Household electrical appliance system, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a household electrical appliance system that can prevent a household electrical appliance from executing a first operating course for which no corresponding description is stored.SOLUTION: A household electrical appliance 20 includes: a control unit 202 capable of executing operating courses including a first operating course; a first storage unit 203 capable of storing first information including a description of the first operating course; a second storage unit 204 arranged on a board different from that of the first storage unit 203 and capable of storing second information including control contents of the first operating course; and a main body display unit 206 that displays the first information during execution of the first operating course. The control unit 202 downloads the first information from a server 10 and stores it in the first storage unit 203. When the first information is stored in the first storage unit 203 and the second information is stored in the second storage unit 204, the control unit enables the first operating course to be executed, and when the first information is not stored in the first storage unit 203, the control unit disables the first operating course.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a home appliance system, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that downloads application course information using the operation of a smartphone application as a trigger. When downloading, the washing machine turns on and displays a pop-up indicating that the application course has been accepted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-186184 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a home appliance system that can prevent a home appliance from executing a first operating program when first information including a description of the first operating program is not stored. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A home appliance system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a home appliance system including home appliances communicatively connected to a server via a network, the home appliances including a control unit capable of executing an operating course including a first operating course, a first memory unit capable of storing first information including a description of the first operating course, a second memory unit arranged on a different board from the first memory unit and capable of storing second information including control content of the first operating course, and a main body display unit that displays the first information while the first operating course is being executed, the control unit downloads the first information from the server and stores it in the first memory unit, and when the first information is stored in the first memory unit and the second information is stored in the second memory unit, the control unit enables the first operating course to be executed, and when the first information is not stored in the first memory unit, the control unit disables the first operating course.

[0006] Furthermore, a control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method by a home appliance system having home appliances communicatively connected to a server via a network, in which first information including a description of a first operating course is downloaded from the server and stored in a first memory unit possessed by a first board, and when the first information is stored in the first memory unit and second information including control contents of the first operating course is stored in a second memory unit possessed by a second board, operation of the first operating course is made executable, and when the first information is not stored in the first memory unit, the first operating course is made unexecutable.

[0007] In addition, these comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized by a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a non-transitory recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be realized by any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a non-transitory recording medium. Effect of the Invention

[0008] A home appliance system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent a home appliance from executing a first operating program when first information including a description of the first operating program is not stored. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a home electric appliance system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a hardware configuration diagram of a server according to an embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a hardware configuration diagram of a home electric appliance according to an embodiment. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a hardware configuration diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the home electric appliance system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a first example of a download process in the home electric appliance system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a specific example of a UI displayed on a terminal. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a specific example of a UI displayed on the terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a storage area and a configuration of operating course data stored in the storage area. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the execution table. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an execution table showing the washing process. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an execution table showing the drying process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of an updated UI displayed on the operation panel. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of a UI displayed on the washing machine during downloading. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the timing at which a home appliance downloads from a server. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows an example of a sequence diagram for explaining the process from when a power-on operation is accepted to when an initial screen is displayed. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of GUI data stored in the first storage unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of management information stored in the second storage unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence diagram of a driving execution process when a terminal acquires an instruction for a driving course. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (Embodiment) [1. Configuration] The hardware configuration of a home appliance system 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 2C. Fig. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a home appliance system in the first embodiment. Fig. 2A is a hardware configuration diagram of a server in the first embodiment. Fig. 2B is a hardware configuration diagram of a home appliance in the first embodiment. Fig. 2C is a hardware configuration diagram of a terminal in the first embodiment.

[0011] 1, a home appliance system 1 in the present embodiment includes a server 10, a plurality of home appliances 20 used in a plurality of facilities 2, and a plurality of terminals 30. The plurality of facilities 2 are, for example, but are not limited to, homes. The facilities 2 may be, for example, apartments, stores, offices, etc.

[0012] The server 10 is a virtual server (cloud server) provided via a computer network 40 (e.g., the Internet). The server 10 is communicably connected to the home appliances 20 and the terminals 30 via the computer network 40. Note that a physical server may be used instead of the server 10.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2A, the server 10 virtually includes a processor 11 and a memory 12 connected to the processor 11.

[0014] The home appliance 20 is an electric device used in the facility 2 in which the home appliance 20 is installed.

[0015] As the home appliance 20, a household electrical appliance (household appliance) and a home facility can be used. The household electrical appliance (household appliance) and the home facility can be used not only for appliances used in a house but also for appliances used in a business. In the present disclosure, the household electrical appliance and the home facility can be abbreviated to the household electrical appliance. As the home appliance, for example, a microwave oven, a rice cooker, an IH (Induction heating) cooker, a bakery, an electric pressure cooker, an electric waterless cooker, a multi-cooker, a coffee maker, a washing machine, a dishwasher, a robot vacuum cleaner, etc. can be used. As the home facility, for example, an electric water heater for a bathtub can be used. The home appliance 20 can be any appliance capable of executing a specific operation course, and is not limited to the above-mentioned appliances. When the home appliance 20 receives an instruction to start a specific operation course from a user, the home appliance 20 automatically ends the operation after executing the operation course.

[0016] 2B , the home appliance 20 includes an actuator 21, a heater 22, a control board 23, a display board 24, a communication IF (Interface) 25, a display 26, and an input device 27. Note that the home appliance 20 may include at least one of the actuator 21 and the heater 22, and does not necessarily need to include both the actuator 21 and the heater 22.

[0017] The actuator 21 is a mechanical element that converts input energy into physical motion based on an electric signal. For example, an electric motor, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic actuator, or the like can be used as the actuator 21, but is not limited to these. Note that the home appliance 20 is not limited to having one actuator 21, and may have multiple actuators 21. When the home appliance 20 has multiple actuators 21, the multiple actuators 21 may be of different types or the same type.

[0018] The heater 22 is an electric heater that converts electric energy into thermal energy. The heater 22 heats an object by, for example, Joule heating, induction heating, dielectric heating, or the like. For example, a nichrome wire, a coil, a magnetron, or the like can be used as the heater 22. Note that the home appliance 20 is not limited to having one heater 22, and may have a plurality of heaters 22. When the home appliance 20 has a plurality of heaters 22, the plurality of heaters 22 may be of different types or the same type.

[0019] The control board 23 has a microcomputer 23a and a memory 23b. The microcomputer 23a controls the operation of the actuator 21 and / or the heater 22. The memory 23b stores information (such as a program) for controlling the operation of the actuator 21 and / or the heater 22 by the microcomputer 23a.

[0020] The display board 24 has a microcomputer 24a and a memory 24b. The microcomputer 24a controls the display of the display 26. The memory 24b stores information for the microcomputer 24a to control the display of the display 26. The information for controlling the display is, for example, an image.

[0021] The communication IF 25 communicates with the server 10 via the computer network 40. The communication IF 25 may be a communication interface for transmitting data to and from an external device such as the server 10. The communication IF 25 may be an interface for wireless communication such as a wireless LAN interface or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface. The communication IF 25 may be an interface for wired communication such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or a wired LAN interface.

[0022] The display 26 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like.

[0023] The input device 27 receives input from a person. The input device 27 is, for example, a touch panel. The input device 27 is not limited to a touch panel, and may be another input device such as a mechanical button.

[0024] The terminals 30 are used in each of the multiple facilities 2 and function as a user interface.

[0025] The terminal 30 is connected to the server 10 and the home appliances 20 via a computer network 40, and functions as a user interface (UI) described later. A portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet computer can be used as the terminal 30. The terminal 30 may be a terminal fixed to a wall, floor, or ceiling of the facility 2. The terminal 30 may also be included in the home appliances 20. For example, the terminal 30 may be realized as a display terminal having a display or the like built into each home appliance 20.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2C, the terminal 30 includes, as its hardware configuration, a processor 31, a main memory 32, a storage 33, a communication IF (Interface) , an input device 35, and a display .

[0027] The processor 31 is a processor that executes a program stored in the storage 33 or the like.

[0028] The main memory 32 is a volatile storage area used for temporarily storing data generated during processing by the processor 31, used as a work area used when the processor 31 executes a program, and used for temporarily storing data received by the communication IF 34.

[0029] The storage 33 is a non-volatile storage area that holds various data such as programs, etc. The storage 33 stores, for example, various data generated as a result of processing by the processor 31 and various data received by the communication IF .

[0030] The communication IF 34 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from the server 10 or the home appliance 20 via the computer network 40. The communication IF 34 may be an interface for wireless communication, such as a wireless LAN interface or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface. The communication IF 34 may be an interface for wired communication, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or a wired LAN interface.

[0031] The input device 35 is an interface for receiving input from a person. The input device 35 may be a pointing device such as a mouse, a touch pad, a touch panel, or a trackball, or may be a keyboard. The input device 35 may also be a gesture input device. The gesture input device has, for example, a camera and a recognition unit. The camera captures an image including a gesture, and the recognition unit recognizes the gesture using the image.

[0032] The display 36 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the home electric appliance system according to the embodiment.

[0034] The home appliance system 1 includes a server 10, a home appliance 20, and a terminal 30. The server 10, the home appliance 20, and the terminal 30 are connected to each other via a computer network 40 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0035] The server 10 stores GUI (Graphical user interface) data, driving course data, etc. The server 10 may further store presentation data including advertisements, course information guides, campaign guides, tips for efficiently using home appliances, etc. When the server 10 receives a request for downloading GUI (Graphical user interface) data, driving course data, presentation data, etc. from the home appliance 20 or the terminal 30 via the computer network 40, the server 10 transmits data corresponding to the request via the computer network 40 to the home appliance 20 corresponding to the request.

[0036] Here, the GUI (course GUI) indicated by the GUI data is a GUI for receiving instructions to control the operation of the home appliance 20. The GUI data includes an image showing the operation course name, operation steps, and course contents. The GUI data is an example of first information. The first information includes a description of the operation course. One course GUI corresponds to one operation course. The course GUI includes the name of the operation course, the effect expected on the processing target of the operation course, and the like. The course GUI is represented by an image, text, sound, etc.

[0037] Content data such as advertisements, course information guides, campaign guides, and tips for using home appliances efficiently is image data. The image data may be still image data or video data. Note that the content data is not limited to image data, but may also be video data, audio data, or video data including audio.

[0038] Moreover, the operation course data includes the control contents of the corresponding operation course. The operation course data is an example of second information. The operation course data indicates, for example, one or more controls included in the corresponding operation course and the execution order of the one or more controls. As described above, one course GUI corresponds to one operation course, so the operation course data including the control contents of one operation course is associated with one course GUI corresponding to the one operation course. In other words, the GUI data indicating one course GUI is associated with the operation course data including the control contents of one operation course corresponding to the one course GUI.

[0039] The server 10 manages a combination of the home appliance 20 and the user that correspond to each other. That is, the server 10 stores information indicating the correspondence between the home appliance 20 and the user. Specifically, the server 10 manages a combination of a device ID for identifying the home appliance 20 and a user ID for identifying the user. The device ID and the user ID are associated with each other by, for example, connecting to the server 10 via an application of the terminal 30 and registering the device ID and the user ID. The server 10 may also store a destination for communicating with the home appliance 20 identified by the device ID together with the device ID. The server 10 may also store a destination for communicating with the terminal 30 owned by the user identified by the user ID together with the user ID. In this way, when the server 10 receives a communication request for communication with a specific home appliance 20 from the terminal 30, the server 10 can identify the destination of the home appliance 20 associated with the identified user ID based on the information from the terminal 30, and can relay communication between the terminal 30 and the home appliance 20. In addition, when the server 10 receives a communication request from the home appliance 20 to a specific terminal 30, the server 10 can identify the destination of the terminal 30 associated with the identified device ID based on the information from the home appliance 20, and can therefore relay communication between the terminal 30 and the home appliance 20.

[0040] The home appliance 20 includes an operation unit 201 , a control unit 202 , a first storage unit 203 , a second storage unit 204 , a communication unit 205 , a main body display unit 206 , and a main body reception unit 207 .

[0041] The operation unit 201 executes operations to realize functions of the home appliance 20. The operation unit 201 executes washing when the home appliance 20 is a washing machine, executes cooking when the home appliance 20 is an electric oven, and executes cooking when the home appliance 20 is a rice cooker. The operation unit 201 is realized by, for example, the actuator 21 and / or the heater 22.

[0042] The control unit 202 controls the operation by the operation unit 201. The control unit 202 may control the display by the main body display unit 206. The control unit 202 may control the downloading of information from the server 10 by the communication unit 205. The control unit 202 may control the operation of at least one of the operation unit 201, the main body display unit 206, and the communication unit 205 in response to an input accepted by the main body acceptance unit 207. At this time, the control unit 202 may control the at least one of the operations described above using information stored in at least one of the first storage unit 203 and the second storage unit 204.

[0043] The first storage unit 203 can store the presentation data. The first storage unit 203 stores the presentation data among the information downloaded from the server 10 by the communication unit 205. Since the presentation data includes the first information, the first storage unit 203 can store GUI data (first information). The first storage unit 203 may store data indicating a GUI in advance, or may store image data to be presented to a user (for example, data such as tips for efficiently using a home appliance) in advance. The first storage unit 203 stores information used for display processing in the main body display unit 206. The first storage unit 203 is realized by, for example, the memory 24b.

[0044] The second storage unit 204 can store driving course data (second information). The second storage unit 204 stores information used for controlling driving by the operation unit 201 in the control unit 202. The second storage unit 204 may store management information of GUI data. The management information includes information indicating the GUI data stored in the first storage unit 203. The information indicating the GUI data may be information indicating whether the GUI data is stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the first storage unit 203, may be identification information for identifying the type of data of the GUI data stored in the first storage unit 203, or may be the GUI data itself. The GUI data managed by the management information may be a course GUI or a GUI for content.

[0045] The second storage unit 204 may also store an operation history indicating a history of operation courses executed in the home appliance 20. The operation history may include information indicating the operation course and the date and time when the operation course was executed. The operation history may also include operation parameters of the executed operation course. The operation parameters may include one or more types of operation included in the operation course, an operation time for each type of operation, and the number of operations for each type of operation. For example, when the home appliance 20 is a washing machine, the one or more types of operation include a wash operation, a rinse operation, a spin-dry operation, and the like. The operation parameters may be parameters changed by a user. That is, the operation history may be a history of operation courses executed with operation parameters adjusted by a user.

[0046] The second storage unit 204 is realized by, for example, the memory 23b. That is, the second storage unit 204 is disposed on a board different from the board on which the first storage unit 203 is disposed.

[0047] The communication unit 205 is connected to the server 10 via the computer network 40 so as to be able to communicate with the server 10. The communication unit 205 is connected to the terminal 30 via the server 10 so as to be able to communicate with the server 10. For example, the communication unit 205 may download presentation data from the server 10 by communicating with the server 10. The communication unit 205 may also download driving course data from the server 10 by communicating with the server 10. When downloading information from the server 10, the communication unit 205 may transmit a request for downloading the information to the server 10. The communication unit 205 may communicate with the terminal 30 to exchange information with the terminal 30.

[0048] The main body display unit 206 performs display based on the presentation data stored in the first storage unit 203. Specifically, the main body display unit 206 displays a GUI or an image indicated by the presentation data. In addition, the main body display unit 206 can display a GUI including a description of the operating course being executed while the operating course is being executed by the operation unit 201. In addition, the main body display unit 206 may be capable of displaying a GUI including a description of the operating course being executed when displaying a GUI for the user to select an operating course to be executed by the home appliance 20. For example, the GUI for selecting an operating course to be executed by the home appliance 20 may include a GUI including a description of the operating course being executed. In addition, the main body display unit 206 may display each GUI so as to transition from a GUI for selecting an operating course to be executed by the home appliance 20 to a GUI including a description of the operating course being executed.

[0049] Furthermore, the main body display unit 206 may be capable of displaying a main body UI for receiving an instruction to cause the home appliance 20 to execute an operating course indicated in the operating history. The operating history may include one or more executed operating courses when one or more operating courses are executed in the home appliance 20. That is, the operating history includes one operating course when only one operating course is executed by the home appliance 20, and includes multiple operating courses when multiple operating courses are executed by the home appliance 20. The main body display unit 206 is realized by the display 26, for example.

[0050] The main body receiving unit 207 receives input from a user. The main body receiving unit 207 may receive input to a main body UI displayed on the main body display unit 206. The main body UI is, for example, a UI for receiving an operation on the home appliance 20 by a user. The main body UI may be, for example, a UI for receiving an instruction to make the home appliance 20 execute one of a plurality of types of driving courses determined in advance, or may be a UI for receiving an instruction to make the home appliance 20 execute a driving course indicated in the driving history as described above. That is, the main body UI may be displayed based on information pre-stored in the home appliance 20, or may be generated based on the driving history. When generated based on the driving history, the main body UI is a UI capable of receiving an instruction to make the home appliance 20 execute one of one or more driving courses included in the driving history. The user can make the home appliance 20 re-execute a driving course that the home appliance 20 has executed by performing an input to the main body UI generated based on the driving history. The main body receiving unit 20 is realized by, for example, the input device 27.

[0051] The control unit 202 downloads the GUI data from the server 10 and stores it in the first storage unit 203. The control unit 202 may download the operating course data from the server 10 and store it in the second storage unit 204. When the GUI data is stored in the first storage unit 203 and the operating course data corresponding to the GUI data stored in the first storage unit 203 is stored in the second storage unit 204, the control unit 202 enables the operating course indicated by the operating course data stored in the second storage unit 204 to be executed. When the GUI data corresponding to the operating course data is not stored in the first storage unit 203, the control unit 202 disables the operating course indicated by the operating course data even if the operating course data for which no corresponding GUI data is stored is stored in the second storage unit 204.

[0052] Furthermore, when no GUI data is stored in first storage unit 203, control unit 202 may execute a history deletion operation to delete the operation history of the operation course corresponding to the unstored GUI data from second storage unit 204. Control unit 202 may execute the history deletion operation after powering on home appliance 20 and before displaying information on main body display unit 206.

[0053] The terminal 30 includes a terminal display unit 301 , a terminal reception unit 302 , and a communication unit 303 .

[0054] The terminal display unit 301 can display information. Specifically, the terminal display unit 301 may display a terminal UI. The terminal UI is, for example, a UI for accepting an operation on the home appliance 20 by a user. In addition, the terminal UI may include a UI for accepting an instruction to cause the home appliance 20 to execute a driving course indicated in a driving history based on a driving history stored in the home appliance 20.

[0055] The terminal receiving unit 302 can receive an instruction to the home appliance 20. For example, the terminal receiving unit 302 can receive an instruction from a user to cause the home appliance 20 to execute a first operating program among a plurality of operating programs.

[0056] The communication unit 303 is connected to the server 10 via the computer network 40 so as to be able to communicate with the home appliance 20 via the server 10. For example, when an instruction to a specific home appliance 20 is received by the terminal reception unit 302 via the server 10, the communication unit 303 transmits the instruction to the specific home appliance 20 via the server 10. Also, for example, the communication unit 303 may receive, via the server 10, status information indicating a status of the home appliance 20 associated with a user ID of a user who possesses the terminal 30. The status information may be, for example, information indicating an operating status of the home appliance 20, or information indicating an operating history of the home appliance 20. The status information received by the communication unit 303 may be displayed on the terminal display unit 301. Note that, without being limited to the above, the communication unit 303 may be connected to the home appliance 20 via the computer network 40 so as to be able to communicate with the home appliance 20, or may be directly connected to the home appliance 20.

[0057] [2. Operation] Next, the processing of the home appliance system 1 configured as above will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a first example of a download processing of the home appliance system 1 in the first embodiment. Note that in Fig. 4, downloading is also written as DL.

[0058] The terminal 30 owned by the user executes an application to display a UI (e.g., a GUI (Graphical user interface)) and accepts an input from the user via the UI (S101). The terminal 30 accepts an input for selecting a driving course that is not stored in the home appliance 20 and is a driving content to be executed by the home appliance 20. This input is an input for downloading driving course data corresponding to the selected driving course from the server 10 to the home appliance 20.

[0059] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing a specific example of a UI displayed on a terminal.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5A, the terminal 30 displays a UI 410 that accepts an input for selecting a driving course. The UI 410 includes a plurality of slots 411a to 411c and a plurality of buttons 412a to 412c that respectively correspond to the plurality of slots 411a to 411c. The plurality of slots 411a to 411c correspond to a plurality of storage areas that store driving course data of a driving course to be downloaded (hereinafter, referred to as a downloaded course). The plurality of storage areas are, for example, predetermined storage areas included in the second storage unit 204 of the home appliance 20. Each of the plurality of buttons 412a to 412c is a button for transitioning to a UI for editing the downloaded course stored in the storage area of ​​the corresponding slot 411a to 411c. For example, when the button 412b corresponding to the slot 411b is pressed, the UI displayed on the terminal 30 transitions to a UI 420 shown in FIG. 5B.

[0061] The UI420 includes a radio button 421, a cancel button 422, and an OK button 423. The radio button 421 accepts the selection of a download course to be stored in a storage area corresponding to the slot 411b selected in the UI410. The radio button 421 accepts the selection of one of a plurality of download course candidates. The plurality of download course candidates are, for example, a plurality of courses provided by a washing machine manufacturer and available for the user to download to the home appliance 20. The cancel button 422 is a button for returning from the UI420 to the UI410. The OK button 423 is a button for finalizing the download course selected by the radio button 421. As shown in FIG. 5B, when the OK button 423 is pressed after the sheet course is selected in the radio button 421, the terminal 30 accepts an input (predetermined input) from the user for downloading the operation course data of the sheet course from the server 10 to the home appliance 20.

[0062] In response to the input received in step S101, the terminal 30 generates a download execution request for causing the home appliance 20 to download the selected driving course data from the server 10 to the home appliance 20 (S102). The download execution request includes, for example, the terminal ID or user ID of the terminal 30, the course ID of the download course selected in the terminal 30, device information of the home appliance 20 that is to execute the download, and storage area information indicating the storage area corresponding to the slot selected in the terminal 30.

[0063] The terminal 30 transmits the generated download execution request to the home appliance 20 via the server 10. Specifically, the terminal 30 transmits the generated download execution request to the server 10 (S103).

[0064] When the server 10 receives the download execution request, it identifies the home appliance 20 indicated by the device information included in the download execution request, and transmits the received download execution request to the identified home appliance 20 (S104).

[0065] When the home appliance 20 receives the download execution request from the server 10, the home appliance 20 compares the device information included in the download execution request with the device information of the home appliance 20 (S105). If the result of the comparison shows that the two pieces of device information match, the home appliance 20 proceeds to step S106, and if they do not match, the home appliance 20 ends the process.

[0066] In step S106, the home appliance 20 erases the sectors in the storage area of ​​the second storage unit 204 that are indicated by the storage area information included in the download execution request (S106).

[0067] Next, the home appliance 20 transmits to the server 10 a download request for a download course based on the course ID included in the download execution request (S107).

[0068] When the server 10 receives the download request, it transmits driving course data indicating the download course specified in the download request to the home appliance 20 (S108). This starts downloading the driving course data to the home appliance 20.

[0069] The home appliance 20 receives the operating course data, and stores the received operating course data in the storage area including the sector erased in step S106 (S109).

[0070] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a storage area and a configuration of operating course data stored in the storage area.

[0071] The data ROM in FIG. 6 shows a configuration of a part of the storage area of ​​the second storage unit that stores the driving course data. The data ROM includes a course DL1, a course DL2, and a course DL3 as a plurality of storage areas. These courses DL1 to DL3 correspond to a plurality of slots 411a to 411c, respectively. In the example of FIG. 5A, the slot 411b is selected, so the downloaded driving course data is stored in the storage area of ​​the course DL2 corresponding to the slot 411b. The course DL table in FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of the stored driving course data. This driving course data has the same configuration as the driving course data acquired by downloading from the server 10. The driving course data includes device information indicating the model and version of the device (home appliance 20) to which the driving course is to be downloaded, a course ID of the downloaded course, first identification information indicating the base course of the downloaded course, an execution table indicating the order in which the blocks included in the downloaded course are executed, a parameter table indicating the parameters of each of the blocks included in the downloaded course, and a checksum used for verification. In this way, the driving course data does not include blocks already stored in the second storage unit 204. The base course indicates the course on which the download course is based, and can also be said to be information for classifying a plurality of download courses.

[0072] The parameter table is a table in which block identification information for identifying a block, identification information for identifying a type of parameter, and a parameter value for making the block function with the type of parameter are associated with each other. That is, the parameter table is a table for assigning a parameter value for executing the operation unit 201 to a parameter type indicated in each of one or more blocks indicated in an execution table included in the operating course data. That is, one or more parameters included in the parameter table are associated with one or more blocks indicated in an execution table included in the operating course data.

[0073] The operation course data may include a plurality of execution tables each indicating a major process, such as a washing process, a rinsing process, a drying process, etc., and each major process may be composed of a combination of one or more blocks.

[0074] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the execution table.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 7, the execution table relates to a first order for executing at least some of the blocks stored in the second storage unit 204. The execution table includes a number indicating the first order and the blocks to be executed in the first order. Note that the execution table does not need to include a number indicating the first order, and the first order may be indicated by the arrangement order of the blocks in the execution table. One block includes parameters, time, and execution timing conditions for operating the actuator 21 and / or heater 22. The parameters include the operating speed and operating time of the actuator, the temperature and operating time of the heater, etc.

[0076] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an execution table showing the washing process.

[0077] The execution table showing the washing process, as shown in FIG. 8, indicates that the operation unit 201 executes each of the operations of the drain block, laundry load detection block, sterilization / antibacterial block, air blowing block, water supply / agitation block, foam generation block, still water supply block, and washing / agitation block in this order.

[0078] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an execution table showing the drying process.

[0079] The execution table showing the drying process indicates that the operation unit 201 executes each of the operations of the drain block, balance control block, spin block, wash agitation block, laundry amount detection block, drying block, and air blowing block in this order, as shown in FIG.

[0080] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4.

[0081] Following step S109, the home appliance 20 verifies the stored driving course data by using a checksum included in the driving course data (S110).

[0082] Next, when the verification is completed, the home appliance 20 transmits download completion information indicating that the download specified in the download execution request has been completed to the server 10 (S111). The download completion information may include device information of the home appliance 20, a terminal ID or a user ID included in the download execution request, and a course ID indicating the download course for which the download has been completed.

[0083] When the server 10 receives the download completion information, it transmits notification information including the content downloaded to the home appliance 20 to the terminal 30 identified by the terminal ID or user ID included in the download completion information (S112). The content downloaded to the home appliance 20 included in the notification information is, for example, information indicating the driving course downloaded to the home appliance 20. The server 10 may further record that the home appliance 20 indicated by the device information included in the download completion information has completed downloading the course ID included in the download completion information.

[0084] After step S111, the home appliance 20 updates the UI displayed on the operation panel 560 based on the downloaded driving course data (S113).

[0085] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of an updated UI displayed on the operation panel.

[0086] The first storage unit 203 of the home appliance 20 stores notification information corresponding to the operation course data. The notification information is, for example, a plurality of images for configuring the UI 430 shown in FIG. 10. The plurality of images include, for example, an image surrounded by a frame for washing, an image surrounded by a frame for rinsing, an image surrounded by a frame for spinning, an image surrounded by a frame for drying, an image surrounded by a frame for reservation, an image surrounded by a frame for the type of detergent, an image surrounded by frames for the water level, bath water, and second wash, an image of an explanation button, an image of a back button, and the like. Images for configuring such a UI are generated according to the operation course data, and are held by the server 10 together with the operation course data. When new operation course data is uploaded to the server 10, the home appliance 20 downloads in advance from the server 10 a plurality of images for configuring a UI showing the operation course data at the time of uploading, for example, and stores them in the first storage unit 203. The notification information may be a sound showing the operation course data, in addition to the UI. That is, in step S113, home electric appliance 20 may issue a sound based on the driving course data from speaker 590.

[0087] The driving course data includes the second identification information associated with the notification information. Therefore, when the control unit 202 acquires the driving course data in step S113, the control unit 202 reads out one or more images associated with the second identification information included in the driving course data from the first storage unit 203, generates a UI based on the read out one or more images, and displays the generated UI on the operation panel 560. In this way, the control unit 202 causes the notification unit including the operation panel 560 and the speaker 590 to perform a notification operation based on the notification information. Therefore, it is possible to notify the user of notification information corresponding to the new driving content.

[0088] 4, 5A, and 5B show an example in which the terminal 30 receives an input from the user via the UI for downloading the driving course data of the download course from the server 10 to the home appliance 20, but the input is not limited to being received by the terminal 30. For example, the home appliance 20 may receive the above input from the user.

[0089] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of a UI displayed on the washing machine during downloading.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 11, home appliance 20 may display UI 440 that accepts an input for selecting a driving course. UI 440 includes a plurality of slots 441-443. The plurality of slots 441-443 correspond to a plurality of storage areas that store driving course data of a driving course to be downloaded (hereinafter, referred to as a downloaded course), respectively. The plurality of storage areas are, for example, predetermined storage areas included in second storage unit 204 of home appliance 20. For example, when slot 442 is pressed, the UI displayed on home appliance 20 may transition to a UI (not shown) similar to UI 420 shown in Fig. 5B.

[0091] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the timing at which a home appliance downloads from a server.

[0092] 12, when home appliance 20 receives a power-on operation from a user, home appliance 20 enables display and operation and enters a power-on state. When display and operation are enabled, home appliance 20 displays a predetermined UI on main body display unit 206, and main body receiving unit 207 enters a state in which it can receive input to the predetermined UI.

[0093] When the electric power is supplied to the home appliance 20, the home appliance 20 is in a state in which it can perform an operation using electric power from a commercial power source. For example, the home appliance 20 is in a state in which it can perform an operation in response to an input to a predetermined UI or a control instruction received from the terminal 30, and is also in a state in which it can download data from the server 10. When an operation performed in the electric power supply state is completed, the home appliance 20 transitions to a state in which only the power switch is enabled, and a state in which GUI data can be downloaded is also transitioned to.

[0094] In this state, the home appliance 20 transmits a notification including information indicating the GUI data stored in the home appliance 20 to the server 10. When the server 10 receives the notification, the server 10 determines whether or not the server 10 or another device stores GUI data that the home appliance 20 does not store. Specifically, the server 10 compares information indicating the GUI data stored in the home appliance 20 with information indicating the GUI data stored in the server 10 or another device to determine whether or not the server 10 or another device stores GUI data that the home appliance 20 does not store. If there is GUI data that the home appliance 20 does not store, the server 10 transmits an instruction to the home appliance 20 to download the GUI data that the home appliance 20 does not store. When the home appliance 20 acquires an instruction to download the GUI data from the server 10, the home appliance 20 executes download of the GUI data from the server 10. The GUI data downloaded here is GUI data corresponding to the driving course data to be downloaded later. When the download of the GUI data is completed, the home appliance 20 transitions to a power-off state. The downloaded GUI data is stored in the first storage unit 203.

[0095] Since GUI data includes image data, the data size is larger than the corresponding driving course data. In other words, downloading GUI data takes more time than downloading driving course data. Therefore, by downloading GUI data after driving is performed, it is possible to increase the possibility that the download of GUI data will be completed when the home appliance 20 is in a powered state. In addition, the next time the power is turned on, the download of GUI data will be completed, so that the home appliance 20 can be made capable of displaying the GUI data.

[0096] When the home appliance 20 receives a power-on operation from the user after the download of GUI data is completed and the appliance has transitioned to a power-off state, the home appliance 20 enables display and operation and enters a power-on state. When the home appliance 20 receives an instruction to download a course (i.e., download driving course data) in this state, the home appliance 20 executes the course download. Since the driving course data has a smaller data size than the corresponding GUI data, the download can be completed in a shorter time than the time required to download the GUI data. Therefore, the home appliance 20 can complete the download of the driving course in a short time after the home appliance 20 receives a power-on operation, enters a power-on state, and displays the UI (initial screen).

[0097] FIG. 13 shows an example of a sequence diagram for explaining the process from when a power-on operation is accepted to when an initial screen is displayed.

[0098] The input device 27 receives a power-on input from the user (S121). Upon receiving the power-on input, the input device 27 sends to the control board 23 a control signal indicating the received power-on input.

[0099] When the control board 23 receives the control signal indicating a power-on input, it outputs power to the display board 24 (S122). As a result, the home appliance 20 transitions to a power-on state in which display and operation are enabled. Specifically, the display state of the main body display unit 206 of the home appliance 20 transitions to a state in which display and operation are disabled, that is, a state in which a completely black screen is displayed followed by a screen (initial screen) in which display and operation are enabled.

[0100] Next, the control board 23 transmits a confirmation request as to whether or not actual data exists to the display board 24 (S123). Specifically, the control board 23 inquires about the GUI data stored in the memory 24b (first storage unit 203) of the display board 24 by transmitting the confirmation request.

[0101] When the display board 24 receives the confirmation request from the control board 23, it transmits response information including the presence or absence of GUI data stored in the memory 24b (first storage unit 203) to the control board 23 (S124). Note that the response information is not limited to including the presence or absence of GUI data stored in the memory 24b (first storage unit 203), and may also include information indicating the GUI data stored in the memory 24b (first storage unit 203) (for example, information for identifying the GUI data).

[0102] When the control board 23 receives the response information from the display board 24, the control board 23 compares the information indicating the GUI data included in the response information with the information indicating the GUI data included in the management information stored in the memory 23b (second storage unit 204) of the control board 23, and judges whether or not the information indicating the GUI data included in the management information is included in the information indicating the GUI data included in the response information. In other words, the control board 23 judges whether or not the actual data of the GUI data managed in the management information is stored in the memory 24b (first storage unit 203) of the display board 24 (S125). The judgment in step S125 is performed for each of the multiple GUI data managed in the management information.

[0103] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of GUI data stored in the first storage unit, and Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of management information stored in the second storage unit.

[0104] The GUI data is stored in a plurality of slots in the first storage unit 203. Each of the plurality of slots is a storage area in the first storage unit 203, and is a storage area designated by a predetermined address corresponding to the slot. In the example of FIG. 14, GUI data 01 is stored in slot 1, GUI data 02 is stored in slot 2, and GUI data 03 is stored in slot 3. It is shown that no GUI data is stored in slot 4. In this manner, one piece of GUI data is stored in one slot of the first storage unit 203.

[0105] 15, the management information includes information indicating whether or not GUI data is stored in each slot of first storage unit 203. The management information indicates that GUI data is stored in slot 1, GUI data is stored in slot 2, GUI data is stored in slot 3, and no GUI data is stored in slot 4.

[0106] The management information may further store identification information indicating which GUI data is stored in each slot of the first storage unit 203. That is, the management information may further include identification information indicating that the GUI data stored in slot 1 is GUI data 01 as information corresponding to slot 1.

[0107] When the control board 23 determines that the actual data of the GUI data managed by the management information is not stored in the memory 24b (first storage unit 203) (No in S125), it updates the management information (S126). Specifically, the control board 23 may delete information indicating the GUI data determined not to be stored in the memory 24b (first storage unit 203) from the management information, or may initialize the management information. Initialization of the management information is a process of returning information indicating whether or not GUI data is stored in each slot of the first storage unit 203 to an initial value. The initial value may be information indicating that no GUI data is stored in each slot, or may be information indicating that the initial value is present. The information indicating that the initial value is present is information different from information indicating whether or not GUI data is stored in each slot of the first storage unit 203.

[0108] The control board 23 deletes the driving course corresponding to the GUI data determined not to be stored in the memory 24b (first storage unit 203) from one or more driving courses included in the driving history stored in the memory 24a (second storage unit 204) (S127). Since the main body UI including the driving history is generated based on the driving history stored in the memory 24a (second storage unit 204), the driving course deleted from the driving history is not included in the main body UI including the driving history displayed on the main body display unit 206. In other words, the driving course deleted from the driving history is not displayed on the main body display unit 206. Therefore, when the GUI data is not stored in the memory 24b (first storage unit 203), the driving course corresponding to the GUI data that is not stored is not displayed on the main body display unit 206. Step S127 is executed in order to prevent a situation in which a driving course based on the driving history is presented as an executable driving course even though the corresponding GUI data is not stored, and a GUI based on the GUI data corresponding to the driving course cannot be displayed when the driving course is executed.

[0109] After step S127, the control board 23 transmits a display instruction of the initial screen to the display board 24 (S128). When the control board 23 determines that the actual data is stored in the memory 24b (first storage unit 203) (Yes in S125), it skips steps S126 and S127 and transmits a display instruction of the initial screen to the display board 24 (S128). When steps S126 and S127 are executed, the control board 23 issues a display instruction to the main body display unit 206 according to the updated management information or operation history. This makes it possible to prevent a display instruction to display a UI including the GUI data on the main body display unit 206 even though the GUI data is not stored in the memory 24b from being executed. In addition, since the UI including the GUI data can be prevented from being displayed on the main body display unit 206, it is possible to prevent the user from executing an operation course for which GUI data is not stored in the memory 24b.

[0110] Then, when the display board 24 receives an instruction to display the initial screen from the control board 23, it displays the initial screen on the main body display unit 206 (S129).

[0111] In the sequence diagram of FIG. 13, the processing by the control board 23 and the display board 24 is processing by the control unit 202.

[0112] In step S125, it is determined whether or not there is consistency between the management information managed in memory 23b (second storage unit 204) of control board 23 and the GUI data stored in memory 24b (first storage unit 203) of display board 24. Inconsistency may occur, for example, when display board 24 is replaced with a new board and when control board 23 is replaced with a new board.

[0113] When the display board 24 is replaced with a new board, in step S125, the control board 23 determines that all of the actual data of the GUI data managed by the management information is not stored in the memory 24b (first storage unit 203) of the display board 24. For this reason, the result of step S125 is No, and step S126 is executed.

[0114] On the other hand, when the control board 23 is replaced with a new board, the management information of the control board 23 is initialized in step S125, so there is no GUI data managed by the management information. Therefore, the control board 23 determines Yes in step S125.

[0115] When step S126 is executed and the management information is initialized, a display may be displayed to encourage the user to operate the home appliance 20. The operation specified at this time may be any operation, and the available operations may be presented in a general-purpose UI. When the operation by the home appliance 20 is executed and the operation is completed, as described in FIG. 12, the GUI data is downloaded, and the operating course data based on the GUI data can be made available for download at the next power-on timing. Therefore, in the display that encourages the user to operate the home appliance 20, it may be presented that the operating course data will be available for download at the next power-on timing.

[0116] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence diagram of a driving execution process when a terminal acquires an instruction for a driving course. Note that Fig. 16 shows only the home appliance 20 and the terminal 30 of the home appliance system 1, but communication between the home appliance 20 and the terminal 30 may be performed via the server 10 or directly.

[0117] The terminal 30 executes the application in response to a predetermined input from the user (S131).

[0118] The terminal 30 transmits a confirmation request to the home appliance 20 inquiring about the GUI data stored in the first storage unit 203 of the home appliance 20 (S132).

[0119] When the home appliance 20 receives the confirmation request, the home appliance 20 transmits response information including information indicating the GUI data stored in the first storage unit 203 to the terminal 30 (S133).

[0120] Based on the response information, the terminal 30 displays a terminal GUI based on the GUI data stored in the first storage unit 203 (S134). For example, when the terminal 30 receives the response information, it determines a terminal GUI that can be displayed and displays the determined terminal GUI. The terminal GUI that can be displayed is based on the GUI data stored in the first storage unit 203. The terminal GUI that can be displayed may be based on management information stored in the second storage unit 204. The terminal GUI may be generated based on the GUI data. When the terminal GUI is generated, the GUI data includes information indicating the text included in the GUI and the display mode of the text, rather than an image indicating the GUI. The display mode is, for example, the display position, size, color, type, etc. of the text.

[0121] The terminal 30 receives an instruction to execute an operating course by receiving an input to the terminal GUI (S135).

[0122] Then, the terminal 30 transmits the received instruction to execute the operating course to the home electric appliance 20 (S136).

[0123] When the home electric appliance 20 receives the instruction to execute the operating course, it executes the operating course according to the execution instruction (S137).

[0124] In this way, the terminal 30 displays the terminal GUI based on the GUI data stored in the first storage unit 203. Therefore, the terminal 30 does not display GUI data that is not stored in the first storage unit 203 as the terminal GUI. Therefore, the user cannot issue an instruction to execute an operating course corresponding to GUI data that is not stored in the first storage unit 203 from the terminal GUI. In other words, the terminal 30 cannot accept an instruction to cause the home appliance 20 to execute an operating course corresponding to GUI data that is not stored in the first storage unit 203.

[0125] The terminal GUI may include a UI for making the home appliance 20 execute an operating course of an operating history based on the operating history. In this case, the terminal GUI does not include a UI for executing an operating course when GUI data corresponding to the operating course included in the operating history is not stored in the first storage unit 203, similar to the above. In other words, when the GUI data is not stored in the first storage unit 203, the operating course corresponding to the GUI data may be deleted from the operating history, so that the terminal reception unit 302 cannot accept the selection of the operating course.

[0126] [3. Effects, etc.] The home appliance system 1 according to the present embodiment is a home appliance system including home appliances communicably connected to a server via a network, and the home appliance 20 includes a control unit 202, a first storage unit 203, a second storage unit 204, and a main display unit 206. The control unit 202 is capable of executing an operation course including a first operation course. The first storage unit 203 is capable of storing first information (operation course data) including an explanation of the first operation course. The second storage unit 204 is disposed on a board different from the first storage unit 203, and is capable of storing second information (GUI data) including the control contents of the first operation course. The main display unit 206 displays the first information during the execution of the first operation course. The control unit 202 downloads the first information from the server 10 and stores it in the first storage unit 203. The control unit 202 enables the first operation course to be executed when the first information is stored in the first storage unit 203 and the second information is stored in the second storage unit 204. If the first information is not stored in the first storage unit 203, the control unit 202 does not allow the first operating program to be executed.

[0127] According to this, since the home appliance 20 stores the first information in the first storage unit 203 by downloading it from the server 10, there are cases where the first information is not stored in the first storage unit 203 even though the first operating course is stored in the second storage unit 204. In the home appliance system 1, in the home appliance 20 as described above, if the first information is not stored in the first storage unit 203 and the first information cannot be displayed on the main body display unit 206 during operation of the first course, the first operating course is made unexecutable, so that it is possible to prevent the first information from not being displayed during execution of the first operating course in which the first information is not stored.

[0128] In addition, in the home appliance system 1 according to this embodiment, the second information is stored in the second storage unit 204 by the control unit 202 downloading the second information from the server 10 and storing it in the second storage unit 204.

[0129] According to this, the home appliance 20 stores the second information in the second storage unit 204 by downloading it from the server 10. In other words, the home appliance 20 downloads the first information and the second information from the server 10, and therefore may not store both the first information and the second information. In the home appliance system 1, in the home appliance 20 as described above, if the first information is not stored in the first storage unit 203 and the first information cannot be displayed on the main body display unit 206 during operation of the first course, the first operating course is made unexecutable, so that it is possible to prevent the first information from not being displayed during execution of the first operating course in which the first information is not stored.

[0130] Furthermore, in the home appliance system 1 according to this embodiment, the second storage unit 204 can store an operation history. The main body display unit 206 can display a main body UI (User Interface) for receiving an instruction to cause the home appliance 20 to execute an operation course indicated by the operation history. The home appliance 20 further includes a main body receiving unit 207 that receives an input to the main body UI. When the first information is not stored in the first storage unit 203, the control unit 202 executes a history deleting operation to delete the operation history of the first operation course from the second storage unit 204.

[0131] According to this, the home appliance 20 can receive an instruction to cause the home appliance 20 to execute an operating course indicated by the operating history. In the home appliance system 1, when the first information is not stored in the first storage unit 203 in the home appliance 20 as described above, the operating history of the first operating course is deleted, so that the first operating course in which the first information is not stored can be prevented from being executed based on an input to the main body UI based on the operating history. Therefore, it can be prevented that the first information is not displayed during the execution of the first operating course in which the first information is not stored.

[0132] Furthermore, in the home appliance system 1 according to the present embodiment, after the home appliance 20 is powered on, the control unit 202 executes a history deletion operation before displaying information on the main body display unit 206.

[0133] According to this, since the history deletion operation is performed between when the home appliance 20 is powered on and when information is displayed on the main body display unit 206, it is possible to prevent the main body UI based on the operation history of the first operating program from being displayed on the main body display unit 206 before information is displayed on the main body display unit 206. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first operating program in which the first information is not stored from being executed based on an input to the main body UI based on the operation history.

[0134] Moreover, the home appliance system 1 according to the present embodiment further includes a terminal 30 communicably connected to the home appliance 20 via the server 10. The terminal 30 includes a terminal reception unit 302 capable of receiving an instruction for the home appliance 20.

[0135] The terminal receiving unit 302 can receive an instruction from a user to cause the home appliance 20 to execute the first operating program. When the first information is not stored in the first storage unit 203, the terminal receiving unit 302 cannot receive an instruction to cause the home appliance 20 to execute the first operating program.

[0136] According to this, when the first information is not stored in the first storage unit 203 and the first information cannot be displayed on the main body display unit 206 during operation of the first course, the terminal 30 cannot accept an instruction to cause the home appliance 20 to execute the first operating course, thereby preventing the home appliance 20 from executing the first operating course. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the home appliance 20 from not displaying the first information during execution of the first operating course in which the first information is not stored.

[0137] Moreover, in the home appliance system 1 according to the present embodiment, the terminal 30 further includes a terminal display unit 301 capable of displaying information. The terminal display unit 301 is capable of displaying a terminal UI (User Interface) for receiving an instruction to cause the home appliance 20 to execute an operating course indicated in an operating history based on an operating history stored in the home appliance 20. When the first information is not stored in the first storage unit 203, the terminal UI does not include a first UI based on the operating history of the first operating course.

[0138] According to this, the terminal 30 can receive an instruction to cause the home appliance 20 to execute the operating course indicated by the operating history. In the home appliance system 1, when the first information is not stored in the first storage unit 203, the terminal UI displayed on the terminal display unit 301 does not include the first UI based on the operating history of the first operating course, so that it is possible to prevent the first operating course for which the first information is not stored from being executed based on an input to the terminal UI based on the operating history. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first information from not being displayed during the execution of the first operating course for which the first information is not stored.

[0139] Moreover, in the home electric appliance system 1 according to the present embodiment, the home electric appliance 20 downloads the first information after the operation of the operating course is completed.

[0140] According to this, since the download is executed after the driving course is completed, the download can be executed without affecting the driving and without being affected by the driving, and therefore the first information can be downloaded efficiently.

[0141] [4. Modifications] In the above embodiment, it is not possible to execute an operating course for which the corresponding GUI data is not stored in the first storage unit 203, but it is also possible to not accept an instruction to download the operating course corresponding to the GUI data, without being limited to not being able to execute the operating course. The instruction to download the operating course may be not accepted by inputting it to the home appliance 20, or may be not accepted by inputting it to the terminal 30.

[0142] When the home appliance 20 accepts a download instruction, the main body reception unit 207 included in the home appliance 20 can accept an instruction from a user to download driving course data from the server 10 to the home appliance 20. In such a home appliance 20, when no GUI data is stored in the first storage unit 203 and no driving course data is stored in the second storage unit 204, an instruction to download driving course data corresponding to GUI data not stored in the first storage unit 203 from the server 10 to the home appliance 20 cannot be accepted. This is because, for example, a UI for specifying driving course data to be downloaded is generated by the GUI data, and if the corresponding GUI data is not stored, a UI for specifying driving course data cannot be generated.

[0143] When the terminal 30 accepts a download instruction, the terminal acceptance unit 302 can accept an instruction from the user to download the second information from the server 10 to the home appliance 20. In such a terminal 30, when no GUI data is stored in the first storage unit 203 and no driving course data is stored in the second storage unit 204, the instruction to download the driving course data from the server 10 to the home appliance 20 cannot be accepted. This is because, for example, a UI for specifying the driving course data to be downloaded is generated by the GUI data, and if the corresponding GUI data is not stored, a UI for specifying the driving course data cannot be generated.

[0144] According to this, when the GUI data is not stored in the first storage unit 203 and the driving course data is not stored in the second storage unit 204, the main body reception unit 207 or the terminal reception unit 302 cannot receive an instruction to download the driving course data from the server 10 to the home appliance 20, and therefore it is possible to prevent the driving course indicated by the driving course data from being executed based on the driving course data downloaded by the home appliance 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first information from not being displayed in the home appliance 20 during the execution of a driving course in which the first information is not stored.

[0145] [others] In the above-mentioned embodiment, each component may be realized by a dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. Here, the software for realizing the home appliances, terminals, servers, etc. of the above-mentioned embodiment is a program that causes a computer to execute each step included in the flowchart shown in the figure.

[0146] The following cases are also included in this disclosure:

[0147] (1) Specifically, each of the above devices is a computer system consisting of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, hard disk unit, display unit, keyboard, mouse, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM or hard disk unit. Each device achieves its function by the microprocessor operating in accordance with the computer program. Here, a computer program is composed of a combination of multiple instruction codes that indicate commands for a computer to achieve a specified function.

[0148] (2) Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may be composed of one system LSI (Large Scale Integration). The system LSI is an ultra-multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating multiple components on one chip, and specifically, is a computer system including a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. A computer program is stored in the RAM. The system LSI achieves its functions by the microprocessor operating in accordance with the computer program.

[0149] (3) Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may be composed of an IC card or a standalone module that is detachable from each device. The IC card or the module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or the module may include the above-mentioned ultra-multifunction LSI. The microprocessor operates according to a computer program, causing the IC card or the module to achieve its functions. The IC card or the module may be tamper-resistant.

[0150] (4) The present disclosure may be embodied as any of the methods described above, a computer program for implementing these methods by a computer, or a digital signal comprising the computer program.

[0151] The present disclosure may also be a computer program or a digital signal recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), a semiconductor memory, etc. Also, the present disclosure may be a digital signal recorded on such a recording medium.

[0152] Furthermore, the present disclosure may involve transmitting the computer program or the digital signal via a telecommunications line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network such as the Internet, data broadcasting, or the like.

[0153] The present disclosure may also provide a computer system having a microprocessor and a memory, the memory storing the above-mentioned computer program, and the microprocessor operating in accordance with the computer program.

[0154] In addition, the program or the digital signal may be implemented by another independent computer system by recording it on the recording medium and transferring it, or by transferring the program or the digital signal via the network, etc.

[0155] (5) The above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined with each other. [Industrial Applicability]

[0156] The present disclosure can be used in household electrical appliances and the like that can prevent the home appliance from executing a first operating program if first information including a description of the first operating program is not stored. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1 Home appliance systems 2 Facilities 10 Server 11, 31 processors 12, 32 memory 20 Home appliances 21 Actuator 22 Heater 23 Control Board 23a, 24a Microcomputer 23b, 24b memory 24 Display board 25, 34 Communication IF 26, 36 Display 27, 35 Input devices 33 Storage 30 Terminals 40 Computer Networks 201 Operating part 202 Control section 203 1st memory section 204 2nd memory section 205, 303 Communications Department 206 Main unit display 207 Main Unit Reception 301 Terminal display unit 302 Terminal Reception

Claims

1. A home appliance system including home appliances communicably connected to a server via a network, The home appliance comprises: a control unit capable of executing an operating program including a first operating program; a first storage unit capable of storing first information including a description of the first operating program; A second storage unit that is disposed on a substrate different from the first storage unit and is capable of storing second information including control content of the first operating program; a main body display unit that displays the first information during execution of the first operating program, The control unit is downloading the first information from the server and storing it in the first storage unit; When the first information is stored in the first storage unit and the second information is stored in the second storage unit, the first operating program is executable; When the first information is not stored in the first storage unit, the first operating program is not executable. Home appliances systems.

2. The second information is stored in the second storage unit by the control unit downloading the second information from the server and storing it in the second storage unit. The home appliance system of claim 1 .

3. The second storage unit is capable of storing an operation history which is a history of operation courses executed in the home electric appliance, the home appliance includes a main body reception unit that receives an instruction to cause the home appliance to execute an operation course indicated by the operation history, The control unit executes a history deleting operation to delete the operating history of the first operating program from the second storage unit when the first information is not stored in the first storage unit. The home appliance system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit executes the history deletion operation after the home appliance is powered on and before displaying information on the main body display unit. The home appliance system of claim 3 .

5. The second storage unit is capable of storing an operation history which is a history of operation courses executed in the home electric appliance, The main body display unit includes: A driving course indicated by the driving history can be displayed, When the first information is not stored in the first storage unit, the first operating program is not displayed. The home appliance system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. moreover, a terminal communicably connected to the home appliance via the server; The terminal includes a terminal reception unit capable of receiving an instruction to the home appliance. The home appliance system of claim 1 .

7. The terminal reception unit is An instruction to cause the home appliance to execute the first operating program is received from a user, When the first information is not stored in the first storage unit, an instruction to cause the home appliance to execute the first operating program is not accepted. The home appliance system of claim 6.

8. The terminal further includes a terminal display unit capable of displaying information, The terminal display unit is capable of displaying an operation history which is a history of operation courses executed in the home electric appliance, The terminal reception unit is accepting a selection of an operation course based on the operation history, and accepting an instruction to cause the home appliance to execute the selected operation course; When the first information is not stored in the first storage unit, the selection of the first operating program cannot be accepted. The home appliance system according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The terminal reception unit is An instruction to download the second information from the server to the home appliance can be received from a user. When the first information is not stored in the first storage unit and the second information is not stored in the second storage unit, an instruction to download the second information from the server to the home appliance is not accepted. The home appliance system according to claim 6 or 7.

10. The main body reception unit of the home appliance includes: An instruction to download the second information from the server to the home appliance is received from a user, When the first information is not stored in the first storage unit and the second information is not stored in the second storage unit, an instruction to download the second information from the server to the home appliance is not accepted. The home appliance system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The home appliance downloads the first information after the operation of the operation course is completed. The home appliance system according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A control method for a home appliance system including home appliances communicably connected to a server via a network, comprising: downloading first information including a description of a first operating program from the server and storing it in a first storage unit of the first board; when the first information is stored in the first storage unit and second information including control content of the first operating program is stored in a second storage unit included in a second board, the operation of the first operating program can be executed; When the first information is not stored in the first storage unit, the first operating program is not executable. Control methods.

13. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 12.

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