Washing support system and washing support device

Abstract

To achieve washing support which can reflect preference of a user regarding washing which utilizes an RFID tag for reading.SOLUTION: A washing support system which includes a user terminal 1, a washing machine 2 and a washing support device 3 includes: a reading part 27 for reading a washing object ID for identifying a washing object 7 from an RFID tag 8 for reading provided at the washing object 7; a washing information specifying part 32 for corresponding to the washing object ID which has been read, and for showing the content of washing with respect to the washing object; an output part 16 for displaying the washing information; an input part 15 for receiving an update instruction from a user of the washing machine 2 with respect to the washing information; and a washing information update part 33 for reflecting the update instruction and updating the washing information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for assisting washing in a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, washing machines have the function of realizing various washing depending on the object of washing such as clothes. For example, multiple washing courses are prepared so that washing can be done according to the attributes such as the material of the clothes. However, in order to realize washing according to the user's preference, it is necessary to select a washing course and input the operation details of the user.

[0003] Therefore, Patent Document 1 describes that "information on each item of laundry is automatically read without the user being aware of it, and the washing is controlled based on that information." More specifically, it describes that "the device has an information receiving unit 113 that receives laundry information from a wireless information tag attached to the laundry, a calculation unit 114 that calculates operation details based on the laundry information, and a control unit 115 that executes the operation details, so that the laundry information on each item of laundry can be read automatically and simultaneously, and the user can simply put the laundry in the washing tub all at once to wash the laundry with operation details suited to the fabric quality, etc." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-174043 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, in Patent Document 1, so-called RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags are used to assist with laundry. Here, when it comes to laundry, different users may have different preferences, even for the same laundry item (clothes). In other words, if the laundry item is uniquely identified only by attributes such as the material, there is a risk that the user's preferences will not be reflected. Therefore, Patent Document 1 describes that laundry indicators are "set according to the user's preferences" (paragraph 0058).

[0006] However, Patent Document 1 only states that the setting may be made, and does not disclose any specific solution. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, information about the laundry item indicating the washing details is stored in the RFID tag (paragraphs 0027 and 0028 and FIG. 2). This is premised on rewriting the RFID tag, and is therefore not applicable to read-only RFID tags (read RFID tags). In particular, Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration registration that reflects the user's preferences when using a read RFID tag.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to realize laundry assistance that can reflect a user's preferences even when a read-only RFID tag (read RFID tag) is used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a laundry assistance system having a washing machine and an information processing device such as a user terminal or a laundry assistance device, the laundry assistance system having a reading unit that reads a laundry object ID that identifies the laundry object from a reading RFID tag attached to the laundry object, a laundry information identification unit that corresponds to the read laundry object ID and identifies laundry information that indicates the washing details for the laundry object, an output unit that displays the laundry information, an input unit that accepts update instructions from a user of the washing machine regarding the laundry information, and a laundry information update unit that updates the laundry information to reflect the update instructions.

[0009] The present invention also includes a laundry support method using the laundry support system, each of the devices and subcombinations that constitute the laundry support system. Furthermore, the laundry support method using these, a program for causing each of these devices to function as a computer, and a storage medium storing the program are also included in the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, even when a reading RFID tag is used, laundry assistance that can reflect the user's preferences can be realized. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram of a laundry assistance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram relating to an information processing function of the washing machine 2 in one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing laundry-related information 36 used in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a laundry support process in one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a system configuration diagram of a laundry assistance system in a first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a user terminal 1 in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine 2 in a first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified example of the washing machine 2 in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing user management information 361 used in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing laundry object information 362 used in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of a laundry support device 3 in a first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing clothing management information 42 used in the first embodiment. [Figure 13A] 1 is a flowchart (part 1) showing a laundry support process in the first embodiment. [Figure 13B] 13 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the laundry support process in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the display contents of representative information in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine 2 in a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified example of the washing machine 2 in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, laundry support for a laundry object is performed using a read RFID tag provided on the laundry object and having a laundry object ID for identifying the laundry object recorded thereon. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a laundry support system in this embodiment. The laundry support system of this embodiment has a user terminal 1, a washing machine 2, and a laundry support device 3, which are connected to each other via a router 5 and a network 6. However, among these, the user terminal 1 and the laundry support device 3 are not essential configurations, and only one of them may be used. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 1, the user terminal 1 and the laundry support device 3 each have the same configuration (parts), but it is sufficient that at least one of the devices has these. In the following, the user terminal 1 and the laundry support device 3 cooperate to execute the laundry support process, but the division of processing among these devices is an example and is not limited to the following description. For example, it may be executed by one of the devices. For this reason, the laundry support system in this embodiment can be configured by the washing machine 2 and at least one of the user terminal 1 and the laundry support device 3 (information processing device). Furthermore, the user terminal 1 can also be understood as one aspect of a laundry assistance device.

[0013] The configuration of this embodiment will be described below. In FIG. 1, an object to be washed 7 provided (attached) with a reading RFID tag 8 is put into the washing machine 2 and washed. At this time, washing is performed according to the washing object ID recorded in the reading RFID tag 8. For this purpose, the following configuration is provided. First, a user terminal 1 is used by a user who wishes to wash, and has a function of managing and operating the washing machine 2. For this purpose, the user terminal 1 has a communication unit 11, a laundry information identification unit 12, a laundry information update unit 13, a control command creation unit 14, an input unit 15, an output unit 16, and a storage unit 17. The communication unit 11 has a communication function via a router 5 and a network 6 and a short-range wireless communication function. As a result, the user terminal 1 can communicate with the washing machine 2.

[0014] Furthermore, the laundry information identifying unit 12 identifies the laundry information corresponding to the laundry object ID recorded in the reading RFID tag 8 attached to the laundry object 7. Here, the laundry information is information for identifying the contents of the laundry, and in the below-described embodiment 1, it can be realized as custom information for each laundry object 7 or default information common to the type of laundry object 7. Furthermore, the laundry information updating unit 13 updates the laundry information in response to an instruction from a user, etc. Note that the type is information for identifying an item to be washed, such as the model number, article number, etc. of clothes.

[0015] Furthermore, the control command creating unit 14 creates a control command according to the laundry information. This control command is notified to the washing machine 2 via the communication unit 11, and the washing machine 2 performs laundry in accordance with the control command. It is preferable that the control command creating unit 14 further has a function of creating a control command according to an operation by a user.

[0016] The input unit 15 also accepts various operations from the user. These operations include updating the laundry information and instructions to update the information. The output unit 16 also outputs the specified laundry information, the updated laundry information, and the like. This output may be a display on a screen or may be an audio output from a speaker. The storage unit 17 also stores information used for processing in each of the above-mentioned units. In this embodiment, the storage unit 17 can store laundry-related information. This laundry-related information will be described later, since the laundry support device 3 described later also handles the same type of information.

[0017] Next, the configuration of the washing machine 2 will be described. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram relating to the information processing function of the washing machine 2 in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the washing machine 2 has a control unit 21, a communication unit 24, a display operation unit 25, an operation unit 26, and a reading unit 27. These are connected to each other via a communication path. Each configuration will be described below.

[0018] First, control unit 21 creates and outputs a control signal for implementing the functions of washing machine 2, such as washing, and controls the operation of washing machine 2. For this purpose, control unit 21 has control signal creation unit 22 and ID acquisition unit 23. Control signal creation unit 22 creates a control signal for executing washing in accordance with an operation from a user or a control command from user terminal 1 or laundry support device 3.

[0019] Furthermore, ID acquisition unit 23 acquires the washing object ID of reading RFID tag 8 read by reading unit 27. That is, ID acquisition unit 23 has a function of controlling reading unit 27. Therefore, ID acquisition unit 23 can be realized as a so-called control controller, and can be realized as a so-called reader together with reading unit 27. Note that control unit 21 can be realized by an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), and each unit of control signal creation unit 22 and ID acquisition unit 23 can be realized by dedicated hardware or software such as a program.

[0020] The communication unit 24 also has a function of communicating via the router 5 and the network 6 and a function of short-range wireless communication. The communication unit 24 notifies the user terminal 1 and the laundry support device 3 of the washing object ID acquired from the reading RFID tag 8, and receives control commands from the user terminal 1 and the laundry support device 3.

[0021] Furthermore, display operation unit 25 accepts operations for washing machine 2 from the user and outputs specified washing information, etc. Operation unit 26 operates according to the control signal created by control signal creation unit 22. Furthermore, reading unit 27 reads the washing object ID from reading RFID tag 8 provided on washing object 7. For this reason, reading unit 27 can be realized by an antenna such as a microstrip antenna. Note that a configuration similar to laundry information identification unit 12 and laundry information update unit 13 of user terminal 1 may be provided in control unit 21 of washing machine 2. In this case, it is desirable to store laundry-related information in control unit 21.

[0022] Next, returning to FIG. 1, the configuration of the laundry support device 3 will be described. In this embodiment, the laundry support device 3 executes laundry support processing using the reading RFID tag 8 in cooperation with the user terminal 1, and is operated by the manufacturer or distributor of the washing machine 2. For this purpose, the laundry support device 3 has a communication unit 31, a laundry information identification unit 32, a laundry information update unit 33, a control command creation unit 34, and a storage unit 35. The communication unit 11 has a communication function via the router 5 and the network 6 and a short-range wireless communication function, and communicates with the user terminal 1 and the washing machine 2. In addition, the laundry information identification unit 32, the laundry information update unit 33, and the control command creation unit 34 have the same functions as the laundry information identification unit 12, the laundry information update unit 13, and the control command creation unit 14 of the user terminal 1.

[0023] The storage unit 35 also stores laundry-related information 36. The laundry-related information 36 will be described below. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the laundry-related information 36 used in this embodiment. The laundry-related information 36 includes laundry information indicating the details of the laundry for the laundry object 7. Specifically, the laundry-related information 36 has the following items for each user: washing machine, laundry object ID, type, material, and laundry information. Here, the washing machine identifies the washing machine used by the corresponding user.

[0024] The washing object ID is recorded in the reading RFID tag 8 and identifies the corresponding washing object. Here, the washing object ID identifies the washing object 7. Here, the identification of the washing object 7 may indicate at least one of the identification of the individual and the identification of its type. In this embodiment, the upper part ID (alphabetical part in the figure) identifies the type of washing object 7, and the lower part ID (numeric part in the figure) identifies the user, thereby realizing individual identification by combining the upper and lower parts. Note that this washing object ID is not limited to this example. For example, it is not necessary to separate the upper and lower parts, and the lower part may be a code for individual identification.

[0025] Moreover, the type indicates the type of laundry object owned by the user. Note that an image or icon for distinguishing the type may be used as the type. This also applies below. The material indicates the type of laundry object owned by the user. Furthermore, the laundry information indicates the washing content for the laundry object. For example, it can be composed of multiple parameters such as the detergent used, fabric softener, and spin-drying condition. As these parameters, for example, the time, strength, and characteristics of the water used (tap water, warm water, remaining hot water) indicating the degree of washing, spin-drying, and drying may be used. Furthermore, a menu such as the washing course of the washing machine 2 may be used. Furthermore, a combination of these may be used as the laundry information.

[0026] The user terminal 1 stores laundry-related information, which has the same items as the laundry-related information 36, but is limited to the corresponding user. In other words, the laundry-related information of the user terminal 1 corresponds to the record of the corresponding user among the laundry-related information 36.

[0027] In addition, the router 5 is a device that mediates communication between the user terminal 1 and the washing machine 2, but may be omitted. The network 6 connects the above-mentioned devices and can be realized by a wide area network such as the Internet or a combination of the wide area network and a local network.

[0028] The above is the description of the configuration of this embodiment, and the laundry support process using this configuration will be described below. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the laundry support process in this embodiment. First, in step S21, when the laundry object 7 is put into the washing machine 2, the reading unit 27 of the washing machine 2 reads the laundry object ID from the reading RFID tag 8, and the ID acquisition unit 23 acquires it.

[0029] In step S22, the communication unit 24 notifies the laundry support device 3 of the acquired laundry object ID. In this embodiment, the laundry object ID has a portion (lower portion) for identifying the user, but if this portion is not included, it is desirable to also notify information for identifying the user in this step. In step S31, the communication unit 31 accepts the laundry object ID. In step S32, the laundry information identification unit 32 identifies laundry information corresponding to the accepted laundry object ID from the laundry-related information 36. In step S21, if multiple laundry object IDs are read, it is desirable to execute a predetermined process such as a grouping process to identify representative information using multiple pieces of laundry information. In this case, in the subsequent process, both the representative information and the individual laundry information may be handled, or either one may be handled in a limited manner. A specific example of this will be described in Example 1 below. For this reason, in this embodiment, it will be described as laundry information hereafter.

[0030] In addition, in step S33, the communication unit 31 notifies the user terminal 1 of the specified laundry information. Then, in step S11, the communication unit 11 of the user terminal 1 accepts the notified laundry information. In addition, in step S12, the output unit 16 displays the accepted laundry information.

[0031] In step S13, the laundry information update unit 13 judges whether the input unit 15 has received an update instruction from the user for the displayed laundry information. As a result, if an update instruction has been received (Y), the process proceeds to step S15. In addition, if the input unit 15 does not receive an update instruction and receives an input to perform laundry using the displayed laundry information (N), the process proceeds to step S14. Here, updating includes modifying the laundry content indicated by the stored laundry information and additionally registering new laundry information. In addition, by receiving an update instruction from the user in this way, the user's preferences can be reflected in the laundry content, i.e., the laundry information.

[0032] Then, in step S14, the communication unit 11 notifies the laundry support device 3 of the operation instruction created by the laundry information update unit 13 according to the displayed laundry information. Also, in step S15, the communication unit 11 notifies the laundry support device 3 of the update instruction and the updated operation instruction. Here, the update instruction indicates the content of the update accepted in step S13. Also, the updated operation instruction is the operation instruction created by the laundry information update unit 13 according to the updated laundry information.

[0033] In step S34, the communication unit 31 of the laundry support device 3 receives the update instruction and the updated operation instruction notified in step S15. Then, in step S35, the laundry information update unit 33 updates the laundry information in the laundry-related information 36 in the storage unit 35 in response to the received update instruction.

[0034] In step S36, the communication unit 31 of the laundry support device 3 receives the operation instruction notified in step S14. In step S37, the control instruction creation unit 14 creates a control instruction according to the operation instruction received in steps S34 to S36. In step S38, the communication unit 31 notifies the washing machine 2 of the created control instruction.

[0035] As a result, in step S23, washing machine 2 performs washing according to the washing information. More specifically, communication unit 24 of washing machine 2 receives a control command. Control signal creation unit 22 generates a control signal according to the received control command. Then, control signal creation unit 22 outputs the generated control signal to operation unit 26. As a result, operation unit 26 operates and runs according to the control signal to perform washing.

[0036] This concludes the description of the laundry support process of this embodiment, but this is just an example, and this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, at least two of the operation instructions, the control instructions, and the control signals may be the same. For example, the operation instructions notified in step S14 or step S15 may be the control instructions or the control signals themselves.

[0037] Also, in step S33, the communication unit 31 may notify the washing machine 2 of a control command corresponding to the washing information, and the washing machine 2 may wash accordingly. Similarly, in steps S14 and S15, the communication unit 11 may notify the washing machine 2 of a control command corresponding to the washing information, and the washing machine 2 may wash accordingly. EXAMPLES

[0038] Next, Example 1, which is one of specific examples of the above-mentioned embodiment, will be described. Example 1 is an example in which custom information for each individual object to be washed 7 and default information common to the type of object to be washed 7 are used as the laundry information. Example 1 is also an example in which user management information and laundry object information are used as the laundry-related information. Details thereof will be described below.

[0039] First, the configuration of the embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 5 is a system configuration diagram of the laundry support system in the embodiment 1. In the embodiment 1 as well, an object 7 to be washed, which is provided with a reading RFID tag 8, is put into a washing machine 2 and washed. In Fig. 5 as well, the laundry support system has a user terminal 1, a washing machine 2, and a laundry support device 3, which are connected to each other via a router 5 and a network 6.

[0040] Also, in the first embodiment, among these devices, the user terminal 1 and the laundry support device 3 are not essential components, and only one of them may be used. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the user terminal 1 and the laundry support device 3 each have the same components (units), but it is sufficient that at least one of the devices has them. Furthermore, in the following, the user terminal 1 and the laundry support device 3 work together to execute the laundry support process, but the division of processing among these devices is an example and is not limited to the following description. For example, the process may be executed by only one of the devices. Therefore, the laundry support system in the first embodiment can also be configured by the washing machine 2 and at least one of the user terminal 1 and the laundry support device 3. Each device will be described below.

[0041] First, user terminal 1 is used by a user who wishes to wash, and has the function of managing and operating washing machine 2. For this purpose, user terminal 1 has communication unit 11, custom information identification unit 121, custom information update unit 131, default information identification unit 122, control command creation unit 14, input unit 15, output unit 16, and storage unit 17. Here, the functions of communication unit 11, control command creation unit 14, input unit 15, output unit 16, and storage unit 17 have already been explained in the above embodiment, so their explanations are omitted. However, storage unit 17 stores user management information and washing target information as laundry-related information, which will be explained later.

[0042] The custom information identifying unit 121 and the default information identifying unit 122 are one implementation example of the laundry information identifying unit 12. The custom information identifying unit 121 identifies custom information corresponding to the laundry object ID recorded in the reading RFID tag 8. The default information identifying unit 122 identifies default information corresponding to the laundry object ID recorded in the reading RFID tag 8. Here, the custom information is information indicating the laundry contents for each individual laundry object 7. The default information is information indicating the laundry contents common to the type of laundry object. Note that the default information is common to the type of laundry object, but the framework is not limited to the type. For example, other attributes such as by user, by color, by material, etc. may be used, or at least a partial combination of these may be used.

[0043] Further, custom information update unit 131 is one implementation of laundry information update unit 13, and updates custom information in response to instructions from a user, etc.

[0044] Next, an implementation example of the user terminal 1 will be described. Fig. 6 is a hardware configuration diagram of the user terminal 1 in the embodiment 1. In Fig. 6, the user terminal 1 has a touch panel 101, a processing device 102, a communication device 103, and a storage device 104, which are connected to each other via a communication path.

[0045] First, the touch panel 101 is configured to function as both the input unit 15 and the output unit 16 in Fig. 5, and receives instructions and operations from a user and displays various information. The touch panel 101 may be configured separately as an input device and an output device. The processing device 102 can be realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and executes calculations according to a laundry assistance program 105 stored in a storage device 104 described later.

[0046] 5, and communicates with the washing machine 2 and the like. This communication may be performed via the router 5 or the network 6, or may be performed directly by short-distance wireless communication or the like.

[0047] 5, and stores laundry assistance program 105, user management information 110, and laundry target information 111. However, some of these may be omitted and these functions may be implemented in washing machine 2 or laundry assistance device 3. Storage device 104 may be realized by a main storage device such as a memory and a secondary storage device (storage medium) that is a so-called storage. The secondary storage device may be realized by an external HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), memory card, or the like.

[0048] Further, laundry assistance program 105 is composed of a custom information identification module 106, a custom information update module 107, a default information identification module 108, and a control command creation module 109, for each function. Note that each of these modules may be realized as an individual program or a partial combination.

[0049] Here, the configuration shown in FIG. 5 that executes the same functions as each module is as follows. Custom information identification module 106: Custom information identification unit 121 Custom information update module 107: Custom information update unit 131 Default information specification module 108: Default information specification unit 122 Control command creation module 109: Control command creation unit 14 Therefore, processing device 102 executes the processes of custom information specifying unit 121 , custom information updating unit 131 , default information specifying unit 122 , and control command creating unit 14 in accordance with laundry assistance program 105 .

[0050] Here, the laundry assistance program 105 may be realized as one function of a washing machine management program that also performs maintenance of the washing machine 2, or may be realized as one function of a home appliance management program (integrated application) that also manages other home appliances.

[0051] Next, the user management information 110 is information about a user, and includes custom information about the laundry object 7 of the user. The laundry object information 111 is information about the laundry object including default information. Details of these pieces of information will be mentioned when explaining the laundry support device 3.

[0052] Next, the configuration of washing machine 2 will be described. The functional blocks of washing machine 2 in Example 1 can be realized in the same manner as in FIG. 2. An example of this implementation will be described below. FIG. 7 is a diagram that shows a schematic cross section of washing machine 2 in Example 1. FIG. 7 shows a hardware configuration that is an implementation example of FIG. 2, taking a so-called drum type washing machine as an example of washing machine 2. In FIG. 7, washing machine 2 has control board 201, washing tub 202, input port 203, communication IF (interface) 204, display operation panel 205, operating mechanism 206, antenna 207, and lid 208.

[0053] Here, control board 201 controls the operation of washing machine 2 and is an example of control unit 21 in Fig. 2. Washing tub 202 is connected to operating mechanism 206 and rotates during washing and drying according to the operation of operating mechanism 206 such as a motor. Also, an item 7 to be washed is put into washing tub 202 through input port 203. For this reason, antenna 207, which will be described later, is provided near input port 203 in washing tub 202 as well.

[0054] Moreover, communication IF 204 communicates with user terminal 1 and the like, and is an example of communication unit 24 in Fig. 2. Moreover, display operation panel 205 is an example of display operation unit 25 in Fig. 2, which receives operations for washing machine 2 from a user and outputs specified custom information such as a washing course to be executed, default information, and the like. Note that output on display operation unit 25 may be performed by voice.

[0055] The operating mechanism 206 is realized by a power source and a motor, operates according to a control signal from the control board 201, and is an example of the operating unit 26 in FIG. 2. The antenna 207 is an antenna that reads the laundry object ID from the reading RFID 8, and is an example of the reading unit 27 in FIG. 2. For example, a microstrip antenna can be used for this antenna 207. The antenna 207 is provided near the input port 203, so that the ID of the laundry object 7 can be read when the laundry object 7 is input. The lid unit 208 is a lid that covers the input port 203, and can be opened and closed.

[0056] In addition, in addition to the drum type washing machine described above, a so-called vertical washing machine can be used as the washing machine 2. Therefore, the structure of a vertical washing machine will be described below as a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified example of the washing machine 2 in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 shows the hardware configuration of a so-called vertical washing machine as the washing machine 2. In FIG. 8, the washing machine 2 also has a control board 201, a washing tub 202, an input port 203, a communication IF 204, a display operation panel 205, an operating mechanism 206, an antenna 207, and a lid 208.

[0057] Unlike in Fig. 7, in washing machine 2 in Fig. 8, washing tub 202 opens upward, and has input port 203 and lid 208 at its upper portion. Antenna 207 is provided in washing tub 202 near input port 203, i.e., at its upper portion, so that the ID of the object to be washed can be read when object to be washed 7 is inserted. Although antenna 207 is provided in washing tub 202 in Figs. 7 and 8, it may be provided somewhere other than washing tub 202 as long as it is near input port 203. Furthermore, in Figs. 7 and 8, control board 201, communication IF 204, and antenna 207 may be configured with a sealed structure such as packing for waterproofing.

[0058] Next, returning to FIG. 5, the configuration of the laundry support device 3 in the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the laundry support device 3 also cooperates with the user terminal 1 to execute the laundry support process using the RFID tag 8 for reading, and is operated by the manufacturer or distributor of the washing machine 2. For this purpose, the laundry support device 3 has a communication unit 31, a custom information identification unit 321, a custom information update unit 331, a default information identification unit 322, a control command creation unit 34, and a storage unit 35. Here, the functions of the communication unit 31, the control command creation unit 34, and the storage unit 35 have already been described in the above embodiment, so that the description thereof will be omitted. However, the storage unit 35 stores user management information 361 and laundry target information 362 as laundry-related information, which will be described later.

[0059] The custom information identifying unit 321 and the default information identifying unit 322 are examples of the laundry information identifying unit 32. The custom information identifying unit 321 identifies custom information corresponding to the laundry object ID recorded in the reading RFID tag 8. The default information identifying unit 322 identifies default information corresponding to the laundry object ID recorded in the reading RFID tag 8. The custom information updating unit 331 is an example of the laundry information updating unit 33, and updates the custom information in response to an instruction from a user, etc.

[0060] Here, the user management information 361 and the washing object information 362 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the user management information 361 used in the first embodiment. The user management information 361 is information related to a user. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 9, the user management information 361 has the following items for each user: user ID, washing machine, type, washing object type ID, material, and custom information. Here, the washing machine identifies the washing machine used by the corresponding user. Also, the type indicates the type of washing object owned by the corresponding user.

[0061] The washing object type ID identifies the type of the corresponding washing object. The material indicates the type of the washing object owned by the corresponding user. The custom information is an example of washing information, and indicates the washing content for the corresponding washing object (individual). For this reason, like the washing information, it can be composed of multiple parameters such as the detergent, fabric softener, and spin-drying condition to be used. Similarly, parameters such as the time, strength, and characteristics of the water to be used (tap water, hot water, remaining hot water) indicating the degree of washing, spin-drying, and drying can be used. Furthermore, like the washing information, a menu such as a washing course of the corresponding washing machine 2 may be used. Furthermore, a combination of these may be used as the custom information. In this way, the custom information is information indicating the washing content specialized for the corresponding washing object (individual).

[0062] Here, in the first embodiment, the user ID and the washing object type ID are combined to form the washing object ID. In this way, in the first embodiment, the washing object ID identifies the individual washing object. Note that, as custom information, default information indicating the washing contents common to each type of washing object may be used. Furthermore, in the user management information 361, the user ID and the washing object type ID may be combined and managed as one washing object ID.

[0063] Next, the washing object information 362 is information on the washing object including default information. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the washing object information 362 used in the first embodiment. In FIG. 10, the washing object information 362 has items of washing object type ID, material, and default information for each type of washing object. Here, the washing object type ID and material are the same as those in the user management information 361. And the default information is information indicating washing contents common to the type of washing object. The default information may be determined using multiple parameters like custom information, or may be content that allows the washing course of the washing machine to be selected. Other than that, it may be content that is recommended for the washing object like dry cleaning.

[0064] The user management information 110 may be information limited to the user of the corresponding user terminal 1 from the user management information 361. The laundry target information 111 is the same information as the center target information 352, but this can be omitted.

[0065] Next, an example of implementation of the laundry support device 3 will be described. Fig. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram of the laundry support device 3 in the embodiment 1. In Fig. 11, the laundry support device 3 has a processing device 301, a communication device 302, a memory 303, and a secondary storage device 304, which are connected to each other via a communication path.

[0066] First, the processing device 301 can be realized by a processor such as a CPU, and executes calculations according to a laundry assistance program 305 stored in a sub-storage device 304, which will be described later. The laundry assistance program 305 will be described later.

[0067] 5, is connected to the network 6, and communicates with other devices.

[0068] 5. The memory 303 and the secondary storage device 304 expand information used for processing by the laundry assistance program 305 and the processing device 301 stored in the secondary storage device 304. The secondary storage device 304 can be realized by a so-called storage device, and stores the laundry assistance program 305, user management information 361, and laundry target information 362. The secondary storage device 304 may be realized by various storage media such as an external HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or memory card. The secondary storage device 304 may be realized by a device separate from the laundry assistance device 3, such as a file server.

[0069] Here, laundry assistance program 305 is composed of a custom information identification module 306, a custom information update module 307, a default information identification module 308, and a control command creation module 309, for each function. Note that each of these modules may be realized as an individual program or a partial combination.

[0070] Here, the configuration shown in FIG. 5, which performs the same functions as each module, is as follows. Custom information identification module 306: Custom information identification unit 321 Custom information update module 307: Custom information update section 331 Default information specification module 308: Default information specification unit 322 Control command creation module 309: control command creation unit 34 Note that at least one of the laundry assistance program 305 and the laundry assistance program 105 executes the same calculations as the laundry assistance program 305 and the laundry assistance program 105, and it is sufficient for at least one of them to exist. In this case, it is sufficient for the modules constituting these programs to exist in at least one of them.

[0071] The laundry support device 3 may further include a display device and an input device, and may be connected to a terminal device. The description of the configuration of the laundry support device 3 has now been completed. Returning to FIG. 5, the clothing management device 4 will now be described.

[0072] The clothing management device 4 is a computer used by a manufacturer or distributor of clothing, which is an example of a laundry target. The clothing management device 4 manages information about the target clothing. For this purpose, the clothing management device 4 has a storage unit 41 that stores clothing management information 42. The clothing management information 42 is provided to other devices via the network 6.

[0073] Here, the clothing management information 42 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the clothing management information 42 used in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the clothing management information 42 has items of clothing type ID, material, and handling information for each type of clothing. Here, the clothing type ID identifies the type of the corresponding clothing and can be associated with the above-mentioned washing object type ID. For this reason, it is preferable that the clothing type ID and the washing object type ID are the same. Also, the material is the same item as the above-mentioned material. Furthermore, the handling information is an item indicating how to handle the corresponding clothing, and indicates a washing machine, a dry cleaning, whether or not the washing machine can be used, and a maintenance method such as drying in the shade. Furthermore, default information may be used as the handling information. And the clothing management information 42 can be used to create the default information. Note that the clothing management device 4 is one example, and a device that handles information on washing objects other than clothing may be provided, or a device that handles these collectively may be provided.

[0074] The description of the configuration of the embodiment 1 has been completed above, and the laundry support process using this configuration will be described below. Figures 13A and 13B are flowcharts showing the laundry support process in the embodiment 1. The contents will be described below with reference to Figures 2 and 5.

[0075] In steps S201, S202, and S301 in Fig. 13A, the same processes as steps S21, S22, and S31 in Fig. 4 are executed. As a result, the laundry support device 3 acquires the laundry object ID of the laundry object put into the washing machine 2.

[0076] In step S302, the custom information identifying unit 321 determines whether custom information corresponding to the washing object ID received in step S301 is registered in the user management information 361. For this purpose, the washing object ID is compared with the combination of the user ID and the washing object type ID in the user management information 361. As a result, if the washing object ID is registered (Y), the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if the washing object ID is not registered (N), the process proceeds to step S304.

[0077] Then, in step S303, the custom information identifying unit 321 identifies the custom information corresponding to the washing object ID accepted in step S301 from the user management information 361. Also, in step S304, the default information identifying unit 322 notifies the clothing management device 4 of a request to acquire clothing management information via the communication unit 31. This acquisition request includes the washing object ID or a washing object type ID that constitutes the washing object ID.

[0078] In step S401, the communication unit of the clothing management device 4 receives an acquisition request. In step S402, the processing unit of the clothing management device 4 identifies handling information corresponding to the washing object ID or washing object type ID included in the acquisition request. To this end, the processing unit searches for the clothing type ID in the clothing management information 42 using the washing object ID or washing object type ID as a key, and identifies the corresponding handling information. At this time, in addition to the handling information, information related to the relevant clothing, such as material, may also be identified.

[0079] In step S403, the communication unit of the clothing management device 4 notifies at least the handling information identified in step S402 to the laundry support device 3. As a result, the communication unit 31 of the laundry support device 3 receives the handling information.

[0080] Then, in step S305, the default information identification unit 322 identifies default information using the accepted handling information. At this time, the default information identification unit 322 may create default information using the handling information, or may treat the handling information as default information. The creation of the default information is executed according to default information creation rules stored in advance in the laundry support device 3.

[0081] In addition, in step S306, the custom information update unit 331 executes a representative information identification process. Here, the representative information will be described. When there are multiple laundry objects 7, the laundry contents may differ for each laundry object 7. In other words, different custom information and default information may be mixed. Therefore, in the first embodiment, representative information that represents different laundry contents is used. The representative information identification process for identifying the representative information will be described in detail below.

[0082] First, the custom information update unit 331 determines whether multiple washing object IDs have been received in S301. This determines whether multiple washing objects 7 have been inserted. If the result shows that there is not multiple washing object IDs (single), the custom information update unit 331 specifies the custom information specified in step S303 or the default information specified in step S305 as representative information.

[0083] Furthermore, if there are multiple laundry object IDs, the custom information update unit 331 identifies representative information using the custom information identified in step S303 and the default information identified in step S305. Identification of representative information can be achieved by various methods. Examples are described below. In this case, the custom information identified in step S303 and the default information identified in step S305 are referred to as multiple laundry information.

[0084] (1) Among multiple pieces of laundry information, the laundry information that shows the most similar laundry contents is defined as the representative information. In this case, "same" includes information whose difference is within a predetermined range. (2) When the laundry information is determined by a combination of multiple parameters, the parameter that most frequently indicates the same laundry content is identified for each parameter, and these combinations are created as representative information. (3) Among the multiple pieces of laundry information, laundry information that meets a predetermined criterion is selected. In this case, the criterion can be "least damage to the laundry object 7" or "shortest laundry time", etc. (4) Using so-called machine learning, representative information is created according to a combination of multiple laundry information. In this case, the laundry history data of the relevant user may be used, or history data including other users may be used. In addition, the history data of the most similar or identical combination of laundry information may simply be used.

[0085] The above representative information is merely an example, and is not limited to the representative information of Example 1. Note that the above representative information may include each of the multiple pieces of laundry information.

[0086] Furthermore, in step S307, the communication unit 31 notifies the specified representative information to the user terminal 1. Furthermore, in step S101, the communication unit 11 of the user terminal 1 accepts the notified representative information.

[0087] The above steps S302 to S307 correspond to steps S32 to S33 in the above embodiment. More specifically, steps S302 to S306 correspond to step S32, and step S307 corresponds to step S33.

[0088] Then, in step S102, the output unit 16 displays the received representative information. In response to this, the input unit 15 becomes able to receive an update instruction for the representative information. Here, an example of the display contents in this step will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the display contents of the representative information in the first embodiment. In FIG. 14, the display screen 160 of the output unit 16 is composed of a message area 161, an update area 162, an individual area 163, and a confirmation button 164. First, the message area 161 displays that the loading of the washing object 7 into the washing tub 202 has been detected and that the washing course is to be updated. Here, in FIG. 14, as an example of updating the custom information, the selection of a washing course is prompted. However, this is only an example, and it is sufficient to display so that the contents of the washing can be specified. In this way, the update area 162 is able to receive an update of the representative information.

[0089] The update area 162 displays the specified representative information as a recommended course, and includes a button for modifying this. The individual area 163 displays each laundry object 7 whose input has been detected, and the corresponding laundry information, which is the custom information specified in step S303 and the default information specified in step S305. The update area 162 is also configured to accept an instruction to update the laundry content for each laundry object 7, which is an example of a laundry course. That is, an instruction to update the individual laundry information can be accepted. By accepting an update instruction from the user in this way, the user's preferences can be reflected in the laundry content, i.e., the custom information.

[0090] As described above, by using the display screen of FIG. 14, the input unit 15 can receive update instructions for the representative information and each piece of laundry information. However, these update instructions may be configured for at least one of the representative information and each piece of laundry information. Furthermore, the representative information may be configured to be updated in response to an update instruction for each piece of laundry information. In this case, the representative information can be updated by the above-mentioned (1) to (4). Furthermore, this update may be executed by the custom information update unit 131 of the user terminal 1 or may be executed by the custom information update unit 331 of the laundry support device 3. The update here also includes creating new representative information or new pieces of laundry information in response to an operation on the input unit 15 by the user.

[0091] Then, the displayed contents are confirmed by the input unit 15 accepting the user's designation of the confirm button 164. This ends the explanation of Fig. 14, and the explanation of the laundry support process will be continued by returning to Fig. 13.

[0092] Furthermore, in step S103, custom information update unit 131 determines whether input unit 15 has received the above-mentioned update instruction. In this step, it is desirable to make this determination when confirm button 164 is specified. For example, even if an operation is once performed on update area 162 or individual area 163, if the content is returned, it is determined that there is no update instruction. As a result, if there is an update instruction (Y), the process transitions to step S105. Also, if there is no update instruction (N), the process transitions to step S104.

[0093] In step S104, the communication unit 11 notifies the laundry support device 3 of an operation instruction. The operation instruction has contents corresponding to the displayed representative information. In step S105, the communication unit 11 notifies the laundry support device 3 of an update instruction and an operation instruction. Here, the update instruction is the contents accepted from the user in step S103. The operation instruction is indicated by the update contents and is created by the custom information update unit 131.

[0094] The above steps S101 to S105 correspond to steps S11 to S15 in the above embodiment, respectively.

[0095] In step S308, the communication unit 31 of the laundry support device 3 receives the update instruction and the operation instruction notified in step S105. In step S309, the custom information update unit 331 updates the custom information in the user management information 361 in the storage unit 35 in response to the received update instruction. In this manner, (1) custom information is created in response to the update instruction for the default information in step S103, and is newly registered in the user management information 361. In addition, in response to the update instruction for the custom information in step S103, the custom information is modified, and the content of the user management information 361 is changed.

[0096] In step S310, communication unit 31 of laundry support device 3 receives the operation instruction notified in step S104. In step S311, control command creation unit 14 creates a control command according to the operation instruction received in steps S308 to S310. In step S312, communication unit 31 notifies washing machine 2 of the created control command.

[0097] As a result, in step S203, washing machine 2 performs washing according to the washing information. More specifically, communication unit 24 of washing machine 2 receives a control command. Control signal creation unit 22 generates a control signal according to the received control command. Then, control signal creation unit 22 outputs the generated control signal to operation unit 26. As a result, operation unit 26 operates and runs according to the control signal to perform washing.

[0098] The above steps S308 to S312 and step S203 correspond to steps S34 to S38 and step S23 in the above embodiment, respectively.

[0099] This concludes the description of the laundry support process of the first embodiment, but the present embodiment is not limited to this content. For example, step S307 is performed on the condition that multiple laundry object IDs are received in S301. In this case, each piece of laundry information is notified and displayed as representative information. In step S102, the output unit 16 omits the update area 162 for display. Also, when multiple laundry object IDs are received in S301, the output unit 16 displays each piece of laundry information. Then, the input unit 15 receives a selection for the individual area 163, and the custom information update unit 131 sets this as representative information or custom information. EXAMPLES

[0100] Next, a description will be given of Example 2 in which the installation position of the antenna 207 is changed from that of Example 1. Note that, since Example 2 is the same as Example 1 except for the installation position of the antenna 207, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of washing machine 2 in Example 2. This corresponds to FIG. 7 in Example 1, and the installation position of antenna 207 is changed from washing tub 202 to lid part 208. Here, when washing object 7 is put in, lid part 208 is opened and its inner side faces input port 203. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 15, antenna 207 is installed facing the inner side of lid part 208. Also, antenna 207 may be installed on the inner side of lid part 208.

[0102] Next, Fig. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a modified example of washing machine 2 in Example 2. This corresponds to Fig. 8 of Example 1, and the installation position of antenna 207 is also changed from washing tub 202 to lid part 208. Also in this modified example, antenna 207 is installed facing the inside of lid part 208. Antenna 207 may be installed on the inside of lid part 208.

[0103] This concludes the explanation of the first and second embodiments. According to the first embodiment, the custom information indicating the washing details for the washing object 7 can be appropriately and easily updated. Furthermore, by using the clothing management information 42 and information of a third party, more appropriate custom information and default information can be set.

[0104] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and examples. For example, an RFID tag Instead of or in addition to the use of the image processing, the clothes may be identified and the laundry object ID may be specified. In this case, the reading unit 27 may be realized by a camera. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1...user terminal, 11...communication unit, 12...laundry information determination unit, 13...laundry information update unit, 14...control command creation unit, 15...input unit, 16...output unit, 17...storage unit, 121...custom information determination unit, 122...default information determination unit, 131...custom information update unit, 2...washing machine, 21...control unit, 22...control signal creation unit, 23...ID acquisition unit, 24...communication unit, 25...display operation unit, 26...operation unit, 27...reading unit unit, 3...laundry support device, 31...communication unit, 32...laundry information determination unit, 33...laundry information update unit, 34...control command creation unit, 35...storage unit, 321...custom information determination unit, 322...default information determination unit, 331...custom information update unit, 361...user management information, 4...clothing management device, 41...storage unit, 42...clothing management information, 5...router, 6...network, 7...laundry object, 8...reading RFID tag

Claims

1. In a laundry assistance system having a washing machine and an information processing device, A reading unit that reads a washing object ID that identifies the washing object from a reading RFID tag provided on the washing object; a laundry information identification unit that identifies laundry information indicating the details of laundry for the laundry object corresponding to the read laundry object ID; An output unit for displaying the laundry information; An input unit that receives an update instruction for the laundry information from a user of the washing machine; A laundry assistance system having a laundry information update unit that updates the laundry information by reflecting the update instruction.

2. The laundry assistance system according to claim 1 , The laundry information is default information common to the type of laundry object and custom information specific to the laundry object, The laundry information update unit is a custom information update unit that updates the custom information, When the custom information is not registered in the storage unit, the output unit displays the default information, the input unit receives an instruction to update the displayed default information, and the custom information update unit creates custom information in response to the update instruction. When custom information is registered, the output unit displays the custom information, the input unit receives an instruction to update the displayed custom information, and the custom information update unit modifies the custom information in response to the update instruction.

3. The laundry assistance system according to claim 1 , A laundry assistance system in which the laundry content in the laundry information is determined by a plurality of parameters.

4. The laundry assistance system according to claim 1 , The output unit displays each of a plurality of pieces of laundry information corresponding to a plurality of laundry object IDs when the plurality of laundry object IDs are read by the reading unit.

5. The laundry assistance system according to claim 1 , The laundry information identifying unit identifies representative information using a plurality of pieces of laundry information corresponding to the plurality of laundry object IDs when the reading unit reads a plurality of laundry object IDs.

6. The laundry assistance system according to claim 1 , The reading unit reads the ID of the laundry object when the laundry object is put into the washing machine.

7. The laundry assistance system according to claim 6, The reading unit is an antenna, and the antenna is installed inside the washing tub or on the lid of the washing machine.

8. The laundry assistance system according to claim 1 , The laundry support system, wherein the laundry object ID is composed of a partial ID for identifying a type of the laundry object and a partial ID for identifying the user.

9. A washing support device connected to a washing machine, a laundry information identification unit that identifies laundry information indicating the details of the laundry to be performed on the laundry object, the laundry information corresponding to a laundry object ID that is read by a reading unit from a reading RFID tag provided on the laundry object; A laundry assistance device having a laundry information update unit that updates the laundry information by reflecting an update instruction from a user of the washing machine with respect to the displayed laundry information.

10. The laundry support device according to claim 9, The laundry information is default information common to the type of laundry object and custom information specific to the laundry object, The laundry information update unit is a custom information update unit that updates the custom information, When the custom information is not registered in the storage unit, the custom information update unit creates custom information in response to an update instruction for the displayed default information, When custom information is registered, the custom information update unit modifies the custom information in response to an update instruction for the displayed custom information.

11. The laundry support device according to claim 9, The laundry information includes laundry details that are determined by a plurality of parameters.

12. The laundry support device according to claim 9, The laundry assistance device displays, on condition that a plurality of laundry object IDs are read by the reading unit, each of a plurality of pieces of laundry information corresponding to the plurality of laundry object IDs.

13. The laundry support device according to claim 9, The laundry information identifying unit is a laundry assistance device that, when a plurality of laundry object IDs are read by the reading unit, identifies representative information using a plurality of laundry information corresponding to the plurality of laundry object IDs.

14. The laundry support device according to claim 9, The reading unit is a laundry assistance device that reads the laundry object ID when the laundry object is put into the washing machine.

15. The laundry support device according to claim 14, The reading unit is an antenna, and the antenna is installed inside the washing tub or on the lid of the washing machine.

16. The laundry support device according to claim 9, The washing object ID is composed of a partial ID for identifying a type of the washing object and a partial ID for identifying the user.

Images