Washing machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a washing machine capable of using a portable terminal to display the content of a downloaded operation program. The washing machine according to the embodiment has a communication unit, a storage unit, an operation panel, a program confirmation button, and a control unit. The communication unit communicates with an external operation terminal having an application for creating an application program that is an operation program of the washing machine, and receives the application program. The storage unit stores at least one or more of the received application programs. The operation panel has a program selection unit for selecting the application program. When the program confirmation button is pressed, it sends the program information of the application program to the operation terminal via the communication unit. The control unit performs operation control of the washing machine based on the selected application program.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to washing machines. Background Art

[0002] Among washing machines, there are washing machines that can use an external operation terminal such as a smartphone to download a running program related to a washing operation and operate the washing machine based on the downloaded running program. However, even if a running program can be newly downloaded and set in the washing machine, sometimes the content of the running program cannot be confirmed.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-46418 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a washing machine capable of using an external operation terminal to display the content of a downloaded running program.

[0008] Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The washing machine according to the embodiment includes a communication unit, a storage unit, an operation panel, a program confirmation button, and a control unit. The communication unit communicates with an external operation terminal having an application that creates an application program (apply course) serving as a running program of the washing machine, and receives the application program. The storage unit stores at least one or more of the received application programs. The operation panel has a program selection unit for selecting the application program. When the program confirmation button is pressed, program information of the application program is sent to the operation terminal via the communication unit. The control unit performs operation control of the washing machine based on the selected application program.

[0010] Advantages of the Invention

[0011] The content of the downloaded running program can be displayed using an external operation terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a washing system including the washing machine according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a functional block diagram of the washing machine according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel of the washing machine according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the flow of communication data among a washing machine, a server, and a smartphone representing an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5A It is a diagram showing an example of a screen when a smartphone communicating with the washing machine of the embodiment receives program information.

[0017] Figure 5B It is a diagram showing an example of a screen when a smartphone communicating with the washing machine of the embodiment receives program information.

[0018] Figure 6A It is shown in Figure 5A , Figure 5B a diagram showing an example of a screen that is the transfer destination when clicking on the screen to view details of the notification of received program information in each mode.

[0019] Figure 6B It is shown in Figure 5A , Figure 5B a diagram showing an example of a screen that is the transfer destination when clicking on the screen to view details of the notification of received program information in each mode.

[0020] Figure 6C It is shown in Figure 5A , Figure 5B a diagram showing an example of a screen that is the transfer destination when clicking on the screen to view details of the notification of received program information in each mode.

[0021] Figure 7A It is a diagram showing an example of a screen for creating an application program on the screen of a washing machine application installed on a smartphone communicating with the washing machine of the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 7B It is a diagram showing an example of a screen for creating an application program on the screen of a washing machine application installed on a smartphone communicating with the washing machine of the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7C It is a diagram showing an example of a screen for creating an application program on the screen of a washing machine application installed on a smartphone communicating with the washing machine of the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7D It is a diagram showing an example of a screen for creating an application program on the screen of a washing machine application installed on a smartphone communicating with the washing machine of the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7EThis is a diagram showing an example of a screen for creating an application on the screen of a washing machine application installed on a smartphone that communicates with the washing machine of the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7F This is a diagram showing an example of a screen for creating an application on the screen of a washing machine application installed on a smartphone that communicates with the washing machine of the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7G This is a diagram showing an example of a screen for creating an application on the screen of a washing machine application installed on a smartphone that communicates with the washing machine of the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7H This is a diagram showing an example of a screen for creating an application on the screen of a washing machine application installed on a smartphone that communicates with the washing machine of the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8A This is a diagram showing an example of a screen for registering the created application in the washing machine on the screen of a washing machine application installed on a smartphone that communicates with the washing machine of the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 8B This is a diagram showing an example of a screen for registering the created application in the washing machine on the screen of a washing machine application installed on a smartphone that communicates with the washing machine of the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8C This is a diagram showing an example of a screen for registering the created application in the washing machine on the screen of a washing machine application installed on a smartphone that communicates with the washing machine of the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of the display on the operation panel of the washing machine when receiving information of the application created by the washing machine application.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the update process of the application program information when the washing machine of the embodiment is in an online state.

[0034] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0035] 1... Washing system, 2... Washing machine, 3... Operation terminal, 4... Router, 5... Server, 21... Operation panel, 22... Control unit, 23... Storage unit, 24... Communication unit, 25... Program confirmation button, 26... Network judgment unit Detailed Embodiment

[0036] Hereinafter, the washing machine of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0037] (Embodiment)

[0038] Refer to Figure 1 to describe the overall configuration of the washing system 1 of the washing machine including the embodiment. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the washing system of the washing machine including the embodiment. The washing system 1 includes a washing machine 2, an operation terminal 3, a wireless LAN router (hereinafter referred to as a router) 4, and a server 5. The washing machine 2 is a washing and drying machine that can sequentially perform washing, rinsing, dehydration, and drying. In addition, the washing machine 2 may also be a washing machine that sequentially performs washing, rinsing, and dehydration and does not have a drying function. The washing machine 2 is provided with an operation panel 21.

[0039] The operation terminal 3 is, for example, a portable terminal including a smart phone, a tablet device, a personal computer, etc., and is installed with an application for operating the washing system (hereinafter referred to as a washing machine application). Figure 1 The number of operation terminals 3 shown is one, but it is not limited thereto, and there may be multiple. The operation terminal 3 performs wireless communication with the washing machine 2 via the router 4 to remotely operate the washing machine 2. The router 4 is, for example, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) router used in ordinary households, etc., and is connected to the Internet via a modem, etc. (not shown). The server 5 exists on the Internet and provides services for the washing system.

[0040] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the washing machine 2 of the embodiment. The washing machine 2 includes an operation panel 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a communication unit 24.

[0041] For example, as Figure 1 shown, the operation panel 21 is provided on the front side of the upper surface of the washing machine 2 main body. The operation panel 2, for example, includes a display unit composed of a TFT liquid crystal or the like, and an image including a variety of display screens related to the operation program of the washing machine 2 is displayed on its display surface. Thus, the user can confirm the setting of the operation program of the washing machine 2 and the current operation status.

[0042] In addition, the operation panel 21 includes a program selection unit that accepts the operation of the user for setting and switching the operation program of the washing machine 2. The program selection unit is, for example, formed as a so-called touch-type operation panel and includes a touch sensor composed of a capacitive switch. With such a configuration, the user operates the operation of the washing machine 2 using the screen displayed on the operation panel 21. The operation panel 21 accepts various operations related to the operation of the washing machine 2.

[0043] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed on the operation panel 21 of the washing machine 2 of the embodiment. Figure 3The screen example shown in (a) is the home screen displayed when the power of the washing machine 2 is turned on. Figure 3 The screen example shown in (b) is instead of Figure 3 the home screen in (a) and is the first operation program selection screen that is displayed, and multiple operation programs originally set in the washing machine are shown. Figure 3 The screen example shown in (c) is instead of Figure 3 the first operation program selection screen in (b) and is the second operation program selection screen that is displayed, and application programs described later are shown. Hereinafter, they will be described in sequence.

[0044] In Figure 3 the middle part of the home screen shown in (a), icons indicating operation types such as cleaning operation ("Washing: Standard Program"), wash-dry operation ("Washing & Drying"), and drying operation ("Drying") are shown, and program buttons, start buttons, etc. are shown in the lower part. When the control unit 22 detects an operation on the icon indicating the operation type displayed on the home screen, the operation type corresponding to the detection result is selected. In Figure 3 the example shown in (a), the selectable operation types are one of cleaning operation ("Washing: Standard Program"), wash-dry operation ("Washing & Drying"), and drying operation ("Drying").

[0045] First, the user operates the icon of "Cleaning Operation" on the display screen. When this operation is detected by the operation panel 21, the control unit 22 determines the operation type as "Cleaning Operation" ("Washing: Standard Program").

[0046] Next, in the state where the operation type is selected, when it is detected that the user presses (or clicks) the "Program" button displayed on Figure 3 the home screen in (a), the operation program moves to the selection step, and the display of the operation panel 21 is transferred to Figure 3 the first operation program selection screen shown in (b). In the state where the first operation program selection screen is displayed, the user can select one desired operation program from among the multiple operation programs originally set in the washing machine. The number of operation programs shown on Figure 3 the screen in (b) is five, and icons of "Standard", "Soak", "Quick", "Memory", and "Ultra Gentle" indicating the content of each operation program are shown. When the icon of the operation program is clicked, it becomes the state where the corresponding operation program is selected. The icon of the selected operation program becomes white, and the description of the operation program is shown below it. Figure 3 The state shown in (b) indicates that the quick program is selected as the operation program. As the description of the operation program, it is shown as "When you want to save water and wash in a short time."

[0047] For example, among the operating programs that can be selected as the originally set operating programs in the washing machine, the following operating programs are included.

[0048] Standard program: An operating program for daily washing.

[0049] Soaking program: An operating program for washing heavily soiled laundry.

[0050] Quick program: An operating program for washing slightly soiled laundry, a small amount of laundry, etc., while saving water and electricity and relatively shortening the washing time.

[0051] Memory program: An operating program in which the user combines desired processes for washing.

[0052] Ultra-gentle program: An operating program for washing laundry in a gentle manner.

[0053] Moreover, as an operating program different from the originally set operating programs in the washing machine, an application program can also be selected. The so-called application program refers to an operating program made by the user using a washing machine application installed on the external operation terminal 3, and can be selected by downloading it from the server 5 to the washing machine 2. In the application program, the washing machine 2 is operated by the method specified by the program information downloaded from the server 5.

[0054] As an example of an operating program that can be set as an application program, the following programs can be cited.

[0055] Towel program: An operating program suitable for terry cloth and napped fabrics.

[0056] Fine wash program: An operating program for washing thick clothes, etc.

[0057] Sleep program: An operating program for washing while suppressing the operating sound.

[0058] Blanket program: An operating program for washing blankets, etc.

[0059] Fashionable clothing program: An operating program for drying delicate clothes such as fashionable clothes.

[0060] For example, compared with the "ultra-gentle program" with the standard specifications originally set in the washing machine, the "towel program" can wash under operating conditions more suitable for terry cloth and napped fabrics. In addition, the operation control content of the application program is the operation control content that the washing machine 2 can originally perform.

[0061] When selecting an application program, the user presses (or clicks) the ">" button at the right end of (b) displayed on Figure 3 Then, Figure 3(c) The second operation program selection screen shown is displayed on the operation panel 21. The user can select a desired operation program from among a plurality of application programs displayed on the second operation program selection screen. Figure 3 In the example of (c), there are a total of three application programs, which are respectively displayed as icons recorded as "Application 1", "Application 2", and "Application 3". Figure 3 (c) shows a state where "Application 1" is selected as the operation program. In addition, in the washing machine, a total of six application programs can be logged in, including washing application programs 1 to 3 as application programs for washing operations and washing and drying application programs 1 to 3 as application programs for washing and drying operations.

[0062] A program confirmation button 25 is arranged at the lower part of the second operation program selection screen. When the user presses (clicks) the program confirmation button 25, the program information of the currently selected application program is notified to the external operation terminal 3 associated with the washing machine 2. In addition, the program confirmation button 25 may not be arranged on the operation panel 21. For example, it may also be a physical button switch.

[0063] By pressing (clicking) the "<" button displayed at the left end of Figure 3 (c), the user can cause the Figure 3 screen of (b) to be displayed on the operation panel 21. Here, the case of switching between two screens is described, but it is not limited thereto. It may not be switched, or three or more screens may be switched.

[0064] In this way, on the operation panel 21 shown in (b) and (c) of Figure 3 , a plurality of operation programs that the washing machine 2 can select are displayed side by side. The application programs corresponding to the program information downloaded from the server 5 are displayed on the operation panel 21 in such a way that they can be selected side by side with the standard specification operation programs originally set in the washing machine. The user selects an operation program including an application program from the operation panel 21. The control unit 22 performs the operation control of the washing machine based on the program information of the selected operation program including the application program.

[0065] The control unit 22 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Each process of the control unit 22 is implemented by the processor executing a program. In addition, a part or all of each process of the control unit 22 may also be executed by hardware such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field - Programmable Gate Array).

[0066] As described above, in the washing machine 2, the operating programs other than the application programs are set to be operating programs that can be used as standard specifications. Therefore, even if the program information is not obtained from the server 5, the washing machine 2 can control the operation through the operating programs of the standard specifications. In contrast, the application programs can be selected by the user obtaining the program information of the desired operating program from the server 5 and logging in to the washing machine 2. In addition, in the server 5, various operating programs that can be selected as application programs are pre-logged in. The user can select the desired operating program from the operating programs logged in to the server 5 and apply it to the operation control of the washing machine 2.

[0067] On the washing machine application installed on the operation terminal 3, the user can create an application program as the operating program of the washing machine 2. In addition, on the washing machine application, the user can customize the operating programs logged in to the server 5 and create an application program. The program information of the application program created by the user is stored in the server 5.

[0068] The communication unit 24 is formed, for example, in a manner capable of being connected to the network NW via the router 4. The communication unit 24 is connected to the server 5 via the network NW. In addition, the communication unit 24 communicates with the operation terminal 3 via the network NW. The communication unit 24 can send the program information of at least one or more application programs to the operation terminal 3 and use the operation terminal 3 to confirm the content of at least one or more application programs. In addition, the communication unit 24 may be capable of performing data transmission and reception with the operation terminal 3 via the router 4 or directly without passing through the network.

[0069] The storage unit 23 includes semiconductor memories such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an EEPROM (Electrical Erasable ROM). The EEPROM is an example of a non-volatile semiconductor memory that can be electrically erased and is used as a non-volatile storage area.

[0070] The storage unit 23 holds the program information of the application obtained via the server 5 as an application. Thus, the washing machine 2 can receive and store at least one or more applications and use the application during the next washing operation. In addition, the obtained program information can be held in the non-volatile storage area of the storage unit 23. Thus, during the washing operation after the next power-off and re-power-on of the washing machine 2, it can be utilized without having to obtain it again from the server 5. In this way, by pre-registering the program information of the desired operation program in the washing machine 2, the laundry can be washed in a running mode closer to the user's purpose. The setting of the content of the application program can be performed from the external operation terminal 3.

[0071] Next, the flow of communication data when the program confirmation button 25 is pressed (clicked) in the state of the second operation program selection screen shown in Figure 3 (c) will be described. Figure 4 It is a flowchart showing the flow of communication data when the program confirmation button 25 is pressed (clicked).

[0072] Figure 4 It shows the flow of communication data among the washing machine 2, the server 5, and the operation terminal (smartphone) 3. When the program confirmation button 25 is pressed (clicked) in the washing machine 2, the program information of the currently selected application is sent via the server 5 to the external smartphone associated with the washing machine 2. When the smartphone receives the program information, it notifies the reception of the program information on the smartphone.

[0073] Figure 5A And Figure 5B It shows the manner when the smartphone receives the program information. Regarding the manner, there are Figure 5A And Figure 5B These two manners. Figure 5A It shows the situation where the reception of the program information is notified on the smartphone in the state where the washing machine application is closed, that is, the washing machine application is not started. In this case, when the smartphone receives the program information of the application, a strip-shaped information notification is made at the upper part of the smartphone screen.

[0074] Figure 5B It shows the situation where the reception of the program information is notified on the smartphone in the state where the user has started the washing machine application in the smartphone. In this case, when the smartphone receives the program information of the application, a pop-up window notifying the reception of the program information of the application is displayed at the center of the smartphone screen. Here, if the "OK" button on the pop-up window is clicked, the content of the application program can be confirmed.

[0075] Figures 6A - 6C Is in Figure 5A 、 Figure 5BExamples of the screen to which the screen jumps when the user clicks on the screen to view the detailed program information of the received notification in each method. In Figure 5A and Figure 5B in these two methods, the destination screen when a click is made is the same. For example, it shows Figures 6A - 6C one of them. Figures 6A - 6C The details of the application are displayed, and they vary depending on which running program it is.

[0076] Figure 6A This shows an application that makes various detailed settings for the running program on the washing machine application. Specifically, it is an application that has carefully set the name of the running program, washing time, number of rinses, dehydration time, etc. In this case, as Figure 6A shown, the details of the running program are displayed in detail, and the content of the running program can be grasped.

[0077] On the other hand, if only notifying the name of the running program is sufficient, it can also be like Figure 6B shown, only the name of the application is notified. In Figure 6B , it shows the case of a running program with the name "fleece" program logged in the application, and it can be known that the application is the fleece program. When there are running programs with different purposes logged in the application, it can also be like Figure 6C "Want to quickly remove light dirt" shown, and the explanatory text of the running program with different purposes is displayed.

[0078] In this way, triggered by the program confirmation button 25, the program information is sent to the operation terminal 3. That is, it is possible to confirm the program information of the application on the external operation terminal 3 triggered by pressing (or clicking) the program confirmation button 25. Thus, the user can confirm the content of the application, that is, the running program downloaded to the washing machine. Triggered by pressing (or clicking) the program confirmation button 25, a notification of receiving the application information is automatically displayed on the external operation terminal 3. Therefore, it is possible to know the program information of the application without searching or changing pages on the washing machine application, and the usability is good.

[0079] Figures 7A - 7H This is a diagram showing an example of the process of creating an application on the screen of the washing machine application installed on the operation terminal 3. In Figure 7A on the screen, first, the user selects one of the three options: "Select program by clothing", "Select washing method by purpose", and "Customize according to preference" as the application program.

[0080] When Figure 7A "Customize according to preference" is selected, the screen of the washing machine application jumps to Figure 7Bscreen. In Figure 7B screen, first, the user selects and touches the icon corresponding to whether the operation type of the washing machine 2 is a washing operation or a wash-dry operation. Then, in the case of selecting the washing operation, it transfers to Figure 7C screen, and in the case of selecting the wash-dry operation, it transfers to Figure 7D screen. In Figure 7C and Figure 7D screen, the user inputs the name of the operation program and sets the washing time, number of rinses, dehydration time, drying setting, warm water setting, bath water setting, etc. Then, after these settings are completed, when touching the "Next" button, it transfers to Figure 8A or Figure 8B screen.

[0081] In Figure 7A , when "Select Program by Clothing" is selected, the screen of the washing machine application transfers to Figure 7E screen. In Figure 7E screen, one operation program can be selected from multiple pre-specified operation programs classified by clothing. If an operation program classified by clothing is selected, it transfers to Figure 7F screen, which displays the description of the selected operation program. Then, when touching the "Next" button, it transfers to Figure 8A or Figure 8B screen. In addition, when touching the "Other Detailed Settings" button in Figure 7F screen, the settings of the selected operation program can be customized or adapted.

[0082] In Figure 7A , when "Select Washing Method by Purpose" is selected, the screen of the washing machine application transfers to Figure 7G screen. In Figure 7G screen, in Figure 7E screen, one operation program can be selected from multiple pre-specified operation programs classified by purpose. If an operation program classified by purpose is selected, it transfers to Figure 7H screen, which displays the description of the selected operation program. Then, when touching the "Next" button, it transfers to Figure 8A or Figure 8B screen. In addition, when touching the "Other Detailed Settings" button in Figure 7H screen, the settings of the selected operation program can be customized or adapted.

[0083] In Figure 8A and Figure 8B screen shown, it is decided where to log in the produced application program in the washing machine. In the case where the operation type is a washing operation, Figure 8ARegarding the screen, determine where to log in the created application among applications 1 to 3 that are running for cleaning. In the case where the operation type is washing and drying operation, display Figure 8B the screen, and determine where to log in the created application among applications 1 to 3 for the washing and drying operation. In Figure 8A this example, a wool fabric program is logged in washing application 1, a lightly soiled program is logged in washing application 2, and washing application 3 is not logged in. In Figure 8B this example, a wool fabric program is logged in washing and drying application 1, a lightly soiled program is logged in washing and drying application 2, and washing and drying application 3 is not logged in.

[0084] Moreover, in Figure 8A or Figure 8B on the screen, when the location for logging in the application is selected and the "Set" button is touched, the set information is sent to the washing machine, and the display of the washing machine application transfers to Figure 8C the screen shown. At this time, the information of the application program created is sent to the washing machine.

[0085] Figure 9 Shows the display mode on the operation panel 21 of the washing machine 2 when receiving the information of the application program created by the washing machine application. When performing the operation of sending the created application program from the smartphone, the washing machine 2 receives the information of the application program, and the power of the main body of the washing machine 2 is turned on. Then, in the center part of the screen of the operation panel 21, a pop-up notification indicating that the application program has been received is implemented. Through such an operation, the user can recognize the situation where the washing machine has received the application program.

[0086] The program information of the application program that can be sent to the operation terminal and confirmed by the operation terminal triggered by the program confirmation button 25 of the washing machine can obtain not only the name of the application program but also the operation details such as washing time, number of rinses, dehydration time, drying setting, warm water setting, bath water setting, etc. that are inherent actions of the cleaning operation. With this configuration, it becomes a reference for the user to select the operation program to be set from now on, and the usability is improved.

[0087] When the washing machine is powered on and connected to the Internet, it must inquire about the program information of the logged-in application program from the server 5 more than once. As a result, the program information data logged in the server 5 and the program information data stored in the washing machine are synchronized. Therefore, before the user starts the operation of the washing machine, there is no longer a difference between the program information data held by the server 5 and the program information data of the application program stored in the washing machine.

[0088] The washing machine receives the program information of the application logged in through the operation terminal, and the timing for updating the program information of the application stored in the washing machine is before the user turns on the power of the washing machine and presses the start button that triggers the start of the operation of the washing machine, that is, before the operation of the washing machine starts. Thus, it is easy for the user to recognize the situation where the application logged in to the washing machine is updated to the downloaded program information. In addition, the user can select the updated application as an option for the content to be run from now on, so the convenience of use is improved. "It is easy for the user to recognize" means that if it is before the start of the operation of the washing machine (before pressing the start button), since the user is in front of the washing machine, it is easy to recognize. "Becoming an option" means that since the application is rewritten before the start of the operation of the washing machine, the application can be compared with other running programs.

[0089] The program confirmation button 25 is configured to be pressable (touchable) when an application is selected by the program selection unit. Moreover, when the application is in the selected state, by pressing (touching) the program confirmation button, the program information of the application is sent to an external operation terminal. Thus, it is easy to recognize the means of obtaining the program information desired by the user, and other unnecessary program information is not sent, so the convenience of use is improved.

[0090] The washing machine 2 may also be provided with a network determination unit that determines whether it is in a connected state (a state capable of communication) with the network. When the network determination unit determines that the washing machine is not in a state capable of communicating with the network, it changes the display mode of the program confirmation button 25. Specifically, on the basis of not allowing the program confirmation button 25 to be pressed, the program confirmation button 25 is colored in a light color, or the program confirmation button 25 itself is made non-displayed. Thus, in a state where the function for program confirmation cannot be executed, the user can be made to recognize this situation, so the convenience of use is improved.

[0091] The network determination unit may also be configured to determine whether the washing machine 2 is in a connected state (a state capable of communication) with the server 5. When the network determination unit determines that the washing machine 2 is not in a state capable of communicating with the server 5, the program information of the application is transmitted and received via the router from and to the operation terminal 3, or the operation terminal 3 and the communication unit 24 directly perform data transmission and reception. With such a configuration, even when the washing machine is in an offline state, the notification of the program information of the application can be executed.

[0092] The washing machine application can be operated both in an online state where the washing machine is connected to the network and in an offline state where it is not connected to the network. Figure 10 Shows the update process of the application program information when the washing machine is in the online state.

[0093] When washing machine 2 is powered on and connected to the network, it inquires with server 5 whether the application information has been updated. If the application information has been updated, server 5 transmits the updated information to washing machine 2. Upon receiving the information, washing machine 2 replies to server 5, updating the application information stored in the washing machine. Washing machine 2 then notifies server 5 that the update has been completed.

[0094] The following are the steps for connecting the server to the operating terminal (smartphone), washing machine, and wireless LAN router. As a prerequisite, the washing machine app installed on the smartphone pre-issues the smartphone's ID and password and registers them on the server 5. Logging in to the server 5 allows the smartphone user to be identified.

[0095] First, use a smartphone to connect to the router (smartphone and router connection). Next, the washing machine uses AP mode (access point mode) and WPS (Wi-Fi (registered trademark) Protected Setup) to connect to the router (washing machine and router connection). Next, the smartphone searches for the washing machine and, after confirming it, obtains the MAC address and model number of the washing machine. Next, the MAC address and model number of the washing machine are recorded in the server and linked to the user ID. Through the above steps, the smartphone and washing machine can perform status operations inside and outside the house.

[0096] As described above, the application program information is stored and maintained in server 5, and the washing machine transmits and receives the application program information to and from the operation terminal 3 via server 5. This configuration allows all users who share a particular washing machine to confirm the stored and set application program information. Furthermore, even when the washing machine is offline and not connected to the Internet, as long as the application program information is temporarily stored in server 5, the application program information can be newly created and viewed at any time from the operation terminal.

[0097] If a washing machine is shared by multiple operating terminals, and application download information is sent to all shared terminals, the download information is not needed except for the user who wishes to know it. Therefore, if there are multiple operating terminals capable of notifying the user of application program information, a configuration can be employed to determine whether to notify each terminal based on the terminal's "status." By determining whether to notify each terminal based on the terminal's "status," a system that maintains user convenience can be achieved.

[0098] The "status" of the operating terminal is the notification setting of the operating terminal, which is set by the washing machine application on the operating terminal. In this case, the washing machine application has a unit that can set whether to notify the application of program information. If the setting does not require notification, the program information of the application is not notified.

[0099] Alternatively, the "status" of the operating terminal may be determined by its location (whether it is near the washing machine). In this case, the washing machine may include a unit that determines whether the operating terminal and the washing machine are on the same network. The program information for the application is not transmitted to operating terminals that are not on the same network as the washing machine. For example, this determination may be based on the IP address. If the operating terminal is connected to a wide area network, the terminal is determined to be outside the home, and the program information is not transmitted.

[0100] Alternatively, the "status" of an operating terminal depends on whether the operating terminal connected to a washing machine is the "owner" of that washing machine (owner permissions). The "owner" uses the operating terminal to connect the washing machine to the network. The owner also has the permission to disconnect the operating terminal from the washing machine. In this case, the application's program information is not transmitted to anyone other than the owner.

[0101] By using the above-described method, it is possible to determine which of a plurality of operation terminals to notify of the program information of the application program, thereby realizing a system that does not impair the usability.

[0102] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments may be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising: a communication unit that communicates with an external operation terminal having an application for creating an application program as an operation program for the washing machine and receives the application program; a storage unit for storing the received at least one application program; an operation panel having a program selection portion for selecting the application program; a program confirmation button, which, when pressed, transmits program information of the currently selected application to the operation terminal via the communication unit; as well as The control unit controls the operation of the washing machine based on the selected application program.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, In the program selection unit, the application program is arranged in parallel with the standard operation program originally set in the washing machine.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, The program information sent to the operation terminal when the program confirmation button is used as a trigger includes detailed operation information of at least one of washing time, number of rinsing times, dehydration time, drying setting, warm water setting, and bath water setting.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, The program confirmation button is configured to be pressable when the application program is selected in the program selection unit.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, The communication unit can transmit program information of at least one of the applications to the operation terminal, and can confirm the content of at least one of the applications using the operation terminal.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, The washing machine includes a network determination unit that determines whether the washing machine is in a state capable of communicating with the network. The network determination unit changes the display mode of the course confirmation button when determining that the washing machine is not in a state capable of communicating with the network.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, The washing machine includes a network determination unit that determines whether a server providing a washing system service and the washing machine are in a state of being able to communicate. When the network determination unit determines that the washing machine is not in a state capable of communicating with the server, the operation terminal transmits and receives program information of the application via a router, or the operation terminal and the communication unit directly transmit and receive data.

8. The washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, When there are multiple operation terminals capable of notifying the application of program information, Whether or not to notify each operation terminal is determined based on the status of the operation terminal.

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