Clothing treatment machine, clothing treatment system, and program

Abstract

To provide a program, a clothing treatment machine and a clothing treatment system capable of improving usability.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment machine includes: a clothing treatment machine body; an operation reception part provided at the clothing treatment machine body; and a control part for controlling the clothing treatment machine body. The operation reception part includes: a selection operation part for selecting an operation type which is executed out of a plurality of operation types that can be executed in the clothing treatment machine body; and a transition operation part. The transition operation part is an operation part for shifting from a first state where selection operation using the selection operation part is possible to a second state where setting on operation is received based on a remote control. The operation reception part has, at least temporarily, the selection operation part and the transition operation part in a simultaneously visible state. In the case where the transition operation part is operated so as to shift from the first state to the second state, the control part changes at least a part of a state of the operation reception part, and changes a state of the operation reception part into a mode corresponding to the reception of the operation of the operation reception part being restricted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothes processing machine, a clothes processing system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A system including a clothes treating machine and a washing machine application of a terminal device capable of communicating with the clothes treating machine is known. Meanwhile, there are expectations for improved usability of the clothes treating machine or the system related to the clothes treating machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6983131 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothes processing machine, a clothes processing system, and a program that can improve usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A clothing processing machine according to an embodiment includes a clothing processing machine main body, an operation receiving unit provided in the clothing processing machine main body, and a control unit for controlling the clothing processing machine main body. The operation receiving unit includes a selection operation unit for selecting an operation type to be performed from among a plurality of operation types that can be performed by the clothing processing machine main body, and a transition operation unit. The transition operation unit is an operation unit for transitioning from a first state in which a selection operation using the selection operation unit is possible to a second state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on a remote operation, and the operation accepting unit has the selection operation unit and the transition operation unit in a state in which they can be simultaneously viewed at least temporarily. When the transition operation unit is operated to transition from the first state to the second state, the control unit changes the state of at least a part of the operation accepting unit that is different from the transition operation unit, and changes the state of the operation accepting unit to a state corresponding to the restriction of acceptance of at least a part of the operation using the operation accepting unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a clothing processing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a laundry treatment machine according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first example of a display on an operation panel according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of a display on the operation panel of the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a third example of a display on the operation panel of the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a display on the operation panel of the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fifth example of a display on the operation panel of an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sixth example of a display on the operation panel of an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a seventh example of a display of the operation panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an eighth example of a display on the operation panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a ninth example of a display on the operation panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a tenth example of a display of the operation panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a server according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of a display on the display device of the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of a display on the display device of the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a third example of a display on the display device of the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a display on the display device of the embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a fifth example of a display on the display device of the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a sixth example of a display on the display device of the embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a seventh example of a display on the display device of the embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an eighth example of a display on the display device of the embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a ninth example of a display on the display device of the embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a tenth example of a display of the display device of the embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an eleventh example of a display on the display device of the embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a twelfth example of a display on the display device of the embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an eleventh example of a display on the operation panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a thirteenth example of a display on the display device of the embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a 14th example of a display on the display device of an embodiment. [Diagram 31]FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a 15th example of a display on the display device of an embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a 16th example of a display on the display device of the embodiment. [Diagram 33] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a process flow at the time of starting up the clothes treating machine according to an embodiment. [Diagram 34] 11 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of a process for synchronizing the display of a clothes processing machine and a terminal device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 35] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of a display on an operation panel according to another embodiment. [Diagram 36] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of a display on an operation panel according to another embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 13 is a view showing a third example of a display of an operation panel according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, the program, the clothes processing machine, and the clothes processing system of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to components having the same or similar functions. Then, the duplicated description of those components may be omitted. "Based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and may include the case of being based on another element in addition to XX. "Based on XX" is not limited to the case of directly using XX, but may also include the case of being based on XX that has been calculated or processed. "XX or YY" is not limited to either one of XX and YY, but may also include both XX and YY. This also applies to the case of three or more selective elements. "XX" and "YY" are any element (for example, any information). In this application, "acquisition" is not limited to the case of actively acquiring by transmitting a transmission request, but may also include the case of acquiring by passively receiving information transmitted from another device.

[0008] <Embodiment> As one embodiment, a clothing processing system 1 is described in which the content displayed on the display device 301 of the terminal device 300 is changed in synchronization with the clothing processing machine 100 accepting an operation by a user U to set or select the operating content of the clothing processing machine 100.

[0009] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a clothing processing system 1 according to an embodiment. The clothing processing system 1 includes, for example, a clothing processing machine 100, a server 200, and a home appliance management application APP of a terminal device 300. The clothing processing system 1 may be realized by the clothing processing machine 100 and the home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300 without including the server 200. The network NW described below may be, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a Low Power Wide Area (LPWA), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), or other public or dedicated lines, depending on the situation.

[0010] The clothing processing machine 100 is an electric device used mainly at home. The term "clothing processing machine" broadly refers to a device that performs some processing on clothing (for example, one or more of the following processing: washing, drying, removing wrinkles, strengthening creases, deodorizing, removing pollen, removing dust, or sterilizing). The clothing processing machine 100 is, for example, a washing machine, but also includes a closet-type dry cleaner. The clothing processing machine 100 is installed in the residence of a user U, and is connected to a network NW via a wireless router WR and a modem M installed in the residence of the user U. The clothing processing machine 100 can communicate with a server 200 or a terminal device 300 via the network NW.

[0011] The server 200 is a management server that manages the clothes processing machine 100. The server 200 is composed of one or more server devices (e.g., cloud servers). The server 200 may be referred to as a "server system." The server 200 is capable of communicating with the clothes processing machine 100 or the terminal device 300 via the network NW. The server 200 may include an information processing unit that performs edge computing or fog computing, such as an information processing unit included in a router in the network NW. The server 200 is not limited to a cloud server, and may be a computer in the residence of the user U, or a home router (e.g., a wireless router WR).

[0012] The terminal device 300 is a terminal device used by a user U. The terminal device 300 is, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal device. However, the terminal device 300 is not limited to a mobile terminal device and may be a personal computer or the like. The terminal device 300 has, for example, a display device 301, an input device 302, and a communication unit 303. The display device 301 has a display screen 301a that can display various information. The input device 302 can accept input from the user U. The input device 302 is, for example, a touch panel that is provided on top of the display screen 301a of the display device 301. The input device 302 may include a camera, a microphone, and the like provided in the terminal device 300. The communication unit 303 is a communication module capable of wireless communication. The communication unit 303 is connected to the network NW via a wireless router WR and a modem M or directly. The communication unit 303 can communicate with the clothing processing machine 100 or the server 200 via the network NW.

[0013] An application program P is installed in the terminal device 300, and the functions described below are supported. The application program P is, for example, an application program for managing the clothes processing machine 100. In each embodiment of the present invention, application software that is started by executing the application program P is referred to as a "home appliance management application APP." The application program P is an example of a "program."

[0014] (Clothes processing machine) Next, the clothes treating machine 100 will be described using a drum-type washing machine as an example. Note that the following description does not limit the scope of the "clothes treating machine" or "washing machine" of this application. The clothes treating machine is not limited to a drum-type washing machine, and may be a vertical washing machine. The clothes treating machine may also be a washing machine without a drying function, or a dryer. The clothes treating machine may also be a closet-type cleaning machine. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the clothes treating machine 100 of one embodiment. The clothes treating machine 100 includes a clothes treating machine main body 100a, an operation panel 112, and a control device 150.

[0015] (Control device) The control device 150 is mainly composed of a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The control device 150 controls the entire clothing processing machine 100 in an integrated manner. For example, the control device 150 controls the clothing processing machine main body 100a. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 150 in one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 150 includes an operation control unit 151, a display control unit 152, a reception unit 153, an information transmission unit 154, and a weight detection unit 155. All or part of these functional units are realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). However, all or part of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a discrete circuit, or may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware.

[0016] (Display control unit) The display control unit 152 controls the display of the operation panel 112. For example, when the remote setting key B5 is operated to transition from a state in which a selection operation for selecting an operation type using the icon 112a, the setting key B1, the automatic supply key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7 is possible (i.e., a first state) to a state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on remote operation (i.e., a second state), the display control unit 152 changes the state of at least a part of the operation panel 112 that is different from the remote setting key B5, and changes the state of the operation panel 112 to a mode corresponding to the restriction of acceptance of at least a part of operations using the operation panel 112.

[0017] Here, the display of the operation panel 112 displayed under the control of the display control unit 152 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first example of the display of the operation panel 112 according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second example of the display of the operation panel 112 according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a third example of the display of the operation panel 112 according to an embodiment. The display of the operation panel 112 shown in FIG. 4 is a display example of the top screen during a washing operation. The display of the operation panel 112 shown in FIG. 5 is a display example of the top screen during a washing and drying operation. The display of the operation panel 112 shown in FIG. 6 is a display example of the top screen during a drying operation. The top screen is a display screen before the first input operation is performed after the power of the clothes treating machine 100 is turned on, and functions as a screen for selecting the type of operation.

[0018] The bottom end of the top screens shown in Figs. 4 to 6 is a common footer section 601. Details of the footer section 601 will be described later. In various screens including the top screen, among the areas excluding the footer section 601, the area from the left end of the screen to the center of the screen is a main display area 602, and the area on the right end of the screen is a sub-display area 603. That is, in various screens including the top screen, the main display area 602 and the sub-display area 603 are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction of the screen, that is, in the left-right direction. "Adjacent" does not only mean that the areas are completely adjacent to each other, but also includes cases where there is a gap or the like between the areas and the areas are slightly separated from each other.

[0019] The display control unit 152 controls the operation panel 112 to display in the footer section 601 a setting key B1, an automatic input key B2, a hot water setting key B3, a reservation setting key B4, a remote setting key B5, a course selection key B6, and a start key B7 arranged in a row in the horizontal direction of the screen from the left in this order. The setting key B1, the automatic input key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, and the remote setting key B5 are always displayed on various screens before the operation of the clothes treating machine 100 is started. These five operation keys are used to set the operation of the clothes treating machine 100, and are used relatively frequently.

[0020] The remote setting key B5 is an operation key for enabling the laundry processing machine 100 to accept settings for washing by remote control. That is, the remote setting key B5 is an operation key for transitioning from a state in which a selection operation for selecting an operation type using the washing operation icon 112a1, the washing and drying operation icon 112a2, the drying operation icon 112a3, the clean care operation icon 112a4, the setting key B1, the automatic input key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7 is possible (an example of a first state) to a state in which settings for operation are accepted based on remote control (an example of a second state). For example, when the remote setting key B5 is operated, the operation panel 112 displays a display indicating that the operation content setting is being accepted from the terminal device 300 via the server 200 connected to the network NW under the control of the display control unit 152. In the following description, the washing operation icon 112a1, the washing and drying operation icon 112a2, the drying operation icon 112a3, and the cleaning care operation icon 112a4 may be collectively referred to as the icon 112a. The remote setting key B5 restricts the operation of setting the operation type from the operation panel 112 (for example, the selection operation of selecting the operation type using the icon 112a, the setting key B1, the automatic input key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7). The remote setting key B5 is an example of a "transition operation section." The washing operation icon 112a1, the washing and drying operation icon 112a2, the drying operation icon 112a3, the cleaning care operation icon 112a4, and the operation of setting the operation type from the operation panel 112 (for example, the icon 112a, the setting key B1, the automatic input key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7 are examples of a "selection operation section."

[0021] The icon 112a, setting key B1, automatic input key B2, hot water setting key B3, reservation setting key B4, course selection key B6, and start key B7 are a selection operation unit for selecting an operation type to be performed from a plurality of operation types that can be performed by the clothes treating machine main body 100a. The operation panel 112 has the icon 112a, setting key B1, automatic input key B2, hot water setting key B3, reservation setting key B4, course selection key B6, start key B7, and remote setting key B5 in a simultaneously visible state at least temporarily.

[0022] The setting key B1 is an operation key for making various settings related to the clothes treating machine 100. When the setting key B1 is operated, the screen transitions to a screen for making various settings. The automatic dispensing key B2 is an operation key for setting the automatic dispensing of detergent and fabric softener. When the automatic dispensing key B2 is operated, an automatic dispensing setting screen for setting the amount of detergent and fabric softener to be dispensed is displayed. On the automatic dispensing setting screen, the desired setting can be selected from a number of dispensing amount settings, such as "none," "small," "standard," and "large."

[0023] The hot water setting key B3 is an operation key for setting the temperature of water used in operation. When the hot water setting key B3 is operated, a hot water setting screen is displayed for setting the temperature to which the water is heated in the washing step of the washing operation or the washing and drying operation. On the hot water setting screen, the desired setting can be selected from a number of hot water settings, such as "none", "15°C", "30°C", "40°C", "50°C", and "60°C sterilization".

[0024] The reservation setting key B4 is an operation key for setting the reservation of operation. When the reservation setting key B4 is operated, a reservation setting screen is displayed. On the reservation setting screen, a desired setting can be selected from a number of reservation settings, such as "none," "good morning reservation," and "welcome home reservation." Also, on the reservation setting screen, the end time of operation can be set to a desired time.

[0025] The course selection key B6 is an operation key for transitioning to the course selection screen described above. In this case, when the course selection key B6 is operated, the screen transitions to a course selection screen for selecting a course corresponding to the operation selected at that time. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the course selection key B6 is operated with the wash and dry operation selected, the course selection screen for selecting a course corresponding to the wash and dry operation is displayed. That is, the screen transitions to a course selection screen as shown in FIG. 9 described later.

[0026] The start key B7 is an operation key for starting an operation, and is displayed at the edge of the screen, more specifically, at the bottom right corner of the screen of the operation panel 112. When displaying the start key B7 on a top screen (e.g., Figs. 4 to 6), a course selection screen (e.g., Fig. 9 described later), etc., the display control unit 152 causes it to be constantly displayed on the operation panel 112. When the start key B7 is operated on a pre-operation screen, the clothes treating machine 100 starts operation with the operation type and course selected at that time.

[0027] The main display area 602 is an area for displaying various information related to the operation of the clothes treating machine 100 and those of various operation keys that are relatively highly related to the operation. The following information, operation keys, etc. are displayed in the main display area 602 on the top screen under the control of the display control unit 152. That is, the display control unit 152 controls the operation panel 112 so that a washing operation icon 112a1 which is an operation key for selecting a washing operation, a washing and drying operation icon 112a2 which is an operation key for selecting a washing and drying operation, a drying operation icon 112a3 which is an operation key for selecting a drying operation, and a cleaning care operation icon 112a4 which is an operation key for selecting a cleaning care operation are arranged in the main display area 602 on the top screen. The icons are simple pictures that represent each operation as a symbol and are operable.

[0028] The washing operation is an operation of the clothes treating machine 100 that includes a washing action, a rinsing action, and a spin-drying action, but does not include a drying action. The washing and drying operation is an operation of the clothes treating machine 100 that includes a washing action, a rinsing action, a spin-drying action, and a drying action. The drying operation is an operation of the clothes treating machine 100 that includes a drying action, but does not include a washing action, a rinsing action, or a spin-drying action. The clean care operation is, for example, an operation that does not wash with water (before washing), but irradiates the clothes with UV (UltraViolet), and sterilizes the clothes by applying warm air to the clothes during the drying operation, and an operation that removes pollen, etc.

[0029] In this case, the washing operation icon 112a1, the washing and drying operation icon 112a2, the drying operation icon 112a3, and the cleaning care operation icon 112a4 are arranged in parallel in this order from the left of the screen of the operation panel 112. The order of these four icons may be appropriately changed. The order of the four icons may be changed according to the operation selection state. For example, the arrangement of each icon may be changed as needed so that the icon selected at that time is always arranged at the leftmost position in the main display area 602. The washing operation icon 112a1, the washing and drying operation icon 112a2, the drying operation icon 112a3, and the cleaning care operation icon 112a4 correspond to a plurality of operation type icons provided corresponding to each type of operation.

[0030] By operating any of the operation type icons, the operation corresponding to the operation type icon is selected (i.e., the type of operation is determined). Specifically, when an operation is performed on the washing operation icon 112a1, the washing operation is selected, when an operation is performed on the washing and drying operation icon 112a2, the washing and drying operation is selected, when an operation is performed on the drying operation icon 112a3, the drying operation is selected, and when an operation is performed on the cleaning care operation icon 112a4, the cleaning care operation is selected. Note that such selection and determination of the type of operation can be performed any number of times during the period before the operation is started.

[0031] When an operation is performed on a predetermined driving type icon, the display control unit 152 causes the operation panel 112 to display the operated driving type icon relatively larger than the non-operated driving type icons, as shown in Figures 4 to 6. Also, when an operation is performed on a predetermined driving type icon, the display control unit 152 causes the operation panel 112 to display an operation available area in which the operated driving type icon can be operated relatively larger than an operation available area in which the non-operated driving type icons can be operated, as shown in Figures 4 to 6.

[0032] For example, when an operation is performed on the wash / dry operation icon 112a2, the display control unit 152 displays the wash / dry operation icon 112a2 larger than the unoperated wash operation icon 112a1, the drying operation icon 112a3, and the clean care operation icon 112a4 on the operation panel 112, as shown in Fig. 5. In addition, at this time, the display control unit 152 displays the operable area corresponding to the wash / dry operation icon 112a2 larger than the operable area corresponding to the unoperated wash operation icon 112a1, the operable area corresponding to the unoperated drying operation icon 112a3, and the operable area corresponding to the unoperated clean care operation icon 112a4.

[0033] When an operation is performed on a predetermined operation type icon, the display control unit 152 displays the name of the course selected for the operation corresponding to the operated operation type icon and an icon corresponding to the course, as shown in Figures 4 to 6. For example, when an operation is performed on the wash-dry operation icon 112a2, the display control unit 152 changes the display of the wash-dry operation icon 112a2 to include "standard course", which is the name of the course currently selected for the wash-dry operation, and "an icon that diagrammatically represents a T-shirt", which is an icon corresponding to the course, as shown in Figure 5.

[0034] When an operation is performed once on a predetermined operation type icon, the display control unit 152 selects an operation corresponding to the predetermined operation type icon, and when an operation is performed again on the predetermined operation type icon that has been operated once, the display control unit 152 displays a course selection screen for selecting a course corresponding to the operation on the operation panel 112. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, when an operation is performed once on the wash / dry operation icon 112a2 and then an operation is performed on the wash / dry operation icon 112a2, the display control unit 152 displays a course selection screen (for example, Fig. 9 described later) for selecting a course corresponding to the wash / dry operation on the operation panel 112.

[0035] The sub-display area 603 is an area for displaying various information related to the operation of the clothes treating machine 100 and various operation keys that are relatively less related to the operation. The upper area of ​​the sub-display area 603 is a first sub-display area 603a. The lower area of ​​the sub-display area 603 is a second sub-display area 603b. That is, in this case, the first sub-display area 603a and the second sub-display area 603b are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other in the vertical direction of the screen, that is, in the up-down direction.

[0036] The first sub-display area 603a displays common contents on various screens including the top screen, and is an area for displaying first information indicating the name of the course corresponding to the selected operation, second information indicating various information that changes according to the course, and third information indicating various information that does not change according to the course. For example, as shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the first sub-display area 603a is divided into three sections, an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section, and the following information is displayed. That is, as shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the upper section of the first sub-display area 603a displays character information indicating the name of the currently selected operation (e.g., "wash", "wash-dry", "dry", "clean care", etc.) and character information indicating the name of the course corresponding to the currently selected operation (e.g., "standard") in a row in this order from the left in the horizontal direction of the screen. Each piece of character information displayed in the upper section corresponds to the above-mentioned first information.

[0037] In addition, the middle section of the first sub-display area 603a displays, in this order from the left, a line across the screen from the left, the following icons: an icon showing the supply status of ultra-fine bubble water, an icon showing the implementation status of Ag+ antibacterial water that coats clothes with antibacterial coating by showering circulating water in which Ag ions are dissolved during washing and rinsing, an icon showing the implementation status of eco mode that operates under appropriate conditions based on the amount of clothes and various data, an icon showing whether or not automatic cleaning is set to automatically clean the inside of the tub during operation, and an icon showing whether or not mold protection is set to dry the drum after the washing operation is completed to prevent the growth of black mold. Each icon displayed in the middle section represents setting information that changes depending on the course, and corresponds to the second information described above.

[0038] In addition, in the lower row of the first sub-display area 603a, an icon indicating whether UV (UltraViolet) lighting is enabled, an icon indicating whether child lock is enabled, an icon indicating whether door 700 is locked (i.e., the door is locked), and an icon indicating whether wireless LAN (Local Area Network) is set up for wireless communication with external devices and its radio wave status are displayed in this order from the left in a row across the screen. Each icon displayed in the lower row indicates main body information that does not change depending on the course, and corresponds to the above-mentioned third information.

[0039] Thus, sub-display area 603 includes first sub-display area 603a for displaying first information indicating the name of the course corresponding to the selected driving, second information indicating various information that changes according to the course, and third information indicating various information that does not change according to the course. Display control unit 152 controls the display on operation panel 112 so that the second information is positioned closer to the first information than the third information in first sub-display area 603a.

[0040] Second sub-display area 603b is an area capable of displaying the current time as shown in Figs. 4 to 6, a setting change key 701 as shown in Fig. 9 described later, and a back key 702 as shown in Fig. 10 described later. Note that setting change key 701 is an operation key for transitioning to a course details screen, and back key 702 is an operation key for transitioning from the course details screen to a previously displayed screen. Therefore, when display control unit 152 is to display a screen that is neither the course details screen nor a screen that can transition to the course details screen, it controls operation panel 112 so as not to display setting change key 701 and back key 702 in second sub-display area 603b.

[0041] The background color of the operation panel 112 may be changed for each type of operation. For example, when a washing operation is set for the clothes treating machine 100, the display control unit 152 may set the background color of the operation panel 112 to blue. Also, for example, when a washing and drying operation is set for the clothes treating machine 100, the display control unit 152 may set the background color of the operation panel 112 to green. Also, for example, when a drying operation is set for the clothes treating machine 100, the display control unit 152 may set the background color of the operation panel 112 to orange.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a fourth example of the display of the operation panel 112 of an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a fifth example of the display of the operation panel 112 of an embodiment. For example, when the remote setting key B5 is operated, the display control unit 152 causes the operation panel 112 to display a display indicating that the setting of the operation contents from the terminal device 300 is being accepted, for example, via the server 200 connected to the network NW. Specifically, when the remote setting key B5 is operated, under the control of the display control unit 152, the operation panel 112 displays, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, that the setting of the operation contents from the smartphone which is the terminal device 300 is being accepted. Note that when the remote setting key B5 is operated and the operation panel 112 displays that the setting of the operation contents from the smartphone which is the terminal device 300 is being accepted, the door 700 is locked. The laundry operation by the laundry processing machine 100 may be in a state in which it is not possible to start. In addition, when the remote setting key B5 is operated and the operation panel 112 displays that the setting of the operation contents is being accepted from the smartphone which is the terminal device 300, at least a part of the operation on the operation panel 112 may be restricted, and the laundry operation by the clothes treating machine 100 may not be started. In addition, the display control unit 152 may display that the setting of the operation contents is being accepted from the smartphone which is the terminal device 300 on the operation panel 112 as a pop-up on the display before the remote setting key B5 is operated. In addition, when the setting of the operation contents is being accepted from the smartphone which is the terminal device 300, the display control unit 152 may display the remote setting key B5 on the operation panel 112 in a different way from when the setting of the operation contents is not being accepted from the smartphone which is the terminal device 300. For example, the display control unit 152 may change the display color of the remote setting key B5 on the operation panel 112, or change (for example, enlarge) the display size of the remote setting key B5.

[0043] In addition, when the operation panel 112 is in a state where the setting of the operation contents from the terminal device 300 is accepted via the server 200 connected to the network NW, the operation panel 112 may accept an operation by the user U to cancel the state. For example, the operation panel 112 may accept an operation by the user U to operate the remote setting key B5 again. For example, when the user U operates the remote setting key B5 in the state of the operation panel 112 shown in FIG. 7, the display on the operation panel 112 is changed to the display shown in FIG. 8. Then, when the operation key 901 part with "YES" written on the display on the operation panel 112 shown in FIG. 8 is operated, the state where the setting of the operation contents from the terminal device 300 is accepted may be canceled. Also, when the operation key 902 part with "NO" written on the display on the operation panel 112 shown in FIG. 8 is operated, the state where the setting of the operation contents from the terminal device 300 is accepted may be continued.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a sixth example of the display of the operation panel 112 of an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a seventh example of the display of the operation panel 112 of an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the courses in each operation by the operation panel 112. Also, FIG. 10 is an example of the display of the options by the operation panel 112. For example, when the course selection key B6 is operated, the display control unit 152 displays the course in the operation currently set on the operation panel 112. Specifically, for example, when the icon 112a1 corresponding to the washing operation is pressed and the washing operation is set, and the course selection key B6 is operated twice, the display control unit 152 displays the display of the course of the washing operation shown in FIG. 9 on the operation panel 112. At this time, the display control unit 152 also displays the setting key B1, the automatic input key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the remote setting key B5, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7 on the operation panel 112.

[0045] Furthermore, for example, when the course selection key B6 is operated, the display control unit 152 displays options on the operation panel 112. Specifically, for example, when the icon 112a1 corresponding to the washing operation is pressed and the washing operation is set, and then the setting key B1 is operated, the display control unit 152 displays the options shown in Fig. 10 on the operation panel 112. At this time, the display control unit 152 also displays the setting key B1, the automatic feed key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the remote setting key B5, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7 on the operation panel 112.

[0046] 3 to 5, which are displayed by the operation panel 112 under the control of the display control unit 152, are an example of a first operation screen. The display example shown in FIG. 9, which is displayed by the operation panel 112 under the control of the display control unit 152, is an example of a second operation screen. The display example shown in FIG. 10, which is displayed by the operation panel 112 under the control of the display control unit 152, is an example of a third operation screen. On the operation screen of the operation panel 112 shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, icons 112a, a setting key B1, an automatic input key B2, a hot water setting key B3, a reservation setting key B4, a course selection key B6, and a start key B7 are displayed. On the operation screen of the operation panel 112 shown in FIG. 9, when an operation type to be performed is selected from among a plurality of operation types, an operation key 112d (an example of an operation course selection operation unit) for selecting an operation course to be performed from among a plurality of operation courses belonging to the selected operation type is displayed. As shown in FIG. 9, the screen on which the operation key 112d for selecting an operation course is displayed corresponds to the above-mentioned course selection screen.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 9, the course selection screen has a footer section 601, a main display area 602, and a sub-display area 603, which are similar to those of the top screen. However, the footer section 601 of the course selection screen has a close key B6 instead of the course selection key B6. The close key B6 is an operation key for closing the course selection screen and returning to the top screen. Therefore, when the close key B6 is operated, the course selection screen transitions to the top screen.

[0048] The course selection screen is a display that allows the user U to select a course while referring to the outline and itinerary of the course. Therefore, above the main display area 602 on the course selection screen, a course list display area 805 is provided in which a plurality of course icons 112d corresponding to each course are displayed side by side on the screen.

[0049] Specifically, in the course selection screen for the washing and drying operation shown in Fig. 9, course icons 112d corresponding to the standard course, the automatic double wash course, the speed course, and the memory course are displayed in the course list display area 805. Each course icon 112d is displayed in a manner that can be associated with each course. For example, the course icon 112d for the standard course is displayed in a manner that typically represents a T-shirt, which is an example of laundry.

[0050] Also, for example, the course icon 112d for the automatic double wash course is displayed in a manner that is reminiscent of double wash by adding the number "2" and two arc-shaped arrows surrounding the number to the same display as the standard course. Note that there are actually other types of courses that can be set on the course selection screen, and the display control unit 152 can display course icons corresponding to other courses in response to the operation of the arrow icon 806 provided at the right end of the course list display area 805.

[0051] Further, below the main display area 602 on the course selection screen, a course information display area 803 in which information about the course is displayed is provided. That is, the course information display area 803 is provided in an area of ​​the main display area 602 excluding the course list display area 805. The course information display area 803 includes a course information display area 801 in which course displays representing all courses are displayed in chronological order horizontally on the screen.

[0052] Specifically, in the process information display area 801 in the course selection screen corresponding to the washing operation shown in Fig. 9, an automatic double wash icon 801a which is a process display indicating the washing process, a rinse icon 801b which is a process display indicating the rinsing process, and a spin-dry icon 801c which is a process display indicating the spin-dry process are arranged in a row in this order from the left. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 9, the process information display area 801 also includes a bath water icon 802 which is a display for indicating the bath water setting status.

[0053] Furthermore, when an operation is performed on a predetermined course icon 112d, the display control unit 152 displays information about the course corresponding to the operated course icon 112d in the upper left corner of the course information display area 803. For example, when an operation is performed on the course icon 112d corresponding to the automatic double wash course, the display color of the course icon 804 corresponding to the automatic double wash course is inverted and various information about the automatic double wash course is displayed in the upper left corner of the course information display area 803, as shown in FIG.

[0054] On the operation screen of operation panel 112 shown in Fig. 10, when an operation course to be executed is selected from a plurality of operation courses, a setting key B1, an automatic input key B2, a hot water setting key B3, a reservation setting key B4, and a remote setting key B5 (an example of a change operation section) for changing the contents of an operation step included in the selected operation course are displayed. Display control section 152 may display remote setting key B5 at approximately the same position on operation panel 112 in each of Figs. 3 to 5 and Figs. 9 to 10. Displaying remote setting key B5 at approximately the same position on operation panel 112 includes a slight deviation in the display position of remote setting key B5 and a difference in the display size of remote setting key B5.

[0055] The display control unit 152 transitions from a state in which a selection operation for selecting an operation type using the icon 112a, the setting key B1, the automatic input key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7 is possible (an example of a first state) to a state in which a setting for operation is accepted based on a remote operation (an example of a second state), and after the operation is set based on a remote operation by the terminal device 300, causes the operation panel 112 to display clothing-related information, which is at least one of the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 155 and the required amount of clothing treatment agent according to the weight of the clothes. Then, when the operation setting of the clothing treatment machine 100 is changed based on a remote operation by the terminal device 300 after the clothing-related information is displayed on the operation panel 112, the display control unit 152 may suppress the display of the clothing-related information on the operation panel 112 after the operation setting is changed. Note that suppression here means not displaying the clothing-related information on the operation panel 112, shortening the time for displaying the clothing-related information on the operation panel 112, or the like.

[0056] In addition, when the clothes treating machine 100 is in a state where it accepts settings related to operation based on a remote operation (an example of a second state) and the operation is set based on the remote operation, the display control unit 152 may notify the user that the clothes treating machine 100 is in another state (a reserved operation state, an example of a third state) where the clothes treating machine 100 is waiting for operation from that state (a reserved operation state, an example of a third state). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an eighth example of a display on the operation panel 112 according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is an example of a display on the operation panel 112 notifying the user that the clothes treating machine 100 is in the other state (a reserved operation state, an example of a third state). The example shown in FIG. 11 is a state where the clothes treating machine 100 is waiting for the start of a reserved operation, and for example, the display control unit 152 may display a comment "waiting for reservation" on the operation panel 112 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0057] In addition, when the operation control unit 151 returns from a state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on remote control (an example of the second state) to a state in which a selection operation for selecting an operation type using the icon 112a, the setting key B1, the automatic input key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7 is possible (an example of the first state), the display control unit 152 may then notify the user that a transition is made from a state in which a selection operation for selecting an operation type using the icon 112a, the setting key B1, the automatic input key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7 is possible (an example of the first state) to a state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on remote control (an example of the second state). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a ninth example of a display on the operation panel 112 of an embodiment. FIG. 12 is an example of a display on the operation panel 112 that prompts the user to transition to a state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on remote control. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the display control unit 152 may cause the operation panel 112 to display a message saying, "After the operation, please touch the remote key to switch to reception standby mode."

[0058] Furthermore, when the clothing treating machine 100 is in a state in which it accepts settings related to operation based on remote control (an example of a second state), and an operation is performed to cancel that state, the clothing treating machine 100 transmits a first signal to the outside to confirm whether or not the state can be cancelled. If the server 200 receives the first signal and approves the cancellation of the state in which it accepts settings related to operation based on remote control, the server 200 transmits a second signal to the clothing treating machine 100 to cancel that state. When the clothing treating machine 100 receives the second signal, it cancels the state in which it accepts settings related to operation based on remote control. In addition, without waiting for a second signal to cancel the state in which settings for operation are accepted based on remote operation (an example of the second state) in response to transmission of a first signal to confirm whether the state can be cancelled or not, the state returns from the state in which settings for operation are accepted based on remote operation (an example of the second state) to a state in which selection operation for selecting an operation type using the icon 112a, setting key B1, automatic input key B2, hot water setting key B3, reservation setting key B4, course selection key B6, and start key B7 is possible (an example of the first state), and when the operation control unit 151 unlocks the door lock of the clothing processing machine 100, the display control unit 152 may notify that the door lock has been unlocked.

[0059] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a tenth example of the display of the operation panel 112 of the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a display example by the operation panel 112 notifying the release of the door lock of the clothes treating machine 100. For example, the display control unit 152 may display a display 112e of "Door Open" indicating that the door lock is released on the operation panel 112 for a predetermined time as shown in FIG. 13. In this state, when the door of the clothes treating machine 100 (the front door of the clothes treating machine main body 100a) is opened (possibly after adding or removing clothes) and the door is closed again, the operation control unit 151 may cause the weight detection unit 155 to detect the weight of the clothes. Then, the operation control unit 151 may determine the operation contents that cannot be operated based on the result of the detection of the weight of the clothes. In this case, the display control unit 152 of the terminal device 300 described later causes the operation panel 112 to display such that the operation contents that the operation control unit 151 has determined cannot be operated cannot be selected. For example, when clothes are added and the weight of the clothes exceeds the weight of the clothes that can be dried, the operation control unit 151 determines that the drying operation cannot be performed. In this case, the display control unit 152 does not display on the operation panel 112 the icon 112a2 corresponding to the washing and drying operation and the icon 112a3 corresponding to the drying operation.

[0060] The clothing processing system 1 (an example of an information processing system) is a clothing processing system including a clothing processing machine 100 and a server 200, in which the clothing processing machine 100 or the server 200 retains in advance information capable of identifying a cancellation approver who determines whether or not to cancel the state in which operation settings are accepted based on remote control, and when the server 200 receives a first signal from the clothing processing machine 100, it may send a notification to a terminal device 300 used by the cancellation approver to confirm whether or not to cancel the state in which operation settings are accepted based on remote control.

[0061] Furthermore, the clothing processing system 1 (an example of an information processing system) includes a clothing processing machine 100 and a terminal information processing unit mounted on a first terminal device 300 (an example of a first terminal device) and capable of accepting remote operation input, and the first terminal device 300 has a display device 301 (an example of a terminal display screen), and the terminal information processing unit may be configured to display on the display device 301 an operation unit that, when the clothing processing machine 100 is operated in a state in which it accepts settings related to operation based on remote operation and the state in which it accepts settings related to operation based on remote operation is cancelled, sends a request notification to a second terminal device 300 (an example of a second terminal device) used by a user U different from the first terminal device 300.

[0062] (Weight detection unit) The weight detection unit 155 detects the weight of the clothes stored in the clothes treating machine main body 100a. The method by which the weight detection unit 155 detects the weight of the clothes stored in the clothes treating machine main body 100a may be any method as long as an appropriate weight can be detected. One example of the method by which the weight detection unit 155 detects the weight of the clothes stored in the clothes treating machine main body 100a is a method of calculating the weight of the clothes from the q-axis current, which is a current that contributes to the torque of the motor that rotates the spin tub of the clothes treating machine 100.

[0063] (Motion control unit) The operation control unit 151 controls the operation of the clothes treating machine 100. The operation control unit 151 controls the washing mechanism 120 and the drying mechanism 130, etc., to perform a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a spin-drying operation, a drying operation, etc., by the clothes treating machine 100. The operation control unit 151 also controls the processing of the weight detection unit 155. For example, the operation control unit 151 causes the weight detection unit 155 to detect the weight of clothes after the operation is set based on a remote operation from the terminal device 300 by operating the remote setting key B5, and does not cause the weight detection unit 155 to detect the weight of clothes when the setting of the operation is changed. The operation control unit 151 is an example of a control unit. In this case, as described above, the display control unit 152 transitions from a state in which a selection operation for selecting an operation type using the icon 112a, the setting key B1, the automatic input key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7 is possible (an example of a first state) to a state in which a setting related to the operation is accepted based on a remote operation (an example of a second state), and after the operation is set based on a remote operation by the terminal device 300, causes the operation panel 112 to display clothing-related information, which is at least one of the weight of the clothes detected by the weight detection unit 155 and the required amount of clothing treatment agent according to the weight of the clothes. Then, if the operation setting of the clothing treatment machine 100 is changed based on a remote operation by the terminal device 300 after the clothing-related information is displayed on the operation panel 112, the display control unit 152 may suppress the display of the clothing-related information on the operation panel 112 after the operation setting is changed.

[0064] The operation control unit 151 may transition from a state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on a remote operation (an example of the second state) to another state (a reserved operation state, an example of the third state) in which operation is on standby, by setting the operation based on the remote operation. The other state is a state in which the operation of the clothes treating machine 100 is not immediately started from a state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on a remote operation (i.e., a reserved operation state, an example of the third state). The operation control unit 151 may return from the other state to a state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on a remote operation, when an operation is performed to cancel the operation setting of the clothes treating machine 100 in the other state (the reserved operation state, an example of the third state). Note that the operation to cancel the operation setting of the clothes treating machine 100 in the other state (the reserved operation state, an example of the third state) may be performed from the clothes treating machine 100 or from the terminal device 300.

[0065] In addition, when the remote setting key B5 is operated to transition from a state in which a selection operation for selecting an operation type using the icon 112a, the setting key B1, the automatic input key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7 is possible (an example of a first state) to a state in which operation settings are accepted based on remote operation (an example of a second state), the operation control unit 151 provides a switching waiting time before transitioning from the state in which a selection operation for selecting an operation type using the icon 112a, the setting key B1, the automatic input key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7 is possible (an example of a first state) to the state in which operation settings are accepted based on remote operation (an example of a second state). Then, when an operation on the operation panel 112 (for example, an operation of pressing a predetermined position on the operation panel 112) is accepted during the switching standby time, the operation control unit 151 stops the process of transitioning from a state in which a selection operation for selecting an operation type using the icon 112a, the setting key B1, the automatic input key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7 is possible (an example of a first state) to a state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on remote operation (an example of a second state). Examples of the predetermined position on the operation panel 112 include the remote setting key B5, all positions on the operation panel 112, and positions on the operation panel 112 other than the remote setting key B5. In this case, the display control unit 152 may notify that switching is in standby during the switching standby time set by the operation control unit 151. For example, the display control unit 152 may control the display of the operation panel 112 to a state in which the display of the remote setting key B5 changes, such as by lighting up the remote setting key B5, but other displays do not change, as shown in FIG. 7. This display on operation panel 112 by display control unit 152 enables washing operation even during switching standby. Note that display control unit 152 may display, for example, "Switching" or the like in second sub-display area 603b.

[0066] In addition, when the clothes treating machine 100 is operated to cancel a state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on remote control (an example of the second state) (for example, when the remote setting key B5 is operated again to cancel the remote control), the operation control unit 151 may return the clothes treating machine 100 from the state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on remote control (an example of the second state) to a state in which selection operations for selecting an operation type using the icon 112a, setting key B1, automatic input key B2, hot water setting key B3, reservation setting key B4, course selection key B6, and start key B7 are possible (an example of the first state).

[0067] Furthermore, when the clothes treating machine 100 is operated to cancel the state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on remote operation (an example of the second state) (for example, when the remote setting key B5 is operated again to cancel the remote operation), the operation control unit 151 transmits a first signal to the outside of the clothes treating machine 100 (for example, the server 200, the terminal device 300) to confirm whether or not the state can be cancelled. When the operation control unit 151 receives a second signal for cancelling the state in response to the transmission of the first signal from the outside that transmitted the first signal, the operation control unit 151 may return from the state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on remote operation (an example of the second state) to a state in which a selection operation for selecting an operation type using the icon 112a, the setting key B1, the automatic input key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7 is possible (an example of the first state).

[0068] In addition, when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation panel 112 within a predetermined time after switching from a state where a selection operation for selecting an operation type using the icon 112a, the setting key B1, the automatic input key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7 is possible (an example of a first state) to a state where a setting related to the operation is accepted based on a remote operation (an example of a second state), the operation control unit 151 may return from the state where a setting related to the operation is accepted based on a remote operation (an example of an second state) to a state where a selection operation for selecting an operation type using the icon 112a, the setting key B1, the automatic input key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7 is possible (an example of an first state) without waiting for the second signal. In this case, the operation control unit 151 may release the door lock of the clothes treating machine 100 (make the door 700 openable). Furthermore, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the operation control unit 151 may lock the door of the clothing treating machine 100 (keep the door 700 closed). Examples of the predetermined operation include operation of the remote setting key B5, any operation at any point on the operation panel 112, or any operation at any point on the operation panel 112 other than the remote setting key B5.

[0069] (Reception Department) The reception unit 153 receives operations of the user U inputted to the clothes treating machine 100 through the operation panel 112. For example, the reception unit 153 receives operations of the user U to set or select the operation details of the clothes treating machine 100 through the operation panel 112 (hereinafter, may be referred to as "setting-related operations"). The setting-related operations are, for example, operations of pressing one or more of the icon 112a of the operation panel 112, the setting key B1, the automatic input key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the remote setting key B5, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7 at least once.

[0070] (Information transmission section) The information transmission unit 154 transmits various information to the server 200 via the communication unit 140. When a setting-related operation for setting or selecting the operation content of the clothes processing machine 100 is accepted by the acceptance unit 153, the information transmission unit 154 transmits to the server 200 information indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "status information C1").

[0071] Here, in the present application, "a setting or selecting operation is accepted" is not limited to the case where both "a setting operation is accepted" and "a selecting operation is accepted" are realized in the clothes processing machine 100 (or the terminal device 300), but may include the case where only one of "a setting operation is accepted" or "a selecting operation is accepted" is realized. In other words, in the present application, "when a setting-related operation for setting or selecting an operation content is accepted" may include the case where an operation for setting an operation content is accepted in the clothes processing machine 100 (or the terminal device 300) that accepts only an operation for setting an operation content and does not have a function for accepting an operation for selecting an operation content.

[0072] In this embodiment, when multiple setting-related operations are accepted before one operating course or option of the clothes processing machine 100 is finalized, the information transmission unit 154 transmits status information C1 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation to the server 200 each time a setting-related operation is accepted. In this application, "before one operating course or option is finalized" means, for example, "in the process of selecting one operating course" or "in the process of selecting one option."

[0073] In this application, "sending information indicating the operation content when multiple setting-related operations are accepted before one operating course or option is confirmed" is not limited to the case where both "sending information indicating the operation content when multiple setting-related operations are accepted before one operating course is confirmed" and "sending information indicating the operation content when multiple setting-related operations are accepted before one option is confirmed" are realized by the clothes processing machine 100 (or the terminal device 300), and may include the case where only one of "sending information indicating the operation content when multiple setting-related operations are accepted before one operating course is confirmed" or "sending information indicating the operation content when multiple setting-related operations are accepted before one option is confirmed" is realized. In other words, in this application, "if multiple setting-related operations are accepted before one driving course or option is finalized, information indicating the driving content is transmitted" may mean only "if multiple setting-related operations are accepted before one driving course is finalized, information indicating the driving content is transmitted" but may also include cases where "if multiple setting-related operations are accepted before one option is finalized, information indicating the driving content is transmitted."

[0074] In this embodiment, when the operation contents are changed by repeatedly operating one of the setting key B1, automatic input key B2, hot water setting key B3, reservation setting key B4, remote setting key B5, course selection key B6, and start key B7 included in the operation panel 112 as a setting-related operation (i.e., when the specified operation contents (e.g., operation courses or options) are switched in sequence each time one of the setting key B1, automatic input key B2, hot water setting key B3, reservation setting key B4, remote setting key B5, course selection key B6, and start key B7 is repeatedly operated), the information transmission unit 154 transmits status information C1 indicating the operation contents set or selected by the operation to the server 200 each time the operation is accepted. In this embodiment, when one of the setting key B1, automatic supply key B2, hot water setting key B3, reservation setting key B4, remote setting key B5, course selection key B6, and start key B7 is repeatedly operated in the process of selecting one operation course, the information transmission unit 154 transmits status information C1 indicating the operation course set or selected by that operation to the server 200 each time that operation is accepted. Also, when one of the setting key B1, automatic supply key B2, hot water setting key B3, reservation setting key B4, remote setting key B5, course selection key B6, and start key B7 is repeatedly operated in the process of selecting one option, the information transmission unit 154 transmits status information C1 indicating the option set or selected by that operation to the server 200 each time that operation is accepted.

[0075] For example, when the "speed course (eco mode)" of the "washing and drying operation" is set as the operation course, the information transmitting unit 154 performs the following process. That is, when the icon 112a2 corresponding to the washing and drying operation is pressed and the course selection key B6 is operated to select the speed course, the information transmitting unit 154 transmits to the server 200 the status information C1 indicating that the "standard course" of the "washing and drying operation" has been set. Also, when the "standard course" of the "washing and drying operation" is set, the course selection key B6 for selecting the standard course is operated instead of the operation of the course selection key B6 for selecting the speed course, or when the "automatic double wash course" of the "washing and drying operation" is set, the course selection key B6 for selecting the double automatic wash course is operated instead of the operation of the course selection key B6 for selecting the speed course, and the information transmitting unit 154 transmits to the server 200 the status information C1 indicating that the course selected by the operation of the course selection key B6 has been set.

[0076] Also, for example, when the remote setting key B5 is operated, the information transmitting unit 154 transmits information indicating at least a part of the settings displayed on the operation panel 112 to an outside of the clothing processing machine 100 (e.g., the server 200, the terminal device 300, etc.) so as to cause at least a part of the contents displayed on the operation panel 112 to be displayed on the terminal device 300. Examples of information indicating at least a part of the settings displayed on the operation panel 112 so as to cause the terminal device 300 to display at least a part of the contents displayed on the operation panel 112 include information for causing the terminal device 300 to display a screen indicating which of the washing operation, the washing and drying operation, or the drying operation was selected when the remote setting key B5 shown in Figures 4 to 6 is operated, information for causing the terminal device 300 to display a screen indicating which course was selected in the selected operation when the remote setting key B5 shown in Figure 9 is operated, information for causing the terminal device 300 to display a screen indicating the operation content of the selected course option (detailed settings) when the remote setting key B5 shown in Figure 10 is operated, operation type, course type, details of the operation process, etc.

[0077] Note that the information transmitting unit 154 may transmit the status information C1 directly to the terminal device 300, instead of transmitting the status information C1 to the server 200. In this case, the information transmitting unit 154 may directly communicate with the communication unit 303 of the terminal device 300 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0078] The clothes treating machine main body 100a is a part including devices that treat clothes (one or more of washing, drying, wrinkle removal, crease strengthening, deodorization, pollen removal, dust removal, sterilization, etc.). The clothes treating machine main body 100a includes, for example, a housing (outer box) 111, a washing mechanism 120, a drying mechanism 130, and a communication unit 140. The clothes treating machine main body 100a also has a door 700 that closes the inside of the clothes treating machine main body 100a, and a locking mechanism that restricts the opening of the door 700.

[0079] The housing 111 is a member that forms the outer shell of the laundry treating machine 100. The housing 111 is formed in a rectangular box shape.

[0080] The operation panel 112 is a panel on which the user U operates the clothes treating machine 100. The operation panel 112 is provided, for example, at the front end of the upper surface of the housing 111. The operation panel 112 is an example of an operation receiving unit. The operation panel 112 may include a door opening processing unit that allows the door 700 to be opened while maintaining a state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on remote operation. When remote operation is performed, the door 700 is locked (i.e., the door 700 is kept closed). This door opening processing unit may be displayed on the display device 301 by the display control unit 152, for example, by pressing the setting key B1. In this case, when the door opening processing unit is operated in a state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on remote operation, and the door 700 is open / can be opened, the display control unit 152 may notify the display device 301 to prompt the user to close the door 700. In addition, when the door opening processing unit is operated in a state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on a remote operation, and the door 700 is opened once and then closed, or when the door 700 is in an openable state and is closed for a predetermined time without being opened, the operation control unit 151 may be configured to not start operation based on a remote operation and to resume accepting settings related to operation based on a remote operation. Note that, instead of not starting operation based on a remote operation and resuming accepting settings related to operation based on a remote operation, the operation control unit 151 may be configured to reflect settings made by remote operation to the clothing processing machine 100. For example, the clothing processing machine 100 may receive settings made by remote operation while the door 700 is open, but the operation control unit 151 may not reflect the settings in the clothing processing machine 100 while the door 700 is open, and may reflect the settings in the clothing processing machine 100 when the door 700 is closed. Also, for example, when the server 200 retains the setting, the door 700 is closed, and the state returns to one in which remote operation is possible, the setting may be transmitted from the server 200 to the clothing processing machine 100, and the operation control unit 151 may reflect the setting in the clothing processing machine 100.In the description of the present invention, a specific example of notification by the clothing processing machine 100 is a notification by "display". However, notifications by the clothing processing machine 100 are not limited to notifications by "display". For example, the clothing processing machine 100 may be equipped with a speaker and may notify by outputting a voice or sound equivalent to the "display" from the speaker.

[0081] Washing mechanism 120 includes, for example, water tub 121, drum (rotary tub) 122, motor 123, water supply device 124, and automatic dispenser 125. Water tub 121 is provided in housing 111 and is elastically supported via a suspension (not shown). Drum 122 is rotatably provided in water tub 121. Motor 123 is provided behind water tub 121 and connected to drum 122 via a rotating shaft. Motor 123 rotates and drives drum 122 via the rotating shaft. Water supply device 124 is provided above water tub 121.

[0082] The automatic dispenser 125 is a device that automatically dispenses a clothing treatment agent into the drum 122. The term "clothing treatment agent" broadly refers to a treatment agent used in the treatment of clothing, and includes detergent, fabric softener, bleach, deodorant, and fragrance. The automatic dispenser 125 has, for example, a tank for automatically dispensing detergent and a tank for automatically dispensing fabric softener. The automatic dispenser 125 may have three or more tanks. The amount and timing of automatically dispensing the clothing treatment agent are preset according to the operation course. The operation course refers to the operation content of the clothing treatment machine 100 that is determined by a combination of the operation performed by the clothing treatment machine 100 set via the icon 112a and the course for each operation set via the setting key B1, the automatic dispensing key B2, the hot water setting key B3, the reservation setting key B4, the course selection key B6, and the start key B7.

[0083] Drying mechanism 130 includes, for example, circulation air duct 131, heat pump 132, and blower 133. Circulation air duct 131 connects water tub 121 and heat pump 132, and circulates dry air between water tub 121 and heat pump 132. Heat pump 132 is a heating device provided in circulation air duct 131. Heat pump 132 heats dry air passing through the circulation air duct. Note that laundry treating machine 100 may have a heater that heats dry air instead of heat pump 132. Blower 133 is provided in circulation air duct 131, and circulates dry air between water tub 121 and heat pump 132 through circulation air duct 131.

[0084] The communication unit 140 is, for example, a communication module capable of wireless communication. The communication unit 140 is connected to a network NW via a wireless router WR and a modem M, and communicates with the server 200 or the terminal device 300 via the network NW.

[0085] (server) Next, a description will be given of the server 200. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the server 200 according to an embodiment. The server 200 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 210 and an information transmission unit 220.

[0086] When a setting-related operation for setting or selecting the operation content of the clothing processing machine 100 is accepted by the acceptance unit 153 of the clothing processing machine 100, the information acquisition unit 210 acquires status information C1 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation from the clothing processing machine 100. In this embodiment, each time a setting-related operation is accepted by the acceptance unit 153 of the clothing processing machine 100, the information acquisition unit 210 acquires status information C1 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation from the clothing processing machine 100.

[0087] Furthermore, when a setting-related operation for setting or selecting the operation content of the clothes treating machine 100 is accepted by a later-described accepting unit 330 of the terminal device 300, the information acquiring unit 210 acquires, from the terminal device 300, status information C2 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation. In this embodiment, every time a setting-related operation is accepted by the accepting unit 330 of the terminal device 300, the information acquiring unit 210 acquires, from the terminal device 300, status information C2 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation.

[0088] Each time the information acquisition unit 210 acquires status information C1 from the clothing treatment machine 100, the information transmission unit 220 transfers the acquired status information C1 to the terminal device 300. In addition, each time the information acquisition unit 210 acquires status information C2 from the terminal device 300, the information transmission unit 220 transfers the acquired status information C2 to the clothing treatment machine 100.

[0089] (Terminal Device) Next, the terminal device 300 will be described. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the terminal device 300 according to an embodiment. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 310, a display control unit 320, a reception unit 330, an information transmission unit 340, and a storage unit 390. Examples of the terminal device 300 include a smartphone and a tablet terminal.

[0090] The information acquisition unit 310, the display control unit 320, the reception unit 330, and the information transmission unit 340 are realized by one or more hardware processors such as a CPU mounted on the terminal device 300 executing the application program P. In other words, the information acquisition unit 310, the display control unit 320, the reception unit 330, and the information transmission unit 340 are software function units included in the home appliance management application APP. The home appliance management application APP is a program that can be mounted on the terminal device 300 that can cooperate with the clothing treatment machine 100. The program may cause the computer of the terminal device 300 to display on the display device 301 an operation unit that transmits a request notification to the terminal device 300, which is different from the user U using the terminal device 300, to transition the clothing treatment machine 100 to a state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on remote operation, when the clothing treatment machine 100 is operated in a remote operation acceptance state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on remote operation and the cancellation of the remote operation acceptance state is detected. The home appliance management application APP is an example of an information function unit related to the clothing treatment machine 100.

[0091] The information acquisition unit 310 acquires the status information C1 directly from the clothes treating machine 100 or via the server 200. In this embodiment, each time a setting-related operation is accepted by the acceptance unit 153 of the clothes treating machine 100, the information acquisition unit 310 acquires the status information C1 indicating the operation contents set or selected by the setting-related operation.

[0092] The display control unit 320 controls the display device 301 (e.g., a touch panel) of the terminal device 300 to control the contents displayed on the display screen 301a of the display device 301. For example, when the information acquisition unit 310 receives the status information C1 directly from the clothing processing machine 100 or via the server 200, the display control unit 320 changes the information to be displayed on the display device 301 of the terminal device 300 according to the received status information C1. In this embodiment, the display control unit 320 changes the information to be displayed on the display device 301 of the terminal device 300 according to the received status information C1 every time the information acquisition unit 310 receives the status information C1 directly from the clothing processing machine 100 or via the server 200. For example, when the display control unit 320 receives the status information C1 indicating the set operation course directly from the clothing processing machine 100 or via the server 200, the display control unit 320 changes the information to be displayed on the display device 301 according to the received information indicating the operation course. That is, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display a display corresponding to the display on the operation panel 112 of the clothing treatment machine 100. This allows the user U to perform operations on the display device 301 equivalent to operations on the operation panel 112. Then, by transmitting status information C2 corresponding to the operations from the terminal device 300 via the server 200 or directly to the clothing treatment machine 100, it becomes possible to perform settings from the terminal device 300 equivalent to the settings of the clothing treatment machine 100 that can be performed from the operation panel 112. An example of the display on the display device 301 controlled by the display control unit 320 will be described later.

[0093] The reception unit 330 can receive operations by the user U performed on the input device 302 in relation to the home appliance management application APP. For example, the reception unit 330 receives operations by the user U on the operation keys B20 to B23. For example, the reception unit 330 receives, via the input device 302, an operation for setting or selecting the operation details of the clothes treating machine 100, an operation for setting the operation details based on the selected setting details, an operation for starting the operation of the clothes treating machine 100, and the like.

[0094] The information transmitting unit 340 transmits various information to the server 200 via the communication unit 303. When the receiving unit 330 receives an operation to set or select the operation content of the clothes treating machine 100, the information transmitting unit 340 transmits to the server 200 information indicating the operation content set or selected by the operation (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "status information C2").

[0095] The information transmission unit 340 may transmit the status information C2 directly to the clothes processing machine 100 instead of transmitting the status information C2 to the server 200. In this case, the communication unit 303 may directly communicate with the communication unit 140 of the clothes processing machine 100 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

[0096] The storage unit 390 is realized by a combination of, for example, a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc., and stores various types of information. The storage unit 390 stores an application program P.

[0097] Here, a description will be given of a display example of the display device 301 under the control of the display control unit 320. The display control unit 320 causes the display device 301 to perform various displays using an application program P stored in the storage unit 390. An example will be shown below. The application program P is an example of a program.

[0098] The application program P1 may be a program that causes a computer that is a terminal device 300 to realize a display control unit 320, the terminal device 300 having a display device 301 (an example of a display screen), and the display control unit 320, when causing the display device 301 to display a status display screen that displays the status of the clothing processing machine 100, may be a program that, based on the detection results regarding the status of the clothing processing machine 100, causes one of a plurality of operation units for making settings related to the clothing processing machine 100 to be displayed in an enabled state on the status display screen as a valid operation unit, and causes one of the plurality of operation units that corresponds to content that cannot be set in the detected state of the clothing processing machine 100 to be hidden or displayed in an disabled state on the status display screen as an invalid operation unit.

[0099] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a first example of a display of the display device 301 of an embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a second example of a display of the display device 301 of an embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a third example of a display of the display device 301 of an embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a fourth example of a display of the display device 301 of an embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a fifth example of a display of the display device 301 of an embodiment. By this application program P1, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 to FIG. 20. Note that the display of the display device 301 at the time of starting the terminal device 300 for setting the clothes treating machine 100 by the terminal device 300 as shown in FIG. 16 to FIG. 20 may be referred to as a top screen of the terminal device 300.

[0100] FIG. 16 is a display example when communication between the terminal device 300 and the clothes treating machine 100 is offline. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the operation keys 301a1, 301a2, 301a3, and 301a4 correspond to a plurality of operation units of the application program P1. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the display control unit 320 causes the display device 301 to display the operation keys 301a1, 301a2, and 301a3 in an active state as an active operation unit. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 16, the display control unit 320 causes the display device 301 to display the operation key 301a4 in an inactive state as an inactive operation unit. The operation key 301a1 is, for example, an icon for displaying a setting menu of the application program P1 in the terminal device 300. The operation key 301a2 is, for example, an icon for opening a link destination to a support center. The operation key 301a3 is, for example, an operation key for creating an application course for setting the operation contents of the clothes treating machine 100 that can be set by the application program P1. The operation key 301a4 is, for example, an operation key for reserving operation of the clothes treating machine 100. In this case, since communication between the terminal device 300 and the clothes treating machine 100 is offline, the status information C2 for reserving operation of the clothes treating machine 100 cannot be transmitted from the terminal device 300 to the clothes treating machine 100, so the display control unit 320 causes the display device 301 to display the operation key 301a4 in an invalid state as an invalid operation unit.

[0101] 17 is a display example of the display device 301 when the setting for operating the clothes treating machine 100 has not been made from the terminal device 300. In this case, the display control unit 320 causes the display device 301 to display the operation key 301a4 in an invalid state as an invalid operation unit, because the operation content of the clothes treating machine 100 has not been determined and therefore a reservation cannot be made.

[0102] 18 is a display example of the display device 301 when settings for operating the clothes treating machine 100 are made from the terminal device 300. In this case, the operation details of the clothes treating machine 100 have been finalized and the machine can be reserved. Therefore, the display control unit 320 causes the display device 301 to display all of the operation keys 301a1 to 301a4 in an active state as active operation units.

[0103] 19 is a display example of the display device 301 when the clothes treating machine 100 is in operation. In this case, when the clothes treating machine 100 is in operation, it is not possible to create a new application course, and it is not possible to schedule the operation of the clothes treating machine 100. Therefore, the display control unit 320 causes the display device 301 to display the operation keys 301a1 and 301a2 in an enabled state as the enabled operation units, and the operation keys 301a3 and 301a4 in an disabled state as the disabled operation units.

[0104] Fig. 20 is a display example of the display device 301 when the operation of the clothes treating machine 100 transitions. In Fig. 20, the operation of the clothes treating machine 100 transitions in the order of washing operation, rinsing operation, spin-drying operation, drying operation, and end of operation, and the display control unit 320 may change the display (e.g., background color) of the display device 301 in response to the transition (i.e., in response to a change in the state of the clothes treating machine 100).

[0105] In addition, the display control unit 320 may cause the display device 301 to display the operation keys in a valid state as valid operation units, or to display the operation keys in an invalid state as invalid operation units, by changing the background color of the operation keys or by not displaying the invalid operation units.

[0106] In addition, the application program P2 includes the application program P1, and the multiple operation units include a first operation unit for creating an additional operating course that is not installed in the clothing processing machine 100, and a second operation unit for setting the operation of the clothing processing machine 100, and the display control unit 320 may be a program that, when the clothing processing machine 100 is powered off, displays the first operation unit in an enabled state as a valid operation unit, and displays the second operation unit in an disabled state or hidden as an invalid operation unit, and, when the clothing processing machine 100 is operating, displays the first operation unit and the second operation unit in an disabled state or hidden as invalid operation units.

[0107] This application program P2 allows the display control unit 320 to cause the display device 301 to display as shown in Fig. 16. An example of a "first operation unit for creating an additional operation program not installed in the clothes treating machine 100" in the application program P2 is an operation key 301a3 for creating an application program. An example of a "second operation unit for setting the operation of the clothes treating machine 100" in the application program P2 is an operation key 301a4 for reserving the operation of the clothes treating machine 100.

[0108] In addition, the application program P3 may be a program that includes the application program P1 or the application program P2, and further includes a first operation unit for creating an additional operating course that is not installed in the clothing processing machine 100, and a second operation unit for setting the operation of the clothing processing machine 100, and the display control unit 320 may be a program that, when the clothing processing machine 100 is not connected to the network NW, displays the first operation unit as a valid operation unit, and hides the second operation unit as an invalid operation unit or displays it in an invalid state, and, when the clothing processing machine 100 is operating, displays the first operation unit and the second operation unit in an invalid state as invalid operation units.

[0109] This application program P3 enables the display control unit 320 to cause the display device 301 to display an image as shown in FIG.

[0110] Furthermore, the application program P4 includes the application program P1, and the display control unit 320 may be a program that, when an invalid operation unit displayed in an invalid state is operated, displays an additional explanation area including information indicating the reason why the invalid operation unit is in an invalid state on the same screen as the status display screen.

[0111] This application program P4 enables the display control unit 320 to cause the display device 301 to display as shown in Fig. 16. Note that an example of the "information indicating the reason why the invalid operation unit is in an invalid state" in the application program P4 is offline.

[0112] Furthermore, the application program P5 includes the application program P4, and the display control unit 320 may be a program that, when an invalid operation unit that is in an invalid state for a first reason, that is, the power of the clothing processing machine 100 is turned off or the clothing processing machine 100 is not connected to the network NW, displays first information corresponding to the first reason as information indicating the reason, and, when an invalid operation unit that is in an invalid state for a second reason, that is, the clothing processing machine 100 is in operation, displays second information corresponding to the second reason as information indicating the reason.

[0113] This application program P5 allows the display control unit 320 to display the display 301d as shown in Fig. 16 or 17 on the display device 301 only when the invalid operation unit is operated while the power of the clothing treating machine 100 is off or the clothing treating machine 100 is not connected to the network NW. Also, this application program P5 allows the display control unit 320 to display the display 301d as shown in Fig. 19 or 20 on the display device 301 only when the invalid operation unit is operated while the clothing treating machine 100 is in operation.

[0114] In addition, the application program P6 includes the application program P1, and the display control unit 320 may be a program that, when an invalid operation unit displayed in an invalid state is operated, displays an additional explanation area including instructions for changing the invalid operation unit to an enabled state on the same screen as the status display screen.

[0115] By this application program P6, the display control unit 320 can display on the display device 301 that the power of the clothes treating machine 100 is off (so it can be set to the standby on state) or that the clothes treating machine 100 is not connected to the network NW (so it can be connected to the network NW) as shown in FIG. 16, only when the invalid operation unit is operated. Also, by this application program P6, the display control unit 320 can display on the display device 301 that the operation of the clothes treating machine 100 has not been set (so it can be set to the operation) as shown in FIG. 17, only when the invalid operation unit is operated. Also, by this application program P6, the display control unit 320 can display on the display device 301 that the clothes treating machine 100 is operating (so it can be stopped and the operation contents can be set) as shown in FIG. 19 or FIG. 20, only when the invalid operation unit is operated. An example of an additional explanation area in the application program P6 is the display 301d.

[0116] Furthermore, the application program P7 includes the application program P4 or the application program P6, and the additional explanation area may be a program that is displayed on the same screen in an area outside the multiple operation units within the status display screen.

[0117] By using this application program P7, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display as shown in Fig. 16 to Fig. 20. Note that the display control unit 320 may cause the display device 301 to display the display 301d at a position that does not overlap the operation keys 301a1 to 301a4.

[0118] In addition, the application program P8 may include the application program P1 or the application program P2, and at least one of the multiple operating units may be a program that is positioned at a fixed position within the status display screen when the status display screen is displayed, regardless of the detected status of the clothing processing machine 100.

[0119] By using this application program P8, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display as shown in Fig. 16 to Fig. 20. Note that an example of a fixed position within the status display screen in the application program P8 is a fixed position within the display screen of the display device 301.

[0120] Furthermore, application program P9 may be a program that includes application program P8 and, further, when the display screen is viewed in an upright position in the vertical direction, the fixed position is located closer to the bottom edge of the display screen than the center of the display screen.

[0121] This application program P8 enables the display control unit 320 to cause the display device 301 to display as shown in Fig. 16 to Fig. 20. An example of a fixed position within the status display screen in the application program P8 is a fixed position that is a predetermined distance from the bottom end of the display screen of the display device 301 and is located at least below the display screen of the display device 301.

[0122] Furthermore, the application program P10 may include the application program P1 or the application program P2, and when the display control unit 320 displays on the display screen an operation course creation screen for creating an additional operation course that is not installed in the clothing processing machine 100, the display control unit 320 may display a first selection screen that allows the user to select an operation course to be added from a plurality of additional operation courses corresponding to the type of clothing, a second selection screen that allows the user to select an operation course to be added from a plurality of additional operation courses corresponding to the purpose of clothing processing, and a switching operation unit that allows the user to switch between the first selection screen and the second selection screen, and may display one of the first selection screen and the second selection screen selected using the switching operation unit and the switching operation unit on the same screen.

[0123] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a sixth example of the display of the display device 301 of an embodiment. FIG. 21 shows a display example of the display device 301 when the operation key 301a3 for creating an application course is operated. Part (a) of FIG. 21 is a display example of the display device 301 when the tab for clothing is selected. Part (b) of FIG. 21 is a display example of the display device 301 when the tab for purpose is selected. Part (c) of FIG. 21 is a display example of the display device 301 when the tab for special course is selected. Part (d) of FIG. 21 is a display example of the display device 301 when the tab for custom is selected. By this application program P10, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display as shown in FIG. 21. The first selection screen in the application program P10 is the screen shown in part (a) of FIG. 21. Moreover, the second selection screen in the application program P10 is the screen shown in part (b) of FIG. 21. The switching operation section capable of switching between the first selection screen and the second selection screen in the application program P10 is an operation key 301e which is a tab for each clothing item and an operation key 301e which is a tab for each purpose, as shown in FIG.

[0124] Furthermore, the application program P11 may be a program including the application program P10, and further, the switching operation unit is an operation unit capable of switching between a first selection screen, a second selection screen, and a third selection screen on which an operating course to be added can be selected from a plurality of additional operating courses according to the type of detergent.

[0125] This application program P11 allows the display control unit 320 to cause the display device 301 to display as shown in Fig. 21. The third selection screen in the application program P11 is the screen shown in part (c) of Fig. 21. Fig. 26 is a diagram showing an eleventh example of the display of the display device 301 in one embodiment. Examples of multiple additional operation programs according to the type of detergent in the application program P11 include an ultra-concentrated soaking program and a no-rinse delicates program shown in part (c) of Fig. 21.

[0126] In addition, the application program P12 may be a program that includes the application program P1 or the application program P2, and further, the clothing processing machine 100 is capable of executing at least a washing operation and a washing and drying operation, and the display control unit 320 displays on the same screen a selection operation unit that displays a screen for making settings related to the washing operation and a selection operation unit that displays a screen for making settings related to the washing and drying operation, and when the selection operation unit that displays the screen for making settings for the washing operation is operated, displays on the display screen a plurality of selection operation units for selecting an operating course to be executed from a plurality of operating courses related to the washing operation, and when the selection operation unit for displaying the screen for making settings for the washing and drying operation is operated, displays on the display screen a plurality of selection operation units for selecting an operating course to be executed from a plurality of operating courses related to the washing and drying operation.

[0127] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a seventh example of the display of the display device 301 of an embodiment. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an eighth example of the display of the display device 301 of an embodiment. FIG. 22 is a display example of the display device 301 for selecting a course in a washing operation. FIG. 23 is a display example of the display device 301 for selecting a course in a washing and drying operation. By this application program P12, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display as shown in FIG. 22 or FIG. 23. The selection operation unit that displays a screen for setting the washing operation in the application program P12 is the display 301f shown in the part (a) of FIG. 22 or the part (a) of FIG. 23. The selection operation unit that displays a screen for setting the washing and drying operation in the application program P12 is the display 301g shown in the part (a) of FIG. 22 or the part (a) of FIG. 23. Moreover, a plurality of selection operation sections for selecting an operation course to be executed from a plurality of operation courses related to the washing operation in the application program P12 is a display 301h shown in part (a) of Fig. 22. Further, a plurality of selection operation sections for selecting an operation course to be executed from a plurality of operation courses related to the washing and drying operation in the application program P12 is a display 301h shown in part (a) of Fig. 23.

[0128] In addition, the operation key 301i shown in the part (a) of FIG. 22 and the part (a) of FIG. 23 is an operation key for deleting the display of the display device 301 shown in the part (a) of FIG. 22 and the part (a) of FIG. 23. Also, the operation key 301j shown in the part (a) of FIG. 22 and the part (a) of FIG. 23 is an operation key for displaying details of additional settings. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a ninth example of the display of the display device 301 of an embodiment. FIG. 24 is a display example of the display device 301 when the operation key 301j in the part (a) of FIG. 22 is pressed to set additional settings in a washing operation. For example, the display control unit 320 may cause the display device 301 to display information related to the temperature of hot water and the use of bath water as detailed display of additional settings as shown in FIG. 24.

[0129] The clothing processing system 1 (an example of an information processing system) may be equipped with a display control unit that, when displaying a status display screen showing the status of the clothing processing machine 100 on the display screen of the terminal device 300, based on the detection results regarding the status of the clothing processing machine 100, displays, in an enabled state on the status display screen, those operation units among a plurality of operation units for making settings related to the clothing processing machine 100 that correspond to content that can be set in the detected state of the clothing processing machine 100 as enabled operation units, and hides, or displays, in an disabled state on the status display screen, those operation units among the plurality of operation units that correspond to content that cannot be set in the detected state of the clothing processing machine, as disabled operation units.

[0130] The information processing method may be an information processing method executed by a computer which is a terminal device 300 having a display screen, and when a status display screen showing the status of the clothing processing machine 100 is displayed on the display screen, based on the detection results regarding the status of the clothing processing machine 100, among multiple operation units for making settings related to the clothing processing machine 100, operation units corresponding to contents that can be set in the detected state of the clothing processing machine are displayed in an enabled state on the status display screen as valid operation units, and among the multiple operation units, operation units corresponding to contents that cannot be set in the detected state of the clothing processing machine 100 are hidden as invalid operation units or displayed in an disabled state on the status display screen.

[0131] The clothing processing machine 100 is a clothing processing machine equipped with a clothing processing machine main body 100a and a setting unit that changes the settings of the clothing processing machine main body 100a based on information received from a server 200, and when the setting unit receives setting information of the new additional operating course from the server without inquiring of the server about the presence or absence of a new additional operating course that is not installed in the clothing processing machine, the setting unit sets the new additional operating course as the selected operating course without user operation to select the new additional operating course, and when the power of the clothing processing machine is switched from an off state to an on state, the setting unit inquires of the server about the presence or absence of the new additional operating course, and when the setting information of the new additional operating course is received from the server in response to the inquiry to the server, the setting unit sets the new additional operating course as the selected operating course in response to user operation to select the new additional operating course.

[0132] Furthermore, the application program P21 may be a program that realizes a display control unit in a computer that is a terminal device 300, the terminal device 300 having a display screen, and the display control unit 320 displays on the display screen a setting display area including information indicating setting contents that have been set or are being set in relation to the clothing processing machine 100, and also displays on the display screen an operation area including an operation unit for making additional settings to the setting contents, the operation area being displayed on the same screen as the setting display area on the display screen, and being positioned at a fixed position within the display screen even when at least a portion of the contents displayed in the setting display area is changed in response to a scroll operation on the display screen.

[0133] Fig. 25 is a diagram showing a tenth example of a display of the display device 301 of an embodiment. Fig. 26 is a diagram showing an eleventh example of a display of the display device 301 of an embodiment. This application program P21 enables the display control unit 320 to cause the display device 301 to display, for example, the part (a) of Fig. 22, the part (a) of Fig. 23, or the part as shown in Fig. 25.

[0134] FIG. 25 is a display example when washable suits and school uniforms are selected on the screen shown in the part (a) of FIG. 21. In the example shown in FIG. 25, the display area of ​​the display device 301 where the display 301k is displayed by scrolling corresponds to the setting display area in the application program P21. In the example shown in FIG. 25, the operation key 301l corresponds to the operation area in the application program P21. In the example shown in the part (a) of FIG. 22 and the part (a) of FIG. 23, the display area of ​​the display device 301 where the display 301h is displayed by scrolling corresponds to the setting display area in the application program P21. In the example shown in the part (a) of FIG. 22 and the part (a) of FIG. 23, the operation key 301m shown as an additional setting (in this case, the operation key for starting driving immediately and the operation key for reserving driving) corresponds to the setting display area in the application program P21.

[0135] Furthermore, application program P22 may be a program that includes application program P21, and further, when the display screen is viewed in an upright position in the vertical direction, the fixed position of the operation area within the display screen is located closer to the bottom edge of the display screen of display device 301 than the center of the display screen.

[0136] This application program P22 enables the display control unit 320 to cause the display device 301 to display the operation keys 301m and 301l closer to the bottom edge of the display screen of the display device 301 than the center of the display screen, as shown, for example, in part (a) of FIG. 22, part (a) of FIG. 23, and part (a) of FIG. 25.

[0137] Furthermore, the application program P23 may be a program including the application program P21 or the application program P22, and further including a setting display area including a plurality of selection operation units for selecting an operating course to be executed from a plurality of operating courses, and the operation area being positioned at a fixed position within the display screen even when the display contents relating to the plurality of selection operation units are changed in response to a scroll operation on the display screen.

[0138] This application program P23 allows the display control unit 320 to display on the display device 301, for example, as shown in Fig. 22 or 23, in which the setting display area includes a plurality of selection operation units for selecting an operating course to be executed from a plurality of operating courses, and the operation area is arranged at a fixed position within the display screen even when the display contents related to the plurality of selection operation units are changed in response to a scroll operation on the display screen. Note that in the examples shown in Fig. 22 and Fig. 23, the respective operation keys of the display 301h shown in the portion (b) of Fig. 22 and the portion (b) of Fig. 23 correspond to the plurality of selection operation units in the application program P23.

[0139] Furthermore, the application program P24 may be a program that includes the application program P21 or the application program P22, and further, the setting display area includes explanatory information explaining the contents of an additional operating course that is not installed in the clothing processing machine 100, and the operation area is positioned at a fixed position within the display screen of the display device 301 even when the display content related to the explanatory information is changed in response to a scroll operation on the display screen of the display device 301.

[0140] This application program P24 allows the display control unit 320 to cause the display device 301 to display, for example, as shown in Fig. 25, a setting display area including explanatory information explaining the contents of the additional operating program not installed in the clothes treating machine 100, and the operation area being positioned at a fixed position within the display screen even when the display contents relating to the explanatory information are changed in response to a scroll operation on the display screen of the display device 301. Note that in the example shown in Fig. 25, the information shown in the display 301k corresponds to the explanatory information explaining the contents of the additional operating program not installed in the clothes treating machine 100 in the application program P24.

[0141] Furthermore, the application program P25 may be a program that includes the application program P21 or the application program P22, and further includes a size operation unit for enlarging or reducing the operation area, and when the size operation unit is operated, the operation area is enlarged or reduced while being displayed on the same screen as the setting-related information on the display screen of the display device 301.

[0142] Fig. 26 is a diagram showing an eleventh example of the display of the display device 301 of an embodiment. Fig. 26 is a display example in which the operation area is reduced. In this case, Fig. 25 is a display example in which the operation area is enlarged. By this application program P25, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display as shown in Fig. 25 or Fig. 26. In the examples shown in Fig. 25 or Fig. 26, the operation keys 301n shown in Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 correspond to the size operation unit in the application program P25.

[0143] Furthermore, application program P26 may be a program that includes application program P25, and further includes a first operation section and a second operation section for accepting operations different from the first operation section when the size operation section is operated to enlarge the operation area, and includes the first operation section and hides the second operation section when the size operation section is operated to reduce the operation area.

[0144] When the size operation unit is operated and the operation area is reduced by this application program P26, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display, for example, as shown in FIG. 26. When the size operation unit is operated and enlarged by this application program P26, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display, for example, as shown in FIG. 25, in a part of the screen of the display device 301, an operation unit (for example, an operation key) that is not displayed when the size operation unit is operated and the operation area is reduced. In the example shown in FIG. 26, the operation key 301l corresponds to the first operation unit in the application program P26. Also, the operation unit (for example, an operation key) that is not displayed when the size operation unit is operated and the operation area is reduced corresponds to the second operation unit in the application program P26.

[0145] Furthermore, the application program P27 may be a program that includes the application program P26, and further, the first operation unit is an operation unit for starting operation of the clothing processing machine 100, an operation unit for setting the operation of the clothing processing machine 100, or an operation unit for confirming the setting contents, and the second operation unit is an operation unit for making additional settings.

[0146] When the size operation unit is operated to reduce the size by this application program P26, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display, as a first operation unit, an operation unit for starting operation of the clothing processing machine 100, an operation unit for setting the operation of the clothing processing machine 100, or an operation unit for confirming the setting contents, and can display, as a second operation unit, an operation unit for making additional settings.

[0147] Furthermore, the application program P28 may be a program that includes the application program P26, and further, when the display screen is viewed in an upright position, the second operation unit is disposed above the first operation unit.

[0148] With this application program P28, when the display screen is viewed in an upright position, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display the second operation unit above the first operation unit. For example, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display an operation unit for starting the operation of the clothes treating machine 100, an operation unit for setting the operation of the clothes treating machine 100, or additional settings above the operation unit for confirming the settings.

[0149] Furthermore, application program P29 may be a program that includes application program P25, and further, when the display screen is viewed in an upright position in the vertical direction, the fixed position of the operation area within the display screen is located closer to the bottom edge of the display screen than the center of the display screen, and when the operation area is enlarged or reduced, the position of the bottom edge of the operation area (the position from the bottom edge of display device 301) does not change, but the position of the top edge of the operation area is changed.

[0150] This application program P29 enables the display control unit 320 to cause the display device 301 to display such that, when the display screen is viewed in an upright position, the fixed position of the operation area within the display screen is located closer to the bottom edge of the display screen than the center of the display screen, and the position of the bottom edge of the operation area (the position from the bottom edge of the display device 301) does not change when the operation area is enlarged or reduced, but the position of the top edge of the operation area changes.

[0151] Furthermore, the application program P30 may be a program that includes the application program P21 or the application program P22, and further includes a setting display area that is displayed on the same screen as the basic screen related to the clothing processing machine 100 and includes a delete operation unit for closing the setting display area, and when the delete operation unit is operated, the setting display area and the operation area are deleted from the display screen of the display device 301 and the basic screen is displayed.

[0152] When the user U operates the operation key 301i for deleting the display by this application program P30, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to erase the current display screen and display the top screen. For example, when the operation key 301i shown in FIG. 21 or FIG. 22 is operated, the display control unit 320 may cause the display device 301 to display the top screen of the terminal device 300 as shown in FIG. 16 to FIG. 20. The display 301i corresponds to the erase operation unit in the application program P30. The operation of the operation key 301i corresponds to the operation of the erase operation unit in the application program P30. The top screen of the terminal device 300 corresponds to the basic screen in the application program P30.

[0153] Furthermore, the application program P31 may be a program that includes the application program P21 or the application program P22, and further, the display control unit 320 displays a basic screen regarding the clothing processing machine 100 and a status description area including explanatory information about the status of the clothing processing machine 100 on the display screen of the display device 301 when the clothing processing machine 100 is operating or when an operation reservation has been set, the status description area including a size operation unit for operating to enlarge or reduce the status description area, and when the size operation unit is operated, the status description area is enlarged or reduced while remaining displayed together with the basic screen on the display screen of the display device 301.

[0154] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a twelfth example of the display of the display device 301 of the embodiment. FIG. 27 is a display example when the reserved operation by the terminal device 300 is on standby. In the reserved operation shown in FIG. 27, the operation control unit 151 calculates the time required for the operation so that the operation set will end around 14:30, and starts the operation by calculating backwards from the operation start time. When an operation to reduce the state explanation area is performed on the size operation unit by this application program P31, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display as shown in FIG. 27. When an operation to enlarge the state explanation area is performed on the size operation unit by this application program P31, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display an enlarged state explanation area from the display shown in FIG. 27. The operation key 301n shown in FIG. 27 corresponds to the size operation unit in the application program P31. Also, the display 301p shown in FIG. 27 corresponds to the state explanation area in the application program P31. 28 is a diagram showing an eleventh example of the display of the operation panel 112 according to an embodiment. In this case, the display control unit 152 may cause the operation panel 112 to display the end time of the operation as shown in FIG.

[0155] Furthermore, application program P32 may be a program that includes application program P31, and further includes a state description area that includes first information and second information different from the first information when the size control unit is operated to enlarge the area, and that displays the first information and hides the second information when the size control unit is operated to reduce the area.

[0156] When the size operation unit is operated by this application program P32 to enlarge the state description area, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display, for example, an enlarged state description area relative to the display shown in Fig. 27. In this case, the state description area includes first information indicated by display 301p of the state description area shown in Fig. 27 and second information different from display 301p. Also, when the size operation unit is operated by the application program P32 to reduce the state description area, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display, for example, the display shown in Fig. 27.

[0157] Furthermore, the application program P33 may be a program that includes the application program P32, and further, the first information is at least one of the operation process being executed in the clothing processing machine 100, the scheduled end time of the operation, or the time remaining until the end of the operation, and the second information is information regarding additional setting contents.

[0158] This application program P33 enables the display control unit 320 to cause the display device 301 to display, as first information, at least one of the operation process currently being carried out by the clothing processing machine 100, the scheduled end time of operation, or the time remaining until the end of operation, and to display, as second information, information regarding additional setting contents.

[0159] Furthermore, application program P34 may be a program that includes application program P31, and further, when the display screen of display device 301 is viewed in an upright position, the state description area is positioned within the display screen of display device 301 closer to the bottom edge of the display screen than to the center of the display screen.

[0160] This application program P34 enables the display control unit 320 to cause the display device 301 to display the state description area so that, when the display screen of the display device 301 is viewed in an upright position, the state description area is positioned within the display screen of the display device 301 closer to the bottom edge of the display screen than the center of the display screen.

[0161] Furthermore, application program P35 may be a program that includes application program P34, and further, in which the position of the bottom end of the display screen of the display device 301 of the status description area does not change when the status description area is enlarged or reduced, but the position of the top end of the operation area is changed.

[0162] This application program P35 enables the display control unit 320 to display on the display device 301 the state description area so that the position of the bottom end of the display screen of the display device 301 does not change when the state description area is enlarged or reduced, while the position of the top end of the operation area changes.

[0163] The clothing processing system 1 (an example of an information processing system) includes a display control unit 320 that displays, on the display screen of the display device 301, a setting display area including information indicating setting contents that have been set or are being set regarding the operation of the clothing processing machine 100, and displays, on the display screen of the terminal device 300, an operation area including an operation unit for making additional settings to the setting contents that are being set, and the operation area is displayed together with the setting display area on the display screen, and may be positioned at a fixed position within the display screen of the display device 301 even if at least a portion of the content displayed in the setting display area is changed in response to a scroll operation on the display screen of the display device 301.

[0164] The information processing method is an information processing method executed by a computer which is a terminal device 300 having a display screen of a display device 301, and includes displaying on the display screen of the display device 301 a setting display area including information indicating setting contents which have been set or are being set in relation to the clothing processing machine 100, and displaying on the display screen of the display device 301 an operation area including an operation unit for making additional settings to the setting contents, and the operation area is displayed together with the setting display area on the display screen of the display device 301, and may be positioned at a fixed position within the display screen of the display device 301 even if at least a portion of the contents displayed in the setting display area is changed in response to a scroll operation on the display screen of the display device 301.

[0165] The application program P41 may be a program that realizes a display control unit 320 in a computer that is a terminal device 300, the terminal device 300 having a display screen of the display device 301, and the display control unit 320 may be a program that, when displaying an automatic dispensing setting screen for remotely setting the automatic dispensing of clothing treatment agent in the clothing treatment machine 100 on the display screen of the display device 301, based on a detection result indicating whether the clothing treatment machine 100 is connected to the network NW, if the clothing treatment machine 100 is connected to the network NW, displays an automatic dispensing setting screen including an operation unit for making settings related to automatic dispensing, and if the clothing treatment machine 100 is not connected to the network NW, displays an automatic dispensing setting screen including the operation unit in a hidden or disabled state.

[0166] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a thirteenth example of the display of the display device 301 of an embodiment. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a fourteenth example of the display of the display device 301 of an embodiment. FIG. 29 is a display example of the display screen of the display device 301 when an automatic loading setting screen including an operation unit for setting the automatic loading is displayed. FIG. 30 is a display example of the display screen of the display device 301 when an automatic loading setting screen including an operation unit for setting the automatic loading is displayed in a non-displayed or disabled state. By this application program P41, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display as shown in FIG. 29 or FIG. 30. The operation key 301q shown in the (a) part of FIG. 29 corresponds to the operation unit in the application program P41.

[0167] Furthermore, the application program P42 includes the application program P41, and the display control unit 320 may be a program that, when the clothing processing machine 100 is not connected to the network NW and the operation unit is hidden or displayed in an disabled state, displays a notification corresponding to the fact that the clothing processing machine 100 is not connected to the network NW on the automatic input setting screen.

[0168] This application program P42 enables the display control unit 320 to display a notification (e.g., the reason) corresponding to the fact that the clothing processing machine 100 is not connected to the network NW when the display device 301 hides the operation unit or displays it in an disabled state, as shown in FIG. 30.

[0169] In addition, the application program P43 includes the application program P41 or the application program P42, and the display control unit 320 may be a program that, when the clothing treatment machine 100 is connected to the network NW, displays on the same screen as operation units for making settings regarding automatic dispensing, a first operation unit for selecting whether or not to automatically dispense clothing treatment agent, a second operation unit for setting the amount of clothing treatment agent to be dispensed, and a third operation unit for setting the brand of clothing treatment agent.

[0170] In part (a) of FIG. 29, the operation key 301r labeled "Automatic detergent dispense" corresponds to the "first operation section" in the application program P43. In part (a) of FIG. 29, the operation key 301s labeled "ATTACK 3X DETERGENT" corresponds to the "second operation section" in the application program P43. In part (a) of FIG. 29, the operation key 301t labeled "Automatic fabric softener dispense" corresponds to the "third operation section" in the application program P43. In the example shown in part (a) of FIG. 29, the first operation section and the third operation section include the operation key 301q.

[0171] Furthermore, the application program P44 includes the application program P41 or the application program P42, and the display control unit 320 may be a program that, when automatic loading is not set and an operation is performed to display an operation setting screen for setting the operation of the clothing processing machine 100, displays on the display screen a notification relating to the fact that automatic loading is not set and an operation unit for transitioning to the automatic loading setting screen.

[0172] Fig. 31 is a diagram showing a 15th example of the display of the display device 301 of an embodiment. This application program P44 allows the display control unit 320 to cause the display device 301 to display as shown in Fig. 31. Note that the display 301u in part (b) of Fig. 31 is an example of a notification relating to the fact that automatic loading is not yet set, and corresponds to a notification in the application program P42 notifying the user that automatic loading is not yet set, or to the display of a screen prompting the user to set automatic loading.

[0173] Furthermore, the application program P45 includes the application program P41 or the application program P42, and the display control unit 320 may be a program that, when automatic loading is not set and a status display screen showing the status of the clothing processing machine 100 is displayed, and an operation is performed to display an operation setting screen for setting the operation of the clothing processing machine 100, displays a confirmation display area together with the status display screen, the confirmation display area including a notification relating to the fact that automatic loading is not set and an operation unit for transitioning to the automatic loading setting screen.

[0174] With this application program P45, when an operation is performed to display an operation setting screen for setting the operation of the clothing processing machine 100 when automatic loading is not set on the display device 301 and a status display screen displaying the status of the clothing processing machine 100 (for example, the display screen of the display device 301 with operation keys 301a3 and 301a4 displayed) is displayed as shown in part (b) of Figure 31, the display control unit 320 can display on the display screen a notification (for example, display 301u) relating to the fact that automatic loading is not set, and an operation unit for displaying a confirmation display area (for example, display 301w displayed in a pop-up) including an operation unit (for example, operation key 301v) for transitioning to the automatic loading setting screen together with the status display screen.

[0175] Furthermore, the application program P46 includes the application program P45, and the display control unit 320 may be a program that, when automatic entry is not set and an operation is performed to display an operation setting screen (e.g., the display screen in part (a) of Figure 31), displays a confirmation display area on the display screen of the display device 301 (e.g., the display screen in part (b) of Figure 31) before displaying the operation setting screen on the display screen of the display device 301.

[0176] This application program P46 enables the display control unit 320 to, when an operation is performed to cause the display device 301 to display an operation setting screen, for example, part (a) of Figure 31, so as to display a confirmation display area on the display device 301's display screen, for example, the display screen of part (b) of Figure 31, before displaying part (a) of Figure 31.

[0177] Moreover, the application program P47 may be a program including the application program P45, and further including an operation unit for displaying the operation setting screen in the confirmation display area without setting the automatic input.

[0178] This application program P47 enables the display control unit 320 to display an operation unit for displaying an operation setting screen without setting automatic input in a confirmation display area (e.g., display 301w displayed in a pop-up) on the display device 301.

[0179] Furthermore, the application program P48 includes the application program P41 or the application program P42, and the display control unit 320 may be a program that, when an operation is performed to display the automatic loading setting screen while the clothing processing machine 100 is in operation, displays an automatic loading setting screen including multiple operation units related to the automatic loading setting on the display screen of the display device 301, and, when any one of the multiple operation units is operated, displays a notification indicating that the setting cannot be changed.

[0180] Fig. 32 is a diagram showing a 16th example of the display of the display device 301 of the embodiment. By this application program P48, the display control unit 320 can cause the display device 301 to display as shown in Fig. 32. Note that the display 301x in Fig. 32 is an example of a notification display indicating that the setting cannot be changed when, for example, the operation key 301v for transitioning to the automatic input setting screen in the part (b) of Fig. 31 is operated. The display 301x in Fig. 32 corresponds to a notification display indicating that the setting cannot be changed in the application program P48. Also, the operation key 301v for transitioning to the automatic input setting screen in the part (b) of Fig. 31 corresponds to any one of a plurality of operation units in the application program P48.

[0181] Furthermore, the application program P49 may be a program that includes the application program P41 or the application program P42, and further, the display control unit 320 is capable of displaying on the display screen of the display device 301 an automatic input setting screen that includes multiple operation units related to the automatic input setting and a confirmation operation unit for confirming content changed using one or more of the multiple operation units, and when there is no change from the content already set regarding automatic input, causes the confirmation operation unit to be hidden or displayed in an disabled state on the automatic input setting screen, and when an operation to change the automatic input setting is performed using one or more of the multiple operation units, causes the confirmation operation unit to be displayed in an enabled state on the automatic input setting screen.

[0182] This application program P49 allows the display control unit 320 to cause the display device 301 to display as shown in Fig. 29. Note that a display 301y shown in part (b) of Fig. 29 corresponds to a plurality of operation units related to the automatic input setting in the application program P49. Also, an operation key 301z shown in part (c) of Fig. 29 corresponds to a confirmation operation unit for confirming the contents changed using one or more operation units among the plurality of operation units in the application program P49. Also, the display screen of the display device 301 shown in Fig. 29 corresponds to the automatic input setting screen in the application program P49.

[0183] The clothing processing system 1 (an example of an information processing system) may be equipped with a display control unit that, when displaying an automatic dispensing setting screen for setting the automatic dispensing of clothing treatment agent in the clothing processing machine 100 on the display screen of the terminal device 300, displays an automatic dispensing setting screen including an operation unit for setting the automatic dispensing based on a detection result indicating whether the clothing processing machine 100 is connected to the network NW, if the clothing processing machine 100 is connected to the network NW, and displays the automatic dispensing setting screen including the operation unit in a hidden or disabled state if the clothing processing machine 100 is not connected to the network NW.

[0184] The information processing method is an information processing method executed by a computer which is a terminal device 300 having a display screen, and when an automatic dispensing setting screen for making settings regarding the automatic dispensing of clothing treatment agent in the clothing treatment machine 100 is displayed on the display screen of the display device 301, based on a detection result indicating whether the clothing treatment machine 100 is connected to a network, if the clothing treatment machine 100 is connected to the network NW, an automatic dispensing setting screen including an operation unit for making settings regarding automatic dispensing is displayed, and if the clothing treatment machine 100 is not connected to the network NW, an automatic dispensing setting screen including the operation unit is displayed with the operation unit hidden or in an disabled state.

[0185] In addition, without waiting for the second signal, when the state where operation settings are accepted based on remote control (an example of the second state) is returned to a state where a selection operation for selecting an operation type using the icon 112a, setting key B1, automatic input key B2, hot water setting key B3, reservation setting key B4, course selection key B6, and start key B7 is possible (an example of the first state), and the operation control unit 151 unlocks the door lock of the clothing treatment machine 100, the display control unit 320 may, like the display control unit 152, notify that the door lock has been unlocked.

[0186] (Example of the clothing processing system in operation) Next, a description will be given of an operation example of the clothing processing system 1. Fig. 33 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing at the start-up of the clothing processing machine 100 of one embodiment. Here, the processing at the start-up of the clothing processing machine 100 shown in Fig. 33 will be described.

[0187] When the power button of the clothing processing machine 100 is operated by the user U, the clothing processing machine 100 is turned on (S101). Next, the communication unit 140 of the clothing processing machine 100 attempts to connect to the network NW (S102). When the communication unit 140 has completed the connection to the network NW, the information transmission unit 154 of the clothing processing machine 100 transmits status information C1 indicating the operation details of the clothing processing machine 100 being set to the server 200 (S103).

[0188] When the server 200 receives the status information C1 from the clothing processing machine 100, it transfers the received status information C1 to the terminal device 300 (S104). The display control unit 320 of the terminal device 300 that has received the status information C1 updates the content to be displayed on the display screen of the display device 301 based on the status information C1 of the clothing processing machine 100 (S105).

[0189] On the other hand, if the display control unit 320 of the terminal device 300 is unable to receive the status information C1 from the clothing processing machine 100 for some reason (for example, when the clothing processing machine 100 is powered off or when the clothing processing machine 100 is not connected to the network NW), it causes the display device 301 to display, for example, a predetermined screen as shown in FIG. 16.

[0190] (Synchronization of display between clothing processing machine and terminal device) Next, a synchronization process of the display of the clothing processing machine 100 and the terminal device 300 will be described. FIG. 34 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the synchronization process of the display of the clothing processing machine 100 and the terminal device 300 in one embodiment. Before starting operation, the reception unit 153 of the clothing processing machine 100 monitors whether the state of the clothing processing machine 100 is changed (for example, whether an operation to set or select the operation content is performed) (S201). Every time an operation to change the state of the clothing processing machine 100 (for example, an operation to set or select the operation content) is received by the reception unit 153, the information transmission unit 154 of the clothing processing machine 100 transmits status information C1 indicating the latest operation content of the clothing processing machine 100 reflecting the received operation to the server 200 (S202). Every time the server 200 receives the status information C1 from the clothing processing machine 100, it transfers the received status information to the terminal device 300 (S203). The display control unit 320 of the terminal device 300 that has received the status information C1 updates the content to be displayed on the display screen 301a based on the status information C1 of the clothes treating machine 100 (S204).

[0191] The status information C1 is sent in the form of an event notification that is executed when a predetermined state is changed, and a periodic notification that is executed periodically when a predetermined time has passed. The event notification is executed when an operation to set or select an operation course is performed, or when an operation to set or select an option is performed. The periodic notification is executed within a range that does not burden the server 200, for example, every minute or every five minutes. By performing the periodic notification, the latest operation contents are always reflected in the terminal device 300 even if there is no change in the state of the clothes processing machine 100. In addition, if the power supply of the clothes processing machine 100 is turned off, the periodic notification is no longer performed, so that the server 200 or the terminal device 300 can recognize that the communication has been interrupted. When this content is recognized, the display control unit 320 may notify the user U that the communication has been interrupted through the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300. This allows the user U to recognize that a communication failure has occurred. In other words, the user U can understand that the synchronized information may not be the latest.

[0192] (advantage) According to this embodiment, the clothing treatment machine 100 of the embodiment includes a clothing treatment machine main body 100a, an operation reception unit (e.g., an operation panel 112) provided in the clothing treatment machine main body 100a, and a control unit (e.g., an operation control unit 151, a display control unit 152) that controls the clothing treatment machine main body 100a. The operation reception unit includes a selection operation unit (e.g., an icon 112a, a setting key B1, an automatic input key B2, a hot water setting key B3, a reservation setting key B4, a course selection key B6, a start key B7) for selecting an operation type to be performed from a plurality of operation types that can be performed by the clothing treatment machine main body 100a, and a transition operation unit (e.g., a remote setting key B5). The transition operation unit is an operation unit for transitioning from a first state in which a selection operation using the selection operation unit is possible to a second state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on a remote operation, and the operation reception unit has the selection operation unit and the transition operation unit in a state in which they can be simultaneously viewed at least temporarily. When the transition operation unit is operated to transition from the first state to the second state, the control unit changes the state of at least a part of the operation receiving unit that is different from the transition operation unit, and changes the state of the operation receiving unit to a mode corresponding to restriction on acceptance of at least some operations using the operation receiving unit.

[0193] According to such a clothing processing machine 100, when a transition operation unit (e.g., remote setting key B5) is operated to transition from a first state in which selection operation using a selection operation unit (e.g., icon 112a, setting key B1, automatic input key B2, hot water setting key B3, reservation setting key B4, course selection key B6, start key B7) is possible to a second state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on remote operation, a control unit (e.g., operation control unit 151, display control unit 152) changes the state of at least a part of the operation acceptance unit that is different from the transition operation unit, and changes the state of the operation acceptance unit to a mode corresponding to the restriction of acceptance of at least a part of operations using the operation acceptance unit (e.g., operation panel 112). As a result, usability can be improved.

[0194] <Another embodiment> In another embodiment of the present invention, the clothes treating machine 100 may include an operation panel 500 configured by a 7-segment display, an LED, and a physical switch instead of the operation panel 112. The display control unit 152 may perform a display on the operation panel 500 equivalent to the display on the operation panel 112 described in the above embodiment. FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a first example of a display on the operation panel 500 of another embodiment. FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a second example of a display on the operation panel 500 of another embodiment. FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a second example of a display on the operation panel 500 of another embodiment. The reference numerals shown in FIGS. 35 to 37 correspond to the functions described for the reference numerals shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. For example, when the remote setting key B5 is operated, the display control unit 152 changes the display on the operation panel 500 shown in FIG. 35 to "APP" as shown in FIG. 36, thereby displaying that the settings of the clothes treating machine 100 from the terminal device 300 can be accepted by the home appliance management application APP. Furthermore, in this state, when a standard course of washing operation is set from the terminal device 300, the display control unit 152, for example, changes the display of the operation panel 500 shown in FIG. 36 to display "APP" as shown in FIG. 37, and also illuminates the operation key 112a to indicate that the standard course of washing operation has been set.

[0195] Thus, in another embodiment of the present invention, the clothing treating machine 100 may be provided with an operation panel 500 configured with 7-segment displays, LEDs, and physical switches instead of the operation panel 112. As a result, the clothing treating machine 100 of another embodiment of the present invention can display equivalent information in the same manner as the operation panel 112 on the operation panel 500, similar to the clothing treating machine 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0196] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, when the information function unit of the terminal device receives information indicating the operation details of the clothes treating machine directly from the clothes treating machine or via a server, the information function unit of the terminal device changes the information to be displayed on the display device of the terminal device according to the received information indicating the operation details. With this configuration, it is possible to improve usability.

[0197] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] 1...clothing processing system, 100...clothing processing machine, 100a...clothing processing machine main body, 112...operation panel, 150...control device, 151...operation control unit, 152...display control unit, 153...reception unit, 154...information transmission unit, 200...server, 300...terminal device, 310...information acquisition unit, 320...display control unit, 330...reception unit, 340...information transmission unit, APP...home appliance management application (information function unit).

Claims

1. A clothes processing machine body, An operation receiving unit provided in the laundry processing machine body; A control unit that controls the laundry treatment machine body; Equipped with the operation reception unit includes a selection operation unit for selecting an operation type to be performed from among a plurality of operation types that can be performed by the laundry treatment machine main body, and a transition operation unit, the transition operation unit is an operation unit for transitioning from a first state in which a selection operation using the selection operation unit is possible to a second state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on remote operation, and the operation reception unit has the selection operation unit and the transition operation unit in a state in which they can be simultaneously viewed at least temporarily, When the transition operation unit is operated to transition from the first state to the second state, the control unit changes a state of at least a part of the operation reception unit that is different from the transition operation unit, and changes the state of the operation reception unit to a mode corresponding to a restriction on reception of at least a part of operations using the operation reception unit. Clothes processing machine.

2. the operation reception unit includes a display device having a display screen, The control unit is In the first state, the selection operation unit and the transition operation unit are displayed on the display screen; when the transition operation unit is operated to transition from the first state to the second state, changing a display of the operation acceptance unit to a mode in which at least a part of the operation of the operation acceptance unit is restricted, and displaying a guide indicating that the state is the second state on the display screen; The clothes treating machine according to claim 1.

3. The control unit is a first operation screen displaying the selection operation unit, a second operation screen displaying an operation course selection operation unit for selecting an operation course to be executed from a plurality of operation courses belonging to the selected operation type when an operation type to be executed is selected from the plurality of operation types, and a third operation screen displaying a change operation unit for changing the content of an operation process included in the selected operation course when an operation course to be executed is selected from the plurality of operation courses, displaying the transition operation unit at substantially the same position on each of the operation screens; The clothes treating machine according to claim 2.

4. When the transition operation unit is operated, at least a part of the settings displayed on the operation reception unit is transmitted to an outside of the laundry processing machine. The laundry treatment machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A weight detection unit is further provided for detecting the weight of the clothes stored in the clothes processing machine body. The control unit is weight detection is performed after the operation is set based on remote control, and weight detection is not performed when the operation setting is changed; The laundry treatment machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The control unit is By setting an operation based on the remote operation in the second state, the second state is transitioned to a third state in which the operation is waited for, When an operation for canceling the setting of the operation is performed in the third state, the third state is returned to the second state. The laundry treatment machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. When the transition operation unit is operated to transition from the first state to the second state, the control unit provides a switching wait time until the first state transitions to the second state, and when an operation is received on the operation receiving unit during the switching wait time, the control unit stops the process of transitioning from the first state to the second state. The laundry treatment machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The control unit notifies the user that switching is in standby during the switching standby time. A clothes treating machine according to claim 7.

9. When the laundry treating machine is operated to release the second state while in the second state, the control unit returns the laundry treating machine to the first state from the second state, and then notifies the user that a transition from the first state to the second state is to be prompted. The laundry treatment machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The control unit is When the laundry treating machine is operated in the second state to release the second state, a first signal is transmitted to an outside of the laundry treating machine to confirm whether the second state is released or not; returning from the second state to the first state when a second signal for releasing the second state in response to the transmission of the first signal is received from the outside. The laundry treatment machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. the control unit, when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation reception unit within a predetermined time after the first state is switched to the second state, returns the second state to the first state without waiting for the second signal. A clothes treating machine according to claim 10.

12. The laundry treating machine body has a door provided on the laundry treating machine body, the operation reception unit includes a door opening operation unit that enables the door to be opened while maintaining the second state, The control unit notifies the user to close the door when the door opening operation unit is operated in the second state and the door is open or can be opened. The laundry treatment machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. The laundry treating machine body has a door provided on the laundry treating machine body, the operation reception unit has a door opening operation unit that enables the door to be opened while maintaining the second state, The control unit is When the door opening operation unit is operated in the second state and the door can be opened, the operation is not started based on the remote operation, and after the door is opened or closed or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the door can be opened, the reception of settings related to the operation based on the remote operation is resumed. The laundry treatment machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. A clothing processing system including the clothing processing machine according to claim 10 and a server, The laundry processing machine or the server stores in advance information that can identify a release approver who determines whether or not to release the second state, When the server receives the first signal from the laundry processing machine, the server transmits a notification to a terminal device used by the release approver to confirm whether or not the second state is released. Clothes processing system.

15. A program for causing a first terminal device to realize terminal information processing capable of receiving an input of a remote operation, The first terminal device has a terminal display screen; the terminal information processing unit that performs the terminal information processing displays, when the clothing processing machine is operated in a remote operation acceptance state in which settings related to operation are accepted based on remote operation and the remote operation acceptance state is cancelled, an operation unit that transmits a request notification for transitioning the clothing processing machine to the remote operation acceptance state to a second terminal device used by a user different from that of the first terminal device, on the terminal display screen; program.

16. A clothes treating machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3; a terminal information processing unit mounted in the first terminal device and capable of receiving an input of the remote operation; Equipped with The first terminal device has a terminal display screen; the terminal information processing unit, when the clothing processing machine is operated in the second state to release the second state, displays on the terminal display screen an operation unit for transmitting a request notification for transitioning the clothing processing machine to the second state to a second terminal device used by a user different from that of the first terminal device. Clothes processing system.

17. A program that can be installed in a terminal device that can be linked to the laundry treatment machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The terminal device has a terminal display screen, The program is installed in the computer of the terminal device. When the clothes treating machine is operated in the second state and the release of the second state is detected, an operation unit for sending a request notification for transitioning the clothes treating machine to the second state to a terminal device used by a user different from that of the terminal device is displayed on the terminal display screen. program.

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