goods. Upon receiving this additional input, the original "shopping list" is stored as "shopping list data" (final version) in the electrical equipment database 217.

Next, FIG. 21 will be described.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of status information A acquired by the first server 20 from the dishwasher 1E by the remaining amount management system in embodiment 1.
In FIG. 21, L1 is the user ID for registering with the first server 20 (by the communication terminal 200) that the user is a "user" of the dishwasher 1E.

If the dishwasher 1E is a commercial device used in a store or the like, the "user" may be the manager of the store or a specific employee.

L2 is device identification information 1, which is the model number, etc., determined by the manufacturer of the dishwasher 1E. This device identification information 1 is displayed on the rating plate and external parts (door, etc.) of the dishwasher 1E, and is also specified in the warranty card provided at the time of purchase. The device identification information 1 of the dishwasher 1E is stored in the device information storage unit 6 described in FIG. 1.

L3 is device identification information 2, which is a manufacturing number (also called a serial number) determined by the manufacturer (manufacturing company) of the dishwasher 1E. This device identification information 2 is displayed on the rating plate and external parts of the dishwasher 1E, and is also specified in the warranty card at the time of purchase. The device identification information 2 of the dishwasher 1E is stored in the device information storage unit 6 described in FIG. 1.

L4 is the name of the electrical device, and is the name determined by the manufacturer of the dishwasher 1E. The name of this electrical device is also information that is specified on the warranty card at the time of purchase.

L5 to L9 are consumable goods information, and are important information constituting the core of the status information A.
L5 is the name of the consumable product, and indicates the product name of the consumable product recommended by the manufacturer of the dishwasher 1E. For example, it is a name with an indication of use such as "liquid detergent for dishwashing XX", and is always displayed on products that are generally sold on the market.

The name L5 of the consumer product may be the well-known product code JAN. There are two types of JAN codes: a 13-digit code and an abbreviated 8-digit code. Either type may be used, and the JAN code may also be used in combination with an identification method other than the JAN code.

L6 indicates the amount of consumables consumed per operation of the function performing unit 9, i.e., per operation for washing dishes. For example, in the case of liquid detergent, it is displayed as 40cc or 40g. In addition, in another dishwasher 1E, tablet-type detergent (solid detergent) is displayed as 1 or 2.

As explained in FIG. 1, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 extracts calculated weight data of the liquid detergent 42, excluding the weight of the tank 16, from the various data stored in the memory unit 12M (not shown) of the weighing unit 12, and stores the data.
In the case of tablet-type detergent, the number of tablets of the detergent dispensed may be counted (using an optical sensor or the like) to estimate the amount consumed, but a detailed explanation will be omitted.

The consumption information acquisition unit 11 also holds data on the amount of detergent consumed per operation, as determined by the manufacturer of the dishwasher 1E, and therefore subtracts the amount consumed per operation from the weight value of the detergent 42 measured by the weighing unit 12 to acquire data L7 on the remaining amount. Finally, it determines the "margin" described below and holds data indicating this margin.

L8 is information indicating the measurement date and time when the weight of the consumable product (liquid detergent 42) was actually measured, as described in FIG.
L9 is information indicating a margin.
The "margin" is determined according to the number of days until the remaining amount of the consumable material becomes so low that it interferes with the operation of the electric appliance 1. For example, "1 day, 2 days" is the margin "A", which is the situation with the least margin, and it is necessary to obtain the consumable material with the highest priority.

The margin level "B" shown in FIG. 21 indicates a slightly smaller margin, and is information indicating, for example, that the number of days until the remaining amount of consumables becomes so low that it interferes with the operation of the electrical appliance 1 is "3 to 5 days." For example, as shown in FIG. 21, if the remaining amount is 150 g, it is estimated that 40 g will be consumed with one wash per day, and 120 g will be consumed for three days, so operation will be possible for up to three days. Note that margin level C is an indication that there is even more margin than margin level B.

The data indicating the margin may not be generated and transmitted by the electrical appliance 1, but the results of the usage amount estimation process AP1 performed by the control unit 2 and the remaining number of times of operation estimation process AP2 based on the remaining amount estimation result may be acquired by the consumption information acquisition unit 11, and data indicating these processing results may be transmitted. Alternatively, the data of these processes may be classified into a hierarchy (e.g., three levels) according to the urgency of obtaining the consumable product, and transmitted as an index (e.g., three levels: A, B, C).

Next, we will explain Figure 22.
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of data of a shopping list PL held in the first server 20 by the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment.
The shopping list PL mentioned here and the shopping list PL explained in Fig. 26 have different contents. Fig. 22 explains the list in data format, while Fig. 26 explains the list in a way that allows the user US to easily and quickly find out about consumables that need to be purchased.

That is, in FIG. 22, the target consumable products are displayed in a horizontal list format, but when this data is actually displayed on the terminal display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200, the display format can be changed appropriately according to the size and shape of the screen (as will be explained in FIG. 26).
Also, while Figure 22 lists various data to explain the types of data, not all of this data is displayed on the terminal display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200, but rather, the data is appropriately selected and displayed according to the wishes of the user US.

In FIG. 22, L1, L3, and L5 are various pieces of information explained in FIG. 21, so duplicate explanations will be omitted. However, L1, which indicates the user ID, is held by the user/facility identification unit 24 explained in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 22, L10 is unique information such as an address when the location where the dishwasher 1E is used is registered in the first server 20 (by the communication terminal 200). For example, when the electrical device 1 is a domestic dishwasher 1E and the user US registers it by a communication terminal 200 linked to the user's user ID, L10 is unique information indicating one household where the dishwasher 1E is installed (for example, address including the house number and installation location information). This information L10 is held by the user/facility identification unit 24 described in FIG. 1.

If the dishwasher 1E is a commercial device used in a store or the like, the location of the store or the like is the subject of the facility ID, and therefore the facility ID uses identification information for the location of the store or the like.

L11 is an equipment category that classifies electrical appliances 1 such as the dishwasher 1E based on their intended use and main technical fields (cleaning, air inspection, cooking, refrigeration, etc.). This equipment category information L11 is useful when the user US searches for a keyword such as "cleaning."

L12 is a category of consumer goods (liquid detergent, etc.) used in the various electrical appliances 1 of the dishwasher 1E, classified according to their purpose (general commercial amount, for special industries, etc.) and main technical features (liquid, solid, replacement part, etc.). This consumer goods category information L12 is useful when the user US searches for keywords such as "commercial detergent" before or after going shopping at a general home improvement store, for example. This consumer goods category information L12 is used to classify the various consumer goods stored in the consumer goods database 28 described in FIG. 1.

L13 is a consumer product ID, which is unique information for identifying each of the consumer products (such as liquid detergent 42). This consumer product ID is assigned to the consumer product when the first server 20 analyzes the status information A transmitted from the electrical appliance 1, extracts the corresponding consumer product from among the consumer products held in the consumer product database 28, and assigns it to that consumer product. Therefore, the status information A transmitted from the electrical appliance 1 for the first time after the electrical appliance 1 is installed does not include the data of this consumer product ID, but after receiving it at the first server 20, the corresponding consumer product can be extracted, and the identification information originally assigned to the extracted consumer product can be included as the consumer product ID, enriching the data as shown in FIG. 22.

The consumer goods ID (L13) may be the JAN code, which is a well-known product code. There are two types of JAN codes: a 13-digit code and an abbreviated 8-digit code. Either type may be used, and the JAN code may also be used in combination with an identification method other than the JAN code.

L14 is data showing the rated capacity of the sales unit of the consumable product. L15 is data showing the sales unit of the consumable product. In the case of liquid detergent 42 of dishwasher 1E in this Figure 22, it shows that the capacity is 500 ml (milliliters) and that it is sold in single bottles. This information is also stored in the appliance consumable product database 23R in the form of Figure 22 by the control unit 21, which compares it with status information A from various data on consumable products held in the consumable product database 28.

L16 is data indicating the urgency level. "High" indicates a high level of urgency, but in actual data processing, this is converted to, for example, a single digit. The urgency level is classified into, for example, three levels, from high to low.

In the "ventilation equipment" category in Figure 22, "filter" refers to a filter that is installed in dirty air such as oily smoke generated by exhaust from cooking appliances or cooked food. Such air purifying filters trap the fine oil particles in the oily smoke and gradually become clogged, so after a certain period of use, ventilation equipment manufacturers recommend disposing of the filter and replacing it with a new filter is necessary. In the example in Figure 22, we can see that filters (at this point) are usually sold in sets of three.

Next, we will explain Figure 23.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart 2 showing the operation of communication terminal 200 in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment.
Unlike the time chart of the submenu "View Latest Shopping List" explained in Fig. 20, Fig. 23 shows the operation of the submenu "Consumable Goods Management (Remaining Amount/Replenishment)". This submenu is an individual menu explained in Fig. 26(A). The submenu "Consumable Goods Management (Remaining Amount/Replenishment)" can be selected with input key (icon) 100B explained in Fig. 26(A).

In FIG. 23, similarly to FIG. 20, for simplicity's sake, both general individual users and managers who use electrical appliances 1 in facilities such as restaurants and offices are simply referred to as users US.
First, step SE21 is the stage where the user US starts inputting to the display operation unit 225 such as the touch operation unit 215 of the communication terminal 200.

When the display operation unit 225 of the communication terminal 200 receives input by touch operation or voice input (step SE21), the "Consumable Goods Management Menu" is displayed on the display screen (top page) displayed on the terminal display unit 216 (step SE22).

The display screen of the top page also displays a number of "main menus" such as "Mail,""Internet," and "Search."
If the user selects "Consumable Goods Management Menu" from the main menu displayed, a submenu called "Consumable Goods Management (Remaining Amount/Refill)" will be displayed (step SE23). The display screen displayed in this state is the "Select Screen" 216D, which is shown in Fig. 25(A) and will be described later.

As is clear from the above explanation, the selection screen (input screen) 216D (described in Figure 25 and subsequent figures) is displayed at any time on the terminal display unit 216 based on the display data from the electrical equipment database 217.

The input screen 216D (see FIG. 25) at the step SE23 stage does not provide a means for initially specifying the range of data search, by selecting whether to target only a specific electrical device 1 linked to one user ID, or to target all electrical devices 1 linked to that user US.

Therefore, in the next step SE23, data covering all consumables of all electrical appliances 1 is automatically displayed. In other words, data on all consumables lists corresponding to a specific user ID can be obtained in list form and displayed on the terminal display unit 216.

In particular, step SE23 is a step for determining whether or not there is data on consumable products with "urgency" information added that has been previously stored in the first server 20, as described in step SD5 of FIG. 17.

As described in FIG. 17, if a search is performed for consumable products associated with classification information of "urgency" from among the status information A stored in the device consumable product database 23R, and there is no status information A with a high "urgency," step SE23 returns "No" and the process proceeds to step SE33.

If the data covering all consumable products of all electrical appliances 1 (related to a specific user ID) held by the first server 20 has not been acquired in the electrical appliance database 217 of the communication terminal 200 by the time of step SE22, the communication terminal 200 acquires the data by wireless communication with the first server 20 in step SE23. Then, the terminal identification information held in the terminal identification information holding unit 226 and the information on the specific user ID are compared with the registered data held by the user/facility identification unit 24 of the first server 20, and the data on the consumable products stored in the appliance consumable product database 23R is provided to the communication terminal 200.

On the other hand, if there is state information A that identifies a consumable product with a high urgency, the determination in step SE23 is "Yes," and the process proceeds to step SE24.
In step SE24, detailed information about specific candidates for consumable goods that are "highly urgent" and that the user US is desired to obtain as soon as possible is displayed in a list form.

When the user requests detailed information about a specific consumer product by further touching the input screen 216D (described in FIG. 25 and subsequent figures) or by providing voice input (step SE25), detailed information about the specified consumer product is displayed (described in FIG. 25), and a message is displayed indicating that operating a specific input key on the display screen 216D will display additional reference information (advice) for purchasing, selecting, etc. the displayed consumer product (step SE26).

When the user further touches the input screen 216D or gives voice input to request the display of reference information (advice) for a specific consumable product (step SE27) (described in FIG. 26), the reference information (advice) is displayed (step SE28).

The next step SE29 is a step for requesting confirmation as to whether or not to add to the shopping list PL, i.e., whether or not to change the shopping list. In this step SE29, the input screen 216D changes to a display for requesting confirmation as to whether or not to add to the shopping list, i.e., whether or not to change the shopping list. For example, the input screen 216D displays the question "Do you want to change the shopping list?" together with two icons, "Change" and "Don't change," and asks the user to select one of the icons by touch operation. Alternatively, as will be explained in FIG. 26, an input key (icon) 285 for instructing to make a purchase is displayed.

If "Add to shopping list" is selected in step SE29, the process proceeds to step SE30. In step SE30, the user US is asked to confirm whether there are any consumer goods for which further details should be displayed. If a selection is made to request additional data on consumer goods (step SE32), the process returns to step SE28, and detailed data on the consumer goods corresponding to the added items is displayed.

When "Add to shopping list" is selected in step SE29, in step SE31 the terminal control unit 212 generates a shopping list (overwriting an existing shopping list if one already exists) and displays it on the terminal display unit 216. This shopping list is temporarily stored as "shopping list data" in the electrical equipment database 217. For example, it is retained for 48 hours after it is stored, and once this time has elapsed it is either automatically deleted, or a confirmation message such as "Do you want to delete?" is displayed on the terminal display unit 216 in advance, and the list is deleted if the user agrees to the deletion.

When the display of step SE31 is completed, the series of operations shown in FIG. 23 ends. Similarly, when "Do not change shopping list" is selected in step SE29, the series of operations shown in FIG. 23 ends. The operation of the shopping list creation unit 231 ends here.

In this manner, the communication terminal 200 can collect information on consumable goods that the user US should preferentially obtain from the latest status information A on the consumable goods of each electric appliance 1, and create the shopping list PL.
23, reference information (advice) on the purchase or selection of urgent consumables is also selectively displayed at the user's request (step SE28). This reduces the number of times the user US has to rely on past memories when making purchases, and helps the user to acquire consumables accurately.

In addition, in step SE31, the past "shopping list data" stored in the electrical equipment database 217 is changed to a new shopping list (final version) created by the shopping list creation unit 231 in step SE31, and stored in the electrical equipment database 217.

Next, we will explain Figure 24.
FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in information about consumable goods from an electric device to the communication terminal 200 via the first server in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 24, in the electrical appliance 1, the status information A generated or acquired by the control unit 2 includes information indicating the user ID, the appliance identification information, an estimated remaining amount of liquid detergent 42, an estimated number of possible operations, and a margin of error. Note that FIG. 24 does not show the operation information of the electrical appliance 1.

The status information A generated or acquired by the control unit 21 of the first server 20 includes, as described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the user ID, device identification information, consumable product information including the consumable product ID (including urgency information), judgment information 1, and judgment information 2. Note that FIG. 24 does not show the operation information of the electrical device 1. Judgment information 1 and judgment information 2 will be described in detail later.

In addition, the first server 20 receives an estimated remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 from the electrical appliance 1 each time, and is therefore able to know the change from the previous reception. In other words, since the estimated remaining amount can be received each time from the electrical appliance 1 along with the operation information, the weight and volume of the consumables consumed in one operation can be calculated, and this data can be stored in the electrical appliance information storage unit 23 and provided to the communication terminal 200. This function makes it possible to notify the user US of the amount of the consumables that has been reduced, for example, as shown in FIG. 29 (A).

The information providing server 20N, which is connected to the first server 20 via the network NW, holds consumer goods information and electrical appliance information, and transmits it to the first server 20 in a timely manner. This information is then used to update the data in the consumer goods database 28 and the electrical appliance information storage unit 23 to the latest information.

The consumable product data provided by the communication terminal 200 includes consumable product information including a user ID, device identification information, and consumable product ID, as well as judgment information 1 and judgment information 2 described below, and urgency information.

Next, a description will be given of Figures 25 to 29.
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram 1 for explaining the operation of the communication terminal 200, showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from the first server in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment.

Fig. 25 shows the display contents of the terminal-side display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200. This display screen also serves as a touch-type input operation screen. (A) and (B) of Fig. 25 are enlarged views of the terminal-side display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200 as viewed from the front.
The terminal display unit 216 is formed by covering the surface of a liquid crystal display screen or an organic EL display screen with a glass plate.

Although not appearing as physical structures on the top surface (front surface) of the glass plate, various icons (input keys) 100A-100E, 261R, 261L, 263, 264, etc., which will be described later, can be visually recognized through the display on the terminal display unit 216. Although specific parts of the glass plate itself do not emit light or generate images, in the following explanation, the expression "displayed on the display screen" is used from the perspective of the user US who sees the characters, figures, and other information displayed in this way.

The icons 100A-100E, 261R, 261L, 263, 264, etc. can be used to perform desired input. In other words, capacitive sensing keys are arranged on each icon. When the user US touches the icon with the fingertip FG, the touch-type operation unit 215 (see Figure 2) generates a command signal for the terminal control unit 212.

To indicate the presence and function of an icon, a specific function is displayed in text or graphics (at least when it is capable of accepting input). For example, as in the example of Figure 25 (A), text information such as "Electrical Device Usage Guide" appears at the location of icon 100A.

As shown in FIG. 25(A), a selection screen 216D is displayed across the entire terminal display unit 216. The "selection screen 216D" here refers to a screen on which various functions related to management such as remaining amounts, refills, and procurement of consumables (corresponding to the "submenu" mentioned above or the "individual menu" described below) can be selected using icons 100A-100E, etc.

When the communication terminal 200 is started up, the display screen (top page) that is first displayed on the terminal display unit 216 displays an icon 99 (not shown) for "Consumable Goods Management Menu" (see step SE2 in FIG. 20). When the icon 99 is touched, the selection screen 216D in FIG. 25(A) is displayed. In other words, the user US can display this selection screen 216D with a single touch operation.

In FIG. 25A, the five menus selected by icons 100A to 100E are called individual menus.
Reference numeral 100A denotes an icon of an individual menu that provides useful information to the user US when using various electrical devices 1 connected to the communication terminal 200 via the network NW. When the icon 100A is touched, the display screen changes as shown in Fig. 25(B). Reference numeral 100AG denotes a menu display section that corresponds one-to-one to each of the icons 100A to 100E.

In Figures 25 (A) and (B), 260 is a display section indicating that this is an individual menu selection screen, and 261R is a triangular icon; when this is touched, the selection screen changes to an image that appears to move to the right, and switches to another display screen.
Icon 261L is a triangular icon similar to icon 261R, and when this icon is touched, the select screen changes to an image shifting to the left, and switches to another display screen.

The terminal display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200 shown in Figures 26 to 29 is capable of switching its display screen without touching the icons 261L, 261R. In other words, when the user US touches a part other than the individual icon parts with his/her fingertip FG and moves it left/right or up/down (also called a slide operation), the touch-type operation unit 215 (see Figure 2) generates a command signal to the terminal control unit 212. Then, a different display screen is displayed depending on the direction in which the fingertip FG is moved. This realizes a scroll function that moves the display screen to switch screens, so the screen switching icons 261L, 261R, etc. may be omitted.

In FIG. 25A, reference numeral 262 denotes a triangular icon. When this icon is touched, the select screen changes to an image that appears to move downward, and switches to another display screen.
An icon 263 is used to return the display from the selection screen 216D to the display screen of the top page. An icon 264 is used to advance to the next page (display screen).

In FIG. 25(A), 100B is an icon (of an individual menu) for selecting to obtain various information (including the status information A) related to consumer goods from the first server 20 in order to ascertain the remaining amounts of various consumer goods used in various electrical appliances 1 connected to this communication terminal 200 via the network NW. When this icon 100A is touched, the display screen changes to that shown in FIG. 25(B).

In FIG. 25(A), 100C is an icon (of an individual menu) that allows the user to select viewing and updating the "shopping list" that recommends the purchase of various items, including various consumables used in the various electrical appliances 1. The data of this shopping list PL is created by the shopping list creation unit 231 described in FIG. 2 using data from the first server 20, and is stored in the electrical appliance database 217.

In FIG. 25(A), 100D is an icon (individual menu) for selecting the creation of a memo to electronically record the purchase of various consumable goods used in the electrical appliance 1 and various consumable goods not used in the electrical appliance 1 so that the user US does not forget. This simple shopping memo is created separately from the shopping list PL.

The simple shopping memo is created by the voice input unit 222 and the voice processing unit 230 interpreting the speech of the user US and storing text data such as names of consumer goods in the order of input. The memo is created by the shopping list creation unit 231. The simple shopping memo is then stored in the electrical equipment database 217.

In FIG. 25(A), 100E is an icon (for selecting individual menus) that allows the history of the creation and updating of the shopping list PL to be checked retroactively, but only for a certain period of time.

Next, FIG. 25B will be described.
When one of the icons 100A in the individual menu on the selection screen 216D shown in FIG. 25 (A) is touched, the terminal control unit 212 performs one of the following two processes (a first process and a second process) that the user has previously set.

(1) First process: Electrical appliances 1 that the first server 20 knows are in operation are displayed in a list on the terminal display unit 216D, and by touching an icon to select any one of them, the user proceeds to a display screen that displays information such as precautions regarding the target electrical appliance 1 and things the user should prepare while operating the appliance. This example is the example in FIG. 25(B).

(2) Second process: A list of electrical appliances 1 previously registered by the user US is displayed, and the target electrical appliance 1 is selected by touching an icon to select any one of the appliances, and the refilling process of the consumable goods (e.g., liquid detergent 42, tablet detergent, fabric softener, etc.) to be replenished to the electrical appliance 1 and the work process are displayed on the display screen. Alternatively, information on the work process when replacing consumable parts such as the filter 16 described below is displayed in the form of text, illustrations, etc.

269 is an icon (input key) displayed on an individual screen 216V that displays more detailed information than the list screen 216P for one of the consumable products (e.g., AA detergent) displayed on the list screen 216P, and pressing this icon returns to the menu screen. In other words, it returns to the selection screen 216D.

Next, FIG. 26A will be described.
When one icon 100B in the individual menu on the selection screen 216D shown in Fig. 25(A) is touched, the input screen of Fig. 26(A) is displayed by the terminal control unit 212. 100BG is a menu display unit corresponding to the icon 100B.

When the icon 100B is touched, the terminal control unit 212 acquires data on the consumable product from the first server 20 as described in step SE4 of FIG. 20 or step SE23 of FIG.
26A, it can be seen that the remaining amounts of five consumable products are low within the range of the electrical appliance 1 previously registered under the name of a specific user US. Reference numeral 270 denotes a summary message (hereinafter referred to as "determination information 1") that simply indicates the latest determination status regarding the remaining amounts of the consumable products, etc.

Numeral 271 denotes a list of consumable goods displayed adjacent to the summary message 270 on the input screen. In the example of FIG. 26(A), it can be seen that there are three items of detergent, one item of food, and one item of consumable part (replacement part).
Reference numeral 271A denotes information indicating the urgency in terms of the degree of influence on the operation of the electric device 1. In Fig. 26(A) and the next Fig. 26(B), for example, text information such as "urgency: urgent" is used, but a graphic representation may also be used.

272 is an icon that allows the user to set optional functions such as display, search, and input for this consumable goods management function. By pressing this icon to display a function setting screen (not shown) on the terminal display unit 216, the user can set optional functions. For example, steps SE4 and SE5 described in FIG. 20 can be omitted.

The communication terminal 200 can acquire data on the "list of consumable products with specified urgency" extracted using the criteria in the criteria storage unit 25 of the first server 20. As shown in FIG. 26(A), the list of consumable products including urgency information such as "urgency: urgent" can be displayed all at once for all electrical appliances 1 registered in the first server 20 by a specific user US using his/her user ID.

When the icon 272 is touched, the option setting section 235 shown in FIG. 2 is activated, and a dedicated option setting screen is displayed on the terminal display section 216.

Icon 273 is used to return the display from the state shown in FIG. 26(A) to the previous display screen state shown in FIG. 25(B). Icon 274 is used to advance to the next page (display screen) on which detailed information is displayed.

Next, FIG. 26B will be described.
In FIG. 26(A), when the icon 274 is touched, the terminal control unit 212 notifies the user of consumable goods information as shown in FIG. 26(B) in response to the touch operation.
In FIG. 26B, reference numeral 275 denotes an icon (input key) which also serves as a display unit and which displays the name of one consumable product, AA detergent, "XX detergent."
Reference numeral 276 denotes an icon (input key) which also serves as a display unit and displays the name "DD" of one consumable product, BB fabric softener.

Reference numeral 277 denotes an icon (input key) which also serves as a display unit and which displays the name of one consumable product, namely, CC detergent.
Reference numeral 278 denotes an icon (input key) which also serves as a display unit and which displays the name of a food product, "egg," which is one of the consumable goods.
Reference numeral 279 denotes an icon (input key) also serving as a display unit, which displays the name "DD" of one consumable product, "Kitchen ventilation fan 1F (not shown) BB fabric softener," which is a type of electrical appliance 1.
An icon 280 is used to advance to the next page (display screen).
Reference numeral 295 denotes an input key (icon) for changing the display data of the consumable goods display area 284 displayed on the input screen of FIG. 26(B).

The five input keys (icons) 275 to 279 are the first selection means as described above.
The input key (icon) 274 shown in the next FIG. 27(A)(B) is the second selection means as described above.

The input screen 216P on which the consumable goods display area 284 is displayed as shown in FIG. 26(B) will be referred to as the "list screen" in the following description.
This list screen 216P is a screen in which, from among the multiple data stored in the memory means (first server 20), judgment information 1 (described later) and judgment information 2 (described later) (e.g., low amount remaining, high urgency of obtaining) regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product (AA detergent) obtained from the electrical appliance 1, and judgment information 1 and judgment information 2 (e.g., low amount remaining, high urgency of obtaining) regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product (BB fabric softener) obtained from an electrical appliance 1 that is the same as or different from the electrical appliance 1 are simultaneously displayed on the terminal side display unit 216D.

The judgment information 1 and judgment information 2 regarding a specific consumable product (e.g., AA detergent) used in one electrical device (e.g., cleaning device 1E) may be referred to as "judgment information A."
Furthermore, the determination information 1 and determination information 2 regarding a specific consumer product (e.g., BB fabric softener) used in an electrical appliance other than the electrical appliance 1 (e.g., a clothes washing machine) may be referred to as "determination information B."

In this embodiment, the specific consumer product information acquired from the dishwasher 1E as one electrical appliance 1 is the AA detergent as described above, and the specific consumer product information acquired from the clothes washing machine (not shown) as another electrical appliance 1 is the BB fabric softener as described above.
This example is not limiting, and there may be cases where determination information 1 and determination information 2 (described later) relating to the remaining states of two or more consumable products are simultaneously obtained from a single electrical appliance 1 from the first server 20 .

When the icon 295 is pressed, the screen is switched to a correction screen, and the consumable goods of the icons 275 to 279 can be deleted individually.
In addition, the user US can add other consumable goods by voice input by pressing the icon 295. The shopping list PL including such change history and the result of the change is stored in the communication terminal 200 itself (shopping list data 228).
Furthermore, the changes are sent to the first server 20 as a revised shopping list PL, and are stored as a new shopping list PL in the appliance consumable goods database 23R.

The list screen 216P in FIG. 26(B) can be said to be the latest contents of the shopping list PL, so this list screen 216P can be displayed on the terminal display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200 in response to operational inputs by the user US thereafter.

The scene in which the icon 295 is pressed to delete the consumable goods of the icons 275 to 279 individually is, for example, when the user US goes shopping without looking at the display contents of FIG. 26(A) or FIG. 26(B), purchases the relevant consumable goods, and returns to his/her home or office. In addition, in such a scene of deletion, a screen for inputting the reason for deletion may be provided, and it is convenient to provide an option such as "already purchased" in the reason column by using a pull-down menu or the like on the input screen, since this makes input easy.

Next, FIG. 27A will be described.
In FIG. 26(B), when an icon (input key) 275 displaying the name of a consumable product called AA detergent, "XX Detergent," is touched, the screen switches to an individual screen (input screen) 216V shown in FIG. 27(A), which displays detailed remaining amount information about the single consumable product called AA detergent.

In the example of FIG. 27(A), important information (hereinafter referred to as "judgment information 2") is displayed in the display area 282, indicating that the remaining amount of a consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) will be used up the next time the electrical appliance 1 is operated, meaning that future operations will be affected. In this example, the text "Expected to be zero remaining" is displayed, but an illustration or other appropriate symbol may also be displayed. This judgment information 2 indicates the urgency of refilling or replacing the consumable product.

283 is a display area that displays cautions (also called "advice information A") about a specific consumer product (in this case, AA detergent). In this example, it is recommended to "use the dedicated XX detergent." In the case of dishwasher 1E, the use of general detergents (kitchen detergents) used when washing dishes by hand in the kitchen, etc. is prohibited. This is because such general kitchen detergents generate a lot of foam. If this detergent were to be used, a large amount of foam would be generated during the dishwashing operation, and this foam could leak out of the washing tub 15 or even penetrate into the electrical circuitry, causing a malfunction.

Also, in the display area 283, it may be displayed that baking soda should not be used, because baking soda can harden and cause clogging of pipes, drains, etc.
Numeral 285 is a selection section (icon) for selecting to connect to an external EC site (electronic commerce site) through the network NW. When this icon 285 is pressed, a dedicated input screen is displayed so that the consumer goods displayed in Fig. 27(A) can be purchased via the network NW. For this purpose, the mail order processing section 234 described in Fig. 2 is started.

Icon 274 is the same as that described in FIG. 26(A), but in the case of FIGS. 27(A) and (B), pressing this icon 274 makes it possible to obtain and display commentary information on individual consumable products stored in the consumable product database 28 and electrical appliance information storage unit 23 of the first server 20 from the first server 20. In other words, in the state of FIG. 27(A), detailed information on XX detergent can be displayed. This icon 274 is the second selection means, as described above.

In the display areas 282 and 283, information is not necessarily displayed on the terminal display unit 216, and information may not be displayed if there is no corresponding consumable product. In addition, the display size of the displayed area changes automatically each time depending on the amount of information to be displayed, and is not a fixed size.

Next, FIG. 27B will be described.
In FIG. 27(A), when an icon (input key) 261L is touched, the screen is switched to an individual screen 216V in FIG. 27(B) on which detailed remaining amount information on one consumable product, BB fabric softener, is displayed.
Alternatively, when icon 276 is touched in FIG. 26(B), the screen also switches to the input screen (individual screen 216V) for BB fabric softener in FIG. 27(B).

In the example of FIG. 27(B), information identifying a fabric softener (product name "DD") is displayed in display area 286. In addition, display area 287 indicates that the communication terminal 200 notified the user of inventory information for this fabric softener three weeks ago.

The example in FIG. 27(B) also shows that the item was purchased via an EC site three weeks prior. If icon 274 is touched, more detailed information about the information in display area 287 is displayed on the terminal display unit 216. As mentioned above, icon 274 is the second selection means.

In FIG. 27(B), 288 is a reference image display section for the consumer product. The reference image may be something other than a photograph, and may be an illustration 79 or the like showing an image of the bottle or packaging box of the consumer product when it is actually sold.

Next, FIG. 28A will be described.
In FIG. 26(B), when icon (input key) 261L is touched, the screen is switched to individual screen 216V of FIG. 28(A), which displays detailed remaining amount information on one consumable product, CC detergent.
Alternatively, when the icon 277 in FIG. 26(B) is touched, the input screen is also switched to the input screen (individual screen 216V) in FIG. 28(A).

In the example of FIG. 28(A), the display unit 290 indicates that the remaining amount of the consumable product is low, that is, CC detergent.
Also, important information (judgment information 2) is displayed in the display area 291, indicating that the remaining amount of the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) will be used up in the next operation of the electrical appliance 1, i.e., that future operations will be hindered. Here, the example shows the display of "Expected to finish in one more operation" in text, but an illustration or other appropriate symbol may also be displayed. "One more operation" here refers to the prediction result that if the electrical appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E, etc.) is operated one more time, the remaining amount of the consumable product used therein (CC detergent in this case) will be zero.

292 is a display area that displays cautions about a particular consumer product (in this case, CC detergent). In this example, it is recommended to "use the dedicated YY detergent." In the case of dishwasher 1E, it is prohibited to use general detergents (kitchen detergents) that are used when washing dishes by hand in the kitchen, etc. This is because such general kitchen detergents generate a lot of foam. If this detergent were to be used, a large amount of foam would be generated during the dishwashing operation, and the foam that is generated could leak out of the washing tub 15 or even penetrate into the electrical circuitry, causing a malfunction.

In addition, display area 292 may display that baking soda should not be used, as baking soda can harden and cause clogging of pipes, drains, etc.

Next, FIG. 28B will be described.
In FIG. 26(B), when icon 279 is touched, the screen is switched to an individual screen (input screen) of FIG. 28(B) on which detailed remaining amount information on one consumable product, the ventilation fan filter, is displayed.

In the example of Figure 28 (B), the display unit 293 indicates that a ventilation fan filter is a consumable item that is nearing the time to replace. A ventilation fan filter is a filter that can be attached and detached freely to the indoor intake port of a ventilation fan used in kitchens, etc. It has the effect of capturing fine particles of vaporized oil contained in the airflow exhausted to the outside, preventing the ventilation fan from becoming dirty. Vaporized oil accumulates on the surface and inside of the filter material, reducing its breathability, so ventilation fan and filter manufacturers recommend replacing it after a certain period of time has passed.

In the example of FIG. 28(B), in addition to the ventilation fan filter, display area 294 displays that a detachable filter for an air conditioner (not shown), which is another type of electrical appliance 1, is also due for replacement soon.
In addition, the display area 294 indicates that the ventilation fan filter and the air conditioner filter are products of the same manufacturer.

In the example of FIG. 28(B), the display information in this display area 294 is the result of extraction by the first server 20 from the perspective of "similarity of consumable products" in which the consumable products are from the same manufacturer but belong to different electrical appliances 1. In the following description, the information displayed in this display area 294 may be referred to as "advice information B" 294D regarding replacement and inspection of consumable parts.

In other words, as described in FIG. 22, the control unit 21 of the first server 20 analyzes the information on the device category L11 and the consumer goods category L12, also referring to the information in the consumer goods database 28, and can generate advice information B294D, such as the display example of the display area 294 in FIG. 28(B), which can be acquired and displayed by the communication terminal 200.

In Fig. 28B, when an icon 274 (second selection means) is touched, the display screen can be changed to one that displays detailed information such as the following: In addition, the display screen may be configured to connect to an EC site as described above.
(1) Product name, model name, specifications (external dimensions, etc.) and sales format (single unit, several units, etc.) of genuine products (ventilation fan filters)
(2) Standard period of use (3) Name of genuine product (exhaust fan filter) by manufacturer (4) Product name, model name, etc. of air conditioner

Next, we will explain Figure 29.
29A and 29B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the communication terminal 200, showing a scene where the data of the shopping list PL is acquired from the first server 20. FIG.
Fig. 29(A) is an example of the terminal display unit 216 showing a display example different from that of Fig. 28(A). In Fig. 29(A), the consumption amount of liquid detergent 42 is displayed as "about 30 cc" in the display area 291.

Figure 29 (B) shows another example of the display contents from Figure 28 (B). In this Figure 29 (B), the display area 294 displays advice 294D informing users that the detergent tank filter (not shown), which is a consumable part used in the tank 16, will soon need to be replaced. It also displays that the product is from the same manufacturer, and detailed information can be displayed on individual screen 216V by touching icon 274.

Summary of embodiment 1.
As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment 1, the washing device (dishwasher) 1E according to the first disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the dishwasher 1E according to the first disclosure has the following features:
An input unit 4 (54) that accepts input commands from a user;
A control unit 2 that receives an input command from the input unit and controls the operation of the function exerting unit 9;
A measuring unit 12 that measures the amount of consumables used when the function performing unit is operated;
A container (tank) 16 containing the consumables;
a position detection means 72 for determining whether the container is in the correct position;
A washing space WS for accommodating items to be washed (tableware 66);
A door 44 for opening and closing the cleaning space WS;
a door driving device 86 that generates a driving force for closing the door 44;
A communication unit 8 connected to a network NW;
having
The container 16 is detachably installed inside the door 44 (storage space 45) when the door 44 is open,
The measuring unit 12 measures the amount of the consumable product (liquid detergent 42) remaining in the container 16 and generates measurement data MD,
The control unit 2
(1) causing the measuring unit to measure the amount of the consumable product present in the container, and acquiring measurement data MD; and when the remaining amount of the consumable product is equal to or greater than a threshold, starting a cleaning operation in response to an input from the input unit;
(2) The measurement data MD is transmitted to an external device as status information A linked to device identification information.
(3) in a state where the door is open, while the position detection means detects that the container is not in a correct installation position, the door drive device is not driven;
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Due to this configuration, with this cleaning device 1E, when the container 16 is separated (removed) from the door 44 to refill or check the liquid detergent 42 and then reinstalled on the door 44, if the container 16 is not in the correct installation position, the door 44 will not be erroneously driven, so there is no risk of the door 44 moving with the container 16 protruding from the side of the door 44, for example, and colliding with the housing 14.
In addition, since operation cannot be started when the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is less than the threshold value, there is no concern that the washing process will be performed with insufficient detergent after the washing operation is started.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the washing device (dishwasher) 1E according to the second disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure has the following features:
An input unit 4 (54) that accepts input commands from a user;
A control unit 2 that receives an input command from the input unit and controls the operation of the function exerting unit 9;
A measuring unit 12 that measures the amount of consumables used when the function performing unit is operated;
A container (tank) 16 containing the consumables;
a position detection means 72 for determining whether the container is in the correct position;
A washing space WS for accommodating items to be washed (tableware 66);
A door 44 for opening and closing the cleaning space WS;
a door driving device 86 that generates a driving force for closing the door 44;
A communication unit 8;
having
The container 16 is detachably installed inside the door 44 (storage space 45) when the door 44 is open,
The control unit 2
(1) The amount of the consumable product (liquid detergent 42) remaining in the container 16 is measured by the measuring unit 12 to obtain measuring data MD, and when the remaining amount of the consumable product is equal to or greater than a threshold, a washing operation is started in response to an input from the input unit 54;
(2) The measurement data MD is linked to model identification information and transmitted to an external network NW,
(3) The door driving device 86 can be driven while the position detection means 72 detects that the container 16 is in the correct installation position when the door 44 is open.
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Because of this configuration, with this dishwasher 1E, when the container 16 is separated (removed) from the door 44 to refill or check the liquid detergent 42 and then reinstalled on the door 44, if the container is not in the correct installation position, the door 44 will not be erroneously driven, so there is no risk of the door 44 moving with the container 16 protruding from the side of the door 44 and colliding with the housing 14.
In addition, since operation cannot be started when the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is less than the threshold value, there is no concern that the washing process will be performed with insufficient detergent after the washing operation is started.

Furthermore, since measurement data MD of consumable goods can be generated and provided outside the home using the network NW, it becomes easier to manage consumable goods using the measurement data.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the washing device (dishwasher) 1E according to the third disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the cleaning device 1E according to the third disclosure has the following features:
A communication unit 8 connected to the outside;
An input unit 5 (54) that accepts input commands from a user;
A control unit 2 that receives an input command from the input unit and controls the operation of the function exerting unit 9;
A measuring unit 12 that measures the amount of a consumable product (liquid detergent 42) used when the function performing unit 9 is operated;
a consumption information acquisition unit 11 that generates status information A to be provided to an external device from the communication unit 8;
A device information storage unit 6 for storing the status information A;
A container (tank) 16 containing the consumer product (liquid detergent 42);
a position detection means 72 for determining whether the container 16 is in the correct position;
A washing space WS for accommodating items to be washed (tableware 66);
A door 44 for opening and closing the cleaning space WS;
a door driving device 86 that generates a driving force for closing the door 44;
having
The container 16 is detachably installed inside the door 44 (storage space 45) when the door 44 is open,
The consumption information acquisition unit 11 acquires measurement data MD by measuring the amount of the consumables at each cleaning operation, and executes a process AP2 for estimating the number of possible operations from the measurement data MD (see FIG. 14 ).
The control unit 2 transmits data indicating a result of the remaining operation number estimation process AP2 from the communication unit 8 to an external network NW,
The control unit 2 can drive the door drive device 86 while the position detection means 72 detects that the container 16 is in the correct installation position when the door 44 is open (see FIG. 13, step SM2).
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

Due to this configuration, with this cleaning device 1E, when the container 16 is separated (removed) from the door 44 to refill or check the liquid detergent 42, and then reinstalled on the door 44, if it is not in the correct installation position, the door 44 will not be erroneously operated.
Therefore, a situation in which the door 44 moves with the container 16 protruding from the side surface or the like of the door 44 and hits the housing 14 does not occur.
In addition, since operation cannot be started when the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is less than the threshold value, there is no concern that the washing process will be performed with insufficient detergent.

Furthermore, data showing the results of the possible operation count estimation process AP2 can be generated outside the home and provided to the network NW, so that an external device, such as the first server 20, that receives this data can easily know the possible operation count for a particular cleaning device 1E without having to analyze and evaluate the data in detail.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the first to third disclosures, the control unit 2 has a function of acquiring command data CD for determining operating conditions of the function exerting unit 9 via the communication unit 8,
The control unit 2 was configured such that, when the control unit 2 instructs the input unit 4 to receive the command data CD, it does not transmit the status information A to the outside until the acquisition of the command data CD is completed.

Therefore, since priority is given to obtaining the command data CD, it is possible to avoid causing a failure in the remote control of the dishwasher 1E.
This allows the cleaning device 1E of the present disclosure to make effective use of the network.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the first to third disclosures, the command data CD is characterized in that it is an operating program that determines the operating conditions of at least one of the power sources (cleaning pump 49, drain pump 52, etc.) or heating sources (electric heater 51, etc.) included in the function performing unit 9.
Therefore, a cleaning device 1E can be realized in which the power source (cleaning pump 49, drain pump 52, etc.) or the heating source (electric heater 51, etc.) can be remotely controlled from outside.

Furthermore, in the cleaning apparatus 1E according to the first to third disclosures, the command data CD is characterized in that it is an operating program for automatically driving at least one of the power source or the heating source included in the function performing unit 9 in sequence in a plurality of steps.
Therefore, a highly convenient cleaning device 1E can be realized in which the power source (cleaning pump 49, etc.) or heating source (electric heater 51, etc.) can be remotely controlled from outside to automatically perform the cleaning process and heating process.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the first to third disclosures, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 is characterized by having a measuring unit 12 that grasps the amount of the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent) consumed.
Therefore, the weighing unit 12 can detect a decrease in the consumable goods, and the decrease can be reflected in the status information A.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the first to third disclosures, the measuring unit 12 is characterized by having a tank 16 for storing consumable products, and a first sensor 37 (weight sensor) for measuring the amount (weight) of the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) contained inside the tank 16 (see Figure 6 in particular).
With this configuration, the degree of consumption of the consumable product can be grasped by the reduction in weight, and this data can be reflected in the status information A.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the first to third disclosures, the tank 16 further includes a second sensor (reed switch) 46 for detecting a state in which the tank 16 is installed in a predetermined position,
The second sensor 46 detects the installation of the tank 16, and the third sensors 39, 40 optically detect the mass of the consumable product.

With this configuration, the remaining amount of the consumable product is measured while the tank 16 is actually in a specified position, so the amount of the consumable product can be accurately determined. In other words, the latest amount of the consumable product can be accurately determined.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the first to third disclosures, a light-emitting element 39 and a light-receiving element 40 constituting a third sensor are arranged facing each other across the tank 16, to detect the presence or absence of liquid detergent 42.
Therefore, the presence of the liquid detergent 42 can be detected in a simple configuration and in a non-contact manner.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the first to third disclosures, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 is configured to acquire information indicating a margin of error from data on the amount of the consumable product consumed in one operation and the amount of the consumable product measured by the measuring unit 12, and to transmit the information on the margin of error together with the status information A.
That is, this cleaning device 1E holds data (first measurement data MD1) indicating the weight measurement results of the liquid detergent 42 and data (second measurement data MD2) indicating the amount of weight change and the rate of change generated from the first measurement data MD1, and acquires and transmits information indicating the margin of error.

Therefore, on the external device side, such as the first server 20, that receives the status information A, the necessity and urgency of obtaining the consumable product can be easily grasped without complex analysis of the status information A.

Furthermore, in this cleaning device 1E, the measuring unit 12 is characterized by being equipped with a tank 16 for storing consumables, and a first sensor 37 (weight sensor) for measuring the amount (weight) of the consumables (e.g., liquid detergent 42) contained inside the tank 16 (see Figure 6 in particular).
With this configuration, the degree of consumption of the consumable product can be grasped by the reduction in weight, and this data can be reflected in the status information A.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the first to third disclosures, the tank 16 further includes a second sensor (reed switch) 46 for detecting a state in which the tank 16 is installed in a predetermined position,
The second sensor 46 detects the installation of the tank 16, and the measuring unit 12 grasps the consumption amount of the consumable product.

With this configuration, the weight of the consumable product is measured while the tank 16 is actually in a specified position, so the weight of the consumable product can be accurately determined. In other words, the consumption of the consumable product can be accurately determined.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the first to third disclosures, the light emitting element 39 and the light receiving element 40 are disposed facing each other across the tank 16, and the presence or absence of liquid detergent 42 is detected.
Therefore, the presence of the liquid detergent 42 can be detected in a simple configuration and in a non-contact manner.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the first and second disclosures, the control unit 2 is configured to perform a process AP1 for estimating the amount of consumption of the consumable product and a process AP2 for estimating the number of possible operations based on the result of the remaining amount estimation, and to transmit the result of the process AP2 for the number of possible operations together with the status information A.
Therefore, on the external device side, such as the first server 20, that receives the status information A, it is possible to know the number of times the vehicle can be operated from the data on the remaining amount of consumable goods, without having to analyze and evaluate the status information A in detail.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the first and second disclosures, the result of the operation count process AP2 is configured to be transmitted as an index classified into a plurality of levels according to the time leeway for obtaining the consumable product.
Therefore, on the external device side, such as the first server 20, that receives the status information A, it is possible to easily know the amount of time remaining until the consumable item is obtained, without having to analyze and evaluate the status information A in detail.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the information processing terminal device (communication terminal) 200 according to the fourth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the information processing terminal 200 according to the fourth disclosure is
A communication unit 210 that can be connected to a washing device (dishwasher) 1E having a function of feeding in consumable products via a network NW;
A terminal display unit 216;
an operation unit 225 that accepts input commands from a user;
A terminal control unit 212 that receives input commands from the operation unit 225 and controls data processing and transmission operations;
A consumable product database 227 that stores state information A of the consumable products of the cleaning device 1E acquired via the communication unit 210;
a shopping list creation unit 231 for extracting data from the consumer goods database 227 within a range designated by the operation unit 225;
having
When the control unit 212 acquires the state information A of the consumable product of the cleaning device 1E via the communication unit 210, the control unit 212 displays a selection menu that can be inputted by the operation unit 225 on the terminal side display unit 216,
The selection menu includes a first selection means (icons 275 to 279) for requesting the display of data related to consumable products of the cleaning device 1E linked to the user US, and a second selection means (icon) 274 for requesting the display of more detailed data about a specific consumable product displayed by the selection of the first selection means.
The configuration was characterized by having the following.

Due to this configuration, the information processing terminal 200 can obtain consumption information of consumable materials for the cleaning device 1E on a user US basis from outside the home using the network NW, making it possible to centrally manage consumable materials for the cleaning device 1E used at home, in an office, etc.
Moreover, it is highly convenient as it can display not only overall information about consumer goods but also detailed data for individual consumer goods.
This allows the information terminal device 200 of the present disclosure to contribute to the management of consumable products of the cleaning device 1E by effectively utilizing the network.

Further, the information processing terminal 200 according to the fourth disclosure further includes a remote operation information generating unit 219 that receives an input command from the operation unit 225 and transmits command data CD from the communication unit 210 to the cleaning device 1E,
The terminal control section 212 is characterized in that it does not execute the operation of acquiring the status information A while the command data CD is being transmitted from the communication section 210 .
Therefore, since priority is given to obtaining the command data CD, it is possible to prevent communication of the remote control in the information processing terminal 200 from going wrong or causing a failure.
This allows the information processing terminal 200 of the present disclosure to make effective use of the network.

Furthermore, in the information processing terminal device 200 relating to the fourth disclosure, when the terminal control unit 212 acquires the status information A, the terminal side display unit 216 is configured to display a shopping list PL for each specific consumable product, which displays the name of the consumable product (e.g., "Liquid detergent XX") and judgment information 2 (e.g., "Urgency: Urgent") 271A indicating the urgency in terms of the impact on the operation of the cleaning device 1E (see Figure 26 in particular).
This allows the user US to easily identify consumables that he or she needs to obtain (purchase) early, and allows the user US to prioritize the acquisition of those consumables.

Furthermore, in the information processing terminal device 200 according to the fourth disclosure, the terminal side display unit 216 displays a selection screen 216D, and the selection screen 216D is characterized by having a selection unit 100B (input key) for selecting a consumable goods management menu, and a selection unit 100C (input key) for activating the shopping list creation unit 231 (see FIG. 26 in particular).

As a result, the user US can determine which consumable products to obtain and can select whether to obtain (purchase) the consumable products by viewing the selection screen 216D, which is expected to improve the operability of the information processing terminal device 200 for the user US without causing confusion in checking information and performing operations.

Furthermore, in the information processing terminal device 200 according to the fourth disclosure, the selection screen 216D is characterized by further including a usage guide selection section 100A (input key) for selecting the display of reference information on the use of the cleaning device 1E (electrical appliance 1) and on the refilling and replacement of the consumable products.
Therefore, as explained in FIG. 25(B), when one of the icons 100A in the individual menu is touched, the terminal control unit 212 performs either the "first process" or the "second process" that the user has previously set.

As described above, in the "first process", the cleaning devices 1E that the first server 20 knows to be in operation are displayed in a list on the terminal display unit 216D, and by touching an icon to select one of them, the user proceeds to a display screen that displays information such as precautions regarding the target cleaning device 1E and preparations that the user should make during operation.

In the "second process" described above, a list of cleaning devices 1E registered in advance by the user US is displayed, and the user selects the desired cleaning device 1E by touching an icon to select one of the devices, and the refilling work for the consumer goods (liquid detergent 42, etc.) to be refilled into the cleaning device 1E and the work process are displayed on the display screen. Alternatively, when replacing a part as a replacement part (a type of consumer goods), information on the work process, etc. can be displayed in the form of text, illustrations, etc.

As described above, the user US can learn reference information and caution information regarding the refilling and replacement of consumable products related to the cleaning device 1E, providing a highly convenient function for the user US.

Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the information acquisition system according to the fifth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the information acquisition system according to the fifth disclosure is
A cleaning device 1E connected to a network NW;
a storage means (first server 20) connected to the cleaning device 1E via the network NW, in which a plurality of data for displaying the state of a consumable product (liquid detergent 42) used in the cleaning device 1E is recorded;
an information processing terminal 200 connected to the storage means via the network NW and having a terminal-side display unit 216;
The cleaning device 1E includes a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires status information A relating to a remaining state of the consumable product, and a communication unit 8 that transmits the status information A to an outside,
The information processing terminal 200 displays a selection screen 216D having a plurality of input keys (100A to 100E) on the terminal side display unit 216,
When one of the input keys (100B) is operated on the selection screen 216, among the multiple pieces of data stored in the storage means (first server 20), status information (e.g., low remaining amount) of a specific consumable product AA (e.g., AA detergent) obtained from the cleaning device 1E and status information (e.g., low remaining amount) of a specific consumable product BB (e.g., BB fabric softener) obtained from an electric appliance 1 (e.g., a washing machine) that is the same as or different from the cleaning device 1E are displayed on the same list screen 216P on the terminal side display unit 216,
When the specific consumer product AA (e.g., AA detergent) is selected with the input key 275 while the list screen 216P is displayed, information related to the consumer product AA (e.g., AA detergent) that is not displayed on the list screen 216P, such as information related to the operation of the related cleaning device 1E or specific advice information A (recommended manufacturer, precautions for use, etc.) 283 related to obtaining the specified consumer product AA (e.g., AA detergent) is displayed on an individual screen 216V different from the list screen 216P.
The configuration was characterized by the above (see FIG. 27 in particular).

Due to this configuration, this information acquisition system makes it possible to easily obtain status information A of consumables for the cleaning device 1E used at home, office, store, etc. from outside the home, office, store, etc. using the network NW, thereby enabling centralized management of consumables for the cleaning device 1E used at home, office, store, etc.
Moreover, it is highly convenient as it can display not only overall information about consumer goods but also detailed data for individual consumer goods.

Furthermore, in the information acquisition system according to the fifth disclosure, additional information such as the remaining amount of consumable goods, the time available for replenishment, replacement, acquisition, etc., or the urgency can be displayed in response to the selection of the user US on the list screen 216P and on an individual screen 216V that is different from this list screen 216P, thereby providing a convenient system for individual users US such as residents in each home and users (administrators, etc.) who manage the cleaning device 1E in offices and stores.
This allows the information acquisition system to contribute to the management of consumables of the cleaning device 1E by effectively utilizing the network.

Furthermore, the information acquisition system further includes a remote operation information generating unit 219 in the information processing terminal 200 for transmitting command data CD to the cleaning device 1E,
The information processing terminal 200 is characterized in that it does not execute the operation of acquiring the status information A from the storage means (first server 20) while it is transmitting the command data CD to the cleaning apparatus 1E.

Therefore, since priority is given to obtaining the command data CD, it is possible to prevent communication of the remote control in the information processing terminal 200 from going wrong or causing a failure.
This allows the information acquisition system to make effective use of the network.

Furthermore, when the information processing terminal device 200 acquires the status information A, this information acquisition system is configured to display on the terminal display unit 216 a shopping list PL which displays, for each specific consumer product, the name of the consumer product (e.g., "liquid detergent XX") and judgment information 2 (e.g., "urgency: urgent") 271A indicating the urgency in terms of the impact on the operation of the cleaning device 1E (see Figure 26 in particular).
This allows the user US to easily identify consumables that he or she needs to obtain (purchase) early, and allows the user US to prioritize the acquisition of those consumables.

Furthermore, in this information acquisition system, a selection screen 216D having a plurality of input keys (100A to 100E) is displayed on the terminal side display unit 216,
The selection screen was characterized by having a selection section (input key) 100B for selecting a consumer goods management menu using the information processing terminal device 200, and a selection section (input key) 100C for activating the shopping list creation section 231.

As a result, the user US can determine which consumable products to obtain and can select whether to obtain (purchase) the consumable products by viewing the selection screen 216D, which is expected to improve the operability of the information processing terminal device 200 for the user US without causing confusion in checking information and performing operations.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the server (first server) 20 according to the sixth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the server (first server) 20 according to the sixth disclosure
the cleaning device 1E and the information processing terminal 200 are connected in a communicable state to each other via a network NW, and hold a plurality of data for displaying information on consumable products related to the cleaning device 1E on a terminal side display unit 216 of the information processing terminal 200;
A selection screen 216D having a plurality of input keys is displayed on the terminal side display unit 216, and when at least one of the input keys is operated by the user, according to the content of the operated input key,
(1) Among the plurality of data, consumable product data generated in response to a transmission result of status information from the cleaning device 1E is aggregated on a per-user basis and displayed in a list form (list screen 216P) on the terminal display unit 216;
(2) For a specific consumable product among the consumable products displayed in the list state, information 271A indicating the remaining amount or the urgency of refilling or replacement is displayed on an individual display screen 216V different from the list state on the terminal side display unit 216.
The configuration is characterized by executing the process.

Due to this configuration, according to the first server 20 of this embodiment 1, status information A of consumables for the cleaning device 1E used at home, office, store, etc. can be easily obtained from outside the home, office, store, etc. using the network NW, thereby enabling centralized management of consumables for the cleaning device 1E used at home, office, store, etc.
Moreover, not only can the overall information about the consumable product be displayed on the list screen 216P, but also information 271A indicating the remaining amount of the consumable product or the urgency of refilling or replacement can be displayed, which helps the user US to correctly recognize the situation and is highly convenient.

The first server 20 disclosed in the first embodiment is characterized in that it has at least two of the following means for storing the multiple data: an appliance consumable goods database 23R that stores the consumable goods data for each electrical appliance 1 including the cleaning device 1E; a user/facility identification unit 24 that stores the user's identification information or facility ID information; a judgment criterion storage unit 25; a command data generation unit 31 that generates command data CD for the electrical appliance; an application software provision unit 29 for information exchange with the information processing terminal 200; and a schedule determination unit 26 that determines the timing for acquiring the consumable goods data (as status information A) from the electrical appliance 1.

Due to this configuration, the first server 20 can provide various effects, such as being able to provide the consumable goods data for each electrical appliance 1, being able to extract data using a user ID and a facility ID, being able to provide command data CD for each electrical appliance 1, being able to provide application software that works with the information processing terminal device 200, and being able to determine the timing for obtaining the status information A from the cleaning device 1E.

Further, the first server 20 includes a control unit 21 that controls communication between the cleaning device 1E and the information processing terminal 200, and a command data generating unit 31 that generates command data CD for the cleaning device 1E.
The control unit 21 is characterized in that, during the period in which the command data CD is being transmitted to the cleaning apparatus 1E, the control unit 21 does not acquire information on the consumable products from the cleaning apparatus 1E.

Due to this configuration, the first server 20 gives priority to reliable transmission processing of the command data CD.
This makes it possible to prevent communication failure or the occurrence of a fault when the command data CD is transmitted to the cleaning apparatus 1E via the information processing terminal 200.
Therefore, the first server 20 can effectively utilize the network NW and can be made highly reliable.

Furthermore, the command data CD generated by the first server 20 is characterized as being an operating program for driving at least one of the power source (e.g., the cleaning pump 49) or the heating source (electric heater 51) possessed by the cleaning device 1E.

Due to this configuration, the first server 20 can remotely control the power source or heating source.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the remaining amount management system for consumable products according to the seventh disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the remaining amount management system for consumables according to the seventh disclosure is as follows:
A plurality of electrical appliances 1 including a cleaning device 1E connected to a network NW;
A server (first server) 20 connected to the electrical device 1 via the network NW;
An information processing terminal 200 that can be connected to the server 20 via the network NW;
Equipped with
The server 20 includes a user identification unit 24 for identifying the electrical device 1,
Each of the electrical appliances 1 has a function performing unit 9 that uses a consumable product, a control unit 2 that controls an operating state, an input unit 4 (54) that sets operating conditions by the control unit 2, a communication unit 8 that transmits a setting result of the input unit 4 to the outside via the network NW, and a consumption information acquisition unit 11 that acquires status information A related to a remaining status of the consumable product,
The server 20 generates judgment information 1 (e.g., low remaining amount) and judgment information 2 regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product AA (e.g., AA detergent) based on the status information A acquired from the cleaning device 1E, and generates judgment information 1 (e.g., low remaining amount) and judgment information 2 regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product BB (e.g., BB fabric softener) based on the status information A acquired from an electrical appliance 1 (e.g., a clothes washing machine) that is the same as or different from the cleaning device 1E,
The information processing terminal 200 can obtain the judgment information 1 and the judgment information 2 from the server 20,
The information processing terminal 200 displays the consumable products for which at least one of the acquired judgment information 1 (e.g., low remaining amount) and the acquired judgment information 2 belongs to the same level on the same list screen 216P on the terminal side display unit 216.
The configuration was characterized by the above.
In other words, as explained in FIG. 26B, the fact that the result of the judgment information 2 belongs to the same level of “high urgency” is displayed on the list screen 216P as information 271A indicating the urgency.

Due to this configuration, this consumable product remaining amount management system can use the network NW to obtain status information A of various electrical appliances 1, including the cleaning device 1E, used in a home, office, store, etc., all at once from outside the home, office, store, etc., thereby enabling centralized management of consumable products of various electrical appliances used in the home, office, store, etc.
Moreover, it is highly convenient as it can display not only overall information about consumer goods but also detailed data for individual consumer goods.

Furthermore, the first server 20 collects information on consumer goods on a per-user ID basis, that is, personal identification information, when each individual user US registers with the first server 20 using the communication terminal 200, and presents the information to the user US. This provides the user with the convenience of being able to easily obtain necessary information such as the inventory of consumer goods while away from home, using the communication terminal 200, particularly when an individual user goes out shopping.

Furthermore, in this consumable product remaining amount management system, the list screen 216P and the individual screen 216V different from the list screen 216P can display judgment information 1 and judgment information 2 regarding the remaining state of each consumable product, respectively, providing a convenient system for users US such as residents in each home and managers who manage electrical appliances 1 in offices and stores.

As a result, by using this consumables remaining amount management system, it is possible to effectively utilize the network NW and perform consumables management for multiple various electrical appliances 1 using the information processing terminal device 200 even from a remote location.

Furthermore, in the consumable product remaining amount management system, the information processing terminal 200 further includes a remote operation information generating unit 219 that transmits command data CD to the electric appliance 1 such as the cleaning device 1E,
The information processing terminal 200 was configured such that, while transmitting the command data CD to the electrical device 1, it did not execute the operation of acquiring the judgment information 1 and the judgment information 2 from the storage means (first server 20).

According to the consumable product remaining amount management system according to the sixth disclosure, priority can be given to reliable transmission processing of the command data CD.
This makes it possible to prevent communication failure or the occurrence of a fault when the command data CD is transmitted to the electric device 1 via the information processing terminal 200 .
Therefore, the network NW can be utilized effectively and with high reliability.

Furthermore, in the remaining amount management system for consumable goods according to the sixth disclosure, the information processing terminal 200 further includes a shopping list creation unit 231,
When the information processing terminal device 200 acquires the judgment information 1 or the judgment information 2, the terminal side display unit 216 is configured to display a shopping list PL for each specific consumer product, which displays the name of the consumer product (e.g., AA detergent) and information 271A indicating the urgency of the consumer product in terms of its impact on the operation of the cleaning device 1E.

As a result, not only can the display show overall information indicating whether or not any consumable items need to be replenished or replaced, but also detailed data for each individual consumable item (information 271A indicating the remaining amount of the consumable item or the urgency of replenishing, replacing, etc.), which is highly convenient when the user US goes shopping or considers purchasing items through mail order.

Furthermore, in this consumable product remaining amount management system, a selection screen 216D is displayed on the terminal side display unit 216,
The selection screen 216D is characterized by having selection input keys (100A to 100E) for selecting a consumer goods management menu using the information processing terminal 200, and a selection input key 100C for activating the shopping list creation section 231.

As a result, the user US can determine which consumable products to obtain and can select whether to obtain (purchase) the consumable products by viewing the selection screen 216D, which is expected to improve the operability of the information processing terminal device 200 for the user US without causing confusion in checking information and performing operations.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the consumer goods purchase support system according to the eighth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the consumer goods purchasing support system according to the eighth disclosure is
A plurality of electrical appliances 1 including a cleaning device 1E connected to a network NW;
A server (first server) 20 connected to the electrical device 1 via the network NW;
An information processing terminal 200 that can be connected to the server 20 via the network NW;
Equipped with
The server 20 has a user identification unit 24 for identifying a user US who uses the electrical device 1,
The server 20 generates determination information A (e.g., high urgency) for a specific consumable product AA (e.g., AA detergent) based on status information A acquired from one of the cleaning devices 1E, and generates determination information B (e.g., high urgency) regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product BB (e.g., BB fabric softener) based on status information A acquired from a home appliance 1 (e.g., a clothes washing machine) other than the cleaning device 1E,
When at least one of the judgment information A and the judgment information B is displayed on the terminal display unit 216, the information processing terminal 200 displays an input key 285 which is selected when a purchase of the consumable product specified by the judgment information A or the judgment information B is desired, and which switches to a purchase screen.
The configuration was characterized by the above.

Due to this configuration, this consumer goods purchasing support system can use the network NW to acquire status information A of the consumer goods for various cleaning devices 1E used in homes, offices, stores, etc., all at once from outside the home, office, store, etc., making it possible to centrally manage the consumer goods for the cleaning devices 1E used in homes, offices, etc.

Furthermore, when the judgment information 2 for refills, etc., for individual consumable items AA (e.g., AA detergent) and BB (e.g., BB fabric softener) belong to the same urgency level (e.g., "high urgency"), both the consumable items AA and BB are displayed on the same list screen 216P on the terminal display unit 216 on a user ID basis, which is highly convenient for the user US.

In addition, as shown in display area 282 and display area 291 in Figures 26(A) and 27(A), the first server 20's judgment on each individual consumable item is also clearly displayed, which can improve the user US's understanding and encourage them to take appropriate action regarding checking and replenishing the consumable items, etc.

Furthermore, in this consumer goods purchasing support system, a selection screen 216D is displayed on the terminal side display unit 216,
The select screen 216D is characterized by having an input key of a selection section 100B for selecting a consumable goods management menu, and an input key of a selection section 100C for starting the shopping list creation function.

Therefore, with this consumer goods purchasing support system, the user US can determine which consumer goods to acquire and select whether to acquire (purchase) the consumer goods by viewing the selection screen 216D, which is expected to improve the operability of the information processing terminal device 200 for the user US without causing confusion in checking information and operations.

Furthermore, in this consumer goods purchasing support system, the selection screen 216D is characterized by further including an input key for a usage guide selection section 100A for selecting the display of reference information regarding the use of the electrical appliance 1, refilling or replacement of the consumer goods, etc.
Therefore, when one of the icons 100A in the individual menu is touched, the terminal control unit 212 performs at least one of the "first process" and the "second process" that the user has previously set, which is convenient.

Furthermore, this consumer goods purchasing support system is characterized by having a first selection means 275-270 that requests the display of data related to the judgment information 1 and the judgment information 2 linked to the user who has been registered in advance when the selection unit 100B is selected, and a second selection means 274 that requests the display of more detailed data about the specific consumer goods displayed by the selection of the first selection means 275-279.

Due to this configuration, this consumer goods purchasing support system can obtain status information A of consumer goods on a per-user US basis from outside the home using the network NW, thereby enabling centralized management of consumer goods for cleaning devices 1E used at home, offices, etc.
Moreover, it is highly convenient as it can display not only overall information about consumer goods but also detailed data for individual consumer goods.
This allows the consumable goods purchasing support system to contribute to the consumable goods management of the cleaning device 1E by effectively utilizing the network.

The electrical appliance 1 of the first embodiment has been described using a domestic dishwasher 1E as an example, but the various functions possessed by the dishwasher 1E are not necessarily required to implement the invention of this disclosure. For example, the data indicating the "margin" described in FIG. 21 does not have to be generated and transmitted by the electrical appliance 1. Also, on the electrical appliance 1 side, the remaining amount of the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) is displayed on the display unit 3D based on the data of the remaining amount (weight) of the consumable product (liquid detergent 42) measured by the measuring unit 12, but the control unit 2 does not necessarily have to determine and notify whether refilling is required.

Embodiment 2.
30 to 33 show an electric appliance 1 and a system for managing the remaining amount of consumables according to the second embodiment. FIG. 30 is a time chart showing the basic operation of a cleaning device 1E such as a household dishwasher (dishwasher-dryer) as an example of an electric appliance 1. FIG. 31 is a flow chart showing the basic operation of measuring liquid detergent in the cleaning device 1E shown in FIG. 30. FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing a door portion of the cleaning device 1E shown in FIG. 30 in a partial vertical cross-sectional view. FIG. 33 is an example of a display of a display unit showing the measurement result of the remaining amount of liquid detergent in the cleaning device 1E shown in FIG. 30. Note that the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as or equivalent to the configuration of the first embodiment described in FIGS. 1 to 29.

In this second embodiment, the liquid detergent 42 consumed in the cleaning process is the consumable material to be managed, just like in the first embodiment. However, it differs from the first embodiment in that the liquid detergent 42 in the tank 16 is measured twice.

Referring to FIG. 30 .
In FIG. 30, one feature of the second embodiment is that a second amount measurement process (step SX2) of liquid detergent 42 is added immediately after the start step (S9) of the drying process.

Another feature is that, in addition to transmitting status information A between steps S6 and S7, status information A is also transmitted after the second amount measurement process (step SX2). As a result, the detergent remaining amount measurement process AP1 described in embodiment 1 is changed to remaining amount measurement process BP1. This will be described in more detail later with reference to Figure 31.

Next, we will explain Figure 31.
31 is a flow chart showing the basics of the metering operation of the liquid detergent 42. It shows the steps following step SX1 in FIG.
31, the following mainly describes the steps of the operation of the control unit 2 that are different from those described in FIG.

The control unit 2 displays a message on the display unit 3D prompting the user US to select an operation mode, and also notifies the user US by voice through the notification unit 3 (step S4).
Thereafter, the weighing unit 12 performs a first weight measurement process (before the start of the cleaning process) of the liquid detergent 42. This is step SL1 (step SX1 in FIG. 30).

As in the example shown in FIG. 31, if step SX1 is set before step S5 (FIG. 30), the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is checked at step S5 before the "cleaning course selection" button (or input key) provided on the input unit 54 is operated to select the "normal control mode" or the "external control mode", and if the "external control mode" is selected, the "result of remaining amount check" is notified to the communication terminal 200 at that time, improving convenience for the user US.

In other words, the cleaning device 1E compares the contents of the data (initial operating status data OS1) including the device identification information sent immediately before with the contents of the command data CD received from the communication terminal 200 using the communication unit 8. In addition, the control unit 2 can check the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 measured by the measuring unit 12. If the remaining amount is such that it would be difficult to start operation, a warning such as "low detergent remaining" can be sent to the communication terminal 200. This makes it possible to prompt the user US to replenish the liquid detergent 42 at an early stage. It is also possible to avoid a situation in which a command to start operation is received when there is not enough detergent remaining.

Next, after a command to start the cleaning operation is issued (step S6 in FIG. 30), data including the measurement data MD1 acquired in step SX1 is transmitted as status information A (step SL2).
After this, the washing process is started, and when the time specified in the operation program of the control unit 2 has elapsed, the washing process ends, and the process proceeds to the drying process via the rinsing process, and the drying process ends (step SL3). This is the stage of step S9 shown in FIG. 30.

Thereafter, the weighing unit 12 performs a second weight measurement process (after completion of the drying process) of the liquid detergent 42. This is step SL4 (step SX2 in FIG. 30).
In the next step SL5, the first measurement data MD1 acquired in steps SL1 and SL4 is compared. That is, the difference in weight of the liquid detergent 42 before and after the start and end of the washing process is calculated. This makes it possible to grasp the weight of the liquid detergent 42 actually consumed and reduced in one washing process.

In step SL5, the latest remaining amount data of the liquid detergent 42 can be obtained (this is called "remaining amount measurement process BP1" in FIG. 31).
Furthermore, based on the result of this remaining amount measurement process BP1, it can be determined whether or not the remaining amount is the minimum amount required for the next operation (remaining operation count estimation process AP2).

This remaining operation count estimation process AP2 calculates how many times the latest weight value obtained in the remaining amount measurement process BP1 corresponds to, based on the average weight value (average weight value WA) consumed in a single washing operation (dishwashing process) in the past.
For example, if the latest weight value obtained in the remaining amount measurement process BP1 is 250 g and the average value is 45 g, then 310 g ÷ 45 g = approximately 5.5, so mathematically five cleaning runs can be performed.

In this step SL5, the acquired first measurement data MD1 (e.g., 250 g) is stored in the memory unit of the consumption information acquisition unit 11 as the latest weight data of the liquid detergent 42.

In the next step SL6, the second measurement data MD2, which includes the latest weight value (e.g., 250 g) obtained in the remaining amount measurement process BP1 and the result of the remaining number of operations estimation process AP2 (e.g., 5 times), is transmitted from the communication unit 8. In other words, it is transmitted as one type of the status information A to the first server 20 from the communication unit 8 via the network NW.

The status information A sent in step SL6 also includes data indicating the "margin" as explained in the first embodiment.
However, in the first embodiment, the "margin" was determined based on the standard consumption amount per operation determined by the manufacturer of the electric appliance 1 such as the cleaning device 1E, and was determined according to the number of days until the remaining amount of the consumable material becomes so low that it interferes with the operation of the electric appliance 1. In other words, since the threshold value for determining the margin was determined by the manufacturer, it was a common index applicable to all users of the same electric appliance 1.

In contrast, the margin in this embodiment 2 is not based on the standard consumption amount per operation determined by the manufacturer of the cleaning device 1E, but is based on the actual consumption amount of the cleaning device 1E used by this specific user US.
Therefore, even if the amount of liquid detergent 42 used varies among individual users US, embodiment 2, which is based on the actual average consumption of a specific cleaning device 1E, has the advantage of being able to present a more realistic margin to the user US.

In addition, when the cleaning device 1E is used for the first time, there is no data on the past consumption amount, so the margin may be determined based on the standard consumption amount per operation determined by the manufacturer of the cleaning device 1E.
The user US may be allowed to set a threshold value for the margin of safety. For example, in the case where the number of times of possible driving is 5 or less as a result of the process AP2 for estimating the number of times of possible driving, the number of times is classified as "urgent" and the number of times is classified as "caution" from 6 to 9 as a result of the process AP2 for estimating the number of times of possible driving, but the number of times of possible driving may be classified as "urgent" for example.

Next, we will refer to FIG.
FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing, in partial vertical cross section, a door 44 portion of a dishwasher 1E, which is one type of cleaning apparatus 1E, with the door 44 in an open state.
56U is a top display unit that can be seen by the user US when the door 44 is open. The surface of this top display unit 56U is covered with a transparent electrically insulating thin plate, and detection electrodes for touch-type input keys such as electrostatic induction type are arranged on the back side (lower surface) of the thin plate. In other words, the top operation unit 54U is provided on this top display unit 56U.

301 is a display board such as a liquid crystal display screen that constitutes the top display unit 56U, and displays various information on the top display unit 56U. 302 is an electrically insulating shielding plate that completely separates the tank 16 from the storage space 45. 303 is an enclosed space formed above the shielding plate 302, and contains the electrical circuit components of the display board 301.

Reference numeral 39A denotes a light-emitting element capable of emitting a plurality of colors, which emits visible light upon receiving an output from light-emitting circuit 36. This light-emitting element 39A emits light toward the front surface of housing 14 while door 44 is pulled forward from housing 14 as shown in FIG.
As a result, the upper part of the housing 14 is illuminated, for example, in red or yellow in response to the light emitted, and a user US standing in front of the door 44 can clearly see by the color of the housing 14 that the door 44 is open.

The light-emitting element 39A emits red or yellow light before the tank 16 is stored in the correct position. When the position detection means 72 detects that the tank (container) 16 is in the correct installation position with the door 44 open, the detection signal is received by the light-emitting circuit 36 via the tank detection circuit 35S, and the light emission is changed to blue. Therefore, the user US can easily tell from this color change that the door 44 can be closed.

Because of the above configuration, in this second embodiment, two locations function as the operation unit 54: the upper front side of the door 44 and the top display unit 56U. In the following description, the operation unit 54 in the top display unit 56U is referred to as the top operation unit 54A.

Next, we will refer to FIG.
FIG. 33 is a plan view showing an example of a display on the top surface display unit 56U.
Reference numerals 304A to 304D are figures showing the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42. Reference numeral 304A shows the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 from the previous operation. Reference numeral 304B shows the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 resulting from consumption during the current operation.
A graph 304C is a graph predicting the amount of liquid detergent 42 remaining at the end of the next operation, and a graph 304D is a graph predicting the amount of liquid detergent 42 remaining after the next operation.

305 is a touch-type input key (icon), and when this is operated, refill information for liquid detergent 42 is sent to the first server 20 via the communication unit 8. The refill information is sent from the first server 20 to the communication terminal 200. The shopping list creation unit 231 of the communication terminal 200 adds the liquid detergent 42 to the shopping list PL to be displayed on the terminal side display unit 216. In this case, the liquid detergent 42 is treated by the first server 20 and the communication terminal 200 as a consumable product that needs to be obtained (purchased) with high urgency. Therefore, when the information 271A indicating the urgency in terms of the impact on the operation of the dishwasher 1E is displayed as described in Figs. 26(A) and 26(B), the information "urgency: urgent" is linked and displayed on the communication terminal 200.

306 is a warning information display section, which appears whenever necessary on the display screen of the top display section 56. In the example of FIG. 33, the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is low, and the display indicates that the next time the washing operation is performed, the amount will fall below the operating level.

Summary of embodiment 2.
As is clear from the above description, in this second embodiment, the cleaning device 1E according to the ninth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the cleaning device 1E according to the ninth disclosure is as follows:
An input unit 4 (54) that accepts input commands from a user;
A control unit 2 that receives an input command from the input unit and controls the operation of the function exerting unit 9;
A measuring unit 12 that measures the amount of consumables used when the function performing unit is operated;
A container (tank) 16 containing the consumables;
a position detection means 72 for determining whether the container is in the correct position;
A washing space WS for accommodating items to be washed (tableware 66);
A door 44 for opening and closing the cleaning space WS;
a door driving device 86 that generates a driving force for closing the door 44;
A communication unit 8;
having
The container 16 is detachably installed inside the door 44 (storage space 45) when the door 44 is open,
The measuring unit 12 measures the amount of the consumable product (liquid detergent 42) remaining in the container 16 twice, once before the start of the cleaning process (step SX1, FIG. 30) and once after the cleaning process is completed (step SX2, FIG. 30), to generate measurement data MD.
The control unit 2 acquires the measurement data MD, and when the remaining amount of the consumable product is equal to or greater than a threshold, commands the start of a cleaning operation;
the control unit 2 transmits, from the communication unit 8 to an external device, at least the measurement data after the end of the cleaning process, out of the measurement data before the start of the cleaning process and the measurement data after the end of the cleaning process;
When the position detection means 72 detects that the container 16 is not in a correct installation position while the door 44 is in an open state, the control unit drives a notification means that issues a notification by emitting light to notify the user, and during the period in which this notification operation is continuing, a command to close the door 44 is not issued from the control unit 2 to the door drive device 86;
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Because of this configuration, with this cleaning device 1E (dishwasher), when the container 16 is separated (removed) from the door 44 to refill or check the liquid detergent 42 and then reinstalled on the door 44, if the container is not in the correct installation position, the door 44 will not be erroneously driven, so there is no risk of the door 44 moving with the container 16 protruding from the side of the door 44 and colliding with the housing 14.
In addition, since operation cannot be started when the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is less than the threshold value, there is no concern that the washing process will be performed with insufficient detergent after the washing operation is started.

Furthermore, the amount of the consumable material (liquid detergent 42) is measured twice, once before the start of the cleaning process and once after the cleaning process is completed, to generate measurement data MD, so that the latest amount of the consumable material (liquid detergent 42) consumed during the actual cleaning process can be determined.

Furthermore, when the door 44 is open, the light emitting element 39A emits light to indicate that the tank (container) 16 is not in the correct installation position, so the user US can visually recognize the installation state of the tank 16, and is prevented from being led to perform an incorrect operation (command to close the door).

The light-emitting element 39A may indicate whether the tank 16 is properly installed by changing the light emission form, such as between continuous lighting and blinking, rather than by changing the color of the light emitted.

Embodiment 3.
34 to 42 show an electric appliance 1 (cleaning device 1E) according to the third embodiment and a system for managing the remaining amount of consumable goods. FIG. 34 is a configuration diagram 1 of a system for managing the remaining amount of consumable goods. FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram showing the entire liquid detergent measuring system in the cleaning device shown in FIG. 34, partially in a vertical cross section. FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the process from the start of the cleaning process to the start of the cleaning process in the cleaning device shown in FIG. 35. FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the process from the start of the cleaning process to the end of operation in the cleaning device shown in FIG. 34. FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing the change in content of information about consumable goods from the cleaning device to the communication terminal via the first server in the remaining amount management system shown in FIG. 34. FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram 1 of the operation of the communication terminal showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from the first server in the remaining amount management system shown in FIG. 34. FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram 2 of the operation of the communication terminal showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from the first server in the remaining amount management system shown in FIG. 34. FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the replacement work of consumable parts in the cleaning device shown in FIG. 34. Fig. 42 is a time chart showing the relationship between the replacement work of consumable parts and the display unit, door drive unit, etc. of the cleaning device shown in Fig. 34. Note that the same reference numerals are used to denote parts that are the same as or equivalent to the configurations of the respective embodiments described in Figs. 1 to 33.

Referring to Figure 34 .
34, 18 denotes a part replacement detection unit. The "part" here refers to a type of consumable material, and is a part (hereinafter referred to as a "consumable part") whose function deteriorates when used in the electrical device 1 and therefore whose replacement is recommended after the standard usage period has elapsed.

In this embodiment 3, as in embodiment 1, a dishwasher 1E is shown as an example of an electrical appliance 1, and the "consumable parts" are, for example, a "residue filter" (not shown) installed in the washing tank 15, or a "filtration filter" 16F (described in Figure 35) that is removably installed in the tank 16 that contains liquid detergent 42.
In the following description, the "consumable part" will be limited to the filtration filter 16F, and a description of the "residue filter" will be omitted.

When the consumable part 16F is removed from its installed state once and then set (installed) in a specified location on the dishwasher 1E again, the part replacement detection unit 18 receives the electrical signal and detects that it has been replaced. In other words, it obtains time information from the clock unit 5 to determine the time of replacement (date and time).

When the dishwasher 1E is installed in a home or the like, the power connection work is first performed, the main power switch (not shown) is turned ON, and the power supply unit 7 is started, from this point on, as described in the first embodiment, "appliance identification information" of the electrical appliance 1 is generated. This appliance identification information includes the installation date information of the dishwasher 1E. In addition, the part replacement detection unit 18 transmits information detected regarding the removal of the consumable part 16F and the timing of subsequent removal and installation of the consumable part 16F to the consumption information acquisition unit 11.

The consumption information acquisition unit 11 is also one of the characteristic parts of the dishwasher 1E, as in the first embodiment. This consumption information acquisition unit 11 receives data on the consumption of the "dedicated liquid detergent 42," which is one of the consumable products used in the dishwasher 1E, measured by the measuring unit 12. It also has a function of retaining data showing the measurement results.

The consumption information acquisition unit 11 also has a function of calculating the amount of liquid detergent 42 used (consumed) from the time the tank 16 was filled with the liquid detergent 42 to the time of measurement in response to a command from the control unit 2, and also retaining data showing the calculation results. This function is the same as that described in embodiment 1 or 2.

Furthermore, in this embodiment 3, when the consumable part 16F is removed from the tank 16 once and then reattached, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 has a function of periodically calculating and adding the elapsed time from the time the consumable part 16F was attached, and also storing data indicating the accumulated time TC. This will be explained in FIG. 41.

The measurement data (first measurement data MD1) of the consumable product (in this case, liquid detergent 42) measured by the measuring unit 12 is acquired by the consumption information acquisition unit 11, and is ultimately transmitted to the device information storage unit 6 and stored therein. The consumption information acquisition unit 11 accumulates the results of measurement by the measuring unit 12 (weight values of liquid detergent 42) in chronological order, and also generates data (second measurement data MD2) indicating the amount and rate of change. "Status information A" is generated according to this measurement data MD.

Furthermore, in this embodiment 3, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 adds data on the elapsed time (from the time of installation) of the consumable part (filter) 16F from the tank 16 to the "status information A" and stores it.

As described above, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 also holds data on the standard usage time (sometimes called the "expiration date") TP from the start of use of the consumable part (in this case, the filtration filter 16F) set by the manufacturer (manufacturing company) of the dishwasher 1E, and therefore acquires data on the "remaining time TN" indicating how many hours are left until the cumulative time TC used reaches the standard usage time TP, and holds this data.

Continuing with the description of FIG.
A replacement time management unit 310 has a function of collecting data on the remaining time TN obtained from each electric appliance 1 such as the dishwasher 1E, managing the data by linking it with the appliance identification information (apparatus ID) of the electric appliance 1 (such as the cleaning device 1E), and transmitting alarm data.

The electric appliance information storage unit 23 stores various information related to the electric appliances 1 for each of the appliance identification information (apparatus ID) in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The electric appliances 1 include a dishwasher 1E.
For example, in the case of the dishwasher 1E shown in Fig. 34, the database holds the model number A001, the amount (e.g., weight value) of liquid detergent 42 consumed in one dishwashing operation, data on the effective volume of the tank 16 (see Fig. 35), the maximum capacity (weight) of liquid detergent 42, and data on the remaining time TN. 23R is an appliance consumables database that stores the "status information A" transmitted from various electrical appliances 1 by appliance identification information of the dishwasher 1E.

In FIG. 34, 26 is the schedule determination unit described in the first embodiment.
In the third embodiment, the schedule determination section 26 has a calendar function and can store event schedule information for at least one year (maximum 365 days).

Furthermore, the schedule determination section 26 is set to search for data on the remaining time TN of the electric appliance 1 stored in the electric appliance information storage section 23 every day.
Therefore, all the electric appliances 1 whose remaining time TN has decreased to a threshold value (for example, 240 hours=10 days or less) can be extracted.

There are two types of electrical appliances 1: electrical appliances 1 that use the various consumable parts (including the filtration filter 16F) described above, and electrical appliances 1 that do not. Therefore, only electrical appliances 1 that use consumable parts 16F are searched for and extracted as described above for remaining time TN data. For this reason, the dishwasher 1E described above can be an extraction target.

The schedule determination unit 26 issues a notification regarding the presence of a dishwasher 1E whose remaining time TN has decreased to the threshold value as described above. In the case of the dishwasher 1E, the notification may be displayed on the display unit 3D or notified by voice from the notification unit 3. Alternatively, a notification may be sent to the communication terminal 200 carried by the user US.

Thus, in the system of embodiment 3, even if an electrical appliance 1 such as a dishwasher 1E is not started, based on the event information registered from the schedule determination unit 26, the first server 20 may notify a user US of an electrical appliance 1 whose remaining time TN meets a threshold value (e.g., 240 hours or less = 10 days or less) about refilling or replacing consumables (in the case of a dishwasher 1E, liquid detergent 42 and consumable parts 16F).
Therefore, if a user ID is registered in advance with the first server 20 via the communication terminal 200, the user US is automatically notified of information on the consumable parts 16F in a timely manner.

The remaining time of the liquid detergent 42 is also managed because if it is stored unused inside the tank 16 for a long period of time, the quality of the detergent may deteriorate or the viscosity may change, resulting in concerns about accurate supply and reduced cleaning effectiveness.

Referring to Figure 35 .
FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram, partly in vertical cross section, showing the entire measuring system for liquid detergent 42 in the electrical appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E) shown in FIG.

FIG. 35 corresponds to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment.
Reference numeral 16 denotes a tank made of an insulating material such as plastic or glass, which has an upper opening 16B and is placed in the storage space 45.
Reference numeral 16A denotes a cover for closing the top opening 16B in an openable and closable manner, and one end of the cover is rotatably supported by a hinge portion 16H.

The hinge portion 16H has an open/close sensor (not shown) for detecting the open/close state of the cover 16A, and an open detection circuit 35T for receiving an open/close signal from the open/close sensor.
The open/close sensor (not shown) may be configured as a combination of a reed switch (not shown) installed on the top of the tank 16 and a permanent magnet (not shown) provided on the lid 16A. In this case, when the lid 16A is completely closed, the reed switch is turned ON by the magnetic force of the magnet. Then, a detection signal is generated by the reed switch being turned ON, and this signal is input to the open detection circuit 35T of the metering circuit 35. 55B is a signal line connecting the open/close sensor (not shown) and the metering circuit 35.

In this third embodiment, when refilling the tank 16 with liquid detergent 42, there is no need to pull the tank 16 outward from the dishwasher 1E each time. Instead, the door 44 can be pulled forward, the lid 16A opened upward (as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 35), and the tank 16 can be refilled through the top opening 16B. When the door 44 is closed and the washing operation is being performed, the entire tank 16 is stored inside the dishwasher 1E, so the liquid detergent 42 cannot be refilled during operation.

91 denotes a detection electrode formed (by gluing or vapor deposition) in multiple locations at a specified interval in the vertical direction on the vertical side of the tank 16. In Figure 35, four detection electrodes are installed, but this is determined depending on how many levels the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is to be grasped. In the example of Figure 35, the remaining amount can be grasped in four levels.

The detection electrode 91 is, for example, a capacitance sensor, and generates a voltage proportional to the capacitance between it and the virtual GND. In other words, the voltage increases as the liquid level of the liquid detergent 42 in the tank 16 increases. In this way, by using the detection electrode 91, the measurement circuit 35 can determine the liquid level (position of the liquid surface) of the liquid detergent 42 in four stages. Note that if the number of detection electrodes 91 is increased, it is possible to accommodate more than four stages accordingly.

In the tank 16 in FIG. 35, if only the lowest detection electrode 91 detects liquid detergent 42, the weighing unit 12 determines that the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is in the "danger zone," and generates evaluation information indicating the "danger zone." As in the first embodiment, the weight sensor 37 that detects the weight of the tank 16 itself is also used, so the weighing unit 12 can accurately measure the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42. The evaluation information indicating the "danger zone" is then canceled if the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is subsequently determined again and it is found that there is a sufficient amount, and the evaluation information indicating the "danger zone" at that point is deleted from the records of the measuring unit 12.

Next, we will explain Figure 36.
FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a dishwasher 1E to which a consumable product remaining amount management system is applied in embodiment 3, showing the basic operation of the control unit 2 from start-up to the start of the washing process.

In FIG. 36, steps SF1 to SF14 are operational steps defined in a series of operation programs from starting up the control unit 2 to starting the cleaning process. Note that the process after the start of the cleaning process will be explained in FIG. 37.

First, when the operation button of the main power switch (not shown) in the input unit 54 (4) is pressed (SF1), the control unit 2 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the next step SF2. For example, it checks signals from various sensors (water leakage sensor, voltage sensor, etc.) to determine whether or not there is an abnormality, such as whether there is an electrical abnormality in the washing pump 49 (not shown) that constitutes the function exerting unit 9, or whether there is water leakage from the washing tank 15 (not shown) that contains the tableware.

If no abnormality is found, the display unit 3D is activated in step SF2 to display the message "Since no abnormality is found, washing of dishes can begin."
At this stage of step SF2, if the setting is such that dishwasher 1E transmits start-up information to communication terminal 200, the start-up information (operating state data OS1) is transmitted wirelessly from communication unit 8 at this stage.

In the next step SF3, the display unit 3D and the notification unit 3 provide notifications and audio guidance to prompt the user to make necessary inputs, such as selecting a wash course, at the input unit 54. As will be described later, this dishwasher 1E uses liquid detergent 42 (consumable product). If the remaining amount of liquid detergent is less than a specified amount, the display unit 3D will display a message to replenish the detergent at this stage, and the notification unit 3 will also provide an audio notification.

In the next step SF4, a standby initial screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 3D, and usage precautions for the user US are displayed on the standby initial screen.
In addition, if the input unit 54 is a touch-type input unit that uses the display screen (display panel) of the display unit 3D, a touch key unit (icon) is displayed on the initial standby screen for selecting one of a number of cleaning courses.

In the next step SF5, the control unit 2 requests the measuring unit 12 to check the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42. It also requests the measuring unit 12 to check whether the tank 16 is installed in the specified position in the storage space 45.

The measuring unit 12 can measure the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 using data from the detection circuit 91, which receives the detection output of the detection electrode 92. As described above, the measuring unit 12 can identify where the liquid level of the liquid detergent 42 is located among the four levels (ranges).

Of the detection currents emitted by each of the four detection electrodes 92, the voltage from the uppermost detection electrode 92 is the highest, so if the detection circuit 92 receives the detection current from this topmost detection electrode 92, it can be estimated that the liquid level of the liquid detergent 42 is at a position close to the lid body 16A.
The liquid level information measured in step SF5 is used to grasp the change in the remaining amount during the next operation and thereafter, so is stored in the consumption information acquisition unit 11 in association with the data of the measurement date and time.

In the next step SF6, it is determined whether the amount of liquid detergent 42 is insufficient.
If only the lowest detection electrode 92 emits a detection signal for liquid detergent 42, it is determined that the detergent is in the "danger zone" described above, step SF6 becomes "Yes", and since the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is in the "danger zone", a message is displayed on the display unit 3D urging the user to replenish the detergent, and the alarm unit 3 also issues an audio alert (step SF7).

On the other hand, if step SF6 is "No", the process proceeds to step SF12.
In the next step SF8, it is determined whether or not the lid 16A of the tank 16 has been opened (step SF8). If it is not detected that the lid has been opened, the process returns to step SF7, and a request is made to replenish the liquid cleaning liquid 42. If the process is left as is, the display of step SF7 continues for a limited time (for example, five minutes), and when this time has elapsed, the notification unit 3 notifies the user, and then the main power switch (not shown) is forcibly opened (timeout process 1).

When the lid 16A of the tank 16 is opened, step SF8 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to step SF9.
The user US refills the liquid detergent 42 between steps SF8 and SF9.
When the lid 16A is closed after refilling with the liquid detergent 42, step SF9 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to step SF10. If the lid 16A is not closed, the process cannot proceed to step SF10.

In step SF10, the tank 16 is again placed and the amount of liquid detergent 42 is measured. The measured value (e.g., weight 410 g) is then stored in the memory unit 12M (not shown) of the measurement circuit 35.

In the next step SF11, the amount of liquid detergent 42 is determined again.
If only the lowest detection electrode 92 emits a detection signal for the liquid detergent 42, it is again determined that the liquid detergent 42 is in the "danger zone," step SF11 becomes "No," and the process returns to step SF7.

If it is determined that the amount of liquid detergent 42 is equal to or greater than the threshold, then in step SF12, a display is displayed on the display unit 3D, encouraging the user to select the required wash course (operation mode) on the input unit 4.

In the next step SF13, it is determined whether a required washing course (operation mode) has been selected, and whether an operation start key (button) has been pressed.
If step SF13 is "Yes", the cleaning process starts (step SF14).

In this embodiment 3, at step SF14, the (latest) liquid detergent weight value, liquid level position information, and other data obtained at step SF10 are sent as status information A.

That is, the communication unit 8 transmits the status information A acquired by the consumption information acquisition unit 11 up to this point to the first server 20 in response to a command from the control unit 2. However, as explained in the first embodiment, if it is desired to perform the washing operation in the "external control mode" selected from the command data CD, the command data CD selected by operating the communication terminal 200 is transmitted from the communication terminal 200 to the dishwasher 1E via wireless communication, and therefore the status information A is not transmitted at this stage of step SF14. The process of transmitting the status information A begins at least once the dishwasher 1E has completely received the command data CD.

If the selection to start the cleaning process is not made through the input unit 4, the judgment in step SF13 is repeated for a certain period of time (e.g., 10 minutes) until an input is made. If nothing is done and the process is left as is, the judgment in step SF13 continues for the time limit (e.g., 10 minutes), and when that time has elapsed, the notification unit 3 notifies the user, and then the main power switch (not shown) is forcibly opened (timeout process 2).

Although the operation of the weight sensor 37 is not described in FIG. 36, as described in the first embodiment, the weight sensor 37 measures the weight of the liquid detergent 42 including the weight of the tank 16 in addition to detecting the amount of the liquid detergent 42 by the detection electrode 91. The weighing circuit 35 subtracts the weight of the tank 16, which is known in advance, from the measured weight value to calculate the net weight of the liquid detergent 42.

Next, we will explain Figure 37.
FIG. 37 is a flow chart showing the process of the cleaning device (dishwasher) 1E from the start of the cleaning step to the end of operation.
Operation steps SB21 to SB35 shown in FIG. 37 are defined by the control program of the control unit 2 (of the cleaning apparatus 1E) shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 37, after the washing tank 15 (not shown) containing the tableware 66 is placed inside the housing 14, the user US issues a command to start operation via the input unit 54 on the front side of the door 44 (not shown) (step SB21). With the drain valve (not shown) closed and the drain pump 52 (not shown) stopped, the washing pump 49 (not shown) connected to the water pipe starts operating, and the water supply process begins (step SB22).

When a specified amount of cleaning water (tap water) accumulates in the cleaning tub, the water level detection unit 71 (not shown) sends a signal to the control unit 2 to stop the cleaning pump 49 (not shown). Then, the control valve 48 (see FIG. 35) in the supply line connecting the tank 16 to the inside of the cleaning tub 15 (not shown) opens in response to a command from the control unit 2, and the liquid detergent 42 required for one dishwashing cycle is injected into the cleaning tub 15 (step SB23). Note that the amount of this liquid detergent 42 varies depending on the number of dishes to be washed and the selection of a cleaning course (for example, "thorough cleaning"), and is not always a constant amount.

After the liquid detergent 42 has been poured into the washing tub 15, the water stored in the washing tub 15 is heated by the electric heater 51 (not shown) until it becomes hot enough to be used for washing dishes. In other words, the control unit 2 automatically starts the washing operation. After that, a determination is made as to whether the specified washing time determined by the control unit 2 has elapsed (step SB24), and when the washing time has elapsed, the washing process ends. Note that the washing time is determined using the time data from the timer unit 5 shown in FIG. 34.

Next, the drain pump 52 (not shown) is started (step SB25), and the drain process begins. When drainage is completed, the drain pump 52 is stopped, and the cleaning pump 49 is operated again, and clean water is stored in the cleaning tank 15. The water stored in the cleaning tank 15 is heated by the electric heater 51, and becomes hot water, which is also used for rinsing (step SB26). When the specified rinsing process time has elapsed, the drain pump 52 is operated, and the drain process begins (step SB27).

It is determined whether drainage is complete (step SB28), and if so, power is turned on to the electric heater 51 (second heater 51B) (not shown), which heats the air inside the cleaning tank 15 and starts the drying process (step SB29). In addition, a blower fan 53 (not shown) is operated to supply warm air heated by the electric heater 51B toward the cleaning tank 15, so that hot air circulates throughout the inside of the cleaning tank 15. As a result, humid air is continuously released from the cleaning tank 15 to the outside, and is gradually replaced by dry air.

Steps SB30 to SB34 are characteristic operations of this washing apparatus (dishwasher) 1E.
In step SB30, the control unit 2 performs the process AP1 for estimating the remaining amount (amount used) of the liquid detergent 42 described in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, and the process AP2 for estimating the number of possible operations based on the remaining amount estimation result.

First, in step SB30, the weighing value (e.g., 410 g) used for the judgment in step SF11 in FIG. 36 is read from memory unit 12M (not shown) built into weighing unit 12. In addition, the weight value of tank 16 (e.g., 60 g) stored in memory unit 12M is subtracted from this weighing value (410 g).

Through this process, the actual net remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 excluding the weight of the tank 16 (weight value: for example, 350 g) is calculated. Then, a calculation is performed to subtract the amount of liquid detergent 42 supplied in response to the command in step SB23 of FIG. 37 (weight value: for example, 40 g) from the remaining amount (weight value: for example, 350 g). This reveals that the remaining amount (weight) is 310 g. This is the process AP1 for estimating the remaining amount (amount used) of liquid detergent 42 (step SB30) shown in FIG. 37.

Next, in step SB30, the control unit 2 performs process AP2 for estimating the number of possible operations based on the remaining amount estimation result (310 g). Specifically, the control unit 2 uses the average amount (average weight value WA) of the liquid detergent 42 dispensed in each washing in the dishwashing process in the past in step SB23.
For example, if the average value is 45 g, the estimated remaining amount is 310 g/45 g=6.8, so six cleaning operations can be performed.

In the dishwasher 1E of this embodiment 3, the amount (weight) of liquid detergent 42 dispensed from the tank 16 for each dishwashing is not constant, but if it is constant, the "average value (average weight value WA)" of the amount of liquid detergent 42 dispensed is a constant value.

On the other hand, if the amount (weight) of liquid detergent 42 dispensed from tank 16 for one dishwash is not constant, the "average value (average weight value WA)" of the amount of liquid detergent 42 dispensed is determined from the results of weight measurement (step SF5 in Figure 36) after one washing operation is completed and before the next wash is performed.

In other words, the difference between the weight value of the tank 16 performed before the immediately preceding washing step (step SF5 in FIG. 36) and the weight value measured during the next washing operation (step SF4) indicates the actual amount of liquid detergent 42 used. Therefore, by sequentially adding up the measured values in step SF5, and dividing the total weight value WT for, for example, five washing operations by the number of washing operations (five), the average value (average weight value WA) for this dishwasher 1E can be calculated.

In this embodiment 3, in the remaining operation count estimation process AP2, since it is desired to notify the user US of the remaining operation count with a margin of one operation, the aforementioned "6 times" is corrected to "5 times" by the control unit 2.

In this way, the estimation result including the information "310 g of liquid detergent remaining" and "5 operation times possible" is stored in the memory unit 12M (not shown) of the measurement unit 12 (step SB31).
Next, the notification unit 3 and the display unit 3D notify (preview) the end of driving by voice notification and display (step SB32).

In the next step SB33, the consumption information acquisition section 11 acquires data on the accumulated time TC.
In this third embodiment, the time that the filtration filter 16F installed inside the tank 16 is in contact with the liquid detergent 42 is included in the "accumulated time TC" referred to here in its entirety. That is, in addition to the accumulated time from the time of step SF1 in Fig. 36 to the time of step SB33 in Fig. 37, the accumulated time also includes the time that the dishwasher 1E is not actually performing the washing operation.

Because of the above definition of "cumulative time TC," the timer unit 5 in FIG. 34 counts the elapsed time even during a period when the main power of the power supply unit 7 is cut off.
Next, in step SB33, the data of the "remaining time TN" explained in FIG. 34 is acquired and updated.

As explained in Figure 34, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 also holds data on the standard usage time TP (sometimes called the "expiration date") from the start of use of a consumable part (in this case, the filtration filter 16F) determined by the manufacturer (manufacturing company) of the dishwasher 1E.
Therefore, in step SB33, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 acquires the "remaining time TN" data, which indicates how many hours are remaining until the standard usage time TP based on the accumulated time TC up to step SB33, and retains this data (overwriting and updating the previously existing data).

In the next step SB34, "status information A" reflecting the situation up to this point is generated by the control unit 2. That is, this "status information A" includes the following information:
(1) Remaining amount of liquid detergent (e.g., 310 g) (result of step SB31)
(2) Number of possible operations: 5 (result of step SB31)
(3) Remaining time TN (e.g., 240 hours) (result of step SB33)

This "status information A" is then acquired by the consumption information acquisition unit 11 (step SB34). Note that the "status information A" may also include data on the dishwashing course selected by the user US before issuing the operation start command (step SB21 in FIG. 35) and the amount of dishes input at that time (e.g., conversion data such as 4 servings, 6 servings, etc.).

Next, in step SB34, this "status information A" is stored in chronological order in a specified area of the memory unit 10. Then, the most recent "status information A" stored in the memory unit 10 is transmitted from the communication unit 8 via the network NW to the first server 20. Note that when this status information A is transmitted, it is linked to the appliance identification information of this dishwasher 1E, and is stored in the appliance consumption database 23R of the electrical appliance information storage unit 23 shown in FIG. 34, linked to the appliance identification information of the cleaning device 1E.

In the first embodiment, the transmission process of step SB34 is executed at the latest by the end of the drying process (step SB29), but in the third embodiment, it is executed after the drying process is completed. However, the transmission process of step SB34 is executed without any problem even if the user US turns off the main power switch before step SB34.

The power supply unit (not shown) dedicated to the communication module constituting the communication unit 8 described in Figure 34 has a function that, once it receives a transmission command, will not shut off its own power supply until the transmission is complete, even if the main power switch is turned off.

In this way, the transmission process of step SB34 is always executed every time a dishwashing operation is performed. Note that the process of step SB34 may be executed during the period after step SF10 shown in FIG. 36 and before step SB29 in FIG. 37.

As shown in FIG. 37, the drying process ends automatically after the time set by the control unit 2 has elapsed, and then, after steps SB30 to SB34 as described above, the display unit 3D and the notification unit 3 display and give an audio notification that the operation has ended, after which the power supply to the power supply unit 7 is automatically cut off, and the series of cleaning and drying operations ends (step SB35).

Next, we will explain Figure 38.
FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in information about a consumable product from the electric appliance 1 to the communication terminal 200 via the first server 20 in the remaining amount management system in the third embodiment.

Fig. 38 corresponds to Fig. 24 of the first embodiment, and therefore the following description will focus on the differences from Fig. 24. The following description will be given taking a cleaning device 1E as an example of the electrical appliance 1.
38, in this cleaning device 1E, status information A generated or acquired by the control unit 2 includes a user ID, device identification information, an estimated remaining amount of liquid detergent 42, an estimated number of possible operations, and information indicating a margin of error. Note that Fig. 38 does not show operating status data OS1 such as a start-up signal for the cleaning device 1E.

In particular, in the third embodiment, the "remaining time TN" information of the consumable parts is held by the consumption information acquisition unit 11. Then, the information indicating this remaining time TN is provided to the first server 20 every time the cleaning device 1E is operated.

The first server 20 includes a replacement timing management unit 310 .
The replacement time management unit 90 manages the data of the remaining time TN acquired from each electric appliance 1 such as the dishwasher 1E in association with an appliance ID for identifying each electric appliance 1. Moreover, the replacement time management unit 90 has a function of automatically issuing warning data (message).

If the remaining time TN data acquired from each electric appliance 1 such as the dishwasher 1E is 240 hours, the replacement timing management unit 310 always reflects the elapsed time from that point.
Therefore, when the first server 20 transmits data on the remaining time TN to the communication terminal 200, the data is updated to more realistic data on the remaining time TN that also reflects the time that has elapsed up to that point.
When providing the remaining time TN, it may be provided in units of days, weeks, or months, rather than in units of hours.

Similarly, in a communication terminal 200 that can connect to a first server 20 that holds such various data, as shown in FIG. 38, data similar to that of the first server 20 can be obtained and displayed on the terminal display unit 216.

In other words, the consumable product data that can be provided by the communication terminal 200 includes various information such as a user ID, device identification information, consumable product information including a consumable product ID, judgment information 1, judgment information 2, urgency, and the remaining period corresponding to the remaining time TN.

Next, we will explain Figure 39.
39(A) and (B) are diagrams 1 for explaining the operation of the communication terminal 200, showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from the first server 20 in the remaining amount management system in the third embodiment.

39(A) and (B) show the display contents of the terminal-side display unit (which also serves as a touch-type input operation screen) 216 of the communication terminal 200. These Fig. 39(A) and (B) are enlarged views of the terminal-side display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200 as viewed from the front.
The terminal display unit 216 is formed by covering the surface of a liquid crystal display screen or an organic EL display screen with a glass plate.

As shown in FIG. 39(A), a selection screen 216D is displayed across the entire terminal display unit 216. The selection screen 216D is a screen on which various functions relating to the management of remaining amounts of consumables, replenishment, procurement, etc. can be selected using icons 100E and 100G (for selecting individual menus) described below.

As in the first embodiment, when this communication terminal 200 is started up using the display operation unit 225, a number of "main menus" such as "Consumable Goods Management," "Mail," "Internet," and "Search" are displayed on the display screen (top page) displayed on the terminal display unit 216.

When the "Consumables Management" main menu is selected, the next screen displayed is a submenu (individual menu) as shown in Figure 39. The display screen in Figure 39 is the selection screen 216D.

Two icons 100F and 100G for selecting two individual menus are displayed on the upper surface (front surface) of the glass plate.
To indicate the presence and function of the icons 100F and 100G, a specific function is displayed by characters or figures (at least when it is in a state where it can accept input). In the example of Fig. 39(A), the display "View list" appears as text information at the position of one icon 100E. The display "Make list" appears as text information at the position of icon 100G. The list here refers to the shopping list PL.

The other icons 261L, 261R, and 273 have the same functions as those described in embodiment 1. The icon 272 will be described later.
Reference numeral 307 denotes a warning section displayed near the icon 100E, which displays the words "New Arrivals." This indicates that some notification about a consumable product has been received from the first server 20.

The communication terminal 200 has a function of collecting information on consumable products to be obtained from the state information A on the consumable products of each electric appliance 1, and creating and displaying a list. In other words, the communication terminal 200 has a function of generating a "shopping list."
In this way, when the user US issues a command to have the communication terminal 200 create a shopping list PL each time based on the latest information, it is the icon 100F that is operated.

On the other hand, the user US can also create a new, up-to-date shopping list PL by recalling a past shopping list PL displayed on the terminal display unit 216 from the memory unit (electrical equipment database 217) of the communication terminal 200 at least once and adding or deleting consumable items as desired. In this case, the user US operates the icon 100G.

As with the first embodiment, 272 is an icon that allows the user to set options for functions such as display, search, and input for the consumables management function. By pressing this icon to display the function setting screen 235D on the terminal display unit 216, the user can set the optional functions. However, in this third embodiment, the optional functions are slightly different from those in the first embodiment. Details of the function setting screen 235D and the optional functions are explained in FIG. 40 (B).

Next, we will explain Figure 39(B).
When one icon 100F in the individual menu on the selection screen 216D shown in Fig. 39(A) is touched, the input screen of Fig. 39(B) is displayed by the terminal control unit 212. 100FG is a menu display unit corresponding to the icon 100F.
The input screen on which the consumable goods display area 284 is displayed as shown in FIG. 39(B) is the list screen 216P.

When the icon 100F is touched, the terminal control unit 212 acquires, from the first server 20, condition information A including data on the consumable product.
As shown in FIG. 39(B), it can be seen that the remaining amounts or standard remaining life of five consumable products are getting short within the range of the electrical appliances 1 that have been pre-registered under the name of a specific user US.

In FIG. 39(B), 279 is an icon (input key) that also serves as a display unit, and displays information specifying the filtration filter 16F used in the tank 16 of the cleaning device (dishwasher) 1E, which is a type of electrical appliance 1.

As explained in the first embodiment, the list screen 216P may simultaneously display, on the terminal display unit 216D, among the multiple data stored by the first server 20, judgment information 1 and judgment information 2 (e.g., low remaining amount, high urgency of obtaining) regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product (e.g., AA detergent) obtained from the electrical appliance 1 (cleaning device 1E), and judgment information 1 and judgment information 2 (e.g., low remaining amount, high urgency of obtaining) regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product (BB fabric softener) obtained from an electrical appliance 1 different from the electrical appliance 1 (e.g., a clothes washer). In FIG. 39(B), the characters 271A indicate that the urgency of obtaining both products is at the "urgent" level.

Numeral 279A is a message (hereinafter referred to as "period determination information") that briefly indicates the latest determination status regarding the remaining period or the need for replacement of a "consumable part," which is a type of specific consumable product.
39B, the remaining period of the filtration filter 16F is short, and replacement is recommended to the user US. The period determination information 279A may display a specific period (for example, "XX days remaining").

When the icon 295 is pressed, the screen is switched to a correction screen, and the consumable goods of the icons 275 to 279 can be deleted individually.
In addition, by pressing the icon 295, the user US can add another consumable product by voice input. Such a change history is not stored in the communication terminal 200 itself, but when it is transmitted to the first server 20 as a revised shopping list PL, it is saved as a new shopping list PL in the appliance consumable product database 23R.

A situation in which it becomes necessary to press icon 295 and delete the consumable goods designated by icons 275 to 279 individually occurs when, for example, the user US goes shopping without looking at the display contents of FIG. 39(B), purchases the consumable goods in question, and returns to his/her home or office. In addition, in such a situation of deletion, a screen for inputting the reason for deletion may be displayed, and it is convenient to provide an option such as "already purchased" in a pull-down menu in the deletion reason column on the input screen, since this makes input easy.

Next, FIG. 40A will be described.
Fig. 40(A) shows the display contents of the terminal side display unit (also serving as a touch-type input operation screen) 216 of the communication terminal 200. When the "icon (input key) serving as a display unit" 279 shown in Fig. 39(B) is touched, the screen is switched to the individual screen (input screen) 216V shown in Fig. 40(A).

In FIG. 40(A), 100FG is a menu display section corresponding to the icon 100F. 320 is a display area for a specific consumable part (in this case, the filtration filter 16F for the tank 16). 320A and 320B are display areas that respectively display precautions for the filtration filter 16F. In this example, it displays "Do not use any filter other than the genuine one" and "If the filter is not replaced at the appropriate time, detergent may run out and the cleaning effect may decrease."

In FIG. 40(A), 313 is a display area that displays accurate information about the filtration filter 16F when the icon 279 is selected. In this example, it displays "Dishwasher detergent filtration filter."

In the communication terminal 200, information 271A indicating the remaining amount or the urgency of refilling or replacement of a specific consumable product (the filtration filter 16F) among the consumable products displayed in a list state on the list screen 216P of Figure 39 (B) is displayed on a display screen 216D (individual screen 216V) on the terminal side display unit 216 that is different from the list state.

Next, FIG. 40B will be described.
Fig. 40(B) shows the display contents of the terminal side display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200. When the icon (input key) 272 displayed as "Change Settings/My Menu" which also serves as the display unit in Fig. 40(A) is touched, it switches to the individual screen (input screen) 235D in Fig. 40(B). This individual screen 235D may also be called the "option setting screen."

As explained in the first embodiment (FIG. 2), the communication terminal 200 has an option setting unit 235. After the user US of this communication terminal 200 registers the electric device 1 in the first server 20 using his/her own user ID, he/she can change the urgency criteria for the electric device 1, for example, "urgency of acquisition: within 2 days", within the range determined by the first server 20.

The judgment criteria in this case are stored in the judgment criteria storage unit 25, and the judgment criteria for one electrical appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E) can be specified by the user ID and the appliance identification information. The "urgency" here can be set by the "desired number of days (required number of days)" until the user US obtains the consumable goods. Note that, although all periods within three days are classified as "urgent" by default, in cases where the user US needs a considerable amount of time to obtain the consumable goods due to circumstances of the user US, the criteria may be changed to, for example, within seven days as "high urgency" so that the user US will receive an earlier warning.

FIG. 40B shows a scene in which the user US individually changes the criteria for determining the urgency of the first server 20.
When icon 272 in FIG. 40(A) is touched, option setting section 235 of communication terminal 200 is activated, and the screen switches to option setting screen 235D in FIG. 40(B).

In FIG. 40B, 235G is a menu display section corresponding to the icon 272 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 314 denotes a display area that displays information for identifying a specific consumable product (in this case, the filtration filter 16F for the tank 16) when the icon 62 is selected. In this example, "criteria setting" is displayed.

235A is a display section for changing the reference value of the urgency level.
This display section 235A displays the current reference value (a required time of within 3 days is the "urgent" level) and prompts the user US to indicate whether or not he or she wishes to change it.
In other words, in the example shown in Figure 40 (B), it is currently displayed that the emergency level judgment threshold for this filtration filter 16F, which is one of the consumables (including consumable parts) that require replenishment, replacement, etc., is set to "3 days."

Therefore, the user US can see that when the first server 20 extracts consumables (for the filtration filter 16F) that require refilling, replacement, etc. at a level of "high urgency," the judgment criterion (threshold) of the judgment criterion memory unit 25 is "three days."

In other words, for example, if a user US normally goes shopping at least once every five days, even if a consumable item that needs to be replenished or replaced within three days is presented with a "high urgency" level based on this criterion, it may not be possible to complete it within those three days.

Therefore, one of the features of the third embodiment is that an icon 316 for changing the reference value of the urgency level is displayed on option setting screen 235D.
An icon 315 is selected when the user does not wish to change the reference value of the urgency level.

Although not described in detail, it is believed that the time (period required) required to obtain a consumable product may differ depending on the type of product, even for the same user US. Therefore, after selecting icon 316 in FIG. 40(B), the input screen that is subsequently displayed may be configured to allow the user to select, for example, either "Applies to all electrical devices" or "Applies to specific electrical devices," and if the latter is selected, the user may be able to input a specific electrical device.

When the icon 316 for changing the standard value of the urgency is pressed, the first server 20 receives this input from the communication terminal 200 and starts a "criterion setting unit" (not shown) that can modify the standard value corresponding to the user US (user ID) of this communication terminal 200 among the criteria stored in the criteria storage unit 25. Note that the criteria setting unit is located in the first server 20, but the processing circuit that realizes the function may be dedicated hardware or may be a processor that executes a program stored in memory such as the control unit 21 or the criteria storage unit 25.

In addition, it may be possible to change the threshold (reference value) collectively for each of the "equipment category L11" and "consumable goods category L12" described in the first embodiment (particularly FIG. 16).

Furthermore, the time required to obtain electrical appliances 1 for home use and electrical appliances 1 for commercial use used in restaurants, offices, etc. differs, and in some cases, arrangements with a specialized company may be required. Therefore, it would be even more convenient if the thresholds for determining the urgency could be set separately for commercial and home use.

Next, we will explain Figure 41.
FIG. 41 is a flow chart showing the replacement process of the consumable part (filtration filter 16F) for the tank 16 of the electrical appliance (dishwasher 1E) shown in FIG.

As described above, in this third embodiment, when the consumable part (filter 16F) is removed from the tank 16 once and then reattached (as a new consumable part), the system has the function of periodically calculating and adding up the elapsed time from the time of attachment and also retaining data indicating the accumulated time TC, so this example will be described below.

In FIG. 41, steps SG1 to SG12 are operational steps defined in the operational program held by the control unit 2 and measuring unit 12 of the dishwasher 1E. The operations described are centered on removing the filtration filter 16F and installing a new consumable part.

First, the operation button of the main power switch (not shown) on the input section 54(4) of the dishwasher 1E is pressed, and while the dishwasher 1E is in the started state, the washing tub 15 (not shown) is pulled forward so that the tank 16 can be removed upward.
In addition, a "parts replacement mode" for starting the operation of removing the tank 16 or replacing the filtration filter 16F may be input in advance via the input unit 54.

The connector (not shown) provided in the middle of the signal line 55B that electrically connects the open/close sensor (not shown) of the tank 16 and the metering circuit 35 is removed to electrically disconnect the tank 16 from the metering circuit 35. Then, the user US removes the tank 16 upward.

Then, the reed switch 46, which is the second sensor, inputs a signal to the weighing circuit 35 indicating that the presence of the tank 16 can no longer be detected (step SG1). When the control unit 2 receives this signal via the weighing unit 12, the notification unit 3 issues a notification that replacement work for the filtration filter 16F is to begin (step SG2).

In the next step SG3, the control unit 2 issues a command to the consumption information acquisition unit 11 to temporarily stop counting the accumulated time using the time data from the timing unit 5.
It also issues a command to count the elapsed time from this point.

The user US removes the tank 16, opens the lid 16A, and removes the filtration filter 16F fixed to the bottom portion inside the tank 16. Then, the user sets a new replacement filtration filter 16F inside the tank 16.
Then, when the tank 16 after the replacement work is returned to its original storage space 45, the reed switch 46, which is the second sensor, inputs a signal indicating that it has detected the presence of the tank 16 to the measuring circuit 35 (step SG4).

The liquid detergent 42 may be poured into the tank 16 before the tank 16 is returned to the storage space 45, or the liquid detergent 42 may be poured into the tank 16 after the tank 16 is returned to the storage space 45.
When the tank 16 is returned to the original storage space 45 and the lid 16A is completely closed, the measuring circuit 35 detects these states and inputs a detection signal to the control unit 2 (steps SG4 and SG5).

Therefore, the process proceeds to step SG6, and the notification unit 3 notifies the user that the replacement work for the filter 16F has been completed (step SG6).

Then, in the next step SG7, the control unit 2 issues a command to the consumption information acquisition unit 11 to start counting the accumulated time using the time data from the timing unit 5. In response to this command, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 erases from the memory the old elapsed time data that had been accumulated up to that point. In this way, a new count of the elapsed time is started from the time when the filtration filter 16F is replaced.

On the other hand, the determinations in steps SG4 and SG5 are repeated at regular time intervals, so if the reed switch 46, which is the second sensor, cannot detect the presence of the tank 16, the determination in step SG4 becomes "No" and the process proceeds to step SG8.
If the cover 16A is not closed, the determination in step SG5 becomes "No" and the process proceeds to step SG8.

In step SG8, it is determined whether the time elapsed since step SG3 exceeds "time limit 1." Time limit 1 is, for example, five minutes.
If the time limit 1 has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SG4.

On the other hand, if the time limit 1 has been exceeded, a notification is issued to alert the user US (step SG9). Then, in the next step SG10, it is determined whether the time elapsed since step SG3 has exceeded "time limit 2." Time limit 2 is, for example, 10 minutes.
If the time limit 2 has not been exceeded, the process returns to step SG4.

On the other hand, if the time limit 2 has been exceeded, it is possible that the user US has forgotten to perform the replacement work for some reason, or that an obstacle has occurred in the progress of the work, so from a safety perspective, an error notification is issued to inform the user that the replacement work will be stopped (step SG11). The process up to step SG11 is then stored in the consumption information acquisition unit 11 or the memory unit 10, and the process for stopping the replacement work is sent from the communication unit 8 to the first server 20 as part of the status information A. After this, the control unit 2 forcibly shuts off the main power circuit (step SG12) (timeout process 3).

Although not explained in detail, if neither step SG4 nor step SG5 shown in FIG. 41 is judged to be "Yes," then even if the user US operates the input unit 54 to close the door 44, the control unit 2 will not issue a valid drive command signal to the door drive device 86. Therefore, the door 44 will not be retracted toward the housing 14 unless the tank 16 is stored in the correct position and the lid 16A of the tank 16 is closed, thereby preventing the tank 16 from colliding with the housing 14.

Next, we will explain Figure 42.
FIG. 42 is a time chart showing the relationship between the replacement work of consumable part 16F of dishwasher 1E and display unit 3D, door drive device 86, etc.
42, steps SG20 to SG24 are operation steps defined in an operation program held by the control unit 2 and the measuring unit 12 of the dishwasher 1E. The operation steps shown are from a state in which the tank 16 is removed to a state in which the tank 16 is installed and a command to close the door 44 is received.

The description focuses on the operations from removing the tank 16 to installing new consumable parts.
SG4 is the same as step SG4 described in FIG. 41, but only the refilling of the liquid wash 42 is described in FIG.

That is, the user US removes the tank 16, opens the lid 16A, and refills the tank 16 with the liquid cleaner 42. Then, when the tank 16 is returned to its original storage space 45, the reed switch 46, which is the second sensor, inputs a signal indicating that the presence of the tank 16 has been detected to the measuring circuit 35. Also, when the lid 16A is completely closed, a (closed) detection signal from the open detection circuit 35T is input to the control unit 2 (steps SG4 and SG5).

With the tank 16 installed in a specified position, the total weight of the tank 16 is measured by the weight sensor 37 (step SG21). From the weight data acquired by the weighing circuit 35, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 calculates the amount of liquid detergent 42 held and determines whether the calculation result is equal to or greater than a threshold value (e.g., 300 g) (step SG22).

If the amount is equal to or greater than the threshold, a display prompting the user to select an operation mode is displayed on the display unit 3D (step SG23), as in step SF12 described in FIG. 36. Note that, as shown in embodiment 2 (FIG. 33), if the door 44 has a top display unit 56U, the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 before the start of the cleaning process may be displayed on the top display unit 56U as a numerical value or a graph (graphic) 304B (see FIG. 33).

If there is liquid detergent 42 in the tank 16 that is equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit 2 receives a command to close the door 44 from the input unit 4 (step SG24). Upon receiving this command, the control unit 2 drives the door drive device 86 to move the door 44 toward the inside of the housing 14.

In addition, in FIG. 42, the "first notification" refers to emitting red light (continuously or flashing) by a light emitting means such as the light emitting element 39A shown in embodiment 2 (FIG. 32).
The "second notification" also refers to emitting blue light (continuously or flashing) by light-emitting means such as light-emitting element 39A shown in embodiment 2 (FIG. 32).

With these first and second displays, the user US standing in front of the door 44 can easily check whether the tank 16 is installed in the correct position by the light of the light-emitting element 39A (see FIG. 32). These light colors may be emitted toward the front side of the door 44.

Summary of embodiment 3.
As is clear from the above description, in this third embodiment, the cleaning device 1E according to the tenth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is,
A washing space WS for accommodating items to be washed (tableware 66);
A door 44 for freely opening and closing the entrance of the cleaning space WS;
A storage space 45 formed inside the door 44 and isolated from the cleaning space WS;
A function performing part 9 for cleaning the object to be cleaned;
a door driving device 86 for moving the door 44 in a closing direction;
A container (tank) 16 that is detachably accommodated in the storage space 45 and that accommodates a consumer product (liquid detergent 42);
A weighing unit 12 for weighing the remaining amount of the consumable product;
An input unit 4 (54) for receiving user commands;
A notification unit 3 that notifies the input result of the input unit 4 (54);
A communication unit 8;
A control unit 2 that controls the function exerting unit 9 (9W), the notification unit 3, and the weighing unit 12,
When the door 44 is open and the container 16 is not in the correct installation position, the notification unit 3 issues a first notification (e.g., red light emission), and when the container 16 is in the correct installation position, the notification unit 3 issues a second notification (e.g., blue light emission).
the control unit 2, when having performed the second notification, determines from the weighing result of the weighing unit 12 that the remaining amount of the consumable product in the container 16 is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and when receiving a drive command from the input unit 4, drives the door drive device 86 to start a closing operation of the door 44;
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

Because of this configuration, with this dishwasher 1E (cleaning device), when the container (tank) 16 is separated (removed) from the door 44 to refill or check the liquid detergent 42, and then reinstalled on the door 44, if it is not in the correct installation position, the door 44 will not be erroneously operated, so there is no risk of the container 16 protruding from the side of the door 44 and the door 44 moving and colliding with the housing 14.

In addition, the notification unit 3 notifies the user US whether the container 16 is placed in the correct position by using two different types of notifications (first notification and second notification), so that the user US can pay attention to the placement of the container 16 and start the cleaning process correctly.

Furthermore, according to the fifth disclosed cleaning device 1E disclosed in this third embodiment, the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is measured before the start of the cleaning process, and if the remaining amount is less than a threshold value, the cleaning process cannot be started, so there is no concern that the cleaning process will be performed with insufficient detergent after the cleaning operation has started.

In this third embodiment, the same effects as those described in the first and second embodiments can be expected for the same parts of the configuration as those in the first and second embodiments.

Furthermore, in this third embodiment, the cleaning device 1E (electrical appliance 1) according to the first disclosure is realized in the following form.
That is, the washing device (dishwasher) 1E shown in the third embodiment has the following features:
An input unit 4 (54) that accepts input commands from a user;
A control unit 2 that receives an input command from the input unit and controls the operation of the function exerting unit 9;
A measuring unit 12 that measures the amount of consumables used when the function performing unit is operated;
A container (tank) 16 containing the consumables;
a position detection means 72 for determining whether the container is in the correct position;
A washing space WS for accommodating items to be washed (tableware 66);
A door 44 for opening and closing the cleaning space WS;
a door driving device 86 that generates a driving force for closing the door 44;
A communication unit 8 connected to a network NW;
having
The container 16 is detachably installed inside the door 44 (storage space 45) when the door 44 is open,
The measuring unit 12 measures the amount of the consumable product (liquid detergent 42) remaining in the container 16 and generates measurement data MD,
The control unit 2 acquires the measurement data MD, and when the remaining amount of the consumable product is equal to or greater than a threshold value, commands the start of a cleaning operation (see FIG. 36, steps SF6 and SF13).
During a period in which the position detection means 72 detects that the container 16 is not in a correct installation position with the door 44 open (see FIG. 36 , steps SF9 and SF10), a command to close the door 44 is not issued from the control unit 2 to the drive device 86;
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Furthermore, the control unit 2 has a function of acquiring command data CD for determining operating conditions of the function exerting unit 9 via the communication unit 8,
when the control unit 2 issues a command to receive the command data CD via the input unit 4, the control unit 2 does not transmit to the outside the state information A including the data of the remaining time TN until the acquisition of the command data CD is completed;
The configuration was characterized by the above.

Due to this configuration, with this cleaning device (dishwasher) 1E, status information A including data on the remaining time TN of the replacement consumable part 16F can be generated and provided outside the home using the network NW, making it possible to manage the consumable parts of the cleaning device 1E using the status information A via the network.
Moreover, since priority is given to obtaining the command data CD, it is possible to avoid occurrence of a failure in the remote control of the cleaning apparatus 1E.
This allows the cleaning apparatus 1E shown in the third embodiment to effectively utilize the network.

Furthermore, in this embodiment 3, the information acquisition system for the eleventh disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the information acquisition system according to the third embodiment of the eleventh disclosure includes:
A cleaning device 1E connected to a network NW;
a storage means (first server 20) connected to the cleaning device 1E via the network NW, in which a plurality of data for displaying the states of consumable products used in the cleaning device 1E are recorded;
an information processing terminal 200 connected to the storage means (first server 20) via the network NW and having a terminal-side display unit 216;
The cleaning device 1E includes a consumption information acquisition unit 11 that acquires status information A related to a remaining state of the consumable product, and a communication unit 8 that transmits the status information A to the storage means (first server 20),
The information processing terminal 200 displays a selection screen 216D having a plurality of input keys 100F, 100G on the terminal side display unit 216,
When one of the input keys (100F) is operated, among the multiple data stored in the storage means (first server 20), information 271A relating to at least one of the remaining state or urgency of a specific consumable product (e.g., AA detergent) obtained from the cleaning device 1E, and information 279A relating to at least one of the remaining time or urgency of a specific consumable part (e.g., filtration filter 16F) obtained from the cleaning device 1E are displayed on the same list screen 216P on the terminal side display unit 216.
The configuration is characterized by the above.

With this configuration, the information acquisition system can effectively utilize the network and contribute to the management of consumables, particularly for the cleaning device 1E.
In addition, for one type of consumable product (liquid detergent 42) and another type of consumable product (consumable part: filtration filter 16) used in the same cleaning device 1E, the user US can be notified of information such as stock status and whether or not replacement is necessary via a single list screen 216P (see Figure 39).
This makes it possible to accurately convey information about consumer goods to users US.

Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the information processing terminal device (communication terminal) 200 according to the fourth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the information processing terminal 200 according to the fourth disclosure is
A communication unit 210 that can be connected to an electrical appliance 1 including the cleaning device 1E via a network NW;
A terminal display unit 216;
an operation unit 225 that accepts input commands from a user;
A terminal control unit 212 that receives input commands from the operation unit 225 and controls data processing and transmission operations;
a consumable goods database 227 for storing status information A including data on the remaining time TN of the replacement consumable parts of the electrical appliance 1 acquired via the communication unit 210;
a shopping list creation unit 231 for extracting data from the consumer goods database 227 within a range designated by the operation unit 225;
When the terminal control unit 212 acquires the status information A via the communication unit 210, the terminal control unit 212 displays a selection menu that can be inputted by the operation unit 225 on the terminal side display unit 216,
The selection menu was characterized by having a first selection means (icons 275-279) for requesting the display of data relating to the status information A, and a second selection means (icon) 274 for requesting the display of more detailed data about the specific consumable product displayed by the selection of the first selection means.

Due to this configuration, the information processing terminal 200 can use the network NW to acquire status information A of consumables (including the remaining time TN of the replacement consumable part 16F) on a per-user US basis from outside the home, thereby enabling centralized management of consumables (including the remaining time TN of the replacement consumable part 16F) of various electrical appliances used in homes, offices, etc.
Moreover, it is highly convenient as it can display not only overall information about consumer goods but also detailed data for individual consumer goods.
This allows the information terminal device 200 of the present disclosure to effectively utilize the network and contribute to the management of consumables of the electrical appliance 1 including the cleaning device 1E.

Furthermore, in this embodiment 3, the information acquisition system according to the fifth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the information acquisition system according to the fifth disclosure is
An electrical device 1 including a cleaning device 1E connected to a network NW;
a storage means (first server 20) connected to the electrical appliance 1 via the network NW, in which a plurality of data for displaying the state of a consumable product used by the electrical appliance 1 is recorded;
an information processing terminal 200 connected to the storage means via the network NW and having a terminal-side display unit 216;
The cleaning device 1E includes a consumption information acquisition unit 11 that acquires status information A relating to a remaining state of the consumable product, and a communication unit that transmits the status information A to an outside,
The information processing terminal 200 displays a selection screen 216D having a plurality of input keys (100F, 100G) on the terminal side display unit 216,
When one of the input keys (100F) is operated, among the multiple pieces of data stored in the storage means (first server 20), status information of a specific consumable product (e.g., AA detergent) obtained from the cleaning device 1E and status information of a specific consumable product (e.g., including the remaining time TN of a filtration filter 16F, which is a replacement consumable part) obtained from the same cleaning device 1E as the cleaning device 1E are displayed on the same list screen 216P on the terminal side display unit 216,
When the list screen 216P is displayed and a specific consumable product (in this case, a consumable part) (for example, a filtration filter 16F, which is a replacement consumable part) is specified using the input keys 279 (see Figure 39), information regarding the specified consumable product (for example, the filtration filter 16F) that is not displayed on the list screen 216P, such as information regarding the operation of the related cleaning device 1E or specific advice B (recommended manufacturers, precautions for use, etc.) 320A, 320B (see Figure 40) regarding the acquisition of the specified consumable part (for example, the filtration filter 16F), is displayed on the terminal side display unit 216 as an individual screen 216V different from the list screen 216P.

Due to this configuration, this information acquisition system can use the network NW to acquire status information A (including information on remaining time TN) of consumables (including replacement consumable parts) of a specific cleaning device 1E used in a home, office, store, etc. from outside the home, office, store, etc., all at once, thereby enabling centralized management of consumables for various cleaning devices 1E used in homes, offices, stores, etc.
Moreover, it is highly convenient as it can display not only overall information about consumer goods but also detailed data for individual consumer goods.

Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the server (first server 20) according to the sixth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the server (first server 20) of the present disclosure is
The device is connected to an electric appliance 1 including a cleaning device 1E and an information processing terminal 200 in a state in which the device can communicate with each other via a network NW, and records a plurality of data for displaying information on consumable goods related to the electric appliance 1 on a terminal side display unit 216 of the information processing terminal 200;
A selection screen 216D having a plurality of input keys (100F, 100G) is displayed on the terminal side display unit 216, and when the user operates the input keys (100F, 100G), according to the contents of the operated input keys,
(1) Among the plurality of data, consumable goods data (including the remaining time TN of the filtration filter 16F, which is a replaceable consumable part) generated in response to the transmission result of the status information A from the electrical appliance 1 is aggregated on a per-user US basis (per-user ID basis) and displayed in a list form (list screen 216P) on the terminal side display unit 216;
(2) The configuration was characterized in that, for a specific consumable product (including a filtration filter 16F, which is an example of a replacement consumable part) among the consumable products displayed in the list state, information 271A indicating the remaining amount or the urgency of refilling or replacement is displayed on a display screen (individual screen 216V) different from the list state on the terminal side display unit 216.

Due to this configuration, the server (first server 20) according to the present disclosure can use the network NW to acquire status information A (including data on remaining time TN) of consumables (including the filtration filter 16F, which is an example of a replacement consumable part) of various electrical appliances 1, including the cleaning device 1E used in a home, office, store, etc., all at once from outside the home, office, store, etc., thereby enabling centralized management of consumables of various electrical appliances 1 used in the home, office, store, etc.
Moreover, not only the overall information about the consumable goods, but also detailed data about each individual consumable goods (information 271A showing the remaining amount of the consumable goods or the urgency of refilling, replacement, etc.) can be displayed, which is highly convenient.

Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the remaining amount management system for consumable products according to the seventh disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the remaining amount management system for consumables according to the present disclosure is:
A plurality of electrical appliances 1 (including a cleaning device 1E) connected to a network NW;
A server (first server) 20 connected to the electrical device 1 via the network NW;
An information processing terminal 200 that can be connected to the server 20 via the network NW;
Equipped with
The server 20 has a user identification unit 24 having a database of user IDs for identifying users US who use the electrical appliance 1,
Each of the electrical appliances 1 includes a control unit 2 for controlling an operating state, an input unit 4 for setting operating conditions by the control unit 2, a communication unit 8 for transmitting a setting result of the input unit 4 to an external device via the network NW, and a consumption information acquisition unit 11 for acquiring status information A relating to a remaining state of the consumable goods (including data on a remaining time TN of a filtration filter 16F that is a replacement consumable part),
The server 20 generates judgment information 1 (e.g., low remaining amount) and judgment information 2 regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product (e.g., AA detergent) based on the status information A acquired from one cleaning device 1E of the electrical appliances 1, and generates judgment information 1 (e.g., low remaining amount) and judgment information 2 regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product (e.g., BB fabric softener) based on the status information A acquired from an electrical appliance 1 (e.g., a clothes washing machine) other than the cleaning device 1E,
The information processing terminal 200 displays, on a list screen (216P) of the terminal side display unit 216, the consumable products (AA detergent, BB fabric softener) for which at least one of the judgment information 1 (e.g., low remaining amount) and the judgment information 2 belongs to the same level, for each user ID.
The configuration was characterized by the above.

In other words, the results of the judgment information 1 for a specific consumer product (e.g., AA detergent) and another consumer product (e.g., BB fabric softener) both belong to the same level of “e.g., low amount remaining,” and this is displayed on the list screen 216P as information 271A indicating the level of urgency.
Furthermore, when the results of the judgment information 2 for a particular consumer product (e.g., AA detergent) and another consumer product (e.g., BB fabric softener) are of the same level of “high urgency”, information 271A indicating the urgency is displayed on the list screen 216P.

Due to this configuration, the consumable product remaining amount management system of the present disclosure can use the network NW to obtain status information A (including data on the remaining time TN of replacement consumable parts) of various electrical appliances 1 used in a home, office, store, etc. all at once from outside the home, office, store, etc., thereby enabling centralized management of consumable products of various electrical appliances used in a home, office, store, etc.
Moreover, it is highly convenient as it can display not only overall information about consumer goods but also detailed data for individual consumer goods.

Furthermore, in this consumable product remaining amount management system, the list screen 216P and the individual screen 216V different from the list screen 216P can display judgment information 1 and judgment information 2 regarding the remaining state of each consumable product, respectively, providing a convenient system for users US such as residents in each home and managers who manage electrical appliances 1 in offices and stores.

As a result, by using this consumables remaining amount management system, it is possible to effectively utilize the network NW and perform consumables management for multiple various electrical appliances 1 using the information processing terminal device 200 even from a remote location.

Embodiment 4.
Figures 43 to 45 show an electrical appliance 1 and a consumable product remaining amount management system according to embodiment 4. Figure 43 is a configuration diagram 1 of a consumable product remaining amount management system. Figure 44 is a flowchart showing the processing steps for changing the judgment criteria in the first server 20 used. Figure 45 is a flowchart showing the processing steps for the judgment history inquiry operation in the first server 20. Note that the same reference numerals are used to denote parts that are the same as or equivalent to the configurations of embodiments 1 to 3 described in Figures 1 to 42.

Referring to Figure 43 .
One of the features of the fourth embodiment is that the first server 20 includes a user-specific criterion setting section (hereinafter, referred to as the “criterion setting section”) 110 .
This criterion setting unit 110 is activated when the first server 20 receives criterion setting information from the communication terminal 200, and has a function of modifying a reference value corresponding to the user US (user ID) of the communication terminal 200 among the criterion stored in the criterion storage unit 25 in response to an input from the communication terminal 200. Note that the processing circuit that realizes the function of the criterion setting unit 110 may be dedicated hardware, or may be a processor that executes a program stored in a memory such as the control unit 21 or the criterion storage unit 25.

Next, we will explain Figure 44.
In FIG. 44, steps SH 1 to SH 12 are operational steps showing a reference value correction function in the judgment criterion setting section 110 of the first server 20 in response to a reference value setting request from the communication terminal 200 .

When the input key (icon) 272 shown in FIG. 26(A) of the first embodiment or the input key (icon) 272 shown in FIG. 39(A) of the third embodiment is operated, a dedicated screen for setting the judgment criteria (function setting screen 235D) is displayed as shown in FIG. 40(B).

When the icon 316 (see FIG. 40) on the function setting screen 235D is operated, the determination in step SH1 in FIG. 44 becomes "Yes." Then, a predetermined input screen 236 (not shown) is displayed on the terminal display unit 216 (step SH2).

The input screen 236 (not shown) displays icons (not shown) corresponding to the collective setting input and the individual setting input. Here, "collective setting" refers to setting on a user ID basis registered in the first server 20 by the owner of this communication terminal 200 (user US).

Individual settings refer to settings made by the owner (or administrator) of electrical device 1 on a device ID basis that is registered in the first server 20 via this communication terminal 200 by the electrical device 1 owner (or administrator).

When the icon (not shown) for selecting bulk settings is pressed on the input screen 236 (not shown), step SH3 becomes "Yes", and the input screen 237 (not shown) for bulk settings is displayed (step SH4).

An input screen 237 (not shown) displays the notification criteria for "urgency" as described in the first embodiment.
For example, when the first server 20 determines whether a consumable product needs to be replenished or replaced, the following determination criteria are set (in the determination criteria storage unit 25).
(1) "High Urgency": The inventory (remaining amount) of a consumable product will fall below the reference value within the next "five days" at the latest, or the recommended usage period of a consumable product (consumable part) will expire.
(2) "Medium Urgency": The inventory (remaining amount) of a consumable product will fall below the standard value within the next "6 to 10 days" at the latest, or the recommended usage period of a consumable product (consumable part) will expire.
(3) “Low Urgency”: The inventory (remaining amount) of the consumable material will not fall below the reference value for at least the next “11 days,” or the recommended usage period of the consumable material (consumable part) has not yet expired.

In the input screen 237 (not shown), at least one of the three levels of "urgency" criteria described above, "5 days," "6 to 10 days," and "11 days," can be changed. To save time when entering information, usually only the "5 days" for "high urgency" is changed. For example, if "5 days" is changed to "10 days," the other two urgency settings are automatically changed by the same number of days (for example, "low urgency" increases by 5 days to "16 days").

When the "Complete" icon is pressed on the input screen 237 (not shown), the process proceeds to step SH6, where the setting value input in step SH6 becomes the setting value of the new judgment criterion and is stored in the judgment criterion storage unit 25. Also, the speaker 214 issues an audio message such as, for example, "The new judgment criterion will be applied to all products."

On the other hand, if the determination at step SH3 is "No", the individual setting input screen 238 (not shown) is displayed (step SH7).
The user US inputs information specifying the desired electric appliance 1 on the individual setting input screen 238 (not shown). For example, the electric appliances 1 registered by the user US are displayed in a pull-down menu on the individual setting input screen 238 (not shown), and the user selects the desired appliance from the menu (step SH8).

In the next step SH9, a setting input screen 239 (not shown) for the selected electrical device 1 is displayed.
If the "Complete" icon is pressed on this input screen 239 (not shown) (step SH10), the process proceeds to step SH11, and the set value input in step SH6 becomes the set value of the new criterion, and is stored in the criterion storage unit 25. The speaker 214 notifies the user by voice, for example, "The new criterion will be applied to product XX."

After step SH11, if the "Done" icon is pressed (step SH12) on the input screen 239 (not shown), the process of setting the series of judgment criteria values will end. However, if the "Done" icon is not pressed, the process will automatically return to step SH7, and the individual setting input screen 238 (not shown) will be displayed.

Next, we will explain Figure 45.
In FIG. 45, steps SJ1 to SJ10 are operational steps showing a function of displaying the history of corrections of the criterion values in the criterion setting unit 110 of the first server 20.
When the individual menu input key (icon) 100E shown in FIG. 26(A) of the first embodiment is operated (step SJ1), a dedicated screen (past correction history request screen 240) (not shown) for displaying the history of reference value settings is displayed (step SJ2).

When an icon (not shown) for selecting bulk settings is pressed on the display screen 240 (not shown), step SJ3 becomes "Yes" and an input screen 241 (not shown) for bulk viewing is displayed (step SJ4).

The input screen 241 (not shown) shows the input history of step SH5 or SH8 in FIG. 44. However, the range of data displayed is limited to the past 30 days, the past few days, etc., and not all past input history is displayed. Data read from the consumer goods database 23R may be used as is.

In the next step SJ5, if the "view" or "complete" icon is pressed on the input screen 241 (not shown), the process proceeds to step SJ6.
In step SJ6, the browsing history for each user US inputted in the communication terminal 200 can be viewed on the display screen 242 (not shown). The scope of browsing may be restricted to, for example, the past month or the past 10 times, or may be restricted to the scope stored in the judgment criteria setting unit 110 or the storage unit 22.

The display screen 242 (not shown) displays all of the target electrical devices 1, as well as the judgment reference values before and after correction. Pressing the "Complete" icon shown on this input screen 242 (not shown) ends this series of viewing operations.

On the other hand, if the determination in step SJ3 is "No", an individual (electrical device 1) setting input screen 243 (not shown) is displayed (step SJ7).
The user US inputs information specifying the desired electric appliance 1 on the individual setting input screen 243 (not shown). For example, the electric appliances 1 registered by the user US are displayed in a pull-down menu on the individual setting input screen 243 (not shown), and the user selects the corresponding appliance displayed on the input screen 243 (step SJ8).

In the next step SJ9, a display screen 244 (not shown) for browsing the history of reference value setting of the selected electric device 1 is displayed. The display screen 244 (not shown) displays the specified electric device 1, the judgment reference value before correction, and the judgment reference value after correction.
When the user presses the "Complete" icon displayed on this input screen 244 (not shown) (step SJ10), this series of browsing operations ends.

If the "Complete" icon is not pressed on the input screen 244 (not shown) after step SJ10, the process automatically returns to step SJ7, and the individual setting input screen 243 (not shown) is displayed.

Summary of embodiment 4.
In the fourth embodiment, the cleaning device 1E according to the first disclosure is disclosed as described above.
Therefore, the same effects as those explained in the first embodiment can be expected.

Furthermore, in this fourth embodiment, the information acquisition system according to the fifth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the information acquisition system for the fifth disclosure is
A cleaning device 1E connected to a network NW;
a storage means (first server 20) connected to the cleaning device 1E via the network NW, in which a plurality of data for displaying the states of consumable products used in the cleaning device 1E are recorded;
an information processing terminal 200 connected to the storage means via the network NW and having a terminal-side display unit 216;
The cleaning device 1E includes a control unit 2 for controlling an operating state, an input unit 4 for setting operating conditions by the control unit 2, a communication unit 8 for transmitting a setting result of the input unit 4 to an outside via the network NW, and a consumption information acquisition unit 11 for acquiring status information A relating to a remaining status of the consumable product,
The information processing terminal 200 displays a selection screen 216D having a plurality of input keys (100A to 100E) on the terminal side display unit 216,
When one of the input keys 100B is operated, among the multiple pieces of data stored in the storage means (first server 20), information on the remaining state of a specific consumable product (e.g., AA detergent) obtained from the cleaning device 1E (e.g., low remaining amount) and information on the remaining state of a specific consumable product (e.g., BB fabric softener) obtained from an electric appliance 1 (e.g., a washing machine) other than the cleaning device 1E (e.g., low remaining amount) are displayed on the same list screen 216P on the terminal side display unit 216,
When a specific consumable product (e.g., AA detergent) is designated while the list screen 216P is displayed, information related to the remaining state of the designated consumable product (e.g., AA detergent) that is not displayed on the list screen 216P, such as information related to the operation of the related cleaning device 1E or specific advice information A (recommended manufacturer of the consumable product, precautions for use, etc.) 283 (see FIG. 27 ) related to obtaining the designated consumable product (e.g., AA detergent) is displayed on the terminal side display unit in an individual screen 216V different from the list screen 216P.
The configuration was characterized by the above.
Furthermore, an input key (icon) 272 for switching to a dedicated screen for setting judgment criteria (function setting screen 235D) is displayed on the selection screen 216D,
The function setting screen 235D, which is displayed when the input key 272 is operated, is configured to display the icon 316 (see FIG. 40) for changing the judgment criteria.

Due to this configuration, the information acquisition system of the present disclosure can acquire status information A of consumables of electrical appliances 1 used in a home, office, store, etc. in a lump sum from outside the home, office, store, etc. using the network NW, thereby enabling centralized management of consumables of various electrical appliances used in a home, office, store, etc.
Moreover, not only the overall information on the consumable goods but also the evaluation criteria for each individual consumable goods can be displayed and can be changed by the user US, which makes it highly convenient in actual use situations.

Furthermore, in this fourth embodiment, the server (first server 20) according to the sixth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the server (first server 20) according to the present disclosure is
The device is connected to an electric appliance 1 such as a cleaning device 1E and an information processing terminal 200 in a state in which the device can communicate with each other via a network NW, and records a plurality of data for displaying information on consumable goods related to the electric appliance 1 on a terminal side display unit 216 of the information processing terminal 200,
A select screen 216D having a plurality of input keys (100A to 100E) is displayed on the terminal side display unit 216. When the user operates the input keys (100A to 100E), the following is displayed according to the contents of the operated input key:
(1) Among the plurality of data, consumable goods data generated in response to the transmission result of the status information A from the electrical appliance 1 is aggregated on a per-user US basis (per-user ID basis) and displayed in a list form (list screen 216P) on the terminal side display unit 216;
(2) For a specific consumable product among the consumable products displayed in the list state, information 271A indicating the remaining amount or the urgency of refilling or replacement is displayed on a display screen (individual screen 216V) different from the list state on the terminal side display unit.
(3) Executing a process of displaying the past consumable goods data provided to the information processing terminal 200 on a display screen (individual screen 216V) different from the list state on the terminal side display unit;
The configuration was characterized by the following:

Due to this configuration, the server (first server 20) according to the present disclosure can obtain status information A of various electrical appliances 1 used in a home, office, store, etc. in a lump sum from outside the home, office, store, etc., using the network NW, thereby enabling centralized management of the consumables of various electrical appliances 1 used in the home, office, store, etc.
Moreover, not only the overall information about the consumable product, but also detailed data about each individual consumable product (information 271A indicating the remaining amount of the consumable product or the urgency of refilling, replacement, etc.) can be displayed on the terminal display unit 216, making it highly convenient.

Furthermore, the server (first server 20) according to the sixth disclosure has a replacement timing management unit 310, and is configured to obtain data on the "remaining time TN" indicating how many hours are left until the standard usage time TP of the cumulative time TC that the cleaning device 1E has been used, and to retain this data.

Therefore, the remaining time TN data can be transmitted to the communication terminal 200 of the relevant user US via the network NW.

Furthermore, in this fourth embodiment, the server (first server 20) according to the twelfth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the server according to the twelfth disclosure (first server 20)
The information processing device 200 is connected to the electric appliance 1 and the information processing terminal 200 via the network NW in a communicable state, and stores a plurality of data for displaying information on consumable goods related to the electric appliance 1 on a terminal side display unit 216 of the information processing terminal 200;
A selection screen 216D having a plurality of input keys 100A to 100E is displayed on the terminal side display unit 200, and when the input keys are operated by the user US, according to the contents of the operated input key,
(1) Among the plurality of data, consumable goods data generated in response to the transmission result of the status information A from the electrical appliance 1 is aggregated for each user US, and displayed in a list form (list screen 216P) on the terminal side display unit 216;
(2) For a specific consumable product among the consumable products displayed on the list screen 216P, information 271A indicating the remaining amount or the urgency of refilling or replacement is displayed on a display screen (individual screen 216V) different from the list state (list screen 216P) on the terminal side display unit 216.
Execute the process,
Further, a judgment criterion setting unit 110 for each user US is provided,
The judgment criteria setting unit 110 can modify the judgment criteria of the urgency level in response to an input from the information processing terminal 200.
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

Due to this configuration, the server (first server 20) according to the present disclosure can obtain status information A of various electrical appliances 1 used in a home, office, store, etc. in a lump sum from outside the home, office, store, etc., using the network NW, thereby enabling centralized management of the consumables of various electrical appliances 1 used in the home, office, store, etc.
Moreover, not only the overall information about the consumable goods, but also detailed data about each individual consumable goods (information 271A showing the remaining amount of the consumable goods or the urgency of refilling, replacement, etc.) can be displayed, which is highly convenient.

Furthermore, the judgment criteria setting unit 110 can modify the judgment criteria for the urgency level in response to input from the information processing terminal device 200. In other words, the urgency level can be changed according to the circumstances of each individual user US. This allows the system to be used in accordance with the circumstances of the user US, thereby improving convenience.

That is, an input key (icon) 272 for switching to a dedicated screen for setting judgment criteria (function setting screen 235D) is displayed on selection screen 216D, and an icon 316 (see FIG. 40) for changing the judgment criteria is displayed on function setting screen 235D that is displayed when input key 272 is operated.
This makes it possible to extract consumable products and notify the degree of urgency according to the actual situation of each individual user US.

Furthermore, this embodiment 4 has the same components as those in the configurations of the first to third embodiments, and these identical components can be expected to provide the same effects as those described in the first to third embodiments.

Embodiment 5.
Next, the fifth embodiment will be briefly described.
46 to 52 show the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 46 is a block diagram showing a measuring section and a container storage section of the cleaning device 1E in the fifth embodiment in a partial vertical cross-sectional view. FIG. 47 is a control system diagram showing the relationship between the container (tank) position detection and the door drive device 86 in the cleaning device 1E. FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing the purchase support operation of the communication terminal in the consumer goods purchase support system. FIG. 49 is a time chart showing the cooperation operation between the communication terminal and the first and second servers in the consumer goods purchase support system in FIG. 48. FIG. 50 is a front view showing a display example of the terminal side display unit of the communication terminal. FIG. 51 is a time chart showing the basic operation of the cleaning device (dishwasher) 1E. FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of measuring the liquid detergent in the cleaning device (dishwasher) 1E shown in FIG. 46. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as those in the first to fourth embodiments described in FIG. 1 to FIG. 45.

Referring to Figure 46 .
FIG. 46 shows a portion corresponding to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment.
In the first embodiment, the cleaning device 1E is provided with a storage space 45 for storing a container (tank) 16 containing liquid detergent 42, a lid 57 is provided for closing the entrance to the storage space so as to be freely opened and closed, and a detection circuit 35R is provided for detecting the state of a locking mechanism (not shown) for keeping the lid 57 in a closed position. When the locking mechanism is released, a signal (release signal) indicating that the lid 57 is in an open state is generated, and the release signal is input to the control unit 2 of the cleaning device 1E. In this way, the cleaning device 1E itself detects that the container 16 has been stored.

In contrast to this, in this embodiment 5, no locking mechanism is provided on the cover 57. Instead, a locking mechanism 334 is provided on the storage space 45 side.
The lock mechanism 334 is fixed to the inner space of the door 44, and has an engagement claw 334A that rotates 90 degrees around a horizontally extending rotation axis.

When the user US stores the container (tank) 16 in the correct position in the storage space 45 and rotates the engagement claw 334A 90 degrees from the position shown by the dashed line in FIG. 46 to the position shown by the solid line, the engagement claw 334A protrudes downward, and the container 16 is fixed so that it does not move.

When the user US rotates the locking mechanism 334, an ON-OFF signal is issued from the locking mechanism 334 according to the position of the engagement claw 334A. For example, in the position shown by the dashed line in FIG. 46 (also called the "unlocked state"), the locking mechanism 334 is OFF and no signal is sent to the weighing circuit 35. When it changes to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 46 (also called the "locked state"), a specified ON signal is sent to the "container (tank) lock detection circuit" 336, which constitutes part of the weighing circuit 35.

In this embodiment 5, the function of the tank position detection means 72 described in embodiment 1 is provided by this lock mechanism 334. Although the lid 57 described in embodiment 1 is not shown in FIG. 46, the engagement claw 334A may be engaged with the outside of the lid 57 when the lid 57 is fully closed, so that the measurement circuit 35 can simultaneously electrically confirm that the lid 57 is fully closed and that the container (tank) 16 is stored in the correct position. The detection signal of the lock mechanism 334 may be configured to be input directly to the control unit 2, rather than to the measurement circuit 35. 335 is a signal line.

337 is a water quality determination circuit, which receives a detection signal from a water quality sensor 337S installed at a portion that comes into contact with the cleaning water, such as the bottom of the cleaning tank 15, and determines the degree of dirtiness of the cleaning water. The determination result is sent to the control unit 2, which controls the control valve 48. In this embodiment 5, it is depicted as being connected to the control valve 48 via a signal line 338A shown by a dashed line. 338 is a signal line connected to the water quality sensor 337S. Note that water quality sensors are already known in general as "turbidity sensors," for example, and can optically measure the turbidity of water, but methods for analyzing other physical properties, such as pH value and electrical conductivity, may be used in combination or alone.

Next, we will explain Figure 47.
FIG. 47 is a control system diagram showing the relationship between the lock mechanism 334 shown in FIG. 46 and a container (tank) lock detection circuit 336.
When the lock mechanism 334 changes from the unlocked state shown in FIG. 46 to the locked state, a predetermined ON signal is generated.

Then, upon receiving the ON signal, the container (tank) lock detection circuit 336 transmits a lock detection signal for the container 16 to the control unit 2. This enables the control unit 2 to determine that the container 16 is stored in a predetermined position. Therefore, after the container 16 is stored, a door drive command signal can be issued to the door drive device 86.

The door 44 is not driven (moved in the closing direction) automatically, but rather the control unit 2 detects that the user US has operated the operation unit 54 arranged on the surface of the door 44, touched the handle (handle) 55 of the door 44, or lightly tapped the door 44 with a fist, producing an impact sound, and issues the door drive command signal. A voice receiving unit (not shown) may be provided to receive voice commands from the user US, and a door close command may be sent to the control unit 2.

Next, we will explain Figure 48.
27(A) and (B) in the first embodiment, an input key 285 is also displayed on the individual screen 216V displayed when the menu for managing consumable goods inventory is selected in the communication terminal 200 in the fifth embodiment. When the input key 285 is touched, the mail order processing unit 234 is started.

In Fig. 27(A) of the first embodiment, remaining amount information of AA detergent and input keys 285 are displayed. In Fig. 27(B) , remaining amount information of BB fabric softener and input keys 285 are displayed.
In this embodiment 5, the communication terminal 200 is provided with the input keys 285 and operates as shown in FIG.
That is, steps SK1 to SK5 in FIG. 48 show the operation steps of communication terminal 200 when input key 285 is selected.

First, when the input key 285 is touched (selected), the mail order processing section 234 is started (step SK1).
Then, the individual screen 216V of the terminal display unit 216 switches to a dedicated input screen (not shown) for selecting to connect to an external EC site (electronic commerce site) through the network NW (step SK2). Hereinafter, this dedicated input screen will be referred to as the "purchase support screen."

Next, when the display operation unit 225 (see FIG. 2) of the communication terminal 200 is operated, the process proceeds to step SK3. In step SK3, detailed information about the "consumable product" desired to be purchased (for example, the aforementioned AA detergent or BB fabric softener) is displayed. Then, a message is displayed requesting the user to confirm whether or not it is OK to send the information from the communication terminal 200 to the first server 20. If the user operates the send OK operation here, the process proceeds to the next step SK4.

The communication terminal 200 transmits information identifying the consumable product confirmed by the user in step SK3 from the communication unit 210 to the outside (step SK4). At this point, the display of the "purchase support screen" ends, so the display may automatically return to the original individual screen 216V. Alternatively, if it is determined from the notification content up to step SK1 that there are no further consumable products to purchase, the display automatically returns to the initial selection screen 216P. Note that the user US may wait for a reply from the first server 20 without performing any operations after step SK4. Alternatively, the operation of the communication terminal 200 may be terminated and communication with the outside may be cut off.

Next, we will explain Figure 49.
49 is a time chart showing the cooperative operation between the communication terminal 200 and the first and second servers 20 and 330. The second server 330 cooperates with the first server 20 to configure the cloud server 300. Note that other servers and storage means may be included in the components of the cloud server. In the following, for the sake of simplicity, the first server 20 and the second server 330 will be mainly described.

The second server 330 is managed and operated by a mail order specialist, and is capable of processing a series of operations from order receipt to delivery by connecting an inventory database, delivery server, store database, etc. (none of which are shown in the figure) via a network NW.

The first server 20 and the second server 330 operate sequentially as shown in steps SN1 to SN11 of FIG.
Step SN1 corresponds to step SK1 in FIG. 48, and step SN2 corresponds to step SK1 in FIG.

Steps SN3 to SN8 show the operation of the second server 330.
In step SN3, the access information from the first server 20 is received, the login information is accepted, and it is identified as an inquiry input from the first server 20.

In the next step SN4, a search is made in an inventory database (not shown) to see whether the desired consumable product (such as the aforementioned "AA detergent" or "Filter 16F") is in stock. If the search in step SN4 shows that the desired consumable product is in stock, the determination in step SN5 is "Yes" and the process proceeds to step SN7.

On the other hand, if the desired consumable product is not in stock, step SN5 is judged as "No" and the process proceeds to step SN6. In step SN6, information (e.g., the expected arrival date) is generated to notify the customer that the product is out of stock. This information is then transmitted to the first server 20. This transmission corresponds to step SN8 in FIG. 49.

If the process proceeds from step SN5 to step SN7, in step SN7 the inventory information is also confirmed and information is generated to notify that the product is available for sale. This information is then transmitted to the first server 20 (step SN8).

The first server 20 receives the "sales availability information for the consumable product" from the second server (step SN9). This information also includes the information indicating the out-of-stock status generated in step SN6.

The next step SN10 temporarily stores the contents received in step SN9 in the memory unit 22 or the electrical device information storage unit 23. Therefore, from this point on, when the first server 20 transmits various data such as the inventory and expiration date of the consumable product to the communication terminal 20, it can also provide information to the communication terminal 200 that it has received out-of-stock information.

In the next step SN11, the contents of the reception in step SN10 are transmitted from the transceiver unit 30. This allows the communication terminal 200 to be notified of the latest status, as confirmed by the mail order retailer, as to whether the desired consumer product is in stock. This notification is executed even if communication between the communication terminal 200 and the first server 20 is not established. This may be in the form of a "push notification" as described in the first embodiment.

In addition, after step SN8, a method for directly notifying the communication terminal 200 from the second server 330 may be set in advance. For example, the second server 330 may send information for directly accessing the sales site (such as a URL or two-dimensional information) to the communication terminal 200 by email. This is indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 49.

Next, we will explain Figure 50.
FIG. 50 is a front view showing an example of a display on the terminal display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200. As shown in FIG.
Upon receiving the notification in step SN11 in FIG. 49 from first server 20, communications terminal 200 performs a display as shown in the example of FIG.

In FIG. 50, reference numeral 332 denotes a sales availability information display section (stock information display section) in which the result of step SN11 is displayed.
Numeral 331 denotes an input key (icon) for adding the consumable product (e.g., AA detergent) displayed in Fig. 50 to the shopping list data 228 in the electric device database 217 held by the communication terminal 200. By touching this icon 331 once, this consumable product (e.g., AA detergent) is added to the latest shopping list PL that has been saved. It is advisable to store the product in the shopping list PL in association with date and time data so that the timing of the addition can be known.

333 is a command key (icon) that can be selected to start the purchase procedure for a specific consumable product (e.g., AA detergent) displayed in FIG. 50. By touching this icon once, the communication terminal 200 is connected to the second server 330, and the actual purchase procedure can be started.

Next, we will explain Figure 51.
FIG. 51 is a time chart showing a basic operation of a dishwasher which is an example of the cleaning apparatus 1E, and corresponds to FIG. 31 of the second embodiment.
The difference from the first and second embodiments is that liquid detergent 42 is additionally added after step S7.

That is, after the start of the cleaning process (step S7), the water quality determination circuit 337 receives a command from the control unit 2 and checks the quality of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 15.
The degree of contamination of the wash water is judged upon receiving a detection signal from the sensor 337S. The result of the judgment is sent to the control unit 2, which controls the control valve 48. In this embodiment 5, the signal line 338A shown by the dashed line is shown as being connected to the control valve 48. Between steps S7 and S8, a water quality detection (judgment) process, which will be described later, is carried out.

Next, we will explain Figure 52.
Fig. 52 is a flow chart showing the basic operation of measuring liquid detergent in the cleaning apparatus (dishwasher) 1E shown in Fig. 46. This Fig. 52 corresponds to Fig. 32 of the second embodiment.

The difference from the first and second embodiments is that after step SL3, additional liquid detergent 42 is added during the cleaning process. The water quality determination circuit 337 measures the quality of the cleaning water stored in the cleaning tank 15, and determines from the measurement data whether it has reached a specified level of cleanliness. This determination result is sent to the control unit 2, which issues a command to add additional detergent to the control valve 48. Note that additional detergent is not always added during each operation, but is determined depending on the quality of the cleaning water. In Figure 52, this series of controls is called the "water quality detection (determination) process" SLP for the cleaning tank.

This kind of "water quality detection (determination) process" SLP for the cleaning tank eliminates the need for the user US to visually check the water quality during the cleaning process or to take the troublesome task of measuring it with some kind of sensor. Instead, the cleaning device 1E automatically determines the number of subsequent rinsing steps and the length of time for the rinsing steps so that the cleaning water is automatically purified, and the process can proceed to the final drying step.

In addition, the fact that such a water quality detection (determination) process SLP was performed and the circumstances under which additional liquid detergent 42 was added are also included in the data of status information A and are transmitted to the first server 20.

In this fifth embodiment, the information acquisition system described in the fourth embodiment can be constructed into an improved system as follows.
That is, the information acquisition system according to the thirteenth disclosure shown in the fifth embodiment is
A cleaning device 1E connected to a network NW;
A storage means (such as a first server 20) connected to the cleaning device 1E via the network NW, in which a plurality of data for displaying the states of consumable products used in the cleaning device 1E are recorded;
an information processing terminal 200 connected to the storage means via the network NW and having a terminal-side display unit 216;
The cleaning device 1E includes a control unit 2 for controlling an operating state, an input unit 4 for setting operating conditions by the control unit, a communication unit 8 for transmitting a setting result of the input unit 4 to the network NW, and a consumption information acquisition unit 11 for acquiring state information A relating to an accumulated use time of the consumable product,
The consumable material of the cleaning device 1E is a consumable part (e.g., a filter 16F) whose function deteriorates with long-term operation,
The information processing terminal 200 displays a selection screen 216D having a plurality of input keys 100A to 100E provided for each individual menu on the terminal side display unit 216,
When a specific input key 100B among the input keys is operated, a menu of “consumable product management” is selected as one of the individual menus, and information 271A regarding urgency according to the length of the period until the recommended replacement deadline as viewed from the accumulated usage time of the consumable part (e.g., filter 16F) acquired from the cleaning device 1E among the multiple data stored in the storage means (first server 20, etc.) is displayed on a display screen 216V different from the selection screen 216D on the terminal side display unit 216,
The display screen dedicated to the "Consumables Management" menu displays information not displayed on the selection screen 216D, and specific advice 294D regarding replacement or inspection of the consumable parts (e.g., filter 16F) related to the consumables (e.g., CC detergent) information regarding the urgency.
The configuration is characterized by the above.

Due to this configuration, according to the information acquisition system of embodiment 5, information on the replacement timing of consumable parts of the cleaning device 1E used at home, office, store, etc. can be acquired in one go from outside the home, office, store, etc. using the network NW, making it easier to manage the consumable parts of the cleaning device 1E used at home, office, store, etc.
Moreover, not only can the display display information alerting the user that the time to replace a consumable part is approaching, but also advice 294D regarding the replacement or inspection of individual consumable parts, which is highly convenient.

Summary of embodiment 5.
In this fifth embodiment, the consumer goods purchase support system according to the fourteenth disclosure has been disclosed as described above.
That is, the consumer goods purchase support system according to the fourteenth disclosure is
A plurality of electrical appliances 1 including a cleaning device 1E connected to a network NW;
A cloud server 300 connected to the electrical device 1 via the network NW;
An information processing terminal 200 that can be connected to the cloud server 300 via the network NW;
Equipped with
The cloud server 300 has a user identification unit 24 for identifying a user US who uses the electrical device 1,
The cloud server 300 generates determination information A (e.g., low remaining amount) regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product AA (e.g., detergent AA) based on the status information A acquired from the cleaning device 1E, and generates determination information B (e.g., low remaining amount) regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product BB (e.g., fabric softener BB) based on the status information A acquired from a home appliance 1 that is the same as or different from the cleaning device 1E,
The information processing terminal 200 displays the judgment information A (e.g., low remaining amount) and the judgment information B (e.g., low remaining amount) on the same list screen 216P on the terminal side display unit 216 for each user,
When at least one of the judgment information A and the judgment information B is displayed on the terminal display unit 216, the information processing terminal 200 displays a purchase support input key 285 to be selected when a purchase of a consumable product (e.g., detergent AA, fabric softener BB) specified in the judgment information A or the judgment information B is desired;
When the purchase support input key 285 is selected, the cloud server 300 receives the purchase request information (identification information of detergent AA or fabric softener BB specifying the consumable product) transmitted from the information processing terminal 200, searches for inventory information, and transmits sales availability information to notify the result on the information processing terminal 200 (see steps SN6 to SN8 in FIG. 49).
The configuration was characterized by the above.

Due to this configuration, the information acquisition system of this embodiment 5 can use the network NW to acquire inventory information and expiration date information of consumables for the cleaning device 1E used at home, office, store, etc., all at once from outside the home, office, store, etc., making it easier to manage consumable parts for the cleaning device 1E used at home, office, store, etc.

Furthermore, not only can the information providing warnings that consumables need to be replenished or replaced be provided, but also, for the convenience of obtaining individual consumable parts, a purchase assistance input key 285 can be displayed on the terminal display unit 216, and by operating the input key, the information processing terminal device 200 can obtain the results of checking the inventory status of a cloud server of a sales company, etc.
Therefore, a series of checks, from remaining amount of consumable goods and inventory management to checking inventory before purchase, can be performed through the information processing terminal 200, which is very convenient.

Other embodiments.
In the above explanation, for the sake of simplicity, the cleaning device 1W and the cooking device 1H included in the "electrical appliance 1" are expressed with reference symbols. Also, the explanation was given with reference symbols distinguishing between "determination information A" and "determination information B". However, this means that the basic configurations and functions of the two are different from each other, or that they are the same, and should not be interpreted as being different based on the difference in the reference symbols (1W, 1H, A, B, etc.). Similarly, although there are cases where different reference symbols are used for explanation, the reference symbols are used for the sake of explanation, and do not necessarily mean that the substantial contents are different from each other just because of the difference in the reference symbols.

In the first to fifth embodiments, the manner in which the liquid detergent 42 in the container 16 is supplied to the inside of the cleaning tank 15 has not been described in detail, but the liquid detergent 42 may be supplied directly from the container 16 using a small pump, or may be mixed in advance with tap water, warm water stored in the cleaning tank 15, or warm water generated in a separate tank, and then supplied to the cleaning tank 15.

Furthermore, the means for washing the items (such as dishes) need not be limited to tap water or warm water; ultra-fine bubbles with diameters of several hundred μm to several tens of nm (nanometers), known as microbubbles, may also be used. A washing machine using such macrobubbles has already been proposed in Japanese Patent No. 6346164.

The circuits, parts, and components of the devices illustrated in the above embodiments 1 to 5 are conceptual in nature and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. The functions of these devices and circuits can be distributed and integrated, and the specific forms are not limited to those illustrated, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on the function, operating conditions, etc.

The functions of the control unit 2 of the electrical appliance 1 (including a cleaning device 1E such as a dishwasher) and the control unit 21 of the first server 20 are realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit that realizes each function may be dedicated hardware or a processor that executes a program stored in a memory. The same applies to the second server 330.

When the processing circuit is a processor, for example, each function of the control unit 2 of the electrical device 1, the control unit 21 of the first server 20, etc. is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the storage devices 10 (dishwasher 1E), 22 (first server 20), etc., which are memories. In the case of the dishwasher 1E, for example, the processor realizes each function of the control unit 2 by reading and executing the programs stored in the control unit 2.

These programs cause the microcomputer to execute the control procedures of the dishwasher 1E, the first server 20, etc. The storage devices 10, 22 are typically non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memories such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The substantial scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

The cleaning device 1E according to the present disclosure can be widely used not only in ordinary households but also in public facilities, stores, etc. Furthermore, the information acquisition system and the consumable product remaining amount management system can be widely used not only in ordinary households but also in business in stores, offices, etc.

1 Electrical equipment 1E Dishwasher/dryer 1F Kitchen ventilation system (range hood type ventilation system)
1H Cooking device 2 Control unit 3 Notification unit 4 Input unit 5 Timer unit 6 Device information storage unit 7 Power supply unit 8 Communication unit 9 Function performance unit 10 Memory unit 11 Consumption information acquisition unit 12 Metering unit 13 Bus (bus-type network)
15 Cleaning tank 16 Container (tank)
16A Lid 16B Top opening 16H Hinge section 16M Permanent magnet 18 Part replacement detection section 20 First server 20N Information providing server 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Electrical equipment information storage section 23R Equipment consumable goods database 24 User/facility identification section 25 Judgment criteria memory section 26 Schedule determination section 27 Judgment history recording section 28 Consumable goods database 29 Application software provision section 30 Transmitting/receiving section 31 Command data generation section 32 Voice recognition section 33 Listing history section 34 Bus (bus-type network)
35 Measuring circuit 35R Detection circuit 35S Tank detection circuit 35T Open detection circuit 36 Light emission circuit 37 First sensor (weight sensor)
38 Light receiving circuit 39 Light emitting element 39A Light emitting element 40 Light receiving element 41 Blower fan 42 Liquid detergent (consumable product)
43 Detergent supply section 44 Door 44B Rear wall surface 44F Front wall surface 45 Storage space 46 Second sensor (reed switch) (magnetic sensitive switch)
48 Control valve 49 Washing pump (water supply pump)
50 Shower nozzle (shower head)
51 Electric heater 52 Drainage pump 53 Blower fan 54 Operation unit 54A Top operation unit 55 Handle (handle)
56F Front operation section 56U Top display section 57 Lid 58 Fixed rail 59 Movable rail 60 Internal installation surface 61 Leg 62 Restricting member
64 Top lid 65 Shelf 66 Tableware 67 Internal space 69A Period determination information 70 Motor 71 Water level detector 72 Tank position detector 74 Drive circuit 76 Temperature detector 78 Voice drive circuit (voice synthesizer)
79 Display unit drive circuit 80 Water supply valve 81 Drive circuit 82 Drive circuit 83 Drive circuit 84 Drive circuit 85 Drive circuit 86 Door drive device 87 Closure detection switch 89 Drive circuit 90 Overcurrent detection device 91 Detection electrode 92 Detection electrode 93A Signal line 93B Signal line 100A Icon 100AG Menu display unit 100B Icon 100BG Menu display unit 100C Icon 100D Icon 100E Icon 100F Icon
100FG Menu display unit 110 Individual judgment criteria setting unit 120 Second server 121 Kitchen furniture 121A Installation port 165 Water supply port (faucet)
170 Top plate 171 Heating part 171L Heating port 171M Heating port 171R Heating port
200 Information processing terminal (communication terminal)
210 Communication unit 211 Communication control unit 212 Terminal control unit (Central Processing Unit: CPU)
213 ROM/RAM
214 Speaker 215 Touch operation unit 216 Terminal side display unit 216D Select screen (input screen)
216P List screen (input screen)
216V Individual screen (input screen)
217 Electrical device database 218 Orientation detection unit 219 Remote operation information generation unit 220 Memory unit 221 NFC input/output unit 222 Voice input unit 223 Display and voice notification data 224 Remote operation data 225 Display operation unit 226 Terminal identification information storage unit 227 Extracted consumer goods data 228 Shopping list data 229 User information storage unit 230 Voice processing unit 231 Shopping list creation unit 232 Electrical device selection unit 233 Video processing unit 234 Mail order processing unit 235 Option setting unit 235G Menu display unit 239 Control valve 250 Exhaust vent cover 251 Router 260 Display unit 261L Icon 261R Icon 262 Icon 263 Icon 264 Icon 266 Cautions 267 Illustration 268 Cautions 269 Icon 270 Summary message 271 Consumables list 272 Icon 273 Icon 274 Icon 275 Icon 276 Icon 277 Icon 278 Icon 279 Icon 280 Icon 281 Display area 283 Display area (advice information A)
284 Consumables display area 285 Input keys 286 Display area 287 Display area
288 Reference image display section 289 Illustration 290 Display area 291 Display area 292 Display area 293 Display area 294 Display area 294D Advice 295 Change input key (icon)
300 Cloud server 301 Display board 302 Shielding plate 303 Enclosed space 304A to 304D Figures 305 Input keys (icons)
306 Warning information display section 307 Warning section 310 Replacement time management section 315 Icon 316 Icon 320 Display area 320A Display area (advice information B)
320B Display area (advice information B)
321 Display area 330 Second server 331 Icon 332 Sale availability information display section (stock information display section)
333 Purchase procedure start command key (icon)
334 Locking mechanism 334A Engagement claw 335 Signal wire 336 Container (tank) lock detection circuit 337 Water quality determination circuit 337S Water quality sensor 338A Signal wire 338B Signal wire TC Accumulated time TN Remaining time TP Standard usage time SS Start signal US User WS Cleaning space.

Claims (29)

an input unit for receiving input commands from a user;
A control unit that receives an input command from the input unit and controls an operation of the function performing unit;
A measuring unit that measures an amount of a consumable product used when the function performing unit is operated;
A container containing the consumable product;
a position detection means for determining whether the container is in the correct position;
A door for opening and closing a cleaning space in which the object to be cleaned is accommodated;
a door driving device that generates a driving force for a closing operation of the door;
The Communications Department and
having
The control unit is
(1) causing the measuring unit to measure the amount of the consumable product present in the container, and acquiring measurement data MD; and when the remaining amount of the consumable product is equal to or greater than a threshold, starting a cleaning operation in response to an input from the input unit;
(2) The measurement data MD is transmitted to an external device as status information A linked to device identification information.
(3) in a state where the door is open, while the position detection means detects that the container is not in a correct installation position, the door drive device is not driven;
A cleaning device characterized by: The cleaning device described in claim 1, characterized in that the control unit obtains information regarding a margin of error, which is an indicator of the number of days until the remaining amount of the consumable product becomes so low that it interferes with the operation of the function- performing unit, from the measurement data MD, and includes the information regarding the margin of error in the status information A and transmits it from the communication unit to the outside. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring unit is configured to measure the amount of the consumable product from outside the container. the consumable product is a liquid;
A cleaning device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the measuring unit comprises a first sensor that measures the weight of the container containing the liquid, and a measuring circuit that receives measuring data MD from the first sensor and measures the consumable product. the control unit has a function of acquiring command data for determining operating conditions of the function performing unit via the communication unit,
The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, when the control unit receives an instruction to receive the command data from the input unit, the control unit does not transmit the status information A to the outside for a period until the acquisition of the command data is completed. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit performs a process for estimating the remaining amount of the consumable material consumed by the operation of the function performing unit. an input unit for receiving input commands from a user;
A control unit that receives an input command from the input unit and controls an operation of the function performing unit;
A measuring unit that measures an amount of a consumable product used when the function performing unit is operated;
A container containing the consumable product;
a position detection means for determining whether the container is in the correct position;
A cleaning space for accommodating an object to be cleaned;
A door for opening and closing the cleaning space;
a door driving device that generates a driving force for closing the door;
The Communications Department and
having
The container is detachably installed in a storage space inside the door when the door is open,
The control unit is
(1) causing the measuring unit to measure the amount of the consumable product remaining in the container to obtain measurement data MD, and starting a cleaning operation in response to an input from the input unit when the remaining amount of the consumable product is equal to or greater than a threshold value;
(2) The measurement data MD is linked to device identification information and transmitted as status information A from the communication unit to an external network;
(3) The door drive device can be driven while the position detection means detects that the container is in a correct installation position when the door is open.
A cleaning device characterized by: The cleaning device described in claim 7, characterized in that the control unit obtains information regarding a margin of safety, which is an indicator of the number of days until the remaining amount of the consumable product becomes so low that it interferes with the operation of the function- performing unit, from the measurement data MD, and links the information regarding the margin of safety to the status information A and transmits it to the outside from the communication unit. The cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that the measuring unit is configured to measure the amount of the consumable product from outside the container. the consumable product is a liquid;
A cleaning device as described in any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the measuring unit comprises a first sensor that measures the weight of the container containing the liquid, and a measuring circuit that receives data from the first sensor and measures the consumable product. the control unit has a function of acquiring command data for determining an operating condition of the function performing unit via the communication unit,
The cleaning device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, when the control unit receives an instruction to receive the command data from the input unit, the control unit does not transmit the status information A to the outside for a period until the acquisition of the command data is completed. The cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that the control unit performs a process for estimating the remaining amount of the consumable product consumed by the operation of the function performing unit. A communication unit connected to the outside;
an input unit for receiving input commands from a user;
A control unit that receives an input command from the input unit and controls an operation of the function performing unit;
A measuring unit that measures an amount of a consumable product used when the function performing unit is operated;
a consumption information acquisition unit that generates status information A to be provided to an external device from the communication unit;
A device information storage unit for storing the status information A ;
A container containing the consumable product;
a position detection means for determining whether the container is in the correct position;
A cleaning space for cleaning the object to be cleaned;
a door that moves in a closing direction together with the cleaning tank containing the object to be cleaned in order to open and close the cleaning space;
a door driving device that generates a driving force for closing the door;
having
The container is detachably installed in a storage space inside the door when the door is open,
The consumption information acquisition unit acquires measurement data MD by measuring the amount of the consumable product at each cleaning operation, and executes a process of estimating the number of possible operations from the measurement data MD;
The control unit transmits data indicating a result of the remaining operation number estimation process from the communication unit to an external network,
The control unit is capable of driving the door driving device while the position detection means detects that the container is in a correct installation position in the open state of the door.
A cleaning device characterized by: The cleaning device described in claim 13, characterized in that the control unit obtains information regarding a margin of safety, which is an indicator of the number of days until the remaining amount of the consumable product becomes so low that it interferes with the operation of the function- performing unit, from the measurement data MD, and includes the information regarding the margin of safety in the status information A and transmits it from the communication unit to the outside. The cleaning device according to claim 13, characterized in that the measuring unit is configured to measure the amount of the consumable product from outside the container. the consumable product is a liquid;
A cleaning device as described in any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the measuring unit comprises a first sensor that measures the weight of the container containing the liquid, and a measuring circuit that receives data from the first sensor and measures the consumable product. the control unit has a function of acquiring command data for determining an operating condition of the function performing unit via the communication unit,
A cleaning device as described in any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that when the control unit receives an instruction to receive the command data from the input unit, the control unit does not transmit the status information A to the outside for a period until the acquisition of the command data is completed. The cleaning device according to claim 13, characterized in that the control unit performs a process for estimating the remaining amount of the consumable product consumed by the operation of the function performing unit. an input unit for receiving input commands from a user;
A control unit that receives an input command from the input unit and controls an operation of the function performing unit;
A measuring unit that measures an amount of a consumable product used when the function performing unit is operated;
A container containing the consumable product;
a position detection means for determining whether the container is in the correct position;
A cleaning space for accommodating an object to be cleaned;
A door for opening and closing the cleaning space;
a door driving device that generates a driving force for closing the door;
The Communications Department and
having
The container is detachably installed in a storage space inside the door when the door is open,
the measuring unit measures the amount of the consumable product remaining in the container before the start of a cleaning process and after the completion of the cleaning process to obtain measurement data;
The control unit instructs the start of a cleaning operation when a remaining amount of the consumable product is equal to or greater than a threshold value based on the measurement data before the start of the cleaning process,
the control unit transmits, from the communication unit to an external device, at least the measurement data after the end of the cleaning process out of the measurement data before the start of the cleaning process and the measurement data after the end of the cleaning process;
when the position detection means detects that the container is not in a correct installation position while the door is in an open state, the control unit drives a notification means that issues a notification by emitting light to notify the user, and during a period during which this notification operation continues, the control unit does not issue a command to the door drive device to close the door;
A cleaning device characterized by: The cleaning device described in claim 19, characterized in that the control unit obtains information regarding a margin of safety , which is an indicator of the number of days until the remaining amount of the consumable product becomes so low that it interferes with the operation of the function-performing unit, from the measurement data after the cleaning process is completed, and links the information regarding the margin of safety to information about the equipment ID and transmits it to the outside from the communication unit. 20. The cleaning device according to claim 19 , wherein the measuring unit is configured to measure the amount of the consumable product from outside the container. the consumable product is a liquid;
A cleaning device as described in any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the measuring unit comprises a sensor that measures the weight of the container containing the liquid, and a measuring circuit that receives the measuring data from the sensor and measures the consumable product. the control unit transmits both the measurement data before the start of the cleaning process and the measurement data after the end of the cleaning process from the communication unit to an external device;
the control unit has a function of acquiring command data for determining an operating condition of the function performing unit via the communication unit,
A cleaning device as described in any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that when the control unit receives an instruction to receive the command data from the input unit, the control unit does not transmit the measurement data before the start of the cleaning process to the outside for the period until the control unit completes acquisition of the command data. The cleaning device according to claim 19 , wherein the control unit performs a process of estimating a remaining amount of the consumable product consumed by the operation of the function performing unit . A cleaning space for accommodating an object to be cleaned;
A door that covers an entrance of the cleaning space in an openable manner; a storage space formed inside the door and isolated from the cleaning space;
A functional part for cleaning the object to be cleaned;
a door drive device that moves the door in a closing direction;
A container that is removably accommodated in the storage space and that accommodates consumer goods;
A measuring unit that measures the remaining amount of the consumable product;
An input unit for receiving a user's command;
a notification unit that notifies a result of the input by the input unit;
The Communications Department and
a control unit that controls the function performing unit, the notification unit, and the weighing unit;
having
The notification unit issues a first notification when the container is not in a normal installation position while the door is open, and issues a second notification when the container is in a normal installation position;
The control unit, when having made the second alert, determines from the weighing result of the weighing unit that the remaining amount of the consumable product in the container is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and when it receives a drive command from the input unit, drives the door drive device to initiate the closing operation of the door. the consumable product is a liquid;
The cleaning device according to claim 25, wherein the measuring unit includes a first sensor that measures the weight of the container containing the liquid, and a measuring circuit that receives measurement data from the first sensor and measures the consumable product. the control unit has a function of acquiring command data for determining an operating condition of the function performing unit via the communication unit,
The cleaning device according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that when the control unit receives an instruction to receive the command data from the input unit, the control unit does not transmit the measurement data acquired by the measurement unit to the outside for a period until the acquisition of the command data is completed. A cleaning device as described in any one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the weighing unit receives a signal from a position detection means that detects the installation position of the container, and if the container is present in the correct installation position, commands the alarm unit to perform the second alarm operation. 26. The cleaning device according to claim 25 , wherein the control unit performs a process of estimating a remaining amount of the consumable product consumed by the operation of the function performing unit.

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