Communication system, home appliance, control method of communication system, and control method of home appliance

Abstract

To provide a communication system capable of increasing a possibility of notifying a management device of whether a content has been viewed in a home appliance.SOLUTION: A disclosed communication system includes a home appliance and a management unit. The management unit transmits a piece of content information containing a content to the home appliance. The home appliance outputs the content based on the received content information in a selectable manner, stores the selected content and verification information indicating whether the content has been selected in association, and transmits all pieces of the stored verification information to the management unit. The management unit stores the received verification information and the selected content associated with the verification information while associating therewith.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a washing machine displays an advertisement represented by advertisement information transmitted by an advertisement server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-134892 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a communication system, a home appliance, a control method for a communication system, and a control method for a home appliance that can increase the possibility that a home appliance can notify a management device of whether or not content has been viewed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The communication system of the present disclosure includes a home appliance device and a management device, wherein the management device transmits content information including content to the home appliance device, the home appliance device selectably outputs the content based on the received content information, links and stores the selected content and confirmation information indicating whether the content has been selected, transmits all of the stored confirmation information to the management device, and the management device links and stores the received confirmation information and the selected content linked to the confirmation information.

[0006] In addition, the home appliance device of the present disclosure includes a receiving unit that receives content information including content from a management device, an output unit that selectably outputs the content based on the content information received by the receiving unit, a memory unit that associates and stores the selected content with confirmation information indicating whether the content has been selected, and a transmitting unit that transmits all of the stored confirmation information to the management device.

[0007] In addition, a control method for a communication system in the present disclosure includes a management device transmitting content information including content to a home appliance device, the home appliance device selectively outputting the content based on the received content information, linking and storing the selected content and confirmation information indicating whether the content has been selected, and transmitting all of the stored confirmation information to the management device, and the management device linking and storing the received confirmation information and the selected content linked to the confirmation information.

[0008] In addition, a method of controlling a washing machine in the present disclosure receives content information including content from a management device, selectably outputs the content based on the received content information, associates the selected content with confirmation information indicating whether the content has been selected, and stores the associated information, and transmits all of the stored confirmation information to the management device. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The communication system, home appliance, control method for a communication system, and control method for a home appliance according to the present disclosure can increase the possibility that the home appliance can notify the management device of whether or not content has been viewed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 shows an example of a data structure of first content information and second content information in the first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation UI for displaying a menu screen in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation UI for displaying a second image in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a server device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an update of a first management DB in the first embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating storage of content IDs and confirmation information in a server device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (The knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time when the inventors came up with the present disclosure, there was a technology in which a washing machine displayed a content display such as the advertisement display described in Patent Document 1. However, in the washing machine described in Patent Document 1, the advertisement server cannot grasp whether the content has been viewed on the washing machine. If a management device such as an advertisement server could grasp whether the content has been viewed on the washing machine, it could lead to the creation of a new service. However, the washing machine is not always connected to the management device due to the power being turned off, deterioration of the communication environment due to a microwave oven, poor communication due to the installation location, etc. Therefore, the inventors discovered a problem that it is not easy for a home appliance device to notify a management device of whether the content has been viewed on the home appliance device, and in order to solve the problem, they came to constitute the subject of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a communication system, a home appliance, a control method for a communication system, and a control method for a home appliance that can increase the possibility that a home appliance can notify a management device of whether or not content has been viewed.

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanations than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or duplicate explanations of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1.Communication system configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a communication system 1000. The communication system 1000 includes a washing machine 1, a terminal device 2, and a server device 3, and is a system in which the washing machine 1 communicates with the server device 3 and the server device 3 communicates with the terminal device 2. Note that in the communication system 1000, the washing machine 1 may communicate with the terminal device 2. The washing machine 1 is an example of a "home electric appliance." The server device 3 is an example of a "management device."

[0014] The washing machine 1 is a device that washes the laundry in the washing tub 161 (see FIG. 2). The washing machine 1 may have a function of drying the washed laundry. In this embodiment, a drum type washing machine is exemplified as the washing machine 1. Although FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the washing machine 1 is installed inside the facility H, the washing machine 1 may be installed outside the facility H.

[0015] The washing machine 1 communicates with a server device 3 connected to a network NW via a communication device 4. The network NW includes the Internet, a telephone network, and other communication networks.

[0016] The communication device 4 is connected to the network NW and communicates with devices connected to the network NW. The communication device 4 functions as an interface device for connecting the washing machine 1 and the terminal device 2 to the network NW. The communication device 4 establishes a local network in the facility H.

[0017] The terminal device 2 is a PC (Personal Computer) such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. An application program for communicating with the server device 3 is installed in the terminal device 2, and the terminal device 2 communicates with the server device 3 by the function of this application program.

[0018] 1, a user P who is inside facility H is indicated by a solid line, and a user P who is outside facility H is indicated by a dotted line. When the terminal device 2 is used by a user P who is inside facility H, it communicates with a device connected to the network NW via the communication device 4 or without the communication device 4. When the terminal device 2 is used by a user P who is outside facility H and a communication connection with the communication device 4 cannot be established, it communicates with a device connected to the network NW without the communication device 4.

[0019] Server device 3 is connected to network NW and performs information processing with washing machine 1 and terminal device 2 as clients. Server device 3 transmits first content information CJ1 to washing machine 1, which will be described later. The first content information CJ1 is an example of "content information."

[0020] In each drawing, the server device 3 is represented by one block, but this does not necessarily mean that the server device 3 is composed of a single device. For example, the server device 3 may be composed of multiple devices with different processing contents.

[0021] [1-1-2. Washing machine configuration] Next, the configuration of the washing machine 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the washing machine 1.

[0022] The washing machine 1 includes a first computer 10, a first external memory 11, a second computer 12, a second external memory 13, a communication unit 14, an operation panel 15, and a washing section 16. The first external memory 11 is an example of a "storage unit."

[0023] The first computer 10 includes a first processor 110 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a first memory 120, and an interface circuit to which other devices are connected. The first computer 10 may be configured by a microcomputer.

[0024] The first memory 120 is a memory that stores programs and data. The first memory 120 stores a control program 121 and data to be processed by the first processor 110. The first memory 120 has a non-volatile storage area. The first memory 120 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area of ​​the first processor 110. The first memory 120 is constituted by, for example, a Read Only Memory (ROM) or a Random Access Memory (RAM).

[0025] A first external memory 11, a second computer 12, a communication unit 14, and a washing section 16 are connected to the first computer 10.

[0026] The first external memory 11 is a non-volatile memory, and is configured, for example, by an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM).

[0027] The communication unit 14 includes hardware that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the server device 3 connected to the network NW.

[0028] Washing unit 16 has mechanisms related to washing, such as washing tub 161, drive motor 162 for rotating washing tub 161, water supply valve 163 for controlling the inflow of water into washing tub 161, drain valve 164 for controlling the drainage of washing water from washing tub 161, and automatic agent supply unit 165 for automatically supplying agent to washing tub 161. Washing unit 16 performs washing under the control of first computer 10.

[0029] The second computer 12 includes a second processor 130 such as a CPU or an MPU, a second memory 140, and an interface circuit to which other devices are connected. The second computer 12 may be configured by a microcomputer.

[0030] The second memory 140 is a memory that stores programs and data. The second memory 140 stores a control program 141 and data to be processed by the second processor 130. The second memory 140 has a non-volatile storage area. The second memory 140 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area of ​​the second processor 130. The second memory 140 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM.

[0031] The second computer 12 is connected to the first computer 10, a second external memory 13, a communication unit 14, and an operation panel 15 via interface circuits.

[0032] The second external memory 13 is a non-volatile memory.

[0033] The operation panel 15 is a panel equipped with operation means such as an operation switch and a touch panel 151. The operation panel 15 detects an operation of the user P via the operation means and outputs it to the second computer 12. Based on the input from the operation panel 15, the second computer 12 executes a process corresponding to the operation on the operation means.

[0034] The functional units of the first processor 110 and the second processor 130 will be described. The first processor 110 reads out and executes the control program 121 stored in the first memory 120, thereby functioning as a laundry execution unit 111, a first communication unit 112, a second communication unit 113, and a first memory control unit 114.

[0035] The washing execution unit 111 executes washing by the washing unit 16. The first communication unit 112 communicates with the server device 3 connected to the network NW via the communication unit 14. The first communication unit 112 has a receiving unit 112A that receives information from the server device 3 and a transmitting unit 112B that transmits information to the server device 3. The second communication unit 113 communicates with the second computer 12 via the interface circuit of the first computer 10 . The first storage control unit 114 controls the first external memory 11 .

[0036] The second processor 130 reads out and executes the control program 141 stored in the second memory 140, thereby functioning as a third communication unit 131, a display unit 132, a reception unit 133, and a second storage control unit 134. Display unit 132 is an example of an "output unit."

[0037] The third communication unit 131 communicates with the first computer 10 via the interface circuit of the second computer 12 . The display unit 132 displays an operation UI (User Interface) 152 by a touch panel 151. The operation UI 152 is a user interface that accepts an operation by the user P. The reception unit 133 receives various inputs from the user P via the operation panel 15. The second storage control unit 134 controls the second external memory 13 .

[0038] [1-1-3. First content information, second content information, and confirmation information] Here, the first content information CJ1, the second content information CJ2, and the confirmation information BJ will be explained, but before explaining these pieces of information, the definition of content will be explained.

[0039] The content is a concept including both content display and content audio. The content display includes advertisement display, display of a message other than advertisement from the manufacturer of the washing machine 1, etc. The content audio includes advertisement audio, message other than advertisement from the manufacturer of the washing machine 1, etc. In the present embodiment, a case where the content is content display is exemplified.

[0040] The first content information CJ1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the first content information CJ1 and the second content information CJ2.

[0041] The first content information CJ1 is information distributed by the server device 3 and includes content. The data configuration of the first content information CJ1 is as shown in Fig. 3. That is, the first content information CJ1 includes a content ID (Identification), a first image G1 constituting the content display, a second image G2 constituting the content display having more detailed content than the first image G1, a display start timing of the content display, a display end timing of the content display, and a display priority of the content display.

[0042] The content ID is identification information that uniquely identifies a piece of content. The content ID is an example of "information that identifies a piece of content." The content display start timing is the timing at which the display of the content starts, and is, for example, the date at which the display starts or the date and time at which the display starts. The content display end timing is the timing at which the display of the content ends, and is, for example, the date at which the display ends or the date and time at which the display ends. The display priority of a content is a degree of priority that indicates the degree to which the display of the content is to be prioritized compared with other content based on the first content information CJ1.

[0043] Next, the second content information CJ2 will be described. The second content information CJ2 is information that is not distributed from the server device 3 and is information that is stored in the washing machine 1 at the time of shipment. The second content information CJ2 includes at least a third image G3 constituting a content display and a fourth image G4 constituting a content display having more detailed content than the third image G3.

[0044] Next, the confirmation information BJ will be described. The confirmation information BJ is information indicating whether or not the content has been selected on the washing machine 1, in other words, whether or not the content has been viewed on the washing machine 1.

[0045] Next, referring to FIG. 2, the locations where the first content information CJ1, the second content information CJ2, and the confirmation information BJ are stored will be described.

[0046] The first content information CJ1 is stored in the second external memory 13. As described above, the server device 3 transmits the first content information CJ1 to the washing machine 1. The second external memory 13 stores the first content information CJ1 received by the washing machine 1. In this embodiment, the number of pieces of first content information CJ1 that can be stored in the second external memory 13 is limited to four.

[0047] The second content information CJ2 is stored in the second external memory 13.

[0048] The confirmation information BJ is stored in the first external memory 11. The confirmation information BJ stored in the first external memory 11 is associated with one content ID.

[0049] [1-1-4. Operation UI configuration] Next, the operation UI 152 displayed by the washing machine 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation UI 152 for displaying the menu screen MS. 4, the left and right directions when the user P visually recognizes the operation UI 152 are indicated by the symbols L and R. The direction indicated by the symbol L is the left direction, and the direction indicated by the symbol R is the right direction.

[0050] The menu screen MS is a screen that displays various menus. The menu screen MS is one of the various screens that the operation UI 152 displays. The menu screen MS is a screen whose size corresponds to the entire display area of ​​the touch panel 151. The menu screen MS has a first area A1 and a second area A2.

[0051] The first area A1 is an area for switching the display contents of the second area A2. The first area A1 has various software buttons for switching the display contents of the second area A2. The first area A1 in Fig. 4 has the following software buttons: a menu button B1, a history button B2, a course button B3, and a notification button B4.

[0052] The menu button B1 is a software button for displaying various kinds of guidance in the second area A2 and for displaying a screen for performing various settings such as a child lock in the second area A2. The history button B2 is a software button for displaying a list of the history of washing courses performed by the washing machine 1 in the second area A2. The course button B3 is a software button for displaying a list of washing courses that the washing machine 1 can carry out in the second area A2. The notification button B4 is a software button for displaying content in the second area A2.

[0053] The second area A2 is an area that displays the content corresponding to the software button selected in the first area A1. When the notification button B4 is selected in the first area A1, the second area A2 outputs the content by displaying the first image G1 and the third image G3. Hereinafter, when the first image G1 and the third image G3 are collectively referred to without distinction, they are referred to as "selection images" and are represented as selection images G with the letter "G" added.

[0054] 4, the selection image G informs the user P of an outline of the contents by at least one of a picture and a character string. The shape of the selection image G is not limited to a rectangle, and may be any shape, such as a circle or an ellipse.

[0055] The second area A2 displays the selection images G lined up in the left-right direction. The number of selection images G that can be displayed in the entirety in the second area A2 is finite, and is three in Fig. 3. Note that this number of three is merely an example, and the number of selection images G that can be displayed in the entirety in the second area A2 may be two or less or four or more.

[0056] In the second area A2 displaying the selection images G, the user P can perform a scroll operation in the left-right direction. By performing a scroll operation in the second area A2 displaying the selection images G, the user P can display in the second area A2 the selection images G that cannot be displayed in the second area A2. When the user P performs a scroll operation to the left, the selection images G move to the left in the second area A2 while maintaining the order in the left-right direction, and the selection images G that were cut off on the right are displayed. On the other hand, when the user P performs a scroll operation to the right, the selection images G move to the right in the second area A2 while maintaining the order in the left-right direction, and the selection images G that were cut off on the left are displayed.

[0057] The display unit 132 reads out the first content information CJ1 from the second external memory 13, and displays the first image G1 included in the read out first content information CJ1 in the second area A2. Furthermore, the display unit 132 reads out the second content information CJ2 from the second external memory 13, and displays the third image G3 included in the read out second content information CJ2 in the second area A2.

[0058] With respect to the arrangement of the selection images G, the first image G1 is positioned to the left of the third image G3. When the selection images G start to be displayed, the first image G1 is positioned to the left of the third image G3. This allows the first image G1 to be displayed preferentially in the second area A2 when the selection images G start to be displayed.

[0059] As described above, the first content information CJ1 includes a display start timing and a display end timing. The second area A2 displays the first image G1 based on the two timings included in the first content information CJ1.

[0060] When the second area A2 displays multiple first images G1, the first images G1 are arranged based on the display priority included in the first content information CJ1. That is, when the second area A2 displays multiple first images G1, the first images G1 with higher display priority included in the first content information CJ1 are positioned further to the left. Therefore, when the display of the selection images G starts, the second area A2 can preferentially display the first images G1 with higher display priority.

[0061] In the second area A2, the first image G1 is displayed so as to be selectable. When the reception unit 133 receives an operation to select the first image G1 in the second area A2, the third communication unit 131 transmits a content ID corresponding to the selected first image G1 to the first computer 10. When the second communication unit 113 receives the content ID from the third communication unit 131, the first storage control unit 114 refers to the first external memory 11 and updates the confirmation information BJ linked to the content ID received by the second communication unit 113 to confirmation information BJ indicating that the image has been viewed. Note that if the confirmation information BJ to be updated is information indicating that the image has already been viewed, the first storage control unit 114 does not update the confirmation information BJ. Furthermore, when the accepting unit 133 accepts an operation to select the first image G1 in the second area A2, the display control unit 132 displays the second image G2 in the operation UI 152.

[0062] In the second area A2, the third image G3 is displayed so as to be selectable. When the accepting unit 133 accepts an operation to select the third image G3 in the second area A2, the display unit 132 displays the fourth image G4 in the operation UI 152.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the operation UI 152 for displaying the second image G2. The second image G2 in FIG. 5 is an advertisement display related to a detergent.

[0064] The second image G2 in Fig. 5 displays a code CD for accessing a predetermined site related to the content. Although a two-dimensional code is illustrated as an example of the code CD in Fig. 5, the code CD may be in the form of a one-dimensional code. The terminal device 2 can read this code CD using a camera installed in the terminal device 2. Furthermore, the terminal device 2 can connect to the company's website based on the read information (for example, the URL of the company's website).

[0065] The second image G2 may not display the code CD depending on the content. For example, if the content is not an advertisement display, the second image G2 may not display the code CD.

[0066] When the second image G2 is configured with a plurality of screens, a switch button B5 for switching the screen to be displayed is displayed as shown in Fig. 5. The second image G2 also displays a back button B6 for returning the image displayed by the operation UI 152 to the image before the transition.

[0067] [1-1-5. Server configuration] Next, the configuration of the server device 3 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server device 3. As shown in FIG.

[0068] The server device 3 includes a server control device 30 and a server communication unit 31. The server control device 30 includes a server processor 310 such as a CPU or an MPU, a server memory 320, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0069] The server memory 320 is a memory that stores programs and data. The server memory 320 stores a control program 321, a first management DB 322, a second management DB 323, a third management DB 324, a first content information management DB 325, and other data to be processed by the server processor 310. The server memory 320 has a non-volatile storage area. The server memory 320 also has a volatile storage area, and constitutes a work area of ​​the server processor 310. The server memory 320 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM.

[0070] The first management DB 322 is a database that manages the first content information CJ1 transmitted to the washing machine 1. Each record R1 stored in the first management DB 322 has a washing machine ID (Identification). Furthermore, the record R1 has a set of a content ID and confirmation information BJ (hereinafter simply referred to as a "set") for each washing machine ID, for each piece of first content information CJ1 transmitted to the washing machine 1. Note that in FIG. 6, the confirmation information BJ showing the characters "Done" indicates that the content has been selected. Also, in FIG. 6, the confirmation information BJ showing the characters "Not yet" indicates that the content has not been viewed.

[0071] The second management DB323 is a database that manages information related to advertisers. Each record R2 stored in the second management DB323 records notification information for notifying the advertiser of certain information. An example of this notification information is an email address. In addition, the record R2 records a content ID for each advertisement display placed by the advertiser.

[0072] The third management DB 324 is a database that manages the first content information CJ1 transmitted to the washing machine 1. In the third management DB 324, a content ID and information indicating the attributes of the content are recorded for each piece of the first content information CJ1.

[0073] The first content information management DB 325 is a database that manages the first content information CJ1. The first content information management DB 325 stores the first content information CJ1 of the content display to be displayed by the washing machine 1.

[0074] Server communication unit 31 includes hardware such as a communication circuit conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with washing machine 1 and terminal device 2 under the control of server control device 30.

[0075] The server processor 310 reads out and executes a control program 321 stored in the server memory 320 , thereby functioning as a server communication unit 311 , a server processing unit 312 , a selection unit 313 , and a presentation unit 314 .

[0076] Server communication section 311 communicates with washing machine 1 and terminal device 2 via server communication unit 31. The server processing unit 312 performs processing related to the database stored in the server memory 320 .

[0077] The selection unit 313 selects the first content information CJ1 to be transmitted by the server device 3 to the washing machine 1. The selection unit 313 makes the selection, for example, as follows. The selection unit 313 specifies the record R1 of the washing machine 1 to be selected from the first management DB 322. Next, the selection unit 313 acquires all the content IDs associated with the confirmation information BJ indicating that the content has been viewed from the specified record R1. Next, the selection unit 313 refers to the third management DB 324 and acquires the attributes of the content for each of the content IDs acquired from the record R1. The attributes of the content include, for example, whether or not the content has been viewed, the importance, the start and end times of display, and the type of display content. By dynamically using and analyzing these attributes, the selection unit 313 can select the content to be displayed next. As an example, the selection unit 313 selects the first content information CJ1 including the content with the most attributes among the acquired attributes, or the first content information CJ1 including the content with the least attributes among the acquired attributes, as the first content information CJ1 to be transmitted to the washing machine 1. More specifically, the attributes may be, for example, an advertisement for a specific product, an advertisement for any of a plurality of products belonging to a specific series, an advertisement for a product having the same use, and the like.

[0078] The presentation unit 314 presents the advertising cost to the advertiser. For example, the presentation unit 314 presents the advertising cost to the advertiser in the following manner. The presentation unit 314 identifies the record R2 of the advertiser to be presented from the second management DB 323. Next, the presentation unit 314 collects confirmation information BJ linked to the content ID for each content ID of the identified record R2 from the first management DB 322. Next, the presentation unit 314 calculates a viewing rate based on the collected confirmation information BJ. The viewing rate indicates the ratio of the number of first content information CJ1 that has been viewed to the number of transmissions of the first content information CJ1. After calculating the viewing rate, the presentation unit 314 calculates an advertising fee according to the calculated viewing rate. For example, the presentation unit 314 calculates the advertising fee using a predetermined algorithm so that the higher the viewing rate, the higher the advertising fee. Then, the presentation unit 314 presents the calculated advertising fee to the advertiser based on the notification information of the identified record R2. The content presented to the advertiser by the presentation unit 314 is not limited to the advertising fee. For example, the presentation unit 314 may present the advertiser with a proposal for improving the advertisement or a proposal for the advertiser's product.

[0079] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each unit of communication system 1000 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication system 1000. In FIG. 7, a flowchart FA shows the operation of the washing machine 1, and a flowchart FB shows the operation of the server device 3.

[0080] Before describing the details of the flowchart in Fig. 7, we will explain an overview of the operations shown in the flowchart in Fig. 7. The operations in the flowchart in Fig. 7 can be roughly divided into the following two points. First point: The washing machine 1 inquires of the server device 3 about what content display should be displayed, receives from the server device 3 first content information CJ1 of the content display to be displayed, stores the received first content information CJ1 in the main body, and displays the content display distributed from the server device 3. Second point: The washing machine 1 transmits the browsing information BJ stored therein to the server device 3, and the server device 3 stores the browsing information BJ received from the washing machine 1 for all of the first content information CJ1 previously distributed. The flowchart in FIG. 7 will be described in detail below.

[0081] As shown in the flowchart FA, when user P turns on washing machine 1 (step SX1), display control unit 132 displays operation UI 152 on touch panel 151 (step SA1). In this manner, in washing machine 1, operation UI 152 is displayed when the power is turned on, so that user P is more likely to view the content display before washing machine 1 starts washing.

[0082] As shown in the flow chart FA, when the user P issues a command to start washing by operating the operation panel 15 (step SX2), the reception unit 133 receives the command to start washing via the operation panel 15 (step SA2).

[0083] Next, the washing execution unit 111 starts washing by the washing unit 16 (step SA3). That is, the washing execution unit 111 starts executing the operation course.

[0084] Next, the washing execution unit 111 ends the washing by the washing unit 16 (step SA4). When the washing is finished, the washing machine 1 appears to be in a power-off state, but electricity is still flowing to some of the boards equipped in the washing machine 1. The power-off state means that the backlight of the touch panel 151, the LED lights, etc. are turned off.

[0085] Next, transmitting unit 112B transmits first request information to server device 3 (step SA5). The first request information is information for requesting content to be displayed on operation UI 152. The first request information includes a washing machine ID recorded in a predetermined storage area of ​​washing machine 1. All pairs of content IDs and confirmation information BJ stored in first external memory 11 are recorded in the first request information.

[0086] As shown in flow chart FB, server communication unit 311 receives first request information from washing machine 1 (step SB1). After receiving step SB1, server processing unit 312 has received the first request information, and therefore can grasp the content ID of the content display held by washing machine 1. Therefore, at a predetermined timing after receiving step SB1, server processing unit 312 additionally stores a pair of the content ID and viewing information BJ indicating that the content display has not been viewed, for each content display to be newly displayed on washing machine 1.

[0087] Next, the server processing unit 312 updates the first management DB 322 based on the first request information received in step SB1 (step SB2).

[0088] Step SB2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the update of the first management DB 322. In Fig. 8, the confirmation information BJ showing the characters "Done" indicates that the content has been viewed. Also, in Fig. 8, the confirmation information BJ showing the characters "Not yet" indicates that the content has not been viewed.

[0089] Server processing unit 312 identifies, from first management DB 322, record R1 of the washing machine ID included in the first request information received in step SB1.

[0090] FIG. 8 shows a case where four pairs, KM1, KM2, KM3, and KM4, are recorded in the first request information. The group KM1 has a content ID of "CT00001" and confirmation information BJ indicating "Completed." The group KM2 has a content ID of "CT00002" and confirmation information BJ indicating "not yet". The group KM3 has a content ID of "CT00003" and confirmation information BJ indicating "Completed." The group KM4 has a content ID of "CT00004" and confirmation information BJ indicating "not yet".

[0091] FIG. 8 shows a case where four pairs, KM5, KM6, KM7, and KM8, are recorded in the identified record R1. The group KM5 has a content ID of "CT00001" and confirmation information BJ indicating "not yet". The group KM6 has a content ID of "CT00002" and confirmation information BJ indicating "not yet". The group KM7 has a content ID of "CT00003" and confirmation information BJ indicating "not yet". The group KM8 has a content ID of "CT00004" and confirmation information BJ indicating "not yet".

[0092] In the case of FIG. 8, the group KM1 is a group whose content ID matches the group KM5 of the record R1 but whose confirmation information BJ does not match, and the group KM3 is a group whose content ID matches the group KM7 of the record R1 but whose confirmation information BJ does not match. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 8, the server processing unit 312 specifies the groups KM1 and KM3 as targets to be stored in the first management DB 322. Then, when the server processing unit 312 specifies the group to be stored in the first management DB 322, it stores the specified group in the first management DB 322. When storing, the server processing unit 312 stores the specified group by overwriting the group of the record R1 that matches the content ID of the specified group. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the updated record R1 is synchronized with the four groups in the first request information, as shown in the record R1 at the bottom of the figure.

[0093] Returning to the description of FIG. 7, server communication unit 311 transmits first response information, which is a response to the first request information, to washing machine 1 (step SB3). Note that the processing order of steps SB2 and SB3 may be reversed. Also, steps SB2 and SB3 may be executed simultaneously.

[0094] The first response information includes a content ID for each piece of content selected by the selection unit 313. Since the upper limit of the number of pieces of first content information CJ1 that can be stored in the second external memory 13 is four, the number of first content IDs recorded in the first response information is limited to four in this embodiment.

[0095] As shown in the flowchart FA, the receiving section 112A receives the first response information from the server device 3 (step SA6).

[0096] Next, the second storage control unit 134 determines whether or not to update the first content information CJ1 stored in the second external memory 13 based on the first response information received in step SA6 (step SA7). Note that the determination in step SA7 is made based on whether the content ID included in the first response information matches the content ID stored in the second external memory 13.

[0097] When the second storage control unit 134 determines not to update the second external memory 13 (step SA7: NO), the washing machine 1 ends the process.

[0098] On the other hand, when it is determined that the second external memory 13 is to be updated (step SA7: YES), the second storage control unit 134 determines whether or not to erase the first content information CJ1 from the second external memory 13 (step SA8). Note that the determination in step SA8 is made based on whether the content ID included in the first response information matches the content ID stored in the second external memory 13.

[0099] When the second storage control unit 134 determines to erase the first content information CJ1 from the second external memory 13 (step SA8: YES), it erases the first content information CJ1 to be erased from the second external memory 13 (step SA9). In addition, the first storage control unit 114 erases the content ID included in the first content information CJ1 to be erased and the confirmation information BJ linked to this content ID from the first external memory 11 (step SA9).

[0100] Next, transmitting unit 112B transmits the second request information to server device 3 (step SA10). Step SA10 will be described in detail. In step SA10, the first content information CJ1 not stored in washing machine 1 is requested, in other words, the first content information CJ1 not held by washing machine 1 is requested. The second request information is information requesting the first content information CJ1, and has a content ID for each requested first content information CJ1. The content ID held by the second request information transmitted in step SA10 is a content ID, among the content IDs held by the first response information, that is different from the content ID stored in first external memory 11 before the deletion in step SA9. In other words, the content ID held by the second request information transmitted in step SA10 is the content ID of the first content information CJ1 not held by washing machine 1.

[0101] Returning to the explanation of step SA8, if the second storage control unit 134 determines not to erase the first content information CJ1 from the second external memory 13 (step SA8: NO), the transmission unit 112B transmits second request information to the server device 3 (step SA11). The content ID contained in the second request information transmitted in step SA11 is a content ID that is not stored in the first external memory 11, among the content IDs contained in the first response information. Note that a case in which the processes are performed in the order of step SA8: NO and step SA11, in other words, a case in which the first content information CJ1 is not erased when the first content information CJ1 is downloaded, occurs, for example, in the washing machine 1 in an initial state immediately after purchase.

[0102] As shown in flow chart FB, server communication unit 311 receives second request information from washing machine 1 (step SB4).

[0103] Next, the server communication unit 311 transmits the first content information CJ1 to the washing machine 1 based on the second request information (step SB5).

[0104] In step SB5, server communication unit 311 acquires first content information CJ1 for each content ID recorded in the second request information. The source of acquisition is first content information management DB 325. Note that in step SB5, server communication unit 311 may acquire first content information CJ1 from an external server. Upon acquiring first content information CJ1, server communication unit 311 transmits the acquired first content information CJ1 to washing machine 1.

[0105] As shown in the flow chart FA, the receiving section 112A receives the first content information CJ1 from the server device 3 (step SA12).

[0106] Next, the first storage control unit 114 stores a pair of the content ID included in the first content information CJ1 received in step SA12 and the confirmation information BJ indicating that the content has not been viewed, in the first external memory 11 (step SA13). Also, the second storage control unit 134 stores the first content information CJ1 received in step SA12 in the second external memory 13 (step SA13).

[0107] In the communication system 1000, the operation shown in FIG. 7 is repeated, so that the server device 3 cumulatively stores the pairs.

[0108] Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining storage of content IDs and confirmation information BJ in the server device 3. In Fig. 9, confirmation information BJ showing the characters "Done" indicates that the content has been viewed. Also, in Fig. 9, confirmation information BJ showing the characters "Not yet" indicates that the content has not been viewed.

[0109] FIG. 9 shows the progression of time going downwards in the figure. At timing T1, the four sets stored in the first external memory 11 and the four sets stored in the server device 3 are synchronized.

[0110] At timing T2, in comparison with timing T1, first content information CJ1 with a content ID of "CT00005", first content information CJ1 with a content ID of "CT00006", and first content information CJ1 with a content ID of "CT00007" are transmitted to the washing machine 1. As shown in Fig. 9, the server device 3 cumulatively stores pairs of the first content information CJ1 transmitted to the washing machine 1.

[0111] At timing T3, in comparison with timing T2, two contents having content IDs of "CT00006" and "CT00007" are viewed on the washing machine 1. As shown in Fig. 9, the sets stored in the server device 3 are synchronized with the sets in the first external memory 11.

[0112] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, communication system 1000 includes washing machine 1 and server device 3. Server device 3 transmits first content information CJ1 including content to washing machine 1. Washing machine 1 presents content based on the received first content information CJ1 in a selectable manner, stores the selected content and confirmation information indicating whether the content has been selected in association with each other, and transmits all stored confirmation information BJ to server device 3. Server device 3 stores the received confirmation information BJ and the selected content linked to the confirmation information BJ in association with each other.

[0113] According to this, when the washing machine 1 transmits the confirmation information BJ to the server device 3, the washing machine 1 transmits all of the confirmation information BJ stored therein. Therefore, even if the server device 3 does not receive the confirmation information BJ at a certain timing, the server device 3 can receive the same confirmation information BJ at a later timing. Therefore, even if the communication state between the server device 3 and the washing machine 1 is not good, the server device 3 can be more likely to receive the confirmation information BJ. Therefore, the server device 3 can be more likely to be notified of whether the content has been viewed in the washing machine 1.

[0114] Washing machine 1 transmits the content ID of the selected content and confirmation information BJ to server device 3. Server device 3 stores the content ID and confirmation information BJ for each piece of first content information CJ1 transmitted to washing machine 1. If the content ID and confirmation information BJ received from washing machine 1 are the same as the content ID and confirmation information BJ stored in server device 3, server device 3 does not store the content ID and confirmation information BJ received from washing machine 1.

[0115] According to this, the server device 3 does not store duplicated content IDs and confirmation information BJ. Therefore, the server device 3 can efficiently store information on whether the first content CT1 has been viewed in the washing machine 1 or not.

[0116] If the content ID and confirmation information BJ received from the washing machine 1 are not identical to the stored content ID and confirmation information BJ, the server device 3 overwrites the stored confirmation information BJ corresponding to the same content ID as the content ID received from the washing machine 1 with the confirmation information BJ received from the washing machine 1.

[0117] This allows the server device 3 to efficiently store whether or not the content has been viewed on the washing machine 1.

[0118] The server device 3 stores the content ID and the confirmation information BJ for each piece of first content information CJ1 transmitted to the washing machine 1.

[0119] This allows the user P to know which content has been viewed and which content has not been viewed for all the first content information CJ1 transmitted to the washing machine 1. Thus, the server device 3 can transmit to the washing machine 1 the first content information CJ1 that is effective for the user P.

[0120] The server device 3 stores, for each washing machine 1, a content ID and confirmation information BJ.

[0121] This allows the server device 3 to know which content has been viewed and which content has not been viewed for each washing machine 1 for all the content transmitted to the washing machine 1. This allows the server device 3 to transmit to the washing machine 1, for each washing machine 1, content that is effective for the user P.

[0122] The server device 3 selects first content information CJ1 for each washing machine 1, and transmits the selected first content information CJ1 to the washing machine 1.

[0123] According to this, the first content information CJ1 selected for each washing machine 1 is transmitted to the washing machine 1. Therefore, the server device 3 can transmit the first content information CJ1 suitable for the user P for each washing machine 1.

[0124] The server device 3 selects the first content information CJ1 based on the content ID received from the washing machine 1 and the confirmation information BJ.

[0125] According to this, the first content information CJ1 can be selected in consideration of which content has been viewed and which content has not been viewed. Therefore, the server device 3 can transmit the first content information CJ1 that is effective for the user P to the washing machine 1.

[0126] The content includes an advertisement display related to the washing machine 1.

[0127] This increases the possibility that the server device 3 can be notified of whether or not an advertisement related to the washing machine 1 has been viewed in the washing machine 1. Also, the server device 3 can accurately grasp the viewing status of the advertisement.

[0128] Based on the confirmation information BJ received from the washing machine 1, the server device 3 presents the advertiser with an advertising fee according to the browsing rate of the content.

[0129] According to this, since an advertising fee according to the browsing status can be presented to the advertiser, the advertising fee according to the browsing status can be collected from the advertiser.

[0130] Washing machine 1 includes a receiving unit 112A that receives first content information CJ1 including content from server device 3. Washing machine 1 includes a display unit 132 that outputs content based on the received first content information CJ1 in a selectable manner. Washing machine 1 includes a first external memory 11 that stores selected content in association with confirmation information BJ indicating whether the content has been selected. Washing machine 1 includes a transmitting unit 112B that transmits all stored confirmation information BJ to server device 3.

[0131] This provides the same advantages as those of the communication system 1000 described above.

[0132] In the control method of communication system 1000, server device 3 transmits first content information CJ1 including content to washing machine 1. In the control method of communication system 1000, washing machine 1 outputs content based on the received first content information CJ1 in a selectable manner, stores the selected content and confirmation information BJ indicating whether the content has been selected in association with each other, and transmits all of the stored confirmation information BJ to server device 3. In the control method of communication system 1000, server device 3 stores the received confirmation information BJ and the selected content linked to the confirmation information BJ in association with each other.

[0133] This provides the same advantages as those of the communication system 1000 described above.

[0134] The control method of the washing machine 1 includes receiving first content information CJ1 including content from the server device 3, outputting content based on the received first content information CJ1 in a selectable manner, storing the selected content in association with confirmation information BJ indicating whether the content has been selected or not, and transmitting all of the stored confirmation information BJ to the server device 3.

[0135] This provides the same advantages as those of the communication system 1000 described above.

[0136] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned first embodiment has been described as an example disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned first embodiment to create a new embodiment. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0137] In the embodiment described above, the user P can easily access a predetermined site related to the content by reading the code CD displayed by the second image G2. In another embodiment, access information to the predetermined site related to the content may be transmitted to the terminal device 2, and the terminal device 2 may notify the received access information.

[0138] More specifically, in this other embodiment, an application program that cooperates with washing machine 1 is installed in terminal device 2, and the function of this application program allows server device 3 to manage the correspondence between washing machine 1 and terminal device 2. In this other embodiment, server device 3 refers to the content ID and confirmation information BJ received from washing machine 1, and transmits access information to a predetermined site related to the content being viewed to terminal device 2 that cooperates with washing machine 1 that sent the confirmation information BJ. Then, in this other embodiment, terminal device 2 uses the function of the application program that cooperates with washing machine 1 to notify the received access information in the form of a push notification or the like, thereby encouraging access to the predetermined site related to the content.

[0139] This allows the user P to access a predetermined site related to the content using the terminal device 2 when the washing machine 1 is not in use, such as after the washing machine 1 has been used. Even if the user P does not read the code CD in the second image G2, the user P can access a predetermined site related to the content using the terminal device 2. Even if the second image G2 does not display the code CD, the user P can access a predetermined site related to the content using the terminal device 2.

[0140] In the above-described embodiment, the timing for transmitting the content ID and the confirmation information BJ is the timing after the washing execution unit 111 finishes washing. In other embodiments, the timing for transmitting the content ID and the confirmation information BJ may be the timing before the washing execution unit 111 executes washing. More specifically, in this other embodiment, the predetermined timing for transmitting the content ID and the confirmation information BJ may be the timing from when the washing machine 1 is turned on to when the washing execution unit 111 executes washing. For example, the timing for transmitting the content ID and the confirmation information BJ may be the timing when the user P issues an instruction to start washing to the washing machine 1.

[0141] In the above embodiment, a drum type washing machine is exemplified as the washing machine 1, but the washing machine 1 may be a vertical washing machine.

[0142] In the above-described first embodiment, the advertisement display related to the washing machine 1 is taken as an example of the advertisement display. However, the advertisement display may be an advertisement display unrelated to the washing machine 1.

[0143] In the above-described first embodiment, the washing machine 1 is exemplified as the "home electric appliance", but the "home electric appliance" is not limited to the washing machine 1 and may be a microwave oven, a rice cooker, or other cooking appliance.

[0144] In the above-described embodiment, when the first image G1 is selected, the entire screen transitions from the menu screen MS to the second image G2 in the operation UI 152. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the display mode of the content display is changed by the entire screen transition. In other embodiments, for example, when the first image G1 is selected, the second image G2 may be displayed in the second area A2 of the menu screen MS.

[0145] In the embodiment described above, the display order of the first images G1 is determined according to the display start timing, display end timing, and display priority included in the first content information CJ1. In other embodiments, the confirmation information BJ may be further taken into consideration. For example, content based on the first content information CJ1 that has not been viewed is displayed to the left of content based on the first content information CJ1 that has been viewed.

[0146] In the embodiment described above, four is exemplified as the upper limit of the number of pieces of first content information CJ1 stored in the second external memory 13. However, the upper limit is not limited to four, and may be three or less, or five or more.

[0147] In the above-described embodiment, the server device 3 connected to the network NW is exemplified as the "management device". However, the "management device" is not limited to a device connected to a wide area network, and may be, for example, a device connected to a local area network constructed in the facility H to centrally manage the washing machine 1, or may be a device capable of wireless communication with the washing machine 1, such as a terminal device 2. This wireless communication includes short-distance wireless communication. In addition, the "management device" does not have to be a device that is the source of the first content information CJ1. In other words, the "management device" may be a device that transmits the first content information CJ1 to the washing machine 1, or may be a device that transfers the first content information CJ1 received from another device to the washing machine 1.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the content is a content display, but the content output by the washing machine 1 may be a content audio. When the content is a content audio, the communication system 1000 transmits and receives confirmation information BJ indicating whether the content audio has been selected, i.e., whether the content audio has been listened to. Note that listening to the content audio is included in the concept of browsing in this disclosure.

[0149] In the above-described embodiment, the first content information CJ1 is stored in the second external memory 13, but the first content information CJ1 may be stored in the first external memory 11. The same applies to the second content information CJ2. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the washing machine 1 is configured to have two external memories, the first external memory 11 and the second external memory 13, but the washing machine 1 may have one external memory, and the first content information CJ1, the second content information CJ2, and the confirmation information BJ may be stored in this external memory. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the washing machine 1 is configured to have two computers, but the washing machine 1 may have only one computer. In this case, one computer executes the functions of the first computer 10 and the second computer 12.

[0150] In the above-described embodiment, the content ID and confirmation information BJ are transmitted once between when the washing machine 1 is turned on and when it is turned off, but the content ID and confirmation information BJ may be transmitted multiple times between when the washing machine 1 is turned on and when it is turned off.

[0151] In the embodiment described above, the confirmation information BJ is transmitted all at once to the server device 3. In other embodiments, the confirmation information BJ may be transmitted all at once to the server device 3.

[0152] In the above-described embodiment, a content ID is used as an example of "information for identifying content." However, the information for identifying content is not limited to a content ID and may be information related to the order of the first content information CJ1 in the second external memory 13 or the storage location where the confirmation information BJ is stored.

[0153] The first processor 110, the second processor 130, and the server processor 310 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to realize the corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0154] The configurations of the components of the communication system 1000 shown in Figures 2 and 6 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware that corresponds to each component individually, and it is also possible to implement a configuration in which one processor executes a program to realize the functions of each component. Also, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software.

[0155] The step units of the operation shown in Fig. 7 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the operation, and the operation is not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names thereof. The operation may be divided into more step units according to the processing contents. In addition, one step unit may be divided so as to include more processing. In addition, the order of the steps may be appropriately changed within a range that does not interfere with the purpose of this disclosure.

[0156] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0157] (Additional Note) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0158] (Technology 1) A communication system comprising a home appliance and a management device, the management device transmits content information including content to the home appliance, the home appliance outputs the content based on the received content information in a selectable manner, stores the selected content in association with confirmation information indicating whether the content has been selected, transmits all of the stored confirmation information to the management device, and the management device stores the received confirmation information in association with the selected content linked to the confirmation information. According to this, when the home appliance transmits confirmation information to the management device, the home appliance transmits all of the confirmation information stored therein. Therefore, even if the management device does not receive confirmation information at a certain timing, the management device can receive the same confirmation information at a later timing. Therefore, even if the communication state between the management device and the home appliance is not good, the possibility that the management device can receive the confirmation information can be increased. Therefore, the possibility that the home appliance can notify the management device of whether or not the content has been viewed can be increased.

[0159] (Technology 2) The home appliance device transmits information identifying the selected content and the confirmation information to the management device, and the management device stores the information identifying the content and the confirmation information for each of the content information transmitted to the home appliance device, and if the information identifying the content and the confirmation information received from the home appliance device are identical to the information identifying the content and the confirmation information to be stored, the management device does not store the information identifying the content and the confirmation information received from the home appliance device. According to this, the management device does not store duplicated information for identifying content and confirmation information, and therefore the management device can efficiently store information on whether or not content has been viewed on a home electric appliance.

[0160] (Technology 3) In the communication system described in Technology 2, when the information identifying the content and the confirmation information received from the home appliance are not identical to the information identifying the content and the confirmation information stored, the management device overwrites the confirmation information stored therein that corresponds to the information identifying the content that is the same as the information identifying the content received from the home appliance with the confirmation information received from the home appliance. This allows the management device to efficiently store information about whether or not the content has been viewed on the home appliance.

[0161] (Technology 4) In the communication system according to Technology 3, the management device stores information for identifying the content and the confirmation information for all of the content information transmitted to the home appliance. According to this, it is possible to grasp which content has been viewed and which content has not been viewed for all content transmitted to the home appliance device, and therefore the management device can transmit content information that is effective for the user to the management device.

[0162] (Technology 5) The communication system according to Technology 4, wherein the management device stores, for each of the home appliances, information for identifying the content and the confirmation information. According to this, it is possible to grasp, for each home appliance device, which content has been viewed and which content has not been viewed for all the content transmitted to the home appliance device, and therefore the management device can transmit, for each home appliance device, content information that is effective for the user to the home appliance device.

[0163] (Technology 6) The communication system according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 5, wherein the management device selects the content information for each of the home appliances and transmits the selected content information to the home appliances. According to this, content information selected for each washing machine is transmitted to the home electric appliance, so that the management device can transmit content information suitable for the user to each home electric appliance.

[0164] (Technology 7) In the communication system according to Technology 6, the management device selects the content information based on the confirmation information received from the home appliance. According to this, it is possible to select content information by taking into consideration which content has been viewed and which content has not been viewed, and therefore the management device can transmit content information that is effective for the user to the home appliance device.

[0165] (Technology 8) The communication system according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 7, wherein the content includes an advertising output related to the washing machine. This increases the possibility that the home appliance can notify the management device of whether or not an advertisement related to the home appliance has been viewed in the home appliance, and also enables the management device to accurately grasp the viewing status of the advertisement.

[0166] (Technology 9) The communication system according to Technology 8, wherein the management device presents the advertiser with an advertising fee according to a viewing rate of the content based on the confirmation information received from the home appliance device. According to this, since an advertising fee according to the browsing status can be presented to the advertiser, the advertising fee according to the browsing status can be collected from the advertiser.

[0167] (Technology 10) A communication system according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 9, comprising a terminal device, wherein the management device transmits access information for a specific site related to the content to the terminal device based on the received confirmation information, and the terminal device notifies the terminal device of the received access information. According to this, the user can access a predetermined site related to the content by using the terminal device when the home appliance is not being used, for example, after using the home appliance.

[0168] (Technology 11) A home appliance device comprising: a receiving unit that receives content information including content from a management device; an output unit that selectably outputs the content based on the content information received by the receiving unit; a memory unit that stores the selected content in association with confirmation information indicating whether the content has been selected; and a transmitting unit that transmits all of the stored confirmation information to the management device. This provides the same effects as those of the communication system of technique 1.

[0169] (Technology 12) A method for controlling a communication system, in which a management device transmits content information including content to a home appliance device, the home appliance device outputs the content based on the received content information in a selectable manner, stores the selected content in association with confirmation information indicating whether the content has been selected or not, and transmits all of the stored confirmation information to the management device, and the management device stores the received confirmation information in association with the selected content linked to the confirmation information. This provides the same effects as those of the communication system of technique 1.

[0170] (Technology 13) A method for controlling a home appliance device, which receives content information including content from a management device, selectably outputs the content based on the received content information, associates the selected content with confirmation information indicating whether the content has been selected, and stores the associated information, and transmits all of the stored confirmation information to the management device. This provides the same effects as those of the communication system of technique 1. [Industrial Applicability]

[0171] As described above, the communication system, home appliance, control method for a communication system, and control method for a home appliance of the present invention can be used for cooking appliances such as microwave ovens and rice cookers to notify whether or not content has been viewed on the cooking appliance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 1. Washing machine (household appliance) 2 Terminal Equipment 3. Server device (management device) 4. Communications equipment 10. First Computer 11 First external memory (storage unit) 12 Second Computer 13 Second external memory 14 Communication unit 15 Operation Panel 16 Laundry Department 30 Server control device 31 Server communication unit 110 First Processor 111 Laundry Department 112 First Communications Department 112A Receiver 112B Transmitter 113 2nd Communications Department 114 Memory control unit 120 First Memory 121 Control Program 130 Second Processor 131 Third Communications Department 132 Display section (output section) 133 Reception 134 Second memory control unit 140 Second Memory 141 Control Program 151 Touch Panel 161 Washing tub 162 Drive motor 163 Water supply valve 164 Drain valve 165 Automatic drug supply unit 310 Server Processor 311 Server Communication Department 312 Server Processing Unit 313 Selection Department 314 Presentation section 320 Server Memory 321 Control Program 322 1st management DB 323 2nd management DB 324 Third management DB 1000 Communication Systems BJ Confirmation Information CJ1 1st Content Information (Content Information) CJ2 2nd Content Information G1 1st image G2 2nd image

Claims

1. The home appliance includes a home appliance device and a management device, The management device includes: Transmitting content information including the content to the home electronic device; The home appliance device includes: Selectably outputting the content based on the received content information; storing the selected content and confirmation information indicating whether the content has been selected in association with each other; Transmitting all of the stored confirmation information to the management device; The management device includes: The received confirmation information and the selected content linked to the confirmation information are stored in association with each other. Communication systems.

2. The home appliance device includes: transmitting information identifying the selected content and the confirmation information to the management device; The management device includes: storing information for identifying the content and the confirmation information for each of the content information transmitted to the home appliance; When the information identifying the content and the confirmation information received from the home appliance are identical to the information identifying the content and the confirmation information to be stored, the information identifying the content and the confirmation information received from the home appliance are not stored. The communication system according to claim 1 .

3. The management device includes: If the information identifying the content and the confirmation information received from the home appliance are not identical to the information identifying the content and the confirmation information to be stored, overwriting, among the stored confirmation information, the confirmation information corresponding to information identifying the same content that is received from the home appliance, with the confirmation information received from the home appliance; The communication system according to claim 2 .

4. The management device stores information for identifying the content and the confirmation information for all of the content information transmitted to the home appliance. The communication system according to claim 3.

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

6. the management device selects the content information for each of the home appliances, and transmits the selected content information to the home appliances. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the management device selects the content information based on the confirmation information received from the home appliance device.

7. The communication system according to claim 6.

8. the content includes an advertising output associated with the consumer electronic device; A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. the management device presents to the advertiser an advertising fee according to a viewing rate of the content based on the confirmation information received from the home appliance device.

9. The communication system according to claim 8.

10. A terminal device is provided, the management device transmits access information to the terminal device for accessing a predetermined site related to the content based on the received confirmation information; The terminal device notifies the received access information. A communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. a receiving unit that receives content information including the content from a management device; an output unit that selectably outputs the content based on the content information received by the receiving unit; a storage unit that stores the selected content and confirmation information indicating whether the content has been selected in association with each other; A transmission unit that transmits all of the stored confirmation information to the management device. Home appliances.

12. The management device transmits content information including the content to the home appliance device; the home appliance device outputs the content based on the received content information in a selectable manner, stores the selected content in association with confirmation information indicating whether the content has been selected, and transmits all of the stored confirmation information to the management device; the management device stores the received confirmation information in association with the selected content associated with the confirmation information; A method for controlling a communication system.

13. receiving content information including the content from a management device; Selectably outputting the content based on the received content information; storing the selected content and confirmation information indicating whether the content has been selected in association with each other; transmitting all of the stored confirmation information to the management device; A method for controlling a home electronic device.

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