JP7675675B2 - Cleaning Equipment - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to various cleaning devices for home and commercial use. For example, this disclosure relates to cleaning devices such as washing machines and dishwashers (including dishwasher-dryers) that are 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), 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) used in the cleaning devices and other electrical equipment.
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 electrical appliances differ, and the amount of consumption varies. For example, even if an electrical appliance (such as a dishwasher or a clothes washer) is used in the same household, the amount consumed per operation varies depending on the user, items to be washed, and laundry. Therefore, even if detergent, fabric softener, and other consumables are stored in the home, it is difficult to accurately predict when they will run out. It may happen that the cleaning device cannot be operated because the necessary consumables are not available.

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 detergent is supplied and filled, and a predicted number of times that the detergent 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 cleaning water obtained by mixing water and detergent includes a refill preparation state detection means for detecting 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 for obtaining the planned number of days until the detergent for refilling is obtained when the refill preparation state is detected, a detergent remaining amount acquisition means for acquiring the remaining amount of the detergent 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 for acquiring the average number of washes per day, a restriction necessity determination means for determining 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 for limiting 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, a type of electrical appliance, in which a tank for storing liquid detergent is provided outside the washing tub, and the detergent is poured into the washing 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 liquid detergent remaining at the time when the washing process is completed.
For these reasons, even if the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are adopted, they do not fully meet the expectations of reducing the burden on users in terms of managing remaining amounts of consumable products, replenishment, etc.

The first objective of the present disclosure is to enable easy acquisition of information on consumable products that require refilling or replacement, thereby reducing the burden on users in managing consumable products such as cleaning devices and improving user convenience.

The second objective of the present disclosure is to improve user convenience by allowing operation to be started using a different type of consumable product when the remaining amount of the consumable product is low.

The cleaning device according to the first disclosure has a communication unit that can be connected to a network or an information processing terminal, an input unit that accepts input commands from a user, an alarm unit, a control unit that receives the input command from the input unit and controls the operation of the cleaning unit, a measuring unit that measures the amount of a first consumable product used when the cleaning unit is operating, a consumption information acquisition unit that generates status information A to be provided to the outside from the communication unit, an equipment information storage unit that stores the status information A, a supplying means that supplies the first consumable product to a cleaning space, and a water quality determination unit that determines the water quality of cleaning liquid containing the first consumable product that cleans an object to be cleaned in the cleaning unit, and the consumption information acquisition unit the control unit switches between a normal operation mode in which the first consumable product is used and an emergency operation mode in which the supply means is not used, the cleaning unit controls the supply means based on judgment data from the water quality judgment unit , and even when the control unit executes the emergency operation mode, the consumption information acquisition unit generates the status information A regarding the remaining amount of the first consumable product, and the control unit updates a list regarding the need to replenish consumable products including the first consumable product and to replace the consumable product based on the generated status information A, and transmits the updated list to the information processing terminal .

The cleaning device according to the second disclosure comprises:
an input unit for receiving input commands from a user;
A control unit that receives the input command and controls the operation of the cleaning unit;
a measuring unit configured to measure an amount of a first consumable product to be used during operation of the cleaning unit;
a container containing the first consumable product;
A supply means for supplying the first consumable product to the cleaning space;
A notification section;
having
The control unit 2 activates the notification unit after the main power supply is turned on,
(1) when it is detected that the amount of the first consumable product present in the container is equal to or greater than a tolerable value through a metering operation by the metering unit, acquisition of command data is permitted;
(2) when the amount of the first consumable product is less than the allowable value, acquisition of the command data is not permitted, and input from the input unit is limited to an emergency operation mode;
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

The information processing terminal of the third disclosure is:
a communication unit that can be connected to a plurality of electrical devices via a network;
A terminal display unit;
an operation unit that accepts input commands from a user;
A terminal control unit that receives the input command and controls data processing and transmission operations;
a consumer goods database for storing status information A of the consumer goods of the electrical 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, the terminal control unit displays a selection menu that can be inputted through the operation unit on the terminal display unit;
When one of the selection menus is selected, a first selection means is displayed for requesting the display of data related to the consumables of the electrical appliance linked to the user who has been registered in advance, and a second selection means is displayed for requesting the display of more detailed data on the specific consumables displayed by the selection of the first selection means;
when the terminal control unit acquires the status information A, the terminal control unit displays, on the terminal side display unit, information identifying the electrical appliance that has been operated in an emergency operation mode due to a shortage of the consumable product;
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

The information acquisition system for the fourth disclosure is
A plurality of electrical devices connected to a network;
a storage means connected to the electrical appliance via the network, for acquiring and storing status information A relating to a remaining status of a consumable product used in the electrical appliance;
an information processing terminal connected to said storage means via said network and having a terminal-side display unit;
the electrical appliance has a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires the status information A, and a communication unit that, when operated in an emergency operation mode due to a shortage of the remaining amount of the consumable product, includes information on the operation mode in the status information A and transmits the information to the storage means,
the information processing terminal has a menu for acquiring information on the status information A from among the plurality of data stored in the storage means and displaying the information on the terminal side display unit,
when the information processing terminal device acquires the status information A, displaying information identifying the electrical device operated in the emergency operation mode on the terminal side display unit;
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

The server according to the fifth disclosure is:
a plurality of data items connected to an electrical appliance and an information processing terminal in a communicable state via a network, for displaying information on consumable goods related to the electrical appliance 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 the user, according to the contents of the operated input keys,
(1) among the plurality of data, data on remaining amounts of the consumable goods generated in response to information on the consumable goods from the electrical appliance is aggregated on a per-user basis and displayed in a list form on the terminal display unit;
(2) displaying information on a remaining amount or a degree of urgency of a specific consumable product among the consumable products displayed in the list state on a display screen different from the list state on the terminal side display unit;
(3) When the remaining amount of the consumable product is insufficient for any electrical device and the electrical device is operated in an emergency operation mode, information identifying the consumable product that is insufficient for the electrical device is displayed on the terminal display unit.
Carrying out processing;
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

The remaining amount management system for consumables according to the sixth disclosure is
A plurality of electrical devices 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
Each of the plurality of electrical appliances has a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires status information A relating to a remaining status of a consumable product, and a communication unit that transmits the status information A to an external 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 one of the electrical appliances, and generates determination information B regarding a remaining state of a specific consumable product BB based on the status information A acquired from an electrical appliance that is the same as or different from the electrical appliance;
The information processing terminal displays the consumable products AA and BB, for which the determination information A and the determination information B belong to the same urgency level, on a single list screen on a terminal display unit for each user,
the server, when there is an electric appliance operated in an emergency operation mode due to a shortage of the consumable goods among the electric appliances from which the status information A has been acquired, displays information identifying the consumable goods that are in short supply in the electric appliance on the terminal side display unit;
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

The seventh disclosure relates to a consumer goods purchasing support system,
A plurality of electrical devices 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 generates determination information A regarding a remaining state of a specific consumable product AA based on status information A acquired from one of the electrical appliances, and generates determination information B regarding a remaining state of a specific consumable product BB based on the status information A acquired from an electrical appliance that is the same as or different from the electrical appliance;
the information processing terminal displays the judgment information A and the judgment information B on a same list screen on a terminal display unit;
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 to be selected when a purchase of the consumable product specified in the judgment information A or the judgment information B is desired;
the server, when there is an electric appliance operated in an emergency operation mode due to a shortage of the consumable goods among the electric appliances from which the status information A has been acquired, displays information identifying the consumable goods that are in short supply in the electric appliance on the terminal side display unit;
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

The information acquisition system for the eighth disclosure is
An electrical 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 status of consumables 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 electrical appliance has a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires status information A relating to a remaining state of the consumable product, and a communication unit that, when operated in an emergency operation mode corresponding to the remaining amount of the consumable product, includes information on the operation mode in the status information A and transmits the information to the storage means,
the information processing terminal has a menu for displaying, on the terminal display unit, information relating to the status information A acquired from the electrical device, among the plurality of data stored in the storage means;
When the information processing terminal device acquires the status information A, the information processing terminal device causes the terminal device to display information identifying the electrical device operated in the emergency operation mode on the terminal device display unit,
a selection screen on which input keys for selecting the menu are arranged is displayed on the information processing terminal;
When the input key is operated, among the plurality of data stored in the storage means, information on at least one of a remaining state, remaining time, and urgency of a specific consumable product obtained from the electrical appliance, and information on at least one of a remaining state, remaining time, and urgency of a specific consumable product obtained from an electrical appliance that is the same as or different from the electrical appliance are displayed on the same list screen on the terminal side display unit,
when a specific consumable product is designated while the list screen is being displayed, information on the remaining state of the designated consumable product that is not displayed on the list screen, and which is information on the operation of a related electrical device or advice information on the acquisition of the designated consumable product, is displayed on the terminal display unit in a separate screen different from the list screen;
when the information processing terminal device acquires the status information A, displaying information identifying the electrical device operated in the emergency operation mode on the terminal side display unit;
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

The information acquisition system for the ninth disclosure is
A plurality of electrical devices connected to a network;
a storage means connected to the electrical appliances via the network, in which remaining amount data on consumables consumed in at least one of the electrical appliances and in need of replenishment, and part data on consumable parts used in at least one of the electrical appliances and in need of replacement are recorded;
an information processing terminal connected to said storage means via said network and having a terminal-side display unit;
The electrical device has a control unit that controls an operating state, an input unit that sets operating conditions by the control unit, and a communication unit that transmits a setting result of the input unit to an outside,
the information processing terminal has a plurality of input keys on the terminal display unit,
when a specific input key among the input keys is operated, the storage means displays, on the terminal display unit, a shopping list display screen displaying determination information on the necessity of replacement according to the part data acquired from the electrical equipment and information identifying the consumable product related to the remaining amount data;
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

The server according to the tenth disclosure is:
the device is connected to an electrical appliance and an information processing terminal in a communicable state via a network, and stores a plurality of data for displaying information on consumable goods related to the electrical appliance on a terminal display unit of the information processing terminal;
A selection screen having a plurality of input keys is displayed on the terminal display unit, and when the user operates the input keys, the following is performed according to the contents of the operated input keys:
(1) among the plurality of data, consumable goods data generated in response to a transmission result of status information A from the electrical appliance is aggregated for each user, and displayed in a list form on the terminal side display unit;
(2) displaying information on a remaining amount or a degree of urgency of replenishment or replacement of a specific consumable product among the consumable products displayed in the list state on a display screen different from the list state on the terminal side display unit;
(3) When the remaining amount of the consumable product is insufficient for any electrical device and the electrical device is operated in an emergency operation mode, information identifying the consumable product that is insufficient for the electrical device is displayed on the terminal display unit.
Execute the process,
Further, a judgment criterion setting unit is provided,
the determination criterion setting unit is capable of changing the determination criterion of the urgency level in response to an input from the information processing terminal device;
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

The cleaning device according to the eleventh 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 cleaning unit;
A measuring unit that measures an amount of consumables used during operation of the cleaning unit;
A container containing the consumable product;
a supply means for supplying the consumable product for cleaning;
The Communications Department and
A water quality sensor that measures the water quality of the cleaning solution;
having
The control unit is
(1) when it is detected by the measuring operation of the measuring unit that the amount of the consumable product present in the container is equal to or greater than a tolerable value, the washing unit starts to operate in response to a command from the input unit;
(2) transmitting measurement data of the water quality sensor from the communication unit to an external device during the cleaning process after the cleaning unit starts operating;
(3) when command data for additional input of the consumable product is acquired via the communication unit, the supplying means instructs the additional input of the consumable product;
Furthermore, the control unit has a function of transmitting measurement data of the consumable product measured by the measuring unit.
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

The information acquisition system for the twelfth disclosure is
A cleaning device connected to a network;
a storage means connected to the cleaning device via the network, the storage means acquiring and storing information regarding a remaining amount of a first consumable product 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 can be operated in either a normal operation mode or an emergency operation mode;
The cleaning device further includes a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires measurement data of the remaining amount of the first consumable product, and a communication unit that transmits information of the emergency operation mode to the storage means when the cleaning device is operated in the emergency operation mode in accordance with the remaining amount of the consumable product,
The memory means has a water quality determination function for determining the water quality of the cleaning liquid of the cleaning device after the cleaning device starts the cleaning process, and according to the water quality determination result,
(1) in the normal operation mode, a command to input the first consumable product is issued;
(2) In the case of the emergency operation mode, a command to input a second consumable product is issued;
when an input key is operated, the information processing terminal displays, on the terminal display unit, information regarding the remaining amount of the first consumable product acquired from the cleaning device, among the plurality of data stored in the storage means;
Furthermore, the information processing terminal displays the content of the input command for the second consumable product on a terminal display unit.
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

The information acquisition system for the thirteenth disclosure is
A cleaning device connected to a network;
a storage means connected to the cleaning device via the network, for acquiring and storing measurement data 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 the measurement data, and a communication unit that, when operated in an emergency operation mode due to a shortage of the consumable product, transmits information of the emergency operation mode to the storage means,
When an input key is operated, the information processing terminal displays, on the terminal display unit, the measurement data acquired from the cleaning device among the plurality of data stored in the memory means;
when the cleaning device is operated in the emergency operation mode, the information processing terminal displays information specifying the operation in the emergency operation mode on the terminal display unit;
The cleaning device has a cleaning process and a sterilization process, and the sterilization process transmits measurement data obtained by measuring the quality of cleaning water from the communication unit to the storage means,
The cleaning device has a program for automatically executing the sterilization process again when a certain time has elapsed after the sterilization process is completed;
This is a configuration 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.
In addition, according to the consumable product remaining amount management system of the present disclosure, status information of the consumable product can be generated and provided outside the home using a network.
Furthermore, according to the consumable product purchasing support system of the present disclosure, information regarding the remaining status 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 2 showing the basic operation of the dishwasher/dryer shown in FIG. 5 . 6 is a flowchart 3 showing the 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. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of status information transmitted from a dishwasher to a first server 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. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a terminal display unit showing a scene in which the reservation status of an electrical device is confirmed by a communication terminal in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram 2 for explaining the operation of the terminal display unit when operated following FIG. 32 . FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a dishwasher/dryer as an example of an electrical appliance according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. 35 is a time chart 1 showing the basic operation of the dishwasher/dryer shown in FIG. 34 . 35 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of measuring liquid detergent in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 34. 35 is a schematic diagram showing a door portion of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 34 in a partial vertical cross-sectional view. 35 is a display example 1 showing the result of measuring the remaining amount of liquid detergent in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 34 . 35 is a second example of a display showing the measurement result of the remaining amount of liquid detergent in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 34 . 35 is a flowchart showing the operation during sterilization operation in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 34 . 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. 42 is a schematic diagram showing, in partial longitudinal cross section, the entire liquid detergent metering system in the cleaning device shown in FIG. 41 . 42 is a flowchart showing a process from start-up to the start of a cleaning process of the cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 41 . 42 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. 41 . 42 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. 41 . FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram 1 for explaining the operation of a communication terminal, showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from a first server in the remaining amount management system shown in FIG. 41. FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram 2 for explaining the operation of a communication terminal, showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from a first server in the remaining amount management system shown in FIG. 41 . FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram 3 for explaining the operation of a communication terminal, showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from a first server in the remaining amount management system shown in FIG. 41 . 42 is a flowchart showing the replacement operation of consumable parts of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 41. 42 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. 41. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a consumable product remaining amount management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. 52 is a flowchart showing the steps of a process for changing judgment criteria in the first server used in the system of FIG. 51 . 52 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of a judgment history inquiry operation in the first server used in the system of FIG. 51 . FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing, in partial vertical cross section, a measuring section and a container storage section of a dishwasher 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. 56 is a flowchart showing the operation of a mail order processing unit of an information processing terminal used in the purchase support system of FIG. 55. 55 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. 54. FIG. 57 is a front view showing a display example of the terminal side display unit of the information processing terminal shown in FIG. 56. 13 is a time chart showing a basic operation of a dishwasher according to a fifth embodiment. 55 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of measuring liquid detergent in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 54. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing an electrical device and a network environment in one house HA according to a sixth embodiment. 62 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of measuring liquid detergent in the dishwasher (cleaning device) shown in FIG. 61. 23 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperative operation between the cleaning device and the first server in the consumable product remaining amount management system in the sixth embodiment. Time chart 1 showing the coordinated operation between the cleaning device and the first server in emergency operation mode for the consumable product remaining amount management system shown in Figure 63. 1 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperative operation between the cleaning device, the first server, and the communication terminal in an emergency operation mode. 62 is a flowchart showing the operation during sterilization operation in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 61. A flowchart showing the cooperative operation between the home gateway and the first server during the sterilization operation of the dishwasher shown in Figure 61. 23 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the communication terminal, showing a scene in which a notification is received from the first server in the remaining amount management system in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing a process to be taken when a liquid detergent supply means fails in the dishwasher (cleaning device) shown in FIG. 61.

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 types of appliances: Note that the term also includes commercial electrical appliances 1 used in restaurant kitchens, factories, and the like.
(1) Electrical appliances in the kitchen: Cooking appliances (including appliances with microwave heating sources, electric heating sources, and gas heating sources), washing machines such as clothes washing machines and 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 hot water tanks and bathtub cleaning equipment. Also includes gas-fired water heaters), bathtub cleaning equipment (including those with hot water cleaning functions)
(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 appliance 1, and is a type of cleaning equipment designed for use in facilities such as homes, apartment buildings, and stores. Depending on the type of items to be cleaned, it may be called, for example, a dishwasher, a dishwasher-dryer (with a dish drying function), a vegetable washer, a clothes washer, etc. It also includes commercial devices used in restaurant kitchens, factories, etc.

A household dishwasher is proposed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2921083. A commercial dishwashing device is proposed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-176369.

The cleaning device 1E includes a type of cleaning device in which an object to be cleaned is placed in an internal space (cleaning space WS) of a single housing, and cleaning water (which may contain detergent) is sprayed or sprayed onto the object to clean it.
The cleaning device also includes a type in which the object to be cleaned is placed on a moving body such as a belt conveyor, and the cleaning operation is performed as the moving body passes through the cleaning space.

Furthermore, the cleaning device 1E includes a type of cleaning device (for example, as proposed in JP 2020-81616 A) in which the object to be cleaned is immersed in a cleaning tank that contains a liquid such as cleaning water and cleaned.

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 communication 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" (hereinafter referred to as "consumable 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 (including granular and tablet-type) detergent, fabric softener, bleach, surfactant, etc.

In the first embodiment, "status information A" includes information indicating the remaining amount or remaining rate of the consumable product, grace period (period) information indicating the period or time until the amount of the consumable product becomes so low that normal operation is no longer possible, or information on the number of operations until the amount of the consumable product becomes so low that normal operation is no longer possible. In other words, it may be information itself (e.g., the weight of detergent) obtained from a remaining amount sensor of the consumable product (weight sensor, etc.), and information on predicted values (including information classified into multiple values based on judgment criteria) calculated based on the information on the period during which operation is possible or the number of times it is possible to operate, etc. 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.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the status information A transmitted from the cleaning device 1E to the outside includes information indicating an operation mode, which will be described later. For example, it includes information on an "external control mode" in which command data CD, which will be described later, is acquired from the outside to determine the operation conditions of the cleaning device 1E.

In other words, it also includes "control mode identification data" that can identify either a "normal control mode" in which the user US determines the operating conditions of the cleaning device 1E by performing touch input or the like on the input unit 4 that accepts touch operations and voice input, or an "external control mode" in which the device is operated based on external information selected by operating the communication terminal 200.

Furthermore, when the consumable products used by the cleaning device 1E are two types, a first consumable product (liquid detergent) and a second consumable product (tablet detergent) that can be supplied manually and directly by the user US, the status information A also includes information that can distinguish between a "normal operation mode OP1" that uses the first consumable product (liquid detergent) and an "emergency operation mode OP2" (emergency mode OP2) that uses the second consumable product (tablet detergent).

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 (accumulated usage time information, etc.) of the "consumable parts" (e.g., the filtration filter 16F) described below and the measurement data of consumable products such as detergent as described above have different characteristics or acquisition timings, they may be transmitted to an external device (e.g., 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 device 1 such as a cleaning device 1E, 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 first server 20 may also be what is generally called a "Web server" (hereinafter referred to as a "Web server"). A Web server refers to a service program that provides display information of HTML and objects (images, etc.) to a Web browser of software on the information processing device (client) side that is the "information receiver" such as various communication terminals (information processing terminal 200) and a home gateway (not shown) in accordance with HTTP (a protocol used to exchange data such as HTML documents and images between a Web server and a Web browser), and a server computer on which the service operates.

The electrical appliance 1 in this embodiment 1 is a cleaning device 1E. Specifically, it 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.

In the following detailed description of the first embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the electrical appliance 1 includes a home or commercial dishwasher/dryer 1E.

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 conducting electronic commerce, such as online shops providing online mail order services, 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 includes 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, and, as shown in Fig. 7, a washing (water supply) pump 49, a drainage pump 52, etc. Note that the water supply pump 49, drainage pump 52, etc. referred to 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, the 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. 3D is a display unit that constitutes part of the notification unit 3 and includes 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 operating parts that receive touch or pressing operations from 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 operating section 54 and an upper operating section 54U provided on the top display section 56U of the door 44, as shown in FIG. 3.

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, which will be described later. 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 HA, and is structured so that the user US cannot plug or 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 being a dishwasher/dryer 1E, so the function performing part 9 corresponds to the configuration for achieving the functions of washing and drying dishes. The function performing part 9 of the washing device 1E may be referred to as the washing part 9W.

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 having a drying function as well) 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 addition, in a form in which cleaning water is sprayed from above the dishes, the shower nozzle 50 may be called a shower head 50, and a system in which both are provided and cleaning water is sprayed alternately from above and below may also be adopted.

In addition, the functional parts 9W include an electric heater 51 for producing hot water for washing and drying the dishes 66 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 supplying section 43 that supplies a dedicated liquid detergent 42 (see FIG. 5) stored in a dedicated tank 16 (see FIG. 5) on the outside and front side of the washing tub 15 is also a part of the function performing section 9W. In addition, the electric heater 51 is composed of a first heater 51A that heats air and a second heater 51B that heats the stored washing water.

In the following description, the functional section 9 of the dishwasher (dishwasher/dryer) 1E will be referred to as the washing section 9W. When referring to electrical equipment that washes items other than dishes, it will be referred to as the "washing device" 1E.

The control section 2 controls the operation of the cleaning section 9W by providing various electric signals for driving, speed control, and stopping the cleaning section 9W.
The control contents of the control unit 2 are transmitted as the “operation information” OS of the cleaning apparatus 1E from the communication unit 8 to a first server 20 described later. For example, when the main power is turned on before the start of operation, a start signal SS (operation information OS1), which is a type of operation signal OS, is transmitted to the first server 20.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a consumption information acquisition unit, which is one of the characteristic features of this electrical appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E). 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," one of the consumable products used in the dishwasher 1E, 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 a certain 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."

There are two types of detergents (consumable products) that can be used in the dishwasher (cleaning device 1E) of this embodiment 1: a first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) that is supplied from a supply means (detergent supply unit) 43 described below, and a second consumable product (tablet detergent 42T) that can be manually supplied directly to the cleaning unit 9W by the user US.

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 cleaning unit 9W 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 cleaning unit 9W, 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, or EEPROM.

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 42) 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 information held in the consumer goods database 28 can be updated and enhanced whenever necessary by obtaining information from the information providing server 20N.

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 correspondence between the specific electrical device 1 and the user US or family member can be grasped.

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, reference numeral 25 denotes a judgment criteria storage unit.
The judgment criterion storage unit 25 stores remaining amount judgment criterion data ZD that serves as a criterion for judging the remaining amount of the consumable product.
There are two types of remaining amount determination reference data ZD.
One is remaining amount determination reference data A for voice input. This is stored in such a manner that a predetermined "keyword" and a "remaining amount level" are linked to each other so that they can be collated with text data provided by the voice recognition unit 32, which will be described later.
The other is remaining amount determination reference data B for the data transmitted from the electric device 1 and the communication terminal 200 via the transmitting/receiving unit 30 .

In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the remaining amount determination reference data A and the remaining amount determination reference data B will be collectively referred to as the "remaining amount determination reference data."
The data structures and threshold values of the remaining amount determination reference data A and the remaining amount determination reference data B cannot be changed by input operations from the user US.

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

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."

Furthermore, in addition to the remaining amount judgment criteria data ZD described above, this judgment criteria storage unit 25 stores urgency judgment criteria data HD1 for judging the "urgency" described below in a list (table format) for each type of consumable product and device identification information of the electrical device 1.

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 appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E) 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 dishwasher 1E is activated, a notification may be sent to the dishwasher 1E based on the event information registered by the schedule determination unit 26.
Also, at a certain time, a command may be issued to each of the dishwashers 1E registered in advance in a single home or office, requesting them to provide the "status information A" including information on the remaining amount of consumables. This is the same for other electric appliances 1E.

In this case, the "command" is a type of "command data (command command) CD" described later. In addition, the command command can also be instructed to be sent through the communication terminal 200, so that the user US can simultaneously collect information on the remaining amount of consumables for multiple electrical appliances 1 in his/her home, such as the dishwasher 1E and the cooking appliance, using the communication terminal 200 when going out for shopping. However, not all electrical appliances 1 receive and respond to the command data CD, and electrical appliances 1 whose main power is turned off cannot receive and therefore cannot respond. Even if the electrical appliance 1 is turned on and in operation, it may not immediately receive command data CD from outside depending on the operation content. Taking these circumstances into consideration, the first server 20 stores the status of the consumables from each electrical appliance 1 in the appliance consumables database 23R as needed at the stage of receiving status information A from each electrical appliance 1, so that it can respond to data inquiries from the communication terminal 200 (requests for provision of a shopping list PL).

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 required.

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 determination history recording unit 27 stores the urgency determination criteria data HD1 that was applied when the shopping list PL was generated. On the other hand, old urgency determination criteria data HD1 that was used when creating past shopping lists PL is stored in the listing history unit 33, which will be described later, and the data is retained for a certain period of time.

In FIG. 1, 28 is the consumable 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 dishwasher 1E 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 dishwasher 1E 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. These are the same for other electrical appliances 1.

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 dishwasher 1E, and also transmits, upon request from the communication terminal 200, inventory information and the like of consumable products stored in the appliance consumable product database 23R.

That is, the transmitting/receiving unit 30 can transmit to the communication terminal 200 the shopping list PL related to the specified dishwasher 1E from the shopping list PL held in the electric device 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 (facility ID) included in the request signal from the communication terminal 200. The transceiver unit 30 can transmit this to the communication terminal 200. That is, the shopping list PL related to the dishwasher 1E can be extracted.

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 (the "normal control mode"), or by operating external information selected by operating the communication terminal 200 (the "external control mode").

The command data generation 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 dishwasher 1E 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 electric appliance 1 is a dishwasher 1E, the command data CD that defines the operation details includes instructions (command data) that specify a means for generating hot water to be used as a cleaning liquid (such as the electric heater 51) and operating conditions (including at least one of the washing time, the temperature of the hot water, the drying time after washing, etc., but are not limited to these) so that the items to be washed 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.

In the first embodiment, the command data CD is divided into the following types:
(1) First command data CD1: Designates an operation mode of the electric appliance 1 (for example, designates a "normal washing" mode in the dishwasher 1E). Also, designates "cooking rice" or "warming" (microwave heating) in the cooking appliance 1H (not shown).
(2) Second command data CD2: Designates a "reserved mode" for starting operation of the electric appliance 1 after a designated time or at a designated time. For example, in the case of the dishwasher 1E, this designates a "reserved course" to be described later.
(3) Third command data CD3: Requests the provision of status information A of the electric device 1. Requests the provision of at least the latest remaining amount (weight, etc.) of a consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) used in the electric device 1.
(4) Fourth command data CD4: for limiting or stopping the operating conditions of the electric appliance 1. For example, this refers to a command to lower the maximum power consumption of the specific electric appliance 1 (peak cut) in response to power reduction information or tightness information from the power company, or to cancel the reservation contents set in the reservation course, or to delay the operation start time to avoid a period of concentrated power consumption.

When the electric device 1 receives the first command data CD1 and completes the reception process of the first command data CD1, if the electric device 1 is to immediately start operation, the notification unit 3 on the electric device 1 notifies the user in advance from a safety standpoint, and operation is not started until the user US inputs any confirmation or operation start input on the input unit 4 (54). Note that confirmation input includes voice input.

In the following explanation, when command data CD is simply mentioned, it refers to a case that includes at least any one of the first to fourth command data CD1 to CD4.

When the electric appliance 1 (including the dishwasher 1E) acquires 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 predetermined 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 electrical appliances 1 (including dishwasher 1E) at home (which have been 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 electrical 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.
This listing history section 33 stores previous target data that was the basis of the shopping list PL generated by the control section 20, measurement data MD of consumable products (liquid detergent 42) and the like. That is, every time the shopping list PL is updated, the data that was applied when creating the old past shopping list PL is stored and saved in this listing history section 33 in sequence.
Past data in the listing history section 33 is held for a certain period of time.

The basic data of the past shopping list PL stored in this listing history section 33 is arranged in chronological order based on the time of storage and is also searchable, so that when a request is made by a specific user US through the communication terminal 200, the control section 21 can provide information such as the remaining amount of consumable goods sorted by the device 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 section 4 of the electrical appliance 1, the first server 20 may send the shopping list PL data stored in the listing history section 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 each of the electric appliances 1 including the dishwasher 1E 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 device 200, or may be provided in the external first server 20, so that the search function is provided outside the communication terminal device 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 video processing unit 233 analyzes and processes video (including still images and videos) captured through a camera lens (not shown). For example, information identifying the consumable goods is generated from image data of the bottle or outer box of liquid detergent 42 captured by the user US at a store or the like. Alternatively, the captured video data may be converted into a specified format and transmitted to the first server 20, allowing the first server 20 to identify the consumable goods from the image data.

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 connected to the first server 20, which is an information providing means, via the network NW and downloaded from the first server 20 (application software providing unit 29). 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"). In other words, it can generate command data CD.

Furthermore, the remote control information generation unit 219 can generate the first command data CD1 to the fourth command data CD4.

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. In other words, it is not possible to command the start of a heating operation.

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 the communication terminal 200 generates and transmits remote control information, the electric appliance 1 acquires only the remote control signal (command data CD) received during a reception period determined by the electric appliance 1. This point will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10.
Moreover, the remote operation 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 determination criteria data HD1" for that electrical device 1 within a range determined by the first server, for example, to "high urgency of acquisition = must be acquired within two days."

In this case, the new data on the terminal side stored in the electrical device database 217 is called urgency determination data HD2. This urgency determination data HD2 is the same as the urgency determination criterion data HD1 on the first server 20 side. However, the urgency determination criterion data HD1 for electrical devices 1 that are not registered in the communication terminal 200 is not required for the communication terminal 200, and is therefore not acquired.

As described above, the urgency determination data HD1 is stored in the determination criterion storage unit 25, and is provided for one communication terminal 200 based on the user ID and device identification information.
In the communication terminal 200, a judgment criterion for each desired electric appliance 1 can be created based on the urgency judgment criterion data HD1, and can be stored and saved in the electric appliance database 217 as urgency judgment data HD2.

The "urgency" here can be freely set by the user himself/herself, taking into consideration the "number of days" until the user US acquires the consumable goods. In the urgency determination criteria data HD1 on the first server 20 side, all consumable goods whose acquisition deadline is within three days are classified as "urgent" by default, but in cases where the user US needs a considerable amount of time to acquire the consumable goods due to circumstances of the user US, it is better for the user US to receive an alert earlier, so for example, the "threshold" of within three days can be changed to within seven days, so that within seven days is determined to be "high urgency."

The difference between the "urgency" and the "margin" on the side of the electric device 1 will be described.
The margin is determined based on the standard consumption amount per operation determined by the manufacturer of the electrical appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E, etc.) 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 applies to all users of the same electrical appliance 1. However, even for electrical appliances 1, the threshold value for determining the margin may differ between a dishwasher 1E and a cooking appliance 1H, even if they are products of the same manufacturer. This is because the amount of the consumable material consumed per operation and the type of the consumable material itself are different.

In contrast, the "urgency" can be freely set by the user, taking into consideration the "number of days" required before the user US obtains the consumable goods. For example, even if the default setting is for everything within three days to be classified as "urgent," 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, since the same electrical appliance (dishwasher 1E) is used by different users US, it is the "urgency" that allows the level and range of notifications to be flexibly selected to suit the circumstances of each individual user US. The data that can reflect the intentions of the user US is the urgency determination criteria data HD2.

When the dishwasher 1E or other electrical appliance 1 is operated in the emergency operation mode OP2, among the consumables used by the electrical appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E), those consumables whose remaining amounts, such as weight, are known are automatically designated as having the highest level of urgency.

In other words, the status information A received by the first server 20 from one dishwasher 1E contains either information that can distinguish between "normal operation mode OP1" and "emergency operation mode OP2" (emergency mode). Therefore, if it is determined that the operation mode is emergency operation mode OP2, the first server 20 classifies the target consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) whose remaining amount is already being managed by the dishwasher 1E as having the highest level of urgency and records it in the appliance consumable product database 23R. Then, it transmits this to the communication terminal 200 as the latest version of the shopping list PL described below.

In this way, when an electrical appliance 1 (e.g., a dishwasher 1E) is operated in emergency operation mode OP2, the first server 20 determines information about the dishwasher 1E without the user US having to do anything, and notifies the user US of the communication terminal 200 by push notification, which will be described later.

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 1H denotes a cooking device, which is one type of electric appliance 1, and in the example of FIG. 3, it is a built-in induction cooking device or a built-in gas cooking device.

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 15 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 (dishwasher/dryer) 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 forward to its 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 the door 44 are pulled backward 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 the drive motor 70, but the door may be pulled forward by the user US without being 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 to a certain extent" configuration, but at the same time, employs a configuration in which the door 44 is pulled into the housing 14 to a predetermined position.

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.
Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a part of the door 44 which 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. Fig. 6 is an enlarged schematic view of the circled portion X 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 liquid detergent 42 may be referred to as a first consumable product. A tablet-type detergent, a granular detergent, or a powder detergent that is manually dispensed by the user US without using the detergent supply unit 43 may be referred to as a second consumable product 42A (not shown).
The second consumable product 42A is not a target for weighing by the weighing unit 12. Furthermore, the first server 20 does not obtain data on the consumption amount or remaining amount of the second consumable product 42A.

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 toward 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 that can measure 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 (first consumable product) 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 the amount of liquid detergent 42 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. Also, when the tank 16 moves directly sideways over the weight sensor 37 and is stored in a predetermined position in the storage space 45, the measuring part of the weight sensor 37 comes into contact with the tank 16 directly below the center of gravity position so as to support it, so that the weight sensor 37 can accurately measure the weight of the tank 16. Note that the number of weight sensors 37 is not limited to one, and multiple weight sensors 37 may be installed and the total weight may be calculated by adding up the measured values.

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 step S3, which is described in FIG. 8. 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 at step S6, which is 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.

43 is a detergent supply unit 43 for supplying liquid detergent (first consumable product) 42, and as shown in FIG. 6, includes the control valve 48 and the drive circuit 74 shown in FIG. 7.

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.

17S is a water quality sensor that detects the quality of the cleaning water stored at the bottom of the cleaning tank 15. This water quality sensor may be, for example, one already known as a "turbidity sensor" that can optically measure the turbidity of water. In addition, sensors that analyze other physical properties such as pH value or electrical conductivity may be used in combination or alone. The detection unit of the water quality sensor 17S may be installed facing a pipeline of a certain size, and measurements may be taken while the cleaning water is flowing through the pipeline.

17 is a water quality determination unit constituting part of the control device MC described later, and acquires water quality detection data from the water quality sensor 17S at a predetermined timing, such as the initial stage of the cleaning process. Alternatively, when the user US requests data on the water quality state via the operation unit 54 or the communication terminal 200 described later, the water quality detection data is acquired from the water quality sensor 17S, and the water quality is determined to be good or bad and notified by the notification unit 3 (display unit 3D). Alternatively, the determination result is transmitted to the communication terminal 200 via the communication unit 8. The "water quality" may be evaluated and presented on a number of levels according to a water quality determination criteria data table prepared in advance.

The measurement data or judgment data of the water quality judgment unit 17 is input to the control unit 2 and is used to judge whether to add additional liquid detergent 42 or add additional rinses during the washing process or rinsing process.

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 to the inside of the washing tank 15, and exhausts the hot and humid air inside 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 (washing unit 9W) and whether there is water leakage from the washing tank 15 containing the tableware, 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. Therefore, it is recommended to select this "thorough course" when washing dishes that have been left for a long time after eating.

The "reserved course" is a course in which operation is started a certain time (e.g., 4 hours) after the setting, 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 4 hours after the reservation is set. Note that the user US may be allowed to select one of several stages, such as 2 hours, 4 hours, etc.
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.

Furthermore, in this dishwasher 1, the user US can set the "reserved course" to start the washing operation by a command from the communication terminal 200 (this will be called "reserved course #2").
The reservation course #2 can also be set from the communication terminal 200 by the second command data CD2.

To ensure that the user does not forget to start operating reserved course #2, a push notification is sent to the communication terminal 200 at regular intervals from the time that reserved course #2 is set. For example, the notification is sent via the first server 20 at a notification timing previously selected by the user US, such as 3 hours, 3 hours and 30 minutes, or 4 hours.

When the user sees a notification on the terminal display unit 216 requesting a command to start operation of reserved course #2, the user performs a specified operation on the terminal display unit 216, which generates command data CD, allowing the user to command the start of the washing process via the first server 20. Therefore, even if the user is away from home, the user can command the washing of dishes from a remote location.

In the next step S4, a standby initial screen (not shown) indicating a standby state is displayed on the display unit 3D, and usage precautions for the user US are displayed on the standby initial screen.
In addition, when the input unit 54 is a touch-type input unit using the display screen (display panel) of the display unit 3D, a touch key unit (icon) for selecting one of a plurality of cleaning courses is displayed on the initial standby screen. When the receiving operation of the command data CD starts, the initial standby screen is automatically switched to a receiving operation screen indicating that the data is being received.

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 actually 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) is turned on (step S1), and transmits data indicating that the device has been started (initial operating state data OS1) to the outside from the communication unit 8. Note that the transmission of this operating state data OS1 may be omitted.

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 (described in FIG. 10). 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 outside (acquirable period TB1) is until just before the input unit 4 issues a command to start the cleaning operation. The period from step S4 to step S6 is called the initial standby period TA.

In other words, since the electric appliance 1 has a higher priority for obtaining the command data CD than for transmitting the status information A, it is possible to avoid causing a failure in the remote control (external control mode) of the dishwasher 1E.
As mentioned above, in this dishwasher 1E, by operating the “cleaning course selection” button (or input key) provided on the input unit 4, it is possible to switch between the normal control mode and the external control mode in which the dishwasher is operated based on external information selected by operating the communication terminal 200.

Furthermore, the dishwasher 1E actually acquires the command data CD when a specific input operation is performed on the dishwasher 1E side, which will be explained in detail in FIG. 10.

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.

Furthermore, in the dishwasher 1E of the first embodiment, as will be described with reference to FIG. 12, the control unit 2 starts the notification unit after the main power is turned on,
(1) When the amount of the liquid detergent 42 (the amount of the first consumable product) present in the container 16 is detected to be equal to or greater than a permissible amount by the metering operation of the metering unit 12, acquisition of command data CD is permitted (i.e., the external control mode can be selected);
(2) When the amount (weight measurement value) of the liquid detergent 42 is less than the allowable value, acquisition of the command data CD is not permitted, and input from the input unit is limited to a manual control mode.
It is a composition.

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 will reject 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 15. Then, the cleaning process is started.

One of the features of this embodiment 1 is that additional liquid detergent 42 is added (once or several times) after step S6.

That is, after the start of the cleaning process (step S6), the water quality determination section 17 receives a command from the control section 2 and checks the quality of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 15.
The water quality determination unit 17 receives a detection signal from the water quality sensor 17S and determines the degree of dirtiness of the wash water. The determination result is sent to the control unit 2, which controls the control valve 48. Note that additional water is not necessarily added during each wash process, but is instead determined based on the quality of the wash water. In Figure 9, this series of controls is called the "water quality detection (determination) process" SLP for the wash tank.

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.

After the rinsing process is started (step S8), the water quality determination section 17 receives a command from the control section 2 and checks the quality of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 15.
The water quality determination unit 17 receives a detection signal from the water quality sensor 17S and determines the degree of dirtiness of the cleaning water inside the cleaning tank 15 during the rinsing process. The determination result is sent to the control unit 2, which issues commands to add or delete the number of rinses (reduce the number of rinses) to the drive circuits 83, 81 for the cleaning pump 49, the water supply valve 80, etc. Note that this water quality detection (determination) process SLP is not necessarily performed during every rinsing process, but depending on the settings of the user US, an operating mode in which this water quality detection (determination) process SLP is omitted can be selected.
In order to distinguish between two or more water quality detection (determination) processes SLP, the water quality detection (determination) process for the cleaning process may be denoted as SLP1, and that for the rinsing process as SLP2, in the following description.

In the drying process from step S9, fresh air is introduced into the inside of the cleaning tank 15 from the outside, 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. 16, 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 2 showing the basic operation of the dishwasher (dishwasher-dryer) 1E, and shows the relationship between the washing process and the operation of acquiring command data CD.

In FIG. 10, SP1 to SP14 indicate operation steps of the control unit 2 from when the main power is turned on until a command to start the cleaning process is received.
When the main power switch of the operation unit 54 is turned ON (step SP1), the control unit 2 judges whether or not there is an abnormality (step SP2), similarly to step S2 in Figures 8 and 9. If the dishwasher 1E is set to transmit start-up information, the communication unit 8 wirelessly transmits the start-up information (initial operating state data OS1) at this stage.

In the next step SP3, similar to step S3 in Figs. 8 and 9, the display unit 3D and the notification unit 3 provide notifications and voice guidance to prompt the user to make necessary inputs, such as selecting a "cleaning course," at the input unit 54. From this point on, the "initial standby state (initial standby period TA)" (standby state) begins.

Next, the control unit 2 causes the weighing unit 12 to weigh the stock amount of liquid detergent 12 (step SP4). Based on the weighing result, it is determined whether or not to permit reception of command data CD (in this case, the first recipe data CD1) from the outside, but this determination step is omitted from FIG. 10. This determination step will be explained in FIG. 12.

The control unit 2 receives the measurement result of the inventory amount of liquid detergent 12 and determines that the washing operation is ready to be performed based on the command data CD from the outside (in this case, the first recipe data CD1) (step SP5), and notifies the notification unit 3 that the washing operation can be started based on the command data CD from the outside (step SP6).

The step SP6 is an operation for the purpose of requesting the user US to confirm in advance whether or not to transmit a signal requesting provision of the first command data CD1 to the communication terminal 200 or the first server 20 that has been registered in advance.
A "confirmation screen" is displayed on the display unit 3D and a voice notification is also given. This "confirmation screen" is one of the initial standby screens.

In step SP6, the operation modes that the user US can select are restricted depending on the result of step SP4. For example, if the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is low, the external control mode is not permitted, and if the amount of the consumable product is below the allowable value, acquisition of the command data is not permitted, and input from the input unit is restricted to the "manual control mode" described below. This point will be described in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13.

If the user US has set in advance, at step SP6, the external connection to be automatically executed using a function setting key (not shown) of the input unit 54, the external connection will be automatically executed at a specified timing.

In other words, the communication terminal 200 and the dishwasher 1E can be paired automatically to establish wireless communication between the communication terminal 200 and the dishwasher 1E.

If the setting to automatically permit reception of the first command data CD1 has not been made, when the user US presses a specific input key or operation button in the input unit 4 (operation unit 54), this operation sends a command to permit reception to the control unit 2. Therefore, in step SP7 shown in FIG. 10, it is determined that the "reception permission key has been turned ON," and the process proceeds to step SP8.

In step SP8, the display unit 3D and the notification unit 3 again notify by display and sound that the operation of obtaining the first command data CD1 is about to start.
Then, a reception permission signal RS is transmitted to the first server 20. The reception permission signal is transmitted, for example, by pressing a specific input key on the operation unit 54. For example, an input key labeled "External Control" may be constantly displayed, or may be displayed at the timing of this step SP8, and the reception permission signal RS may be transmitted when this key is selected.

At the point when the reception permission signal RS is issued, the "waiting state" (standby state) from step SP3 is ended.
That is, when the user US issues a command to start the cleaning process using the input key, the initial waiting period TA that has continued since step SP3 ends.

The process of acquiring command data CD from the outside involves alternating transmission and reception several times between the dishwasher 1E and the external communication device (the communication terminal 200 or the first server 20). For example, when the dishwasher 1E first transmits signal 1, the communication terminal 200 receives this signal 1 and transmits setting signal 1 including setting information. In response to this, the dishwasher 1E checks the internal restriction state (for example, that it is not in a standby or operation prohibited state due to another setting signal), and if there are no problems, transmits signal 2 to proceed to the next stage. This is the process. These setting signals 1 and 2 are the status command (status confirmation) signal and the status command response (status confirmation response) signal described above.

During such a reception operation, the display unit 3D displays a dedicated reception operation screen, which is different from the initial standby screen that was previously displayed, and indicates that a reception operation is in progress and the progress of the reception operation.

Finally, the necessary setting information (including the first command data CD1) is received from the external communication device (communication terminal 200). In other words, on the dishwasher 1E side, after receiving the information once, it immediately sends back a confirmation signal (signal 1, signal 2, etc.) and performs several alternating communications, eventually completing the reception of the necessary setting information (step SP9).

If the target command data CD is successfully received (step SP9), the result is "Yes." However, if reception is not successful within a certain period of time (including cases where the cause is a communication failure), an error is processed and an error is reported by the notification unit 3.

The contents of the acquired command data CD are checked for formality, such as whether they are in the specified format as a command signal, and whether there is any missing data (missing parameter settings, etc.) (step SP10).

If there is no problem with the contents of the command data CD, the command data CD is finally stored in an external command data area prepared in the memory unit 10, and prepared for an operation start command (step SP11). If there is a problem with the contents, an error process is performed, and an alarm is issued by the alarm unit 3.

Next, the control unit 2 determines whether all the condition settings, etc., made by the input unit 4 have been completed (step SP12), and if so, drives the detergent supply unit 43 to dispense a specified amount of liquid detergent 42 (step SP13). Then, it waits for an operation start command from the input unit 4 (operation unit 54) (step SP14). This stage corresponds to step S6 described in FIG. 9.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart 3 showing the basic operation of the dishwasher (dishwasher-dryer) 1E, and shows the relationship of the water quality determination process SLP during the washing step.

When the user US presses a start switch (key) at step S14 in FIG. 10, the cleaning process starts and the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG.
First, the notification unit 3 notifies the user that the cleaning process is to be started.
Next, the function exerting unit 9 (cleaning unit 9W) starts to operate. Also, the operating state data OS2 is transmitted from the communication unit 8 to the external first server or communication terminal 200. Furthermore, measurement of the elapsed time starts (step SP16).

In the next step SP17, it is determined whether a predetermined time T1 has elapsed. This time T1 is the time for checking the cleaning effect midway through the actual cleaning process. For example, time T1 is programmed to be 10 minutes in order to check 10 minutes after the start.

If step SP17 is judged as "Yes", the first water quality judgment process SLP1 is performed. The water quality judgment unit 17 judges the detection data from the water quality sensor 17S (step SP18). Here, the quality of the cleaning water (mixed with liquid detergent 42) in the cleaning tank 15 is checked. The water quality sensor 17S acquires the turbidity and transparency of the cleaning water and other physical data, and based on this, the water quality judgment unit 17 judges whether the dirt on the tableware 55 has been sufficiently removed. The water quality judgment unit 17 stores and holds the threshold value for judgment in advance.

If the judgment result is OK (step SP19), the judgment result data is stored in the memory unit (not shown) of the water quality judgment unit 17 (step SP20), but when status information A is transmitted to the outside, it is absorbed into that status information and transmitted together.

In the next step SP21, it is determined whether a predetermined time T2 has elapsed. This time T2 is the time determined for the cleaning process. When this time T2 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step SP22, the cleaning process ends, and the process proceeds to the "rinsing process."

If the result of the determination in step SP19 is "No", the process proceeds to step SP23. In this step SP23, a determination is made as to whether or not additional liquid detergent 42 needs to be added, and if it is determined that additional liquid detergent is required, the amount of liquid detergent to be added is determined. For example, if it is determined that the cleaning effect would be improved by slightly extending the cleaning time, additional liquid detergent is not added, and the process extends the time of the cleaning process.

If it is determined that additional liquid detergent 42 is required, a supply command is issued to the detergent supply unit 43 at this stage to add additional liquid detergent 42 and continue the washing process. After that, after a certain period of time has elapsed, the second water quality determination process SLP2 is performed in step SP24.

The water quality determination unit 17 again evaluates the detection data from the water quality sensor 17S (step SP24). Here, the quality of the cleaning water (mixed with liquid detergent 42) in the cleaning tank 15 is checked.

If it is determined in step SP25 that the addition of liquid detergent 42 is effective and no further addition is necessary, data on the determination result is stored in a memory section (not shown) of the water quality evaluation section 17 (step SP20).
Due to time constraints in the washing process, the liquid detergent 42 can basically only be added twice, but in the case of the above-mentioned "thorough washing" course for heavily soiled tableware 55, the program allows for further addition of the liquid detergent 42 as shown in FIG. 11.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the basics of the operation of measuring liquid detergent 42 in dishwasher 1E of the first embodiment.
In FIG. 12, SA1 to SA14 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).

Below, we will explain three cases where the weight measurement value in step SA1 is 350g, 250g, and 90g.

(A) Case 350 g: The weighing unit 12 subtracts the weight of the tank 16 itself (e.g., 60 g), which is known in advance, from the value measured in step SA1 (weight value, e.g., 350 g), 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 is found that about 290 cc of liquid detergent 42 is contained. In other words, the tank is at the full level at this point.

The "threshold 1" used in the judgment of step SA2 (condition 1 is not satisfied) is "200 g or more." Therefore, if the amount is 290 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.

(A) When the weight measured in step SA1 is 250 g, the weight of the liquid detergent 42 is calculated to be 190 g by 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 (the position of 155 g, half of the full amount of 310 cc). Therefore, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 6, the light beam for detecting the water level passes through 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, and it is found that the liquid level of the liquid detergent 42 is above the light emitting element 39 and the light receiving element 40.

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 liquid detergent 42 at this point is 155 cc (half of the full amount of 310 cc) or more. However, since the "threshold 2" 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, by 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 message by voice. Then, the system transitions to a state where it waits for new input from the user.

(c) When the weight is 90 g, the net weight of the liquid detergent 42 is calculated to be 30 g, which does not satisfy the threshold value 2 (150 g) or more of the determination in step SA4, and the result of step SA4 is "No". Then, the process proceeds 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 in normal operation mode unless it is refilled, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the same effect by audio.

As mentioned above, this dishwasher 1E can start operation in either the normal operation mode OP1 or the emergency operation mode OP2 (emergency mode), but when step SA8 is reached, the user US has no choice but to select the emergency operation mode (emergency mode). Therefore, the process proceeds to step SA14.

Then, after proceeding to step SA14, when a certain grace period (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed, the power supply to the power supply unit 7 is cut off. In other words, if a cleaning start command is not given, the power supply will be automatically cut off after a 10-minute timeout.

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 the data. Then, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 enters a state of waiting for a dishwashing operation start command to arrive.

On the other hand, if the weight measurement value in step SA1 is 250 g, the process proceeds to step SA5. In step SA5, the display unit 3D displays, using letters or a bar graph, etc., that there is 190 g of liquid detergent 42 remaining, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the same effect by audio.
Furthermore, command data CD is acquired and it is notified in step SA11 that the external control mode can be selected.

When the user US transmits a reception permission signal RS by operating the input unit 4, the external control mode is selected (step SA12). On the other hand, when the user US operates an input key other than the input key that transmits the reception permission signal RS, the manual control mode is selected (step SA13).

The area enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 12 is the normal operation mode OP1, which can be seen to include the external control mode and the manual input mode.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing the basis of a modified example which improves part of the liquid detergent metering operation shown in FIG.
Steps SA8 to SA10 in FIG. 13 are different from the operation steps shown in FIG.
13, 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. 12, 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, as in the example (c) described in Figure 12, if the weight value (including the weight of tank 16) measured in step SA1 is 90 g, the weight of tank 16 is 60 g, so the amount of liquid detergent 42 will be 30 g.
Therefore, if the determination in step SA8 does not satisfy 40 g (threshold value 3), and it is found that there is not enough liquid detergent 42 remaining for one wash run, the process proceeds to step SA10. In step SA10, the display unit 3D displays in text that the amount of liquid detergent 42 remaining is not enough for one run, and therefore operation cannot be started unless it is replenished, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the same effect by voice.

As explained in FIG. 12, this dishwasher 1E can start operation in either the normal operation mode OP1 or the emergency operation mode OP2 (emergency mode), but when step SA10 is reached, the user US has no choice but to select the emergency operation mode (emergency mode). Therefore, the process proceeds to step SA14.

Then, after proceeding to step SA14, when a certain grace period (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed, the power supply to the power supply unit 7 is cut off. In other words, if a cleaning start command is not given, the power supply will be automatically cut off after a 10-minute timeout.

On the other hand, as in the example (c) described in Fig. 12, if the weight value (including the weight of tank 16) measured in step SA1 is 120 g, the weight of tank 16 is 60 g, so the amount of liquid detergent 42 is 60 g. Therefore, the process proceeds to step SA9.
In this step SA9, the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is the amount necessary for one operation, so that the operation can be performed only once is displayed in text on the display unit 3D, and a similar message is also displayed by the notification unit 3 through audio. Then, the process proceeds to the same step SA11 as described in FIG. 12.

In this way, the operation program shown in FIG. 13 is more flexible than the operation program shown in FIG. 12 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.

The explanations of Figures 12 and 13 do not explain the relationship with the amount of liquid detergent 42 added in the water quality detection (determination) process SLP1 of the washing process. However, for example, in steps SA4 and SA8 of Figure 13, a threshold value is set in advance taking into consideration the amount of liquid detergent 42 required when additional detergent is added in the water quality detection (determination) process SLP1 of the washing process. For example, even if the weight of the liquid detergent determined at the time of step SA2 is 60g, if the amount expected to be required for additional addition is 10 to 15g, then 40g of liquid detergent will be added once at the beginning of the washing process, and the maximum amount of additional detergent to be added will be 15g, for a total of 55g, which can be accommodated within the range of 60g.

As is clear from the above description, in the dishwasher 1E shown in this embodiment 1 (FIGS. 12 and 13), the consumption information acquisition unit 11 is configured to generate the status information A regarding the remaining amount of the consumable product.
Further, the consumable products include two types: a first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) supplied from the supply means 43, and a second consumable product (tablet detergent) that the user US can directly supply to the washing unit 9W.
The control unit 2 is configured to switch between a normal operation mode OP1 in which the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is used and an emergency operation mode OP2 (emergency mode) in which the second consumable product (tablet detergent) is used.
When the emergency operation mode OP2 is selected, the amount of the second consumable product (tablet detergent) that the user US actually manually puts into the cleaning space WS is left to the discretion of the user US, and is not reflected in the data of the liquid detergent 42 in the status information A. However, as described above, the selection of the emergency operation mode OP2 is transmitted to the first server 20, and the data of the liquid detergent 42 is updated as a consumable product with a high urgency, and is reflected in the shopping list PL.

Next, FIG. 14 will be described.
FIG. 14 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. 14 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.
As in the example explained up to step SA2 in Fig. 12, 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 inside 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 determined 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 washing process is notified and the standby state is maintained. The history 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, but 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 the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is insufficient and operation cannot be started unless it is refilled, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the same effect by voice. Then, as explained in Figures 12 and 13, if emergency operation mode OP2 is selected and a certain grace period (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed without issuing a command to start the washing operation, the power supply unit 7 will automatically be 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. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 2 during the door opening operation of the dishwasher 1E of the first embodiment.
The operation steps SM1 to SM6 shown in FIG. 15 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. 15 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. 14, 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 the door 44 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 (step SM5). 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 check 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, a command to move the door 44 will not be issued from the control unit 2 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, if the tank 16 is removed from the storage space 45 while the door 44 is open, for example, the top display section 56U of the door 44 (see FIG. 4) may display that the tank 16 is not installed, or a light emitting element such as an LED (to notify that the door is open) may be emitted from the top section toward the installation opening 121A of the kitchen furniture 121 to alert the user.

And, when the tank position detection means 72 determines that the tank 16 has been correctly stored in the door 44, it would be even better if the light emitting element (shown) (for notifying that the door is open) were to stop emitting light 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, reference will be made to FIG.
Fig. 16 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. 5. Note that in Fig. 16, the description of the water quality detection (determination) process SLP1 in the washing step described above is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 16, 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 net remaining amount (weight value: for example, 290 g) of liquid detergent 42 measured in step SA1 of FIG. 11, excluding the weight value of tank 16 (for example, 60 g), is read from memory unit 12M (not shown) built into weighing unit 12. Then, a calculation is performed to subtract the amount of liquid detergent 42 (weight value: for example, 40 g) commanded and supplied in step SB3 of FIG. 14 from the remaining amount (weight value: for example, 290 g). As a result, it is found that the remaining amount value (weight) is 250 g. This is the remaining amount (used amount) estimation process AP1 of liquid detergent 42 shown in FIG. 9. In addition, in step SB9, if the amount of liquid detergent 42 additionally added in the water quality detection (determination) process SLP1 of the washing process is known, this additional amount is also taken into account when performing the remaining amount (used amount) estimation process AP1 of liquid detergent 42.

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).

In step SB11, the status information A stored in a specified area of the memory unit 10 includes data reflecting the amount of additional liquid detergent 42 added in the water quality detection (determination) process SLP1 during the washing process. If the user US has set this in advance, the user US is also notified of the additional addition of liquid detergent 42 in the washing process and the change in the number of rinses in the rinsing process. In other words, this is included in the status information A sent to the first server 20 as well.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
Fig. 17 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. 17 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. 17 also show the operations that the first server 20 periodically and repeatedly executes.

The operation shown in FIG. 17 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 for fixed-time operation, the operation shown in FIG. 17 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, state 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. 16, "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 via the network NW to the first server 20. 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 of FIG. 17 is the urgency judgment criteria data HD1, which is stored in the judgment criteria memory unit 25 (see FIG. 1) in the form of a list (table format) for each type of consumable product and each device identification information of the electrical device 1.

For example, in the case of the domestic dishwasher 1E shown in FIG. 1, the equipment consumables database 23R defines two parameters, "liquid detergent AA" and "number of times required to obtain", and stores this parameter information. If we take the case of a commercial dishwasher 1E used in restaurants, etc., it is significantly different from the domestic dishwasher 1E. For example, domestic liquid detergent AA can be obtained within three days, but commercial detergent is special and requires at least five days to obtain from a specialist company. Taking this into consideration, this is reflected in the urgency determination criteria data. In other words, the default value (threshold value) of this urgency determination criteria data HD1 is uniformly determined in advance by the first server 20, regardless of the wishes or circumstances of each individual user US.

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 where about four servings of dishes are washed every day, the tank 16 would be low on liquid detergent 42 unless the tank 16 was refilled with liquid detergent 42 within three days.

For example, in the case of domestic dishwasher 1E, if there is 250g of liquid detergent remaining, this does not fall under the "high urgency" level as defined here. If there is 110g of liquid detergent remaining, at least one of the two parameters, "amount of liquid detergent remaining" and "number of possible operations", falls under "less than 150g of liquid detergent", so it falls under the "high urgency" level.

In this way, in step SC4, "liquid detergent 42" is determined to be a consumable product with a "high urgency" level, and is stored in the "list of consumable products with designated urgency" in the appliance consumable product database 23R.

As mentioned above, the judgment reference value of the urgency judgment criteria data HD1 can be changed by the input operation of the user US. In other words, the "threshold" for judging the urgency judgment criteria data HD1 can be changed by the communication terminal 200. In the case of the domestic dishwasher 1E described above, "less than 150 g of liquid detergent 42 remaining" is set as "high urgency", but this can be changed to "low urgency" at the discretion of the registered user US of the dishwasher 1E. For example, a certain user US may use the domestic dishwasher 1E about once every 10 days and be in an environment where liquid detergent 42 can be obtained on the same day.

On the other hand, as described above, if the dishwasher 1E starts operating in emergency operation mode OP2, the liquid detergent 42 for which the remaining amount is managed by the dishwasher 1E at the step SC4 is classified as having the highest urgency and stored in the appliance consumable goods 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 a "high urgency level," the first server 20 transmits a list (shopping list PL) showing the consumable products with a high urgency to the communication terminal 200 designated in advance.
For this reason, when operation is started in the emergency operation mode OP2, a list (shopping list PL) specifying the consumable products with high urgency (e.g., liquid detergent 42) is transmitted at that time to the communication terminal 200. This provides the convenience that, even if the user US of the dishwasher 1E is at home, if another user US carrying the communication terminal 200 is out shopping, information on the consumable products (e.g., liquid detergent 42) that the out-of-home user US needs urgently to obtain can be automatically provided.

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 promptly notified to the communication terminal 200 of the user US as soon as consumables with high urgency are identified.

Next, FIG. 18 will be described.
Fig. 18 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. 18 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. 18 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. 18, the user US can send a terminal request 1 to the first server 20 at any timing using the communication terminal 200.
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 products at that time using the communication terminal 200 that he/she brought with him/her. Moreover, since the consumable product list in this case is data (shopping list PL) that specifies the consumable products extracted using the remaining amount judgment criterion data ZD in the judgment criterion storage unit 25, the user US can easily and quickly recognize the consumable products with little remaining amount.

Next, reference will be made to FIG. 19 and FIG.
Fig. 19 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. 20 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. 19 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. Note that 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. 21.
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. 21 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. 21 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. 21 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. 21, 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. 21, 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. 21.

The scope of the display of the initial user intention confirmation screen (step SD13) described in this Figure 21 does not completely match the select screen 216D, list screen (input screen) 216P, and individual screen (input screen) 216V described in Figures 27 (A) (B) and 28 (A) (B), respectively, and some of the descriptions in this Figure 21 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 (SD13C3).

Next, step SD13D1, which is the fourth response information menu, is the case where the user selects to check the status of each consumable item corresponding to the electrical appliance 1 owned by the user US and registered in advance in the first server 20, and to consider obtaining any missing consumable items at the same time.

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. 27(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, we will explain Figure 22.
Fig. 22 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the communication terminal 200 in the remaining amount management system in the embodiment 1. Fig. 22 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. 27) for selecting the individual menu of "Consumable Goods Management" is displayed on the display screen displayed on the terminal display unit 216. This display screen is called a select screen 216D (see FIG. 27).

When the icon 100B (see FIG. 27) is touched, the individual menu (submenu) of "Consumable Goods Management" shown on the selection screen 216D (see FIG. 27) is selected (step SE3).

As is clear from the above explanation, the input screen 216D for selecting an individual menu, as described in Figure 27 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. 27) 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. 28).

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. 28(A). When icon 100B of Fig. 27(A) is selected, the display screen of Fig. 28(A) is displayed, which is added as an option, so Fig. 28(B) may be displayed instead of the display screen of Fig. 28(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 19, when there is data on consumable goods to which "alert level" information has been added that 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 of the display area 291 shown in FIG. 31 (A).

As described in FIG. 19, 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. 28 onwards) is touched further 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 consumable products for which further details should be displayed. If a selection is made to request additional data on consumable products (step SE12), the process returns to step SE8, and detailed data on consumable products 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. 22.

If "Change" is selected for the shopping list in step SE9, then in step SE10 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, after which it is either automatically deleted, or a confirmation message such as "Do you want to delete?" may be 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. 22 ends. Similarly, when "Do not change" is selected in step SE9, the series of operations shown in FIG. 22 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. 22, 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. 29) "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, we will explain Figure 23.
FIG. 23 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. 23, 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 (L2) 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 (L2) 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 (L2) 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. Also, in another dishwasher 1E, one or two tablet-type detergent (solid detergent) is displayed. Note that the "another dishwasher" 1E here does not refer to a dishwasher 1E that supplies liquid detergent 42 by the detergent supply unit 43, but rather to a dishwasher 1E that supplies tablet-type detergent (solid detergent) one at a time or multiple tablet-type detergents by the detergent supply unit 43.

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 addition, when the "tablet-type detergent 42T", which is one type of second consumable product, is supplied by the detergent supply unit 43, the number of detergents dispensed may be counted (using an optical sensor, etc.) to estimate the amount consumed, but detailed explanation is omitted.

The consumption information acquisition unit 11 also holds data on the amount consumed per operation 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 measuring unit 12 (e.g., counting the number of solid detergents) to obtain data L7 on the remaining amount. Finally, a "margin" is determined, as described below, and data indicating this margin is held. Note that if the first consumable product is not liquid detergent 42 but solid (tablet-type) detergent 42T with a fixed weight per unit, the "amount consumed per operation" may be the number of tablet-type detergents 42T.

L8 is information indicating the measurement date and time when the weight of the consumable product (liquid detergent 42) was actually measured, as described with reference to 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 of safety "B" shown in FIG. 23 means that there is a little margin of safety, and is information indicating that, for example, the number of days until the remaining amount of the consumable material becomes so low that it interferes with the operation of the electrical device 1 is "3 to 5 days."

For example, as shown in FIG. 23, 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 can be continued for up to three days. Note that margin level C is an indication of a state with 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 24.
FIG. 24 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 referred to here is different in content from the shopping list PL explained in Fig. 28. Fig. 24 explains the list in data format, while Fig. 28 explains the list in a way that allows the user US to easily and quickly find out about consumables that need to be purchased.

In other words, in Figure 24, 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 depending on the size and shape of the screen (as will be explained in Figure 28).
Also, while Figure 24 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. 24, L1, L3, and L5 are various pieces of information explained in FIG. 23, 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. 24, 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 unique information (consumable product ID) for the purpose of identifying each of the consumable products (liquid detergent 42, etc.). This consumable product ID is assigned to the consumable product when the first server 20 analyzes the status information A sent from the electrical device 1 and extracts the corresponding consumable product from among the consumable products held in the consumable product database 28.

Therefore, the status information A sent from the electrical device 1 for the first time after the electrical device 1 is installed does not include data on this consumable product ID. After that, after the first server 20 receives the status information A, it extracts the corresponding consumable product and includes the identification information attached to the extracted consumable product as the consumable product ID. Then, the data can be enriched to the data shown in Figure 24 and stored.

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 Figure 24, this 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 24 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 24, "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 it becomes necessary to replace it with a new filter. In the example in Figure 24, we can see that filters (at this point) are usually sold in sets of three.

Next, we will explain Figure 25.
FIG. 25 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. 22, Fig. 25 shows the operation of the submenu "Consumables Management (Remaining Amount/Replenishment)". This submenu is an individual menu explained in Fig. 28(A). The submenu "Consumables Management (Remaining Amount/Replenishment)" can be selected with input key (icon) 100B explained in Fig. 28(A).

In FIG. 25, similarly to FIG. 22, for simplicity's sake, both general individual users and managers who use electric 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. 27(A) and will be described later.

As is clear from the above explanation, the selection screen (input screen) 216D 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. 27) 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. 19.

As described in FIG. 19, 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. 27 and subsequent figures) or by providing voice input (step SE25), detailed information about the specified consumer product is displayed (FIG. 25), and when a specific input key on the display screen 216D is operated, a message is displayed indicating that reference information (advice) for purchasing, selecting, etc. the displayed consumer product is to be displayed in addition (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), 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. 28, 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 consumable items that should be displayed in further detail. If a selection is made to request additional data on consumable items (step SE32), the process returns to step SE28, and detailed data on consumable items 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. 25 ends. Similarly, when "Do not change shopping list" is selected in step SE29, the series of operations shown in FIG. 25 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.
25, reference information (advice) on the purchase and selection of urgent consumables can also be 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 26.
FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in information about a consumable product 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. 26, 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. It also includes information indicating that the emergency operation mode OP2 has been selected. Operation information for the electrical appliance 1 is not shown in FIG. 26.

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. It also includes information indicating that the emergency operation mode OP2 has been selected. Note that 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 the display area 291 in FIG. 31 (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 consumer product data provided by the communication terminal 200 includes consumer product information including a user ID, device identification information, and consumer product ID, as well as judgment information 1 and judgment information 2 described below, and urgency information. It may also include information indicating that emergency operation mode OP2 has been selected. This is because it is possible to know from a remote location using the communication terminal 200 that the dishwasher 1E being operated at home is being operated in emergency operation mode. In other words, the consumer product to be purchased (e.g. liquid detergent 42) can be recognized at a remote location such as a store.

Next, reference will be made to FIG. 27 to FIG.
FIG. 27 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. 27 shows the display contents of the terminal 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. 27 are enlarged views of the terminal 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. That is, for example, capacitance sensing input keys (touch keys) are arranged on each icon. When the user US touches the icon with the fingertip FG, the touch operation unit 215 (see FIG. 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 27 (A), text information such as "Electrical Device Usage Guide" appears at the location of icon 100A.

As shown in FIG. 27(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 relating to management such as remaining amounts, refills, and procurement of consumables (corresponding to the "submenus" mentioned above or the "individual menus" described below) can be individually selected using the corresponding icons 100A-100E.

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. 22). When the icon 99 is touched, the selection screen 216D in FIG. 27(A) is displayed. In other words, the user US can display this selection screen 216D with a single touch operation.

In FIG. 27A, 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 appliances 1 connected to this communication terminal 200 via the network NW. When this icon 100A is touched, the display screen changes as shown in Fig. 27(B). Reference numeral 100AG denotes a menu display section that corresponds one-to-one to the icon 100A (electrical appliance usage guide).

In Figures 27 (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 selection screen 260D changes to an image that moves to the left, and switches to another display screen.

The terminal display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200 shown in Figures 28 to 31 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 switches screens by moving the display screen, so the screen switching icons 261L, 261R, etc. may be omitted.

In FIG. 27A, reference numeral 262 denotes a triangular icon, and when this icon is touched, the selection screen 216D 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. 27(A), 100B is an icon (of an individual menu) for selecting to obtain various information (including the above-mentioned status information A) related to consumable goods from the first server 20 in order to ascertain the remaining amounts of various consumable goods used in various electrical appliances 1 connected to this communication terminal 200 via the network NW. When this icon 100B is touched, it changes to a display screen for "Consumable goods management (remaining amount/replenishment)" as shown in FIG. 28(A).

In FIG. 27(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. 27(A), 100D is an icon (individual menu) for selecting the creation of a memo to electronically record the purchase of various consumables used in the electrical appliance 1 and various consumables 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 shopping list creation unit 231 creates this memo. The simple shopping memo is then stored in the electrical appliance database 217.

In FIG. 27(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. 27B will be described.
When one of the icons 100A in the individual menu on the selection screen 216D shown in FIG. 27 (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 to be in operation are displayed in a list on the terminal side 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 preparations that the user should make while operating the appliance. This example is the example in FIG. 27(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 consumable products (e.g., liquid detergent 42, tablet detergent 42A, fabric softener, etc.) to be replenished to the electrical appliance 1 and the work process are displayed on the display screen. Alternatively, when replacing consumable parts such as the filter 16F described below, information on the work process is displayed using text, illustrations, etc.

269 is an icon (input key) that returns the display from the state of FIG. 27(B) to the selection screen 216D of FIG. 27(A). Pressing this returns to the display screen of FIG. 27(A) showing the individual menu. In other words, it returns to the selection screen 216D.

Next, FIG. 28A will be described.
When one icon 100B in the individual menu on the selection screen 216D shown in Fig. 27(A) is touched, the input screen of Fig. 28(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. 22 or step SE23 of FIG.
28A, 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. 28(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. 28(A) and the next Fig. 28(B), for example, text information such as "urgency: urgent" is used, but a graphic representation may also be used.

312 is a display area indicating that the emergency operation mode OP2 is in effect, and in this case indicates that the dishwasher 1E is operating in the emergency operation mode OP2. This display will continue to be displayed even if the target dishwasher 1E has finished operating, unless consumable products are subsequently replenished and the operation information A is updated. 312A is information identifying the consumable product (liquid detergent 42, which is the first consumable product) that is running low in the dishwasher 1E operating in the emergency operation mode OP2.

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. 22 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. 28(A), the consumable product list 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. 28(A) to the selection screen 216D shown in FIG. 27(A). Icon 274 is used to advance to the next page (display screen) on which detailed information is displayed.

At the time shown in Figure 28 (A), the first server 20 is displaying a summary message (the judgment information 1) 270 on the terminal display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200, which briefly indicates that the remaining amounts of the five consumable products are low.
Further, the display area 271 displays five consumable items, including three items of detergent, one item of food, and one item of replacement part.
Display area 271A displays in text that the urgency of replenishing or replacing these five consumable products is "urgent."

When the second selection means (icon 274) is touched in this state shown in FIG. 28(A), detailed information about the five types of consumable products shown in FIG. 28(A) can be displayed as shown in FIG. 28(B).

Furthermore, when any one of the five types of consumable goods is selected by touching the name portion in FIG. 28(B), the display form of the list state (list screen 216P) on the terminal display unit 216 can be switched to the display form of the specific screen 216V shown in FIG. 29(A).

Further, FIG. 28B will be described.
In FIG. 28(A), when the icon 274 is touched, the terminal control unit 212 notifies the user of consumable goods information as shown in FIG. 28(B) in response to the touch operation.
In FIG. 28B, 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 of one consumable product, "replacement filter", related to the "kitchen ventilation fan 1F (not shown)", which is one 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. 28(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. 29(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. 28(B) will be referred to as the "list screen" in the following description.
This list screen 216P is a screen in a form 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., urgency of obtaining is "high") regarding the remaining state of a specific consumer product (AA detergent) obtained from the electrical appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E), and judgment information 1 and judgment information 2 (e.g., urgency of obtaining is "high") regarding the remaining state of a specific consumer product (BB fabric softener) obtained from an electrical appliance 1 that is the same as or different from the electrical appliance 1 (e.g., a clothes washing machine), are simultaneously displayed on the terminal side display unit 216D.

The judgment information 1 and judgment information 2 regarding a specific consumer product (e.g., AA detergent) used in one electrical appliance (e.g., dishwasher 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.
Not limited to this example, it is also possible that the first server 20 obtains determination information 1 and determination information 2 (described later) regarding the remaining status of two or more consumable items simultaneously from a single electrical device 1, and this information is then obtained by the communication terminal 200.

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.
Moreover, the user US can add other consumable goods by voice input by pressing the icon 295. The shopping list PL including such a change history and the changed shopping list PL 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. 28(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. 28(A) or FIG. 28(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. 29A will be described.
In FIG. 28(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. 29(A), which displays detailed remaining amount information about the single consumable product called AA detergent.

In the example of FIG. 29(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 in the next operation of the dishwasher 1E, 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 denotes 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. 29(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. 28(A), but in the case of FIGS. 29(A) and (B), pressing this icon 274 makes it possible to obtain and display commentary information for 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. 29(A), detailed information about 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. 29B will be described.
In FIG. 29(A), when an icon (input key) 261L is touched, the screen is switched to an individual screen 216V in FIG. 29(B) on which detailed remaining amount information on one consumable product, BB fabric softener, is displayed.
Alternatively, when icon 276 is touched in FIG. 28(B), the screen also switches to the input screen (individual screen 216V) for BB fabric softener in FIG. 29(B).

In the example of FIG. 29(B), information identifying a fabric softener (product name "DD") is displayed in display area 286. In addition, display area 287 shows that the inventory information for this fabric softener was also notified to the user by communication terminal 200 three weeks ago.

In the example of FIG. 29(B), when icon 274 is touched, more detailed information about the information in display area 287 is displayed on the terminal display unit 216. As described above, icon 274 is the second selection means.

In FIG. 29(B), 288 is a reference image display section for a consumable product (BB fabric softener). The reference image may be something other than a photograph, and may be an illustration 289 or the like showing an image of the bottle or packaging box of a product in which the consumable product is actually sold.

Next, FIG. 30A will be described.
In FIG. 28(B), when an icon (input key) 277 is touched, the screen is switched to an individual screen 216V in FIG. 30(A) on which detailed remaining amount information on one consumable product, CC detergent, is displayed.

In the example of FIG. 30(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) that the remaining amount of the consumable material (liquid detergent 42) will be used up in the next operation of the dishwasher 1E, i.e., that future operation will be hindered, is displayed in the display area 291. Here, the text "Expected to finish in one more operation" is displayed as an example, but an illustration or an appropriate symbol may 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 material used therein (in this case, CC detergent) will be zero (or less than the remaining amount required for operation).

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." Note that in the case of the domestic 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 the foam 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. 30B will be described.
In FIG. 28(B), when icon 279 is touched, the screen switches to an individual screen (input screen) of FIG. 30(B) on which detailed remaining amount information on one consumable item (consumable part) called the ventilation fan filter is displayed.

In the example of Figure 30 (B), the display unit 293 indicates that the exhaust fan filter is a consumable item that is nearing the time to replace. An exhaust fan filter is a filter that can be attached and detached freely to the indoor intake port of an exhaust 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 exhaust fan from becoming dirty. Vaporized oil accumulates on the surface and inside of the filter material, reducing its breathability, so exhaust fan and filter manufacturers recommend replacing it after a certain period of time has passed.

In the example of Figure 30 (B), in addition to the ventilation fan filter, display area 294 displays that the time to replace a filtration filter with a deodorizing function that is detachably installed in an air conditioner (not shown), which is another type of electrical appliance 1, is approaching.
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. 30(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 explanation, 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. 24, 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. 30(B), which can be acquired and displayed by the communication terminal 200.

In Fig. 30B, 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 the original product (exhaust fan filter) by the manufacturer (4) Product name, model name, etc. of the compatible air conditioner

Next, we will explain Figure 31.
31(A) and (B) are diagrams 5 for explaining 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. 31(A) is an example of the terminal display unit 216 showing a display example different from that of Fig. 30(A). In Fig. 31(A), the consumption amount of liquid detergent 42 by the dishwasher 1E is displayed as "about 30 cc" in the display area 291. Note that Fig. 31(A) shows a case where a consumable product called "CC detergent" has been used in the electrical appliance 1, but the electrical appliance 1 may be the dishwasher 1E or may be a consumable product used in another electrical appliance 1 (for example, a clothes washing machine).

Figure 31 (B) shows another example of the display contents from Figure 30 (B). In this Figure 31 (B), the display area 294 displays advice information B (294D) indicating that the filtration filter 16F (not shown), which is used in the tank 16 as a consumable part, will soon need to be replaced. It also displays that it is a product of the same manufacturer, and detailed information can be displayed on a separate individual screen 216V by touching the icon 274.

Next, we will explain Figure 32.
FIG. 32 is an operation explanatory diagram 1 of the terminal side display unit, showing a scene in which the reservation state of an electrical appliance is confirmed by a communication terminal in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment.
As described above, the "reserved course" of the dishwasher 1 is to start operation a certain time (e.g., four hours) after it has been set, or conversely, to set the end time of operation and leave the start of operation to the washing device 1E.

In this dishwasher 1, the user US can also set the "reserved course" to start the washing operation by command from the communication terminal 200 ("reserved course #2").
Therefore, the reserved course can be set by sending the second command data CD2 generated by the communication terminal 200 to the dishwasher 1E, or by directly operating the operation unit 54 of the dishwasher 1E.

Figures 32 (A) and (B) show a scene in which the user US checks the operating status of such "reserved course #2" from a remote location. In other words, Figure 32 (A) shows the state in which the user US operates the communication terminal 200 from outside the home to operate a submenu (individual menu) and has the list screen 216D open. Note that the user US may view and input operations from another room at home, away from the dishwasher 1E.

In FIG. 32(A), 100Y is an icon in an individual menu, and touching this icon switches to a display screen for "Confirm/Cancel Operation Reservation." If the user has not set "Reservation Course #2" in advance, this icon 100Y is not displayed. This applies to all electrical appliances 1 other than the dishwasher 1E. In other words, when the user US looks at this list screen 216D, the display of this icon 100Y can remind him/her of the reservation for the electrical appliance 1.

When a reservation is set in this way, a push-type notification is sent to the communication terminal 200 at regular intervals from the time the reserved course is set, and the user US is guided to view the screen shown in FIG. 32(A). A push-type notification may also be sent a certain time (e.g., 30 minutes) before the start of the reserved course.

Next, FIG. 32B will be described.
In FIG. 32B, 100YG is a display section for a reservation setting screen.
When the icon 100Y in FIG. 32(A) is selected, the display screen is switched to that in FIG. 32(B).
A display area 296 shows the current reservation setting status of the user US. In this example, it is shown that one electric appliance 1 has been reserved.
Reference numeral 297 denotes a display area for information identifying the reserved electrical appliance 1. In this example, it indicates that it is the dishwasher 1E. It can be seen that the dishwashing operation is scheduled to start at 15:30 and end at 16:30.

Numeral 298 denotes an input key (icon), which can be touched to view more detailed information.
Reference numeral 299 denotes an input key (icon) that is operated when changing or canceling the reservation settings. Operating this key switches to another display screen, and a confirmation signal for the change or cancellation can be sent. When the confirmation signal is received by the target electrical appliance 1, the reservation details are changed or canceled. Note that, depending on the status of the electrical appliance 1, the change or cancellation process may not be performed immediately.

Next, FIG. 33 will be described.
FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram 2 for explaining the operation of the terminal side display unit 216, showing a scene in which the icon 298 shown in FIG. 32 is pressed to confirm the details of the reservation setting.
Reference numeral 308 denotes a display area that displays the same information as display area 297 in Fig. 32(B). Reference numeral 309 denotes a display area that displays detailed operating conditions of the electrical appliance 1 for which a reservation has been set (in this case, dishwasher 1E). In this example, the display information in display area 309 indicates that a "normal wash" has been reserved for washing dishes for four people.

As shown in FIG. 33, the display area 309 indicates that the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 in the tank 16 is low. As described above, important information (judgment information 2) may also be displayed, indicating that the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 will run out in the next operation of the dishwasher 1E, i.e., that future operation will be affected.

Like icon 299, 311 is an input key (icon) that is operated when changing or canceling the reservation settings. Operating this key switches to another display screen and sends a confirmation signal for the change or cancellation.

The above explanation has focused on the first command data CD1 among the command data CD, but the other command data CD2 to CD4 also have similar restrictions on external acquisition to prevent inadvertent acquisition during the initial standby period TA immediately after the main power is turned on.

Summary of embodiment 1.
As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment 1, the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) according to the first disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) disclosed in the first embodiment is as follows:
A communication unit 8 that can be connected to a network NW or an information processing terminal device 200;
An input unit 4 (operation unit 54) that accepts input commands from a user US;
A notification unit 3;
A control unit 2 that receives an input command from the input unit 4 and controls the operation of the cleaning unit 9W;
A measuring unit 12 that measures the amount of a first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) used during operation of the cleaning unit 9W;
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 supply means 43 for supplying the first consumable product to the cleaning space WS;
having
The consumption information acquisition unit 11 generates the status information A regarding a remaining amount of the first consumable product,
There are two types of consumable products that can be used when the cleaning unit 9W is in operation: the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) and a second consumable product (tablet detergent 42T) that the user can supply directly to the cleaning unit.
The control unit 2 switches between a normal operation mode OP1 in which the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is used and an emergency operation mode (emergency mode) OP2 in which the second consumable product (tablet detergent 42T) is used;
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Because of this configuration, this cleaning device (including the dishwasher 1E) allows the remaining amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) that is normally used to be grasped externally, improving the convenience of remaining amount management.

Furthermore, when the remaining amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is low and operation in the normal operation mode OP1 is not possible, operation in an emergency operation mode OP2 using the second consumable product (tablet detergent 42T) is possible. Therefore, even in a situation where the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is low, the user US can input the second consumable product to operate in the emergency operation mode OP2.
In this way, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which operation is not possible even when the remaining amount of the first consumable product is insufficient, thereby improving convenience.

Furthermore, the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure has
The control unit 2 has a function of acquiring command data CD via the communication unit 8,
The control unit 2 is characterized in that after the main power is turned on, it does not perform at least either the receiving operation of the command data CD or the transmitting operation of the status information A via the communication unit 8 before executing the operation of transmitting a receive permission signal RS by operating the input unit 4.

Because of this configuration, with this cleaning device 1 (dishwasher 1E), the operating conditions (including operating conditions such as operating course, operation mode, and operating time) of the cleaning device 1 (dishwasher 1E) can be set using command data CD, reducing the setting work of the user US.

Furthermore, the acquisition of the command data CD and its timing can be restricted on the input unit 4 side, so that confusion of the user US during the initial waiting period TA can be avoided.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure, the control unit 2 determines whether or not the device has transitioned to a predetermined standby state since the main power supply was turned on, and if the device has transitioned to the standby state, the notification unit 3 notifies the user, and waits for a start operation command from the user US before starting operation of the function performance unit 9 (see Figure 10).
This is expected to prevent the user US from making erroneous operations during initial standby, thereby improving operability for the user US.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure, when the control unit 2 transitions to the initial standby state, it is configured to transmit the reception permission signal RS to the outside by performing a specific input (using an input key or an operation button) on the input unit 4, and to start the operation of acquiring the command data CD.
This makes it possible to prevent the user US from inadvertently acquiring command data CD due to an erroneous operation during initial standby, which is expected to improve operability for the user US.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure, when a specific input is made in the input unit 4, the control unit 2 can transmit the reception permission signal RS to the communication terminal 200. Therefore, when the communication terminal 200 transmits the command data CD to the electrical device 1, there is no confusion, and the operation of acquiring the command data CD can be smoothly carried out in coordination with the operation of the communication terminal 200.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure, the measuring unit 12 is configured to measure the amount of the consumable product (such as liquid detergent 42) from outside the container (tank) 16 that contains the consumable product.
As a result, the sensor of the weighing unit 12 does not come into contact with the consumable product, and there is no need to worry about corrosion or deterioration of the sensor, so stable weighing can be expected for a long period of time.

Furthermore, in the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure, the first consumable product uses a liquid detergent 42,
The measuring unit 12 was characterized by having a sensor (such as a weight sensor 37) that detects at least one of the weight or volume of the liquid detergent 42, and a measuring circuit 35 that receives detection data from the sensor and determines the amount of the consumable product.
This makes it easy to know the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1 (dishwasher 1E) disclosed in the first disclosure, the command data CD is characterized in that it includes an operating program for controlling at least one of the power source (cleaning pump 49) or heating source (electric heater 51) included in the function performance unit 9 (cleaning unit 9W).
Therefore, the operation of the control unit 2 can be determined by acquiring the command data CD, which reduces the troublesome input settings required by the user US and improves operability.

In addition, the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure further includes a second sensor (reed switch) 46 that detects whether the container (tank) 16 is installed in a predetermined position,
The configuration was characterized in that while the second sensor 46 detected that the tank 16 was installed in the correct position, the third sensors 39, 40 optically grasped the mass of the first consumer product (liquid detergent 42).

With this configuration, the remaining amount of the first consumable product is measured while the tank 16 is actually in a specified position, so the amount of the first consumable product can be accurately determined. In other words, the latest amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) can be accurately determined and reflected in the status information A.

Furthermore, the control unit 2 of the cleaning device 1 (dishwasher 1E) according to the first disclosure is configured to perform a process AP1 to estimate the remaining amount (amount used) of the first consumable product and a process AP2 to estimate the number of possible operations based on the result of the amount used, and to include the result of the process AP2 to estimate the number of possible operations in the status information A and transmit it.
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 the first consumable product, without having to analyze or evaluate the status information A in detail.

In addition, in the cleaning device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure, the functional part 9 is formed inside the housing 14, and is characterized in that it includes at least one of a liquid supply means (cleaning pump) 49 that supplies cleaning liquid containing a first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) and a second consumable product (tablet-type detergent 42T) inside the cleaning space WS in which the item to be cleaned (tableware 55) is placed, and a cleaning head or cleaning nozzle 50 that sprays the cleaning liquid from the liquid supply means 49 onto the item to be cleaned.
Therefore, the objects to be washed, such as tableware 55, can be washed efficiently in the washing space WS.

Furthermore, the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure further includes a water quality determination unit 17 that receives detection data from a water quality sensor 17S that detects the water quality of the washing liquid used to wash the object 66,
The control unit 2 is characterized in that it controls at least one of the amount or number of times the liquid detergent 42 is supplied by the detergent supply means (control valve 48) 43 depending on the judgment result of the water quality judgment unit 17.
Therefore, the water quality can be inspected to check the cleaning effect, and liquid detergent 42 can be automatically dispensed as necessary, so that the desired cleaning can be performed without the need for the user US to carry out troublesome tasks such as checking the water quality.

Furthermore, the control unit 2 is configured to include the judgment result of the water quality judgment unit 17 in the status information A.
Therefore, in addition to managing consumables such as liquid detergent 42, the water quality during the washing process can also be known via the network NW, improving convenience.

Furthermore, in the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure, a door 44 for opening and closing the washing space WS,
a door driving device 86 that generates a driving force for a closing operation of the door 44;
and a position detection means for detecting the position of the container (tank) containing the liquid detergent.
The control unit 2 was characterized in that, when the door 44 was in an open state, the control unit 2 did not drive the door drive device 86 during the period during which the position detection means 72 detected that the container 16 was not in the correct installation position.

Because of this configuration, with this cleaning device 1 (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 it is not in the correct installation position, the door 44 will not be erroneously operated, 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, the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure is configured not to start operation when the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is less than a threshold value. Also, a warning is given in advance that the remaining amount is less than a specified amount.
Therefore, there is no concern that the washing process will be carried out with insufficient detergent after the washing operation is started, resulting in disappointing results.

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 such as a dishwasher according to the second disclosure includes:
An input unit 4 (operation unit 54) that accepts input commands from a user US;
A control unit 2 that receives an input command from the input unit 4 and controls the operation of the cleaning unit 9W;
A measuring unit 12 that measures the amount of a first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) used during operation of the cleaning unit 9W;
a container 16 containing the first consumable product;
A supply means 43 for supplying the first consumable product to the cleaning space WS;
A notification unit 3;
having
The control unit 2 starts up the notification unit 3 after the main power is turned on,
(1) When the amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) present in the container 16 is detected to be equal to or greater than the allowable value (150 g in the example of FIG. 12, 40 g in the example of FIG. 13) by the measuring operation of the measuring unit 12, operation in the normal operation mode is permitted (see FIG. 12 and FIG. 13).
(2) limiting the operation to an emergency mode if the amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is less than the allowable value;
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Due to this configuration, with this cleaning device 1E, when the remaining amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is equal to or greater than the allowable value, a normal operation mode OP1 such as an external control mode or a manual control mode using command data CD can be selected.
Therefore, after attempting to execute the washing process in the external control mode using the manual input mode or the command data CD, the operation is prevented from being unable to start due to a lack of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42), or the operation is interrupted once the washing process has started because additional detergent cannot be added, etc. This improves the operability for the user US and also prevents unnecessary confusion.

Furthermore, in the washing device (dishwasher) 1E according to the second disclosure, when the remaining amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is low, the washing device can be operated in an emergency operation mode OP2 using the second consumable product (tablet detergent 42T). Therefore, even in a situation where the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is low, the user US can add the second consumable product to operate the washing device in emergency operation mode.
In this way, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which operation is not possible even when the remaining amount of the first consumable product is insufficient, thereby improving convenience.

Furthermore, the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure has
If the amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is less than the allowable value, at least one of information regarding the remaining amount or replenishment of the first consumable product is notified by the notification unit 4, and then the emergency operation mode (emergency mode) OP2 is entered (see steps SA8 and SA14 in Figure 12, and steps SA10 and SA14 in Figure 13).

Because of this configuration, if the amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is less than the allowable value, the user US can understand the status of the first consumable product, etc., through the notification from the notification unit 4, and can be guided to the emergency operation mode (emergency mode) OP2.

Furthermore, the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure can switch between a normal operation mode OP1 in which the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is used and an emergency operation mode OP2 in which the second consumable product (tablet detergent 42T) is used. Therefore, even if it is found that the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is low in quantity, the cleaning operation can be started by using the second consumable product 42T.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure, the control unit 2 has a function of acquiring command data CD via the communication unit 8.
Therefore, the operation of the control unit 2 can be determined by acquiring the command data CD, which reduces the troublesome input settings required by the user US and improves operability.

Furthermore, the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure has
The cleaning liquid water quality determination unit 17 is further provided.
The consumption information acquisition unit 11 generates the state information A regarding the first consumable product used in the cleaning unit 9W,
The cleaning unit 9W is characterized in that it receives the determination data from the water quality determination unit 17 and controls the supply means (detergent supply unit 43).

With this configuration, the cleaning device 1E measures the remaining amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) and transmits the measurement result to the outside, improving the convenience of inventory management of the first consumable product by the user US.

Furthermore, the cleaning unit 9W detects whether the cleaning effect is good or bad by judgment of the water quality judgment unit 17, and controls the supply means (detergent supply unit 43) to supply liquid detergent 42 according to the detection result, thereby providing a cleaning device 1E with improved cleaning effect.
Furthermore, the user US does not need to take the trouble of checking the water quality each time, which contributes to reducing the burden on the user and improving operability.

Furthermore, the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure has a function of acquiring command data CD via the communication unit 8,
The control unit 2 is configured such that, when it receives an instruction from the input unit 4 to receive the command data CD, it transmits a receive permission signal RS to the outside, and thereafter does not transmit the status information A to the outside for the period until it has completed acquiring the command data CD.

Therefore, especially during the initial standby period TA, priority is given to obtaining the command data CD, so that it is possible to avoid occurrence of 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, the operating conditions of the cleaning device 1E (including operating conditions such as operating course, operation mode, and operating time) can be set using the command data CD, reducing the setting work of the user US, and since the acquisition and timing of the command data CD can be restricted on the input unit 4 side, confusion on the part of the user US during initial standby can be prevented.

Furthermore, the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure has
A door 44 for opening and closing the cleaning space WS;
a door driving device 86 that generates a driving force for a closing operation of the door 44;
and a position detection means for detecting the position of the container (tank) containing the liquid detergent.
The control unit 2 was characterized in that, when the door 44 was in an open state, the control unit 2 did not drive the door drive device 86 during the period in which the position detection means 72 detected that the container 16 was not in the correct installation position.

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, 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 cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure cannot start operation when the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is less than a threshold value, so there is no concern that the cleaning process will be performed with insufficient detergent after the cleaning operation is started.

Furthermore, the network NW can be used to generate measurement data MD for consumables, which can then be aggregated into status information A and provided outside the home, making it easier to manage consumables using the measurement data.

Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 is characterized by having a measuring unit 12 that grasps the amount of consumption of the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42).
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 of the second disclosure, the measuring unit 12 is characterized by having a tank 16 for storing consumable goods and a first sensor 37 (weight sensor) for measuring the amount (weight) of the consumable goods (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 of the second disclosure, a light-emitting element 39 and a light-receiving element 40 constituting a third sensor are arranged facing each other across the tank 16, and a method is used to detect (identify) the presence or absence of a first consumable product (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 related to the second disclosure, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 is configured to acquire information indicating a margin of error from data on the consumption 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 weighing data MD1) indicating the weight of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) and data (second weighing data MD2) indicating the amount of weight change and the rate of change generated from the first weighing 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 the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure, the light emitting element 39 and the light receiving element 40 are disposed facing each other with the tank 16 therebetween, and the presence or absence of the 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 second disclosure, the result of the operation count process AP2 is configured to be transmitted as an index classified into a plurality of levels in accordance with the time leeway for obtaining the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42).
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 third disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the information processing terminal 200 according to the third disclosure is
A communication unit 210 that can be connected to a plurality of electrical devices 1 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 consumer goods database 227 for storing status information A of the consumer goods (e.g., liquid detergent 42) 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;
When the terminal control unit 212 acquires the status information A, it displays individual menus (selection menus) 100A to 100E that can be inputted through the operation unit 225 on the terminal side display unit 216 (see FIG. 27),
When one of the selection menus is selected, first selection means 275 to 279 for requesting the display of data related to the consumable goods of the electrical appliance 1 linked to the user registered in advance and second selection means 274 for requesting the display of more detailed data on the specific consumable goods displayed by the selection of the first selection means are displayed;
When the control unit 212 acquires the status information A, the control unit 212 displays, on the terminal display unit 216, information 312 that identifies the electrical appliance (e.g., the dishwasher 1E) that is operated in the emergency operation mode OP2 due to a shortage of the consumable product (e.g., the liquid detergent 42);
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Due to this configuration, the information processing terminal (communication terminal) 200 according to the third disclosure can obtain information on the remaining amount of various consumable products (first consumable product: liquid detergent 42) used in electrical equipment via the communication unit 210 and display it on the terminal display unit 216 as a shopping list PL.

Furthermore, based on the status information A acquired from the electrical appliance 1, information 312 is displayed as described in FIG. 28 to identify the home appliance 1 that is operating or has been operating in emergency operation mode OP2 due to a low remaining amount of the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42), so that the user US can recognize on the information processing terminal device (communication terminal) 200 the consumable products that are necessary for the operation of the home appliance 1 and that urgently need to be replenished or replaced.

As described above, with this information processing terminal device 200, information such as the remaining amount of consumables in the cleaning device 1E can be obtained on a user US basis from outside the home using the network NW, making it possible to centrally manage consumables in the cleaning device 1E used at home, in the 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 processing terminal 200 according to the third disclosure to contribute to the management of consumables of various electrical appliances 1 such as the cleaning device 1E by effectively utilizing the network.

Furthermore, in the information processing terminal device (communication terminal) 200 according to the third disclosure,
A remote control 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 electrical device 1,
The terminal control unit 212 is characterized in that, during the period before receiving a reception permission signal RS from the electrical device 1, it does not transmit at least one of the command data CD or a signal requesting the provision of the status information A from the communication unit 210.

With this configuration, priority is given to obtaining the command data CD, so that it is possible to avoid causing a failure in the remote control of the electric appliance 1 such as the dishwasher 1E.
This allows the information processing terminal 200 according to the third disclosure to make effective use of the network.

Furthermore, the control unit 212 of the information processing terminal device 200 according to the third disclosure, as particularly described in FIG. 28(A), is characterized in that when information 312 identifying an electrical appliance 1 (e.g., dishwasher 1E) operated in the emergency operation mode OP2 is displayed on the terminal side display unit 216, information 312A identifying a consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) that is being used in the electrical appliance (e.g., dishwasher 1E) and is running low on the remaining amount is also displayed.

This configuration allows the user US to accurately and conveniently recognize both the information 312 that identifies the home appliance 1 that is running or has been running in emergency operation mode OP2 when the remaining amount of a consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) is low, and the information 312A that indicates the relevant consumable product.

Furthermore, the operating conditions of the electrical device 1 (including operating conditions such as operating course, operation mode, and operating time) can be set using the command data CD, which reduces the setting work of the user US, and the acquisition and timing of the command data CD can be restricted on the information processing terminal device 200 side, which prevents the user US from failing to send the command data CD.

Furthermore, in the information processing terminal device 200 relating to the third 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 28 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, the terminal display unit 216 displays a selection screen 216D that allows the user to select from various display menus including a consumable goods management menu, and the selection screen 216D is characterized by having a selection unit 100B (input key) for selecting the consumable goods management menu and a selection unit 100C (input key) for activating the shopping list creation unit 231 (see FIG. 27 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 third 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 such as the use of the cleaning device 1E (electrical appliance 1) and the refilling and replacement of the consumable products.

Therefore, as explained in FIG. 27(A), 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 above-mentioned "second process," 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 consumable product (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 consumable product), information on the work process and the like can be displayed in the form of text, illustrations, etc., as shown in FIG. 27 (B).

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 fourth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the information acquisition system according to the fourth disclosure is
A plurality of electrical devices 1 connected to a network NW;
a storage means (first server 20) connected to the electrical appliance via the network NW, which acquires and stores status information A indicating a status such as a remaining amount of a consumable product (a first consumable product, such as a liquid detergent 42) used in the electrical appliance 1;
an information processing terminal 200 connected to the storage means via the network and having a terminal-side display unit 216;
The electrical appliance 1 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 8 that, when operated in an emergency operation mode OP2 due to a shortage of the remaining amount of the consumable product, includes information on the operation mode in the status information A and transmits the information to the storage means,
The information processing terminal 200 has a plurality of input keys 100A to 100E for individually selecting individual menus (display menus) (see Figs. 27 and 32), and when one of the input keys 100A to 100E is operated, obtains information on the status information A obtained from the electric device 1 from a plurality of data stored in the storage means (first server 20) and displays the information on the terminal side display unit 216,
When the information processing terminal 200 acquires the status information A, the information processing terminal 200 displays, on the terminal side display unit 216, information 312 that identifies the electric appliance operated in the emergency operation mode OP2 due to a shortage of the remaining amount of the consumable product.
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Due to this configuration, the information acquisition system according to the fourth disclosure can acquire information on the remaining amount of a consumable product (first consumable product, such as liquid detergent 42) used in various electrical appliances 1 via a storage means (first server 20) and display it on the terminal display unit 216 as a shopping list PL.

Furthermore, based on the status information A acquired from the electrical appliance 1, information 312 is displayed as described in FIG. 28 to identify the home appliance 1 that is operating or has been operating in emergency operation mode OP2 due to a low remaining amount of the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42), so that the user US can recognize on the information processing terminal device (communication terminal) 200 the consumable products that are necessary for the operation of the home appliance 1 and that urgently need to be replenished or replaced.

As described above, this information acquisition system makes it possible to acquire information such as the remaining amount of consumables in the cleaning device 1E on a user US basis from outside the home using the network NW, enabling centralized management of consumables in the cleaning device 1E used at home, in the 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.
As a result, the information acquisition system according to the fourth disclosure can contribute to the centralized management of consumables of various electrical appliances 1 such as the cleaning device 1E by effectively utilizing the network NW.

Furthermore, in the information acquisition system according to the fourth disclosure, the information processing terminal 200 further includes a remote control information generating unit 219 for transmitting command data CD to the electric device 1,
The information processing terminal 200 is configured not to transmit the command data CD to the electric device during the period before receiving the reception permission signal from the electric device, and also not to transmit a signal requesting the provision of the status information A.

With this configuration, priority is given to reliably acquiring the command data CD, and it is possible to avoid causing a failure in the remote control of the electric appliance 1 such as the dishwasher 1E.
This enables the information acquisition system according to the fourth disclosure to make effective use of the network.

Furthermore, as particularly described in FIG. 28(A), the information acquisition system according to the fourth disclosure is configured such that when information 312 identifying an electrical appliance 1 (e.g., dishwasher 1E) operated in the emergency operation mode OP2 is displayed on the terminal display unit 216, information 312A identifying a consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) that is being used in the electrical appliance (e.g., dishwasher 1E) and is running low on the product can also be displayed.

This configuration allows the user US to accurately and conveniently recognize both the information 312 that identifies the home appliance 1 that is running or has been running in emergency operation mode OP2 when the remaining amount of a consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) is low, and the information 312A that indicates the relevant consumable product.

Furthermore, in the information acquisition system according to the fourth disclosure,
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 amount remaining) of a specific consumable product AA (e.g., AA detergent) obtained from the electrical appliance 1 and status information (e.g., low amount remaining) of a specific consumable product BB (e.g., BB fabric softener) obtained from the same or different electrical appliance 1 (e.g., a washing machine) as the electrical appliance 1 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 on the operation of the relevant electric appliance 1 for the consumer product AA (e.g., AA detergent) or advice information A (recommended manufacturer, precautions for use, etc.) 283 on 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. 29 in particular).

Due to this configuration, this information acquisition system makes it possible to easily acquire status information A of consumables of electrical appliances 1 used in a home, office, store, etc. from outside the home, office, store, etc. by using the network NW, thereby enabling centralized management of consumables of various electrical appliances 1 used in a home, 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.

Furthermore, in the information acquisition system according to the fourth 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 different from this list screen 216P, so that a convenient system can be provided for individual users US such as residents in each household and users (administrators, etc.) who manage electrical equipment 1 in offices and stores.
This enables the information acquisition system to contribute to the management of consumables of the electrical appliance 1 by effectively utilizing the network.

Furthermore, this information acquisition system is characterized in that when the information processing terminal device 200 acquires the status information A, a shopping list PL is displayed on the terminal display unit 216, which displays, for each specific consumer product, the name of the consumer product (e.g., "Liquid detergent XX") and judgment information 2 (e.g., "Urgent") 271A indicating the urgency of the product in terms of its impact on the operation of the electrical appliance 1 (see Figure 28 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 (see FIG. 27 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 first embodiment, the server (first server) 20 according to the fifth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the server (first server) 20 according to the fifth disclosure
the device is connected to an electrical appliance 1 (such as a dishwasher 1E) and an information processing terminal 200 in a state in which the devices can communicate with each other via a network NW, and holds a plurality of data for displaying information on a consumable product (such as a liquid detergent 42) consumed by the electrical appliance 1 on a terminal 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 display unit, and when a user operates one of the input keys 100A to 100E, according to the content of the operated input key,
(1) Among the plurality of data, the consumable goods data generated in response to the status information A including the remaining amount data of the consumable goods provided from the electric appliance 1 is aggregated for each registered information processing terminal 200, i.e., for each user US, and displayed in a list form on the terminal side display unit 216;
(2) For a specific consumable product among the consumable products displayed in the list state, information on the remaining amount or information on the urgency of refilling or replacement is displayed on a display screen 216V different from the list state on the terminal side display unit 216.
(3) When there is an electric appliance operated in the emergency operation mode OP2 due to a shortage of the remaining amount of the consumable product, information 312A identifying the consumable product that is insufficient in the electric appliance is displayed on the terminal display unit 216.
Carrying out processing;
This is a configuration characterized by the above.

Due to this configuration, the server (first server 20) according to the fifth disclosure can use the network NW to obtain consumption information of consumables of the cleaning device 1E on a per-user US basis from outside the home using the information processing terminal device 200, thereby enabling centralized management of consumables of electrical appliances 1 used at home, offices, etc.
This allows the server according to the fifth disclosure (first server 20) to effectively utilize the network NW to collect and utilize data useful for managing consumables of the electrical appliance 1.

Furthermore, information 312 that identifies the home appliance 1 that is running or has been running in emergency operation mode OP2 and that has a low remaining amount of the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) is provided from the server (first server 20) as described in FIG. 28 and is displayed on the terminal display unit 216, so that the user US (or a family member living together, etc.) who possesses the information processing terminal device 200 can easily recognize the consumable product that needs to be replenished or replaced urgently because of the home appliance 1 that is running in emergency operation mode OP2. Therefore, it is possible to induce behavior to obtain the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) that needs to be obtained urgently as soon as possible.

Furthermore, in the server according to the fifth disclosure (first server 20),
This configuration is characterized in that, after the main power of the electrical device 1 is turned on, during the period before a reception permission signal RS is received from the electrical device 1, no signal requesting the provision of the status information A is transmitted to the electrical device 1.

With this configuration, during the initial standby period TA after the main power is turned on, priority is given to the electrical device 1 acquiring the command data CD, which makes it possible to avoid causing a failure in the remote control of the electrical device 1.

Furthermore, in the first server 20 related to the fifth disclosure, one type of the plurality of data is operating status data OS obtained from the electrical equipment 1 via the network NW, and another type of the plurality of data is judgment information 1 based on the remaining amount or usage amount of the consumable product and judgment information 2 regarding the need to replenish or replace the consumable product.
Therefore, the first server 20 can easily grasp which consumable products need to be replenished or replaced.

Furthermore, the first server 20 according to the fifth disclosure is characterized in that, as a means for storing the multiple data, it is equipped with at least one of the following: an appliance consumable goods database 23R that stores the consumable goods data for each of the electrical appliances 1; a user/facility identification unit 24 that stores the user's identification information (user ID) or the facility identification information (facility ID); a judgment criterion storage unit 25; a command data generation unit 31 that generates command data for the electrical appliance 1; 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 of acquiring the consumable goods data 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.

Furthermore, in the first server 20 according to the fifth disclosure, the command data CD includes an operation program for controlling at least one of a power source (such as a cleaning pump 49) or a heating source (such as an electric heater 51) possessed by the electric device 1,
During the initial standby period of the electric device 1, the command data CD is not transmitted to the electric device 1 before the reception permission signal RS is received from the electric device 1.
Therefore, the operation of the electric device 1 can be determined by acquiring the command data CD, which reduces the troublesome input settings required by the user US and improves operability.

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 sixth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the remaining amount management system for consumables according to the sixth disclosure is as follows:
A plurality of electrical devices 1 connected to a network NW;
a server (first server 20) connected to the electrical device 1 via the network;
An information processing terminal 200 that can be connected to the server (first server 20) via the network NW;
Equipped with
The server (first server 20) has a user identification unit 24 for identifying a user US who uses the electrical device 1,
Each of the electrical appliances (1) includes a consumption information acquisition unit (11) that acquires status information (A) related to a remaining status of a consumable product, and a communication unit (8) that transmits the status information (A) to an outside.
The server (first server 20) generates determination information A regarding a remaining state of a specific consumable product AA based on the status information A acquired from one of the electrical appliances, and generates determination information B regarding a remaining state of a specific consumable product BB based on the status information A acquired from an electrical appliance that is the same as or different from the electrical appliance,
The information processing terminal 200 displays the specific consumable products AA and BB, for which the determination information 1 belongs to the same urgency level, on the same list screen 216P on the terminal side display unit 216 for each user,
the server (first server 20), when there is an electric appliance 1 operated in an emergency operation mode OP2 due to a shortage of the consumable product among the electric appliances 1 from which the status information A has been acquired, causes information 312A identifying the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) that is insufficient in the electric appliance 1 to be displayed on the terminal side display unit 216;
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Due to this configuration, the remaining amount management system for consumable goods related to the sixth disclosure can obtain consumption information of consumable goods of the cleaning device 1E on a user US basis from outside the home using the network NW by the information processing terminal device 200, thereby making it possible to centrally manage consumable goods of electrical appliances 1 used at home, offices, etc.
As a result, the consumable product remaining amount management system according to the sixth disclosure can effectively utilize the network NW to collect and utilize data useful for managing the consumable products of the electrical appliance 1.

Furthermore, information 312A that identifies the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) that is low in the remaining amount and is running low in the electrical appliance 1 (e.g., dishwasher 1E) that is operating or has been operated in emergency operation mode OP2 is provided from the server (first server 20) to the terminal side display unit 216 as described in FIG. 28(A), so that the user US (or a family member living together, etc.) who possesses the information processing terminal device 200 can easily recognize the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) that needs to be replenished or replaced urgently for the electrical appliance 1 operated in emergency operation mode OP2. Therefore, it is possible to induce the user to take action to obtain the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) that needs to be obtained urgently as soon as possible.

Furthermore, in the remaining amount management system for consumable products according to the sixth disclosure of the first embodiment,
The first server 20 has a function of transmitting command data CD that determines an operation of the function exerting unit 9 (cleaning unit 9W) to the electric device 1,
The first server 20 was characterized in that, during the period before receiving a reception permission signal RS from the electrical device 1, it did not transmit to the electrical device 1 at least one of the command data CD or a signal requesting the provision of the status information A.

Due to this configuration, the consumable product remaining amount management system according to the sixth disclosure can give 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 electric device 1 via the information processing terminal 200 .
Therefore, the network NW can be utilized effectively and with high reliability.

Furthermore, in 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 A or the judgment information B, the terminal side display unit 216 is configured to display a shopping list on a list screen 216P consolidated into a single display screen, which displays the names of specific consumable products and information 271A indicating the urgency of the products in terms of their impact on the operation of the electrical appliance 1 (see Figure 27).

This configuration allows users to easily identify which consumable items are a high priority for acquisition.

Furthermore, according to the consumable product remaining amount management system of the sixth disclosure, as explained in FIG. 28(B), the result of the judgment information 2 belongs to the same level of "urgency: urgent", and this is displayed on the list screen 216P as information 271A indicating the urgency.

Because of this configuration, this consumable product remaining amount management system can use the network NW to grasp information on consumable products of various electrical appliances 1, including the cleaning device 1E, that are being used in a home, office, store, etc., from outside the home, office, store, etc., at the same level of judgment information 2. In other words, it is possible to grasp only consumable products with the same level of urgency.

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 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 the first embodiment, the consumer goods purchase support system according to the seventh disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the consumer goods purchase support system according to the seventh disclosure is
A plurality of electrical devices 1 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 (first server 20) via the network NW;
Equipped with
The server (first server 20) has a user identification unit 24 for identifying a user US who uses the electrical device 1,
The server (first server 20) generates determination information A regarding a remaining state of a specific consumable product AA based on status information A acquired from one of the electrical appliances, and generates determination information B regarding a remaining state of a specific consumable product BB based on the status information A acquired from an electrical appliance that is the same as or different from the electrical appliance,
The information processing terminal displays the judgment information A and the judgment information B on the same list screen 216P on the terminal side display unit 216 for each user,
When at least one of the judgment information 1 or the judgment information 2 is displayed on the terminal display unit 216, the information processing terminal displays an input key 285 to be selected when a purchase of the consumable product specified in the judgment information 1 or the judgment information 2 is desired;
the server (first server 20), when there is an electric appliance 1 operated in an emergency operation mode OP2 due to a shortage of the remaining amount of the consumable product among the electric appliances 1 from which the status information A has been acquired, causes the terminal side display unit 216 to display information 312A identifying the consumable product that is insufficient in the electric appliance;
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Due to this configuration, according to the consumer goods purchasing support system related to the seventh disclosure, consumption information of consumer goods of the cleaning device 1E can be obtained on a user US basis from outside the home using the network NW by the information processing terminal device 200, making it possible to centrally manage consumer goods of electrical appliances 1 used at home, offices, etc.
As a result, the consumable product purchasing support system according to the seventh disclosure can effectively utilize the network NW to collect data useful for managing the consumable products of the electrical appliance 1, and can also utilize the data for consumable product acquisition behavior.

Furthermore, information 312A that identifies the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) that is low in the remaining amount and is running low in the electrical appliance 1 (e.g., dishwasher 1E) that is operating or has been operated in emergency operation mode OP2 is provided from the server (first server 20) to the terminal side display unit 216 as described in FIG. 28(A), so that the user US (or a family member living together, etc.) who possesses the information processing terminal device 200 can easily recognize the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) that needs to be replenished or replaced urgently for the electrical appliance 1 operated in emergency operation mode OP2. Therefore, it is possible to induce the user to take action to obtain the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) that needs to be obtained urgently as soon as possible.

Furthermore, in the consumer goods purchasing support system according to the seventh disclosure, the first server 20 is configured such that, when transmitting command data CD to the electrical device 1, the first server 20 transmits the command data CD after receiving a reception permission signal RS from the electrical device 1.

Due to this configuration, the consumable product purchasing support system according to the seventh disclosure can give 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 electric device 1 via the information processing terminal 200 .
Therefore, the network NW can be utilized effectively and with high reliability.

In addition, with this configuration, the network NW can be used to acquire status information A of various electrical appliances 1 used at home, in an office, in a store, etc., all at once from outside the home, in an office, in a store, etc., making it possible to centrally manage the consumables used at home, in an office, in a store, etc.

Furthermore, according to the consumer product purchasing support system of the seventh disclosure, when the judgment information 2 for refills, etc., for individual consumer products AA (e.g., AA detergent) and BB (e.g., BB fabric softener) belong to the same urgency level (e.g., "high urgency"), both the consumer products AA and BB are displayed on the same list screen 216P on the terminal display unit 216 on a user ID basis, so that only consumer products with the same urgency level can be checked at once, which is highly convenient for the user US.

In addition, as shown in display area 282 and display area 291 in Figures 29(A) and 30(A), the first server 20's judgment regarding each 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 the consumer product purchase support system according to the seventh disclosure, 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 the consumer goods purchasing support system related to the seventh disclosure, the selection screen 216D is characterized by further including an input key of a usage guide selection section 100A for selecting the display of reference information on 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 for requesting the display of data relating 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 for requesting 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 acquire 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 such as electrical appliances 1 used at home, in offices, etc.
Moreover, it is highly convenient because it can display not only overall information about consumer goods, but also detailed data for individual consumer goods.
This enables the consumable goods purchasing support system to contribute to the consumable goods management of the electric appliance 1 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 material (e.g., liquid detergent 42) is displayed on the display unit 3D based on the data of the remaining amount (weight) of the consumable material (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.
34 to 40 show an electric appliance 1 and a remaining amount management system for consumables according to the second embodiment. FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a dishwasher (cleaning device) 1E, which is an example of the electric appliance 1. FIG. 35 is a time chart 1 showing the basic operation of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 34. FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of measuring liquid detergent in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 34. FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram showing a door part of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 34 in a partial vertical cross-sectional view. FIG. 38 is a display example 1 of a display unit showing the remaining amount of liquid detergent in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 34. FIG. 39 is a display example 2 of a display unit showing the remaining amount of liquid detergent in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 34. FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the operation during sterilization operation in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 34. Note that the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same or equivalent to the configuration of the first embodiment described in FIGS. 1 to 33.

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.

Another difference from the first embodiment is that a sterilization device 47 is provided to sterilize the air in the washing space WS and the tableware.
Referring to Figure 34 .
Fig. 34 corresponds to Fig. 7 of embodiment 1. Reference numeral 47 denotes a sterilization device, which is driven by a drive circuit 47D.

The sterilization device 47 sterilizes the air present in the cleaning space WS, the cleaning water stored inside the cleaning tank 15, or the air or water on the way to the water supply path leading to the cleaning tank 15.
A representative example of this type of sterilization device is a sterilization device for a dishwasher proposed in Japanese Patent No. 4737125. The prior art is a dishwasher 1E having a washing operation mode for washing objects contained in a washing tank 15, and is provided with an electrostatic atomizer for generating nanometer-sized charged fine particle water having active species by electrostatic atomization and discharging it into the washing tank 15. In the actual sterilization process, prior to the washing process in which washing liquid is sprayed from the washing nozzle 50 to wash the tableware 55, the electrostatic atomizer is operated to discharge the charged fine particle water into the washing tank 15, and then washing liquid is sprayed from the washing nozzle 50 to perform the washing operation.

The above prior art also proposes that when the dishes are stored after the washing operation mode has ended, the electrostatic atomizer operation mode for storage is automatically operated, and the electrostatic atomizer 4 is operated again to release charged fine water particles into the washing tank 15, thereby once again sterilizing and deodorizing the inside of the washing tank 15 or the items being washed (dishes 55), and preventing and removing yellowing (protein stains) on the cutting board.

On the other hand, JP 2021-41336 A proposes a technology for sterilizing water supplied to dishwashers and hot water heaters, which employs a method of irradiating ultraviolet light onto water flowing through a treatment space such as a water supply pipe.

In this second embodiment, the method for sterilizing the air and water is not particularly limited, so it can be determined taking into consideration the purpose and size of the cleaning device 1E, etc.

Referring to Figure 35 .
Fig. 35 is a time chart 1 showing the basic operation of the dishwasher shown in Fig. 34. In Fig. 35, one feature of the second embodiment is that a second measuring operation (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 measuring operation (step SX2). As a result, the detergent remaining amount measurement process AP1 described in the first embodiment is changed to a remaining amount measurement process BP1. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 36.
Another feature is that a sterilization process is performed during the drying process.

Next, we will explain Figure 36.
36 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.
36, the following mainly describes the differences between the operation steps of the control unit 2 described with reference to 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 (corresponding to step S4 in FIG. 35).
Thereafter, the weighing unit 12 performs a first weight measurement process (weighing operation) of the liquid detergent 42 (before the start of the cleaning process). This is step SL1 in Fig. 36 (corresponding to step SX1 in Fig. 35).

As in the example shown in Figure 36, when step SX1 is set before step S5 (Figure 35), at the stage of step S5, the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is checked 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".
That is, when the "external control mode" is selected by the input unit 4 (operation unit 54), the "result of remaining amount check" is notified to the communication terminal 200 at that time, which improves 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. 35), 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 corresponds to steps S8 to S9 shown in FIG.

Thereafter, the weighing unit 12 performs a second weight measurement process (weighing operation) of the liquid detergent 42 (after completion of the drying process). This is step SL4 (step SX2 in FIG. 35).
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, it is possible to obtain the latest remaining amount data of the liquid detergent 42. This is called "remaining amount measurement process BP1."
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 the next step SL6, 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 SL7, 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 by the manufacturer of the electric appliance 1 such as the cleaning device 1E. For example, it was determined based on 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, with reference to the standard consumption amount per operation. In other words, since the threshold value for judging the margin was determined by the manufacturer, it was a common index that was applied 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.

The control unit 2 has the function of automatically selecting the "emergency operation mode OP2" as described in the first embodiment. In other words, if it is found that the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is less than the allowable limit at the step SL1 stage, it becomes impossible to select the "external control mode" that acquires the command data CD1 and automatically determines the conditions for the washing operation.

Next, we will explain FIG.
FIG. 37 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 a plurality of detection electrodes for touch-type input keys such as electrostatic induction type are formed on the thin plate at predetermined intervals by deposition or the like. In other words, the top operation unit 54U is provided on the 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 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 embodiment 2, two locations function as the operation unit 54: the upper front side of the door 44 (front operation unit 54) and the top display unit 56U. In the following description, the operation unit 54 in the top display unit 56U portion is referred to as the top operation unit 54A.

Next, we will explain Figure 38.
FIG. 38 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 measured before the start of the current washing operation.

304C is a diagram showing the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42, which is the result of consumption in the current washing operation, measured at the time of step SX2 (FIG. 35).
In other words, if the liquid detergent 42 is not replenished thereafter, at the end of the next operation, the operation will start with the amount of liquid detergent 42 shown in this figure 304C. Figure 304D is a figure that predicts the amount of liquid detergent 42 for the next operation and thereafter.

The display on the top display unit 56U as shown in FIG. 38 may be displayed twice, once at step S5 (see FIG. 35) before the start of the cleaning process and once at step S10 (see FIG. 35) at the end of the drying process.
The top display unit 56U cannot be seen by the user US unless the door 44 is open. Therefore, when the user US removes the tableware 66 after the washing and drying process is completed, by opening the door 44, the user US can check the diagram 304C showing the next predicted amount of liquid detergent 42.

In addition, during the period before the liquid detergent 42 is measured (up to step S4 in FIG. 35), only the remaining amount 304A is displayed on the top display unit 56U as shown in FIG. 38. After that, from step S5 onwards, when the liquid detergent 42 is measured, figure 304B is also displayed at the same time. At step S10 (FIG. 35) at the end of the drying process, figure 304C is additionally displayed. Figure 304D is intended to indicate the remaining amount level permitted in the normal operating mode, and is always displayed.

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. 28(A) and (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 56U. In the example of FIG. 38, 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.

Next, we will explain Figure 39.
FIG. 39 is a plan view showing an example of a display on the top surface display unit 56U.
FIG. 39 is a plan view showing an example of the display on the top display unit 56U when the measurement result is less than the threshold value in the process (step SX1) of measuring the initial value of the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 described in FIG.

The example of FIG. 39 shows a case where the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is less than the threshold value at step SX1 prior to step S5 (FIG. 35) in which the operation mode is selected.
In Fig. 39, the "lowest level" indicates the threshold value. For example, the threshold value is 40 g (see step SA8 in Fig. 13).

As shown in FIG. 39, if the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 at the time of step SX1 is less than the threshold value (the "minimum level" shown in FIG. 39), the warning information display unit 306 displays text indicating that the amount of liquid detergent 42 is insufficient and recommends refilling it.

As shown in Fig. 39, when the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is less than the threshold value (the "minimum level" shown in Fig. 39), an emergency operation mode selection input key 322 is displayed so that the operation mode can be immediately switched to the emergency operation mode OP2. This is one of the features of the second embodiment. In other words, the emergency operation mode OP2 can be selected on the upper operation unit 54U.
When the input key 322 is provided in the operation unit 54 as a constantly-push button or the like, the input function may be enabled by the control unit 2 after the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 becomes less than a threshold value. In this way, the emergency operation mode OP2 can be selected only when the amount of liquid detergent 42 is low, and it is possible to prevent switching to the emergency operation mode OP2 even if an erroneous operation is performed.

Figure 39 is a notification that corresponds to step SA8 in Figure 12 or step SA10 in Figure 13 in embodiment 1. Note that audio guidance may be provided by the notification unit 3 in synchronization with the display on the top surface display unit 56U.

Next, we will explain FIG. 40.
FIG. 40 is a flow chart showing the operation during the sterilization mode in the dishwasher shown in FIG.
In this example of embodiment 2, the sterilization operation is performed after the drying process is completed, but when warm water stored in the cleaning tank 15 is sprayed while being circulated during the cleaning process, the warm water may also be sterilized.

As soon as the drying process is completed (step SU1), the sterilization process starts (step SU2). The sterilization process is performed for a period of time previously determined by the control unit 2. In this sterilization process, the control unit 2 drives the drive circuit 47D, and although the sterilization principle differs depending on the basic configuration of the sterilization device 47, for example, charged fine water particles of nanometer size are generated. These fine particles are circulated inside the cleaning tank 15 by the operation of the blower fan 53.

When the sterilization process is completed, the user US is notified of the end of operation, and data showing the process up to this point is transmitted from the communication unit 8 as updated status information A (step SU3).
In this step SU3, measurement of an elapsed time T3 starts.
Thereafter, a check is made to see if the door 44 is open. The control unit 2 can detect whether the door 44 is open by the operation of the door drive device 86 and the door open detection unit 77.

Since the dishwashing process and the drying process have been completed, even if the door 44 is not immediately opened to remove the tableware 55, there is no need to worry about mold growing on the tableware 55.
However, leaving it like that for a long period of time is unhygienic.

Therefore, in this second embodiment, the operations of steps SU4 to SU8 are set as an optional function.
In other words, if the optional function is selected in advance, when the drying process is completed, the main power is not immediately turned off, but the operations of steps SU4 to SU8 can be performed.

First, it is checked whether the door 44 is open (step SU4). If the set time (T3) has elapsed without the door 44 being opened, the sterilization device 47 is driven to sterilize the inside of the washing space WS (step SU5). This is then included in the status information A and transmitted to the outside.
Therefore, the user US becomes aware of this additional sterilization operation via the first server 20 (step SU6).

Next, the operations up to this point are stored in the memory unit 22. Then, the measured value of the elapsed time is returned to zero (reset), and time measurement is started again. Then, it is checked again whether the door 44 is open (step SU8). If the door 44 still cannot be opened, when it is determined again at the stage of step SU5 that the time has elapsed, the sterilization operation is automatically started again. This repetition is executed, for example, every 6 hours or 12 hours.
With this configuration, even if the tableware 55 is forgotten to be removed after washing, the sterilization device 47 will suppress the growth of harmful bacteria, and the tableware can be maintained in a clean state.

In addition, since status information A is sent to the first server 20 in step SU6, the communication terminal 200 is notified via the first server 20 that, for example, sterilization operation is being performed 6 hours or 12 hours after the completion of the drying process in step SU3.
That is, in the dishwasher 1E, the user US can be notified that dishes 66 are present in the dishwasher 1E repeatedly, for example, every 6 or 12 hours.

Summary of embodiment 2.
As is clear from the above description, in this second embodiment, the washing device (dishwasher 1E) 1E according to the first disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, in this second embodiment, the cleaning device according to the first disclosure is
A communication unit 8 that can be connected to a network NW or an information processing terminal device 200;
An input unit 4 (operation unit 54) that accepts input commands from a user US;
A notification unit 3;
A control unit 2 that receives an input command from the input unit 4 and controls the operation of the cleaning unit 9W;
A measuring unit 12 that measures the amount of a first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) used during operation of the cleaning unit 9W;
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 supply means 43 for supplying the first consumable product to the cleaning space WS;
having
The measuring unit 12 measures the amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) twice, once before the start of the cleaning process (step SX1, FIG. 35) and once after the cleaning process is completed (step SX2, FIG. 35), to generate measurement data MD.
The control unit 2 acquires the measurement data MD, and when the remaining amount of the first 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;
There are two types of consumable products that can be used during operation of the cleaning unit 9W: the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) and a second consumable product (tablet detergent 42T) that the user can directly supply to the cleaning unit 9W.
The control unit 2 switches between a normal operation mode OP1 in which the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is used and an emergency operation mode (emergency mode) OP2 in which the second consumable product (tablet detergent 42T) is used;
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Because of this configuration, this cleaning device (including the dishwasher 1E) allows the remaining amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) that is normally used to be grasped externally, improving the convenience of remaining amount management.

Furthermore, in a situation where the remaining amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is low and operation in the normal operation mode OP1 is not possible, an emergency operation mode OP2 using the second consumable product (tablet detergent 42T) can be selected for operation. Therefore, even if the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is low, the user US can input the second consumable product to operate in the emergency operation mode.
In this way, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which operation is not possible even when the remaining amount of the first consumable product is insufficient, thereby improving convenience.

Furthermore, the cleaning device 1E of this embodiment 2 measures the amount of the first consumable material (liquid detergent 42) 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 grasped.

Furthermore, the cleaning device 1E of this embodiment 2 is characterized in that, when the position detection means 72 detects that the container 16 is not in the correct installation position while the door 44 is open, the notification means is activated to emit light to notify the user, and during the period in which this notification operation continues, the control unit 2 does not issue a command to the door drive device 86 to close the door 44.

Because of this configuration, with this cleaning device (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 it is not in the correct installation position, the door 44 will not be erroneously operated, 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.

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.

Other configurations in embodiment 2 that are the same as those in embodiment 1 can achieve the same effects.

Embodiment 3.
41 to 50 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. 41 is an overall configuration diagram showing an electric appliance (cleaning device 1E) according to the third embodiment and a system for managing the remaining amount of consumable goods. FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram showing the entire liquid detergent measuring system in the cleaning device 1E shown in FIG. 41, partially in a vertical cross section. FIG. 43 is a flow chart showing the process from the start of the cleaning process to the start of the cleaning process of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 41. FIG. 44 is a flow chart showing the process from the start of the cleaning process to the end of operation of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 41. FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram showing the content change of information on consumable goods from the cleaning device to the communication terminal via the first server in the remaining amount management system shown in FIG. 41. FIG. 46 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 shown in FIG. 41. Fig. 47 is an explanatory diagram 2 of 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 shown in Fig. 41. Fig. 48 is a flow chart showing the replacement work of consumable parts of the cleaning device shown in Fig. 41. Fig. 49 is a time chart showing the correspondence between the replacement work of consumable parts of the cleaning device 1E shown in Fig. 41 and the display unit 3D, the door drive device 86, etc. Fig. 50 is a time chart showing the correspondence between the replacement work of consumable parts of the cleaning device shown in Fig. 41 and the display unit, the door drive device, etc. 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 40.

Referring to Figure 41 .
In Fig. 41, 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 tub 15, or a "filtration filter" 16F (described in Figure 41) 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 features of the dishwasher 1E, as in the first embodiment. This consumption information acquisition unit 11 receives the consumption amount of the "dedicated liquid detergent 42 (first consumable product)," which is one of the consumable products used in the dishwasher 1E, as measurement data MD, which is the result of measurement by the measurement unit 12. It also has a function of storing (holding) the measurement data MD.

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 a new consumable part 16F is attached again, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 has a function of periodically calculating and adding the elapsed time from the point of attachment, and also storing data on the cumulative usage time TC for one consumable part 16F. This will be explained in FIG. 47.

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 the measurement data MD2.

In the third embodiment, among the status information A transmitted from the electrical appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E) to the first server 20, data relating to the consumable parts (filter 16F, etc.) is referred to as part data PD.
Among the status information transmitted from the electrical appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E) to the first server 20, data relating to consumable products (such as liquid detergent 42) excluding the consumable parts (such as filtration filter 16F) is referred to as remaining amount data RD.
As will be described later, 279A is a message ("Determination Information 3") that concisely indicates the latest determination status regarding the remaining life or the need for replacement of a specific consumable part (such as filtration filter 16F), which may be referred to as determination information, and this determination information is generated by the first server 20 based on the part data PD.

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 usage 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 issuing alarm data. The data on the remaining time TN is a part of the part data PD.

The electric appliance information storage unit 23 stores various information related to the electric appliances 1 for each of the appliance identification information (appliance IDs) 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. 40, 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. 41), 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. 41, 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, which is the first consumable product, 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.

Next, we will explain Figure 42.
FIG. 42 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. 41.

FIG. 42 corresponds to FIG. 6 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. 40), 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 while the dishwasher is operating.

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 42, 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 42, 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. 42, 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 weighing unit 12.

Next, we will explain Figure 43.
FIG. 43 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. 43, steps SF1 to SF15 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. 44.

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 input into the input unit 54, such as selecting a cleaning course (e.g., "thorough cleaning").
Also, as described in the first embodiment, if the liquid detergent 42 (first consumable product) is below the allowable limit, it is recommended that the liquid detergent 42 be refilled, but if the liquid detergent 42 is out of stock, it is recommended that the appliance be operated in the emergency operation mode OP2.

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.
Furthermore, if the input unit 54 is a touch-type input unit using the display screen (display panel) of the display unit 3D, a touch key section (icon) for selecting one of a plurality of cleaning courses is displayed on the initial standby screen. When the machine is operated by acquiring command data CD, the acquisition procedure is displayed on this initial standby screen (not shown). For example, a display is displayed to prompt the user to press a specific input key.

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 measurement date and time data.

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 the liquid detergent 42, it is determined that the liquid detergent is in the "danger zone" and step SF7 becomes "Yes".

This dishwasher 1E uses liquid detergent 42 (first consumable product), so if the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is less than a specified amount, a display unit 3D will indicate that the detergent should be replenished at this stage, and the notification unit 3 will also notify the user by voice.
Furthermore, as described in the first embodiment, if the liquid detergent 42 (first consumable product) is below the allowable limit (threshold value), it is recommended that the liquid detergent 42 be refilled, but if there is no stock of the liquid detergent 42, it is recommended that the appliance be operated in the emergency operation mode OP2.

At the next step SF8, if it is detected that the emergency operation mode OP2 has been selected by the user US, the process proceeds to step SF14.

On the other hand, if the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, step SF6 becomes "No" and the process proceeds to step SF13.
If the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is less than the threshold value, then in step SF9, it is determined whether or not the lid 16A of the tank 16 has been opened. If it is not detected that the lid 16A has been opened, the process returns to step SF7, and a request is made to replenish the liquid detergent 42. If the user leaves the process as is, the display of step SF7 continues for a limited time (e.g., 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 SF9 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to step SF10.
The user US refills the liquid detergent 42 between steps SF9 and SF10.
When the lid 16A is closed after refilling with the liquid detergent 42, step SF10 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to step SF11. If the lid 16A is not closed, the process cannot proceed to step SF11.

In step SF11, 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 SF12, 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 SF12 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 value, then in the next step SF13, 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 SF14, it is determined whether a required cleaning course (for example, "thorough cleaning") has been selected, and whether an operation start key (button) has been pressed.
If step SF14 is "Yes", the cleaning process starts (step SF15).

In this embodiment 3, at step SF15, the (latest) data obtained at step SF11, such as the weight value of the liquid detergent 42 and the liquid level position information, are transmitted as status information A. If the operation mode is emergency operation mode OP2, this information is also transmitted together with the 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 SF15. 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 SF14 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 SF14 continues for the time limit (e.g., 10 minutes), and when that time has elapsed, the notification unit 3 issues a notification 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. 43, 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 44.
FIG. 44 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. 44 are defined by the control program of the control unit 2 (of the cleaning apparatus 1E) shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 44, 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. 42) in the supply line connecting the tank 16 to the inside of the cleaning tub 15 (not shown) opens and closes in response to a command from the control unit 2, and injects the liquid detergent 42 required for one dishwashing session 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 an 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 of the timer unit 5 shown in FIG. 41.

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 started 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 discharged from the cleaning tank 15 to the outside, and is gradually replaced by dry air. In addition, the sterilization device 47 described in the second embodiment is not provided in the cleaning device 1E of the third embodiment.

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. 43 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. 44 (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. 44.

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 43) 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. 43) 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 memory unit 12M (not shown) of measuring 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 use 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 usage time TC" referred to here in its entirety. That is, in addition to the accumulated time from step SF1 in Fig. 43 to step SB33 in Fig. 44, the accumulated usage time also includes the time that the dishwasher 1E is not actually performing a washing operation.

Because of the above definition of "cumulative usage time TC," the timer unit 5 in FIG. 41 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. 40 is acquired and updated.

As explained in Figure 41, 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. 44) 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 device identification information of this dishwasher 1E, and is stored in the device consumption database 23R of the electrical device information storage unit 23 shown in FIG. 41, linked to the device 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). In contrast, in the third embodiment, the transmission process is executed after the drying process is completed. However, the transmission process of step SB34 is executed without any problems 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 41 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 a period prior to step SB29 in FIG. 44.

As shown in FIG. 44, 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).

When the emergency operation mode OP2 is selected in step SF8 of FIG. 43, some of the operation steps shown in FIG. 44 are not executed. At least steps SB23 and SB30 are not executed. Furthermore, information indicating the emergency operation mode OP2 is included in the status information A at the stage of step SB34 and is transmitted to the first server 20.

Next, we will explain Figure 45.
FIG. 45 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. 45 corresponds to Fig. 26 of the first embodiment, and therefore the following description will focus on the differences from Fig. 26. The following description will be given taking an example of the electrical appliance 1 as a cleaning device (dishwasher) 1E.
As shown in Fig. 45, in this cleaning device 1E, the status information A generated or acquired by the control unit 2 includes information indicating a user ID, device identification information, an estimated remaining amount of liquid detergent 42, an estimated number of possible operations, and a margin of error. Note that Fig. 45 does not show operating status data OS1 such as a start signal of the cleaning device 1E. In addition, when the cleaning device 1E is operated in an emergency operation mode OP2, data that can identify the emergency operation mode OP2 is also included.

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 each time the cleaning device 1E is operated.

The first server 20 has a replacement timing management unit 310 as shown in FIG.
The replacement time management unit 310 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 310 has a function of automatically transmitting alarm 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. 45, 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 the user ID, device identification information, consumable product information including the consumable product ID, judgment information 1, judgment information 2, urgency, and the remaining period (remaining time TN) corresponding to the remaining time TN.

Next, we will explain Figure 46.
46(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.

46(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 Figs. 46(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. 46(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, replenishment, procurement, etc. of consumables 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 46. The display screen in Figure 46 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.
In order to indicate the presence and function of the icons 100F and 100G, a specific function is displayed by characters or figures (at least when the icons are in a state where they can accept input).
In the example of Fig. 46(A), the text information "View list" appears at the position of one icon 100E. The text information "Make list" appears 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 text “New Arrivals.” The warning section 307 indicates that some notification about a consumable product has been received from the first server 20.
If there is a cleaning device 1E or other electrical appliance 1 operating in the emergency operation mode OP2, the first consumable goods used by the cleaning device 1E or electrical appliance 1 are rated as having the highest level of urgency, and the warning section 307 is displayed as shown in Figure 46.

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, the icon 100F is operated by the user US when creating a shopping list PL based on the latest information.

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 optional 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 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. 47 (B).

Next, FIG. 46(B) will be described.
When one of the icons 100F in the individual menu on the selection screen 216D shown in Fig. 46(A) is touched, the input screen of Fig. 46(B) is displayed by the terminal control unit 212. That is, the icon 100F is an input key for displaying the shopping list PL. 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. 46(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 Figure 46 (B), it can be seen that the remaining amount or standard remaining period of use (remaining time TN) of five consumable items is getting short within the scope of electrical appliances 1 that have been pre-registered under the name of a specific user US.

In FIG. 46(B), 279 is an icon (input key) that also serves as a display unit, displaying 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 in 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 first 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 first consumable product (BB fabric softener) obtained from an electrical appliance 1 different from the electrical appliance 1 (e.g., a clothes washing machine). In FIG. 46(B), the characters 271A indicate that the urgency of obtaining both products is at the "urgent" level.

Numeral 279A is a message ("Determination Information 3") that briefly indicates the latest determination status regarding the remaining period (remaining time TN) or the need for replacement for a "consumable part," which is a type of specific consumable product.
46B, the remaining life of the filter 16F is getting short, and replacement is recommended to the user US. Note that the determination information 3 (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 is automatically transmitted to the first server 20 as a revised shopping list PL and is saved in the appliance consumable product database 23R as a new shopping list PL created by the user US.

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 is shopping without looking at the display contents of FIG. 46(B). To improve the convenience of such deletion, the terminal display unit 216 may be provided with a screen for inputting the reason for deletion, 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. 47A will be described.
Fig. 47(A) shows the display contents of the terminal side display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200. When the "icon (input key) also serving as a display unit" 279 shown in Fig. 46(B) is touched, the screen is switched to the individual screen (input screen) 216V shown in Fig. 47(A).

In FIG. 47(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. 47(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."

When the icon 279 of a specific consumable product (the filtration filter 16F) among the consumable products displayed in a list on the list screen 216P in FIG. 46 (B), information 271A indicating the remaining amount of the filtration filter 16F or the urgency of refilling or replacing it is displayed on the display screen 216D (individual screen 216V) as shown in FIG. 47 (A).

Next, we will explain Figure 47(B).
Fig. 47(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. 46(A) is touched, it switches to the individual screen (input screen) 235D in Fig. 47(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 section 235. After the user US of this communication terminal 200 registers various electrical appliances 1, such as a dishwasher 1E, in the first server 20 using his/her own user ID, he/she can change the urgency criteria for the electrical appliance 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. 47B 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. 46(A) is touched, option setting section 235 of communication terminal 200 is activated, and the screen switches to option setting screen 235D in FIG. 47(B).

In FIG. 47(B), 235G is a menu display section that is displayed in response to the selection of the icon 272 shown in FIG. 46(A).
Reference numeral 314 denotes a display area in which the judgment criteria are changed when the icon 62 is selected. In this example, "Judgment 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 46 (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 a filtration filter 16F that needs 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 consumable product, even for the same user US. Therefore, after selecting icon 316 in FIG. 47(B), the input screen that is subsequently displayed may be configured to allow the user to select, for example, either "Apply to all electrical devices" or "Apply to specific electrical devices," and if the latter is selected, the user may be able to input a specific electrical device 1.

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 48.
Fig. 48 shows the display contents of the terminal side display unit 216, which also serves as a touch-type input operation screen. When the "icon (input key) also serving as a display unit" 275 shown in Fig. 46(B) is touched, it switches to the individual screen (input screen) 216V in Fig. 48.

This Figure 48 is similar to the scene explained in Figure 29 (A), so the explanation will focus on the differences.
Reference numeral 323 denotes a display area indicating that the dishwasher 1E using the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) (AA detergent) is operating in the emergency operation mode OP2 or has finished operating.

324 is an input key (icon) for confirming the entire list of consumable products (AA detergent, BB fabric softener, etc.) displayed on the list screen 216P in FIG. 46(B) as a shopping list PL. By pressing this icon 324, information on the first consumable product (including consumable parts such as the filtration filter 16F) that is requested as a priority can be obtained on the list screen 216P as shown in FIG. 46(B).

333 is an input key (icon) for selecting a function similar to that of input key 285 described in Figs. 29(A) and (B) in embodiment 1. In the communication terminal 200 of embodiment 3, this input key 333 is also displayed on individual screen 216V that is displayed when the consumable goods inventory management menu is selected. When this input key 333 is touched, the mail order processing unit 234 (see Fig. 2) is activated.

Therefore, when the dishwasher 1E is operated in the emergency operation mode OP2, the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42), which is the most requested item, can be easily purchased through mail order by operating this input key 333.

Next, we will explain Figure 49.
FIG. 49 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 periodically calculates and adds up the time that has elapsed since the part was attached, and also retains data showing the cumulative usage time TC. This example will be described below.

In FIG. 49, 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 operation unit 54 of the dishwasher 1E is pressed, and while the dishwasher 1E is started, the washing tank 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 this step SG11 is then stored in the consumption information acquisition unit 11 or the memory unit 10, and the process for the cancellation of 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 processing).

Although not explained in detail, if neither step SG4 nor step SG5 shown in FIG. 49 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. In other words, the door 44 will be pulled toward the housing 14 only when 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 50.
FIG. 50 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.
50, 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.
SG4 is the same as step SG4 described in FIG. 49, but only the refilling of the liquid cleaning 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 the specified position, the total weight of the tank 16 is measured by the weight sensor 37 (step SG20). 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 SG21).

If the result of the above determination is that the amount of liquid detergent 42 is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step SG22), 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. 43. Note that, as shown in embodiment 2 (FIG. 38), if the door 44 has a top display unit 56U, the top display unit 56U may display the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 before the start of the cleaning process as a numerical value or a graph (graphic) 304B (see FIG. 38), etc.

If there is liquid detergent 42 in the tank 16 that is equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit 2 changes to a state in which it can accept a command to close the door 44 from the input unit 4 (operation unit 54) (step SG24). Therefore, when a close command is received from the user US, 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. 50, 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. 37).
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. 37).

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. 37). 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 embodiment 3, the information acquisition system relating to the eighth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the information acquisition system according to the eighth disclosure is
An electrical appliance 1 (a dishwasher 1E) connected to a network NW;
a storage means (first server 20) connected to the electrical appliance 1 via the network, in which a plurality of data for displaying the state of a consumable product (a liquid detergent 42 which is a first consumable product) used in the electrical appliance 1 (the dishwasher 1E) is 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 electrical appliance 1 includes a consumption information acquisition unit 11 that acquires status information A related to the consumable product, and a communication unit 8 that, when the consumable product is operated in an emergency operation mode OP2 due to a shortage of a remaining amount, includes information on the operation mode in the status information A and transmits the information to the storage means (first server 20),
The information processing terminal 200 displays, on the terminal display unit 216, information on the status information A acquired from the electrical appliance 1, among the plurality of data stored in the storage means (first server 20);
The information processing terminal 200 displays a selection screen 216D having a plurality of input keys 100A to 100E for individually selecting a plurality of individual menus on the terminal side display unit 216 (see FIGS. 27 and 32).
When the input key is operated, among the multiple data stored in the storage means (first server 20), information on at least one of the remaining state, remaining time TN, and urgency of a specific consumer product (liquid detergent 42) obtained from the electrical appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E) and information on at least one of the remaining state, remaining time TN, and urgency of a specific consumer product (e.g., filtration filter 16F, BB fabric softener, etc.) obtained from an electrical appliance that is the same as or different from the electrical appliance (e.g., a clothes washing machine) are displayed on the same list screen 216P on the terminal side display unit 216,
When a specific consumable product is designated while the list screen 216P is being displayed, information related to the designated consumable product that is not displayed on the list screen 216P, and that is information related to the operation of the related electric appliance 1 or advice information 294D related to the acquisition of the designated consumable product, is displayed on the terminal side display unit by an individual screen 216V different from the list screen 216D,
When the information processing terminal 200 acquires the state information A, the information processing terminal 200 displays, on the terminal side display unit 216, information 323 that identifies the electric appliance 1 that has been operated in the emergency operation mode OP2 due to a shortage of the remaining amount of the consumable product.
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Due to this configuration, according to the information acquisition system of the eighth disclosure, information on the remaining amount of a consumable product (first consumable product, such as liquid detergent 42) used in various electrical appliances 1 can be acquired via a storage means (first server 20) and displayed on the terminal display unit 216 as a shopping list PL.

In addition, information regarding the remaining life of consumable parts (such as the filtration filter 16F) used in various electrical devices 1 can be obtained via the storage means (first server 20) and displayed on the terminal display unit 216 as a shopping list PL.

Furthermore, based on the status information A acquired from the electrical appliance 1, information 323 is displayed as described in FIG. 48 to identify the home appliance 1 that is operating or has been operating in emergency operation mode OP2 due to a low remaining amount of the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42), so that the user US can recognize on the information processing terminal device (communication terminal) 200 the consumable products that are necessary for the operation of the home appliance 1 and that urgently need to be replenished or replaced.

As described above, according to this information acquisition system, information such as the remaining amount and remaining period TN of consumable materials in the cleaning device 1E can be acquired on a user US basis from outside the home using the network NW, making it possible to centrally manage consumable materials (including consumable parts 16F) for the cleaning device 1E used at home, office, etc.
Moreover, it is highly convenient because it can display not only overall information about those consumer goods, but also detailed data for each individual consumer goods.
As a result, the information acquisition system according to the eighth disclosure can effectively utilize the network NW to contribute to the centralized management of consumables of various electrical appliances 1 such as the cleaning device 1E.

Furthermore, in this embodiment 3, when a specific consumable item (e.g., a filtration filter 16F) is specified with the input key (icon) 279 while the list screen 216P is displayed on the terminal display unit 216, advice information (320A and 320B in FIG. 47) is displayed as information not displayed on the list screen 216P with respect to the remaining status of the specified consumable item.

That is, information regarding the operation of an electric appliance (e.g., dishwasher 1E) or advice information regarding the acquisition of the specified consumable product (320A and 320B in FIG. 47) is displayed on the individual screen 216V (on the terminal side display unit),
The storage means (first server 20) was configured such that, during the period before receiving a reception permission signal RS from the electrical device 1, it did not transmit at least one of command data CD or a signal requesting the provision of the status information A to the electrical device 1.

Due to this configuration, with this information acquisition system, consumption information of consumable materials (including consumable parts such as filtration filters 16F) of the cleaning device 1E can be accurately acquired on a user US basis from outside the home using the network NW via the information processing terminal device 200, making it possible to centrally manage the remaining time (remaining period TN) or urgency of the consumable materials of electrical appliances 1 used at home, office, etc.
As a result, the information acquisition system according to the eighth disclosure can effectively utilize the network to collect and utilize data useful for managing consumables of the electrical appliance 1.

In other words, for one type of consumable product (liquid detergent 42) and another type of consumable product (consumable part: filtration filter 16) used in the same electrical appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E), the user US can be notified of information such as stock status and the need for replacement all at once on a single list screen 216P (see Figure 46).
In other words, this makes it possible to convey to the user US accurate information on the consumer goods that he or she needs to obtain.

In addition, since priority is given to electrical device 1 acquiring command data CD, it is possible to avoid causing a disruption to the remote control of electrical device 1.

Furthermore, in this embodiment 3, the information acquisition system for the ninth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the information acquisition system according to the ninth disclosure is
A plurality of electrical devices 1 connected to a network NW;
a storage means (first server 20) connected to the electrical appliances 1 via the network NW, in which remaining amount data RD relating to a consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) that has been consumed in at least one of the electrical appliances 1 (e.g., the dishwasher 1E) and needs to be replenished, and part data PD relating to a consumable part (filter 16F, etc.) that has been used in at least one of the electrical appliances (e.g., the dishwasher 1E) and needs to be replaced,
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 electrical device 1 has a control unit 2 that controls an operating state, an input unit 4 that sets operating conditions by the control unit 2, and a communication unit 8 that transmits a setting result of the input unit 4 to an outside,
The information processing terminal 200 has an input key 100F for browsing a shopping list on the terminal side display unit 216,
When the input key 100F is operated, the storage means (first server 20) displays a shopping list display screen 317 (see FIG. 46 ) displaying determination information 279A regarding the necessity of replacement according to the part data PD acquired from the electric appliance 1, and selection means (275 to 278) for specifying the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42, etc.) regarding the necessity of replenishment according to the remaining amount data RD acquired from the electric appliance 1;
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Due to this configuration, the information acquisition system according to the ninth disclosure can acquire information on the remaining amount of consumable products (such as the first consumable product, liquid detergent 42) used in various electrical appliances 1 via the storage means (first server 20) and display it on the terminal display unit 216 as a shopping list PL.

In addition, information regarding the need for replacement and remaining life of consumable parts (such as the filtration filter 16F) used in various electrical devices 1 can be obtained via the storage means (first server 20) and displayed on the terminal display unit 216 as a shopping list PL.

Furthermore, the information on the shopping list PL that can be displayed on the information processing terminal 200 is a list screen 216P that can display, in a list form, a selection means (serving as icons 275-278) for identifying each consumable product (AA detergent, BB fabric softener) that is low in remaining amount and needs to be replenished, and information (serving as icon 279) for identifying a consumable part that needs to be replaced (for example, filtration filter 16F), as shown in FIG. 48 (B).

As a result, the user US can simply and easily obtain information about consumable goods (including consumable parts) that need to be purchased or replaced by looking at the information processing terminal device 200.

Furthermore, based on the status information A acquired from the electrical appliance 1, information 323 is displayed as described in FIG. 48 to identify the home appliance 1 that is operating or has been operating in emergency operation mode OP2 due to a low remaining amount of the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42), so that the user US can recognize on the information processing terminal device (communication terminal) 200 the consumable products that are necessary for the operation of the home appliance 1 and that urgently need to be replenished or replaced.

As described above, this information acquisition system makes it possible to acquire information such as the remaining amount and remaining period TN of consumable materials in the cleaning device 1E on a user US basis from outside the home using the network NW, enabling centralized management of consumable materials (including consumable parts) for the cleaning device 1E used at home, office, etc.
Moreover, it is highly convenient because it can display not only overall information about those consumer goods, but also detailed data for each individual consumer goods.
As a result, the information acquisition system according to the ninth disclosure can effectively utilize the network NW and contribute to the centralized management of consumables of various electrical appliances 1 such as the cleaning device 1E.

Furthermore, in this embodiment 3, when a specific consumable product (e.g., filtration filter 16F) is designated by input key (icon) 279 while list screen 216P is displayed on terminal side display unit 216, information on the remaining state of the designated consumable product, which is not displayed on list screen 216P, but is information on the operation of related electrical equipment (e.g., dishwasher 1E) or specific advice on obtaining the designated consumable product (320A and 320B in FIG. 47) is displayed on individual screen 216V.
The storage means (first server 20) was configured such that, during the period before receiving a reception permission signal RS from the electrical device 1, it did not transmit at least one of command data CD or a signal requesting the provision of the status information A to the electrical device 1.

Due to this configuration, with this information acquisition system, consumption information of consumable materials (including consumable parts such as filtration filters 16F) of the cleaning device 1E can be accurately acquired on a user US basis from outside the home using the network NW via the information processing terminal device 200, making it possible to centrally manage the remaining time or urgency of consumable materials of electrical appliances 1 used at home, office, etc.
As a result, the information acquisition system according to the eighth disclosure can effectively utilize the network to collect and utilize data useful for managing consumables of the electrical appliance 1.

Furthermore, in this third embodiment, the following washing device (dishwasher 1E) is also disclosed.
That is, one characteristic washing device (dishwasher 1E) disclosed in the third embodiment has the following features:
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 section 9 (cleaning section 9W) 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 accommodates consumer products (liquid detergent 42, filtration filter 16F);
A weighing unit 12 for weighing the remaining amount of the consumable product;
an input unit 4 (operation unit 54) that accepts 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 is configured such that, when the second alert has been issued, it 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 it receives a drive command from the input unit 4, it drives the door drive device 86 to initiate the closing operation of the door 44.

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 dishwasher 1E (cleaning device) disclosed in this embodiment 3, 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 in normal operation mode OP1, 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, a washing device (dishwasher 1E) having the following configuration is realized.
That is, the cleaning apparatus 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 (cleaning unit 9W);
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, commands the start of a cleaning operation (see FIG. 43, steps SF6 and SF12).
This configuration is characterized in that, when the door 44 is in an open state, during the period in which the position detection means 72 detects that the container 16 is not in the correct installation position (see Figure 42, steps SF10 and SF11), the control unit 2 does not issue a command to the drive device 86 to close the door 44.

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,
The control unit 2 was characterized in that, when the input unit 4 instructs the control unit 2 to receive the command data CD, the control unit 2 does not transmit status information A including data on the remaining time TN to the outside during the period until the control unit 2 has completed acquiring the command data CD.

Due to this configuration, with this dishwasher 1E (cleaning device), 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 dishwasher 1E (washing device) shown in the third embodiment to make effective use of the network.

Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the information processing terminal device (communication terminal) 200 according to the third disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the information processing terminal 200 according to the third disclosure shown in the third embodiment 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 control unit 212 acquires the state information A, the control unit 212 displays, on the terminal side display unit 216, information 312 that identifies one of the electrical appliances that has been operated in the emergency operation mode OP2 due to a shortage of the remaining amount of the consumable product.
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Due to this configuration, the information processing terminal (communication terminal) 200 disclosed in embodiment 3 can obtain information on the remaining amount of various consumable products (first consumable product: liquid detergent 42) used in electrical equipment via the communication unit 210 and display it on the terminal display unit 216 as a shopping list PL.

Furthermore, information identifying the home appliance 1 that is operating or has been operated in emergency operation mode OP2 due to a low remaining amount of the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) based on the status information A acquired from the electrical appliance 1 is displayed as in the display area 323 described in FIG. 48, so that the user US can easily and accurately recognize on the information processing terminal device (communication terminal) 200 the consumable products that are necessary for the operation of the home appliance 1 and that urgently need to be replenished or replaced.

As a result, the information processing terminal device 200 disclosed in the third embodiment can contribute to the management of consumables of electrical appliances 1, including the cleaning device 1E, by effectively utilizing the network.

Furthermore, for the server (first server 20) according to the fifth disclosure, the remaining amount management system for consumable goods according to the sixth disclosure, and the purchase support system for consumable goods according to the seventh disclosure, which are described in the first or second embodiment, the same effects can be expected for the parts that are the same as those in the first or second embodiment, so duplicated explanations will be omitted and the following description will focus on the differences.

The server (first server 20) disclosed in the third embodiment is
Recording a plurality of data to be displayed on the terminal display unit 216 of the information processing terminal 200;
A selection screen 216D having a plurality of input keys (100F, 100G) for individually selecting a plurality of "individual menus" is displayed on the terminal side display unit 216 (see FIG. 46). When the user operates the input keys (100F, 100G), the following is executed according to the contents of the operated input key:
(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 (see FIG. 46 ).
(2) When 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 is selected with an input key (icon) 279, information 271A indicating the remaining amount of the consumable product (the filtration filter 16F) or the urgency of refilling or replacement and warning information 320B, 320A are displayed on the terminal side display unit 216 on a display screen (individual screen 216V) different from the list state (see FIG. 47).
The configuration was characterized by the following:

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 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 or replacement, etc., and warning information 320B, 320A) can be displayed, making it highly convenient.

Furthermore, one form of the server (first server 20 ) according to the fifth disclosure described in the third embodiment includes the replacement timing management unit 310 .
That is, the replacement time management unit 310 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 310 has a function of automatically transmitting warning data (message).

Therefore, according to the server (first server 20) of this embodiment 3, information on consumable parts 16F with a short remaining time TN can be provided in a timely and automatic manner to each electrical appliance 1, such as the information processing terminal 200 and the dishwasher 1E, and the like, thereby significantly reducing the burden of managing the replacement timing of consumable parts that require long-term management.

Furthermore, in the remaining amount management system for consumable products according to the third embodiment,
Each of the electrical appliances 1 has 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),
A server 20 connected to the electrical appliance 1 via a network NW 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 device 200 was characterized in that it displayed, on a list screen (216P) of the terminal side display unit 216, each of the consumable products (AA detergent, BB fabric softener) for which at least one of the judgment information 1 (e.g., low remaining amount) or the judgment information 2 belongs to the same level, on the user ID unit.

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.

Furthermore, status information A (including data on remaining time TN) of the filtration filter 16F, which is another consumable product (consumable part) used in the same electrical appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E), can also be acquired all at once.

Due to this configuration, according to the consumable product remaining amount management system disclosed in embodiment 3, it is possible to obtain, in a lump sum, from outside the home, office, store, etc., status information A (including data on the remaining time TN of replacement consumable parts) of various electrical appliances 1 used in the home, office, store, etc.
This makes it possible to centrally manage consumables, including consumable parts, of various electrical appliances used in homes, offices, etc.

Furthermore, in this consumable goods 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 goods, 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. Moreover, in addition to the overall information on the consumable goods, detailed data on each individual consumable goods and warning information regarding replacement and refilling (see 320A, 320B in FIG. 47) can also be displayed, making it highly convenient.

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, the consumer goods purchase support system according to the seventh disclosure disclosed in the third embodiment is
A plurality of electrical devices 1 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 (first server 20) via the network NW;
Equipped with
The server (first server 20) generates determination information A regarding a remaining state of a specific consumable product AA based on status information A acquired from one of the electrical appliances, and generates determination information B regarding a remaining state of a specific consumable product BB based on the status information A acquired from an electrical appliance that is the same as or different from the electrical appliance,
When at least one of the judgment information 1 or the judgment information 2 is displayed on the information processing terminal, the information processing terminal displays an input key 333 to be selected when a purchase of the consumable product specified in the judgment information A or the judgment information B is desired (see FIG. 48 );
The server (first server 20) was configured to display, on the terminal side display unit 216, information 281 (see Figure 48) identifying the consumable material that is insufficient in the electrical appliance 1 that is being operated in emergency operation mode OP2 due to a shortage of the consumable material among the electrical appliances 1 from which the status information A was acquired.

Due to this configuration, according to the consumer product purchase support system shown in this embodiment 3, information identifying the electrical appliance 1 (e.g., dishwasher 1E) that is operating or has been operated in emergency operation mode OP2 is displayed in display area 323, and information 281 identifying the consumer product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) that is running low on the remaining amount is displayed on the terminal side display unit 216 as described in FIG. 48. Therefore, the user US (or a family member living together, etc.) who possesses the information processing terminal device 200 can easily recognize the consumer product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) that urgently needs to be replenished or replaced because of the home appliance 1 that is operating in emergency operation mode OP2.

Moreover, input keys 333 that can be selected when a specific displayed consumable product is desired to be purchased are also displayed, allowing the user to proceed to procedures such as purchase procedure and stock confirmation.
Therefore, it is possible to induce the user to take action to obtain a consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) that needs to be obtained urgently as soon as possible.

Embodiment 4.
Figures 51 to 53 show an electrical appliance 1 (cleaning device 1E) and a consumable product remaining amount management system according to embodiment 4. Figure 51 is a configuration diagram of a consumable product remaining amount management system according to embodiment 4. Figure 52 is a flowchart showing the processing steps for changing the judgment criteria in the first server used in Figure 51. Figure 53 is a flowchart showing the processing steps for the judgment history inquiry operation in the first server used in Figure 51. 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 50.

Referring to Figure 51 .
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 criterion 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. In other words, the criterion value of the urgency criterion data HD1 required for data processing of "urgency" can be changed.

The processing circuit that realizes the functions of the judgment criteria 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 judgment criteria storage unit 25.

Next, we will explain Figure 52.
In FIG. 52, 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 .

In the above-mentioned third embodiment, when the input key (icon) 272 shown in FIG. 46(A) is operated, a dedicated screen (function setting screen 235D) for setting the judgment criteria is displayed, as shown in FIG. 47(B).

When the icon 316 (see FIG. 47) on the function setting screen 235D is operated, the determination in step SH1 in FIG. 52 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 by the owner of this communication terminal 200 (user US) on a user ID basis registered in the first server 20. In other words, all electrical devices 1 corresponding to the user ID are targeted, without specifying electrical devices 1.

In contrast, "individual setting" refers to setting on a device ID basis for each electrical device that the owner (or administrator) of the electrical device 1 registers in the first server 20 via this communication terminal 200.

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 product will not fall below the reference value for at least the next “11 days,” or the recommended usage period of the consumable product (consumable part) has not yet expired.

In the input screen 237 (not shown), at least one of the standard values (threshold values) of the three-level "urgency" judgment criteria described above, "5 days," "6 to 10 days," and "11 days," can be changed. To save time and effort in inputting, usually only the "5 days" for "high urgency" is changed. For example, if "5 days" is changed to "10 days," the other two urgency setting values are automatically changed by the same number of days (for example, "low urgency" increases by 5 days to "16 days"). A signal for this change is input from the communication terminal 200 to the first server 20, and the standard value of the urgency judgment criteria data HD1 held by the judgment criteria storage unit 25 is changed entirely for each user US or electrical device 1 registered in the communication terminal 200, or is changed only within the scope of the specified electrical device 1.

In the change operation, the data (of the electrical device 1) within the range specified by the user US is transferred from the urgency judgment criteria data HD1 in the judgment criteria storage unit 25 to the working memory area of the judgment criteria setting unit 110. The urgency judgment criteria data HD1 including the corrected standard value is then stored in a specified memory area of the judgment criteria setting unit 110 as data exclusive to the user US. Thereafter, the urgency judgment criteria data HD1 stored in the judgment criteria setting unit 110 is used when judging the urgency.

When the "Complete" icon is pressed on the input screen 237 (not shown), the process proceeds to step SH6, where the setting value entered in step SH6 becomes the setting value for the new judgment criterion and is stored in the judgment criterion setting unit 110. Also, the speaker 214 issues an audio notification 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 53.
In FIG. 53, steps SJ1 to SJ10 are operational steps showing a function of displaying the history of criterion value corrections in the criterion setting unit 110 of the first server 20.
When the individual menu input key (icon) 100E shown in FIG. 28(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. 52. 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 the 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 (stored in the judgment reference setting unit 110), 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.

In the above description, the judgment criteria data including the judgment criteria value corrected once by the user US is stored in a specified storage area of the judgment criteria setting unit 110, but it may be stored in the judgment criteria storage unit 25 instead of the judgment criteria setting unit 110. In order to make it possible to search the correction history, new urgency judgment criteria data HD1 may be stored in chronological order in association with history data such as the date and time of correction.

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 fourth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the information acquisition system for the fourth disclosure is
A plurality of electrical devices 1 connected to a network NW;
a storage means (first server 20) connected to the electrical appliance via the network NW, which acquires and stores status information A for displaying a status of a consumable product used in the electrical appliance 1;
an information processing terminal 200 connected to the storage means via the network and having a terminal-side display unit 216;
The electrical appliance 1 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 8 that, when operated in an emergency operation mode OP2 due to a shortage of the remaining amount of the consumable product, includes information on the operation mode in the status information A and transmits the information to the storage means,
The information processing terminal 200 has a plurality of input keys 100A to 100E for individually selecting a plurality of individual menus, and when the input keys are operated, displays information on the status information A acquired from the electrical device 1 among a plurality of data stored in the storage means (first server 20) on the terminal side display unit 216;
When the information processing terminal 200 acquires the status information A, the information processing terminal 200 displays information 312 (information according to 323) specifying one of the electric appliances operated in the emergency operation mode OP2 due to a shortage of the remaining amount of the consumable product on the terminal side display unit 216,
Furthermore, the storage means (first server 20) includes a criterion setting unit 110 (see FIG. 51 ),
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 (see FIG. 52 ).
The structure was characterized by the following:

Due to this configuration, with the first server 20, consumption information of consumable goods of the cleaning device 1E can be obtained on a user US basis from outside the home using the network NW via the information processing terminal device 200, making it possible to centrally manage consumable goods of electrical appliances 1 used at home, offices, etc.
As a result, the information acquisition system according to the fourth disclosure can effectively utilize the network NW to collect and utilize data useful for managing consumables of the electrical appliance 1.

Moreover, the judgment criteria of the judgment criteria setting unit 110 can be modified according to input from the information processing terminal device 200, so that judgment results according to the circumstances of each individual user US can be obtained, which is highly convenient in actual usage situations.

In other words, the judgment criteria setting unit 110 can modify the judgment criteria for the urgency level in response to the input from the information processing terminal device 200. This makes it possible to notify the user US of judgment and urgency-level consumables information that is suited to the user US's environment and circumstances, thereby increasing user satisfaction and convenience.

Moreover, in response to an input from the information processing terminal 200, the first server 20 displays the contents of the judgment criteria stored in the judgment criteria setting unit 110 on the terminal display unit 216 as shown in FIG. 47(B), allowing the user US to check the specific contents of the judgment criteria and facilitating the setting changes.

Although the specific method of change has not been described in detail, for example, as described in the third embodiment, a dedicated screen for setting the judgment criteria (function setting screen 235D) may be displayed on the information processing terminal 200, and an input key (icon) 272 for changing the judgment criteria may be displayed on this function setting screen 235D, and when the input key 272 is operated, an icon 316 for changing the judgment criteria may be displayed on the function setting screen 235D. The icon 316 may be the same as that disclosed in FIG. 47 (B) of the third embodiment.

Furthermore, this embodiment 4 has many of the same components as those in the configurations of embodiments 1 to 3, and these identical components can be expected to provide the same effects as those described in embodiments 1 to 3.

Embodiment 5.
Next, the fifth embodiment will be briefly described.
54 to 60 show the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 54 is a block diagram showing a measuring section and a container storage section of a dishwasher in a partial vertical cross section. FIG. 55 is a flowchart showing the purchase support operation of a communication terminal in a consumer goods purchase support system. FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing the operation of a mail order processing section of an information processing terminal used in the purchase support system of FIG. 55. FIG. 57 is a time chart showing the cooperation operation between a communication terminal and a first server and a second server in a consumer goods purchase support system. FIG. 58 is a front view showing a display example of the terminal side display section of the information processing terminal shown in FIG. 56. FIG. 59 is a time chart showing the basic operation of a dishwasher. FIG. 60 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of measuring liquid detergent in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 54. The same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts as those in the configurations of the first to fourth embodiments described in FIGS. 1 to 53.

Referring to Figure 54 .
FIG. 54 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. 54 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, when the engagement claw 334A is in the position shown by the dashed line in FIG. 54 (also called the "unlocked state"), it is OFF and no signal is sent to the weighing circuit 35. When it is moved to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 54 (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. 54, 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.

Reference numeral 337 denotes a water quality determination circuit corresponding to the water quality determination unit 17 described in the first embodiment.
The water quality determination circuit 337 determines the degree of contamination of the wash water upon receiving a detection signal from a water quality sensor 337S installed at a portion that comes into contact with the wash water, such as the bottom of the wash tank 15. The result of the determination is sent to the control unit 2, which controls the control valve 48.

In this fifth embodiment, the water quality determination circuit 337 is shown connected to the control valve 48 via signal line 338A, shown by a dashed line. 338B is a signal line connected to the water quality sensor 337S. The water quality sensor 337S is already known in general as a "turbidity sensor," for example, and can optically measure the turbidity of water, but methods for analyzing other physical properties, such as pH value or electrical conductivity, may be used in combination or alone.

Next, we will explain Figure 55.
FIG. 55 is a control system diagram showing the relationship between the lock mechanism 334 shown in FIG.
When the lock mechanism 334 changes from the unlocked state shown in FIG. 54 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 to produce an impact (knock) 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 56.
29(A) and (B) in the first embodiment, an input key 285 is also displayed on the individual screen 216V displayed when the menu for consumable goods inventory management 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 up.

In Fig. 29(A) of the first embodiment, remaining amount information of AA detergent and input keys 285 are displayed. In Fig. 29(B) , remaining amount information of BB fabric softener and input keys 285 are displayed.
In contrast to this, 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. 56 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, the "purchase support screen" displays input keys on the display operation unit 225 of the communication terminal 200 (see FIG. 2), and when the input keys are operated, the process proceeds to step SK3. In step SK3, detailed information on the "consumable product" desired to be purchased (for example, the 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 button 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 57.
57 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. 56, and step SN2 corresponds to step SK2 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. 57.

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. As a result, the communication terminal 200 can 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 "push-type notification" as described in the first embodiment.

Note that 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 57.

Next, we will explain Figure 58.
FIG. 58 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.
The communications terminal 200 that receives the notification in step SN11 in FIG. 57 from the first server 20 displays the information as shown in the example in FIG.

In FIG. 58, 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. 58 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 this FIG. 58. By touching this icon once, this communication terminal 200 is connected to the second server 330, and the actual purchase procedure can be started.

Next, we will explain Figure 59.
FIG. 59 is a time chart showing the basic operation of a dishwasher, which is an example of the cleaning apparatus 1E, and corresponds to FIG. 9 in the first embodiment and FIG. 35 in the second embodiment.
As in the first embodiment, liquid detergent 42 is additionally dispensed 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 water quality determination circuit 337 receives a detection signal from the sensor 337S and determines the degree of contamination of the wash water. The determination result is sent to the control unit 2, which controls the control valve 48. In this way, water quality detection (determination) processing is performed between steps S7 and S8.

Next, we will explain Figure 60.
Fig. 60 is a flow chart showing the basic operation of measuring liquid detergent in the dishwasher 1E shown in Fig. 54. Fig. 60 corresponds to Fig. 36 of the second embodiment.

In this embodiment 5, as in the first embodiment, 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 the water quality (turbidity) is as specified. The result of this determination 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. This series of controls is called the "water quality detection (determination) process" SLP for the cleaning tank in Figure 60.

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.

Summary of embodiment 5.
In this fifth embodiment, the cleaning device 1E according to the first disclosure described in the first embodiment is disclosed with an improved configuration as described below.
That is, the cleaning device according to the first disclosure shown in the fifth embodiment has the following features:
A communication unit 8 that can be connected to a network NW or an information processing terminal device 200;
An input unit 4 (operation unit 54) that accepts input commands from a user US;
A notification unit 3;
A control unit 2 that receives an input command from the input unit 4 and controls the operation of the cleaning unit 9W;
A measuring unit 12 that measures the amount of a first consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) used during operation of the cleaning unit 9W;
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 supply means 43 for supplying the first consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) to the cleaning space WS;
having
The consumption information acquisition unit 11 generates the status information A regarding a remaining amount of the first consumable product,
The control unit 2 can switch between a normal operation mode OP1 in which the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is used and an emergency operation mode OP2 in which the supply means 43 is not used,
A door 44 for opening and closing the cleaning space WS;
a door driving device 86 that generates a driving force for a closing operation of the door 44;
and a position detection means for detecting a position of the container containing the first consumable product.
the control unit 2 receives a signal from a lock detection means (lock detection circuit) 336 that detects that the container 16 containing the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is in a correct installation position, and when it detects that the container 16 is in a normal position, drives the door drive device;
The configuration was characterized by the following.

As a result, in addition to the same effects as the cleaning device 1E of the first disclosure described in the first embodiment, the lock detection circuit 336 drives the door drive device 86 only when the container 16 is stored in a predetermined position, so that the container 16 can be safely stored.

In this fifth embodiment, the consumer product purchase support system according to the seventh disclosure described in the first embodiment is implemented in the following form.
That is, one embodiment of the consumer goods purchase support system 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 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 (see FIG. 58), the information processing terminal 200 displays a purchase support input key 285 (see FIG. 29) to be selected when a purchase of a consumable product (e.g., detergent AA, fabric softener BB) specified by 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 (see FIG. 58; identification information of AA detergent) 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 SN4 to SN8 in FIG. 57).
The configuration was characterized by the above.

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

Moreover, not only can the information to warn that consumables need to be replenished or replaced be displayed, but also, to facilitate the acquisition of individual consumable parts, the purchase support input key 285 can be displayed on the terminal display unit 216, and by operating the input key, the results of checking the inventory status of the cloud server of the sales company, etc. can be obtained on the information processing terminal device 200.

Furthermore, on the information processing terminal 200, on the display screen (see FIG. 58) showing the results of the stock status check, it is also possible to connect to the second server 330 by operating a purchase procedure start command key (icon) 333.
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.

Embodiment 6.
Next, the sixth embodiment will be briefly described.
FIG. 61 to FIG. 69 show the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 61 is a schematic diagram showing the electric devices and the network environment in one house HA. FIG. 62 is a flowchart showing the basics of the metering operation of liquid detergent in a dishwasher (cleaning device). FIG. 63 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperation operation between the cleaning device and the first server in the remaining amount management system of consumable goods. FIG. 64 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperation operation between the cleaning device and the first server in the emergency operation mode in the remaining amount management system shown in FIG. 63. FIG. 65 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperation operation between the cleaning device, the first server, and the communication terminal in the emergency operation mode. FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing the operation during the sterilization operation in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 61. FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing the cooperation operation between the home gateway and the first server in the sterilization operation of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 61. FIG. 68 is an operation explanatory diagram of the communication terminal showing a scene in which a notification from the first server is received. Fig. 69 is a flow chart showing a process to be taken when a failure occurs in the liquid detergent supply means in the dishwasher (cleaning device) shown in Fig. 61. Note that the same reference numerals are used to denote parts that are the same as or correspond to the configurations of the first to fifth embodiments described in Figs. 1 to 60.

Referring to Figure 61 .
61 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical devices and network environment in a single house HA. HA represents a single house.
Although not actually shown, the inside of the house HA is divided into a number of living spaces by walls and doors, and one of these living spaces, the kitchen 130, is equipped with electrical appliances 1 such as a refrigerator-freezer 1Z, a cooking appliance 1H, a microwave oven 1R, and an electric rice cooker 1S, as well as kitchen furniture 121. The living space may also include other rooms such as a "living room" and a "bathroom" as well as a room with a toilet, although these are not shown in Fig. 61. The living space may include other rooms.

All living spaces are supplied with electricity, for example, 100V or 200V, from a commercial power source 125 provided by an electric power company outside the house. The electricity is drawn into the house HA via a watt-hour meter 122.

123 is a power line (main line) connected via a breaker 124 to a commercial power source 125 with a voltage of 100V or 200V. This power line 123 is connected to a television receiver (hereinafter referred to as "TV receiver") 1T (not shown) capable of receiving various broadcasts, an air conditioner 1K, a lighting fixture 1L, the cooking appliance 1H, the microwave oven 1R, the electric rice cooker 1S, the refrigerator-freezer 1Z, a humidifier/air purifier 1WA equipped with a water tank 135, and a home gateway 126. An environment detection unit 129 is provided inside the home gateway 126 or separately therefrom.

The house HA further includes, as a type of electrical appliance 1, a washing machine 1J and a first detergent dispenser 1GA and a second detergent dispenser 1GB installed inside the kitchen furniture 121, although these are not shown in FIG. 61.

There are two types of air purifiers for improving and purifying the air quality in the interior space of the kitchen 130: the air purifier 1WA, which is installed on the floor as described above, and the ceiling-embedded air purifier 1WB. There are various configurations for air purification methods, such as a dust filtering method and an air sterilization method.

The air purifying device 1WA employs one of the following two configurations.
(1) Air purifier 1WA (part 1)
An electrical appliance 1 used as an air treatment device in an indoor space such as a kitchen 130 or an office,
The device has a housing with an intake port and an exhaust port,
Inside the housing, as the function performing unit 9, there are a storage unit for storing hypochlorous acid water, a hypochlorous acid supply device for supplying hypochlorous acid to the storage unit, a gas-liquid contact member for volatilizing hypochlorous acid in the air passed through the storage unit, and a blower for passing the air sucked from the suction port through the gas-liquid contact member and then discharging it from the blowing port.
The consumable material is an adjusting material that is added to the hypochlorous acid water to adjust the acidity or alkalinity.
In order to continue the air purification operation, it is necessary to add the consumable material (adjustment agent) to the hypochlorous acid water.

(2) Air purifier 1WA (part 2)
An electrical appliance 1 that circulates air in an indoor space such as a kitchen 130 or an office and purifies the air,
The device has a housing with an intake port and an exhaust port,
The housing includes a storage section for storing hypochlorous acid water, a dust collection filter for removing fine particles from the air that has passed through, a sterilization section for making the air that has passed through contain hypochlorous acid, an air purification duct for passing the air introduced from the intake port through the dust collection filter and blowing it out from the air outlet, and a purification duct for passing the air that has passed through the dust collection filter through the sterilization section and supplying it to the upstream side of the dust collection filter,
The dust collection filter is arranged in the storage section so as to come into contact with the hypochlorous acid water,
The consumable material is hypochlorous acid water (aqueous solution), and may contain a substance that promotes volatility.
In order to continue the air purification operation, it is necessary to prepare enough hypochlorous acid water to contact the dust collection filter.

As mentioned above, 1WB is a ceiling-embedded air purifier, and the sterilization method may be hypochlorite like air purifier 1WA, but another method is to use deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes. The wavelength of the light-emitting diode (LED) is, for example, 275 nm (nanometers). The light from this light-emitting diode is placed in a circulation path (not shown) that draws in and exhausts air from the kitchen 130, etc., and inactivates or kills harmful viruses, germs, etc. contained in the air that passes through.

The air purifying devices 1WA and 1WB may start operation upon receiving a drive signal from the home gateway 126, and may stop operation upon receiving a drive stop signal.
The air purifiers 1WA and 1WB start operating upon receiving a drive signal from the home gateway 126 when the environment detection unit 129 detects air pollution in the indoor space. For example, when data indicating that the carbon dioxide concentration is equal to or higher than a threshold value is received by the environment detection unit 128 from the gas sensor 128, the device linking unit 126A (not shown) in the home gateway 126 works to start operating the air purifier 1WB. Note that the user US does not connect the power cord to the power line (main line) 123 each time, but the air purifier 1WB is always connected, so that it can start operating upon receiving a command from the device linking unit 126A even if the resident is absent (away).

Next, FIG. 61 will be described.
NW is a network (wide area communication network).
This network NW is connected to a home gateway 126 via a router (not shown).

A first server 20 is a component part of a cloud server 300 .
This first server 20 transmits useful information to the home gateway 126 and the communication terminal (information processing terminal device) 200 .

The first server 20 may be, for example, a server installed by an external organization such as an earthquake information provider or an electric power company in a specific region, or may be a server prepared by the manufacturer of the cooker 1E or dishwasher 1E. This first server 20 may be a distributed processing type server known as a "cloud server." It is known that there are three types of "cloud computing" that uses cloud servers: "IaaS," "PaaS," and "SaaS."

The home gateway 126 can receive various content distribution services from the first server 20. This content includes command data CD such as recipe data for various cooking methods. The command data CD also includes computer-executable programs, text data, image information, and the like.

The home gateway 126 includes an environment detection unit 129 for maintaining good air quality inside the house HA. The environment detection unit 129 will be described in detail later.
Although not shown in FIG. 61, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor for detecting the temperature and humidity outside the house may be added to the sensor section of the above-mentioned environment detection section 129.

128 is a gas sensor that detects the concentration of carbon dioxide and constitutes part of the sensor unit of the environment detection unit 129. The detection data of this gas sensor 128 is transmitted to the environment detection unit 129. Although only one gas sensor 128 is shown in FIG. 61, a gas sensor may be installed in each room of the living space HA. In addition, since the kitchen 130 is a place where residents gather, a total of two sensors are installed at least spaced apart from each other.

The first server 20 also functions as an information providing means for various electrical devices 1. In other words, the first server 20 may be installed by an organization such as a manufacturer, distributor, repairer, or information service provider of the electrical device 1, either alone or jointly by two or more organizations, and provides various services related to the electrical device 1 to the user US via the network NW.

The first server 20, as described in the first embodiment, may also be what is generally called a "Web server" (hereinafter referred to as a "web server").

The first server 20 stores and remembers control application software that enables remote control of the home gateway 126 from the house HA or a remote location. The communication terminal 200 can access the first server 20 and download (read) the control application software, thereby achieving the above-mentioned remote control.

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 outdoor information sites via the network NW, send and receive e-mail, and transmit remote control signals, but it does not have to be a device that can make calls. A portable personal computer is also a type of communication terminal 200.

In this sixth embodiment, the first server 20 is not able to directly remotely control the electric appliances 1. Some electric appliances 1, such as the cooking appliance 1H, generate high heat, so remote control via the Internet, which is used by many people outside the house HA, is not adopted. Instead, it is possible to operate all electric appliances 1 via the home gateway 126 as an integrated information processing device.

The communication terminal 200 performs wireless communication using a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) between various electrical appliances 1 such as a dishwasher 1E and a cooking appliance 1H.

As is clear from the above description, the home gateway 126 in this sixth embodiment is an information processing device that relays information between two or more electrical appliances 1 in one home and allows them to operate in coordination. In addition to this, it also performs the operation of giving a command signal to one electrical appliance 1 or acquiring information (also called data) from one electrical appliance 1.

Although not shown in FIG. 61, a range hood 1F, which is a type of ventilation device, and a ceiling-embedded air purifier 1M are installed in the kitchen 130 of the house HA. Note that this air purifier 1M and the air purification device 1WB may be combined or fused together into a single device.

Reference numeral 129 denotes an environment detection unit that supplies data to the home gateway 126. In each room inside the house HA, such as the kitchen 130, an environment detection sensor unit 127E and a gas sensor 128 are disposed.
The environment detection sensor unit 127E also functions as a human presence sensor that detects the presence of a person (by infrared rays or ultrasonic waves). In addition, each environment detection sensor unit 127E and the gas sensor 128 also has a function of acquiring "environmental information."

The "environmental information" refers to four types of information: temperature information, humidity information, dust dispersion amount information, and light amount information of the atmosphere in the space (kitchen 130) where the dishwasher 1E, cooking appliance 1H, refrigerator-freezer 1Z, etc. are used. The dust dispersion amount information is the result of measuring the amount of dust (including pollen) present in the air.

Examples of "use of environmental information" include the following:
(1) When the temperature is high, the keep-warm function of the electric rice cooker 1S is operated continuously after the rice cooking process ends. Also, the target refrigeration temperature and the target freezing temperature of the refrigerator-freezer 1Z are raised above the standard values.
(2) When the humidity is high, the air conditioner 1K is operated in "dehumidification mode" or "cooling mode", or the ventilation device 1F is started. Alternatively, if the air conditioner 1K is in operation, its operating conditions (such as the target room temperature) are changed.
(3) When fine dust particles are dispersed in the air, the air cleaner 1M is operated, or the ventilation device 1F is started.
(4) When the amount of pollen dispersed is high, the air purifier 1M is started to operate.
(5) When the amount of light (amount of visible light) is low, lighting device 1L is turned on.

"Resident" refers to a person who resides in one of the houses HA shown in FIG. 61. Residents include all people, regardless of blood ties. When using electrical device 1, a resident is called a "user US."

"Home" means a single dwelling HA managed by a specific administrator, and may also include an apartment building with multiple rooms and occupied by multiple families. In other words, even in such an apartment building, if the commercial power upper limit is centrally managed by a single power cut-off device (such as a single breaker 124 or multiple power cut-off devices) as in the case of a single dwelling HA, it is considered to be a home in this sense.

"Power limit information on the electrical device side" refers to information on some kind of signal related to power consumption that the electrical device 1 receives from the home gateway 126. This "power limit information" includes information on transmission commands such as a power reduction request signal and a power reduction command signal, which will be described later. This information includes information indicating the time when the signal was received (year, month, and time in seconds) and the meaning of the signal. For example, information such as "Reception time: 17:00 on March 1, 2022, reduce instantaneous maximum power consumption by 2%" regarding a power reduction command signal for the cooking appliance 1H at a certain point in time.

The power limit information on the electrical appliance 1 side, for example in the case of the cooking appliance 1H, is stored in chronological order in the memory device of its control device (not shown) and is not erased even when the main power switch is turned ON or OFF. Turning the main power switch ON and OFF is considered to be one cooking session, and at least several sessions are stored and held. Any sessions exceeding this are automatically erased in sequence.

In FIG. 61, 120 is a third server, which cooperates with the first server 20 to form a cloud server 300. This third server 120 has, for example, a database (also called "FAQ data") that includes appropriate usage methods from the manufacturers of major home appliances 1E and a large number of questions from general users and the manufacturer's responses, and has the function of quickly providing appropriate responses to questions from outside. It may be installed and operated by the manufacturer of the home appliance 1, or by an organization such as a consumer group or industrial association.

131 is a heat source unit equipped with a hot water storage tank 131T that constitutes the hot water supply device (hot water equipment) 1B. 132 is a bathtub to which hot water is supplied from the hot water storage tank 131T of the hot water supply device 1B via a hot water supply pipe, 133 is a remote control for the hot water supply device 1B, and 1C is a bath cleaning device that is connected to the hot water supply device 1B and to which hot water is supplied.

The washing device 1E of the sixth embodiment is the dishwasher 1E described in the first embodiment. The control unit 2 starts the notification unit 3 after the main power is turned on.
(1) When the measuring operation by the measuring unit 12 detects that the amount of liquid detergent 42 (the amount of the first consumable product) present in the container 16 is equal to or greater than the allowable value (the threshold value determined in step SA4 of FIG. 62, e.g., 150 g), the acquisition of command data CD is permitted (i.e., the external control mode can be selected);
(2) If the amount (weight measurement value) of the liquid detergent 42 is less than the allowable value (150 g), acquisition of the command data CD is not permitted, and input from the input unit 4 is limited to the emergency operation mode OP2 in the manual control mode.
This is the basic structure.

Furthermore, in this embodiment 6, the washing apparatus 1E (dishwasher 1E) itself acquires water quality data, but the water quality is not judged by the dishwasher 1E, but by the first server 20, which is a major difference from embodiment 1. Also, the washing apparatus 1E (dishwasher 1E) itself has a sterilization device 47 (not shown) that sterilizes the air in the washing space WS and the dishes, as described in embodiment 2 (particularly FIG. 34).

Referring to Figure 62 .
Since FIG. 62 corresponds to FIG. 12 or FIG. 13 of the first embodiment, the following description will focus on the differences from FIG. 12 or FIG.
As is clear from Fig. 62, the "threshold value" used in the determinations in steps SA2 and SA4 in this embodiment 6 is the same as that in embodiment 1. That is, the threshold value in step SA2 is "200g" and the threshold value in step SA5 is "150g".

In the initial standby period TA, in step SA5, the weight of the liquid detergent 42 measured in step SA1 is notified by graph, number, or voice. If the weight is 150 g or more, the process proceeds to step SA11, where it is notified that command data CD1 for the external control mode can be obtained.
Thereafter, when the user US performs an operation to obtain the command data CD1 on the input unit 4 (operation unit 54), the process proceeds to the obtaining step of the command data CD1.
On the other hand, if a different input operation is performed on the input unit 4, the manual control mode can be started.

On the other hand, if there is less than 150 g of liquid detergent 42, which is the threshold value in step SA4, a warning is issued that there is not enough detergent, and it is recommended that the container (tank) 16 be removed and liquid detergent 42 be refilled. However, if the container (tank) 16 is not removed, step SA7 is determined to be "No" and the process proceeds to step SA8A.

This step SA8A is slightly different from that in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13 of the first embodiment.
In step SA8A, the fact that the external control mode for which command data CD1 has been obtained cannot be selected is displayed on display unit 3D and is also notified by voice.

In step SA8A, the user is notified that a specific input key on the input unit 4 should be pressed to select the manual control mode. When the user follows the instructions and operates the specific input key, the manual control mode is selected (step SA8B), and the user is notified that the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is low and that an emergency operation mode OP2 will be started.

Referring to Figure 63 .
FIG. 63 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperative operation between the dishwasher 1E and the first server 20 with respect to the remaining amount management system.
Fig. 63 partially corresponds to the diagram shown in Fig. 36 of embodiment 1. That is, it shows the operation of the dishwasher 1E from the first detergent dispense stage onwards.

63 shows the case of the normal operation mode OP1, except that the operation of acquiring the command data CD1 is omitted.
First, in step SL20, before the "cleaning course selection" button (or input key) provided on the input unit 4 is operated, the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is measured and confirmed (determined).
Depending on the measurement result, either the normal operation mode OP1 or the emergency operation mode OP2 can be determined as shown in Fig. 62. Also, the supply unit 43 is driven to supply the liquid detergent 42 into the washing space WS.

Next, in step SL21, the dishwasher 1E transmits data including the device identification information and the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 measured by the measuring unit 12 to the outside as status information A. Note that when command data CD1 is acquired, this status information A is not transmitted before the start of the washing process.

Next, when a command to start the cleaning operation is given, the cleaning process starts (step SL22 in FIG. 63), and when the time specified in the operation program of the control unit 2 has elapsed, the cleaning process stops midway (step SL23).

In the first embodiment, the dishwasher 1E itself has the water quality determination unit 17 that transmits measurement data to the control unit 2. Therefore, the dishwasher 1E obtains water quality detection data from the water quality sensor 17S at a predetermined timing, such as an initial stage of the washing process, and determines the water quality.
In contrast, in this sixth embodiment, the dishwasher 1E is provided with a water quality sensor 17S (not shown), but does not have a function equivalent to the water quality determination unit 17.

Then, the water quality detection data obtained from the water quality sensor 17 is transmitted to the first server 20 (step SL24).

The first server 20 is equipped with a water quality judgment unit 177 (not shown) corresponding to at least a specific dishwasher 1E. If the water quality judgment unit 177 is used for both the dishwasher 1E and a clothes washing machine (not shown), the first server 20 identifies the specific dishwasher 1E based on the device identification information (device ID) transmitted from the dishwasher 1E in the status information A, and automatically selects a judgment program and judgment thresholds for the water quality judgment unit 177. Then, the water quality in the washing tank 15 is judged (step SL25).

The control unit 21 of the first server 20 receives the judgment result from the water quality judgment unit 177 and causes the command data generation unit 31 to generate fifth command data CD5.
This fifth command data CD5 includes an instruction to instruct the dishwasher 1E to dispense additional liquid detergent 42 from the detergent supply unit 43 (not shown).

Also, this may include changing the conditions, such as extending the length of the cleaning time, based on the result of the determination from the water quality determination unit 177. These are determined in step SL26.
Next, the fifth command data CD5 is transmitted to the dishwasher 1E (step SL27).

Next, in the dishwasher 1E, upon receiving the fifth command data CD5, if additional detergent needs to be dispensed, the dispenser 43 is driven to dispense the specified amount of liquid detergent 42 (step SL28).
At this stage, the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 may be measured again. That is, if the amount is measured by the measuring unit 13 after the additional detergent is added, the most recent measurement data MD can be obtained.

Next, the cleaning process is restarted (step SL29), and then the cleaning process is terminated (step SL30). Then, at least the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 data acquired in step SL28 is included in the status information A as data showing the process up to this point (step SL31).

Step SL31 is a process equivalent to step SB10 in FIG. 16 of the first embodiment. In step SL32, the actual remaining net amount (weight value) of liquid detergent 42 excluding the weight value of the tank 16 (e.g., 60 g) is read from memory unit 12M (not shown) built into the weighing unit 12. Then, a calculation is performed to subtract the amount (weight value) of liquid detergent 42 added in step SL28 from the remaining amount (weight value). This gives the latest remaining amount value (weight) at this point in time. This is the remaining amount (used amount) measurement process BP1 of liquid detergent 42.

Thereafter, the status information A including data indicating the result of the remaining amount (usage amount) measurement process BP1 is transmitted from the communication unit 8 to the first server 20 (step SL33).
The transmitted status information A is received by the first server 20 and stored in the appliance consumable goods database 23R (step SL34).

As is clear from the above description, in the normal operation mode OP1 shown in Fig. 63, the water quality is judged by the water quality judgement unit 177 (not shown) of the first server 20, and in accordance with the judgment result, the dishwasher 1E automatically adds additional liquid detergent 42. Therefore, the user US does not need to watch the washing operation of the dishwasher 1E, and there is no problem even if the user US is in a remote location.
In addition, the first server 20 is notified as shown in step SL34 after the cleaning process, drying process, etc. are completed, and if the notification is set to reach the communication terminal 200, the user US can know the end of operation via the communication terminal 200 even if he or she is in a remote location.

Referring to Figure 64 .
FIG. 64 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperative operation between the dishwasher 1E and the first server 20 with respect to the remaining amount management system.
FIG. 64 shows the case of emergency operation mode OP2.

FIG. 64 differs from the normal operation mode OP1 shown in FIG. 63 in steps SL20A, SL27A, SL21A, and SL28A, but is otherwise the same, so the same reference numerals are used for corresponding parts.
First, in step SL20A, the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is measured and confirmed (determined). It is found that the remaining amount is less than the allowable amount, and the emergency operation mode OP2 is entered, so that the user US must manually add detergent.

For example, this may be tablet detergent 42T or powder detergent that is commercially available for dishwasher 1E. These alternative detergents are dispensed into the bottom of washing tank 15, etc., in response to the notification from notification unit 3. This is step SA20A. When emergency operation mode OP2 is entered, the amount of detergent dispensed manually in this manner is notified by notification unit 3. It may also be displayed on display unit 3D.

Next, in step SL21, the dishwasher 1E transmits data including the device identification information, and information indicating that operation has started in emergency operation mode OP2 to the outside as status information A. Unlike the case in FIG. 63, even if the measuring unit 12 measures the remaining amount data of liquid detergent 42, the measurement data is not transmitted.

Then, in step SL26, command data CD5 is generated based on the result of the judgment from the water quality judgment unit 177 (not shown) provided in the first server. The command data CD5 may include changes to the conditions, such as extending the length of the cleaning time. These are determined in step SL26.
Next, the fifth command data CD5 is transmitted to the dishwasher 1E (step SL27A). However, unlike the fifth command data CD5 described in Fig. 63, this data does not include data for instructing the detergent supply operation of supply unit 43, but includes notification data for issuing a notification via communication terminal 200.

Thereafter, the dishwasher 1E may receive a notification signal to add detergent from the communication terminal 200 that has received the fifth command data CD5, but this is not necessary. If the user US adds additional detergent upon receiving the notification signal to add detergent, the detergent is added in step SL28A.
At this stage, the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is not measured.

Next, the cleaning process is restarted (step SL29), and then the cleaning process is terminated (step SL30). After this, the operation is the same as that described in FIG. 63, so the description is omitted.

Next, we will explain Figure 65.
FIG. 65 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperative operation between the cleaning device, the first server 20, and the communication terminal 200 in the emergency operation mode OP2.

Steps SL24 to SL27A are the same as those explained in FIG. 64, so only steps SL27B to SL27D will be explained.
Steps SL27B to SL27D show the operation of communication terminal 200.
First, the notification data (command data CD5) regarding the detergent addition command from the first server 20 is stored in the electric device database 217. Specifically, it is stored as display and audio notification data 223 (see FIG. 2) (step SL27B).

Next, the contents of the notification data regarding the command to add more detergent are displayed on the terminal display unit 216. For example, a recommendation such as "Please add two more detergent tablets" or "Please add xx grams of powder detergent" is displayed (step SL27C).

Next, the notification content of step SL27C is transmitted to the dishwasher 1E. Note that instead of this transmission, the user US who sees the notification content of the communication terminal 200 may go to the location of the dishwasher 1E and add additional detergent in the next step SL28.

When the user US manually adds additional detergent (step SA28A), restarts the washing process, and ends the washing process, status information A is sent to the first server 20 as shown in step SL33 after the washing process, drying process, etc. are completed (step SL33).

When the first server 20 receives status information A including data indicating a series of cleaning operations from the communication unit 8, the received status information A is stored in the equipment consumable goods database 23R (step SL34).

Meanwhile, in the communications terminal 200, the status information A received by the first server 20 is stored in the electric device database 217. Also, a notification that the operation of the dishwasher 1 has ended is displayed on the terminal side display unit 216.
Therefore, even if the user US is in a location away from the dishwasher 1E, the user US can know that the washing operation has ended.

Next, we will explain Figure 66.
FIG. 66 is a flow chart showing the operation during the sterilization mode in the dishwasher 1E shown in FIG. 61.
Fig. 66 corresponds to Fig. 40 of the second embodiment, so the following description will focus on the differences from Fig. 40. The door 44, the door opening detection unit 77, the door driving device 86, etc. are the same as those described in Fig. 2.

In this example of the sixth embodiment, the sterilization operation is performed after the drying process is completed, but if the warm water stored in the cleaning tank 15 is sprayed while being circulated during the cleaning process, the warm water may also be sterilized.

When the sterilization process is completed, the user US is notified of the end of operation, and data indicating the process up to this point is transmitted from the communication unit 8 as updated status information A (step SU3). At this step SU3, measurement of the elapsed time T3 is started.
Thereafter, a check is made to see if the door 44 is open. The control unit 2 can detect whether the door 44 is open by the operation of the door drive device 86 and the door open detection unit 77.

Since the dishwashing and drying steps have been completed, even if the door 44 is not immediately opened to remove the dishes 66, there is no need to worry about mold growing on the dishes 66 immediately.
However, leaving it like that for a long period of time is unhygienic.

Therefore, in this sixth embodiment, the operations of steps SU4 to SU7 are set as an optional function.
In other words, if the optional function is selected in advance, when the drying process is completed, the main power is not immediately turned off, but the operations of steps SU4 to SU7 can be performed.

First, a check is made to see if the door 44 is open (step SU4). If a set time (T3) has elapsed without the door 44 being opened, a message is sent to the user US requesting confirmation (step SU5A). In other words, the communication unit 8 sends a notification to the first server 20 requesting a reply as to whether it is OK to start the sterilization process. This is one of the differences from the example in FIG. 40.

A notification requesting a reply is immediately sent by push notification from the first server 20 to the communication terminal 200. The dishwasher 1E waits for a reply from the user US.
Thereafter, when the user US inputs a reply to the inquiry as to whether or not it is OK to start the sterilization process into the communication terminal 200, this reply arrives at the dishwasher 1E (step SU5A).

The dishwasher 1E analyzes the reply and, if it determines that the sterilization process may begin as scheduled, i.e., that there is no instruction to change operation, the determination in step SU5B is "Yes" and the process proceeds to step SU6.

In step SU6, as explained in Fig. 40, the sterilization device 47 is driven to sterilize the inside of the cleaning space WS. Then, this is included in status information A and transmitted from the communication unit 8 to the external first server 20.
Therefore, the user US becomes aware of such additional sterilization operation at the communication terminal 200 via the first server 20.

Next, the operations up to this point are stored in the memory unit 22. Then, the measured value of the elapsed time is returned to zero (reset), and measurement of the elapsed time is started again. Then, it is checked again whether the door 44 is open (step SU7). If the door 44 still cannot be opened, and it is determined again at step SU5 that time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step SU5A. This process is repeated, for example, every 6 hours or 12 hours.
With this configuration, even if the user US forgets to remove the dishes 66 after washing, the sterilization process is executed after notifying the user each time, and the sterilization device 47 suppresses the growth of harmful bacteria, thereby maintaining a clean state.

Furthermore, the communication terminal 200 is notified via the first server 20 that the sterilization operation is being performed, for example, 6 hours or 12 hours after the drying process is completed in step SU3.
That is, in the dishwasher 1E, the user US can be notified that dishes 66 are present in the dishwasher 1E repeatedly every 6 or 12 hours.

On the other hand, a case where the determination in step SU5B is "No" will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing the cooperative operation between the home gateway 126 and the first server 20 during the sterilization operation of the dishwasher 1E shown in FIG. 61.
In step SU5B of FIG. 66, if there is an instruction from the user US to change to performing the sterilization process, this is, for example, an instruction to stop the sterilization process and leave it as it is.
Alternatively, conversely, it is an instruction to perform a special operation in which high-temperature water is sprayed again onto the tableware 66 to enhance the sterilization effect because a long time, for example more than 12 hours, has passed since the start of the tableware drying process.

In FIG. 67, when the home gateway 126 receives an assistance request signal from the dishwasher 1E (step SU10), it collects data on the presence of people inside the house HA detected by the environment detection sensor unit 127E (by infrared or ultrasonic waves).

When a resident goes out, the home gateway 126 may be set to an "away mode." When the away mode is set, the power to electrical appliances 1 inside the house HA, such as the lighting fixtures 1L, microwave oven 1R, and electric rice cooker 1S, is forcibly cut off, but the power to some electrical appliances 1, such as the refrigerator-freezer 1Z and dishwasher 1E, is not cut off. In addition, the air purifiers 1WA and 1WB may continue to operate.

When the home gateway 126 detects that the home gateway 126 is not set to the answering machine mode or detects the presence of a resident, the answer in step SU10 is "No" and the home gateway 126 notifies the communication terminal 200 via the first server 20 of the details of the sterilization operation of the dishwasher 1E. Note that a description of the operation thereafter will be omitted.

On the other hand, if the determination in step SU10 is "Yes," the environment detection sensor unit 127E and the gas sensor 128 acquire environmental information inside the house HA, particularly the kitchen 130 (step SU12). As mentioned above, the environmental information refers to four types of information: temperature information on the atmosphere in the space (kitchen 130) where the dishwasher 1E, cooking appliance 1H, refrigerator-freezer 1Z, etc. are used, dust dispersion amount information, light amount information, and carbon dioxide concentration.

The temperature and humidity of the kitchen 130 are particularly important. If the dishwasher is left in a hot and humid space for a long time, mold and other germs will naturally grow. In the dishwasher 1E, after washing, the dish is dried and the door 44 remains closed, so there is no active circulation between the washing space WS and the air in the kitchen 130, but it is difficult to eliminate the possibility of germs growing inside the sealed washing space WS. For example, as described in the first embodiment, the blower fan 53 for the drying process draws in air from inside the kitchen 130 from outside the housing 14, so its inlet is always open to the outside (although its diameter is not large).

Then, the dishwasher 1E transmits environmental information about the kitchen 130 to the first server 20 and requests instructions on appropriate measures (step SU13).

The first server 20 receives the signal from the home gateway 126 and extracts the electric appliances 1 registered in the house HA from the facility ID data transmitted at the same time (step SU14). Therefore, the air purification devices 1WA and 1WB are also extracted.
Next, the home appliance 1E transmits an inquiry signal to the home gateway 126 to check the status of the operating home appliance 1E (step SU15).

The home gateway 126 receives a signal from the first server 20 and replies with information identifying the home appliance 1E that is in operation. For example, since the air conditioner 1K is not in operation while the homeowner is away, the result that only the refrigerator-freezer 1R is in operation is reported.

The first server 20 receives a signal from the home gateway 126 and determines how to maintain the state of the dishwasher 1E in a sterilized state as much as possible. In this case, the control unit 21 of the first server 20 collects warning information for the dishwasher 1E stored in the electrical device information storage unit 23.

The first server 20 cooperates with the third server 120 to extract data such as precautions for the sterilization process after the drying process of the target electrical appliance 1 (in this case, the dishwasher 1E).
Then, based on the data collected from the multiple databases as described above, a decision is made as to whether or not to change the sterilization process of the dishwasher 1E.

In the following description, it is assumed that "changing the sterilization process" here means "stopping the sterilization process and leaving it as is" as explained in FIG. 66.
If it is determined that the sterilization process will not be performed in the future and the dishwasher 1E will be left in its current state without causing any problems with the tableware 66 stored in the washing tank 45, for example for about six hours, a response "operation change OK" is generated in step SU18 (step SU18).

If the "change in sterilization process" involves "performing a special operation in which high-temperature water is sprayed again to enhance the sterilization effect" as described in FIG. 66, the data collection in step SU17 will be different, and there will be a safety issue if electricity is turned on again to the electric heater 51 of the dishwasher 1E while the resident is away. Normally, when the "away mode" is set, from a safety standpoint, new electrical appliances 1E, particularly cooking appliances 1H and dishwashers 1E that have a heat source, cannot be operated by remote control signals unless the resident cancels the mode.

Therefore, because this "special operation of spraying hot water again to enhance the sterilization effect" is not possible, the result of step SU18 is that "operation cannot be changed."

If the determination in step SU18 is "No", the home gateway 126 receives data (answer) indicating "prohibition of operation change" and transmits it to the dishwasher 1E (step SU19A). As a result, the dishwasher 1E does not change its operation. In this case, a message indicating that the operation cannot be changed is automatically transmitted from the home gateway 126 to the communication terminal 200 held by the user US. Alternatively, the dishwasher 1E transmits the message to the communication terminal 200 via the first server 20.

On the other hand, if the judgment in step SU18 is "OK", the command data generation unit 31 of the first server 20 generates command data CD for the dishwasher 1E to instruct a change in operation, and transmits it to the home gateway 126 (step SU19B).

Incidentally, if the air purifying device 1WB is operating at the stage of step SU16, it can be said that the air in the interior space of the kitchen 130 is maintained in a clean state.
Therefore, when the dishwasher 1E is undergoing an air quality improvement operation that suppresses the proliferation of harmful germs and the like or exerts a sterilizing effect in the space around the dishwasher 1E, the judgment step SU17 of the first server 20 takes these circumstances into consideration when making a judgment.

In this way, when it is determined whether or not to perform a sterilization operation of the dishwasher 1E, if the air purifiers 1WA and 1WB are operating in the same space (kitchen), it is possible to determine that the sterilization operation may be stopped.

Before this judgment step SU17, as described above, environmental information about the kitchen 130 inside the house HA, particularly the kitchen 130, is acquired by the environmental detection unit 129 using the environmental detection sensor unit 127E and the gas sensor 128, but if necessary, the first server 20 may request more detailed data from the home gateway 126.

In addition, when the air purifiers 1WA and 1WB are in operation, information on their operation mode is requested. For example, information on the purification capacity per unit time and whether the purification operation mode is "strong" or "weak" may be requested.

Next, we will explain Figure 68.
68(A) is an operation explanatory diagram of communication terminal 200 showing a scene where a notification is received from the first server. That is, it is a front view of terminal side display unit 216 of communication terminal 200 which has received an operation inquiry in step SU5A of FIG.

68, 100CG is a menu display section for "external control management." The external control management is a sub-menu that allows the user to view the state of the home electric appliance 1 when operating in the external control mode by using the communication terminal 200 inside the house HA or outside the home.
To select this submenu, an icon 100H (not shown) is displayed as one individual menu on the selection screen 216D shown in FIG. 32 of the first embodiment.

When the icon 100H (not shown) is touched, an individual screen 216V in FIG. 68(A) is displayed.
Reference numeral 339 denotes a display area showing the name of the display screen of FIG. 68(A), and since "Dishwasher" is displayed, it is clear that this is the external control management menu for dishwasher 1E.

340 is a display area, which shows the latest status of the dishwasher 1E at the time when the display screen of Fig. 68(A) is displayed. In this example, it says "Starting the second sterilization operation". The contents displayed in this display area 340 may be a message requesting a reply from the user US, such as "May I start the second sterilization operation?"
In this sixth embodiment, as will be described below, a method is adopted in which the sterilization process is started if the user US responds by inputting "I agree."

341 is a display area that notifies the user US of important information in text before starting the second sterilization operation. In this example, "We recommend removing dried dishes as soon as possible" is displayed, recommending that the user quickly remove the dishes 66 that are left in the washing space WS.

342 is an input key (icon) for commanding the start of sterilization operation. When this is pressed, the signal of step SU5A shown in FIG. 66 is transmitted to the dishwasher 1E, and in response, step SU5B is judged as "Yes."

343 is an input key (icon) that is operated when wanting to know more detailed information about the state of FIG. 68(A), and pressing this switches to another individual screen 216V. For example, this individual screen 216V displays the possibility of inquiring about the necessity of a sterilization operation again six hours after the second sterilization operation has started, and the reason why it is better to remove the tableware 66 as soon as possible at this stage. Details will be explained in the next FIG. 68(B).

Figure 68 (B) is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the communication terminal 200, showing a scene in which a notification is received from the first server, and is a front view of the individual screen 216V displayed on the terminal display unit 216 when the icon 343 shown in Figure 68 (A) is touched.

344 is a display area that displays more detailed information than the information displayed in FIG. 68(A). In this example, it is displayed that the house in which the kitchen 130 is located is empty (home sitting mode), that the temperature and humidity in the kitchen 130 are high, and that it would be better to perform a further sterilization operation.

The individual screen 216V in FIG. 68(A) recommends removing the tableware 66 as soon as possible, whereas FIG. 68(B) recommends performing a sterilization operation, which at first glance seems contradictory. However, as shown in the display area 344, the example in FIG. 68(B) assumes that the communication terminal 200 is currently outside the house HA, and that the user US has viewed the individual screen 216V while away from home. In other words, since the user US is not at home, even if it is recommended that the user US remove the tableware 66, the user US will not be able to carry this out. Therefore, when the user is not at home (home alone mode), the display shown in FIG. 68(B) appears.

345 has the same function as icon 342 in FIG. 68(A) and is an input key (icon) for commanding the start of sterilization operation. When this is pressed, the signal of step SU5A shown in FIG. 66 is transmitted to the dishwasher 1E, and in response, step SU5B is judged as "Yes."

346 is an input key (icon) that is operated when the information displayed in the display area 344 is still insufficient and more detailed information is desired, and pressing this key switches to another individual screen 216V. For example, on the individual screen 216V, a comment is displayed indicating that if the sterilization operation is not performed at this stage and the washing tank 14 is left as is, there is a possibility that bacteria will grow inside the washing tank 14, so it is better to remove the dishes 66 as soon as possible, and if it is not possible to remove them, a second sterilization operation is recommended.

Next, we will explain Figure 69.
FIG. 69 is a flow chart showing a process to be carried out when the supplying means 43 of the liquid detergent 42 in the dishwasher (cleaning device) 1E fails.
This Fig. 69 is partly the same as the operation explained in Fig. 8 of the first embodiment, except that steps S6A to S6E are added between steps S6 and S7 in Fig. 69.

When the user US issues a command to start operation in normal operation mode OP1 (step S6), a drive source such as an electromagnetic pump 48P, which serves as the control valve 48 described in embodiment 1, is started to be driven by the drive circuit 74.

Even if the electromagnetic pump 48P connected to the supply path (supply pipe) of the liquid detergent 42 starts operating (step S6A), if the supply path is clogged for some reason, a detection means (not shown) for detecting an abnormality in the electromagnetic pump 48P detects the abnormality and sends an abnormality detection signal to the control unit 2 (step S6B).

There are various possible methods for detecting an abnormality, such as detecting the rotational operation of the electromagnetic pump 48P, or detecting that liquid detergent 42 is not flowing through the supply path using a flow meter, but there are no particular limitations on the abnormality detection means.

The supply path (supply piping) for the liquid detergent 42 has a small internal passage diameter (cross-sectional area), so if the dishwasher 1E is left unused for an extended period of time, for example, if the dishwasher 1E is left unused for an extended period of time during the hot summer months, there is a concern that the liquid detergent 42 remaining in the supply path or the electromagnetic pump 48P may change quality or harden.

When an abnormality is detected in the above state, the notification unit 3 notifies the user (or may notify by voice) that some abnormality has occurred in the supply path of the liquid detergent 42. Then, the notification unit 3 notifies the user that the operation mode can be switched to abnormal operation mode OP2 to start the washing process (step S6C).

If the user US wishes to start the cleaning process at this stage, he/she opens the door 44 and manually pours liquid detergent 42 or other suitable detergent (e.g., tablet detergent 42T) into the cleaning tank 15, and then closes the door 44, step S6D will be judged as "Yes", and if the user then gives an operation start command via the input unit 4 (operation unit 54), step S6E will be judged as "Yes" and operation will be started (step S7).
If the door 44 is not opened (step S6D) or if an operation start command is not given (step S6E), the process returns to step S6C, and the user US is advised to manually add detergent for emergency operation mode OP2.

In addition, at step S6C, the dishwasher (cleaning device) 1E may be changed to transmit a fault detection signal NS to the first server 20 (cloud server 300) and wait for support information from outside.

For example, the first server 20 has an electrical appliance information storage unit 23 that holds various data corresponding to this dishwasher 1E, and a consumer goods database 28 that holds information on consumer goods (liquid detergent), so the first server 20 may provide advice information on points that the user US should check again before switching to abnormal operation mode OP2 and operating the dishwasher, and on check items that should be performed before concluding that a malfunction has occurred.

Furthermore, when the dishwasher 1E that has received the fault detection signal NS actually switches to abnormal operation mode OP2 and starts operation, the first server 20 can determine the operation from the operation information OS transmitted from the dishwasher 1E, and can automatically transmit information (including, for example, a two-dimensional code) of a site that can guide the user US to a specialist company for maintenance and inspection, etc., to the communication terminal 200 of the user US.

Summary of embodiment 6.
In this sixth embodiment, a cleaning device 1E according to the eleventh disclosure is disclosed as follows.
That is, the cleaning device according to the eleventh disclosure shown in the sixth embodiment has the following features:
An input unit 4 (operation unit 54) that accepts input commands from a user US;
A control unit 2 that receives an input command from the input unit 4 and controls the operation of the cleaning unit 9W;
A measuring unit 12 that measures the amount of consumables (e.g., liquid detergent 42) used during operation of the cleaning unit 9W;
A container 16 containing the consumer product (liquid detergent 42);
A supply means 43 for supplying the consumer product (liquid detergent 42) for cleaning;
A communication unit 8;
A water quality sensor 17S for measuring the water quality of the cleaning liquid;
A notification unit 3;
having
The control unit 2 starts up the notification unit 3 after the main power is turned on,
(1) When the amount of the consumable product (liquid detergent 42) present in the container 16 is detected to be equal to or greater than a permissible value (e.g., 150 g) by the measuring operation of the measuring unit, the washing unit 9W is started to be driven in response to a command from the input unit 4;
(2) In the middle of the cleaning process after the cleaning unit 9W starts to operate, the measurement data of the water quality sensor 17S is transmitted from the communication unit 8 to an external server (first server 20) (step SL24),
(3) When command data CD5 for additionally supplying the consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is acquired via the communication unit 8, the supplying means 43 is instructed to additionally supply the consumable product (liquid detergent 42) (step SL28),
Furthermore, the control unit 2 has a function of transmitting measurement data of the consumable product (liquid detergent 42) measured by the measuring unit 12 (step SL33).
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Because of this configuration, with this cleaning device (including the dishwasher 1E), if the remaining amount of consumables (liquid detergent 42) is equal to or greater than the allowable value, additional detergent can be automatically added during the cleaning process depending on the water quality, reducing the burden on the user US.

Furthermore, if the remaining amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is less than the allowable value and operation in the normal operation mode OP1 is not possible, operation in the emergency operation mode OP2 using the second consumable product (tablet detergent 42T, etc.) is possible. Therefore, even in a situation where the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is low, the user US can add the second consumable product and operate in the emergency operation mode OP2.

Furthermore, as explained in Figures 63 and 64, even in emergency operation mode OP2, the first server 20 judges the water quality, and the communication terminal 200 is notified of the need to add detergent based on the result of the judgment, and the user US of the dishwasher 1E can complete the washing process by manually adding additional detergent as appropriate. Therefore, even in emergency operation mode OP2 of this dishwasher 1E, the user US does not need to continue to monitor the washing operation, and there is no problem if he or she is in a different place in the house HA (from the kitchen 130).

In addition, the first server 20 is notified after the cleaning process, drying process, etc. are completed as shown in step SL34. If the notification is set to reach the communication terminal 200, the user US can know the end of the operation via the communication terminal 200 even if he or she is in a remote location.

In this way, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of situations where the vehicle cannot be operated even when the first consumable product is low in quantity, thereby improving convenience.

Furthermore, in the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure disclosed in the sixth embodiment, the control unit 2 also has a function of acquiring command data CD via the communication unit 8,
The control unit 2 is characterized in that after the main power is turned on, it does not perform at least either the receiving operation of the command data CD or the transmitting operation of the status information A via the communication unit 8 before transmitting a receive permission signal RS by operating the input unit 4.

As described above, with this cleaning device 1 (dishwasher 1E), inventory information for liquid detergent 42 as a consumable product is provided to the first server 20 and the communication terminal 200 via the network, improving the convenience of inventory management for the user US.

Furthermore, the operating conditions (including operating conditions such as operating course, operation mode, operating time, and addition of detergent) of the cleaning device 1 (dishwasher 1E) can be set using the command data CD, reducing the setting work of the user US, and since the acquisition of the command data CD and its timing can be restricted on the input unit 4 side, confusion of the user US during the initial standby period TA can be prevented.

Furthermore, in this sixth embodiment, the information acquisition system according to the twelfth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the information acquisition system according to the twelfth 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, which acquires and stores status information A relating to a remaining amount of a first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) used in the cleaning device 1E;
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 apparatus 1E can be operated in either a normal operation mode OP1 or an emergency operation mode OP2,
Furthermore, the cleaning device 1E includes a consumption information acquisition unit 11 that acquires measurement data of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42), and a communication unit 8 that transmits information of the emergency operation mode OP2 to the storage means (first server 20) when the cleaning device 1E is operated in the emergency operation mode OP2 in accordance with the remaining amount of the consumable product,
The storage means (first server 20) has a water quality determination function for determining the water quality of the cleaning liquid of the cleaning device after the cleaning device 1E starts the cleaning process, and according to the water quality determination result,
(1) In the case of the normal operation mode OP1, a command to input the first consumable product (step SL27 in FIG. 63) is sent,
(2) In the case of the emergency operation mode OP2, a command to input the second consumable product (step SL27A in FIG. 64) is sent,
When an input key is operated, the information processing terminal 200 displays, on the terminal side display unit 216, information on the remaining amount of the first consumable product acquired from the cleaning device 1E, among a plurality of pieces of data stored in the storage means (first server 20);
Furthermore, when the information processing terminal 200 acquires the information on the emergency operation mode OP2, the information processing terminal 200 displays the contents of the input command for the second consumable product (step SL27A in FIG. 64) on the terminal side display unit 216.
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Due to this configuration, according to the information acquisition system of the 12th disclosure, information on the remaining amount of a consumable product (first consumable product, such as liquid detergent 42) used in the cleaning device 1E can be acquired via a storage means (first server 20) and displayed on the terminal side display unit 216.

In addition, based on information indicating the operation mode obtained from the cleaning device 1E, information 323 is displayed on the communication terminal 200 indicating that the remaining amount of the consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) is low and the device is operating in emergency operation mode OP2, so the user US can recognize on the information processing terminal device (communication terminal) 200 the consumable products that are necessary for the operation of the cleaning device 1E and that urgently need to be replenished.

Furthermore, when the information processing terminal 200 acquires information on the emergency operation mode OP2, the content of the input command for the second consumable product (step SL27A in FIG. 64) is displayed on the terminal side display unit 216, so that the input of the second consumable product is not forgotten. This makes it possible to complete the specified cleaning process even in the emergency operation mode OP2.

Furthermore, in this sixth embodiment, the information acquisition system according to the thirteenth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the information acquisition system according to the thirteenth 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, which acquires and stores measurement data MD of a consumable product (a first consumable product, such as a liquid detergent 42) used in the cleaning device 1E;
an information processing terminal 200 connected to the storage means via the network and having a terminal-side display unit 216;
The cleaning device 1E includes a consumption information acquisition unit 11 that acquires the measurement data MD, and a communication unit 8 that transmits information about an emergency operation mode OP2 to the storage means when the device is operated in the emergency operation mode OP2 due to a shortage of the remaining amount of the consumable product,
The information processing terminal 200 has a plurality of input keys, and when the input keys are operated, displays on the terminal display unit 216 the measurement data MD acquired from the cleaning device 1E among the plurality of data stored in the storage means (first server 20);
When the cleaning apparatus 1E is operated in the emergency operation mode OP2, the information processing terminal 200 displays information 312 specifying the operation in the emergency operation mode OP2 on the terminal side display unit 216,
The cleaning device 1E has a cleaning process and a sterilization process, and in the sterilization process, measurement data obtained by measuring the quality of cleaning water is transmitted from the communication unit 8 to the storage means (first server 20) (step SL24 in FIG. 65 ),
The cleaning device 1E has a program for automatically executing the sterilization process again when a certain time has elapsed after the sterilization process is completed (see FIG. 66 ).
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Due to this configuration, according to the information acquisition system of the 13th disclosure, information on the remaining amount of a consumable product (first consumable product, such as liquid detergent 42) used in the cleaning device 1E can be acquired via a storage means (first server 20) and displayed on the terminal side display unit 216.

In addition, based on information indicating the operation mode obtained from the cleaning device 1E, if the remaining amount of the consumable material (e.g., liquid detergent 42) is low and the cleaning device is operating in emergency operation mode OP2, or if there is a cleaning device 1E that has finished operating in emergency operation mode OP2, information 323 is displayed on the communication terminal 200, so the user US can recognize on the information processing terminal device (communication terminal) 200 the consumable materials that are necessary for the operation of the cleaning device 1E and that urgently need to be replenished.

Furthermore, in the middle of the cleaning process after the cleaning unit 9W starts to operate, data measuring the quality of the cleaning water from the cleaning device 1E is transmitted from the communication unit 8 to the first server 20, which is an external storage means, so that the advanced water quality analysis capabilities of the storage means (first server) can be utilized to make the judgment results available to the cleaning device 1E.

Therefore, even if the cleaning device 1E does not have the ability to analyze the suitability of the cleaning water, it is possible for the cleaning device 1E to perform operations such as adding additional cleaning water by using information from the first server 20.

Furthermore, even after one sterilization operation has been completed and operation has ended, the sterilization process is automatically performed, for example, after 6 hours, 12 hours, etc., to maintain the inside of the washing space WS clean. Therefore, even if the tableware 66 is not removed immediately, the washing device 1E automatically maintains the cleanliness, reducing the burden on the user US.

Furthermore, in this sixth embodiment, the information acquisition system according to the fourteenth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the information acquisition system according to the fourteenth disclosure is
A cleaning device 1E connected to a network NW and having a communication unit 8 and a control unit 2;
A storage means (first server 20) connected to the cleaning device 1E via the network NW, which acquires and stores measurement data MD of a consumable product (a first consumable product, such as a liquid detergent 42) used in the cleaning device 1E;
an information processing terminal 200 connected to the storage means via the network and having a terminal-side display unit 216 capable of displaying data showing the results of the measurement data MD;
The cleaning device 1E performs a sterilization process after a cleaning process,
Furthermore, the cleaning device 1E has a program in which the control unit executes the sterilization process again when a set time has elapsed after the sterilization process is completed (see FIG. 66 ),
The storage means (first server 20) acquires environmental information of an installation space (kitchen 130) of the cleaning device 1E before the sterilization step of the cleaning device 1E is performed, determines the necessity of the sterilization step (step SU18 in FIG. 67), and generates a command signal for the sterilization step and transmits it to the cleaning device 1E (step SU19 in FIG. 67);
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Due to this configuration, according to the information acquisition system of the 14th disclosure, the storage means (first server 20) can acquire information on the remaining amount of the consumable product (first consumable product, such as liquid detergent 42) used in the cleaning device 1E via the network NW and display it on the terminal side display unit 216.

In addition, the storage means (first server 20) acquires environmental information about the installation space of the cleaning device 1E and determines whether or not to perform a sterilization process, thereby avoiding the execution of a wasteful sterilization process that consumes electrical energy.

Furthermore, in this sixth embodiment, the cleaning device 1E according to the fifteenth disclosure is disclosed in the following form.
That is, the washing device (dishwasher) 1E according to the fifteenth disclosure is
A communication unit 8 that can be connected to a network NW or an information processing terminal device 200;
an input unit 4 for receiving input commands from a user US;
A notification unit 3;
A control unit 2 that receives an input command from the input unit 4 and controls the operation of the cleaning unit 9W;
A measuring unit 12 that measures the amount of a first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) used during operation of the cleaning unit 9W;
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 supply means 43 for supplying the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) to the cleaning space WS;
having
the consumption information acquisition unit generates the status information A regarding a remaining amount of the first consumable product;
The control unit, in an abnormality detection state in which the supply unit 43 cannot supply the first consumable product, can switch to an emergency operation mode OP2 in which the supply unit is not used and start a cleaning process.
The configuration was characterized by the following.

Because of this configuration, the cleaning device 1E according to the 15th disclosure can switch to emergency operation and perform cleaning even if the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) cannot be supplied, improving convenience.

Furthermore, as explained in step S6D of Fig. 69, in order to estimate that the user US has put in the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) or other suitable alternative detergent (tablet-type detergent 42T, etc.), the opening and subsequent closing of the door 44 is detected, and the washing process can then be started. In other words, if the door 44 is not opened and the liquid detergent 42 or alternative detergent is not put in, the machine has a function that disables operation.
This makes it possible to improve the reliability of the emergency operation mode OP2.

In the cleaning apparatus 1E of the sixth embodiment, it is possible to select the operation of the "reserved course" described in the first embodiment. In this reserved course, the operation is started a certain time (e.g., four hours) after the setting, or conversely, the operation end time is set and the start of operation is left to the cleaning apparatus 1E side, but if an abnormality as described above occurs at the start of the operation, in the sixth embodiment, it is preferable to automatically notify the first server 20 of the occurrence of the abnormality from the communication unit 8 after the stage of step S6B.
In this way, a notification of the occurrence of an abnormality is sent to the communication terminal 200 held by the user US who is away from home, and the user can contact the resident at home and have them manually add detergent on his/her behalf, thereby starting operation. In this way, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user US who has set a reserved course and gone out realizes after returning home that the dishwasher 1E has stopped without washing.

In addition to the above, the same effects can be expected for the parts that are the same as those described in the first to fifth embodiments.

Other embodiments.
In the above explanation, for the sake of simplicity, the cleaning device 1E 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 (1E, 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 sixth 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 6 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 electrical appliance 1 and cleaning device 1E disclosed herein can be widely used not only in ordinary households but also in public facilities, stores, etc. Furthermore, the information acquisition system, the remaining amount management system for consumable goods, and the purchasing support system for consumable goods can be widely used not only in ordinary households but also in business in stores, offices, etc.

1 Electrical Equipment 1E Dishwasher (cleaning device)
1H Cooking device 1WA Air purifier 1WB Air purifier 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)
47 Sterilization device 47D Drive circuit 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 Regulating member
64 Top lid 65 Shelf 66 Tableware 67 Internal space 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 100CG Menu display unit 100D Icon 100E Icon 100F Icon
100FG Menu display unit 110 Individual judgment criteria setting unit 120 Third server 121 Kitchen furniture 121A Installation port 126 Home gateway 127E Environment detection sensor unit 128 Gas sensor 129 Environment detection unit 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 279A Judgment information 3
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)
296 Display area 297 Display area 298 Icon 299 Icon 300 Cloud server 301 Display board 302 Shielding plate 303 Sealed space 304A to 304D Figure 305 Input key (icon)
306 Warning information display section 307 Warning section 308 Display area 309 Display area 310 Replacement time management section 311 Icon 312 Display area (emergency operation mode)
315 Icon 316 Icon 320 Display area 320A Display area (advice information B)
320B Display area (advice information B)
321 Display area 322 Emergency operation mode selection input key (icon)
323 Display area (emergency operation mode)
324 Input key (icon)
330 Second server 331 Icon 332 Sale availability information display section (inventory information display section)
333 Purchase procedure start command key (icon)
334 Locking mechanism 334A Engagement claw 335 Signal line 336 Container (tank) lock detection circuit 337 Water quality determination circuit 337S Water quality sensor 338A Signal line 338B Signal line 339 Display area 340 Display area 341 Display area 342 Icon 343 Icon 344 Display area 345 Icon 346 Icon HD1 Urgency determination criteria data HD2 Urgency determination criteria data PD Consumable parts data RD Remaining amount data RS Reception permission signal SS Start signal TA Initial standby period TC Accumulative usage time TN Remaining time TP Standard usage time US User WS Cleaning space ZD Remaining amount determination criteria data.

Claims (10)

A communication unit that can be connected to a network or an information processing terminal;
an input unit for receiving input commands from a user;
A notification section;
A control unit that receives an input command from the input unit and controls an operation of the cleaning unit;
a measuring unit configured to measure an amount of a first consumable product to be used during operation of the cleaning unit;
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 supply means for supplying the first consumable product to the cleaning space;
a water quality determination unit for determining the water quality of the cleaning liquid containing the first consumable product for cleaning the object to be cleaned in the cleaning unit;
having
the consumption information acquisition unit generates the status information A regarding a remaining amount of the first consumable product;
The control unit switches between a normal operation mode in which the first consumable product is used and an emergency operation mode in which the supply means is not used,
The cleaning unit receives the judgment data from the water quality judgment unit and controls the supply means,
A cleaning device characterized in that, even when the control unit executes the emergency operation mode, the consumption information acquisition unit generates the status information A regarding the remaining amount of the first consumable product, and the control unit updates a list regarding the need to replenish consumable products including the first consumable product and to replace the consumable product based on the generated status information A, and transmits the updated list to the information processing terminal . the control unit has a function of acquiring command data via the communication unit,
The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, after the main power is turned on, the control unit does not perform at least one of the operation of receiving the command data or the operation of transmitting the status information A via the communication unit before a reception permission signal is sent by operating the input unit. A sterilization device for sterilizing the air in the cleaning space;
A door for opening and closing the cleaning space,
The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit drives the sterilization device in a state where the door is closed. A sterilization device for sterilizing the air in the cleaning space;
A door for opening and closing the cleaning space,
The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit activates the sterilization device when a time during which the door is continuously closed from the stage at which the cleaning process is completed exceeds a threshold value. A sterilization device for sterilizing the air in the cleaning space;
A door for opening and closing the cleaning space,
The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit transmits notification data from the communication unit to the information processing terminal every time a certain amount of time has elapsed since the cleaning process was completed or when the time during which the door is continuously closed exceeds a threshold value. the measuring unit measures an amount of the first consumable product,
The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit notifies the notification unit that the operation mode will be switched from the normal operation mode to the emergency operation mode depending on the remaining amount of the first consumable product measured by the measuring unit. the measuring unit measures an amount of the first consumable product,
The cleaning device described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit automatically switches from the normal operation mode to the emergency operation mode depending on the remaining amount of the first consumable product measured by the measuring unit, and notifies this switching by the alarm unit. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the measuring unit is configured to measure the amount of the first consumable product from outside a container that contains the first consumable product. the first consumable product is a liquid;
Further comprising a container for containing the liquid,
the measuring unit measures the first consumable product in the container by a sensor that detects at least one of a weight or a volume of the liquid;
The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit performs a remaining amount estimation process of the first consumable product consumed by operation of the cleaning unit, and a possible number of operations estimation process based on the result of the remaining amount estimation process. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit causes the notification unit to notify the user that the operation mode can be switched to the emergency operation mode when the remaining amount of the first consumable material measured by the measuring unit is less than a threshold value that permits the normal operation mode.

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