Program, refrigerator control system and refrigerator control method

Abstract

To make more efficient an operation to switch an operation mode of a refrigerator.SOLUTION: A program enables a refrigerator to be controlled by a computer of a terminal device with a display part. The program causes the computer to execute: allowing the display part to display switchable operation methods of the refrigerator in a selectable manner; and allowing the display part to display a function restriction display related to restriction of functions of the refrigerator when the operation method is selected in the case where the selected operation method restricts the functions of the refrigerator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a program, a refrigerator control system, and a refrigerator control method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There are refrigerators that are configured to allow any of various operation modes to be selected for functioning as a freezer. Such refrigerators are sometimes controlled using a terminal device for remote operation. In such refrigerator functions, the functions of the operation mode selected by the user and some of the other operation modes are mutually exclusive, and they may not be set simultaneously. For example, the function of the child room and the power saving function are an example of a combination of mutually exclusive relationships. Suppose that a request is received to change the operation mode of the refrigerator to the power saving mode when the function of a specific storage unit in the refrigerator is set to the child room. The occurrence of such a combination of mutually exclusive relationships can be identified by using a terminal device for remote control. However, such mutual exclusion was not notified during the sequence of operations, and was only notified just before the final setting was decided in the sequence of operations. When using such a user interface, users were forced to perform inefficient operations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-88987 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a program, a refrigerator control system, and a refrigerator control method that make the operation of switching operation modes in a refrigerator more efficient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A program according to an embodiment is a program for enabling a refrigerator to be controlled by a computer of a terminal device having a display unit. The program causes the computer to execute the following operations: displaying selectable operation methods of the refrigerator on the display unit; and, when the selected operation method limits functions of the refrigerator, displaying a function limiting display on the display unit indicating that the functions of the refrigerator will be limited when the operation method is selected. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a refrigerator control system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the refrigerator according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a server according to the embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a device registration DB according to the embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of an operation history information DB according to the embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a function restriction information DB. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of an operation procedure information DB according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram for explaining an example of home appliance control in response to an operation of the refrigerator according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the transition of a confirmation screen in the comparative example. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a mode selection screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining an example of a mode selection screen etc. according to a modified example. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining an example of a mode selection screen etc. according to a modified example. [Figure 12A] 6A to 6C are diagrams for explaining examples of display of function restriction information according to each mode being set in the embodiment. [Figure 12B] 6A to 6C are diagrams for explaining display of function restriction information according to each mode being set in the embodiment. [Figure 13A] 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining display of function restriction information according to each mode being set in the modified example. [Figure 13B] 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining examples of displaying function restriction information according to each mode being set in the modified example. [Figure 14A] 6A to 6C are diagrams for explaining examples of display of function restriction information according to each mode being set in the embodiment. [Figure 14B] 6A to 6C are diagrams for explaining display of function restriction information according to each mode being set in the embodiment. [Figure 15] 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining display of function restriction information according to each mode being set in the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, the program, refrigerator control system, and refrigerator control method of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for configurations having the same or similar functions. Then, duplicated descriptions of those configurations may be omitted. In this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and may include a case where it is based on another element in addition to XX. Also, "based on XX" is not limited to a case where it is based directly on XX, but may also include a case where it is based on XX that has been calculated or processed. In this application, "XX or YY" is not limited to a case where it is either XX or YY, but may also include a case where it is both XX and YY. This also applies to a case where there are three or more selective elements. XX and YY are any element (for example, any information).

[0008] In this application, "obtain" is not limited to actively obtaining information by sending a transmission request, but may also include passively receiving information transmitted from another device. Also, "obtain" is not limited to directly obtaining target information (information to be obtained) from outside, but may also include generating and obtaining target information by performing calculations or processing on information obtained from outside.

[0009] In this application, "remote control" is not limited to controlling a home appliance such as a refrigerator from outside the residence where the home appliance is located, but may also include controlling a home appliance such as a refrigerator using a terminal device inside the residence where the home appliance is located. In this application, "operation" broadly means changing the state of a home appliance. In addition, "database" will be abbreviated as "DB" below.

[0010] (First embodiment) <1. Overall configuration of home appliance system> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a refrigerator control system 1 according to an embodiment. The refrigerator control system 1 includes, for example, one or more refrigerators 100, a server 200, and a terminal device 300. Note that one or more of the refrigerator 100, the server 200, and the terminal device 300 may be provided as external components of the refrigerator control system 1. 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 lines or dedicated lines, depending on the situation.

[0011] The refrigerator 100 is an electric appliance that is mainly used at home. The refrigerator 100 is placed in the residence of a user U. The refrigerator 100 is used in the residence together with home appliances such as an air conditioner, a cooking appliance, a clothing processing device, a vacuum cleaner, a rice cooker, or an iron. The refrigerator 100 is connected to a network NW via a wireless router WR and a modem M that are installed in the residence of the user U. The refrigerator 100 can communicate with a server 200 or a terminal device 300 via the network NW.

[0012] The server 200 is a server device that manages the refrigerator 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 refrigerator 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). Software (referred to as server program SP) is installed in server 200, and the following functions are supported. Server program SP is an example of an application program (program) for managing refrigerator 100. Server program SP is used, for example, to remotely control refrigerator 100, check the status, or use services related to refrigerator 100.

[0013] The terminal device 300 is a terminal device used by a user U of the refrigerator 100. 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 a display device 301 including a display screen 301a capable of displaying various information, and an input device 302 capable of receiving input from the user U. The input device 302 is, for example, a touch panel 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.

[0014] An application program P is installed in the terminal device 300 and supports the functions described below. The application program P is an application program for managing the refrigerator 100. The application program P is used, for example, to remotely control the refrigerator 100 or check the status of the refrigerator 100, or to use services related to the refrigerator 100. Hereinafter, application software that is started by executing the application program P is referred to as a "home appliance management application APP."

[0015] <2. Refrigerator> First, the refrigerator 100 will be described in detail. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the refrigerator 100. The refrigerator 100 has, for example, an actuator 110, an operation unit 120, a control unit 130, and a storage unit 180.

[0016] The actuator 110 is a drive unit that operates the main functions of the refrigerator 100. For example, the actuator 110 is a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, a blower that circulates cool air inside the refrigerator, a damper that limits the circulation of cool air, or the like.

[0017] The operation unit 120 is an operation button or a touch panel provided on the refrigerator 100. The operation unit 120 accepts operations by the user U regarding the refrigerator 100. For example, the operation unit 120 accepts operations by the user U to specify or change the settings of the refrigerator 100. The settings of the refrigerator 100 include one or more of control amounts related to various controls, target values, threshold values, timer settings, operation modes, etc. Information indicating the settings of the refrigerator 100 is stored in the storage unit 180 as setting information 181.

[0018] The control unit 130 is realized by one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted on the refrigerator 100, executing a program. However, a part or the whole of the control unit 130 may be realized by hardware, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. For example, the control unit 130 includes a timer (not shown). This timer generates the timing of the control of the control unit 130.

[0019] The control unit 130 performs overall control of the refrigerator 100. For example, the control unit 130 operates the refrigerator 100 by controlling the actuator 110 based on the detection results of sensors provided in the refrigerator 100 and the setting information 181. The control unit 130 also executes various controls in response to requests from the server 200 and responds to the server 200.

[0020] The storage unit 180 is a functional unit that stores various information. The storage unit 180 is realized by a combination of a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage unit 180 stores setting information 181.

[0021] <3. Server 200> Next, the server 200 will be described in detail. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of server 200. Server 200 has, for example, a device registration unit 210, a refrigerator management unit 220, a service providing unit 230, and a storage unit 280.

[0022] Device registration unit 210, refrigerator management unit 220, and service providing unit 230 are realized by one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU, mounted on server 200 executing programs. However, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware, such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. These functional units may be provided separately in multiple server devices. Furthermore, one or more of these functional units may be provided in terminal device 300 or refrigerator 100 instead of server 200. For example, service providing unit 230 may be provided as a part of a home appliance management application APP of terminal device 300.

[0023] <3.1 Device Registration Section> The device registration unit 210 performs device registration of the refrigerator 100 in response to a request from the terminal device 300 (i.e., an application from the user U). Device registration means associating a specific user U with the refrigerator 100 used by the user U (i.e., the refrigerator 100 to be remotely operated). Device registration is performed, for example, by registering a correspondence relationship between user information (e.g., a user ID) capable of identifying the user U and device information (e.g., a device ID) capable of identifying an individual refrigerator 100. In this embodiment, the correspondence relationship is registered in a device registration DB 281 stored in the storage unit 280. The device ID is, for example, a serial number of the refrigerator 100. Note that device registration may be performed by associating a specific terminal device 300 used by the user U with the specific refrigerator 100 instead of associating a specific user U with the specific refrigerator 100.

[0024] 4A is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the device registration DB 281. In the device registration DB 281, for example, a user ID, a device ID, a type of the refrigerator 100 (a home appliance type), a model of the refrigerator 100, a display name on the home appliance management application APP, and information for sharing and using the refrigerator 100 ("shared") are registered in association with each other. 4B is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the operation history information DB 284. In the operation history information DB 284, for example, a user ID, a device ID, a type (home appliance type) of the refrigerator 100 or the like, a model of the refrigerator 100 or the like, a display name on the home appliance management application APP, and information on the status ("status") of the refrigerator 100 or the like are registered in association with each other. This operation history information DB 284 may be configured separately for each home appliance type, or may be shared regardless of the home appliance type. FIG. 4C is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the function restriction information DB283. The function restriction information DB283 holds, for example, setting information that can be selected alternatively. For example, in FIG. 4C, selectable modes are arranged in the form of a list. This function restriction information DB283 may be configured separately for each type of refrigerator 100, or may be shared regardless of the type of refrigerator 100. The contents of this function restriction information DB283 are sent to the target refrigerator 100 and shared. Among these, there is a "power saving mode" for performing energy saving operation of the refrigerator 100. As the "power saving mode", several modes with different degrees of power saving such as "power saving off", "automatic eco", "automatic power saving" and "very power saving" can be set. Details of the other modes will be described later.

[0025] When the device registration unit 210 performs device registration of the refrigerator 100 in response to a request from the terminal device 300, the device registration unit 210 transmits information identifying the refrigerator 100 that has performed device registration to the terminal device 300. The information identifying the refrigerator 100 that has performed device registration is stored in the storage unit 380 of the terminal device 300 as device registration information 381, which will be described later.

[0026] <3.2 Home appliance management department> The refrigerator management unit 220 manages the refrigerators 100 for which device registration has been performed. For example, when the refrigerator management unit 220 receives a remote operation request from the terminal device 300 to remotely operate the refrigerator 100, the refrigerator management unit 220 remotely operates the refrigerator 100 by notifying the refrigerator 100 of a control command corresponding to the received remote operation request. Furthermore, when the refrigerator management unit 220 receives a confirmation request from the terminal device 300 to confirm the status of the refrigerator 100, the refrigerator management unit 220 notifies the refrigerator 100 of a request to transmit status information indicating the status of the refrigerator 100. The refrigerator management unit 220 transmits information indicating the status of the refrigerator 100 to the terminal device 300 based on the status information received from the refrigerator 100.

[0027] In this embodiment, refrigerator management unit 220 has an operation management unit 221. Based on a predetermined signal received from terminal device 300, operation management unit 221 controls a specific refrigerator 100 corresponding to the signal. In this embodiment, operation management unit 221 can control refrigerators 100 installed in the residence of user U. For example, operation management unit 221 can operate multiple refrigerators 100 to turn off or turn on the power. For example, the above control by the operation management unit 221 is performed based on the relationship between a "user ID" (first user ID) registered in the above-mentioned device registration DB 281 and a corresponding "device ID." Furthermore, the above control by the operation management unit 221 may be performed based on the relationship between another user's ID (second user ID) registered in "shared" in the above-mentioned device registration DB 281 and a corresponding "device ID." The operation management unit 221 accepts a request from a user indicating the first user ID or the second user ID, and controls the corresponding refrigerator 100. The operation management unit 221 associates the above user request with the result of control of the refrigerator 100, and adds the associated information to the operation history information DB 284 of the storage unit 280 as history information.

[0028] <3.3 Service Provision Department> The service providing unit 230 provides services related to the refrigerator 100 for which device registration has been performed. The services provided by the service providing unit 230 are, for example, services related to the control of the refrigerator 100. This control includes both remote control of the refrigerator 100 by the user and automatic operation control by the refrigerator 100.

[0029] In this embodiment, the service providing unit 230 includes an operation procedure management unit 231, a function restriction information providing unit 232, an operation history information providing unit 233, and the like.

[0030] The operation procedure management unit 231 provides a remote control service for operating each refrigerator 100 from the terminal device 300. The remote control service enables the user U to operate the refrigerator 100 using the terminal device 300 or the like, without directly operating the refrigerator 100. For example, the operation procedure management unit 231 registers and manages operation procedure information for providing operations for each refrigerator 100 under management in the operation procedure information DB 282 stored in the storage unit 280.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the operation procedure information DB282. In the operation procedure information DB282, a management ID, a home appliance type, a model, a category, an image ID, an image type (type), a display setting, a content, and the like are associated and registered as operation procedure information. For example, each refrigerator 100 is broadly classified according to its type ("home appliance type"). In the operation procedure information DB282, operation procedure information of each refrigerator 100 is registered for each "model". The "category" in the operation procedure information DB282 includes information for identifying a spatial classification and a functional classification in the refrigerator 100. For example, examples of the classification are a "chilled compartment", a "refrigerated compartment", and a "freezer". In addition, things that are common to the above classifications are collectively classified as "common". For example, there is an "ice making mode" for using the chilled compartment as an ice making compartment, an "upper freezer mode" for using the chilled compartment as a freezer, and a "temperature setting mode" for specifying a temperature zone for use as the freezer or the refrigerator. In addition to providing information for these explanations, it is possible to provide information on the operating procedures related to function restriction information A and function restriction information B.

[0032] (Operation History Information Department) Operation history information providing unit 233 provides history information related to operations of refrigerator 100. The history information providing service is a service that provides history information of refrigerator 100. In this embodiment, operation history information providing unit 233 extracts operations on target refrigerator 100 from history information within a predetermined period in operation history information DB284 stored in storage unit 280, and provides the results.

[0033] (Function Restriction Information Department) Functional restriction information providing unit 232 provides functional restriction information for controlling refrigerator 100. The provision of functional restriction information is a service that provides functional restriction information of refrigerator 100. In this embodiment, functional restriction information providing unit 232 extracts, from this functional restriction information DB283 stored in storage unit 280, any mode that corresponds to a request from user U from among selectable modes in functional restriction information DB283 for an operation on target refrigerator 100, and provides the result. For example, the result of this extraction can be used for controlling mode switching in response to a request from the user U. The function restriction information providing unit 232 outputs information for controlling the operation state of the refrigerator 100 based on the result of the extraction. This will be described in detail later.

[0034] <4. Terminal device> Next, the terminal device 300 will be described in detail. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the terminal device 300. The terminal device 300 includes a registration receiving unit 310, a display control unit 320, an operation receiving unit 330, a notification unit 340, and a storage unit 380, for example.

[0035] The registration reception unit 310, the display control unit 320, the operation reception unit 330, and the notification 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 registration reception unit 310, the display control unit 320, the operation reception unit 330, and the notification unit 340 are software function units included in the home appliance management application APP.

[0036] <4.1 Registration Reception> The registration acceptance unit 310 accepts an application for device registration of the refrigerator 100 based on an operation of the user U on the operation acceptance unit 330. In this application, "accepting a registration application" or "accepting registration" is not limited to a case where the registration process is completed by the terminal device 300, but may also include a case where an operation of the user U to instruct device registration (i.e., an application for registration) is accepted by the terminal device 300 and the actual registration process is performed by the server 200.

[0037] In this embodiment, when a user logs in to the home appliance management application APP using a user ID, the registration acceptance unit 310 accepts an application to register a refrigerator 100 (hereinafter referred to as a "target refrigerator 100") to be associated with the user ID used for login. For example, the user U reads a QR code (registered trademark) attached to the target refrigerator 100 using the camera of the terminal device 300. The registration acceptance unit 310 transmits QR code information indicating the QR code read using the camera of the terminal device 300 to the server 200. As a result, the device registration unit 210 of the server 200 performs device registration by associating the device ID indicated by the QR code information received from the terminal device 300 with the user ID used for login. The QR code is an example of a "two-dimensional barcode".

[0038] <4.2 Display control section> The display control unit 320 controls the display device 301 of the terminal device 300 to control the contents to be displayed on the display screen 301 a of the display device 301 . For example, the display control unit 320 causes one or more "operation units B" for operating the refrigerator 100 and the status of the refrigerator 100 to be displayed on the display screen 301a in a predetermined format (see FIG. 9, etc.). The display control unit 320 will be described in detail later.

[0039] <4.3 Operation reception section> The operation reception unit 330 receives an operation of the user U performed on the input device 302 in relation to the home appliance management application APP. For example, the operation reception unit 330 receives an operation of the user U on the operation unit B displayed on the display screen 301a. The operation reception unit 330 transmits a signal corresponding to the operation unit B operated by the user U to the server 200. As a result, the process corresponding to the operation unit B operated by the user U is performed by the server 200.

[0040] <4.4 Notification Department> The notification unit 340 notifies the user U of predetermined content through the display device 301. For example, the notification unit 340 notifies the user U of how to use the home appliance management application APP.

[0041] <4.5 Storage section> The storage unit 380 is realized by a combination of a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, an SSD, etc. The storage unit 380 stores an application program P and device registration information 381. In the device registration information 381, a list of refrigerators 100 for which device registration has been performed in association with the user ID of a user U who uses the terminal device 300 is registered.

[0042] <5. An example of refrigerator control operation> An example of an operation for skipping the operation screen display according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process relating to the operation screen display.

[0043] The terminal device 300 (home appliance management application APP) starts displaying an operation screen. For example, the home appliance management application APP detects an operation of a button displayed on an operation screen (S11), and waits for any button to be operated (S12).

[0044] When the operation of the power saving button is identified as a result of the detection in S12, the home appliance management application APP displays a "mode selection screen" (S13), and, depending on the subsequent operation, displays a "functional restriction information confirmation screen" (S14).

[0045] For example, the home appliance management application APP displays a "functional restriction information confirmation screen" (S141), displays functional restriction information A on the "functional restriction information confirmation screen" (S142), accepts a power saving level setting (S143), and detects operation of the displayed button (S144). The home appliance management application APP determines whether or not the "Cancel" button has been operated based on the button operation detection result in S141 above (S145), and if the "Cancel" button operation is detected, returns the process to S13. If the "Cancel" button operation is not detected, the home appliance management application APP determines whether or not the "Enter" button has been operated based on the button operation detection result in S141 above (S145), and if the "Enter" button operation is not detected, returns the process to S144.

[0046] If the home appliance management application AP detects the operation of the "OK" button, it displays a "setting confirmation screen" (S15). Based on the operation of the displayed button, the home appliance management application AP determines whether to return the process to S13 or to update the settings, and transmits the update information to the refrigerator 100. By following these steps, the settings of the refrigerator 100 can be changed. The above-mentioned processing will be described in detail below with reference to examples of each display screen.

[0047] <6. Display screen contents> Next, the display contents of the terminal device 300 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 to Fig. 17. The display contents described below are realized by the processing of the display control unit 320 unless otherwise specified. In the following description, "operation unit B" refers to an operation unit displayed on the display screen 301a, and is a function key to which a specific function is assigned in order to call that function. Operation unit B is, for example, an icon (button) displayed on the display screen 301a.

[0048] In the configuration as shown in FIG. 1, a case will be described in which the settings of the refrigerator 100 are remotely controlled using the home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300 via a communication means such as a wireless LAN. The settings of the refrigerator 100 include temperature settings for each storage compartment, as well as quick freezing and quick ice making in the freezer, quick cooling and defrosting modes in the chilled room, partial mode, power saving settings, and the like.

[0049] First, the transition of the confirmation screen in the comparative example will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the confirmation screen in the comparative example. (a) to (e) of Fig. 8 show the transition of the confirmation screen immediately before transmitting the setting information to the refrigerator in the comparative example. Figures 8(a) and (e) show the "status display screen," Figure 8(b) shows the "mode selection screen," Figure 8(d1) shows the "first confirmation screen," and Figure 8(d2) shows the "second confirmation screen." When the "Request power saving mode change" button is pressed on the "Status display screen" in Fig. 8(a), the "Mode selection screen" in Fig. 8(b) is displayed. The "Request power saving mode change" button displays the current power saving mode setting. "Power saving off", "Automatic eco", "Automatic power saving", and "Very power saving" are examples of displays showing the current power saving mode. Within the display screen of FIG. 8(b), a pop-up is displayed that includes explanatory text confirming each state transition and a "OK" button for accepting each state transition.

[0050] In this comparative example, as shown in (b) of FIG. 8, when a user U selects a desired mode on the “mode selection screen” displayed on a display device 301 such as a smartphone and then presses the “decision button”, the screen transitions to a confirmation screen ((d1) or (d2) of FIG. 8) for remote control. Each confirmation screen displays an explanatory text to confirm that the mode should be changed, along with an example response of "Change to XX mode" to answer in the affirmative, and "Cancel" to answer in the negative. When user U accepts the transition to that mode and operates the display area of ​​the answer example of the affirmative answer, the server 200 notifies the refrigerator of an instruction to change the corresponding setting. Accordingly, the display changes to the "status display screen" of FIG. 8(e).

[0051] If an attempt is made to set a specific power saving mode (automatic power saving mode), a pop-up such as that shown in FIG. 8 (d1) or (d2) will appear. This pop-up displays an explanatory message for confirming that the "Ice Crystal Chilled" setting should be cancelled, along with an example of a response. FIG. 8 (d1) is an example of the display when a specific chilled mode (Ice Crystal Chilled) is not set. FIG. 8 (d2) is an example of the display when a specific chilled mode (Ice Crystal Chilled) is set. In the latter case, an explanatory message is also displayed indicating that the specific chilled mode (Ice Crystal Chilled) function and the specific power saving mode (automatic power saving mode) function cannot be set to function simultaneously.

[0052] If user U prioritizes the ice crystal chill setting over changing to the power saving mode (automatic power saving mode), pressing the "Cancel" button will not reflect the setting for changing to the specific power saving mode (automatic power saving mode). As described above, user U had not been able to recognize that the combination of these functions was unavailable until this stage, and had continued to perform operations to change to the power saving mode (automatic power saving mode), but was only informed of this at the final stage of the setting change procedure.

[0053] Such a procedure forced the user U to perform inefficient operations. In this embodiment, a control method for solving the above problem will be described.

[0054] An example of a confirmation screen displayed immediately before transmitting setting information to the refrigerator of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a mode selection screen. (a) to (e) of Fig. 9 show the transition of confirmation screens immediately before transmitting setting information to refrigerator 100. (a) and (e) of Fig. 9 show a "status display screen", (b) of Fig. 9 shows a "mode selection screen", (c) of Fig. 9 shows a "functional restriction information confirmation screen", and (d) of Fig. 9 shows a "setting confirmation screen".

[0055] Setting information requested by the user U is transmitted from an external communication terminal running the home appliance management application APP to the refrigerator 100, and an arbitrary mode is set. For example, the external communication terminal is the terminal device 300. An area for accepting an operation by the user U is allocated to a predetermined area in the screen for the user U to select the mode a. The home appliance management application APP allocates an area for setting the mode a to the area for accepting this operation. This operation may result in restrictions on the functions of the refrigerator 100. The home appliance management application APP displays information (restriction information) corresponding to this restriction.

[0056] The screen for selecting mode a corresponds to, for example, the mode selection screen in Fig. 9(b). Information on functional restrictions is described in the explanation of the modes on the screen in Fig. 9(b). When the user U checks this mode selection screen, he or she can first understand that implementing this setting in the refrigerator 100 will result in functional restrictions on the refrigerator 100.

[0057] In this embodiment, the information on "Yes / No" of "functional restriction" is described in the mode selection screen. For example, the display method may be a display method in which either "Yes" or "No" is displayed and the other is not displayed depending on the condition of whether or not there is a "functional restriction", or the display of "Yes" and "No" may be switched depending on the above condition, or either "Yes" or "No" may be displayed when the condition is satisfied.

[0058] An information button (i) is provided in the mode selection screen ("selection screen") in FIG. 9(b). This information button (i) is a UI (User Interface) that accepts operations for displaying function restriction information in a pop-up. Note that a "function restriction information pop-up" refers to a pop-up in which the above-mentioned function restriction information (referred to as function restriction information) is written within an area. Note that a detailed explanation may be written within the area of ​​this pop-up.

[0059] In this way, since it is important for the user U to recognize that implementing the setting he / she is about to request may result in “functional restrictions” on some of the functions of the refrigerator 100, the mode selection screen can display a minimum amount of information, thereby preventing excessive information on the screen.

[0060] A more specific example will be described with reference to each diagram in FIG. By executing the home appliance management application APP, the terminal device 300 displays the “status display screen” of (a) in FIG. 9, and when it detects operation of the “power saving setting” button in the “status display screen”, it displays the “mode selection screen” of (b) in FIG. 9. This "mode selection screen" includes an area showing the name of the selected "power saving setting" mode "Very Eco", an area showing an overview of the "power saving setting" mode, an area showing information relating to restriction information, and an area in which are arranged buttons for selecting the "power saving level", a "OK" button for confirming the "power saving level" (mode setting), and a "Cancel" button for canceling. The example shown here is for a specific "power saving setting" mode named "Very Eco". Prior to changing the "power saving level" (mode setting) of a specific "power saving setting" mode, information outlining the "power saving level" (mode setting) is displayed. The explanation of this "Very Eco" is "Recommended for those who want to optimize energy conservation. The temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer will be about 2-3 degrees higher", and it is shown that the power saving rate will be about 30 to 35%, that it is rated as 5 stars, the highest rank in the eco level classification, and 1 star, the lowest rank in the cooling performance classification. For example, the explanation for "Very Eco" above indicates that there are "functional restrictions" when "Very Eco" is selected as the power saving setting. The "Information" button (indicated as (i) in the figure) is displayed next to the "functional restrictions."

[0061] When the terminal device 300 detects an operation of the "Information" button in this "Mode Selection Screen" by the home appliance management application APP, it displays a pop-up including "Function Restriction Information A" in the "Function Restriction Information Confirmation Screen" of (c) of Fig. 9. The pop-up including "Function Restriction Information A" includes a heading indicating "Function Restriction", its explanation, and an "OK" button for closing the pop-up. For example, the description includes the statement, "When in Very Eco mode, the temperature setting / chill room / upper freezer / ice making functions will be unavailable in order to reduce power consumption." If operation of the "OK" button is detected, the pop-up is closed and the display returns to the "Mode Selection Screen" in Figure 9(b).

[0062] When the operation of the "OK" button in this "mode selection screen" is detected, a pop-up containing "Function restriction information B" in Fig. 9(d) is displayed. The pop-up containing "Function restriction information B" contains the heading "Make it very eco?" indicating the selected "power saving setting" mode, an explanatory text regarding the function restrictions when the "power saving setting" mode is set, a "Make it very eco" button for deciding to set the "power saving setting" mode, and a "Cancel" button for canceling the request to change the settings. Note that the above explanatory text may be the same as the explanatory text of "Function restriction information A". When the terminal device 300 detects an operation of the "Make it very eco-friendly" button by the home appliance management application APP, the terminal device 300 closes the pop-up and transitions to the display of the "Status display screen" in FIG. 9(e).

[0063] As described above, by providing a "functional restriction information confirmation screen" in Fig. 9(c) and displaying functional restriction information A, the display on the mode selection screen in Fig. 9(b) can be limited to a simple display of the restriction information "Yes / No." By providing a "setting confirmation screen" in Fig. 9(d) and displaying functional restriction information B in a pop-up area, it is possible to prompt user U to confirm. Note that by making the contents of functional restriction information A and functional restriction information B the same as in Fig. 9, it is possible to prevent user U from overlooking the information.

[0064] According to the above embodiment, the refrigerator control system 1 causes the display device 301 to display a display for allowing the user to select a desired operation method from among a plurality of operation methods of the refrigerator. If the selection result of the operation method acquired after displaying on the display device 301 restricts the functions of the refrigerator 100, a function restriction display indicating that the functions of the refrigerator 100 will be restricted is displayed on the display device 301 before it is decided to operate the refrigerator using the operation method of the selection result.

[0065] The home appliance management application APP (program) is executed by a computer of the terminal device 300 having the display device 301. The home appliance management application APP is a program for causing the display device 301 to selectably display switchable operation methods of the refrigerator 100, and, if the selected operation method restricts the functions of the refrigerator 100, causing the display device 301 to display a function restriction display indicating that the functions of the refrigerator 100 will be restricted when the selected operation method is selected.

[0066] Furthermore, the terminal device 300 (external device) is used to determine the operation method of the refrigerator 100. The display device 301 is provided in the terminal device 300. The above-mentioned function restriction display includes a first function restriction display. After the above-mentioned operation method is selected, the computer of the terminal device 300 may cause the display device 301 to display the first function restriction display before an operation is performed to operate the refrigerator 100 according to the selected operation method. When it is decided to operate the refrigerator according to the selected operation method, the home appliance management application APP (program) further includes transmitting data for operating the refrigerator according to the selected operation method from the terminal device 300 directly or indirectly to the refrigerator. The above "directly" indicates that information is transmitted from the terminal device 300 to the refrigerator 100 by communication, and a transmission path or a communication device may be interposed on the path. The above "indirectly" indicates that information is transmitted from the terminal device 300 to the refrigerator 100 via the server 200. A transmission path or a communication device may be interposed on the path.

[0067] One of the first and second function restriction indications may have a greater number of functions of the associated refrigerator 100 than the other.

[0068] The function restriction indications related to specific functions of refrigerator 100 include a first function restriction indication and a second function restriction indication related to specific functions of refrigerator 100. The home appliance management application APP (program) is configured to be able to display the first function restriction indication and the second function restriction indication on display device 301 before an operation is performed to operate refrigerator 100 in the selected operation method, and the number of functions of refrigerator 100 related to the first function restriction indication and the number of functions of refrigerator 100 related to the second function restriction indication can be configured to be different from each other.

[0069] The function restriction display may include a second function restriction display that is displayed when it is decided to operate the refrigerator in the selected operation method.

[0070] One of the first function restriction indication and the second function restriction indication has a larger number of functions of the associated refrigerator 100 than the other. The first function restriction indication and the second function restriction indication relate to, for example, the above-mentioned function restriction information A and function restriction information B.

[0071] The function restriction display includes a third function restriction display indicating whether or not the function is restricted. For example, the display "Function Restricted" or "Function Restriction (i)" shown in FIG. 9(b) is an example of such a display. When switchable operation methods of the refrigerator 100 are displayed as selectable modes, it is preferable to cause the computer of the terminal device 300 to display at least the third function restriction display on the same screen by the home appliance management application APP (program). Displaying on the "same screen" does not only mean displaying two or more elements so that the user can see them simultaneously, but also means displaying an element by scrolling when the two or more elements include an element that can be displayed on the screen but cannot be seen by the user simultaneously with other elements because it protrudes from the display area.

[0072] When the switchable operation methods of the refrigerator 100 are displayed selectably by the home appliance management application APP (program), it is preferable to display at least information regarding power consumption for the selected operation method on the screen, and to display the third function restriction display on the same screen as the information regarding power consumption. As an example of the information regarding power consumption, "power saving rate" and "eco level" are shown in Fig. 9. Although not shown, the information regarding power consumption may include, for example, the amount of power consumption or the amount of power consumption suppression when the refrigerator 100 is operated according to the selected operation method, and may also include the amount of the corresponding power fee. The function restriction display may include a first function restriction display that can be displayed before it is decided to operate the refrigerator by the selected operation method, and the first function restriction display may be displayed on a screen different from the screen of the third function restriction display.

[0073] (First Modification of the First Embodiment) A first modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the first embodiment, as an example of displaying the restriction information shown in FIG. 9, the contents of the function restriction information A and the function restriction information B are made the same. In this modified example, instead of this, 、 A case will be described in which the display of function restriction information including function restriction information A and function restriction information B is changed depending on other setting conditions.

[0074] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a mode selection screen etc. in the modified example. (b), (c), and (d) shown in FIG. 10 correspond to (b), (c), and (d) in the above-mentioned FIG. The display of the restriction information including the functional restriction information A and the functional restriction information B in (c) and (d) of FIG. 10 is different from each other. For example, function restriction information A includes restriction information on all restricted functions, while function restriction information B includes restriction information on some of the restricted functions. For example, the explanatory text in the function restriction information B includes information such as "When set to Very Eco, ice making will be turned off and the chill room setting will be turned off." In addition, the limited part of functions may be, for example, information limited to the current situation in which the vehicle is being driven under control based on other setting information different from the setting information requested to be changed is displayed. This allows the user U to efficiently obtain information associated with the current situation. The information associated with the current situation may include only information directly related to the current situation, and may not include information not directly related to the current situation. In other words, the information associated with the current situation may include only information of functions that cannot be used under the current situation.

[0075] In other words, such a function restriction display may include a first function restriction display and a second function restriction display. One of the first function restriction display and the second function restriction display may include an indication of a function that may be restricted by switching the operation method. The other of the first function restriction display and the second function restriction display may include an indication of a function that is restricted when the refrigerator 100 is operated in the selected operation method. A pair of the first function restriction display and the second function restriction display may correspond to a pair of the function restriction display A and the function restriction display B.

[0076] (Second Modification of the First Embodiment) A second modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a mode selection screen etc. in the modified example. (b), (c), and (d) shown in FIG. 11 correspond to (b), (c), and (d) in the above-mentioned FIG. As shown in FIG. 11(b), according to this modification, when the refrigerator 100 is operated in the selected operation method, some functions are restricted, and the display of the restricted functions is included in the third function restriction display. For example, the explanation in function restriction information B includes statements such as "When set to Very Eco, ice making will be turned off and temperature setting will be disabled," clearly indicating that the above-mentioned functions will be restricted.

[0077] 11, both the restriction information and the function restriction information B shown in the selection screen may be changed. In that case, it is preferable to write information about all of the restricted functions in the function restriction information A.

[0078] Second embodiment 12A and 12B, a case of displaying restriction information set in each mode will be described as the second embodiment. The case shown here is an example of a case where each mode being set is terminated by manual operation when changing to a power saving setting. Fig. 12A is a diagram for explaining an example of display of function restriction information corresponding to each mode being set. Fig. 12B is a diagram for explaining display of function restriction information corresponding to each mode being set. Fig. 12A shows an example of display of function restriction information corresponding to each mode being set. Display of function restriction information (additional description content) is added in the pop-up shown here. The display shown in Fig. 12A is one example, and the display changes depending on each mode being set.

[0079] FIG. 12B shows an example of additional description contents associated with each mode being set. For example, the currently set modes are broadly categorized into "ice making settings," "upper freezer settings," "chill room," "temperature settings," and the like. The "Ice making settings" are divided into "Normal ice making" and "Quick ice making." It would be a good idea to add something like "Ice making will be turned off" to indicate that the ice making function will be interrupted. The "Upper freezer setting" is divided into "Quick freezing", "Removing heat", and "Cooking". It would be a good idea to add a description for this "Upper freezer setting" such as "Upper freezer setting will be turned off" to indicate that the function of using the upper freezer as a freezer will be suspended. The "chilled room" settings are divided into "ice crystal chilled", "quick fresh chilled" and "thawed chilled". It would be a good idea to add a description for this "chilled room" setting such as "The upper freezer setting will be turned off" to indicate that the function of using the upper storage room as a freezer will be suspended. "Temperature settings" are divided into "Refrigerator (weak / medium / strong)" and "Freezer (weak / medium / strong)". It would be a good idea to add something like "Temperature settings will no longer be possible" to indicate that the function to specify the temperature range for the refrigerator and freezer will be interrupted. The above (weak / medium / strong) indicates the rank of cooling capacity.

[0080] According to this embodiment, the home appliance management application APP can change the content of the additional description based on the currently set mode as described above.

[0081] (First modified example of the second embodiment) 12A and 13A, a description will be given of the display of the restriction information set for each mode. The example shown here is an example of a case where each mode set is ended by the timer function of the refrigerator 100. Fig. 13A is a diagram for explaining the display of function restriction information according to each mode being set as a modified example. In the case of Fig. 13A, each mode being set is also roughly classified into "ice making setting", "upper freezer setting", "chill room", "temperature setting", etc. Fig. 13A corresponds to the above-mentioned Fig. 12B. The differences will be mainly explained.

[0082] The timing of the end of control based on the setting of the "Ice making setting" detail "Normal ice making", the setting detail "Ice crystal chilled" of the "Chilled room" setting, and the "Temperature setting" details "Refrigerator compartment (low / medium / high)" and "Freezer compartment (low / medium / high)" is determined without using the timer function of refrigerator 100. The timing of the end of control based on the setting of each of the other details is determined using the timer function of refrigerator 100. For example, the "Quick ice making" function described later may end with the passage of time, or may end when the number of executions (for example, the number of times the ice making unit performs the ice release operation) reaches a predetermined number. Since the number of executions is related to the passage of time, even in this case, the "Quick ice making" function can be said to be a type of mode that ends with time (timer function).

[0083] Here, more detailed examples of whether or not to provide additional information will be described. <Examples of when additional information should be provided under various conditions> When the "Quick Ice Making" setting is selected, for example, if the "Quick Ice Making" setting has been activated within a certain number of times (for example, three ice making operations using the automatic ice making function have been completed), it is appropriate to determine that user U has a high priority and to provide an additional explanation regarding "Function Restrictions." When the "Quick Freeze" setting is selected, for example, within a specified time (e.g., 30 minutes) after starting the "Quick Freeze" operation, or if the temperature sensor that detects the temperature in the freezer compartment is at or above a specified value (e.g., -25°C), it is wise to determine that there is a high possibility that freezing performance will be affected and to add an explanation regarding "functional restrictions." When the setting is "remove rough heat," for example, operation with the "remove rough heat" setting is not a cooling mode operation for the purpose of freezing, so it is advisable to set the priority of the additional description high. When it is set to "cooling cooking," for example, operation with the "cooling cooking" setting is not a cooling mode operation for the purpose of freezing, so it is advisable to set the priority of the additional description high. When the "Quick Fresh Chill" setting is selected, for example, if within a specified time (e.g., 30 minutes) after starting the "Quick Fresh Chill" operation, or if the temperature sensor in the chilled compartment (refrigerator compartment) reaches a specified value (e.g., 3°C) or higher, it is deemed likely that freshness will be affected, and an explanation regarding "functional restrictions" should be added. When the "Defrost Mode" is selected, for example, within a specified time (e.g., 30 minutes) after starting the "Defrost Mode" operation, or when the temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the chilled compartment (refrigerator compartment) is below a specified value (e.g., 3°C), it is deemed likely that the quality of the defrosting will be affected, and an explanation regarding "functional limitations" should be added.

[0084] <Examples where you do not need to provide additional information about temperature settings> When "Temperature Setting" is set, for example, to the standard value of "Medium" rank or to a "Weak" rank that specifies a higher temperature range, it is considered that the user U has a low need for cooling, and it is judged that lowering the priority of the user U's settings will have little impact, so there is no need to add an explanation about "Function Restrictions." Conversely, the "Strong" rank that specifies a lower temperature range has a high priority for the user U's settings, so an additional explanation is provided.

[0085] Regardless of the presence or absence of the above additional description, for example, even if there is a specific currently set mode different from the normal setting, if that mode is a mode that ends in a certain time, it is preferable to end the specific currently set mode through processing by the home appliance management application APP (program) and then start operation in the "power saving setting" mode. If the timing of ending the currently set mode is determined using a timer function of the refrigerator 100, the currently set mode is continued until the preset period expires. Even if there is a request to start operation in the "power saving setting" mode during that period, it is preferable to hold off on starting operation in response to this request and switch to the "power saving setting" mode when the above period expires.

[0086] In this way, if there is a mechanism for starting operation in the "power saving setting" mode in response to the end of a specific currently set mode, it is possible to reduce the number of items for which restriction information is displayed, as shown in Fig. 13. This makes it possible to reduce the frequency with which restriction information is displayed in response to a request for the "power saving setting" mode. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the frequency of operations required by the user U to select a mode, thereby improving usability for the user U.

[0087] For example, when the above control is performed, a setting instruction is sent from server 200 to refrigerator 100, and refrigerator 100 temporarily stores the setting instruction information in storage unit 180. Upon ending the specific setting mode, refrigerator 100 starts operation in the "power saving setting" mode. At this stage, there is no need to receive a new instruction from server 200.

[0088] Also, for example, instead of the above control, the setting state of refrigerator 100 is temporarily stored in storage unit 280 of server 200. Server 200 receives information indicating that the above-mentioned specific currently set mode has been cancelled from refrigerator 100. In response to this, server 200 may transmit a new setting instruction to the target refrigerator 100.

[0089] As described above, the function restriction display includes a display of "functions restricted when the refrigerator 100 is operated in the selected operation method." The home appliance management application APP (program) may control the computer of the terminal device 300 to preferentially display, among the restricted functions, functions that can be continuously used regardless of the passage of time from the start of use of the restricted function, over functions that end a predetermined time from the start of use of the restricted function.

[0090] (Second modified example of the second embodiment) The display of the restriction information set for each mode will be described with reference to Fig. 13B instead of Fig. 12A. The explanatory text in Fig. 13B is different from that in Fig. 12A. The explanatory text in the function restriction information B in FIG. 13B includes indications such as "When set to Very Eco, the setting of the chill room will be turned off, and ice making will be turned off," clearly indicating that the above-mentioned functions will be restricted. The above is an example of an indication of "functions restricted when the refrigerator 100 is operated in the selected operation method." In this example, the mode that is stopped by switching to the power saving mode may be the "Ice Crystal Chill" mode. After "Ice Crystal Chill" is stopped due to the function restriction when set to "Very Eco," it may not be automatically enabled even if the function restriction is no longer applied by, for example, canceling the setting of "Very Eco." In this case, when displaying the function restriction information, "Ice Crystal Chill" may be displayed in priority to functions that are automatically enabled by canceling the setting of "Very Eco," as shown in FIG. 13B. This makes it easy for the user to confirm functions (e.g., "Ice Crystal Chill") that the user used before operating in the selected operation method (e.g., "Very Eco") and that the user needs to manually enable after switching to an operation method different from the selected operation method. The above-mentioned "functions that are automatically enabled" are examples of "functions that the refrigerator 100 does not automatically start executing." In the functions restricted by "Very Eco", it is a good idea to assign "Temperature setting" and "Normal ice making" as functions that will be automatically enabled when the "Very Eco" setting is released. These may be the same as the factory default modes.

[0091] In the above description, in the case of a function whose end timing is determined by a timer function, the control state is switched upon the end of the function, but if the remaining time until the end timing is sufficiently long, the home appliance management application APP may switch the control state without waiting for the end timing. In this case, the home appliance management application APP may display the function restriction information B in response to the switching.

[0092] Third embodiment 14A and 14B, a case where the restriction information is displayed in each mode will be described as the third embodiment. The case shown here is an example where the restriction information display is determined based on the priority. Fig. 14A is a diagram for explaining an example of display of function restriction information according to each mode being set. Fig. 14B is a diagram for explaining an example of a priority order table related to the display of restriction information in a modified example. In the example shown in Fig. 14B, each mode being set includes "ice making setting", "upper freezer setting", "chill room", and "temperature setting".

[0093] For example, the home appliance management application APP may display the function restriction information B in accordance with a predetermined priority order. This makes it possible to refrain from displaying information, and thus to prevent the user U from being provided with too much information. The table in Fig. 14B shows the display priority of each function restriction information. This priority is related to the level of required cooling capacity. The priority information shown in the table in Fig. 14B is stored in the storage unit 180 of the refrigerator 100 and is used by the control unit 130 for its processing.

[0094] As an example of the display of function restriction information B shown in Fig. 14A, the "ice-making function" is listed as having a high priority under the current settings. If the "ice-making function" is interrupted, it may be inconvenient for the user not to be able to make ice, and may even be mistaken for a malfunction. To avoid such risks, it is advisable to assign a priority that gives the function the highest priority.

[0095] In the display priority of each function restriction information shown in the table in Fig. 14B, the modes that do not end using the timer function are assigned after "Ice-making function". "Child room", "Upper freezer", and "Temperature setting" are examples of modes that do not end using the timer function. Each of these modes is configured so that once it starts functioning through the setting, it will continue to function until the user U cancels the setting. For example, the chilled room setting includes a low temperature rank and partial setting, etc., as modes for maintaining freshness for a long period of time. If these are canceled, the desired low temperature state cannot be maintained, and there is a risk that the freshness preservation function will deteriorate. Therefore, it is better to prioritize the user U's wishes by terminating the mode based on the user U's operation rather than terminating the mode automatically.

[0096] The chill room settings include a mode for rapid cooling for a specified period of time (lasting 90 minutes), and a mode for ending at a predetermined time (lasting 60 minutes) using a timer function, such as a defrosting mode with a higher temperature range. The home appliance management app APP cannot use "chill mode" and "power saving mode" together, including these cases. This relationship may be indicated, or each mode may be displayed individually based on the name of the above modes.

[0097] When displayed individually or when there are modes that can be set simultaneously, the order of priority is "Partial" > "Low Temperature" > "Quick Cool" > "Defrost", with the stronger cooling function taking priority. The upper freezer compartment may be used by assigning various cooling modes, such as a cooling mode for removing heat or a cooling mode for quick freezing. When these can be set simultaneously, for example, a cooling mode for removing heat (which does not go as far as freezing) may take priority rather than a stronger cooling function. This cooling mode for removing heat is a function that is intended to cool the food without freezing it. This is to avoid the risk of freezing the food by not realizing that the cooling mode for removing heat has finished and leaving it on.

[0098] According to the above embodiment, the home appliance management application APP may prioritize display related to items other than the temperature setting over display related to the temperature setting in the function restriction display.

[0099] In the function restriction display, the home appliance management application APP may preferentially display functions that are not restricted when the refrigerator 100 is operated in an operation method different from the selected operation method and that do not automatically start execution when switching from the selected operation method to the operation method different from the selected operation method.

[0100] (Modification of the third embodiment) A modification of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining the display of function restriction information corresponding to each mode being set. The difference from Fig. 9 described above is that the contents shown in the function restriction information are different. The function restriction information in FIG. 15 includes "Ice making / chill room / upper freezer / temperature setting" and the like. The order of the above notation corresponds to the order of priority shown in FIG. 14B. The home appliance management application APP creates a description of the function restriction information based on the priority information (order of priority shown in FIG. 14B) stored in the memory unit 280, the memory unit 380, etc., and outputs a description including, for example, “Ice making / chill room / upper freezer / temperature setting” as the function restriction information B.

[0101] Several embodiments have been described above. However, the embodiments are not limited to the above examples. Furthermore, the above-described several embodiments can be realized in combination with each other.

[0102] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the program is a program for enabling a refrigerator to be controlled by a computer of a terminal device having a display unit. The program causes a computer to execute the following operations: displaying selectable refrigerator operation methods on the display unit; and, when the selected operation method limits functions of the refrigerator, displaying on the display unit a function limiting display indicating that the functions of the refrigerator will be limited when the operation method is selected. This makes it possible to more efficiently switch between operation modes in the refrigerator.

[0103] 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.

[0104] For example, the following case can be applied as a similar application example. For example, if the remaining time of the currently set mode is long, a situation may arise in which a request from user U cannot be accepted. There may be cases where modes have different set times, such as when the "removing heat" mode is expected to take 3 minutes of processing time and the "cooling mode for cooling cooking" is expected to take 10 minutes of processing time. In such a case, the home appliance management application APP may give priority to the mode with the shortest remaining time and complete both processes when the mode with the shortest remaining time is completed.

[0105] In addition, when there is one minute left of the three minutes of processing time for the "removing rough heat" mode, the remaining nine minutes of the ten minutes of processing time for the other "cooling mode for cooling cooking" may interfere. In such a case, the home appliance management application APP may "notify" the above to the user U when the "removing rough heat" mode ends first. This "notification" reduces the risk of the food being cooled more than expected by the cooling mode for cooling cooking without realizing that the "removing rough heat" mode (3 minutes) setting has been released. The same can be said for "quick freezing," which cools food. If there are multiple modes similar to this, the home appliance management application APP may prioritize the mode with the longest remaining time, as opposed to the above. The reason for this is that the impact of automatically canceling the set mode due to the above process is expected to be significant.

[0106] In addition, the determination may be made simply based on the execution time (set time) instead of the remaining time. In addition, when displaying the individual times, the priority order may be determined within the settings of the chilled room and the upper freezer. In that case, if you prioritize the risk of freezing the food, the order would be: remove heat (time) > partial (always) > low temperature (always) > quick freezing (time) > quick cooling (time) > thawing (time), etc.

[0107] The temperature setting is set to the lowest priority because it is a function that the user U is likely to recognize temperature fluctuations due to the characteristics of the function to be implemented (power saving setting in this embodiment). Although only one is shown in Fig. 14, multiple settings may be shown as necessary.

[0108] In the above-mentioned "mode that ends after a certain time", by starting the power saving setting after the mode ends, it is possible to suppress the information displayed and improve usability. This display method may be applied to the mode selection screen. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1. Refrigerator control system 100…Refrigerator 200...Server 300...Terminal device APP: Home appliance management app (program)

Claims

1. A computer of a terminal device having a display unit, displaying selectable operation methods of the refrigerator on the display unit; When a selected operation method restricts functions of the refrigerator, displaying a function restriction display indicating that functions of the refrigerator will be restricted on the display unit when the operation method is selected; A program for executing the above.

2. The function restriction indication includes a first function restriction indication, After an operation method is selected, and before an operation for operating the refrigerator in the selected operation method is performed, the first function restriction display is displayed on the display unit. The program according to claim 1 , for causing the computer to execute the steps of:

3. the function restriction indication includes a first function restriction indication and a second function restriction indication related to a specific function of the refrigerator, the number of refrigerator functions associated with the first function restriction indication is different from the number of refrigerator functions associated with the second function restriction indication, before an operation for operating the refrigerator by the selected operation method is performed, the first function restriction display and the second function restriction display are displayed on the display unit, respectively.

3. The program according to claim 1 or 2, for causing the computer to execute the steps of:

4. one of the first function restriction indication and the second function restriction indication includes an indication of a function that may be restricted by switching a driving method, the other of the first function restriction display and the second function restriction display includes an display of a function to be restricted when the refrigerator is operated in the selected operation method, The program according to claim 3.

5. the function restriction indication includes a third function restriction indication indicating the presence or absence of a function restriction, When the switchable refrigerator operation methods are displayed in a selectable manner, at least the third function restriction display is displayed on the same screen. The program according to claim 3, for causing the computer to execute the steps of:

6. when displaying the switchable refrigerator operation methods in a selectable manner, displaying at least information on power consumption for a selected operation method on a screen; displaying the third function restriction indication on the same screen as the information regarding the power consumption; The program according to claim 5, for causing the computer to execute the steps of:

7. the third function restriction display includes an display of a function to be restricted when the refrigerator is operated in the selected operation method, The program according to claim 5.

8. the function restriction display includes an display of a function to be restricted when the refrigerator is operated in the selected operation method, Among the restricted functions, a function that can be continuously used regardless of the lapse of time from the start of use is displayed preferentially over a function that ends a predetermined time from the start of use; The program according to claim 1 , for causing the computer to execute the steps of:

9. In the function restriction display, a display related to a function other than the temperature setting is given priority over a display related to the temperature setting. The program according to claim 1.

10. In the function restriction display, a function that is not limited when the refrigerator is operated by another operation method different from the selected operation method and that does not automatically start to be executed when the refrigerator is switched from the selected operation method to the other operation method is preferentially displayed; The program according to claim 1.

11. A switchable refrigerator operation mode is displayed on the display so that the user can select the mode. a control unit that, when a selected operation method is one that limits functions of the refrigerator, displays on the display unit a function limiting display indicating that the functions of the refrigerator will be limited when the operation method is selected. A refrigerator control system comprising:

12. Displaying selectable refrigerator operation methods on a display unit; When a selected operation method restricts functions of the refrigerator, displaying a function restriction display indicating that functions of the refrigerator will be restricted on the display unit when the operation method is selected; A refrigerator control method comprising:

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