Communication system, household electrical appliance, method for controlling communication system, and method for controlling household electrical appliance

Abstract

The invention provides a communication system, a home appliance, a control method of the communication system, and a control method of the home appliance. This communication system is provided with a home appliance device and a management device. The management device transmits content information including content to the home appliance device. The home appliance outputs content based on the received content information in a selectable manner, stores the selected content in association with confirmation information indicating whether or not the content has been selected, and transmits all of the stored confirmation information to the management device. The management device stores the received confirmation information in association with the selected content associated with the confirmation information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication system, a home appliance, a control method of the communication system, and a control method of the home appliance. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a washing machine displays an advertisement represented by advertisement information transmitted from an advertisement server.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-134892 Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a communication system, a home appliance, a control method of the communication system, and a control method of the home appliance, which can increase the possibility of notifying a management device whether content has been browsed in a home appliance.

[0007] A communication system of one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a home appliance and a management device. The management device sends content information containing content to the home appliance. The home appliance outputs the content based on the received content information in a selectable manner, stores the selected content in association with confirmation information indicating whether the content is selected, and sends all the stored confirmation information to the management device. The management device stores the received confirmation information in association with the selected content associated with the confirmation information.

[0008] In addition, a home appliance device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a receiving unit that receives content information including content from a management device; and an output unit that outputs content based on the content information received by the receiving unit in a selectable manner. In addition, a home appliance device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a storage unit that stores selected content in association with confirmation information indicating whether the content is selected; and a sending unit that sends all the stored confirmation information to the management device.

[0009] In addition, a control method of a communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a management device sends content information containing content to a home appliance. In addition, a control method of a communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a home appliance outputs content based on received content information in a selectable manner, stores the selected content in association with confirmation information indicating whether the content is selected, and sends all the stored confirmation information to the management device. In addition, a control method of a communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a management device stores the received confirmation information in association with the selected content associated with the confirmation information.

[0010] In addition, a method for controlling a home appliance device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: receiving content information including content from a management device; and outputting content based on the received content information in a selectable manner. In addition, a method for controlling a home appliance device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: storing selected content in association with confirmation information indicating whether the content is selected; and sending all the stored confirmation information to the management device.

[0011] A communication system, a home appliance, a method for controlling a communication system, and a method for controlling a home appliance according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can increase the possibility of notifying a management device whether content has been viewed in a home appliance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a figure which shows the structure of the washing machine which concerns on Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the first content information and the second content information according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of an operation UI for displaying a menu screen according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of an operation UI that displays a second image according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a server device according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining update of the first management DB according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining storage of content ID and confirmation information in the server device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] (Insights, etc. that form the basis of this disclosure)

[0022] When the inventors conceived of the present disclosure, there already existed a technology for displaying content such as an advertisement in a washing machine as described in Patent Document 1. However, with respect to the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, the advertising server cannot grasp whether the content has been viewed in the washing machine. If a management device such as an advertising server can grasp whether the content has been viewed in the washing machine, it is possible to create new services. However, the washing machine may not always be in communication connection with the management device due to power disconnection, degradation of the communication environment caused by a microwave oven, etc., poor communication caused by the installation location, etc. Therefore, the inventors discovered that it is difficult for a household appliance to notify the management device whether the content has been viewed in the household appliance, and in order to solve this problem, the subject matter of the present disclosure was formed.

[0023] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a communication system, a home appliance, a control method of the communication system, and a control method of the home appliance, which can increase the possibility of notifying a management device whether content has been browsed in the home appliance.

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, unnecessary detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures may be omitted.

[0025] Furthermore, the drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims by them.

[0026] (Implementation Method 1)

[0027] [1-1. Structure]

[0028] [1-1-1. Communication system structure]

[0029] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the structure of the communication system 1000.

[0030] Communication system 1000 includes washing machine 1, terminal device 2, and server device 3. Washing machine 1 communicates with server device 3, and server device 3 communicates with terminal device 2. In communication system 1000, washing machine 1 and terminal device 2 may also communicate with each other.

[0031] The washing machine 1 is an example of a “home electric appliance.” The server device 3 is an example of a “management device.”

[0032] The washing machine 1 is a washing tank 161 (refer to Figure 2) is a device for washing laundry in a washing machine. The washing machine 1 may also have a function of drying the washed laundry. In this embodiment, a drum-type washing machine is exemplified as the washing machine 1. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , the case where the washing machine 1 is installed inside the facility H is illustrated, but the washing machine 1 may be installed outside the facility H.

[0033] Washing machine 1 communicates with server device 3 connected to network NW via communication device 4. Network NW includes the Internet, telephone network, and other communication networks.

[0034] The communication device 4 is connected to the network NW and communicates with the devices connected to the network NW. The communication device 4 functions as an interface device for connecting the washing machine 1 and the terminal device 2 to the network NW. The communication device 4 constructs a local area network in the facility H.

[0035] The terminal device 2 is a PC (Personal Computer) such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. An application for communicating with the server device 3 is installed in the terminal device 2, and the terminal device 2 communicates with the server device 3 using the function of the application.

[0036] exist Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , a user P located in the facility H is shown by a solid line, and a user P located outside the facility H is shown by a dotted line. When the terminal device 2 is used by the user P located in the facility H, the terminal device 2 communicates with a device connected to the network NW via the communication device 4 or without the communication device 4. In addition, when the terminal device 2 is used by the user P located outside the facility H and cannot establish a communication connection with the communication device 4, the terminal device 2 communicates with a device connected to the network NW without the communication device 4.

[0037] The server device 3 is connected to the network NW, and performs information processing using the washing machine 1 and the terminal device 2 as clients. The server device 3 transmits first content information CJ1 to the washing machine 1, which will be described later.

[0038] The first content information CJ1 is an example of “content information”.

[0039] In each figure, the server device 3 is represented by a single block, but this does not necessarily mean that the server device 3 is composed of a single device. For example, the server device 3 may be composed of a plurality of devices having different processing contents.

[0040] [1-1-2. Structure of washing machine]

[0041] Next, the structure of washing machine 1 will be described.

[0042] Figure 21 is a diagram showing the structure of washing machine 1.

[0043] The washing machine 1 includes a first computer 10 , a first external memory 11 , a second computer 12 , a second external memory 13 , a communication unit 14 , an operation panel 15 , and a washing unit 16 .

[0044] The first external memory 11 is an example of a “storage unit”.

[0045] The first computer 10 includes a first processor 110 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (MicroProcessing Unit), a first memory 120, and an interface circuit for connecting to other devices. Alternatively, the first computer 10 may be composed of a microcomputer.

[0046] The first memory 120 is a memory for storing programs and data. The first memory 120 stores a control program 121 and data processed by the first processor 110. The first memory 120 has a non-volatile storage area. In addition, the first memory 120 has a volatile storage area, which constitutes a work area of ​​the first processor 110. The first memory 120 is composed of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0047] The first external memory 11 , the second computer 12 , the communication unit 14 , and the washing unit 16 are connected to the first computer 10 via an interface circuit.

[0048] The first external memory 11 is a nonvolatile memory, and is composed of, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM).

[0049] The communication unit 14 includes hardware that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the server device 3 connected to the network NW.

[0050] The washing unit 16 includes washing mechanisms such as a washing tub 161, a driving motor 162 for rotating the washing tub 161, a water supply valve 163 for controlling the flow of water into the washing tub 161, a drain valve 164 for controlling the drainage of washing water from the washing tub 161, and an automatic detergent supply unit 165 for automatically supplying detergent to the washing tub 161. The washing unit 16 performs washing according to the control of the first computer 10.

[0051] The second computer 12 includes a second processor 130 such as a CPU or an MPU, a second memory 140, and an interface circuit for connecting to other devices. Alternatively, the second computer 12 may be composed of a microcomputer.

[0052] The second memory 140 is a memory for storing programs and data. The second memory 140 stores a control program 141 and data processed by the second processor 130. The second memory 140 has a non-volatile storage area. In addition, the second memory 140 has a volatile storage area, which constitutes a work area of ​​the second processor 130. The second memory 140 is composed of, for example, a ROM and a RAM.

[0053] The first computer 10 , the second external memory 13 , the communication unit 14 , and the operation panel 15 are connected to the second computer 12 via an interface circuit.

[0054] The second external memory 13 is a nonvolatile memory, and is composed of, for example, an EEPROM.

[0055] The operation panel 15 is a panel having operation components such as operation switches and a touch panel 151. The operation panel 15 detects the operation of the user P via the operation components and outputs the result to the second computer 12. The second computer 12 executes processing corresponding to the operation of the operation components based on the input from the operation panel 15.

[0056] Functional units of the first processor 110 and the second processor 130 will be described.

[0057] The first processor 110 reads and executes the control program 121 stored in the first memory 120 , thereby functioning as the washing execution unit 111 , the first communication unit 112 , the second communication unit 113 , and the first storage control unit 114 .

[0058] The washing execution unit 111 executes washing via the washing unit 16 .

[0059] The first communication unit 112 communicates with the server device 3 connected to the network NW via the communication unit 14. The first communication unit 112 includes a reception unit 112A that receives information from the server device 3 and a transmission unit 112B that transmits information to the server device 3.

[0060] The second communication unit 113 communicates with the second computer 12 via the interface circuit of the first computer 10 .

[0061] The first storage control unit 114 controls the first external memory 11 .

[0062] The second processor 130 reads out and executes the control program 141 stored in the second memory 140 , thereby functioning as a third communication unit 131 , a display unit 132 , a reception unit 133 , and a second storage control unit 134 .

[0063] The display unit 132 is an example of an “output unit”.

[0064] The third communication unit 131 communicates with the first computer 10 via the interface circuit of the second computer 12 .

[0065] The display unit 132 displays an operation UI (User Interface) 152 (see Figure 4 ). The operation UI 152 is a user interface for accepting operations from the user P.

[0066] The accepting unit 133 accepts various inputs from the user P via the operation panel 15 .

[0067] The second storage control unit 134 controls the second external memory 13 .

[0068] [1-1-3. First content information, second content information, and confirmation information]

[0069] Here, the first content information CJ1, the second content information CJ2, and the confirmation information BJ will be described. However, before describing these pieces of information, the definition of the content will be described.

[0070] Content is a concept including two forms: content display and content sound. Content display includes advertisement display, display of communication other than advertisement from the manufacturer of washing machine 1, etc. In addition, content sound includes advertisement sound, communication sound other than advertisement from the manufacturer of washing machine 1, etc. In this embodiment, the case where the content is content display is exemplified.

[0071] The first content information CJ1 will be described.

[0072] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the first content information CJ1 and the second content information CJ2.

[0073] The first content information CJ1 is information distributed by the server device 3 and includes content. The data structure of the first content information CJ1 is as follows: Figure 3 That is, the first content information CJ1 includes a content ID (Identification), a first image G1 constituting a content display, a second image G2 constituting a content display having more detailed contents than the first image G1, a display start timing of the content display, a display end timing of the content display, and a display priority of the content display.

[0074] Content ID is identification information for uniquely identifying content. Content ID is an example of "information for identifying content".

[0075] The content display start timing is the timing at which the display of the content starts, and is, for example, the day at which the display starts, the date and time at which the display starts, or the like.

[0076] The content display end timing is the timing to end the display of the content, and is, for example, the day to end the display, the date and time to end the display, or the like.

[0077] The content display priority indicates how much priority is given to displaying the content over other contents based on the first content information CJ1.

[0078] Next, the second content information CJ2 will be described.

[0079] The second content information CJ2 is not distributed from the server device 3 but is stored in the washing machine 1 from the factory. The second content information CJ2 includes at least a third image G3 constituting a content display and a fourth image G4 constituting a content display with more details than the third image G3.

[0080] Next, the confirmation information BJ will be described.

[0081] The confirmation information BJ is information indicating whether the content has been selected in the washing machine 1 , in other words, whether the content has been browsed in the washing machine 1 .

[0082] Next, refer to Figure 2 The locations where the first content information CJ1 , the second content information CJ2 , and the confirmation information BJ are stored will be described.

[0083] The first content information CJ1 is stored in the second external memory 13. As described above, the server device 3 transmits the first content information CJ1 to the washing machine 1. The second external memory 13 stores the first content information CJ1 received by the washing machine 1. In addition, in the present embodiment, the number of first content information CJ1 that can be stored in the second external memory 13 is set to an upper limit of four.

[0084] The second content information CJ2 is stored in the second external memory 13 .

[0085] The confirmation information BJ is stored in the first external memory 11. The confirmation information BJ stored in the first external memory 11 is associated with one content ID.

[0086] [1-1-4. Operation UI structure]

[0087] Next, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The operation UI 152 displayed on the washing machine 1 will be described in detail.

[0088] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of the operation UI 152 that displays the menu screen MS.

[0089] exist Figure 4 1, the left and right directions when the user P visually observes the operation UI 152 are indicated by reference numerals L and R. The direction indicated by reference numeral L is the left direction, and the direction indicated by reference numeral R is the right direction.

[0090] The menu screen MS is a screen that displays various menus. The menu screen MS is one of the various screens displayed by the operation UI 152. The menu screen MS is a screen of a size corresponding to the entire display area of ​​the touch panel 151. The menu screen MS has a first area A1 and a second area A2.

[0091] The first area A1 is an area for switching the display details of the second area A2. The first area A1 has various software buttons for switching the display details of the second area A2. Figure 4 The first area A1 has a menu button B1, a history button B2, a program button B3, and a notification button B4 as software buttons.

[0092] The menu button B1 is a software button for displaying various guides in the second area A2 or displaying a screen for performing various settings such as a child lock in the second area A2.

[0093] The history button B2 is a software button for displaying a list of the history of the washing courses performed by the washing machine 1 in the second area A2.

[0094] The program button B3 is a software button for displaying a list of washing programs to be performed by the washing machine 1 in the second area A2.

[0095] The notification button B4 is a software button for displaying content in the second area A2.

[0096] The second area A2 is an area for displaying detailed content corresponding to the software button selected in the first area A1. When the notification button B4 is selected in the first area A1, the second area A2 outputs content by displaying the first image G1 and the third image G3. Hereinafter, when the first image G1 and the third image G3 are not distinguished but collectively referred to, they are referred to as "selection images" and are represented as selection images G with a reference numeral "G".

[0097] like Figure 4As shown, the selection image G notifies the user P of the outline of the detailed contents of the content using at least one of an image and a character string. The shape of the selection image G is not limited to a rectangle, and may be a circle, an ellipse, or any other shape.

[0098] In the second area A2, the selection images G are displayed side by side in the left-right direction. The number of selection images G that can be displayed as a whole is limited in the second area A2. Figure 3 In the figure, the number is three. In addition, the number three is just an example, and the number of selection images G that can be displayed in the second area A2 as a whole may be two or less or four or more.

[0099] In the second area A2 where the selection image G is displayed, the user P can perform a scroll operation in the left-right direction. By performing a scroll operation in the second area A2 where the selection image G is displayed, the user P can display the selection image G that is not completely displayed in the second area A2 in the second area A2. When the user P performs a scroll operation to the left, the selection image G is moved to the left while maintaining the arrangement order in the left-right direction in the second area A2, and the selection image G that is not completely displayed on the right is displayed. On the other hand, when the user P performs a scroll operation to the right, the selection image G is moved to the right while maintaining the arrangement order in the left-right direction in the second area A2, and the selection image G that is not completely displayed on the left is displayed.

[0100] The display unit 132 reads the first content information CJ1 from the second external memory 13, and displays the first image G1 included in the read first content information CJ1 in the second area A2.

[0101] Furthermore, the display unit 132 reads out the second content information CJ2 from the second external memory 13, and displays the third image G3 included in the read-out second content information CJ2 in the second area A2.

[0102] Regarding the arrangement of the selection images G, the first image G1 is located to the left of the third image G3. When the selection images G are initially displayed, the first image G1 is located to the left of the third image G3. Thus, when the selection images G are initially displayed, the second area A2 can preferentially display the first image G1.

[0103] As described above, the first content information CJ1 includes a display start timing and a display end timing. The second area A2 displays the first image G1 based on the two timings included in the first content information CJ1.

[0104] When the second area A2 displays a plurality of first images G1, the arrangement of the first images G1 is based on the display priority included in the first content information CJ1. That is, when the second area A2 displays a plurality of first images G1, the higher the display priority included in the first content information CJ1, the further to the left the first image G1 is located. Therefore, when the selection image G starts to be displayed, the second area A2 can preferentially display the first image G1 with a high priority.

[0105] In the second area A2 , the first image G1 is displayed in a selectable manner.

[0106] When the accepting unit 133 accepts the operation of selecting the first image G1 in the second area A2, the third communication unit 131 transmits the content ID corresponding to the selected first image G1 to the first computer 10. When the second communication unit 113 receives the content ID from the third communication unit 131, the first storage control unit 114 updates the confirmation information BJ associated with the content ID received by the second communication unit 113 to the confirmation information BJ indicating that it has been browsed, referring to the first external memory 11. In addition, when the confirmation information BJ to be updated is information indicating that it has been browsed, the first storage control unit 114 does not update the confirmation information BJ.

[0107] Furthermore, when the accepting unit 133 accepts the operation of selecting the first image G1 in the second area A2 , the display unit 132 displays the second image G2 on the operation UI 152 .

[0108] In the second area A2, the third image G3 is displayed in a selectable manner.

[0109] When the accepting unit 133 accepts the operation of selecting the third image G3 in the second area A2 , the display unit 132 displays the fourth image G4 on the operation UI 152 .

[0110] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing an example of the operation UI 152 displaying the second image G2.

[0111] Figure 5 The second image G2 is an advertisement display related to detergent.

[0112] Figure 5 The second image G2 shows a code CD for accessing a specified website related to the content. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , a two-dimensional code is exemplified as the code CD, but the code CD may be in the form of a one-dimensional code.

[0113] The terminal device 2 can read the code CD using a camera mounted on the terminal device 2. In addition, the terminal device 2 can link to the website of the enterprise based on the read information (for example, the URL of the website of the enterprise).

[0114] In addition, the second image G2 may not display the code CD according to the details of the content. For example, if the content is not an advertisement, the second image G2 may not display the code CD.

[0115] In the case where the second image G2 is composed of multiple frames, such as Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , a switch button B5 for switching the displayed screen is displayed. In addition, the second image G2 displays a back button B6 for returning the image displayed on the operation UI 152 to the image before the transition.

[0116] [1-1-5. Configuration of server device]

[0117] Next, the configuration of the server device 3 will be described.

[0118] Figure 6 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the server device 3.

[0119] The server device 3 includes a server control device 30 and a server communication unit 31 .

[0120] The server control device 30 includes a server processor 310 such as a CPU or an MPU, a server memory 320 , and an interface circuit for connecting to other devices and sensors.

[0121] The server memory 320 is a memory for storing programs and data. The server memory 320 stores the control program 321, the first management DB 322, the second management DB 323, the third management DB 324, the first content information management DB 325, and other data processed by the server processor 310. The server memory 320 has a non-volatile storage area. In addition, the server memory 320 has a volatile storage area, which constitutes a work area of ​​the server processor 310. The server memory 320 is composed of, for example, a ROM and a RAM.

[0122] The first management DB 322 is a database for managing the first content information CJ1 sent to the washing machine 1. One record R1 stored in the first management DB 322 has a washing machine ID (Identification). In addition, in the record R1, for each washing machine ID, there is a set of content ID and confirmation information BJ (hereinafter simply expressed as "set") for each first content information CJ1 sent to the washing machine 1. Figure 6In the example, the confirmation information BJ showing the characters "selected" indicates that the content has been selected (that is, browsed). Figure 6 In the example, the confirmation information BJ showing the characters "unselected" indicates that the content has not been selected (ie, has not been browsed).

[0123] The second management DB 323 is a database for managing information related to advertisers. In one record R2 stored in the second management DB 323, notification information for notifying the advertiser of prescribed information is recorded. As the notification information, for example, an email address is listed as an example. In addition, in the record R2, a content ID is recorded for each advertisement issued by the advertiser.

[0124] The third management DB 324 is a database for managing the first content information CJ1 transmitted to the washing machine 1. In the third management DB 324, a content ID and information indicating an attribute of the content are recorded for each first content information CJ1.

[0125] The first content information management DB 325 is a database for managing the first content information CJ1. The first content information management DB 325 stores the first content information CJ1 to be displayed by the washing machine 1.

[0126] Server communication unit 31 includes hardware such as a communication circuit that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with washing machine 1 and terminal device 2 according to control of server control device 30 .

[0127] The server processor 310 reads out and executes the control program 321 stored in the server memory 320 , thereby functioning as a server communication unit 311 , a server processing unit 312 , a selection unit 313 , and a presentation unit 314 .

[0128] The server communication unit 311 communicates with the washing machine 1 and the terminal device 2 via the server communication unit 31 .

[0129] The server processing unit 312 performs processing related to the database stored in the server memory 320 .

[0130] The selecting unit 313 selects the first content information CJ1 transmitted by the server device 3 to the washing machine 1. The selecting unit 313 performs the selection in the following manner, for example.

[0131] The selection unit 313 identifies the record R1 of the washing machine 1 as the selected object from the first management DB 322. Next, the selection unit 313 obtains all the content IDs associated with the confirmation information BJ indicating that the content has been browsed from the identified record R1. Next, the selection unit 313 refers to the third management DB 324 and obtains the attributes of the content for each content ID obtained from the record R1. The attributes of the content include, for example, whether it has been browsed, importance, display start timing and end timing, and the type of detailed content displayed. By dynamically using these attributes for analysis, the selection unit 313 can select the content to be displayed next. As an example, the selection unit 313 selects the first content information CJ1 containing the most attributes among the acquired attributes, or selects the first content information CJ1 containing the least attributes among the acquired attributes, as the first content information CJ1 to be sent to the washing machine 1. More specifically, the attributes may be, for example, advertisements related to a specified product, advertisements related to any product among a plurality of products belonging to a specified series, advertisements related to products with the same purpose, and the like.

[0132] The presentation unit 314 presents the advertising fee to the advertiser. The presentation unit 314 presents the advertising fee to the advertiser in the following manner, for example.

[0133] The presentation unit 314 determines the record R2 of the advertiser to be presented from the second management DB 323. Next, the presentation unit 314 collects the confirmation information BJ associated with the content ID from the first management DB 322 for each content ID of the determined record R2. Next, the presentation unit 314 calculates the browsing rate based on the collected confirmation information BJ. The browsing rate indicates the ratio of the number of browsed first content information CJ1 to the number of transmissions of the first content information CJ1. When calculating the browsing rate, the presentation unit 314 calculates the advertising fee corresponding to the calculated browsing rate. For example, the presentation unit 314 calculates the advertising fee by a predetermined algorithm in such a manner that the higher the browsing rate, the higher the price. Then, the presentation unit 314 presents the calculated advertising fee to the advertiser based on the notification information of the determined record R2.

[0134] The details presented by the presentation unit 314 to the advertiser are not limited to the advertising fee. For example, the presentation unit 314 may present suggestions for improving the advertiser's advertisement or suggestions for the advertiser's products.

[0135] [1-2. Action]

[0136] Next, the operation of each unit of the communication system 1000 will be described.

[0137] Figure 7 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication system 1000 .

[0138] exist Figure 7 In the flowchart FA, the operation of the washing machine 1 is shown, and the flowchart FB shows the operation of the server device 3 .

[0139] In detail Figure 7 Before the flowchart Figure 7 The following is a brief description of the operation shown in the flowchart. Figure 7 In the flowchart, the operations are roughly divided into the following two points.

[0140] First point: washing machine 1 inquires server device 3 about the content display to be displayed, receives first content information CJ1 of the content display to be displayed from server device 3, stores the received first content information CJ1 in the main body, and displays the content display distributed from server device 3.

[0141] Second point: the washing machine 1 transmits the confirmation information BJ stored in the washing machine 1 to the server device 3 , and the server device 3 stores the confirmation information BJ received from the washing machine 1 for all the first content information CJ1 distributed in the past.

[0142] Below, we describe in detail Figure 7 Flowchart of the process.

[0143] As shown in flowchart FA, when user P turns on the power of washing machine 1 (step SX1), display unit 132 displays operation UI 152 through touch panel 151 (step SA1). In this way, in washing machine 1, operation UI 152 is displayed when the power is turned on, so the possibility that user P browses the content display before washing machine 1 starts washing increases.

[0144] Furthermore, as shown in flowchart FA, when user P operates operation panel 15 to issue a washing start instruction (step SX2), reception unit 133 receives the washing start instruction via operation panel 15 (step SA2).

[0145] Next, washing execution unit 111 starts washing via washing unit 16 (step SA3). That is, washing execution unit 111 starts executing the operation program.

[0146] Next, washing execution unit 111 ends washing by washing unit 16 (step SA4). When washing is finished, washing machine 1 appears to be powered off, but a portion of the substrate of washing machine 1 is powered on. The power-off state appears to be powered off when the backlight and LED lights of touch panel 151 are off.

[0147] Next, the transmission unit 112B transmits the first request information to the server device 3 (step SA5). The first request information is information for requesting the content to be displayed in the operation UI 152. The first request information includes the washing machine ID recorded in the predetermined storage area of ​​the washing machine 1. All sets of the content ID and the confirmation information BJ stored in the first external memory 11 are recorded in the first request information.

[0148] As shown in flowchart FB, server communication section 311 receives first request information from washing machine 1 (step SB1 ).

[0149] Furthermore, after receiving step SB1, server processing unit 312 receives the first request information and can therefore grasp the content ID of the content display held by washing machine 1. Therefore, at a predetermined timing after receiving step SB1, server processing unit 312 additionally stores a set of the content ID and confirmation information BJ indicating that the content has not been viewed for each content display newly displayed by washing machine 1.

[0150] Next, the server processing unit 312 updates the first management DB 322 based on the first request information received in step SB1 (step SB2 ).

[0151] Reference Figure 8 Step SB2 will be described in detail.

[0152] Figure 8 322 is a diagram for explaining the update of the first management DB 322. Figure 8 In the example, the confirmation information BJ showing the characters "selected" indicates that the content has been selected (that is, browsed). Figure 8 In the example, the confirmation information BJ showing the characters "unselected" indicates that the content has not been selected (ie, has not been browsed).

[0153] Server processing unit 312 identifies, from first management DB 322 , record R1 of the washing machine ID included in the first request information received in step SB1 .

[0154] exist Figure 8 2 shows a case where four groups, namely, groups KM1, KM2, KM3, and KM4, are recorded in the first request information.

[0155] The group KM1 has the content ID "CT00001" and confirmation information BJ indicating "selected".

[0156] The group KM2 has the content ID "CT00002" and confirmation information BJ indicating "not selected".

[0157] The group KM3 has the content ID "CT00003" and confirmation information BJ indicating "selected".

[0158] The group KM4 has the content ID "CT00004" and confirmation information BJ indicating "not selected".

[0159] exist Figure 8 , a case where four groups KM5, KM6, KM7, and KM8 are recorded in the determined record R1 is shown.

[0160] The group KM5 has the content ID "CT00001" and confirmation information BJ indicating "not selected".

[0161] The group KM6 has the content ID "CT00002" and confirmation information BJ indicating "not selected".

[0162] The group KM7 has the content ID "CT00003" and confirmation information BJ indicating "not selected".

[0163] The group KM8 has the content ID "CT00004" and confirmation information BJ indicating "not selected".

[0164] exist Figure 8 In the case of, group KM1 is a group whose content ID matches but whose confirmation information BJ does not match for group KM5 of record R1, and group KM3 is a group whose content ID matches but whose confirmation information BJ does not match for group KM7 of record R1. Figure 8 In the example, the server processing unit 312 determines the groups KM1 and KM3 as objects to be stored in the first management DB 322. Then, when the server processing unit 312 determines the group to be stored in the first management DB 322, it causes the first management DB 322 to store the determined group. When performing this storage, the server processing unit 312 stores the determined group by overwriting the group of record R1 that matches the content ID of the determined group. Figure 8 As shown, the updated record R1 is synchronized with the four groups included in the first request information, like the lower record R1 in the figure.

[0165] Back to Figure 7 As described above, the server communication unit 311 sends the first response information as a response to the first request information to the washing machine 1 (step SB3). In addition, the processing order of steps SB2 and SB3 may also be reversed. In addition, steps SB2 and SB3 may also be executed simultaneously.

[0166] The first response information includes a content ID for each content selected by the selection unit 313. Since the upper limit of the first content information CJ1 that can be stored in the second external memory 13 is four, the upper limit of the number of first content IDs recorded in the first response information is four in this embodiment.

[0167] As shown in flowchart FA, the receiving unit 112A receives the first response information from the server device 3 (step SA6 ).

[0168] Next, the second storage control unit 134 determines whether to update the first content information CJ1 stored in the second external storage 13 based on the first response information received in step SA6 (step SA7). The determination in step SA7 is made based on the consistency between the content ID included in the first response information and the content ID stored in the second external storage 13.

[0169] When the second storage control unit 134 determines that the second external memory 13 is not to be updated (step SA7 : No), the washing machine 1 ends the process.

[0170] On the other hand, when it is determined that the second external memory 13 is to be updated (step SA7: Yes), the second storage control unit 134 determines whether to delete the first content information CJ1 from the second external memory 13 (step SA8). The determination in step SA8 is made based on the consistency between the content ID included in the first response information and the content ID stored in the second external memory 13.

[0171] When the second storage control unit 134 determines that the first content information CJ1 is to be deleted from the second external storage 13 (step SA8: Yes), it deletes the first content information CJ1 to be deleted from the second external storage 13 (step SA9). In addition, the first storage control unit 114 deletes the content ID included in the first content information CJ1 to be deleted and the confirmation information BJ associated with the content ID from the first external storage 11 (step SA9).

[0172] Next, the sending unit 112B sends a second request message to the server device 3 (step SA10). Step SA10 is described in detail. In step SA10, the first content information CJ1 not stored in the washing machine 1 is requested, in other words, the first content information CJ1 not maintained by the washing machine 1 is requested. The second request message is information for requesting the first content information CJ1, and has a content ID for each first content information CJ1 requested. The content ID included in the second request message sent in step SA10 is a content ID included in the first response message that is different from the content ID stored in the first external memory 11 before the deletion in step SA9. That is, the content ID included in the second request message sent in step SA10 is the content ID of the first content information CJ1 not maintained by the washing machine 1.

[0173] Returning to the description of step SA8, when the second storage control unit 134 determines that the first content information CJ1 is not to be deleted from the second external memory 13 (step SA8: No), the sending unit 112B sends the second request information to the server device 3 (step SA11). The content ID included in the second request information sent in step SA11 is a content ID not stored in the first external memory 11 among the content IDs included in the first response information. In addition, the case where the processing is performed in the order of step SA8 being No and step SA11, that is, the case where the first content information CJ1 is not deleted when the first content information CJ1 is downloaded, occurs, for example, in the washing machine 1 in the initial state immediately after purchase.

[0174] As shown in flowchart FB, server communication section 311 receives second request information from washing machine 1 (step SB4).

[0175] Next, the server communication unit 311 transmits the first content information CJ1 to the washing machine 1 based on the second request information (step SB5 ).

[0176] In step SB5, the server communication unit 311 obtains the first content information CJ1 for each content ID recorded in the second request information. The acquisition destination is the first content information management DB 325. In addition, in step SB5, the server communication unit 311 may also obtain the first content information CJ1 from an external server. When the server communication unit 311 obtains the first content information CJ1, it sends the obtained first content information CJ1 to the washing machine 1.

[0177] As shown in the flowchart FA, the receiving unit 112A receives the first content information CJ1 from the server device 3 (step SA12).

[0178] Next, the first storage control unit 114 stores the content ID included in the first content information CJ1 received in step SA12 and the confirmation information BJ indicating that the content has not been browsed in pairs in the first external memory 11 (step SA13). In addition, the second storage control unit 134 stores the first content information CJ1 received in step SA12 in the second external memory 13 (step SA13).

[0179] In the communication system 1000, by repeating Figure 7 In the operation shown, the server device 3 cumulatively stores the groups.

[0180] Fig. 9 2 is a diagram for explaining the storage of the content ID and confirmation information BJ of the server device 3. Fig. 9In the example, the confirmation information BJ showing the characters "selected" indicates that the content has been selected (that is, browsed). Fig. 9 In the example, the confirmation information BJ showing the characters "unselected" indicates that the content has not been selected (ie, has not been browsed).

[0181] exist Fig. 9 , showing the passage of time as the direction is toward the bottom of the graph.

[0182] At timing T1 , the four groups stored in the first external memory 11 are synchronized with the four groups stored in the server device 3 .

[0183] At timing T2, compared with timing T1, the following is shown: the first content information CJ1 with content ID "CT00005", the first content information CJ1 with content ID "CT00006", and the first content information CJ1 with content ID "CT00007" are sent to washing machine 1. Fig. 9 As shown, the server device 3 cumulatively stores the first content information CJ1 transmitted to the washing machine 1 in groups.

[0184] At timing T3, compared with timing T2, it is shown that two contents with content IDs "CT00006" and "CT00007" are browsed in washing machine 1. Fig. 9 As shown, the group stored in the server device 3 is synchronized with the group in the first external storage 11 .

[0185] [1-3. Effects, etc.]

[0186] As described above, the communication system 1000 includes the washing machine 1 and the server device 3. The server device 3 transmits the first content information CJ1 including the content to the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 displays the content based on the received first content information CJ1 in a selectable manner, stores the selected content in association with the confirmation information BJ indicating whether the content is selected, and transmits all the stored confirmation information BJ to the server device 3. The server device 3 stores the received confirmation information BJ in association with the selected content associated with the confirmation information BJ.

[0187] Thus, since all confirmation information BJ stored in the washing machine 1 is transmitted when the washing machine 1 transmits the confirmation information BJ to the server device 3, even if the server device 3 does not receive the confirmation information BJ at a certain timing, the server device 3 can receive the same confirmation information BJ at a later timing. Therefore, the possibility that the server device 3 can receive the confirmation information BJ can be increased even when the communication status between the server device 3 and the washing machine 1 is not good. Therefore, the possibility that the server device 3 can be notified whether the content is selected in the washing machine 1, that is, whether the content is browsed, can be increased.

[0188] The washing machine 1 transmits the content ID of the selected content and the confirmation information BJ to the server device 3. The server device 3 stores the content ID and the confirmation information BJ for each first content information CJ1 transmitted to the washing machine 1. When the content ID and the confirmation information BJ received from the washing machine 1 are the same as the stored content ID and the confirmation information BJ, the server device 3 does not store the content ID and the confirmation information BJ received from the washing machine 1.

[0189] This prevents the server device 3 from duplicating the storage of the content ID and the confirmation information BJ. Therefore, the server device 3 can efficiently store whether the content has been browsed in the washing machine 1.

[0190] When the content ID and confirmation information BJ received from the washing machine 1 are different from the stored content ID and confirmation information BJ, the server device 3 uses the confirmation information BJ received from the washing machine 1 to overwrite the confirmation information BJ in the stored confirmation information BJ that corresponds to the content ID that is the same as the content ID received from the washing machine 1.

[0191] Thus, the server device 3 can efficiently store whether the content has been browsed in the washing machine 1 .

[0192] The server device 3 stores the content ID and the confirmation information BJ for all the first content information CJ1 transmitted to the washing machine 1 .

[0193] This makes it possible to understand which content has been viewed and which has not been viewed for all first content information CJ1 transmitted to washing machine 1. Therefore, server device 3 can transmit first content information CJ1 effective for user P to washing machine 1.

[0194] Server device 3 stores content ID and confirmation information BJ for each washing machine 1 .

[0195] This makes it possible to understand which content has been viewed and which has not been viewed for each washing machine 1 , among all content transmitted to the washing machine 1 . Therefore, the server device 3 can transmit the first content information CJ1 effective for the user P to each washing machine 1 .

[0196] The server device 3 selects the first content information CJ1 for each washing machine 1 , and transmits the selected first content information CJ1 to the washing machine 1 .

[0197] Thus, the server device 3 transmits the first content information CJ1 selected for each washing machine 1 to the washing machine 1. Therefore, the server device 3 can transmit the first content information CJ1 suitable for the user P for each washing machine 1.

[0198] The server device 3 selects the first content information CJ1 based on the confirmation information BJ received from the washing machine 1 .

[0199] This allows the first content information CJ1 to be selected after considering which content has been viewed and which content has not been viewed. Therefore, the server device 3 can transmit the first content information CJ1 that is effective for the user P to the washing machine 1 .

[0200] The content includes an advertisement display related to the washing machine 1 .

[0201] This increases the possibility that the server device 3 can be notified of whether the advertisement related to the washing machine 1 is viewed in the washing machine 1. In addition, the server device 3 can accurately grasp the browsing status of the advertisement.

[0202] Based on the confirmation information BJ received from the washing machine 1 , the server device 3 presents the advertiser with an advertisement fee corresponding to the browsing rate of the content.

[0203] As a result, since the advertising fee according to the browsing status can be presented to the advertiser, the advertising fee according to the browsing status can be collected from the advertiser.

[0204] The washing machine 1 includes a receiving unit 112A that receives first content information CJ1 including content from the server device 3. The washing machine 1 includes a display unit 132 that outputs content based on the first content information CJ1 received by the receiving unit 112A in a selectable manner. The washing machine 1 includes a first external memory 11 that stores selected content in association with confirmation information BJ indicating whether the content is selected. The washing machine 1 includes a sending unit 112B that sends all the stored confirmation information BJ to the server device 3.

[0205] This can achieve the same effects as those of the above-mentioned communication system 1000.

[0206] The control method of the communication system 1000 includes: the server device 3 sends the first content information CJ1 containing the content to the washing machine 1. The control method of the communication system 1000 includes: the washing machine 1 displays the content based on the received first content information CJ1 in a selectable manner, stores the selected content in association with the confirmation information BJ indicating whether the content is selected, and sends all the stored confirmation information BJ to the server device 3. The control method of the communication system 1000 includes: the server device 3 stores the received confirmation information BJ in association with the selected content associated with the confirmation information BJ.

[0207] This can achieve the same effects as those of the above-mentioned communication system 1000.

[0208] The control method of the washing machine 1 includes: receiving first content information CJ1 including content from the server device 3; and displaying the content based on the received first content information CJ1 in a selectable manner. The control method of the washing machine 1 includes: storing the selected content in association with confirmation information BJ indicating whether the content is selected; and sending all the stored confirmation information BJ to the server device 3.

[0209] This can achieve the same effects as those of the above-mentioned communication system 1000.

[0210] (Other Embodiments)

[0211] As described above, the first embodiment is described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present invention. However, the technology disclosed in the present invention is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to embodiments that have been changed, replaced, added, omitted, etc. In addition, each component described in the first embodiment can also be combined to form a new embodiment.

[0212] In the above embodiment, the user P can easily access a specified website related to the content by reading the code CD displayed by the second image G2. In other embodiments, access information for accessing a specified website related to the content may be sent to the terminal device 2, and the terminal device 2 notifies the received access information.

[0213] In detail, in this other embodiment, an application program that cooperates with the washing machine 1 is installed in the terminal device 2, and the server device 3 manages the correspondence between the washing machine 1 and the terminal device 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "cooperation") by using the function of the application program. In this other embodiment, the server device 3 refers to the content ID and confirmation information BJ received from the washing machine 1, and sends access information for accessing a prescribed website related to the content being browsed to the terminal device 2 that cooperates with the washing machine 1 that is the source of the confirmation information BJ. In addition, in this other embodiment, the terminal device 2 uses the function of the application program that cooperates with the washing machine 1 to notify the received access information by means of push notification or the like, thereby prompting access to the prescribed website related to the content.

[0214] Thus, at a timing when the washing machine 1 is not used, such as after the washing machine 1 is used, the user P can access a predetermined website related to the content through the terminal device 2. In addition, even if the user P does not read the code CD in the second image G2, the user P can access the predetermined website related to the content through the terminal device 2. In addition, even if the second image G2 does not display the code CD, the user P can access the predetermined website related to the content through the terminal device 2.

[0215] In the above embodiment, as the timing for sending the content ID and confirmation information BJ, the case of the timing after the washing execution unit 111 finishes washing is exemplified. In other embodiments, the timing for sending the content ID and confirmation information BJ may be set to the timing before the washing execution unit 111 executes washing. More specifically, in this other embodiment, the prescribed timing for sending the content ID and confirmation information BJ may also be the timing from when the power of the washing machine 1 is turned on to when the washing execution unit 111 executes washing. For example, the timing for sending the content ID and confirmation information BJ may also be the timing when the user P instructs the washing machine 1 to start washing.

[0216] In the above-described embodiment, a drum-type washing machine is exemplified as washing machine 1, but washing machine 1 may be a vertical-type washing machine.

[0217] In the first embodiment described above, an advertisement display related to washing machine 1 is taken as an example as an advertisement display, but the advertisement display may be an advertisement display not related to washing machine 1 .

[0218] In the first embodiment, the washing machine 1 is exemplified as the “home appliance”, but the “home appliance” is not limited to the washing machine 1. The “home appliance” may be, for example, a microwave oven, a cooker such as an electric rice cooker, a kitchen appliance such as a dishwasher, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a dehumidifier, an air purifier, an air conditioning appliance such as a fan, various vacuum cleaners including a sweeping robot, and beauty appliances such as a hair care device and a beauty device, and other various electrical appliances for home use.

[0219] In the above embodiment, the following structure is exemplified: when the first image G1 is selected, the entire screen in the operation UI 152 is transferred from the menu screen MS to the second image G2. That is, in the above embodiment, the structure of changing the display mode of the content display by the entire screen transfer is exemplified. In other embodiments, for example, the following structure may be adopted: when the first image G1 is selected, the second image G2 is displayed in the second area A2 of the menu screen MS.

[0220] In the above embodiment, the following structure is illustrated: the display order of the first image G1 is determined based on the display start timing, display end timing, and display priority included in the first content information CJ1. In other embodiments, the confirmation information BJ may be further considered. For example, the content based on the first content information CJ1 that has not been browsed may also be displayed at a position to the left of the content based on the first content information CJ1 that has been browsed.

[0221] In the above embodiment, four is exemplified as the upper limit of the number of first content information CJ1 stored in the second external memory 13. However, the upper limit is not limited to four, and may be three or less or five or more.

[0222] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the server device 3 connected to the network NW is illustrated as a "management device". However, the "management device" is not limited to a device connected to a wide area network, and for example, it can be a device connected to a local area network constructed in the facility H to centrally manage the washing machine 1, or it can be a device such as a terminal device 2 that can wirelessly communicate with the washing machine 1. In addition, the wireless communication includes short-range wireless communication. In addition, the "management device" may not be a device that is the source of the first content information CJ1. In other words, the "management device" can be any device that sends the first content information CJ1 to the washing machine 1, or it can be a device that transmits the first content information CJ1 received from other devices to the washing machine 1.

[0223] In the above embodiment, the case where the content is content display is exemplified, but the content output by the washing machine 1 may be content sound. When the content is content sound, in the communication system 1000, confirmation information BJ indicating whether the content sound is selected, that is, whether the content sound is heard, is sent and received. In addition, viewing and listening to content sound is included in the concept of browsing in the present disclosure.

[0224] In the above embodiment, the first content information CJ1 is stored in the second external memory 13, but the first content information CJ1 may be stored in the first external memory 11. The second content information CJ2 may also be stored in the first external memory 11. In addition, in the above embodiment, the first external memory 11 and the second external memory 13 are provided, but the washing machine 1 may also include one external memory in which the first content information CJ1, the second content information CJ2, and the confirmation information BJ are stored. In addition, in the above embodiment, the washing machine 1 is provided with two computers, but the washing machine 1 may include one computer. In this case, the functions of the first computer 10 and the second computer 12 are executed by one computer.

[0225] In the above embodiment, the content ID and confirmation information BJ are transmitted once from the time washing machine 1 is powered on to the time washing machine 1 is powered off. However, the content ID and confirmation information BJ may be transmitted multiple times from the time washing machine 1 is powered on to the time washing machine 1 is powered off.

[0226] In the above embodiment, a configuration is exemplified in which all confirmation information BJ is collectively transmitted at once to the server device 3. In other embodiments, a configuration may be adopted in which all confirmation information BJ is transmitted to the server device 3 in multiple times.

[0227] In the above embodiment, the content ID is exemplified as the "information for identifying the content", but the "information for identifying the content" is not limited to the content ID. The "information for identifying the content" may also be information related to the arrangement order of the first content information CJ1 in the second external memory 13 and the storage location of the storage confirmation information BJ.

[0228] The first processor 110, the second processor 130, and the server processor 310 may be composed of a single processor or a plurality of processors. These processors may also be hardware programmed to implement corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may also be composed of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0229] Figure 2 and Figure 6 The structure of each part of the communication system 1000 shown is an example, and there is no particular limitation on the specific installation method. In other words, it is not necessary to install hardware corresponding to each part separately, and the function of each part can also be realized by executing a program by a processor. In addition, part of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiments can also be realized by hardware, or part of the functions realized by hardware can also be realized by software.

[0230] Figure 7 The step units of the actions shown are divided according to the main processing contents to make the actions easier to understand, and the actions are not limited by the division method or name of the processing units. Figure 7 The step unit of the action shown can also be divided into more step units according to the processing content. In addition, it can also be divided in a way that one step unit includes more processing. In addition, the order of the steps can also be appropriately replaced within the scope of not hindering the main purpose of the present disclosure.

[0231] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are for illustrating the technology of the present disclosure, and therefore various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0232] (Note)

[0233] According to the description of the above embodiments, the following technology is disclosed.

[0234] (Technology 1) The communication system of technology 1 includes a home appliance and a management device. The management device sends content information including content to the home appliance. The home appliance outputs the content based on the received content information in a selectable manner, stores the selected content in association with confirmation information indicating whether the content is selected, and sends all the stored confirmation information to the management device. The management device stores the received confirmation information in association with the selected content associated with the confirmation information.

[0235] Thus, since all confirmation information stored in the home appliance is sent when the home appliance sends confirmation information to the management device, even if the management device does not receive the confirmation information at a certain timing, the management device can receive the same confirmation information at a later timing. Therefore, the possibility that the management device can receive the confirmation information can be increased even when the communication status between the management device and the home appliance is poor. Therefore, the possibility that the management device can be notified whether the content is selected in the home appliance, that is, whether the content is browsed, can be increased.

[0236] (Technique 2) Regarding the communication system of Technique 2, in the communication system described in Technique 1, the home appliance sends information for identifying the selected content and confirmation information to the management device. The management device stores the information for identifying the content and confirmation information for each content information sent to the home appliance. In addition, when the information for identifying the content and confirmation information received from the home appliance are the same as the stored information for identifying the content and confirmation information, the management device does not store the information for identifying the content and confirmation information received from the home appliance.

[0237] As a result, the management device does not store the information for identifying the content and the confirmation information in duplicate. Therefore, the management device can efficiently store whether the content has been viewed in the home appliance.

[0238] (Technology 3) Regarding the communication system of Technology 3, in the communication system described in Technology 2, when the information for identifying content and confirmation information received from the home appliance device are different from the stored information for identifying content and confirmation information, the management device uses the confirmation information received from the home appliance device to overwrite the confirmation information in the stored confirmation information that corresponds to the information for identifying content that is the same as the information for identifying content received from the home appliance device.

[0239] Thereby, the management device can efficiently store whether the content has been viewed in the home appliance.

[0240] (Technique 4) Regarding the communication system of Technique 4, in the communication system described in Technique 3, the management device stores information for identifying the content and confirmation information for all content information transmitted to the home appliance.

[0241] This makes it possible to understand which content has been viewed and which has not been viewed for all content sent to the home appliance. Therefore, the management device can send content information that is effective for the user to the home appliance.

[0242] (Technique 5) Regarding the communication system of Technique 5, in the communication system described in Technique 4, the management device stores information for identifying content and confirmation information for each home appliance.

[0243] This makes it possible to understand which content has been viewed and which has not been viewed for each home appliance, with respect to all content sent to the home appliance. Therefore, the management device can send content information that is effective for the user to each home appliance.

[0244] (Technique 6) Regarding the communication system of Technique 6, in the communication system described in any one of Techniques 1 to 5, the management device selects content information for each home appliance and transmits the selected content information to the home appliance.

[0245] As a result, the management device transmits content information selected for each home appliance to the home appliance. Therefore, the management device can transmit content information suitable for the user for each home appliance.

[0246] (Technique 7) Regarding the communication system of Technique 7, in the communication system described in Technique 6, the management device selects content information based on confirmation information received from the home appliance.

[0247] This allows content information to be selected after taking into account which content has been viewed and which content has not been viewed. Therefore, the management device can send content information that is effective for the user to the home appliance.

[0248] (Technique 8) Regarding the communication system of Technique 8, in the communication system described in any one of Techniques 1 to 7, the content includes an advertisement output related to the home appliance.

[0249] This increases the possibility that the management device can be notified of whether an advertisement related to a home appliance is viewed in the home appliance. In addition, the management device can accurately grasp the viewing status of the advertisement.

[0250] (Technique 9) Regarding the communication system of Technique 9, in the communication system described in Technique 8, the management device presents the advertiser with an advertising fee corresponding to the browsing rate of the content based on the confirmation information received from the home appliance.

[0251] As a result, an advertisement fee according to the browsing status can be presented to the advertiser, and thus the advertisement fee according to the browsing status can be collected from the advertiser.

[0252] (Technique 10) Regarding the communication system of Technique 10, a terminal device is provided in the communication system described in any one of Techniques 1 to 9. In the communication system of Technique 10, the management device sends access information for accessing a predetermined website related to the content to the terminal device based on the received confirmation information. In the communication system of Technique 10, the terminal device notifies the received access information.

[0253] As a result, the user can access a predetermined website related to the content through the terminal device at a timing when the home appliance is not in use, such as after the home appliance is used.

[0254] (Technique 11) The home appliance of Technique 11 comprises: a receiving unit that receives content information including content from a management device; and an output unit that outputs content based on the content information received by the receiving unit in a selectable manner. In addition, the home appliance of Technique 11 comprises: a storage unit that stores selected content in association with confirmation information indicating whether the content is selected; and a sending unit that sends all the stored confirmation information to the management device.

[0255] This can achieve the same effect as the communication system of technology 1.

[0256] (Technique 12) The control method of the communication system of Technique 12 includes the following steps: the management device sends content information containing content to the home appliance. In addition, the control method of the communication system of Technique 12 includes the following steps: the home appliance outputs the content based on the received content information in a selectable manner, stores the selected content in association with confirmation information indicating whether the content is selected, and sends all the stored confirmation information to the management device. In addition, the control method of the communication system of Technique 12 includes the following steps: the management device stores the received confirmation information in association with the selected content associated with the confirmation information.

[0257] This can achieve the same effect as the communication system of technology 1.

[0258] (Technique 13) The control method of the home appliance device of Technique 13 includes the following steps: receiving content information including content from a management device; and outputting content based on the received content information in a selectable manner. In addition, the control method of the home appliance device of Technique 13 includes the following steps: storing the selected content in association with confirmation information indicating whether the content is selected; and sending all the stored confirmation information to the management device.

[0259] This can achieve the same effect as the communication system of technology 1.

[0260] Industrial Applicability

[0261] As described above, the present disclosure can be used, for example, in a home appliance including a microwave oven, a cooking appliance such as a rice cooker, and the like in addition to a washing machine to notify whether content has been browsed in the home appliance.

[0262] Description of Reference Numerals

[0263] 1: washing machine (home appliance); 2: terminal device; 3: server device (management device); 4: communication device; 10: first computer; 11: first external memory (storage unit); 12: second computer; 13: second external memory; 14: communication unit; 15: operation panel; 16: washing unit; 30: server control device; 31: server communication unit; 110: first processor; 111: washing execution unit; 112: first communication unit; 112A: receiving unit; 112B: sending unit; 113: second Second communication unit; 114: first storage control unit; 120: first memory; 121: control program; 130: second processor; 131: third communication unit; 132: display unit (output unit); 133: receiving unit; 134: second storage control unit; 140: second memory; 141: control program; 151: touch panel; 152: operation UI; 161: washing tank; 162: driving motor; 163: water supply valve; 164: drain valve; 165: automatic detergent supply unit; 310: server processor ; 311: server communication unit; 312: server processing unit; 313: selection unit; 314: presentation unit; 320: server memory; 321: control program; 322: first management DB; 323: second management DB; 324: third management DB; 325: first content information management DB; 1000: communication system; A1: first area; A2: second area; B1: menu button; B2: history button; B3: program button; B4: notification button; B5: switch button; B6: back button; BJ: confirmation information; CD: code; CJ1: first content information (content information); CJ2: second content information; G: selection image; G1: first image; G2: second image; G3: third image; G4: fourth image; H: facility; KM1: group; KM2: group; KM3: group; KM4: group; KM5: group; KM6: group; KM7: group; KM8: group; MS: menu screen; NW: network; P: user; R1: record; R2: record; T1: timing; T2: timing; T3: timing.

Claims

1. A communication system, characterized in that: Equipped with home appliances and management devices, wherein the management device sends content information including content to the home appliance device, The household appliance performs the following actions: outputting the content based on the received content information in a selectable manner; storing the selected content in association with confirmation information indicating whether the content is selected; and sending all the stored confirmation information to the management device, The management device stores the received confirmation information in association with the selected content associated with the confirmation information.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the home appliance transmits information for identifying the selected content and the confirmation information to the management device, The management device stores the information for identifying the content and the confirmation information for each of the content information sent to the home appliance. The management device does not store the information for identifying the content and the confirmation information received from the home appliance when the information for identifying the content and the confirmation information received from the home appliance are the same as the stored information for identifying the content and the confirmation information.

3. The communication system according to claim 2, characterized in that When the information for identifying content and the confirmation information received from the home appliance are different from the stored information for identifying content and the confirmation information, the management device uses the confirmation information received from the home appliance to overwrite the confirmation information in the stored confirmation information that corresponds to the information for identifying content that is the same as the information for identifying content received from the home appliance.

4. The communication system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The management device stores the information for identifying content and the confirmation information for all the content information transmitted to the home appliance.

5. The communication system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The management device stores the information for identifying content and the confirmation information for each of the home electrical appliances.

6. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The management device selects the content information for each of the home electrical appliances, and transmits the selected content information to the home electrical appliance.

7. The communication system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The management device selects the content information based on the confirmation information received from the home appliance.

8. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The content includes an advertisement output related to the home appliance.

9. The communication system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The management device presents an advertisement fee corresponding to a browsing rate of the content to an advertiser based on the confirmation information received from the home appliance.

10. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The communication system comprises a terminal device, The management device transmits access information for accessing a predetermined website related to the content to the terminal device based on the received confirmation information, The terminal device notifies the received access information.

11. A household appliance, characterized in that: have: a receiving unit that receives content information including content from the management device; an output unit configured to output the content based on the content information received by the receiving unit in a selectable manner; a storage unit for storing the selected content in association with confirmation information indicating whether the content is selected; as well as A sending unit sends all the stored confirmation information to the management device.

12. A method for controlling a communication system, characterized in that: include: The management device sends content information including content to the home appliance device; The home appliance device outputs the content based on the received content information in a selectable manner, stores the selected content in association with confirmation information indicating whether the content is selected, and sends all the stored confirmation information to the management device; as well as The management device stores the received confirmation information in association with the selected content associated with the confirmation information.

13. A method for controlling a household appliance, characterized in that: include: receiving content information including content from a management device; outputting the content based on the received content information in a selectable manner; storing the selected content in association with confirmation information indicating whether the content is selected; as well as Sending all the stored confirmation information to the management device.

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