JP7624566B2 - Laundry system and program - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a laundry system and a program.

Patent document 1 discloses a laundry system that allows a user to set a laundry course selected from a terminal on a washing machine.

The laundry system in Patent Document 1 includes a washing machine and a terminal capable of communicating with the washing machine. The terminal displays a plurality of wash courses prestored in the washing machine so that the user can select the wash course, and transmits the selected wash course to the washing machine. The washing machine sets a wash course based on the received information, and displays the set wash course.

JP 2014-33765 A

The conventional washing system did not allow users to create a new washing course via a terminal and operate the washing machine based on the new washing course created.

This disclosure provides a laundry system and program that can improve usability in original courses created through user input and registration operations.

The laundry system of the present disclosure is a laundry system including a terminal and a washing machine that starts operation by remote control based on an operation instruction sent from the terminal and does not accept the start of operation by remote control after the operation ends, the terminal includes a terminal operation display unit that accepts setting input of an original course including parameter settings, the washing machine includes a washing function unit and a washing machine control unit that controls the washing function unit based on the parameter settings, the parameter settings include parameters for at least one or more steps of a washing step, a rinsing step, and a spin-drying step, and the terminal operation display unit does not complete the setting input of the original course when all of the parameters of the steps included in the parameter settings are 0.

The laundry system and program disclosed herein can improve usability in the process of registering original courses created through user input and registration operations.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of a laundry system according to a first embodiment. A diagram showing the database configuration of the laundry system. Sequence diagram of the start-up registration for the laundry system Sequence diagram of setting information registration for the original course of the washing system A schematic diagram showing the course selection screen displayed on the terminal of the washing system. A schematic diagram showing the home-style course selection screen displayed on the terminal of the laundry system. A schematic diagram showing the screen for inputting setting information for an original course displayed on the terminal of the washing system. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a first error display of the original course displayed on the terminal of the laundry system. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a second error display of the original course displayed on the terminal of the laundry system; FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a third error display of the original course displayed on the terminal of the washing system. A schematic diagram showing the setting information editing screen for the original course displayed on the terminal of the laundry system. A timing chart showing the washing machine control of the washing courses pre-stored in the washing machine of the washing system. A schematic diagram showing the operation start screen displayed on the terminal of the laundry system. A diagram showing the washing machine operation display screen displayed by the washing machine of the washing system. FIG. 13 shows a terminal operation display screen displayed on the terminal of the laundry system. A timing chart showing the washing machine control of the original course of the washing system A diagram showing the operation start screen displayed on the terminal of the laundry system. FIG. 13 shows the washing machine operation display screen displayed by the washing machine of the washing system. FIG. 13 shows a terminal operation display screen displayed on the terminal of the laundry system.

The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the attached drawings and the following description.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Basic configuration)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of a laundry system in the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a database in the laundry system.

The washing machine 1 includes a washing machine function unit 4, a washing machine control unit 3, a washing machine memory unit 5, a washing machine communication unit 2, and a washing machine operation display unit 6.

The washing machine functional unit 4 represents the hardware of the washing machine. The hardware configuration of the washing machine is mainly composed of a water tub elastically supported within the housing, a washing/spinning tub rotatably contained within the water tub, a drive means for rotating the washing/spinning tub, a water supply valve that supplies water to the water tub in an openable/closable manner, a drain valve that blocks a drain path for draining the washing water in an openable/closable manner, and a heater device that heats the washing water. In addition to the above, the washing machine functional unit 4 may also include an automatic detergent dispenser, a drying device, a mist generator, a sterilization device, and the like. The washing machine functional unit 4 drives load devices such as the drive means, water supply valve, drain valve, and heater device according to control instructions from the washing machine control unit 3, and executes a series of washing sequences.

The washing machine control unit 3 controls a series of washing sequences for performing washing operations. Generally, a washing sequence is composed of a washing step for washing the clothes, a rinsing step for rinsing the detergent, a spin-drying step for removing moisture from the clothes, and a drying step for drying the clothes. The washing machine control unit 3 refers to the series of washing sequences stored in the washing machine memory unit 5, and instructs the washing machine function unit 4 to operate and drive the load device.

The washing machine storage unit 5 is configured to be able to store a series of washing sequences as washing courses. In addition, the washing machine storage unit 5 in this embodiment stores image data that displays the names given to each washing course. In this embodiment, the image data is defined as a screen display related to the course name.

Washing machine communication unit 2 is connected to communication network 20 via relay means (not shown), and is connected to server communication unit 31 and terminal communication unit 41 via communication network 20. Washing machine communication unit 2 transmits information about the state of washing machine 1, such as the power on/off state and the operation status during washing operation, to server communication unit 31. Washing machine communication unit 2 also receives control instructions from server communication unit 31. Control instructions include instructions to turn the power on/off, instructions to set a reservation to start operation at a reserved time, instructions to transmit the current state of washing machine 1, and the like. In this embodiment, washing machine communication unit 2 is connected to communication network 20 only when washing machine 1 is powered on, but washing machine communication unit 2 may be configured to supply power to washing machine communication unit 2 even when washing machine 1 is powered off, and to be connectable to communication network 20 even when washing machine 1 is powered off.

The washing machine operation display unit 6 is configured with a touch panel, and is configured to display image data stored in the washing machine memory unit 5 and to allow the user to input selections. The user can start a washing operation by operating the washing machine operation display unit 6. The washing machine operation display unit 6 is controlled by the washing machine control unit 3, and displays the operating status of a series of washing sequences performed by the washing machine function unit 4.

The server 30 is constructed on the Internet and includes a server communication unit 31, a processing unit 32, an operation screen generation unit 33, a user information unit 34, a setting information unit 35, etc.

The server communication unit 31 is configured to be able to communicate with the washing machine 1 and the terminal 40 via the communication network 20, receives operation instructions sent from the terminal 40, and sends control instructions to the washing machine 1.

The processing unit 32 checks whether the control instruction to the washing machine 1 is appropriate by matching the operation instruction received from the terminal 40 with the current state of the washing machine 1 received from the washing machine 1. For example, if the washing machine 1 is already operating, the washing machine 1 is in a state in which it cannot accept reservation settings. Therefore, the processing unit 32 determines not to send a reservation setting instruction to the washing machine 1, thereby reducing unnecessary communication and suppressing the amount of communication. The processing unit 32 may be provided on the washing machine 1. In the following description, the processing unit 32 is assumed to be on the server 30.

The operation screen generation unit 33 generates an operation screen for the terminal 40 according to the current state of the washing machine 1. For example, if the current state of the washing machine 1 is initial standby, a screen for selecting a course and detailed settings is generated. The generated operation screen is transmitted to the terminal 40 via the server communication unit 31 and the communication network 20. Hereafter, a description of the generation of the operation screen will be omitted.

The user information unit 34 stores information about the washing machine 1 that was registered during the washing machine usage start registration. The information stored in the user information unit 34 includes an individual identification ID that is a unique identification number of the washing machine 1, a user ID that identifies the user, individual information that is information about the model of the washing machine 1, and user information that the user sets himself/herself. The user information may also include the user's name, gender, age, etc.

When the setting information of the original course described below is registered, the setting information unit 35 stores the individual identification ID in association with the setting information input for each original course. The setting information includes the course name, which is the name of the original course, and parameter settings, which are control information for the washing machine functional unit 4. The original courses will be described later.

The terminal 40 is a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. owned by the user, and is equipped with a terminal communication unit 41, a terminal operation display unit 42, etc.

The terminal communication unit 41 has the role of sending and receiving information with the server 30, receiving the operation screen, sending operation instructions to the washing machine 1, sending and receiving setting information and usage setting information of the washing machine 1, etc.

The terminal operation display unit 42 displays the operation screen transmitted from the server 30. The display method assumes a dedicated application installed on the terminal 40 for the washing machine 1, but software pre-installed on the terminal 40 or an application applicable to multiple devices may also be applied. The following description uses a washing machine application, which is a dedicated application, as an example.

The relationship between the washing machine 1, the server 30, and the terminal 40 is not limited to one-to-one-to-one. For example, multiple washing machines 1 may be connected to the server 30, which allows the server 30 to manage washing machines 1 installed in multiple homes. Also, multiple terminals 40 may be connected to one washing machine 1, which allows a washing machine 1 installed in a home to be used by multiple family members. In the following, an example will be described in which multiple washing machines 1 are connected to the server 30, and multiple terminals 40 are connected to one washing machine 1 installed in a home.

(Washing machine start registration)
The washing machine operation start registration will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 3 is a sequence diagram of the start-of-use registration of the laundry system in embodiment 1.

When a user uses the laundry application for the first time, the user needs to register the start of use of the washing machine. When the start of the registration of the start of use of the washing machine starts, the terminal 40 requests the individual identification ID from the washing machine 1 via the server 30 (S1). The washing machine 1 transmits the individual identification ID via the server 30 (S2). The terminal 40 requests the server 30 to register the start of use of the washing machine, and transmits the user ID entered by the user, the individual identification ID, and individual information of the washing machine 1. The individual information may not be transmitted by the terminal 40, but may be determined by the server 30 based on the individual identification ID. The server 30 links the user ID, the individual identification ID, and the individual information, and adds them as a record to the user information section 34 (S4). When the server 30 notifies the terminal 40 of the result of the registration of the start of use of the washing machine (S5), the registration of the start of use of the washing machine is completed. When the registration of the start of use of the washing machine is completed, operations such as setting information registration and washing machine control become available.

(Our family course)
The registration of setting information for an original course will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figure 4 is a sequence diagram of the registration of setting information for an original course of the laundry system in embodiment 1, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a course selection screen displayed on a terminal of the laundry system, and Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a home-style course selection screen displayed on a terminal of the laundry system.

In this embodiment, the "family course" is defined as a washing sequence created by combining parameters that can be changed by the user operating the washing machine 1. The family course includes a "sub-course" and an "original course." In this embodiment, a "sub-course" is defined as a washing sequence that is pre-stored in the washing machine memory unit 5 at the time of manufacture, and an "original course" is defined as a washing sequence created by the terminal 40.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the laundry application is started after the washing machine usage start registration is completed, the terminal 40 requests the server 30 to call user information and transmits the user ID (T1). The server 30 obtains an individual identification ID and individual information linked to the user ID from the user information unit 34 (T2) and transmits them to the terminal 40 (T3). Note that if the setting information linked to the individual identification ID has already been registered in the setting information unit 35, the setting information may also be transmitted.

In this embodiment, the laundry application displays the same screen for all user IDs when they are linked to the same individual identification ID. The screen may be changed based on user information such as age, or information based on the user information may be displayed on the screen.

As shown in FIG. 5, the course selection screen 101 displays selectable operation modes such as "Wash", which is a wash operation only, "Wash-Dry", which is a wash operation followed by a drying operation, or "Dry", which is a drying operation only. In this embodiment, "Wash-Dry" is selected as shown in FIG. 5.

The course selection screen 101 also displays standard washing sequences such as "Automatic", "Our Family Course", and "Blanket Course" for selection. Note that "Automatic" and "Blanket Course" are shown as examples of washing sequences that are pre-stored in the washing machine memory unit 5 at the time of manufacture. The washing sequences that are pre-stored at the time of manufacture and are displayed on the course selection screen 101 are not limited to standard washing sequences or washing sequences for washing blankets, but may be washing sequences for other purposes.

When the user selects "Automatic" or "Blanket Course", the screen display transitions to the operation start screen 104A described below. When the user selects "Our Family Course", the screen display transitions to the Our Family Course Selection screen 102. Note that the setting information may be acquired when the user selects "Our Family Course", and the screen may be configured to transition to the Our Family Course Selection screen 102 after the setting information is acquired.

As shown in FIG. 6, the family course selection screen 102 displays selectable sub-courses such as "+Create Course", "Favorite", "Quiet", and "Once Rinse", and an original course already registered in the setting information section 35 such as "For Daddy only" (T4). When the user selects "+Create Course", the screen display transitions to the setting information input screen 103A described below (T5).

For registered original courses, the course name entered and registered by the user is displayed, as described below. In addition, "Confirm/Edit" is displayed as a selectable option below the course name, and when the user selects "Confirm/Edit", the screen display transitions to the setting information editing screen 103B (T5').

(Registering original course settings information)
Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an original course setting information input screen displayed by a terminal of the laundry system in embodiment 1, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing a first error display of the original course displayed by the terminal of the laundry system, Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a second error display of the original course displayed by the terminal of the laundry system, Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a third error display of the original course displayed by the terminal of the laundry system, and Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an original course setting information editing screen displayed by the terminal of the laundry system.

As shown in FIG. 7, the setting information input screen 103A is configured so that the user can input the course name and parameter settings that can be changed by operating the washing machine 1 (T6).
In this embodiment, the washing time, the number of rinses, the spin-drying time, and the drying strength are exemplified as examples of parameters that can be changed by the user operating the washing machine 1.

Users can create their favorite washing sequences by inputting a course name and combining each parameter setting. By assigning a course name to the original course they create, it becomes easier to distinguish between multiple original courses they have created, and also to distinguish between original courses created by other family members.

When the user selects "Operate without registration" on the setting information input screen 103A, the terminal 40 requests the server 30 to control the washing machine and transmits the individual identification ID and parameter settings. Operations subsequent to requesting washing machine control are performed in the same manner as operations C3, C4, C5, C6, and C7 described below. When the user selects "Register", the terminal 40 requests the server 30 to register the setting information and transmits the individual identification ID and the setting information (T6). The server 30 adds a record linking the individual identification ID and the setting information to the setting information unit 35 (T7).

When the user selects "Register", if certain conditions are met, an error message is displayed in the form of a dialog box. If the user selects "Back" in each error message, the display returns to the setting information input screen 103A.

As shown in FIG. 8, if the user leaves the course name blank, a first error message 108 is displayed, prompting the user to enter a course name. Note that if the user selects "Drive without registering," the first error message 108 is not displayed.

As shown in FIG. 9, if the entered course name is the same as a course name that has already been registered, a second error message 109 is displayed to inform the user that the course name cannot be registered. When multiple terminals 40 are connected to the washing machine 1, there is a possibility that a user may enter a course name registered by another terminal 40 without knowing it. Therefore, by displaying the second error message 109, duplication of course names is prevented. Note that if the user selects "Operate without registering," the second error message 109 is not displayed.

Figure 10 shows the case where an error message is displayed on the setting information input screen 103A when "Wash" for performing only the washing operation is selected. As shown in Figure 10, if all parameters are set to 0, a third error message 110 is displayed, and the user is prompted to input parameters so that none of the parameters are 0. Figure 10 illustrates the case where "Register" is selected when "Wash", "Rinse", and "Spin" are all set to 0 when the washing operation is selected. If remote operation is performed with all parameters set to 0, the operation of the washing machine 1 is immediately terminated in the execution of the washing machine control content (C5) shown in Figure 16. In the present embodiment, the washing machine 1 is turned off when the operation is terminated, and is unable to communicate with the server 30, so that the washing operation cannot be performed by remote operation. Therefore, in the setting information registration of the original course, all parameters cannot be set to 0. Note that the third error message 110 may also be displayed when the user selects "Operate without registering".

As shown in FIG. 11, the setting information editing screen 103B is configured to allow the course name and parameter settings to be edited, similar to the setting information input screen 103A, and the course name and parameter settings entered at the time of creation are displayed as default values. When the user selects "change" after changing the course name or parameter settings, the terminal 40 requests the server 30 to register the setting information and transmits the individual identification ID and the setting information (T6). When "change" is selected, an error message may be displayed as a dialog box if a certain condition is met, similar to when the user selects "register" or "drive without registering" on the setting information input screen 103A. The server 30 causes the setting information unit 35 to link the individual identification ID and the setting information and edit the record (T7).

Then, the server 30 transmits to the terminal 40 a notification that the setting information registration has been added/edited (T8).

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the washing machine 1 is used by multiple family members, and multiple terminals 40 are connected to one washing machine 1. Therefore, there is a risk that the parameter settings of the original course may be changed from another terminal 40 without the user realizing it. Therefore, the setting information editing screen 103B displays the update date and time at the bottom of the screen, making it easy to check whether any parameter changes have been made from another terminal 40.

(Starting a wash cycle when using a sub-course)
12 to 15, a process related to remote control of the washing machine when operating a washing sequence pre-stored in the washing machine storage unit 5 at the time of manufacture will be described.

Figure 12 is a timing chart showing washing machine control of a washing course prestored in the washing machine of the washing system in embodiment 1, Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an operation start screen displayed by a terminal of the washing system, Figure 14 is a diagram showing a washing machine operation display screen displayed by the washing machine of the washing system, and Figure 15 is a diagram showing a terminal operation display screen displayed by the terminal of the washing system.

The operation start screen 104A in FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an operation start screen when a washing sequence that was previously stored in the washing machine memory unit 5 at the time of manufacture is selected. When a washing course is selected on the course selection screen 101 (FIG. 5), or when a sub-course is selected on the home course selection screen 102 (FIG. 6), the operation start screen 104A is displayed. At this time, it may be possible to input additional setting information such as reservation settings.

The operation start screen 104A displays a terminal course name display section 43 that shows the course name of the selected washing sequence, a terminal operation start section 44 that starts the operation, and setting information 43a including reservation settings and the like. Therefore, the user can check the selected washing course before starting the operation and then start the washing machine 1 in the washing operation. When the terminal operation start section 44 is operated on the operation start screen 104A, the terminal 40 starts processing related to washing machine control.

The terminal 40 requests the server 30 to control the washing machine to start the washing operation, and transmits the individual identification ID and control information (U1). The control information includes information about the selected washing course. The server 30 requests the washing machine 1 to control the washing operation and starts the washing operation (U2).

When the washing operation starts (U3), the washing machine operation display unit 6 displays a message that the washing operation is about to start, and then transitions to a washing machine operation display screen 201A that shows the current operation status. As shown in FIG. 14, the washing machine operation display screen 201A displays a course name display unit 7 that displays the name of the washing course currently being operated, and a current step display unit 8 that shows the current operation status in a series of washing sequences.

In this embodiment, the course name display unit shows, for example, "Our way - Reduce noise." Since the sub-course is a washing sequence that is pre-stored in the washing machine 1 at the time of manufacture, an image showing the course name is pre-stored in the washing machine storage unit 5. Therefore, the washing machine control unit 3 reads out a screen related to the course name stored in the washing machine storage unit 5, and displays it as the course name on the course name display unit 7 (FIG. 14).

The washing machine 1 transmits current control information to the server 30 at predetermined time intervals (U4), and the server 30 notifies the terminal 40 of the operating status of the washing machine 1 based on the current control information (U5).

As shown in FIG. 15, the terminal operation display screen 105A displays a terminal course name display section 43 that displays the name of the washing course currently being operated, and a terminal current step display section 45 that indicates the current operation status in a series of washing sequences. In FIG. 15, "Our way - Keeping the noise down" is shown as an example of the terminal course name display section 43, and "Time remaining: 30 minutes" and "Current step: Washing" are shown as examples of the terminal current step display section 45, but the present invention is not limited to these.

(Starting the washing operation when using the original course)
16 to 19, the process of remotely controlling the washing machine when operating an original course will be described.

Figure 16 is a timing chart showing washing machine control of the original course of the washing system, Figure 17 is a diagram showing an operation start screen displayed by a terminal of the washing system, Figure 18 is a diagram showing a washing machine operation display screen displayed by a washing machine of the washing system, and Figure 19 is a diagram showing a terminal operation display screen displayed by a terminal of the washing system.

When an original course is selected on the My Home Course Selection Screen 102 (FIG. 6), the screen transitions to the operation start screen 104B shown in FIG. 17. Like the operation start screen 104A, the operation start screen 104B displays the terminal course name display section 43, the terminal operation start section 44, and setting information 43a including reservation settings and the like. On the operation start screen 104B, "My Home Style - For Daddy Only" is displayed as an example of the course name display section 7. When the terminal operation start section 44 is operated on the operation start screen 104B, the terminal 40 starts processing related to washing machine control.

The terminal 40 requests the server 30 to control the washing machine to start a washing operation, and transmits the individual identification ID and control information (C1). The control information when the original course is selected includes setting information related to the selection contents, such as the course name. The server 30 acquires the parameter settings stored in the washing machine setting contents table based on the received individual identification ID and control information (C2) and reflects them in the control information (C3).

The server 30 requests the washing machine 1 to start a washing operation and transmits the control information with the settings reflected (C4). Based on the control information with the settings reflected, the washing machine 1 drives the washing machine function unit 4 to start a washing operation (C5).

When an instruction to start a washing operation is given by remote control or by a direct input operation to the washing machine 1, the washing machine control unit 3 controls the washing machine function unit 4 to start the execution of a series of washing sequences in the selected washing course. As shown in FIG. 18, the washing machine operation display screen 201B displays a course name display unit 7 that displays the name of the washing course currently being operated, and a current step display unit 8 that shows the current operation status in the series of washing sequences. The washing machine operation display unit 6 displays that a washing operation is about to start, and then displays the current operation status in the series of washing sequences.

The course name display unit 7 displays an image showing "APPLICATION" that was stored in advance in the washing machine storage unit 5 at the time of manufacture, and indicates that an original course is being executed. In order to display the unique course name registered in each original course, it is necessary to combine and display a plurality of character data, and all available hiragana, katakana, kanji, alphabet, etc. must be stored in the washing machine storage unit 5. Therefore, in this embodiment, the image display related to the original course is unified to "APPLICATION", thereby reducing the amount of data stored in the washing machine storage unit 5. The image display indicating that it is an original course is not limited to "APPLICATION", and may be other character display such as "ORIGINAL" or a pictorial display such as an icon.

Even when the washing machine 1 is operating on the original course, it transmits current control information to the server 30 at predetermined time intervals (C6), just as it does when operating a washing sequence that was pre-stored in the washing machine memory unit 5 at the time of manufacture. The server 30 notifies the terminal 40 of the operating status of the washing machine 1 based on the current control information (C7).

As shown in FIG. 19, the terminal operation display screen 105B displays a terminal course name display section 43 that displays the name of the washing course currently being operated, and a terminal current process display section 45 that shows the current operating status in a series of washing sequences.

In FIG. 19, "My Family Style" is shown as an example of the terminal course name display unit 43. As shown in FIG. 16, the washing machine control request (C4) from the server 30 to the washing machine 1, the washing machine control response (C6) from the washing machine 1 to the server 30, and the washing machine control response (C7) from the server 30 to the terminal 40 do not send or receive information related to the course name. Information related to the course name is character data and has a large amount of data, so communication volume can be reduced by not sending or receiving information related to the course name.

The terminal current process display unit 45 also displays the current operating status in a series of washing sequences based on the current control information received from the washing machine 1 via the server 30. Therefore, since the current control information received from the washing machine 1 does not include information regarding the course name, the terminal current process display unit 45 does not display the course name.

In addition, the server 30 or the terminal 40 may store information about the course name selected in C1, and the terminal current process display unit 45 may display the course name based on the stored history. However, a configuration that displays the current operation status based only on the current control information received from the washing machine 1 is more reliable.

(Action, etc.)
As described above, the laundry system in this embodiment is a laundry system including server 30, washing machine 1 configured to be able to communicate with server 30, and terminal 40 configured to be able to communicate with server 30, and terminal 40 configured to be able to communicate with server 30, where terminal 40 is capable of creating an original course consisting of parameter settings created by combining the control contents of a series of washing sequences through input operations and registration operations by a user, and information relating to a course name, which is the name of the original course, and terminal 40 prevents the registration process for creating the original course from being completed if information relating to the course name has not been input.

This allows the terminal 40 to perform control so that, if information regarding the course name has not been input, the registration process for creating an original course is not completed.
This makes it possible to prevent an original course from being registered when the course name has not been entered.

As in this embodiment, if information regarding the course name has not been entered when the registration operation is performed, the terminal 40 may notify the user by displaying a first error message 108 that information regarding the course name has not been entered.

As a result, if a registration operation is performed without a course name being entered, an error message can be displayed to notify the user. This allows the user to be prompted to enter a course name.

As in this embodiment, when the user selects "operate without registration" without performing a registration operation, the terminal 40 ends the registration process for creating an original course regardless of whether information about the course name has been entered, transmits the parameter settings to the server 30, and the washing machine 1 may perform operation based on the parameter settings received from the server 30.

This means that if you select "Operate without registering," you can run the wash cycle remotely without entering a cycle name. This means that you don't have to register information about the cycle name, which is not necessary for a one-time wash cycle.

As in this embodiment, when a registration operation is performed with information about the course name input, the terminal 40 may transmit information about the parameter settings and the course name to the server 30, and the server 30 may store the parameter settings and the information about the course name in association with each other.

As in the present embodiment, the parameter setting is composed of information on the control contents of a series of washing sequences including at least one of a washing step, a rinsing step, and a spin-drying step,
The terminal may prevent the registration process for creating an original course from being completed if all parameters related to the washing step, rinsing step, and spin-drying step in the parameter settings are set to 0.

This makes it possible to control the washing operation so that it cannot be performed by remote control when all parameters related to the washing, rinsing, and spin-drying processes are set to 0. This makes it possible to prevent the operation from ending immediately after it is started by remote control.

As in this embodiment, the parameter settings are composed of information regarding the control content of a series of washing sequences including the drying process, and the terminal 40 may be configured not to set the parameters related to the spin-drying process to 0.

This ensures that the dehydration step is performed before the drying step in a series of washing sequences that includes the drying step. Therefore, the drying operation can be performed after the dehydration step has been performed on laundry that contains enough water to require the drying step.

Other Embodiments
As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Therefore, other embodiments are given below as examples.

In the first embodiment, a washing machine with a drying function has been described as an example of a washing machine. The washing machine does not need to have a drying function as long as it is capable of performing a washing operation.

In the first embodiment, the washing machine 1 that turns off when operation ends has been described as an example of the operation of the washing machine after operation ends by remote control. The washing machine may be configured so that it does not accept remote control to start operation after operation ends unless the user directly operates the washing machine 1. Therefore, the washing machine is not limited to a configuration that turns off when operation ends, but may be configured so that only remote control is not accepted. Also, the washing machine may be configured so that remote control is not accepted until the door of the washing machine is opened or closed.

In the first embodiment, an original course included in the "My Family's Custom Course" has been described as an example of an original course. The original course does not have to be a "My Family's Custom Course" configured by a combination of parameters that can be changed by the user operating the washing machine 1. In other words, the original course is not limited to a combination of parameters that can be changed by the user operating the washing machine 1, but may be configured by a combination of parameters required to control the washing machine functional unit 4. For example, the original course may be configured by parameters such as water level, water temperature, stirring speed, air volume in the drying process, heating temperature in the drying process, and total operation time.

In the first embodiment, as an example of a configuration for controlling the registration process for creating an original course to not be completed if information related to the course name has not been input, a configuration was described in which, if a certain condition is met when the user selects "Register", an error is displayed as a dialog box and the screen returns to the setting information input screen 103A. The configuration for preventing the registration process for creating an original course from being completed is not limited to this, and the screen may be controlled so that "Register" cannot be selected. Furthermore, "Register" may be hidden or grayed out. Furthermore, instead of displaying an error in a dialog box, a transition to an independent error screen may be made.

In the first embodiment, as an example of a configuration for controlling the registration process for creating an original course not to be completed if the course registration is the same as a course name that has already been registered, a configuration was described in which, if a certain condition is met when the user selects "Register", an error is displayed as a dialog box and the screen returns to the setting information input screen 103A. The configuration for preventing the registration process for creating an original course from being completed is not limited to this, and control may be performed so that "Register" cannot be selected. Also, "Register" may be hidden or grayed out.

In the first embodiment, as an example of a configuration for controlling the registration process for creating an original course not to be completed when all parameters related to the washing process, rinsing process, and spin-drying process are set to 0, a configuration was described in which, if a predetermined condition is met when the user selects "Register", an error message is displayed as a dialog box and the screen returns to the setting information input screen 103A. The configuration for controlling the registration process for creating an original course not to be completed when all parameters related to the washing process, rinsing process, and spin-drying process are set to 0 is not limited to this. For example, when all parameters are set to 0, control may be performed so that "Register" cannot be selected. Also, "Register" may be hidden or grayed out. Also, when all other parameters are set to 0, control may be performed so that the last parameter cannot be input with 0. Also, in the washing and drying operation, control may be performed so that the registration process for creating an original course is not completed when all parameters related to the washing process, rinsing process, spin-drying process, and drying process are set to 0.

In the first embodiment, "Wash - Dry" is selected to create an original course that is a series of washing and drying sequences that includes a drying process. Before the drying process, the laundry needs to be dehydrated. Therefore, when creating an original course that includes a drying process, control may be performed so that 0 cannot be entered for the spin-drying process. Also, when 0 is entered for the spin-drying process, the screen may automatically switch to the "Wash" screen, and then change to a screen for creating a washing sequence that does not include a drying process.

In the first embodiment, a touch panel was described as an example of a washing machine operation display unit.

Various embodiments of the user interface (washing machine operation display unit) between the device of the present disclosure and the user are possible. The washing machine operation display unit may be configured to include both or either one of an input interface and an output interface. The input interface and the output interface may also be provided separately. The input interface is used by the user to input information to the device of the present disclosure. The output interface is used by the device of the present disclosure to output information to the user.

Various embodiments of the input interface are possible. For example, the input interface may be configured with mechanical operating members. Furthermore, the touch panel is not limited to a contact type, and a non-contact type may be used. Furthermore, the input interface may be configured by receiving a sound emitted by the user by the device of the present disclosure. An example of such a configuration is a smart speaker.

In addition, various embodiments of the output interface are possible. For example, the output interface may be configured with a display. The display may be a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, or the like. The user interface may be provided in the device of the present disclosure, or may be provided separately from the device of the present disclosure. When the user interface is provided separately from the device of the present disclosure, communication between the user interface and the device of the present disclosure may be made possible by wire or wirelessly.

The operation control unit in the present disclosure may be a controller capable of controlling the device in the present disclosure. The controller can be realized in various forms. For example, a processor may be used as the controller. If a processor is used as the controller, various processes can be executed by loading a program from a storage medium storing the program into the processor and executing the program by the processor. Therefore, the processing contents can be changed by changing the program stored in the storage medium, so that the degree of freedom in changing the control contents can be increased. Examples of the processor include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). Examples of the storage medium include a hard disk, a flash memory, and an optical disk. In addition, a wired logic in which the program cannot be rewritten may be used as the controller. Using a wired logic as the controller is effective in improving the processing speed. Examples of the wired logic include an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The controller may also be realized by combining a processor and wired logic. By realizing the controller by combining a processor and wired logic, it is possible to increase the freedom of software design while improving the processing speed. The controller and a circuit having a function different from that of the controller may be configured with a single semiconductor element. An example of a circuit having a different function is an A/D and D/A conversion circuit. The controller may also be configured with a single semiconductor element, or with multiple semiconductor elements. When configured with multiple semiconductor elements, each control described in the claims may be realized with a different semiconductor element. Furthermore, the controller may be configured with a configuration including a semiconductor element and a passive component such as a resistor or a capacitor.

The washing machine communication unit in the present disclosure may be one that is connected to a communication network via a relay means. For example, the washing machine communication unit may be connected to the relay means via a wired connection, or may be connected to the relay means via a wireless connection.

Examples of wired connection include a wired LAN based on the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard, or a wired connection using an optical fiber cable. Examples of wireless connection include an IEEE 802.11-compatible wireless LAN that wirelessly communicates with a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) router, a third-generation mobile communication system (commonly known as 3G), a fourth-generation mobile communication system (commonly known as 4G), a fifth-generation mobile communication system (commonly known as 5G), a WiMax (registered trademark) compatible with IEEE 802.16, or an LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). Examples of short-distance wireless connection include Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, NFC (Near Field Communication) communication via a loop antenna, or infrared communication.

The relay means is expected to be the aforementioned Wi-Fi router, a gateway, or an external terminal compatible with 3G or 4G.

This disclosure is applicable to devices that communicate with terminals and servers. Specifically, this disclosure is applicable to devices such as washing machines, air conditioners, refrigerators, and microwave ovens.

LIST OF SYMBOLS 1 Washing machine 2 Washing machine communication unit 3 Washing machine control unit 4 Washing machine function unit 5 Washing machine memory unit 6 Washing machine operation display unit 7 Course name display unit 8 Current process display unit 20 Communication network 30 Server 31 Server communication unit 32 Processing unit 33 Operation screen generation unit 34 User information unit 35 Setting information unit 40 Terminal 41 Terminal communication unit 42 Terminal operation display unit 43 Terminal course name display unit 44 Terminal operation start unit 45 Terminal current process display unit 101 Course selection screen 102 My home style course selection screen 103A Setting information input screen 103B Setting information editing screen 104A Operation start screen 104B Operation start screen 105A Terminal operation display screen 105B Terminal operation display screen 108 First error display 109 Second error display 110 Third error display 201A Washing machine operation display screen 201B Washing machine operation display screen

Claims (7)

A terminal,
A washing machine that starts an operation by remote control based on an operation instruction transmitted from the terminal and does not accept the start of operation by remote control after the operation is completed;
A laundry system comprising:
the terminal includes a terminal operation display unit that receives input of settings for an original course including parameter settings;
The washing machine includes a washing function unit and a washing machine control unit that controls the washing function unit based on the parameter settings,
The parameter settings include parameters for at least one of a washing step, a rinsing step, and a spin-drying step;
the terminal operation display unit does not complete the setting input of the original course when all of the parameters of the journey included in the parameter setting are 0.
Laundry system. The laundry system further includes a server.
the terminal further includes a terminal communication unit that transmits information about an original course including the parameter setting when a registration instruction is input on the terminal operation display unit;
the server includes a server communication unit that receives information about the original course, and a server storage unit that stores the information about the original course;
the terminal operation display unit does not accept the input of the registration instruction when all of the parameters of the journey included in the parameter setting are set to 0;
The laundry system of claim 1 . the terminal operation display unit issues a notification to prompt the user to input a setting such that any of the parameters of the process included in the parameter setting does not become 0;
The laundry system according to claim 1 or 2. The parameter setting further includes a parameter for a drying step executed after the dehydration step,
the terminal operation display unit does not complete the setting input of the original course when the parameter related to the dehydration process is 0;
The laundry system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A washing machine application program installed in a terminal for remotely controlling a washing machine that does not accept a remote start of operation after operation has ended,
A first step of displaying parameter settings of an original course including parameters of at least one of a washing step, a rinsing step, and a spin-drying step in an inputtable manner;
a second step of not completing the input of the original course setting in a state where all of the parameters of the journey included in the parameter setting are 0;
A program that causes a terminal to execute the following. The program according to claim 5, which causes the terminal to execute a third step of informing the user that, when all of the parameters of the process included in the parameter setting are 0, the user is prompted to input a parameter of any of the process included in the parameter setting so that the parameter is not 0. The parameter setting further includes a parameter for a drying step executed after the dehydration step,
7. The program according to claim 6, which causes a terminal to execute a fourth step of not completing input of the setting of the original course when the parameter relating to the spin-drying process is zero.