Cleaning device, information processing terminal, information acquisition system, server, remaining amount management system for consumables, and purchasing support system for consumables

Abstract

To provide a cleaning device and a management system that are highly convenient for a user and can centrally acquire remaining amount measurement data for consumables to be consumed during operation.SOLUTION: The cleaning device includes a communication unit that can be connected to a network or an information processing terminal; an input unit that accepts input commands from a user; a notification unit; a control unit that receives input commands from the input unit and controls an operation of the cleaning unit; a measuring unit that measures an amount of consumables used when the cleaning unit is operating; a consumption information acquisition unit that generates status information A to be provided to the outside from the communication unit; an apparatus information storage unit that stores the status information A; supply means that supplies consumables to a cleaning space; and a water quality determination unit for cleaning liquid. The consumption information acquisition unit generates the status information A regarding the consumables used in the cleaning unit, and the cleaning unit controls the supply means by receiving determination data from the water quality determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to cleaning devices such as washing machines and dishwashers (including dish dryers) installed in ordinary households.

[0002] Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to an information processing terminal for acquiring information on the inventory, remaining quantity, etc. of non-durable consumer goods (hereinafter referred to as "consumer goods") such as various detergents (cleaning agents), functional replacement parts (for example, dust collection filters, deodorizing materials, odor adsorbents, rechargeable batteries) used by electrical appliances such as the above-mentioned cleaning devices, grains such as rice used in rice cookers and cooking appliances, or food ingredients such as frozen foods stored in refrigerators (including freezers), and an information acquisition system. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a remaining quantity management system and a purchase support system for consumer goods.

Background Art

[0003] Generally, for consumer goods of electrical appliances installed in households, it is the mainstream for individual users who use the electrical appliances to grasp the remaining quantity, inventory, expiration date of use, etc., and replenish them appropriately. Exceptionally, for electrical appliances installed in kitchen furniture, ceilings, etc. (which may be called "built-in appliances"), there are cases where a professional contractor is requested to commission the replacement work of functional replacement parts.

[0004] Also, for commercial electrical appliances (including those combined with gas burners) used in kitchens such as restaurants and facilities such as stores, employees, managers, professional contractors, etc. who use the electrical appliances procure, replenish, and replace the above-mentioned consumer goods.

[0005] For individual users, employees, managers, etc. (collectively referred to as "users") who use these electrical appliances, before the work of replenishing or replacing consumer goods, it is troublesome to grasp the inventory and remaining quantity of the consumer goods or to grasp the timing of replenishing or replacing the consumer goods. Moreover, the consumables of electrical appliances differ in their respective characteristics, operating environments, and frequencies, and the amounts consumed also vary. For example, even for one electrical appliance (e.g., a washing machine) used in the same household, if the actual user or the selected items are different, the amount consumed in each operation will change. Therefore, even if detergent is stored in advance at home, it is difficult to accurately predict the time when it will be used up. There may also be a situation where the operation of the electrical appliance cannot be carried out because the necessary consumables are missing.

[0006] Therefore, in the field of (commercial) dishwashers, in a detergent supply unit provided in the middle of the pipe connected to the dishwasher, after detecting the "no detergent" state in the pipe with a liquid level sensor, after the detergent container is replaced or the detergent is supplied and filled, and after the liquid level sensor detects the "detergent present" state, a technique of a detergent supply unit that sets the predicted number of times the detergent in the detergent container will be used up from the number of driving times of the detergent supply machine until the "no detergent" state is detected again has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

[0007] Also, in a bathtub cleaning device that cleans the bathtub with cleaning water of water and detergent in a detergent tank, a replenishment preparation state detection means for detecting a state where the remaining amount of the detergent has become equal to or less than a predetermined threshold remaining amount as a replenishment preparation state, an acquisition means for obtaining the scheduled number of days until the replenishment detergent is obtained when it is detected that the replenishment preparation state has been reached, a detergent remaining amount acquisition means for obtaining the remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent tank either when the replenishment preparation state is detected or when the scheduled number of days until acquisition is obtained, an average number of cleaning times per day acquisition means for obtaining the average number of cleaning times per day, a restriction necessity judgment means for judging whether it is necessary to limit the usage amount of the detergent based on the remaining amount of the detergent, the scheduled number of days until acquisition, and the average number of cleaning times per day, and a usage amount restriction means for restricting the usage amount of the detergent during cleaning based on the judgment result of the restriction necessity have been proposed (see Patent Document 2).

[0008] Furthermore, a technique has been proposed for a dishwasher, which is a type of electrical appliance, to provide a tank for storing a liquid detergent outside the washing tank and to supply the detergent to the washing tank (see Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0009]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] In recent years, there has been a consideration to construct a system that enables various electrical appliances such as various types of electrical equipment to have a network connection function and allows external server devices to collect usage data of these various electrical appliances. However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, although it is possible to know the predicted number of times the consumable material (detergent) of a specific electrical appliance (for example, a commercial dishwasher) will be used up, there is a possibility that one may go shopping or place an order online without noticing that the consumable materials of other electrical appliances are out of stock. This is the same for household electrical appliances as well.

[0011] Also, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, when it is detected that the replenishment preparation state has been reached, the number of days until the replenishment detergent is expected to be obtained is determined, and in order to secure the period until the replenishment detergent is obtained, the amount of detergent used during washing is restricted. Therefore, it has the same problems as Patent Document 1.

[0012] Furthermore, even in the technique described in Patent Document 3, it is not possible to know the remaining amount of the liquid detergent from the outside when the washing process is completed. For these reasons, even if the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are adopted, the expectation of reducing the burden on the user in terms of managing the remaining amount and replenishment of consumables has not been fully met.

[0013] The main object of the present disclosure is to easily obtain information on consumables that require replenishment work or replacement work, and to reduce the burden on the user in managing electrical equipment and cleaning devices or improve the convenience for the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0014] The electrical equipment related to the present disclosure A communication unit that can be connected to a network or an information processing terminal device, An input unit that receives an input command from the user, An informing unit, A control unit that controls the operation of the function performing unit in response to an input command from the input unit, A measuring unit that measures the amount of consumables used during the operation of the function performing unit, A consumption information acquisition unit that generates status information A to be provided to the outside from the communication unit, And a device information holding unit that holds the status information A, The consumption information acquisition unit generates the status information A regarding the consumables consumed by the function performing unit, The control unit transmits the status information A from the communication unit, The control unit has a function of acquiring command data via the communication unit, After the main power is turned on, before transmitting a reception permission signal by operating the input unit, the control unit does not perform at least either the reception operation of the command data or the transmission operation of the status information A via the communication unit. It is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0015] The cleaning device according to the first disclosure A communication unit that can be connected to a network or an information processing terminal device, An input unit that receives an input command from the user, An informing unit, A control unit that controls the operation of the cleaning unit in response to an input command from the input unit; A metering unit that measures the amount of consumables used during the operation of the cleaning unit; A consumption information acquisition unit that generates status information A to be provided to the outside from the communication unit; A device information holding unit that holds the status information A; Supply means for supplying the consumables to the cleaning space; A water quality determination unit for the cleaning liquid; It has, The consumption information acquisition unit generates the status information A regarding the consumables used in the cleaning unit, The cleaning unit controls the supply means in response to the determination data of the water quality determination unit, It is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0016] The information processing terminal device related to the second disclosure is, A communication unit that can be connected to an electric device via a network; A terminal-side display unit; An operation unit that receives a user's input command; A terminal control unit that controls the operations of data processing and transmission in response to an input command from the operation unit; A consumable database that stores the status information A of the consumables of the electric device acquired via the communication unit; It has a shopping list creation unit that extracts data within the range specified by the operation unit from the consumable database, When the control unit acquires the status information A of the consumables of the electric device via the communication unit, the control unit displays a selection menu that can be input by the operation unit on the terminal-side display unit, The selection menu has a first selection means for requesting display of data regarding consumables of each electric device linked to a pre-registered user, and a second selection means for requesting display of more detailed data for a specific consumable displayed by the selection of the first selection means, It further has a remote operation information generation unit that transmits command data to the electric device from the communication unit in response to an input command from the operation unit, Before the period in which the terminal control unit receives the reception permission signal from the electrical device, the terminal control unit does not transmit at least either one of a signal for requesting the provision of the command data or the status information A from the communication unit. It is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0017] An information acquisition system related to a third disclosure An electrical device connected to a network A storage means connected to the electrical device via the network, which acquires and stores status information A for displaying the status of a consumable used in the electrical device. An information processing terminal device connected to the storage means via the network and having a terminal-side display unit. The electrical device includes a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires status information A related to the remaining state of the consumable, and a communication unit that transmits the status information A to the storage means via the network. The information processing terminal device has a plurality of input keys, and when the input keys are operated, information related to the status information A acquired from the electrical device among the plurality of data stored in the storage means is displayed on the terminal-side display unit. The information processing terminal device further includes a remote operation information generation unit that transmits command data to the electrical device. Before the period in which the information processing terminal device receives the reception permission signal from the electrical device, the information processing terminal device does not transmit at least either one of a signal for requesting the provision of the command data or the status information A from the communication unit to the electrical device. It is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0018] A server related to a fourth disclosure Connected to be communicable with an electrical device and an information processing terminal device via a network, and holds a plurality of data for causing the terminal-side display unit of the information processing terminal device to display information on a consumable related to the electrical device. Cause a selection screen having a plurality of input keys to be displayed on the terminal-side display unit, and when the input keys are operated by the user, according to the content of the operated input key, (1) Among the plurality of data, aggregate the consumable data generated corresponding to the transmission result of the status information A from the electric device in units of the user, and display it in a list state on the terminal-side display unit. (2) For a specific consumable among the consumables displayed in the list state, display information indicating its remaining amount or the urgency of replenishment or replacement on a display screen different from the list state on the terminal-side display unit. Execute the process, After the main power supply of the electric device is turned on, during the period before receiving the reception permission signal from the electric device, do not transmit a signal requesting the provision of the status information A to the electric device. It is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0019] The consumable remaining amount management system related to the fifth disclosure is A plurality of electric devices connected to a network, A server connected to the electric device via the network, An information processing terminal device that can be connected to the server via the network, Comprising The server has a user identification unit for identifying the user who uses the electric device. Each of the plurality of electric devices has a consumption information acquisition unit for acquiring status information A regarding the remaining state of the consumable, and a communication unit for transmitting the status information A to the outside. The server generates determination information A regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable AA based on the status information A acquired from one of the electric devices, and generates determination information B regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable BB based on the status information A acquired from the same or different electric devices. The information processing terminal device displays the specific consumables AA and BB for which the determination information 1 belongs to the same level on the same list screen on the terminal-side display unit in units of the user. The server has a function of transmitting command data for determining the operation of the function execution unit to the electric device. During the period before the server receives a reception permission signal from the electric device, the server does not transmit at least either the command data or a signal for requesting provision of the state information A to the electric device. It is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0020] The consumable purchase support system related to the sixth disclosure is a plurality of electric devices connected to a network, a server connected to the electric devices via the network, an information processing terminal device that can be connected to the server via the network, and is provided with The server has a user identification unit for identifying a user who uses the electric device. Based on the state information A acquired from one of the electric devices, the server generates determination information A regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable AA, and based on the state information A acquired from an electric device that is the same as or different from the electric device, the server generates determination information B regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable BB. The information processing terminal device displays the determination information A and the determination information B on the same list screen on the terminal-side display unit in units of the user. When at least one of the determination information 1 or the determination information 2 is displayed on the terminal-side display unit, the information processing terminal device displays an input key that is selected when wishing to purchase the consumable specified by the determination information 1 or the determination information 2. When transmitting command data to the electric device, the server transmits it after receiving a reception permission signal from the electric device. It is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0021] The information acquisition system related to the seventh disclosure is an electric device connected to a network, It is connected to the electrical equipment via the network, and has a storage means in which a plurality of data for displaying the state of consumables used in the electrical equipment are recorded. It is connected to the storage means via the network, and includes an information processing terminal having a terminal-side display unit. The electrical equipment has a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires state information A regarding the remaining state of the consumables, and a communication unit that transmits the state information A to the outside. The information processing terminal displays a select screen having a plurality of input keys on the terminal-side display unit. When the input key is operated, among the plurality of data stored in the storage means, information regarding at least one of the remaining state or urgency of a specific consumable acquired from the electrical equipment, and information regarding at least one of the remaining time or urgency of a specific consumable acquired from an electrical equipment identical to or different from the electrical equipment are displayed on the same list screen on the terminal-side display unit. When a specific consumable is specified with an input key while the list screen is being displayed, information that is not displayed on the list screen regarding the remaining state of the specified consumable, such as information regarding the operation of the related electrical equipment or specific advice regarding the acquisition of the specified consumable, is displayed on the terminal-side display unit by a separate screen different from the list screen. During the period before the storage means receives a reception permission signal from the electrical equipment, it does not transmit at least one of a command data or a signal requesting the provision of the state information A to the electrical equipment. It is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0022] The server according to the eighth disclosure Is connected via a network in a communicable state with an electrical equipment and an information processing terminal, and records a plurality of data for causing the information processing terminal to display information on consumables related to the electrical equipment on a terminal-side display unit. Cause the terminal-side display unit to display a select screen having a plurality of input keys, and when the input keys are operated by the user, according to the content of the operated input key, (1) Aggregate the consumable data generated corresponding to the transmission result of the status information from the electrical equipment among the plurality of data in units of the user, and display the aggregated data in a list state on the terminal-side display unit. (2) For a specific consumable among the consumables displayed in the list state, display information indicating the remaining amount or the urgency of replenishment or replacement of the specific consumable on a display screen different from the list state on the terminal-side display unit. Execute the process, Furthermore, it includes a determination criterion setting unit, The determination criterion setting unit can modify the determination criterion for the urgency according to the input from the information processing terminal device. During the period before receiving the reception permission signal from the electrical equipment, do not transmit at least one of the command data or the signal requesting the provision of the status information A to the electrical equipment. It is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0023] The information acquisition system related to the ninth disclosure is An electrical equipment connected to a network, A storage means connected to the electrical equipment via the network and storing a plurality of data for displaying the status of the consumables used in the electrical equipment. An information processing terminal device connected to the storage means via the network and having a terminal-side display unit. The electrical equipment includes a control unit for controlling the operating state, an input unit for setting the operating conditions by the control unit, a communication unit for transmitting the setting result of the input unit to the outside via the network, and a consumption information acquisition unit for acquiring status information A related to the cumulative usage time of the consumables. The consumables of the electrical equipment include consumable parts whose functions deteriorate with long-term operation. The information processing terminal device displays a select screen having a plurality of input keys on the terminal-side display unit. When a specific input key among the input keys is operated, information regarding the urgency according to the length of the period until the replacement recommended deadline, as seen from the cumulative usage time of the consumable parts acquired from the electric device among the plurality of data stored in the storage means, is displayed on the terminal-side display unit on an individual screen different from the selection screen. Before receiving the reception permission signal from the main power-on of the electric device, the storage means does not transmit at least any one of a command signal for requesting the provision of command data or the state information A to the electric device. It is a configuration characterized by the above.

Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the cleaning device of the present disclosure, it is possible to generate and provide the state information of the consumables outside the house using the network. According to the information acquisition system of the present disclosure, it is possible to acquire the state information of the consumables regarding a specific user using the network. According to the information processing terminal of the present disclosure, it is possible to acquire the state information of the consumables from outside the house using the network and confirm it on the display unit. According to the server of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide the state information of the consumables acquired from the electric device to the information processing terminal using the network. Also, according to the remaining amount management system of the consumables of the present disclosure, it is possible to generate and provide the state information of the consumables outside the house using the network. Furthermore, according to the purchase support system of the consumables of the present disclosure, information regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable is displayed on the terminal-side display unit in units of users, and it is possible to support the purchase work by the users.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

Figure 25

Figure 26

Figure 27

Figure 28

Figure 29

Figure 30

Figure 31

Figure 32

Figure 33

Figure 34

Figure 35

Figure 36

Figure 37

Figure 38

Figure 39

Figure 40

Figure 41

Figure 42

Figure 43

Figure 44

Figure 45

Figure 46

Figure 47

Figure 48

Figure 49

Figure 50

Figure 51

Figure 52

Figure 53

Figure 54

Figure 55

Figure 56

Figure 57

Figure 58

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Embodiment 1. (Part 1. Definition) In Embodiment 1, the “electrical appliance” 1 refers to an electrical appliance designed to be used in facilities such as individual households, apartment buildings, stores, etc., and includes the following types of appliances. Note that it also includes industrial electrical appliances 1 used in restaurant kitchens, factories, etc. (1) Electrical appliances in the kitchen Cooking heaters (including appliances with microwave heating sources, electric heating sources, and gas heating sources), dishwashers (including dishwashing and drying machines. Also includes tabletop and built-in types), electric refrigerators and freezers (including those with a freezing function), beverage dispensing equipment (including tea dispensers and coffee roasting equipment) (2) Video equipment (TV receivers, monitors, etc.) (3) Air quality improvement equipment (air conditioners, air purifiers, air deodorizers, ventilation devices, exhaust devices, etc.) (4) Heating equipment (electric stoves, warm air supply devices, etc.) (5) Hot water supply equipment (including equipment with a hot water tank and bathtub cleaning devices. Also includes gas combustion type hot water supply equipment) (6) Cleaning equipment (including electric floor cleaners and bedding cleaners for futons, etc.)

[0027] In Embodiment 1, the “cleaning device” 1E is one type of the electrical appliance 1, and refers to cleaning appliances designed to be used in facilities such as individual households, apartment buildings, stores, etc. For example, it includes dishwashers, dishwashing and drying machines (with a dish drying function), vegetable washers, electric washing machines, etc. Note that it also includes industrial devices used in restaurant kitchens, factories, etc.

[0028] The "equipment identification information (identifier)" of the electrical equipment 1 is information that can uniquely identify the electrical equipment 1. That is, it is information for distinguishing one electrical equipment 1 from other electrical equipment 1, and it is information unique to the electrical equipment 1. For example, specifically, the following are included in the equipment identification information, but are not limited thereto. (1) Manufacturer name of the electrical equipment (2) Model name (3) Model number (4) Manufacturing number (5) Rated power consumption (6) Date of purchase (often the starting date of the quality assurance period of the manufacturer or seller) (7) Date of start of use (8) Quality certificate number (9) Identification information on the communication network (such as IP address, MAC address, etc.)

[0029] The "facility identification information (facility identifier)" (also referred to as "facility ID") is information that can uniquely identify each facility such as a home (house), office, store, etc. where the electrical equipment 1 is used. For example, it is information combined with the above "equipment identification information" and information for specifying the location, building, etc. where it is used. For example, the "location of the house" presented as the location where the user US uses the electrical equipment 1, or unique information such as the name of the office or store (including the official name in the commercial registration) corresponds. The phone number or email address used in each facility such as a home (house), office, store, etc. may also be used.

[0030] In Embodiment 1, the "consumables" are, for example, detergents, fabric softeners, disinfectants, odor adsorbents, frozen foods, luxury goods (including tea, coffee, etc. for beverage vending machines), etc. Note that the "consumables" include "replacement parts" (hereinafter referred to as "consumable parts") whose original functions deteriorate, are consumed, or disappear due to the use of the electrical equipment 1. For example, rechargeable batteries, dry batteries, activated carbon filters, odor decomposition filters, etc. Also, the detergent includes powder synthetic detergents, powder soaps, liquid detergents, and tablet detergents.

[0031] The consumables of the cleaning device 1E are liquid detergents, powder or solid detergents, fabric softeners, bleaching agents, surfactants, etc.

[0032] In Embodiment 1, the "status information A" includes information indicating the remaining amount of the consumables, the remaining rate, etc., the remaining time (period) information indicating the period or time until the amount of the consumables becomes so small that the original operation cannot be performed, or the number of operations information until the amount of the consumables becomes so small that the original operation cannot be performed. That is, it may be the information itself obtained from the remaining amount sensor (such as a weight sensor) of the consumables (for example, the weight of the detergent), or the predicted value information (including those classified into a plurality according to the determination criteria) obtained by calculating the operable period, number of times, etc. based on the estimation formula or machine learning on the basis of that.

[0033] In Embodiment 1, the "status information A" transmitted from the electric device 1 to the outside includes the measurement data MD described later. For example, it includes at least the "first measurement data" MD1 described later. The measurement data includes measurement values such as, for example, "weight 300 g".

[0034] Furthermore, the "status information A" may be message information for conveying to the user US of the electric device the remaining amount, remaining rate, the remaining time information, etc. indicated by the measurement data MD of the consumables. For example, messages such as "The detergent will be finished after one more use" or "The detergent in the tank is running low, so we recommend replenishment" are an example.

[0035] In Embodiment 1, the "status information A" is not limited to the information transmitted only once from one electric device 1. For example, in one electric device 1, when using one consumable (e.g., detergent AA) and other detergents (e.g., fabric softener BB), the measurement data MD1A obtained by measuring the remaining amount (weight, etc.) of the detergent AA once and the measurement data MD1B obtained by measuring the remaining amount (weight, etc.) of the fabric softener BB once may be transmitted together, or either of the two cases of transmitting according to the respective measurement times may be used.

[0036] Also, when the data of "consumable parts" (such as cumulative usage time information) described later and the measurement data of consumables such as detergents as described above differ in nature and acquisition timing, they may be transmitted to the outside (such as a server) at different timings.

[0037] The "operation information" of the electric device 1 refers to various information indicating the state in which the electric device 1 is operating, including information such as the operation pattern, various operation times, power consumption, rated capacity (including, for example, maximum heating capacity and maximum cooling capacity, etc.). Also included are an activation signal indicating that the main power supply has been turned on and the device is in the preparation stage for starting operation, a stop signal indicating stop, the number of operations, and the cumulative operation time since the first installation. For example, in a dishwasher, the information on the start and end of the washing process is a type of operation information.

[0038] (Part 2. Configuration of Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 according to the present disclosure is described in FIGS. 1 to 33. Explanation will be given with respect to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram 1 of a consumable remaining amount management system showing Embodiment 1. As is clear from FIG. 1, the consumable remaining amount management system is composed of an electric device 1, an information processing terminal device such as a smartphone (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "communication terminal") 200, a wide-area public network such as the Internet (hereinafter referred to as a "network") NW, and a first server 20.

[0039] The first server 20 may be composed of a plurality of servers separated by function such as information processing, remaining amount determination of consumables, and data storage. However, for simplicity of explanation, in FIG. 1, it is illustrated as having various functions on one piece of hardware.

[0040] The first server 20 is connected via the network NW to one or more information providing servers 20N in order to update the information held by the consumable database 28 and the electrical equipment information holding unit 23. The information providing server 20N is, for example, a dedicated server of the maintenance and inspection service department of the manufacturer of one electrical equipment 1, and is also a server operated by a company that manufactures and sells multiple types of detergents and transmits information such as the uses and functions of the detergents.

[0041] The electrical equipment 1 in the first embodiment is a household or business-use dishwashing and drying machine 1E. In one household, a plurality of the electrical equipment 1 are installed in addition to this dishwashing machine (dishwashing and drying machine) 1E, and are respectively connected to the first server 20 via the network NW.

[0042] Although not shown, the electrical equipment 1 installed in other households or offices is also respectively connected to the first server 20 via the network NW. An EC site that conducts e-commerce such as an online store that provides online shopping is connected to the network NW, but its illustration is omitted.

[0043] The electrical equipment 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 is only the dishwashing and drying machine 1E as described above. The dishwashing and drying machine 1E includes a housing 14 (see FIG. 5) with a built-in washing tank 15 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) for accommodating tableware, a water supply pipe (not shown) connected to a water supply, a drain pipe (not shown) connected to a drain, and further includes a washing (water supply) pump 49, a drain pump 52, etc. as shown in FIG. 7. Here, the water supply pump 49, the drain pump 52, etc. are power generating components that constitute the function performing unit 9 described later.

[0044] The washing tank 15 has a box shape with a bottom and an opening over the entire upper surface. The washing tank 15 is stored inside the housing 14, and its opening is closed by an upper lid 64 described later. That is, the inside of the washing tank 15 becomes a sealed space, that is, a washing space WS.

[0045] The control unit 2 uses, for example, a central processing unit (CPU: not shown) composed of a microcomputer or the like, and incorporates storage means (not shown) such as a semiconductor memory device (flash memory, ROM, RAM), or a timekeeping means (clock circuit: not shown) for calculating time, or they may be provided separately. In FIG. 1, the clock circuit 5 is provided separately.

[0046] By executing the control program stored in the storage unit 10, the control unit 2 shown in FIG. 1 controls the entire electric device 1 and performs various processes. Further, as will be described later, it is configured to transmit the state information A to the outside via the network NW.

[0047] As described above, since the timekeeping unit 5 corresponding to the timekeeping means (clock circuit) for calculating time is provided, the control unit 2 can also acquire the date and time data related to the dishwashing operation. The timekeeping unit 5 also measures the elapsed time over a long period by the built-in battery, and stores the data of the number of days elapsed since the electric device 1 was first powered on in the storage unit 10.

[0048] 3 is a notification unit having a voice notification function and a display function for characters and graphics. 4 is a display unit constituting a part of the notification unit 3, and includes a liquid crystal display screen, a light emitting diode (LED), etc.

[0049] 4 is an input unit provided with various input keys, input buttons, etc. (not shown) for receiving touch operations and pressing operations of the user US, and is exposed on the front surface of the housing 14 of the dishwashing and drying machine 1E. The input unit 4 may be provided at two locations, namely, the front operation unit 54 as shown in FIG. 3 and the upper surface operation unit 54U (not shown) provided on the upper surface display unit 56U of the door 44.

[0050] The input unit 4 does not adopt an input method based on touch operation. Instead, it may be a voice input device that converts the voice of the user US into an electrical signal, or these may be used in combination. Further, means for non-contact detection of the movement of the fingertips of the user US or for obtaining the sound (knock sound) when an object such as the door 44 is lightly tapped with the fingertips and converting it into an electrical signal for input may also be adopted.

[0051] 6 is a device information holding unit that stores various information related to the electrical device 1. The "device information" mentioned here includes the device identification information. It also has basic information regarding the consumption of consumables for the consumption information acquisition unit 11 described later. For example, the consumption amount of the liquid detergent 42 consumed when washing standard tableware in a normal washing course is stored as, for example, a weight value such as "○○g". Also, in that case, since it also holds data on the effective volume of the tank 16 (see FIG. 6) for pouring the detergent, it also holds data on the maximum storage capacity (weight) of the liquid detergent 42.

[0052] 7 is a power supply unit to which AC power with a voltage of 100V (volts) or 200V and a frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz is supplied from a commercial power supply (not shown). When the operation unit of the main power switch (not shown) arranged in the input unit 4 is operated, the supply of commercial power to the power supply unit 7 can be started or cut off. However, in the case of the built-in dishwashing and drying machine 1E installed in kitchen furniture etc., the power cord (not shown) is constantly connected to the power supply section of the house, and has a structure such that the user US cannot plug and unplug it each time.

[0053] 8 is a communication unit. This communication unit is composed of two parts, a communication unit A and a communication unit B. The communication unit A conforms to the communication method of Bluetooth (registered trademark), which is one of the short-range wireless communication standards, so as to be able to communicate with the communication terminal 200. On the other hand, the communication unit B uses a communication method based on a wireless LAN such as WiFi (registered trademark) so as to be able to communicate with the wireless router 251 (see FIG. 3), which is an access point of the network NW.

[0054] When the communication unit 8 transmits the status information A, the device identification information is transmitted in association with it so that the transmission source of the status information A can be identified on the receiving side. Therefore, the first server 20 that has received the status information A can identify which user US and which electrical device 1 the status information is from.

[0055] 9 is a function-performing unit. The function-performing unit 9 varies depending on the type and use of the electrical device 1. In the example of this Embodiment 1, mainly for the case where the electrical device 1 is a dishwashing dryer 1E, the function-performing unit 9 corresponds to a configuration for achieving the functions of washing and drying dishes.

[0056] The details of the function-performing unit 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7. When the electrical device 1 is a dishwashing machine (hereinafter, including a dishwashing dryer having a drying function) 1E, the function-performing unit 9 includes a shower nozzle 50 (see FIG. 5) that injects washing water such as warm water onto the dishes, and a washing pump (water supply pump) 49 that supplies the washing water, which corresponds to the function-performing unit 9W. In the form of spraying the washing water from above the dishes and the like, the shower nozzle 50 may be referred to as a shower head 50, and both of them may be provided.

[0057] Furthermore, an electric heater 51 for producing warm water for washing and drying the dishes after washing, a drain pump 52 for discharging the water after washing, a blower fan 53 for filling the internal space of the washing tub 15 with hot air, etc. correspond to the function-performing unit 9W. Also, a detergent supply unit 43 for injecting a dedicated liquid detergent 42 (see FIG. 5) stored in a dedicated tank 16 (see FIG. 5) outside and in front of the washing tub 15 is also a part of the function-performing unit 9W.

[0058] In the following description, the function-performing unit 9 of the dishwashing machine (dishwashing dryer) 1E may be referred to as the washing unit 9W. When comprehensively referring to including devices for washing other than dishes, it is called the "washing device" 1E.

[0059] The control unit 2 supplies various electric signals for driving, speed control, or stopping to the function execution unit 9, and controls the operation of the function execution unit 9. The control content of the control unit 2 is transmitted from the communication unit 8 to a first server 20, which will be described later, as the "operation information" OS of the electric device 1. For example, when the main power supply is turned on before the start of operation of the electric device 1, a start signal SS (operation information OS1), which is a type of operation signal, is transmitted to the first server 20.

[0060] 11 is a consumption information acquisition unit, which is also one of the characteristic parts of the electric device 1. Although this consumption information acquisition unit 11 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6, it receives data (first measurement data MD1) of the measurement result of the consumption amount of "special liquid detergent 42", which is one of the consumables used in the electric device (dishwashing machine 1E) 1, by the measurement unit 12. And it has a function of holding the data indicating the measurement result.

[0061] In addition, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 accumulates the results (weight values of the liquid detergent 42) measured by the measurement unit 12 in time series, and also has a function of generating and holding data (second measurement data MD2) indicating the change amount and change rate thereof.

[0062] The consumption information acquisition unit 11 calculates the consumption amount of the consumables (such as the liquid detergent 42) consumed in one operation each time an operation (main power supply ON to main power supply OFF) is performed. As a result, the average value of the consumption amount consumed in a certain period or a certain number of operations is also generated at any time, and the stored data is updated. That is, it is updated every time a washing operation is performed and held as the latest data. Note that the first measurement data MD1 and the second measurement data MD2 are collectively referred to as "measurement data MD" in the following description.

[0063] The amount of the consumables (in this case, the liquid detergent 42) acquired by the consumption information acquisition unit 11 is finally transmitted to and held by the device information holding unit 6. At that time, the "status information A" is generated according to the amount of the consumables.

[0064] For example, when the amount of the consumable (in this case, the liquid detergent 42) is low and only the assumed usage amount for one normal dishwashing remains, information such as a "recommended message" that prompts the user US to take action, such as "The detergent is running out. Please refill", or information for "alarm processing" that requests the control unit 2 to issue a specific "alarm" indicating the depletion of the detergent is generated as one type of the "status information A".

[0065] The status information A is transmitted from the communication unit 8 to the outside according to the command of the control unit 2. Also, the control unit 2 acquires the "status information A" at any time and notifies the remaining amount of the consumable through the notification unit 3. In the worst case where the consumable does not meet the specified amount, even if a start command for washing is received from the input unit 4, no command is issued to the function execution unit 9 and the washing operation is not started.

[0066] 13 is a bus (bus-type network) that connects the control unit 2 to the device information holding unit 6, the consumption information acquisition unit 11, the function execution unit 9, etc.

[0067] In this Embodiment 1, the device information holding unit 6 does not generate the "status information A" disorderly during the dishwashing operation. That is, the timing of measuring the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 by the measuring unit 12 and the timing of transmitting the status information A from the communication unit 8 to the outside are controlled by the control unit 2.

[0068] The functions of the control unit 2, the device information holding unit 6, and the consumption information acquisition unit 11 shown in this Figure 1 are realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit that realizes each function may be dedicated hardware or a processor that executes a program stored in a memory.

[0069] When the processing circuit is a processor, the functions of the control unit 2, the device information holding unit 6, and the consumption information acquisition unit 11 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are described as programs and stored in the storage unit 10 which is a memory. The processor realizes the functions of the control unit 2, the device information holding unit 6, and the consumption information acquisition unit 11 by reading and executing the programs stored in the storage unit 10.

[0070] These programs cause the microcomputer to execute the control procedures of the control unit 2, the device information holding unit 6, and the consumption information acquisition unit 11. Note that the storage unit 10 is typically a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.

[0071] Next, FIG. 1 will be described. 20 is the first server. The control unit 21 is in charge of the overall control of the first server 20 and includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU: not shown) composed of a microcomputer or the like, a storage unit 22 such as a semiconductor storage device (flash memory, ROM, RAM, HDD), and a timing means (clock circuit: not shown) for calculating time, or they may be provided separately.

[0072] The control unit 20 shown in this FIG. 1 controls each functional unit such as the user identification unit 24, the electrical device information holding unit 23, the determination criterion storage unit 25, the consumable database 28, the command data generation unit 31, and the listing history unit 33, which will be described later, to realize the functions of the first server 20.

[0073] Each function such as the user identification unit 24, the electrical equipment information storage unit 23, the determination criterion storage unit 25, the consumable database 28, the command data generation unit 31, and the listing history unit 33 shown in FIG. 1 may also be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit for realizing each function may be dedicated hardware or a processor that executes a program stored in the storage unit 22. For example, each function such as the user identification unit 24, the electrical equipment information storage unit 23, the determination criterion storage unit 25, the consumable database 28, and the command data generation unit 31 may be realized by software according to a program stored in the storage unit 22.

[0074] The electrical equipment information storage unit 23 stores various information about various electrical equipment 1 for each piece of the equipment identification information. For example, the model number A001 of the dishwasher 1E and the model number A002 of the dishwasher 1E have separate databases and hold information on the dishwasher 1E corresponding to each model number. In particular, the consumption amount of the detergent consumed when washing a standard amount of tableware in a normal washing course is stored as, for example, a weight value such as "○○g". Also, in that case, since the data on the effective volume of the tank 16 (see FIG. 5) for injecting the liquid detergent 42 is also held, the data on the maximum storage capacity (weight) of the liquid detergent 42 is also held.

[0075] 23R is a device consumable database that stores the "status information A" transmitted from various electrical equipment 1 separately for each piece of the equipment identification information of the electrical equipment 1.

[0076] Various information on consumables corresponding to various electrical equipment 1 (for example, the manufacturer name of the detergent, the product name of the detergent, the weight of each detergent, the volume, etc.) is stored in the consumable database 28. The consumable material database 28 includes various information such as "product category" indicating the type of electrical equipment for which the consumable material (e.g., a specific liquid detergent) is used, "manufacturer name" indicating the name of the manufacturer (business operator) that manufactures the consumable material, "product category" indicating the type of the consumable material, "product identification information" indicating an identifier that can identify the consumable material, "product name" indicating the official name of the consumable material, and "volume or weight information" indicating the sales unit (number, quantity, etc.) or volume of the consumable material.

[0077] The information in the consumable material database 28 is updated periodically upon receiving an update command from the schedule determination unit 26 described later, or at any time upon receiving a notification from the manufacturer indicated by the "manufacturer name". For example, the consumable material database 28 can update and enrich its own stored information at any time via the network NW from the information providing server 20N.

[0078] In FIG. 1, 24 is a user identification unit. This user identification unit 24 holds information (user information) regarding the user US who uses (has registered) the electrical equipment 1. In order to uniquely identify the user US, it holds information corresponding to the "user ID" issued for each user US and the "family ID" indicating that the user US is a family member (constituent member). Furthermore, since this user ID or family ID is linked to the device identification information, the relationship between a specific electrical equipment 1, the user US, and the family can be grasped.

[0079] Note that, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, although not shown in FIG. 1, the first server 20 also issues another "facility ID" for the "facility identification information" described above. The "facility ID" is linked to the "user ID", and the information of the facility ID is stored in the user identification unit 24. Therefore, if a single user US registers a plurality of IDs with the first server 20 corresponding to their home and office, etc., the status information A can be stored or retrieved separately for that office or home.

[0080] In FIG. 1, 25 is a criterion storage unit. This determination criterion storage unit 25 stores determination criterion data that serves as a criterion for determining the remaining amount of the consumable material. The determination criterion data stores a predetermined "keyword" and "remaining amount level" in a related manner so that they can be compared with the text data provided by the voice recognition unit 32 described later.

[0081] The keyword includes various phrases related to the consumable material. For example, in the classification of electrical appliances 1 such as washing machines and dishwashers, keywords such as "detergent", "fabric softener", and "tank" are prepared. In other types of electrical appliances 1, for example, in a vacuum cleaner, keywords such as "replacement parts", "filter", "paper pack", and "battery" are prepared.

[0082] On the other hand, the "remaining amount level" indicates the remaining amount of the consumable material, the necessity of replenishment, replacement, etc. step by step. And this remaining amount level is divided into a plurality of stages (levels) according to the type of the consumable material and the necessity of replenishment or replacement. The "remaining amount level" is divided into, for example, "full amount", "sufficient level", "allowable level", "small amount", etc. "Full amount" and "sufficient level" indicate that the remaining amount is large and there is no need to replenish yet. Also, the keywords associated with the "small amount" level may include words such as "want to replenish" and "will run out" that indicate the wishes or expectations of the user US.

[0083] Furthermore, in this determination criterion storage unit 25, determination criterion data for determining the "urgency" described later is stored in a list (table format) for each type of consumable material and the device identification information of the electrical appliance 1.

[0084] As the electrical appliance 1, in the aforementioned dishwasher 1E, the device information holding unit 6 holds the state information A, and the control unit 2 can determine whether the liquid detergent 42 needs to be replenished from the measurement data MD such as the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 measured by the measurement unit 12. Therefore, on the side of the first server 20, the function of determining whether the liquid detergent 42 needs to be replenished is not originally necessary. However, not only the dishwasher 1E but also various electrical appliances 1 can be connected to the first server 20. Among them, there may be some electrical appliances 1 that cannot determine whether the consumables need to be replenished by themselves. Therefore, in the first embodiment, on the side of the first server 20, the type and characteristics of the electrical appliance 1 are also specified from the device identification information, the consumables used are specified, the remaining amount of the consumables is determined, and the control unit 21 can determine whether replenishment or replacement is required and the urgency.

[0085] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 26 denotes a schedule determination unit. This schedule determination unit 26 has a calendar function and can store the scheduled information of events for at least one year (up to 365 days).

[0086] The schedule management function itself has already been proposed in many patent documents. In the first embodiment, the input unit 4 of the electrical appliance 1 can register the scheduled date and the scheduled start time (or time zone) of events (for example, shopping, going out, starting cooking, etc.) for each user US in each home, office, store, etc.

[0087] When event information is stored in the schedule determination unit 26, a notification is issued from the schedule determination unit 26 when the stored date and time are reached. The form of the notification is, for the electrical appliance 1, to display it on the display unit 3D or to give an audible notification from the notification unit 3. Also, a method of issuing a notification to the communication terminal 200 possessed by the user US (also referred to as a "push-type notification") may be used.

[0088] When the electrical appliance 1 is operating, a notification may be given to the electrical appliance 1 based on the event information registered from the schedule determination unit 26. Also, for each pre-registered electrical appliance 1 in a single home, office, etc., at a certain time, a command may be issued to request the provision of the "status information A" including the remaining amount information of the consumables all at once.

[0089] In this case, the "instruction" is a type of "command data (command instruction) CD" which will be described later. Also, since the command instruction can be used to instruct transmission through the communication terminal 200, when the user US goes out for shopping or the like, the user US can collect the remaining amount information of the consumables all at once with the communication terminal 200 for a plurality of electric devices 1 at home. However, not all electric devices 1 receive and respond to the command data CD. Electric devices 1 with the main power turned off cannot receive and thus cannot respond. Also, even for electric devices 1 that are powered on and operating, there are cases where they do not immediately receive the external command data CD depending on the operation content. Considering these circumstances, in the first server 20, regarding the state of the consumables from each electric device 1, at the stage of receiving the status information A from each electric device 1, it accumulates in the device consumable database 23R at any time so as to be able to respond to data inquiries (requests for providing the shopping list PL) from the communication terminal 200.

[0090] For the electric devices 1 held or managed by the user US, in order for the user US to know that the consumables used in the electric device 1 are consumed and the remaining amount is decreasing, or that replacement is required for each part due to a decrease in function caused by long-term use, etc., the "shopping list PL" is an aggregation and display of the information on the consumables that need to be obtained.

[0091] When the schedule determination unit 26 sets the creation time of the shopping list PL, at the set time, the latest shopping list PL is updated and automatically transmitted to the communication terminal 200, which also has a convenient function (a type of the push-type notification).

[0092] In FIG. 1, 27 is a determination history recording unit. This determination history recording unit 27 is a database that stores the determination history in the process of creating a list (the above-mentioned shopping list PL) regarding the necessity of replenishing or replacing consumables generated by the control unit 21. In addition, when the determination result that replenishment is necessary for a specific consumable is included in the "status information A" as in the above-described dishwashing machine 1E, the information of the consumable is also recorded in the shopping list PL.

[0093] The shopping list PL is stored in a device consumable database 23R described later so as to be stored at least for each "device identification information" of the electric devices 1 in each household or office and provided for each communication terminal 200 unit, that is, for each registered user US.

[0094] This determination history recording unit 27 stores the latest version of numerical values such as determination criteria and calculation formulas of the shopping list PL generated by the control unit 21. On the other hand, the numerical values and calculation formulas such as determination criteria used when creating the past shopping list PL are stored in a listing history unit 33 described later and the data is held for a certain period.

[0095] In FIG. 1, 28 is a consumable database as described above. The information of this consumable database 28 is automatically updated periodically in response to an update command signal from the schedule determination unit 26. For example, information is acquired from the information providing server 20N provided by a consumable vendor or the like via the network NW and updated as needed.

[0096] In FIG. 1, 29 is a providing unit (hereinafter referred to as "app providing unit") of application software that can be acquired by wireless communication by the communication terminal 200 and the electric device 1 via the network NW. By downloading the application software of this app providing unit 29, the electric device 1 and the communication terminal 200 can smoothly exchange information with the first server 20, and can also request various processes (including providing data included in the shopping list PL) to the first server 20.

[0097] In addition, the electrical appliance 1 can receive from the first server 20 the provision of a control program indicating the effective operation of the dishwasher 1E and the provision of the data of the consumables stored in the consumable database 28. Further, the electrical appliance 1 can also receive the command data CD requesting the provision of the state information A and return the latest state information A to the first server 20.

[0098] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 30 denotes a transceiver that performs wireless communication via the network NW. This transceiver 30 receives the state information A from the electrical appliance 1. Also, in response to a request from the communication terminal 200, it transmits the inventory information of the consumables stored in the device consumable database 23R.

[0099] That is, the transceiver 30 can transmit to the communication terminal 200 the shopping list PL related to the designated electrical appliance 1 from among the shopping lists PL held in the electrical appliance information holding unit 23. The control unit 21 extracts the shopping list PL of various electrical appliances 1 related to a specific user US by using the "user ID" and the device identification information (facility ID) included in the request signal from the communication terminal 200. The transceiver 30 can transmit this to the communication terminal 200.

[0100] For this reason, the user US can comprehensively know the information regarding the consumables to be replenished or replaced by the communication terminal 200. That is, regarding the above-described dishwasher 1E, as information regarding the liquid detergent 42 as a consumable, it is the manufacturer, the name of the seller, the product name, or the product ID that can identify the product. Note that this product ID is, for example, unique information such as two-dimensional information that can be searched on a network NW such as the Internet.

[0101] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 31 denotes a command data generation unit. For example, when performing a series of dishwashing and drying operations from the washing process to the drying process with the dishwasher 1E, in one operation, it is necessary to select and execute one from a plurality of washing menus.

[0102] Therefore, in this dishwasher 1E, it is possible to operate by operating the button (or input key) of "washing course selection" provided in the input unit 4 (this is referred to as the "normal control mode"), or to operate according to the external information selected by operating the communication terminal 200 (this is referred to as the "external control mode").

[0103] The command data generation unit 31 can generate a command for determining the operating conditions (for example, washing time, etc.) in the case of the external control mode. This command is acquired by the electric device 1 via the communication unit 8 by operating the communication terminal 200. For example, it can be changed by the command data CD from a course for washing and drying dishes for four people to a course for washing and drying dishes for six people.

[0104] In this Embodiment 1, the command data CD is a command for setting the operating conditions of the electric device 1 from the first server 20. For example, the command data CD for determining the operation content, when the electric device 1 is a dishwasher (a type of the washing device 1E), includes an instruction (command data) for designating a means for generating warm water as the washing liquid (such as an electric heater) and operating conditions (including at least any one of the washing time, the temperature of the warm water, the drying time after washing, etc., but not limited thereto) so that the object to be washed can be washed. This applies to both the case of a series of operation programs for changing the operating conditions and the case of designating the set values of parameters for setting and the calculation formulas for determination, etc.

[0105] In Embodiment 1, the command data CD is classified into the following types. (1) First command data CD1: Specifies the operation course of the electric device 1 (for example, specifies the "normal wash" course in the dishwasher 1E). Also, in the cooking heater 1H (not shown), it specifies "cooking rice" or "warming" (microwave heating), etc. (2) Second command data CD2: Specifies the "reservation mode" that starts the operation of the electric device 1 after a specified time or at a specified time. For example, in the dishwasher 1E, it specifies the "reservation course" described later. (3) Third command data CD3: Requests the provision of the status information A of the electric device 1. It requests the provision of data on the latest remaining amount (such as weight) of at least the consumables used in the electric device 1 (for example, the liquid detergent 42). (4) Fourth command data CD4: Restricts and stops the operation conditions of the electric device 1. For example, in response to power reduction information or congestion information from the power company, it means a command to lower the maximum power consumption of a specific electric device 1 (peak cut), or to cancel the reservation content set in the above reservation course, or to delay the operation start time so as to avoid the concentrated power consumption time zone.

[0106] When the electric device 1 receives the first command data CD1, if the reception process of the first command data CD1 is completed, and if it starts the operation immediately, it notifies in advance through the notification unit 3 on the electric device 1 side from the perspective of safety, and the operation starts only when the user US makes any confirmation input or operation start input at the input unit 4 (54). Note that the confirmation input includes voice input.

[0107] In the following description, when simply referring to the command data CD, it means a case including at least any one of these first to fourth command data CD1 to CD4.

[0108] When the electric device 1 acquires the command data CD from the outside, it receives a signal of a setting command (control command) that requires it to comply with the above-described operation conditions. After that, the electric device 1 further receives a signal of a status command (status confirmation). On the other hand, the electrical device 1 receives the signal of the setting command (control command) and returns the latest state indicating what state the electrical device 1 is in as a "status command - response response (status confirmation response) signal. By repeating such transmission and reception several times, the electrical device 1 is controlled by the command data CD from the first server 20 side. In the following description, such detailed description is omitted.

[0109] When the first server 20 constantly monitors the operation of the electrical device 1, there is no exchange of signals of the setting command (control command), and two types of signals, namely, the status command (status confirmation) signal and the "status command - response response (status confirmation response)" signal in response to this, are repeatedly communicated at a predetermined monitoring time interval (for example, 5 minutes). If the state on the electrical device 1 side changes during the 5 - minute monitoring period, the "status command - response response (status confirmation response)" signal is immediately transmitted to the first server 20 at that time.

[0110] In FIG. 1, 32 is an audio recognition unit. The speech information of the user US received by the communication terminal 200 can be converted into a standard command prepared in advance in the first server 20. That is, the speech information issued to the communication terminal 200 is converted into text data in the communication terminal 200 and then transmitted to the first server 20 in the form of text data (audio input signal).

[0111] The audio recognition unit 32 of the first server 20 receives the text data (audio input signal) via the transceiver unit 30 and determines whether it can be converted into the standard command stored in the storage unit 22.

[0112] The voice recognition unit 32 requests the command data generation unit 31 to convert the text data of the speech information (voice input signal) into various commands (command data) CD prepared as standard commands. For this reason, when the user US inputs the command content by voice to the communication terminal 200, the command data CD corresponding to the command content is generated by the command data generation unit 31.

[0113] For this reason, it is possible for the user US to obtain the status information A of the electric device 1 at home (pre-registered) from the communication terminal 200 by voice input from a remote location or a remote place. At this time, even if the main power supply of the electric device 1 at home is temporarily turned off, since the information of the consumables is acquired by the first server 20, the consumable data can be acquired without any problem.

[0114] In FIG. 1, 33 is a listing history unit. This listing history unit 33 stores the criteria before the latest version of the shopping list PL generated by the control unit 20, the target data at the time of determination, the measurement data MD, etc. That is, each time the shopping list PL is updated, the criteria applied at the time of creating the old past shopping list PL, for example, the threshold value regarding the urgency of replenishment (for example, when the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 is 50 g or less, it is determined as "high urgency") is sequentially stored and saved in this listing history unit 33. The criterion data is retained for a certain period.

[0115] The basic data of the past shopping list PL stored in the listing history section 33, data such as judgment criteria, etc. are arranged in chronological order based on the storage time and can be searched for data. Therefore, when there is a request from a specific user US through the communication terminal 200, the control unit 21 can provide information such as the remaining amount of consumables separately by device identification information of the electric device 1 and also by type of consumable from among the past data. When a specific key of the input unit 4 of the electric device 1 is pressed, the data of the shopping list PL stored in the listing history section 33 may be transmitted by the first server 20 to the electric device 1 that is the request source.

[0116] 34 is a bus (bus-type network) that connects the control unit 21 to the electric device information holding unit 23, the judgment criteria storage unit 25, the command data generation unit 31, the listing history section 33, the transmission / reception unit 30, etc.

[0117] Next, FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication terminal (information processing terminal device) 200 used in the remaining amount management system of consumables according to Embodiment 1. The electric device 1 can acquire various data through wireless communication with a communication terminal 200 such as a smartphone. As described above, within one household, the communication terminal 200 performs wireless communication with the electric device 1 by a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0118] Indoors, the communication terminal 200 is connected to the network NW through a specific wireless router 251 (see FIG. 3) installed there. Then, it can access the first server 20 in the external space through the network NW.

[0119] The communication terminal 200 can realize the "remote control" of the electric device 1 by downloading (loading) the control application software from the application software providing unit 29. The "remote control" mentioned here refers to the control using the external control mode described above. That is, even when the user US is at a remote location outdoors, the user can use the communication terminal 200 to transmit the command data CD to the target home electric appliance 1 via the network NW.

[0120] The communication terminal 200 can be easily carried by the user US and can be used for calls and data (including mail information) communication indoors, outdoors, or at other places such as when going out. It is a device that can download information from an outdoor information providing site, send and receive mails, and transmit a remote operation signal, but it can also be a terminal device that cannot make calls. Note that a small portable personal computer is also a type of communication terminal 200.

[0121] The communication terminal 200 in the first embodiment has a function of transmitting and receiving signals through short-range communication in a state where it is close (or may be in contact) with the input unit 4 of each electric device 1 by about several centimeters. This short-range communication refers to the international standard technology of wireless communication known as Near Field Communication (abbreviation: NFC).

[0122] In this NFC communication, a so-called wireless tag (NFC tag) is embedded on the electric device 1 side. On the other hand, control data (command data CD) can also be sent from the communication terminal 200 side to the NFC storage unit (not shown) of the electric device 1 to control the electric device 1 according to the control command.

[0123] The communication terminal 200 shown in FIG. 2 will be described in detail as follows. A communication terminal 200 such as a smartphone includes a communication unit 210, a communication control unit 211, a terminal control unit (central processing unit: CPU) 212, a ROM and RAM 213, a speaker 214, a touch-type operation unit 215, a terminal-side display unit 216 having a display screen (with touch-type input function), an electrical equipment database (storage unit) 217, an attitude detection unit 218, a remote operation information generation unit 219, a storage unit 220, a shopping list creation unit 231, and a mail-order sales processing unit 234.

[0124] The communication unit 210 has an NFC input / output unit 221 for short-range wireless communication. Therefore, two paths of wireless communication via the network NW and short-range wireless communication (NFC) can be used.

[0125] 222 is a voice input unit that converts the voice of a user US or the like into an input signal. The touch-type operation unit 215, the terminal-side display unit 216, and the voice input unit 222 are integrated on hardware to form a display operation unit 225. Note that a search unit for analyzing the voice signal from the voice input unit 222 and performing term search, information search, etc. is not shown. The search unit may be provided inside this communication terminal 200, or may be provided in an external first server 20 to give a search function outside the communication terminal 200.

[0126] The attitude detection unit 218 is equipped with various sensors such as a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a gravity sensor, and can detect the inclination and orientation of the communication terminal 200. Thereby, a signal detecting the vertical direction of the communication terminal 200 is output to the terminal control unit 212.

[0127] The terminal control unit 212 receives the detection signal from the attitude detection unit 218 and controls the display direction of the terminal-side display unit 216. The terminal control unit 212 inputs the signal received from the communication unit 8 of the electrical equipment 1 to the remote operation information generation unit 219.

[0128] The terminal control unit 212 includes an audio processing unit 230, a video processing unit 232, an electrical device selection unit 232, a video processing unit 233, and a remote operation information generation unit 219, respectively. Note that these remote operation information generation unit 219, audio processing unit 230, electrical device selection unit 232, and video processing unit 233 may be functionally realized by an entire computer program, or may be composed of separate processing circuits.

[0129] The video processing unit 233 analyzes and processes the video (including still images and moving images) captured via a camera lens (not shown). For example, the user US generates information for identifying the consumable from the bottle or outer packaging box of the liquid detergent 42 photographed at a store or the like.

[0130] The audio processing unit 230 converts the voice of the user US received by the audio input unit 222 into an audio signal in a predetermined format.

[0131] The electrical device database 217 holds the "notification data" 223 of the electrical device 1 in order to generate notification information (including image information) for the display unit 3D and the notification unit 3 of the electrical device 1. In addition, the electrical device database 217 also holds the "remote operation data" 224 for the control unit 2 of the electrical device 1.

[0132] Furthermore, the electrical device database 217 can store the status information A acquired from the electrical device 1. Furthermore, the electrical device database 217 can store the consumable data 227 acquired from the electrical device 1 and the shopping list data 228 generated by the communication terminal 200, respectively.

[0133] The notification data 223 and the remote operation data 224 may be stored in this communication terminal 200 from the beginning, or may be downloaded from the first server 20, which is an information providing means, via the network NW. That is, the notification database 217 does not necessarily have to be fixedly stored and constructed, and may be in a form in which information is acquired as needed and temporarily stored in a volatile memory.

[0134] The remote operation information generation unit 219 processes the signal acquired from the electric device 1 via the terminal control unit 212 and the input signal from the display operation unit 225, respectively, and generates remote operation information for the electric device 1 (control information for the "external control mode"). That is, command data CD can be generated.

[0135] Furthermore, the remote operation information generation unit 219 can generate the first command data CD1 to the fourth command data CD4.

[0136] The remote operation information generation unit 219 that transmits the command data CD from the communication unit 210 to the electric device 1 in response to an input command from the operation unit 225 is controlled by the central processing unit 212 so that the acquisition operation of the state information A cannot be executed while the command data CD is being transmitted from the communication unit 210.

[0137] The terminal control unit 212 executes the processing of the entire communication terminal 200 according to the control program stored in the ROM·RAM 213, reads out the data necessary in the process of executing the processing from the ROM·RAM 213, and stores the data generated in the process of executing the processing in the ROM·RAM 213.

[0138] The memory unit 220 is a semiconductor non-volatile memory and can store information of various electrical devices 1 read from the communication unit 210. For example, it is used to temporarily store information of the shopping list PL of a specific electrical device 1 downloaded (read) from the first server 20. Note that the information of this shopping list PL may be stored as the data of the extracted consumables in the electrical device database 217. That is, the data that is the result after data processing by the terminal control unit 212 is basically stored in the electrical device database 217.

[0139] When the user US touches a specific part of the terminal-side display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200, based on this touch signal, the remote operation information generation unit 219 generates remote operation information. The remote operation information is transmitted from the communication unit 210 to the electrical device 1.

[0140] If the electrical device 1, for example, the dishwasher 1E described above, has already been powered on and started by the power unit 7, the control unit 2 of the electrical device 1 treats the received remote operation information as command data CD. Note that not all electrical devices 1 operate in response to the remote operation information of the communication terminal 200. Also, even when operating, the operating range according to the command data CD may be limited to a certain range. For example, in the case of a heating device or a cooking heater 1H that generates heat, the remote operation range is limited. For example, when there is a heat source from which heat is radiated to the outside from the main body (outer case or top plate 170) (see FIG. 3) of the cooking heater 1H (see FIG. 3), the power supply to the cooking heater 1H cannot be started by a remote operation signal. That is, the start of the heating operation cannot be commanded.

[0141] On the other hand, on the side of the communication terminal 200 that has transmitted the remote operation information, the display on the terminal-side display unit 216 changes based on the remote operation information. That is, the content of the display screen of the terminal-side display unit 216 in the display operation unit 225 of the communication terminal 200 and the display content of the display unit 3D of the electric device 1 change in an approximate content and order, but the timing of the change does not necessarily have to be real-time. Also, depending on the type of the electric device 1, the transmission of the command data CD from the communication terminal 200 may be only once.

[0142] In the communication terminal 200, when generating and transmitting remote operation information, what is acquired as a regular remote operation signal (command data CD) by the electric device 1 is limited to only what is received within the reception period determined on each electric device 1 side. This point will be described with reference to FIG. 10. Also, the remote operation information from the communication terminal 200 is transmitted all at once when a predetermined confirmation transmission key is pressed on the communication terminal 200.

[0143] In FIG. 2, 226 is a terminal identification information holding unit. A unique number for identifying this communication terminal 200 is stored in this terminal identification information holding unit 226. Note that the unique number is, for example, a telephone number or a manufacturing number (serial number) assigned by the manufacturer of the communication terminal device.

[0144] In FIG. 2, 229 is a user information holding unit. Information of the user US (for example, information such as name) for identifying the user US who uses this communication terminal 200 is stored in this user information holding unit 229.

[0145] In FIG. 2, 235 is an option setting unit. After the user US of this communication terminal 200 registers the electric device 1 with the first server 20 using their user ID, for the electric device 1, for example, the determination criterion for the urgency such as "urgency of acquisition: within 2 days" can be changed within the range determined by the first server.

[0146] The criteria in this case are stored in the criterion storage unit 25, and the criteria for one electric device 1 can be specified by the user ID and the device identification information. The "urgency" mentioned here refers to the "number of days" until the user US obtains the consumables, which can be freely set by the user himself / herself considering the situation. Note that within 3 days, all are classified as "urgent" by default setting. However, in cases where it takes a considerable amount of time to obtain consumables due to the circumstances of the user US, it is better for the user US to receive an alarm earlier. For example, it may be changed to a criterion of "high urgency" within 7 days.

[0147] The difference between the above-mentioned "urgency" and "margin" will be explained. The above-mentioned margin is determined according to the number of days until the remaining amount of the consumables decreases to the point where it hinders the operation of the electric device 1, referring to the standard consumption amount consumed in one operation determined by the manufacturer of the electric device 1 (such as the dishwasher 1E, etc.). That is, since the threshold for determining the margin is determined by the manufacturer side, for the same electric device 1, it can be said to be a common index applicable to all users.

[0148] In contrast, the "urgency" refers to the "number of days" until the user US obtains the consumables, which can be freely set by the user considering the situation. For example, even if all are classified as "urgent" by default setting within 3 days, the threshold (3 days) can be changed to 1 day or 10 days depending on the circumstances of the user US. That is, for the same electric device (dishwasher 1E), since the user US using it is different, it is the "urgency" that can flexibly select the level and range of notification according to the circumstances of each user US.

[0149] The above-mentioned margin can be shown in, for example, three levels. For example, it can be displayed in characters such as "A" or "large" indicating a large margin, and "B" or "medium" indicating a medium margin. Note that it may also be displayed in a graphical form such as a bar graph on the display unit 3D (see Fig. 1) instead of characters or symbols.

[0150] Note that the electrical device 1 is not necessarily limited to generating the data of the margin. Even for the electrical device 1 that cannot acquire such data, the consumable remaining amount management system of the first embodiment can handle it.

[0151] Next, FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a network configuration to which the consumable remaining amount management system of FIG. 1 is applied. The diagram shown in FIG. 1 shows the kitchen furniture 121 in one house (house HA) and the network environment.

[0152] In FIG. 3, reference numeral 251 denotes a wireless router installed in one house HA, which can wirelessly connect the network NW such as an Internet line and the electrical device 1. Although not shown, the first server 20 constitutes a cloud server 300 in cooperation with other servers.

[0153] Reference numeral 200 denotes an information processing terminal device (communication terminal) such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The kitchen furniture 121 includes, for example, a sink and has a water supply faucet (tap) 165 connected to a water supply. A built-in dishwasher 1E is installed in the kitchen furniture 121. Reference numeral 1E is a heating cooker which is a type of the electrical device 1. In the example of FIG. 3, it is a built-in induction cooker or a built-in gas cooker.

[0154] Reference numeral 170 is the top plate of the heating cooker 1H. Reference numeral 171 indicates a heating part by a gas burner or a heating part by an induction heating source. In the example of FIG. 3, an example where there are three heating parts is shown. Reference numeral 250 is an exhaust port cover having a highly breathable structure such as a wire mesh, and covers an exhaust port (not shown) for discharging high-temperature air, water vapor, etc. generated in a heating chamber (not shown) inside the heating cooker 1H.

[0155] The dishwashing machine 1E is of a type where the washing tub 15 can be pulled out to the front side of the kitchen furniture 121. At the uppermost part of the door 44 that constitutes the entire front surface, an operation unit 54 through which the user US can input by touch operation is arranged horizontally. At the left and right center parts of the operation unit 54, a handle part 55 into which the fingertips of the user US can be inserted is formed. The operation unit 54 corresponds to the input unit 4 shown in FIG. 1.

[0156] Next, FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the kitchen furniture 121 to which the remaining amount management system of the consumables in FIG. 1 is applied. On the front (front surface) of the operation unit 54, a front display unit 56F indicating the state during the washing operation or when the main power is turned on is arranged. In addition, a top surface display unit 56U is also arranged on the top surface of the door 44. On the top surface display unit 56U, a display screen capable of displaying the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 in numerical values, figures, etc. is arranged. Also, on this top surface display unit 56U, an upper surface operation unit 54U (not shown) having a touch input type input key as a part of the operation unit 54 may be provided.

[0157] The door 44 has a certain thickness in the front-rear direction, and a storage space 45 (see FIG. 6) is formed inside by utilizing this thickness. The storage space 45 is a sealed space surrounded by the surroundings so that the water vapor generated during washing inside the washing tub 44 does not penetrate, and only the opening for inserting the tank (container) 16 communicates with the outside.

[0158] In FIG. 4, 57 is a lid that opens and closes the entrance and exit of the storage space 45 freely. By opening this lid 57, the tank (container) 16 (see FIG. 6) containing the liquid detergent 42 can be installed in the storage space 45 of the door 44. That is, as shown by the thick arrow in FIG. 4, the tank 16 can be detachably installed from the right side surface of the door 44 to the inside. When the lid 57 is completely closed, the storage space 45 is blocked from the space such as inside the washing tub 15, and water vapor and the like from the washing tub 15 side do not penetrate. This lid 57 is rotatably supported on the door 44 by a hinge (not shown).

[0159] 170 is the top plate of the cooking appliance 1H. 171 indicates a heating part by a gas burner or a heating part by an induction heating source. In the example of FIG. 3, an example where there are three heating parts 171 is shown. 171L is a heating port on the left side from the center among the top plates 170, 171M is the central heating port, and 171R is the heating port located on the right side.

[0160] Next, FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 5 is a simplified longitudinal sectional view of a dishwasher (dishwasher / dryer) 1E to which the consumable remaining amount management system of FIG. 1 is applied, showing a state where the door 44 is pulled forward to the maximum extent. 67 is the internal space of a housing (main body case) 14 that forms the outer shell of the dishwasher 1E. 58 is a fixed rail installed longitudinally in the front-rear direction inside the housing 14, and 59 is a movable rail supported by this fixed rail 58 and integrated with the washing tub 15 to move in the front-rear direction.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 5, on the bottom 14B of the housing 14, leg portions 61 that come into contact with the internal installation surface 60 of the kitchen furniture 121 are provided in two places each in the front, rear, left, and right directions. Near the rear of the housing 14, a regulating member 62 that regulates the position of the rear leg portion 61 is attached to the kitchen furniture 121 with a fastening member such as a screw. Therefore, the dishwasher 1E is prevented from accidentally moving from a predetermined position inside the kitchen furniture 121. 64 is a flat upper lid that closes the upper surface opening of the washing tub 15 in a state where the washing tub 15 is stored inside the housing 14.

[0162] 65 is a net-like shelf or basket removably installed inside the washing tub 15 and is installed for placing tableware 66. The shelf 65 is removably installed in the washing tub 15. 50 is a shower nozzle that sprays hot water mixed with the liquid detergent 42 onto the tableware 66.

[0163] 121A is an installation opening formed on the front surface of the kitchen furniture 121. When the washing tub 15 is pushed into the proper position in the housing 14 integrally with the door 44, this installation opening 121A faces in a state close to the upper, lower, left, and right end faces of the door 44. That is, when the door 44 is pushed in, the gap (opposing interval) between the four surrounding surfaces (top surface, bottom surface, right side surface, left side surface) of the door 44 and the installation opening 121A of the kitchen furniture 121 becomes a size of several millimeters or less.

[0164] Although not shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the washing tub 15 and the door 44 are pulled backward by a door driving device 86 having a driving motor 70 (see FIG. 7). Note that pushing out the door 44 is also performed by the power of this driving motor 70, but it may be in a form where the user US pulls it forward without using the power of the door driving device 86. Alternatively, only the initial slight opening (for example, about 10 cm) may be performed by the power of a spring or the driving motor 70. Embodiment 1 adopts this form of "pushing out within an initial certain range".

[0165] In this Embodiment 1, the door 44 together with the washing tub 15 is pulled back from the pushed-out state into the inside of the housing 14 by a door driving device 86 having a driving motor 71. That is, when the user US lightly touches the operation unit 54, the door 44 can be moved from the front position to the storage position. Note that, regardless of the touch operation of the operation unit 54, commands for either opening or closing, or both, of the door 44 may be given to the door driving device 86 by voice input or other methods.

[0166] Next, FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing, in a partial longitudinal sectional view, the entire metering system of the liquid detergent 42 in the dishwasher 1E shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a part of the door 44 that covers the front side of the washing tub 15 of the dishwasher 1E and moves in the front-rear direction integrally with the washing tub. It is a schematic diagram enlarging the portion X surrounded by a circle in FIG. 5.

[0167] In FIG. 6, 44F is the front wall surface that constitutes the front (surface) of the door 44. 44B is the rear wall surface that forms a vertically long rectangular storage space 45 between it and the front wall surface 44F. Note that the storage space 45 may be formed between the rear wall surface 44B and another member provided inside the rear wall surface 44B.

[0168] 16 is a tank (container) that is rectangular and horizontally long when viewed from the front (front) side, and is entirely formed of a transparent plastic material. Inside this tank 16, the lid 16A provided on the ceiling surface so as to be openable can be opened, and a dedicated liquid detergent 42 can be injected. This tank 16 can be installed into the storage space 45 from the right direction by opening the lid 57 shown in FIG. 4.

[0169] Since the interval in the front-rear direction of the storage space 45 is slightly larger than the thickness in the front-rear direction of the tank 16, as shown in FIG. 5, the tank 16 can be easily inserted into the storage space 45 from the entrance of the storage space 45 in a state where the door 44 is pulled forward from the housing 14 of the dishwasher 1E. Note that the tank 16 is kept horizontal inside the storage space 45 when inserted.

[0170] 35 is a metering circuit that constitutes a part of the metering unit 12 shown in FIG. 1. 36 is a light-emitting circuit that receives a signal from the metering circuit 35 and issues a command to emit predetermined light. 39 is a light-emitting element that emits light for water level detection in response to the command of this light-emitting circuit 36. 40 is a light-receiving element that receives the light from the light-emitting element 39 and transmits the received signal to the light-receiving circuit 38.

[0171] The light-emitting element 39 and the light-receiving element 40 are installed at positions facing each other on the same horizontal line on the front wall surface 44F and the rear wall surface 44B. In FIG. 6, the dashed arrow from the light-emitting element 39 toward the light-receiving element 40 is the light ray for water level detection described above.

[0172] For example, when the light-emitting element 39 is installed at the middle position in the vertical direction of the tank 16, if there is more than half of the liquid detergent 42 inside the tank 16, the light transmittance will be low due to the inherent color of the liquid detergent 42. Therefore, the amount of light received by the light-receiving element 40 will be lower than the threshold value. For this reason, it can be detected that the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 is at least 50% or more. On the other hand, when the surface of the liquid detergent 42 is below the horizontal line crossing the light-emitting element 39 and the light-receiving element 40, the amount of light from the light-emitting element 39 is not reduced by the liquid detergent 42, so the amount of light received by the light-receiving element 40 exceeds the threshold value. As a result, the metering circuit 35 determines that the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 is less than 50%.

[0173] In this way, since it can be known from the light-emitting element 39 and the light-receiving element 40 that there is an appropriate liquid detergent 42 with poor light transmittance (non-transparent) inside the tank 16, if the detergent that is not the appropriate liquid detergent 42 is a transparent liquid, the quality of such a detergent can also be detected. The light-emitting element 39 and the light-receiving element 40 constitute a third sensor that can measure the mass of the liquid detergent 42. If a plurality of combinations of the light-emitting element 39 and the light-receiving element 40 are provided in the vertical direction, the amount of the liquid detergent 42 can be detected more finely.

[0174] 37 is a weight sensor disposed at the bottom of the storage space 45, which measures the total weight of the liquid detergent 42 and the tank 16 and inputs the measurement result to the metering circuit 35. Due to this configuration, the metering circuit 35 can estimate the amount of the liquid detergent 42 inside the tank 16 from the weight measurement result. Since the metering circuit 35 already knows the weight of the tank 16 itself in advance, it can measure the net weight of the liquid detergent 42 inside the tank 16. Also, when the tank 16 moves horizontally directly above the weight sensor 37 and is stored at a predetermined position in the storage space 45, the measuring part of the weight sensor 37 contacts so as to support directly below the center of gravity position of the tank 16, so the weight sensor 37 can accurately measure the weight of the tank 16.

[0175] 16M is a permanent magnet mounted at the bottom of tank 16. 46 is a reed switch (magnetic sensor switch) that faces the permanent magnet 16M in proximity when tank 16 is inserted to its proper installation position. Since this reed switch 46 is inserted into the tank detection circuit 35S of the metering circuit 35, when tank 16 is installed in the proper position, the metering circuit 35 detects the installation of tank 16. 93A and 93B are signal lines connecting the reed switch 46 and the metering circuit 35.

[0176] That is, the permanent magnet 16M and the reed switch 46 may be referred to as tank position detection means 72 because they send a signal to the metering circuit 35 to detect that tank 16 is properly installed when tank 16 is installed in the proper position.

[0177] When the installation detection signal of tank 16 from the metering circuit 35 (metering unit 12) does not reach the control unit 2, an alarm of "tank installation forgotten" is issued at the stage of step S3 described in FIG. 8. Also, if the installation detection signal of tank 16 does not reach, the control unit 2 cannot issue an operation start command at step S6 described in FIG. 8.

[0178] Although not adopted in this Embodiment 1, a float may be floated on the liquid detergent 42, and the vertical position of the float may be detected mechanically or optically to detect the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42. In this Embodiment 1, the mechanical configuration is less than that using such a float, and moreover, as a method capable of detecting the amount of the liquid detergent 42 in a non-contact manner, the light emitting element 39, the light receiving element 40, and the weight sensor 37 are adopted.

[0179] 48 is an (electric) control valve (or a small pump) for injecting the liquid detergent 42 in tank 16 into the washing tank 15. According to the command of the control unit 2 shown in FIG. 1, the liquid detergent 42 is injected at a predetermined timing. When the control valve 48 itself does not have a flow control function, a flow meter may be inserted in the middle of the detergent injection path (pipe line), and the control valve 48 may be opened and closed according to the data of the flow meter.

[0180] Next, FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the dishwasher 1E. In FIG. 7, 71 is a water volume detection unit. This water volume detection unit 71 is composed of, for example, a water level sensor or the like, and detects whether a preset amount of washing water has been supplied to the lower part of the washing tank 15.

[0181] 17S is a water quality sensor that detects the water quality of the washing water stored at the bottom of the washing tank 15. This water quality sensor may be, for example, one already known as a "turbidity sensor", and may be able to optically measure the turbidity of water. Also, sensors for analyzing other physical properties such as pH value and electrical conductivity may be used in combination or alone. Note that the detection unit of the water quality sensor 17S may be installed facing a pipe of a certain size, and the washing water may be made to flow through the pipe for measurement.

[0182] 17 is a water quality determination unit that constitutes a part of the control device MC described later, and acquires water quality detection data from the water quality sensor 17S at a predetermined timing such as the initial stage of the washing process. Alternatively, when the user US requests data on the water quality state through the operation unit 54 or the communication terminal 200 described later, the water quality detection data is acquired from the water quality sensor 17S, the quality of the water is determined, and the result is notified by the notification unit 3 (display unit 3D). Alternatively, the determination result is transmitted to the communication terminal 200 via the communication unit 8. Note that the "quality of the water" may be evaluated and presented in several stages according to a previously prepared water quality determination criterion data table.

[0183] The measurement data or determination data of the water quality determination unit 17 is input to the control unit 2 and is used for determining the additional input of the liquid detergent 42 and the additional number of rinses during the washing process and the rinsing process.

[0184] 51 is the electric heater. Although not shown, it is composed of a first heater 51A and a second heater 51B. The first heater 51A is provided in the washing tank 15 and heats the stored washing water. The second heater 51B is provided in an air passage communicating the blower fan 53 and the washing tub 15, and heats the outside air supplied to the washing tub 15. Each of the various components described above is electrically connected to the control unit 2.

[0185] The blower fan 53 supplies outside air into the washing tub 15, and discharges the high-temperature and high-humidity air in the washing tub 15 to the outside of the housing 14 of the dishwasher 1E through an exhaust port (not shown) provided in the door 44.

[0186] The temperature detection unit 76 detects the temperature of the washing water. The drain pump 52 is provided in the washing tub 15, and discharges the washing water in the washing tub 15 to the outside of the dishwasher 1E.

[0187] The water supply valve 80 is provided between the rear part of the washing tub 15 and the rear wall of the housing 14, and controls the supply of tap water to the washing tub 15. The washing pump 49 is provided in the washing tub 15, and pumps the washing water stored at the bottom of the washing tub 15 to the washing nozzle (shower nozzle) 50 (see FIG. 6).

[0188] 81 is the drive circuit of the water supply valve 80, 82 is the drive circuit of the electric heater 51, 83 is the drive circuit of the washing pump 49, 84 is the drive circuit of the drain pump 52, and 85 is the drive circuit of the blower fan 53.

[0189] As described with reference to FIG. 6, the detergent supply unit 43 includes the control valve 48 and the drive circuit 74 as shown in FIG. 7. The notification unit 3 includes a display unit 3D such as a liquid crystal screen, an audio drive circuit (audio synthesizer) 78 for performing audio notification, and a display unit drive circuit 79 for controlling the display operation of the display unit 3D.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 7, the metering unit 12 described with reference to FIG. 1 includes the metering circuit 35, the weight sensor 37, the control valve 48, and the drive circuit 74. Note that in FIG. 7, the control valve 48 and the drive circuit 74 are included in the detergent supply unit 43. The measuring unit 12 further includes, as an optical detection unit, the light emitting circuit 36 and the light receiving circuit 38, respectively. 35T is an open detection circuit that detects the opening of the lid 16A provided on the ceiling surface of the tank 16 so as to be openable and closable. 35R is a detection circuit that detects the state of a lock mechanism (not shown) for keeping the lid 57 in the closed position. For example, when the lock mechanism is released, a signal (release signal) indicating that the lid 57 is in the open state is issued. The release signal is input to the control unit 2. 72 is the tank position detecting means.

[0191] The dishwasher 1E of the first embodiment drives the door 44 and the washing tub 15 in the forward direction and has a door drive device 86 for closing the door 44 by the power of the drive motor 70. The door drive device 86 has been proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent No. 4874142 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-24678.

[0192] In the first embodiment, it has a drive motor 70, a pinion gear (not shown), a slide shaft (not shown), and a closing detection switch 87. By rotating one drive motor 70 in the forward and reverse directions, the door 44 can be opened and closed.

[0193] Furthermore, the door drive device 86 is provided with a drive circuit 89 for driving the motor 70 and an overcurrent detection device 90 for detecting that an overcurrent flows through the motor 70. The overcurrent detection device 90 measures the current of the drive circuit 89, detects it as an overcurrent when the measured current becomes equal to or greater than a preset current value, and protects the drive motor 70.

[0194] The closed detection switch 87 is composed of, for example, a limit switch or the like. When the closed detection switch 87 detects that the door 44 is closed based on the position of the slide shaft (not shown), it inputs a detection signal to the control unit 2 to stop the driving of the drive motor 70. That is, when the door 44 is pulled back to the innermost part inside the housing 14, the driving of the door 44 is stopped. Note that since the door 44 is not configured to be pushed forward to the maximum extent when opened, a "door open detection switch" is not provided when the door is opened, but it may be provided.

[0195] In a state where the door 44 is opened by the door driving device 86, the door 44 is resisted by a combination of a pinion gear (not shown), a slide shaft (not shown), etc., and does not move inadvertently in the opening or closing direction easily. However, a latch mechanism for preventing the movement of the door 44 may be provided when it reaches a predetermined open position. Also, a latch mechanism for mechanically holding the door 44 in the closed position may be provided, and the locked state of the latch mechanism may be automatically released when the motor 70 starts driving.

[0196] In FIG. 7, MC is a control device including the control unit 2, the device information holding unit 6, the storage unit 10, the consumption information acquisition unit 11, etc. This control device is configured by mounting various circuit components including a microcomputer on, for example, a single circuit board.

[0197] Next, FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart 1 showing the basic operation of the control unit 2, which explains the operation of the dishwasher 1E as an electric appliance to which the consumption material remaining amount management system is applied in the first embodiment.

[0198] In FIG. 8, steps S1 to S7 are operation steps defined in a series of control operation programs from washing to drying held by the control unit 2. Note that the illustration is omitted for after the start of the washing operation. First, when the operation button of the main power switch (not shown) in the input unit 54 is pressed (step S1), in the next step S2, the control unit 2 determines whether there is any abnormality. For example, it checks the signals of various sensors (such as the temperature detection unit 76 and the water volume detection unit 75) to determine whether there is no electrical abnormality in the cleaning pump 49 that constitutes the function execution unit 9 and whether there is no water leakage from the cleaning tank 15 containing tableware, etc., and determines the presence or absence of an abnormality.

[0199] Also, if there is no such abnormality, at this stage of step S2, the display unit 3D is activated and displays that "since there is no abnormality, the cleaning of tableware can be started". If, at this stage of step S2, the setting is such that startup information is to be transmitted from the tableware washer 1E to the communication terminal 200 or the first server 20, startup information (the initial operation state data OS1) is wirelessly transmitted from the communication unit 8 at this stage.

[0200] At the next stage of step S3, the display unit 3D and the notification unit 3 provide notification and voice guidance to prompt the input unit 54 to make necessary inputs such as selecting a "cleaning course". As will be described later, since this tableware washer 1E uses a liquid detergent 42 (consumable), if the remaining amount of this liquid detergent is less than the specified amount, it is displayed on the display unit 3D to replenish it at this stage, and the notification unit 3 also gives a voice notification.

[0201] The cleaning course indicates the basic form and type of the cleaning operation and is also called the "cleaning mode". In this first embodiment, the cleaning courses are, for example, "normal course", "detailed course", "reservation course", etc.

[0202] The "normal course" is, for example, convenient to select when washing tableware immediately after a meal and is advantageous in terms of water conservation, time reduction, energy saving, etc. The "careful course" is convenient to select when carefully cleaning dishes with a lot of dirt, dishes with a lot of oil, etc., and the time for the cleaning process is longer than that of the normal course. It is recommended to select it when cleaning dishes that have been left for some time after a meal.

[0203] The "reservation course" starts operation after a certain time (for example, 4 hours) from the setting, or conversely, sets the operation end time and leaves the start of the operation to the dishwashing device 1E side. In this Embodiment 1, it is a control program in which the operation is automatically started 4 hours after the reservation setting. In addition to these, there is also a "drying course" that only dries the dishes washed by hand, and a course that combines the above-mentioned courses.

[0204] Furthermore, in this dishwashing machine 1, the user US can also set the "reservation course" to start the washing operation by a command from the communication terminal 200 (this is called the "reservation course #2"). The reservation course can also be set from the communication terminal 200 by the second command data CD2.

[0205] To prevent the user from forgetting to start the operation of the reservation course #2, the communication terminal 200 is notified by a push-type notification at regular intervals of time elapsed since the reservation course #2 was set. For example, it is notified via the first server 20 at the notification timings pre-selected by the user US, such as 3 hours, 3 hours 30 minutes, 4 hours, etc.

[0206] When the user knows, from the notification on the terminal-side display unit 216, a notification requesting a command to start the operation of the reservation course #2, if a predetermined operation is performed on the terminal-side display unit 216, command data CD is generated, and the start of the cleaning process can be commanded via the first server 20. Therefore, even if the user is temporarily away from home at a remote location, the user can instruct the dishwashing from the remote location.

[0207] In the next step S4, an initial standby screen (not shown) indicating a standby state is displayed on the display unit 3D, and usage caution information for the user US is displayed on the initial standby screen. Also, when the input unit 54 is a touch input unit using the display screen (display panel) of the display unit 3D, a touch key section (icon) for selecting one from a plurality of washing courses is displayed on the initial standby screen. When the reception operation of the command data CD starts, the initial standby screen automatically switches to a reception operation in-progress screen indicating that reception is in progress.

[0208] In the next step S5, it is determined whether the necessary washing course (operation mode) has been selected by the input unit 54. If it has been input, step S5 becomes "Yes" and proceeds to step S6. If the washing course (operation mode) has not been selected by the input unit 54, the determination in step S5 is repeatedly performed for a certain period (for example, 10 minutes) until an input is made. In addition, when the remaining amount of the liquid detergent is less than the specified amount, step S6 cannot be advanced until it is detected that the liquid detergent 42 has been replenished to the specified amount or more inside the tank 16 as described with reference to FIG. 12.

[0209] In step S6, it is determined whether the operation start key (button) of the input unit 4 has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the determination is "Yes" and it proceeds to step 7. In step S7, the washing pump 49 is operated to store a certain amount of washing water in the washing tank 15, and the energization of the electric heater 51 (first heater 51A) for heating the washing water is also started.

[0210] After that, the liquid detergent 42 is also added to the washing water in an amount determined by the control unit 2. In the reservation course, since the operation starts 4 hours after the course is set, the operation starts and the liquid detergent 42 is automatically added.

[0211] The heated washing water (mixed with the liquid detergent 42) is sprayed from the washing nozzle 50 toward the tableware 66 placed on the tableware basket (shelf 65). Note that the washing nozzle 50 rotates by itself due to the reaction force of the spraying of the washing water and sprays evenly on a plurality of tableware. Thus, the washing process is executed.

[0212] Next, FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 9 is a time chart 1 showing the basic operation of the dishwasher 1E in the first embodiment.

[0213] In FIG. 9, since S1 to S7 correspond to the operation steps of the control unit 2 described in FIG. 8, the description will focus on the parts different from FIG. 8. First, the control unit 2 detects that the main power switch (not shown) has been turned on (step S1), and transmits data indicating that it has been started (the first, operation state data OS1) from the communication unit 8 to the outside.

[0214] Next, after starting the display unit 3D and displaying the standby initial screen, a display prompting the user US to select a washing course (operation mode) and a similar voice guidance by the notification unit 3 are performed (S4).

[0215] When such a display and voice notification are performed, the user US can press a specific input key (operation button) on the input unit 54 to acquire a specific operation program held by the external first server 20 as the command data CD. In fact, the command data CD is acquired from the communication terminal 200. Therefore, at the stage of establishing the first communication state between the communication terminal 200 and the dishwasher 1E in advance, data including the "device identification information" and the like (the first, operation state data OS1 described above) is provided from the communication unit 8 to the communication terminal 200 side.

[0216] After that, the communication unit 8 of the dishwasher 1E collates the content of the data including the device identification information transmitted immediately before with the content of the command data CD received from the communication terminal 200. Such data collection and collation are executed multiple times by the dishwasher 1E within a certain limited time (explained in FIG. 10). If the data collation is not completed within the certain limited time, it is treated as a communication failure.

[0217] When it is determined that there is no discrepancy between the content of the data transmitted from the communication unit 8 and the content of the received command data CD (in terms of device identification information etc.), the command data CD is determined as normal data and stored in a predetermined storage area of the storage unit 10.

[0218] As shown in FIG. 9, the period (acquisition possible period TB1) during which the command data CD can be acquired from the outside is until immediately before a cleaning operation start command is issued by the input unit 4.

[0219] In other words, since the acquisition of the command data CD by the electric device 1 is prioritized over the transmission of the state information A, it is possible to avoid causing an obstacle to the remote control on the electric device 1 side.

[0220] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1E actually acquires the command data CD when a specific input operation is performed on the dishwasher 1E side, which will be explained in detail in FIG. 10.

[0221] In FIG. 9, step SX1 is a process of measuring the initial value of the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 explained in FIG. 10. This step SX1 is set before step S5 of selecting the operation mode, but it may also be after step S5.

[0222] As in the example shown in FIG. 9, when step SX1 is set before step S5, at the stage of step S5, before operating the "washing course selection" button (or input key) provided in the input unit 54 to select the "normal control mode" or the "external control mode", the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 is confirmed. When the "external control mode" is selected, the "remaining amount confirmation result" is notified to the communication terminal 200 at that time, so the convenience for the user US is improved.

[0223] That is, in addition to collating, by the communication unit 8, the content of the data (the first, operation state data OS1) including the device identification information transmitted immediately before by the dishwasher 1E and the content of the command data CD received from the communication terminal 200, the control unit 2 can also confirm the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 measured by the measuring unit 12. This is because if the remaining amount is such that it would prevent the start of operation, for example, an alarm such as "insufficient detergent remaining" can be transmitted to the communication terminal 200 side. And the user US can be prompted to replenish the liquid detergent 42 at an early stage. Also, the situation of receiving a command to start operation with insufficient detergent can be avoided.

[0224] In FIG. 9, S6 indicates the stage at which the washing operation is started by the input unit 4. The acquirable period TB1 of the command data CD is restricted from step S4 to step S6, and this acquirable period TB1 is set to, for example, 30 minutes based on step S4. This time is measured by the timer unit 5 and input to the control unit 2. Therefore, when the above-mentioned 30 minutes (timeout time) has elapsed, the control unit 2 forcibly turns off the main power switch of the power supply unit 7 and finishes all preparations for starting operation. Note that after the time point of step S6, during the period until step S10 ends, command data CD from the outside cannot be acquired. Even if the command data CD is transmitted from the communication terminal 200, the dishwasher 1E side rejects the reception.

[0225] After step S6, a specified amount of cleaning water is supplied from the cleaning pump 49 of the function - performing unit 9 to the cleaning tank 15. Also, a specified amount of liquid detergent 42 is supplied to the cleaning tank 15. Then, the cleaning process is started.

[0226] One of the features of the first embodiment is that additional input (once or several times) of the liquid detergent 42 is performed after step S6.

[0227] That is, after the start of the cleaning process (step S6), upon receiving a command from the control unit 2, the water - quality determination unit 17 checks the water quality of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 15. The water - quality determination unit 17 receives a detection signal from the water - quality sensor 17S and determines the degree of dirt of the cleaning water. The determination result is transmitted to the control unit 2, and the control valve 48 is controlled by the control unit 2. Note that, instead of always performing additional input during each cleaning process, it is determined according to the quality of the cleaning water. These series of controls are called "water - quality detection (determination) process" SLP of the cleaning tank in FIG. 9.

[0228] Step S8 indicates the end stage of the cleaning process, and step S9 indicates the start stage of the drying process. Between steps S8 and S9, although it varies depending on the cleaning course (operation mode), for example, after once draining the cleaning water after the cleaning process with the drain pump 52, a "rinsing process" of spraying new cleaning water on the tableware one or more times is performed. Then, after completing the draining process and discharging as much moisture as possible from the inside of the cleaning tank 15, power is started to be supplied to the electric heater 51 (second heater 51B) for drying and the blower fan 53, filling the inside of the cleaning tank 15 with high - temperature hot air, and proceeding to the drying process.

[0229] After the start of this rinsing process (step S8), upon receiving a command from the control unit 2, the water - quality determination unit 17 checks the water quality of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 15. The water quality determination unit 17 receives the detection signal from the water quality sensor 17S and determines the degree of contamination of the washing water inside the washing tank 15 during the rinsing process. The determination result is transmitted to the control unit 2, and based on this, the control unit 2 issues commands to increase or delete the number of rinsing operations (reduce the number of rinsing operations) to the drive circuits 83 and 81 of the washing pump 49, the water supply valve 80, etc. Note that such water quality detection (determination) processing SLP is not necessarily performed every time during the rinsing process. Depending on the settings of the user US, an operation mode in which this water quality detection (determination) processing SLP is omitted can also be selected. In addition, in order to distinguish such water quality detection (determination) processing SLP two or more times, the water quality detection (determination) processing in the washing process may be referred to as SLP1, and that in the rinsing process may be referred to as SLP2 in the following explanations.

[0230] In the drying process starting from step S9, fresh air is introduced into the washing tank 15 from the outside, and the blower fan 53 is continuously operated to discharge moisture to the outside of the washing tank 15. The drying process starting from step 9 automatically ends (step S10) when the time determined by the control unit 2 has elapsed, and the notification unit 9 notifies the end of the operation. Also, a similar indication of the end of the operation is given on the display unit 3D (step S11). After this, the power supply of the power supply unit 7 is automatically cut off, and a series of washing and drying operations ends (step S12).

[0231] During the period from step S7 to S10 in FIG. 9, the control unit 2 performs the remaining amount (usage amount) estimation process AP1 of the liquid detergent 42 described in FIG. 16 and the operable number of times estimation process AP2 based on the remaining amount estimation result. In addition, the information obtained by these processes is transmitted as one type of the state information A from the communication unit 8 to the first server 20 via the network NW.

[0232] Next, FIG. 10 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart 2 showing the basic operation of the dishwasher (dishwasher / dryer) 1E, and shows the relationship between the washing process and the acquisition operation of the command data CD.

[0233] In FIG. 10, SP1 to SP14 show the operation steps of the control unit 2 from when the main power is turned on until a command to start the cleaning process is received. When the main power switch of the operation unit 54 is turned on (step SP1), similar to step S2 in FIGS. 8 and 9, the control unit 2 determines whether there is an abnormality (step SP2). If the dishwasher 1E is set to transmit startup information, at this stage, the communication unit 8 wirelessly transmits startup information (the first, operation state data OS1).

[0234] In the next step SP3, similar to step S3 in FIGS. 8 and 9, the display unit 3D and the notification unit 3 provide notification and voice guidance to prompt the input unit 54 to perform necessary inputs such as selecting a "cleaning course". From this point on, the "standby state" is started.

[0235] The control unit 2 determines that it is in a state where it can perform a cleaning operation based on external command data CD (in this case, the first recipe data CD1) (step SP4), and the notification unit 3 notifies that the cleaning operation can be started based on the external command data CD (step SP5).

[0236] Step SP5 is an operation for asking the user US for prior confirmation as to whether to send a signal requesting the provision of the first command data CD1 to the communication terminal 200 or the first server 20 that has been registered and set in advance. A "confirmation screen" is displayed on the display unit 3D and also notified by voice. This "confirmation screen" is a type of initial standby screen.

[0237] If the user US has previously set the function setting key (not shown) of the input unit 54 to automatically execute an external connection at this stage of step SP5, it will be automatically performed at a specified timing.

[0238] That is, the communication terminal 200 and the dishwasher 1E can be automatically paired to establish wireless communication between the communication terminal 200 and the dishwasher 1E.

[0239] When the setting to automatically permit the reception of the first command data CD1 is not performed, if the user US presses a specific input key or operation button in the input unit 4 (operation unit 54), a command for reception permission reaches the control unit 2 by this operation. Therefore, in step SP6 shown in FIG. 10, it is determined that "the reception permission key has been turned on", and the process proceeds to step SP7.

[0240] In step SP7, the display unit 3D and the notification unit 3 again notify by display and voice that the acquisition operation of the first command data CD1 is started. Then, a reception permission signal RS is transmitted to the first server 20. The reception permission signal is transmitted, for example, by pressing a specific input key of the operation unit 54. For example, it is also possible to always display an input key with the display of "external control", or to display it at the timing of this step SP7 and transmit the reception permission signal RS when it is selected.

[0241] When the reception permission signal RS is issued, the "standby state" from step SP3 ends. In addition, when the user US wants to acquire the first command data CD1, selects the driving course with the operation unit 54, and gives a command to start the cleaning process with the input key, the "standby state" (standby state) from step SP3 ends.

[0242] The process of acquiring the command data CD from the outside is repeatedly transmitted and received several times alternately between the dishwasher 1E and an external communication device (communication terminal 200 or first server 20). For example, first, the dishwasher 1E transmits signal 1, and on the communication terminal 200 side, in response to the signal 1, a setting signal 1 including setting information is transmitted. In response to this, the dishwasher 1E checks its internal restricted state (for example, not being in a standby or operation prohibited state by another setting signal, etc.). If there is no problem, a signal 2 for proceeding to the next stage is transmitted. This is the process.

[0243] During such a reception operation, on the display unit 3D, unlike the standby initial screen until then, a dedicated in-reception operation screen indicating that the reception operation is in progress and the progress of the reception operation is displayed.

[0244] And finally, the reception of the necessary setting information (including the first command data CD1 therein) from the external communication device (communication terminal 200) side is completed. That is, on the side of the dishwasher 1E, after one reception, several interactive communications such as immediately returning a confirmation signal (the signal 1, signal 2, etc.) are performed, and finally the reception of the necessary setting information is completed (step SP8).

[0245] When the reception of the target command data CD is successful (step SP8), it is determined as "Yes", but if the reception is not successful within a certain time (including the case caused by a communication failure), it becomes an error process and is notified by the notification unit 3.

[0246] Formal checks such as whether the content of the acquired command data CD is in a predetermined format as an instruction signal and the lack of data (such as the lack of parameter setting values) are also checked (step SP9).

[0247] If there is no problem with the content of the command data CD, finally the command data CD is stored in the external command data area prepared in the storage unit 10 to prepare for the operation start command (step SP10). If there is a problem with the content, it becomes an error process and is notified by the notification unit 3.

[0248] Next, the control unit 2 causes the metering unit 12 to measure the inventory quantity of the liquid detergent 12 (step SP11). Then, it is determined whether all the condition settings by the input unit 4 are completed (step SP12). If completed, the detergent supply unit 43 is driven to inject a specified amount of the liquid detergent 42 (step SP13). And it waits for an operation start command from the input unit 4 (operation unit 54) (step SP14). This stage corresponds to the stage of step S6 described in FIG. 9.

[0249] Next, FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart 3 showing the basic operation of a dishwasher (dishwasher / dryer) 1E, and shows the relationship of the water quality determination process SLP during the washing process.

[0250] At the stage of step S14 in FIG. 10, when the user US presses the start switch (key), the washing process is started and the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG. 11. First, it is notified by the notification unit 3 that the washing process has started. Next, the function execution unit 9 (washing unit 9W) is started. Also, the operation state data OS2 is transmitted from the communication unit 8 to an external first server or communication terminal 200. Further, the measurement of the elapsed time is started (step SP16).

[0251] In the next step SP17, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time T1 has elapsed. This time T1 is the time for checking the washing effect halfway through the actual washing process. For example, in order to check at the point when 10 minutes have elapsed since the start, the time T1 is programmed for 10 minutes.

[0252] If the determination in step SP17 is "Yes", the first water quality determination process SLP1 is performed. The water quality determination unit 17 determines the detection data from the water quality sensor 17S (step SP18). Here, the water quality of the washing water (mixed with the liquid detergent 42) in the washing tank 15 is checked. Since the water quality sensor 17S acquires the turbidity, transparency, and other physical data of the washing water, based on this, the water quality determination unit 17 determines whether the dirt on the tableware 55 has fallen off sufficiently. Note that the water quality determination unit 17 stores and holds a threshold value for determination in advance.

[0253] If the determination result is OK (step SP19), the data of the determination result is stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the water quality determination unit 17 (step SP20), but when the external transmission of the status information A, it is absorbed into the status information and transmitted in a batch.

[0254] In the next step SP21, it is determined whether a predetermined time T2 has elapsed. This time T2 is the time determined in the washing process. When this time T2 elapses, the process proceeds to step SP22, the washing process is terminated, and subsequently, the rinsing process is entered.

[0255] If the determination result in step SP19 is "No", the process proceeds to step SP23. In this step SP23, it is determined whether additional liquid detergent 42 needs to be added, and if it is determined that additional addition is necessary, the amount of liquid detergent to be added is determined. For example, if it is determined that the washing effect can be improved by slightly extending the washing time, no additional liquid detergent is added, and the process is to extend the time of the washing process.

[0256] If it is determined that additional liquid detergent 42 needs to be added, a supply command is issued to the detergent supply unit 43 at this stage to add additional liquid detergent 42, and the washing process is continued. After a certain period of time has elapsed, the second water quality determination process SLP2 is performed in step SP24.

[0257] Again, the water quality determination unit 17 determines the detection data from the water quality sensor 17S (step SP24). Here, the water quality of the washing water (mixed with liquid detergent 42) in the washing tank 15 is checked.

[0258] In step SP25, if it is determined that the addition of liquid detergent 42 has an effect and further addition is not required, the data of the determination result is stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the water quality determination unit 17 (step SP20). Note that there are also restrictions on the time of the washing process, and the additional addition of liquid detergent 42 is basically limited to two times. However, in the case of the above-mentioned "careful washing" course for heavily soiled tableware 55, as shown in FIG. 11, there may be a program in which further additional addition is possible.

[0259] Next, FIG. 12 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the basics of the metering operation of the liquid detergent 42 in the dishwasher 1E of the first embodiment. In FIG. 12, SA1 to SA8 indicate the operation steps of the control unit 2, the measuring unit 12, the notification unit 3, etc. The maximum allowable volume of the tank 16 described below will be explained on the premise that it is 310 cc. Also, assume that the weighing capacity of the weight sensor 37 is in the range of 60 g to 400 g, and the minimum unit is 1 g.

[0260] First, the control unit 2 detects that the main power switch (not shown) has been turned on (step S1), and when activated, issues a command to the measurement circuit 35. If the reed switch 46 is ON, the measurement circuit 35 determines that the tank 16 is in a predetermined storage position, issues a measurement (weighing) command to the weight sensor 37 to measure the weight, and temporarily stores the data indicating the measured weight value (for example, 350 g) in the storage unit 12M (not shown) built into the measuring unit 12 (step SA1).

[0261] In the measuring unit 12, the weight of the tank 16 itself (for example, 60 g) that is known in advance is subtracted from the measured value (weight value, for example, 350 g) in step SA1, and it is calculated that the weight of the liquid detergent 42 is 290 g. Since the specific gravity of the liquid detergent 42 is approximately 1.0, it can be seen that about 290 cc of the liquid detergent 42 is contained. That is, it is at the full level at this point.

[0262] The threshold value of "Condition 1" used in the determination of step SA2 (not satisfying Condition 1) is "200 g or more". Therefore, when it is 295 g as described above, the determination of this step SA2 is a negative answer of "NO", and since there is sufficient liquid detergent 42, no further weight measurement is performed.

[0263] If the measured weight value in step SA1 is 250 g, subtracting the weight of the tank 16 itself (60 g) calculates that the weight of the liquid detergent 42 is 190 g. Therefore, step SA2 is determined as "Yes" and proceeds to step SA3.

[0264] Next, step SA3 will be described. At the stage of step SA2, the metering circuit 35 has already activated the light-emitting circuit 36 and caused the light-emitting element 39 to emit light in a predetermined wavelength range. As in the example described in step SA1, if the weight measurement result of the tank 16 is 250 g, the net weight of the liquid detergent 42 is 190 g. Therefore, in this case, the liquid level is above the upper and lower middle point of the tank 16. For this reason, as indicated by the arrow shown by the broken line in FIG. 6, the light beam for detecting the water level penetrates through the liquid detergent 42, so that the light receiving unit 40 cannot receive a specified amount of light. The light receiving circuit 38 inputs this state to the metering circuit 35.

[0265] In the next step SA4, since it is found that there is liquid detergent 42 up to the water level that blocks the progress of the light beam for detecting the water level, it means that the water volume is 155 cc (half of the full volume of 310 cc) or more at this time. On the other hand, since the determination threshold value of this step SA4 is "150 g", the determination of this step SA4 becomes "Yes", and the process proceeds to step SA5.

[0266] In the next step SA5, the display unit 3D displays that there is sufficient remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 in characters, a bar graph, etc., and the notification unit 3 also notifies the same meaning by voice. Then, it shifts to a state of waiting for an operation start command from the user.

[0267] On the other hand, when the weight measurement value in step SA1 is 150 g, the net weight of the liquid detergent 42 is calculated to be 90 g. Therefore, if the "condition 2" of the determination in step SA4 is 150 g, this step SA4 becomes "No". Then, the process proceeds to step SA6.

[0268] In step SA6, the display unit 3D displays that the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 is not sufficient in characters, a bar graph, etc., and the notification unit 3 also notifies the same meaning by voice. Then, it prompts the user to perform a replenishment operation of the liquid detergent 42.

[0269] After that, when the user US takes out the tank 16 from the storage space 45, replenishes the liquid detergent 42, and sets it back in the storage space 45, such attachment and detachment of the tank 16 are detected by the measurement circuit 35. As described above, this is because pulling out the tank 16 causes the reed switch 46 to turn off once. When the tank 16 is set back in the proper position, the process returns to step SA1 and the weight is measured (the previous measurement value is reset).

[0270] Also, before taking out the tank 16, the lid 57 is opened. Since there is a detection circuit 35R that detects the state of a lock mechanism (not shown) for keeping the lid 57 in the closed position, when the lock mechanism is released to open the lid 57, a signal (release signal) indicating that the lid 57 is in the open state is input to the control unit 2.

[0271] On the other hand, if the tank 16 is not taken out from the storage space 45, the process proceeds to step SA8. In step SA8, on the display unit 3D, it is displayed in characters that the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 is not sufficient and the operation cannot be started without replenishment, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the same meaning in voice. Then, after a certain waiting time (for example, 10 minutes) elapses, the power supply of the power supply unit 7 is cut off.

[0272] The contents of steps SA6 and SA8 are temporarily stored in the storage unit 12M (not shown) built into the weighing unit 12 each time. The consumption information acquisition unit 11 described in FIG. 1 acquires the data of the latest weight measurement result from among the various data stored in the storage unit 12M (not shown) of the weighing unit 12. In that case, the data calculated as the weight data of the liquid detergent 42 excluding the weight of the tank 16 is extracted and held. Then, it enters a state of waiting for a dishwashing operation start command to be received.

[0273] Next, FIG. 13 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the basics of a modified example in which a part of the liquid detergent weighing operation shown in FIG. 12 is improved. Steps SA8 to SA10 in FIG. 13 are different from the operation steps shown in FIG. 12. In step SA8 of FIG. 13, it is determined whether the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 is sufficient for one dishwashing. For example, if 40 g (the minimum value) of the liquid detergent 42 is required for one dishwashing, and the weight value measured at the time of step SA1 (including the weight of the tank 16) is, for example, 120 g, and the weight of the tank 16 is 60 g as described in FIG. 12, the weight to be determined at the time of step SA8 is 120 g - 60 g = 60 g.

[0274] As described above, if 60 g of the liquid detergent 42 remains, the determination in step SA8 is "Yes", and the process can proceed to step SA9. That is, in step SA9, one-time dishwashing can be permitted, so it can be displayed on the display unit 3D to that effect, and the notification unit 3 can also make an announcement such as "Since there is only enough detergent for one time, the operation can be started" in voice.

[0275] On the other hand, if it is found from the determination in step SA8 that the liquid detergent 42 required for one washing operation does not remain, the process proceeds to step SA10. In this step SA10, on the display unit 3D, it is displayed in characters that the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 is not enough for one operation and the operation cannot be started without replenishment, and the notification unit 3 also makes a voice notification to the same effect. Then, after a certain grace period (for example, 10 minutes) elapses, the power supply of the power supply unit 7 is cut off.

[0276] As described above, in FIG. 13, even when the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 is small, it is more flexible than the operation program shown in FIG. 12 in that it can be washed only once. Even if the user US accidentally forgets to replenish the liquid detergent 42 and there is no stock available for replenishment on hand, it can be washed only once, so the convenience is high.

[0277] In the descriptions of FIGS. 12 and 13, the relationship with the amount of the liquid detergent 42 additionally introduced in the water quality detection (judgment) process SLP1 of the washing process is not described. However, for example, in steps SA4 and SA8 of FIG. 13, even when it is to be additionally introduced in the water quality detection (judgment) process SLP1 of the washing process, the amount of the required liquid detergent 42 is also considered in advance and a threshold value is set. For example, even if the weight of the liquid detergent judged at the time of step SA2 is 60 g, and the amount assumed to be required for additional introduction is 10 to 15 g, the liquid detergent initially introduced once at the start of the washing process is 40 g, the maximum additional introduction amount is 15 g, and the total is 55 g, which can be handled within the range of 60 g.

[0278] Next, FIG. 14 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the determination operation of the control unit 2 associated with the installation operation of the container (tank 16) of the liquid detergent 42 in the dishwasher 1E. The operation steps ST1 to ST11 shown in this FIG. 14 are defined by the control program of the control unit 2 shown in FIG. 1.

[0279] Before the user US removes the tank 16, the user opens the lid 57. When the lid 57 is opened, a signal (release signal) indicating that the lid 57 is in an open state is input to the control unit 2. After that, when the lid 57 is closed, the release signal stops.

[0280] Also, when the tank 16 is pulled out, the reed switch 46 is once turned off, and then the reed switch 46 is turned on. Therefore, the control unit 2 detects that the tank 16 has been removed and then installed.

[0281] The control unit 2 can detect that the installation operation of the tank 16 has been performed either by both the opening and closing of the lid 57 and the change of the reed switch 46 from OFF to ON as described above, or by either one of them. In the first embodiment, step ST1 is started by detecting the opening and closing of the lid 57 as described above.

[0282] When there is step ST1, in the next step ST2, it is determined whether the reed switch 46 is turned on. As described above, since the permanent magnet 16M and the reed switch 46 are tank position detection means 72 for detecting that the tank 16 is correctly installed when the tank 16 is installed in the normal position, if the tank 16 is placed in the correct position, this step ST2 will result in a "Yes" determination.

[0283] If the position of the tank 16 is not in the correct position, the process proceeds to step ST7, and a display for requesting the user US to confirm the position of the tank 16 is performed on the display unit 3D. At the same time, the notification unit 3 also requests the user US to confirm the position of the tank 16 by voice.

[0284] At the stage of step ST2, the metering circuit 35 has already activated the light emitting circuit 36 and caused the light emitting element 39 to emit light in a predetermined wavelength range. As in the example described up to step SA2 in FIG. 12, in the case of a liquid detergent weighing 290 g, its liquid level is at a position close to the ceiling surface of the tank 16. Therefore, as shown by the arrow indicated by the broken line in FIG. 6, the light beam for liquid level detection is emitted into the liquid detergent 42, so the light receiving unit 40 cannot receive a specified amount of light. The light receiving circuit 38 inputs this state to the metering circuit 35.

[0285] In the next step ST4, when it is found that there is liquid detergent 42 up to the liquid level that blocks the progress of the light beam for water level detection, at that time, the amount of the liquid detergent 42 is 155 cc (155 g) or more. On the other hand, since the determination threshold for this step ST4 is "150 g", the determination for this step ST4 is "Yes", and the process proceeds to step ST5.

[0286] In the next step ST5, the display unit 3D displays that there is sufficient remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 in characters, bar graphs, etc. Then, the notification unit 3 also notifies the same meaning by voice. Then, in step ST6, if there is a driving start command from the user US, it is notified that the cleaning process can be started, and the standby state is maintained. The previous process is temporarily stored in the storage unit 12M (not shown) built in the weighing unit 12, but it may also be recorded in the storage unit 10.

[0287] On the other hand, if the weight of the liquid detergent 42 is measured as 90 g in step ST3 as described above, and the "Yes condition" of the determination in step ST4 is 150 g, this step ST4 will be "No". Then, it proceeds to step ST8.

[0288] In step ST8, on the display unit 3D, it is displayed in characters, bar graphs, etc. that the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 is not sufficient, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the same meaning by voice. Then, the user is prompted to perform the replenishment operation of the liquid detergent 42.

[0289] After that, when the user US takes out the tank 16 from the storage space 45, replenishes the liquid detergent 42, and sets it in the storage space 45 again, such attachment and detachment of the tank 16 are detected by the measurement circuit 35. As described above, when the tank 16 is pulled out, the reed switch 46 is once turned off. When the tank 16 is set at the proper position again, it returns to step ST3 and the weight is measured (the previous measurement value is reset).

[0290] Also, before taking out the tank 16, the lid 57 is opened. Since there is a detection circuit 35R for detecting the state of a lock mechanism (not shown) for keeping the lid 57 in the closed position, it is detected by the control unit 2 that the lid 57 has changed from the open state to the closed state. Therefore, in addition to the reed switch 46 being once turned off by pulling out the tank 16, the control unit 2 detects the attachment and detachment of the tank 16.

[0291] On the other hand, if the tank 16 is not removed from the storage space 45, the process proceeds to step ST11. In step ST11, on the display unit 3D, it is displayed in characters that the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 is insufficient and the operation cannot be started without replenishment, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the same meaning in voice. Then, after a certain grace period (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed, the power supply of the power supply unit 7 is turned off.

[0292] The content showing the process leading to this step ST8 is also temporarily stored in the storage unit 12M (not shown) built into the metering unit 12, but it may be recorded in the storage unit 10.

[0293] Next, FIG. 15 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 2 when the door of the electric device (dishwasher 1E) according to the first embodiment is opened. The operation steps SM1 to SM6 shown in this FIG. 15 are defined by the control program of the control unit 2 shown in FIG. 1.

[0294] When the door 44 is open, the user US can close the door 44 at any time. When a fingertip is placed on the handle (grip part) 55 of the operation unit 54, an operation switch (not shown) arranged inside the handle 55 senses the operation and sends a signal to the control unit 2. The control unit 2 can issue a command to the drive circuit 89 to drive the drive motor 70 and move the door 44 in the closing direction.

[0295] Step SM1 shown in FIG. 15 is a step of determining whether a door operation signal has been received from the operation switch (not shown) of the handle 55 portion as described above. In the next step SM2, as described in step ST1 of FIG. 14, if it is detected by the tank position detecting means 72 composed of the permanent magnet 16M and the reed switch 46 that the tank 16 is correctly installed, it is determined as "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SM3.

[0296] In the next step SM3, for example, the notification unit 3 guides the user by voice, such as "Close the door". Then, after this, the process proceeds to step SM4, and it waits for a movement (closing) command for the door 44. When a movement command is received, step SM4 becomes "Yes", and the process proceeds to step SM5, where the control unit 2 issues a command to the drive circuit 89. As a result, the drive motor 70 starts to rotate in a predetermined direction to start the operation of pulling the door 44 back into the housing 14.

[0297] On the other hand, when step SM2 results in a "No" determination, the process proceeds to step SM6, and the notification unit 3 and the display unit 3D request the user US to confirm the correct installation of the tank 16. For example, it prompts the user to check that the lid 57 of the door 44 is completely closed.

[0298] As is clear from the above description, unless the tank 16 filled with the liquid detergent 42 is placed in the normal position in the storage space 45 and the lid 57 is completely closed, even if the user operates the handle 55, the control unit 2 will not issue a movement command for the door 44. Therefore, when a part of the tank 16 protrudes partially outside the right end face of the door 44, the door 44 will not move inadvertently, so a situation where the tank 16 collides with the edge of the installation opening 121A of the kitchen furniture 121 and is damaged will not occur.

[0299] Although not described in detail, when the tank 16 is taken out of the storage space 45 during the period when the door 44 is open, for example, on the display part (not shown) on the top surface of the door 44, it may display that the tank 16 is not installed, or emit light to draw attention by a light-emitting element such as an LED from the top surface part toward the installation opening 121A of the kitchen furniture 121. And when the tank position detecting means 72 determines that the tank 16 is correctly stored in the door 44, it is better to configure the light-emitting element (not shown) to stop emitting light at that stage.

[0300] Since the storage space 45 for storing the tank 16 also stores the weight sensor 37 and other electrical components as described in FIG. 6, it is not preferable for moisture and water vapor generated inside the washing tub 15 to flow in. However, in the first embodiment, the door 44 does not close from the open state and the washing process does not start unless it is confirmed that the lid 57 is closed, so the safety is high in this respect as well.

[0301] Next, FIG. 16 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the process from the start to the end of the operation of the dishwasher 1E shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 16, the description of the water quality detection (judgment) process SLP1 of the washing process described above is omitted.

[0302] As shown in FIG. 16, when the user US accommodates the washing tub 15 in the housing 14 and then gives an operation start command to the input unit 54 (step SB1), during the period when the drain pump 52 is stopped, the operation of the washing pump 49 connected to the water pipe is started, and the water supply process is started (step SB2).

[0303] When a specified amount of washing water (tap water) accumulates in the washing tub 15, the water amount detection unit 71 equipped with a water level sensor (not shown) sends a signal to the control unit 2 to stop the washing pump 49. Then, the control valve (or supply pump) 48 in the supply path connecting the tank 16 to the inside of the washing tub 15 is opened in response to a command from the control unit 2, and the liquid detergent 42 required for one dishwashing is injected into the washing tub 15 (step SB3). The amount of this liquid detergent 42 varies depending on the number of dishes to be washed and the selection of the washing course (for example, "thorough washing"), and is not always a fixed amount.

[0304] When the injection of the liquid detergent 42 into the washing tank 15 is completed and the water stored in the washing tank 15 is heated by the electric heater 51 (the first heater 51A) to become hot water, it is used for dishwashing. That is, the control unit 2 automatically starts the washing operation. After that, it is determined whether the specified washing time determined by the control unit 2 has elapsed (step SB4). When the washing time has elapsed, the washing process ends (step SB4). Note that the time data of the timer unit 5 described in FIG. 1 is used as the washing time.

[0305] Next, the operation of the drain pump 52 is started (step SB5), and the draining process is started. When the draining is completed, the drain pump 52 is stopped, and the washing pump 49 is operated again to store clean water in the washing tank 15. Note that the water stored in the washing tank 15 is heated by the electric heater 51 (51A) to become hot water and is also used for rinsing (step SB6). When the specified rinsing process time has elapsed, the drain pump 52 is operated, and the draining process is started (step SB7).

[0306] It is determined whether the draining has ended (step SB8). If it has ended, the second electric heater 51B is energized to start heating the air inside the washing tank 15 to start the drying process (step SB9). Note that the blower fan 53 for supplying warm air heated by the electric heater 51B toward the washing tank 15 is operated, so that hot air circulates throughout the inside of the washing tank 15. As a result, the humid air is continuously discharged from the washing tank 15 to the outside and is gradually replaced by dry air.

[0307] Steps SB9 to SB12 are characteristic operations of this electric appliance (the dishwasher 1E). In step SB9, the control unit 2 performs the remaining amount (usage amount) estimation process AP1 of the liquid detergent 42 described in FIG. 9 and the operable number estimation process AP2 based on the remaining amount estimation result.

[0308] First, in step SB9, the net remaining amount (weight value: e.g., 290 g) of the actual liquid detergent 42, excluding the weight value (e.g., 60 g) of the tank 16 measured in step SA1 of FIG. 11, is read from a storage unit 12M (not shown) built into the metering unit 12. Then, a calculation is performed to subtract the amount (weight value: e.g., 40 g) of the liquid detergent 42 commanded and supplied in step SB3 of FIG. 14 from the remaining amount (weight value: e.g., 290 g). As a result, it can be seen that the remaining amount value (weight) is 250 g. This is the remaining amount (usage amount) estimation process AP1 of the liquid detergent 42 shown in FIG. 9. In step SB9, if the amount of the liquid detergent 42 additionally input in the water quality detection (determination) process SLP1 of the cleaning step is known, the remaining amount (usage amount) estimation process AP1 of the liquid detergent 42 is also performed taking this additional input amount into account.

[0309] Next, in step SB9, the control unit 2 performs an estimable number of operations estimation process AP2 based on the remaining amount estimation result (250 g). Specifically, the average value (average weight value WA) of the amount of the liquid detergent 42 supplied per time in step SB3 in the past in the tableware washing step is used. For example, if the average value is 45 g, then 250÷45 = 5.5 times, so it is possible to perform 5 washing operations.

[0310] In the tableware washing machine 1E of this Embodiment 1, although the description is made for the case where the amount (weight) of the liquid detergent 42 input from the tank 16 is not constant for one tableware washing, when it is constant, the "average value (average weight value WA)" of the input amount of the liquid detergent 42 is a constant value.

[0311] On the other hand, when the amount (weight) of the liquid detergent 42 input from the tank 16 is not constant for one tableware washing, the "average value (average weight value WA)" of the input amount of the liquid detergent 42 is determined from the result of the weight measurement (step SA1 in FIG. 11) before the next washing after one washing operation is completed.

[0312] That is, the difference between the weight measurement value of the tank 16 taken before the immediately preceding cleaning step (step SA1 in FIG. 11) and the weight value measured during the next cleaning operation (in step SA1) indicates the actual usage amount of the liquid detergent 42. Therefore, the measurement values in such step SA1 may be sequentially added, and for example, the total weight value WT for 5 times may be divided by the number of cleaning operations (5 times).

[0313] In this Embodiment 1, in the operable number estimation process AP2, since it is desired to notify the user US with a margin of one operable number, the above-mentioned "5 times" is corrected to "4 times" by the control unit 2.

[0314] Thus, "status information A" including the information of "remaining amount of liquid detergent 250 g" and "operable number 4 times" is generated by the control unit 2. Then, this "status information A" is acquired by the consumption information acquisition unit 11 (step SB10). Note that the "status information A" may include data such as the dishwashing course selected by the user US before the operation start command (step SB1 in FIG. 8) and the amount of dishes input at that time (for example, conversion data for 4 persons, 6 persons, etc.).

[0315] In the next step SB11, this "status information A" is stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 10 in time series (step SB10). In the next step SB12, the latest status information A among the "status information A" stored in the storage unit 10 is transmitted from the communication unit 8 to the first server 20 via the network NW. Note that the status information A is transmitted in association with the device identification information of this dishwasher 1E at the time of transmission, and is stored in the device consumption database 23R of the electrical device information holding unit 23 shown in FIG. 1 in association with the device identification information of the dishwasher 1E.

[0316] As described with reference to FIG. 9, the transmission process in step SB12 is executed at least by the stage (step S10) when the drying process ends. Therefore, the main power switch is not turned off before transmission, and step SB12 is always executed for each dishwashing operation. Note that the process of step SB12 may be executed at a timing earlier than the stage (step S8) when the cleaning process ends shown in FIG. 9.

[0317] As described with reference to FIG. 9, when the time set by the control unit 2 has elapsed, the drying process automatically ends, and the notification unit 9 notifies the end of the operation (step SB13). Also, a similar end-of-operation display is performed on the display unit 3D (step SB13). After that, the power supply of the power supply unit 7 is automatically cut off, and a series of cleaning and drying operations end (step SB14).

[0318] Note that in step SB11, the state information A stored in a predetermined area of the storage unit 10 includes data reflecting the amount of the additional liquid detergent 42 added in the water quality detection (determination) process SLP1 of the cleaning process, if any. Also, when the user US has set it in advance, the fact of the additional input of the liquid detergent 42 in such a cleaning process and the fact of the change in the number of rinsing times in the rinsing process are also notified to the user US. That is, it is included in the state information A transmitted to the first server 20 as well.

[0319] Next, FIG. 17 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart 1 showing the basic operation of the consumable remaining amount management system of the first server 20 in Embodiment 1. Note that in FIG. 17, the explanation about managing the remaining amount of consumables for each facility such as each household or office by the facility ID is omitted.

[0320] Steps SC1 to SC5 show the consumable remaining amount management system in the first server 20 in the order of the processes. Also, steps SC1 to SC5 shown in this FIG. 17 show the operations that the first server 20 periodically and repeatedly executes.

[0321] The operation shown in this Figure 17 starts at the timing set by the input of the scheduling determination unit 26 shown in Figure 1. For example, the user US can set it in the scheduling determination unit 26 so that it is executed only twice a day, at 8:01 am and 5:01 pm. Note that if the user US does not desire a regular operation, the operation shown in this Figure 17 is not executed.

[0322] First, when the time information of the built-in time circuit (not shown) in the control unit 21 reaches "17:01", the control unit 21 collates whether it matches the time setting data of the scheduling determination unit 26 (step SC1).

[0323] In the next step SC2, state information A regarding a specific user ID is collected from the equipment consumable database 23R for each user ID (step SC2). For example, as described in step SB12 of Figure 16, "state information A" including information such as "remaining amount of liquid detergent: 250 g" and "number of operable times: 4 times" is transmitted from the communication unit 8 to the first server 20 via the network NW. Therefore, this "state information A" is extracted from the equipment consumable database 23R.

[0324] The next step SC3 is a process of determining whether it is a level at which the consumables should be replenished urgently at least before the start of the next operation. The definition information of "urgency" in step SC3 of this Figure 17 is stored in the determination criterion storage unit 25 (see Figure 1) in a list (table format) for each type of consumable and the equipment identification information of the electric device 1. For example, in the case of the household dishwashing machine 1E shown in Figure 1, the equipment consumable database 23R is defined by two parameters, "remaining amount of liquid detergent" and "number of operable times", and this parameter information is stored. In the case of a commercial dishwashing machine 1E used in a restaurant or the like, it is significantly different from the household dishwashing machine 1E.

[0325] On the other hand, in the determination criterion memory unit 25, for example, the "urgency" in the case of the liquid detergent 42 has three levels. In the case of the household dishwashing machine 1E, when the "remaining amount is less than 150 g", it is set as "high urgency". This is the level that will be consumed in about three times in an average dishwashing scale (for four people's dishes, normal washing course). That is, in a household that washes dishes for about four people every day, if the liquid detergent 42 is not replenished in the tank 16 within three days, the tank 16 will reach a level where the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 is insufficient.

[0326] Therefore, for example, in the household dishwashing machine 1E, when the "remaining amount of liquid detergent is 250 g", it does not correspond to the "high urgency" level mentioned here. If the "remaining amount of liquid detergent is 110 g", among the two parameters of "remaining amount of liquid detergent" and "number of operable times", at least it corresponds to "less than 150 g of liquid detergent", so it corresponds to the "high urgency" level. In this way, in this step SC4, it is determined that the "liquid detergent 42" is a consumable with a "high urgency" level, and it is stored in the "consumable list with urgency designation" of the equipment consumable database 23R.

[0327] Note that step SC5 is a function that the control unit 21 has as an optional function. In this step SC5, when it is determined that there is a consumable with this urgency level, the first server 20 transmits a list (shopping list PL) indicating the corresponding consumable of the urgency to the communication terminal 200 specified in advance.

[0328] As can be seen from the above description, by the first server 20, every day when the set time arrives, the remaining amount of the consumable at that time is automatically extracted from the equipment consumable database 23R, and a list is created only for the consumables with urgency level data (from high to low), and it is stored in the "consumable list with urgency designation" of the equipment consumable database 23R. Note that if the optional function is selected, the consumable list will be notified to the communication terminal 200 of the user US.

[0329] Next, FIG. 18 will be described. Figure 18 is a flowchart 2 showing the basic operation of the consumable remaining quantity management system of the first server 20 in Embodiment 1. In addition, in Figure 18, the management of the remaining quantity of consumables in units of facilities such as each household and office according to the facility ID is also described.

[0330] Steps SC11 to SC15 show the consumable remaining quantity management system in the first server 20 in the order of processes. Steps SC11 to SC15 shown in this Figure 18 do not show the operations that the first server 20 periodically repeats, but show the operations only when a predetermined request from the communication terminal 200 is received.

[0331] Step SC11 shows the operation when the first server 20 receives a predetermined data provision request (hereinafter referred to as "terminal request 1") from the communication terminal 200. First, the received user ID is compared with the database of the user identification unit 24 to identify the user US. In addition to the user ID, when the input of the facility ID is received, the corresponding facility is identified from the user identification unit 24. Thereby, both the facility and the user US are identified.

[0332] In the next step SC12, it is determined whether the remaining quantity data (status information A) of consumables is requested for all the registered electrical devices 1 in the facility. When the terminal request 1 is received regarding the electrical device 1 of only a specific user US by the input from the communication terminal 200 (in the case of "No" in the determination of step SC12), the control unit 21 extracts the consumables that have received the determination of the urgency level from the data associated with the user ID of the specific user US (step SC14). That is, instead of searching for the status information A in units of one household, one store, office, etc., the presence or absence of urgent consumables is extracted within the range of only the electrical device 1 associated with the user ID of one user US (step SC14).

[0333] On the one hand, when the terminal requirement 1 is to extract data on the emergency level in units such as one household, one store, or one office, etc., within the range of various electrical devices 1 registered in the facility specified by one input "facility ID", the presence or absence of the consumables specified for the emergency level is extracted (step SC13).

[0334] In step SC15, the data on the emergency level specified (with three levels) extracted in step SC13 or SC14 is stored in the "List of Consumables Specified for Emergency Level" in the equipment consumables database 23R.

[0335] Then, a list indicating the consumables specified for the emergency level is transmitted to the communication terminal 200 that has sent the terminal requirement 1.

[0336] As can be understood from the description of FIG. 18, for the first server 20, the user US can send the terminal requirement 1 at any timing using the communication terminal 200. Therefore, for example, when the user US goes shopping at a store such as a supermarket or a home center, the latest remaining quantity data of the consumables can be known at that time using the brought communication terminal 200. Moreover, since the consumables list in that case is the "List of Consumables Specified for Emergency Level" extracted based on the determination criteria of the determination criteria storage unit 25, that is, the shopping list PL, the user US can easily and quickly recognize the consumables with a high emergency level.

[0337] Next, FIGS. 19 and 20 will be described. FIG. 19 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperation operation among the electrical device 1, the first server 20, and the communication terminal 200 regarding the remaining quantity management system in the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a time chart 2 showing the cooperation operation among the electrical device 1, the first server 20, and the communication terminal 200 regarding the remaining quantity management system in the first embodiment. Note that in FIG. 19, the operation from the time when the electrical device 1 acquires the status information A is described.

[0338] The initial step SD1 indicates the stage where the status information A is obtained in the electrical device 1 such as the dishwasher 1E. This status information A is transmitted to the first server 20 (step SD2).

[0339] The next steps SD3 to SD8 indicate the operations of the first server 20. First, when the status information A is obtained (step SD3), the status information A is stored in the device consumable database 23R for each user ID. Then, from the status information A stored in the device consumable database 23R, the status information for the "urgency" (three-level) determination is extracted (step SD4), and the extracted consumable data is stored in the "urgency-designated consumable list" of the device consumable database 23R (step SD5).

[0340] The next step SD6 determines whether it is the timing to notify the urgency-designated consumable list. If the user has previously given an instruction input for the timing to the schedule determination unit 26, it is determined whether it is the notification timing set in the schedule determination unit 26. For example, if it is set to immediately notify the communication terminal 200 at the stage where the first server 20 obtains the status information A from the electrical device 1, it immediately proceeds from step SD6 to the next step SD7. If it is not the notification timing, it ends as it is.

[0341] Step SD7 is that the transceiver 30 obtains the "status information A" including the urgency-designated consumable data from the first server 20 (step SD7) and transmits a message requesting a response to the communication terminal 200 (step SD8).

[0342] The next steps SD9 to SD14 indicate the operations of the communication terminal 200. When the communication terminal 200 obtains the confirmation message (step SD9), it displays the message on the terminal-side display unit 216 having a display screen (step SD10).

[0343] When the display operation unit 225 of the communication terminal 200 receives an input by touch operation or voice input (step SD11), a response information menu for displaying the entire response information is read from the electrical equipment database 217 (step SD12). Then, the response information menu is displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216 (step SD13). Note that the response information menu will be described with reference to FIG. 21. When the user US selects one of the response information menus, one of the selected response information menus is transmitted from the communication unit 210 (step SD14).

[0344] At the first server 20, the transmitted response information menu is received (step SD15), and a determination is made as to whether further additional data processing is required for the response information menu (step SD16). Note that as an example of a case where additional data processing is required, step SD13D1 described in FIG. 21 below is one example.

[0345] In the case of a case where additional data processing is required, the process proceeds to step SD17, where the necessary data processing is performed, and the generated data is stored in the equipment consumables database 23R. Then, the data obtained by the data processing is transmitted to the communication terminal 200 (step SD18).

[0346] When the data transmitted to the communication terminal 200 is received again by touching the display operation unit 225 of the communication terminal 200 or inputting by voice (step SD11), a response information menu for displaying the entire response information is read from the electrical equipment database 217 (step SD12). In this way, again in step SD14, one response information menu selected by the user is transmitted to the first server 20.

[0347] On the other hand, in step SD16, when it is determined that no additional data processing is required, unless step SD131 in FIG. 21 is selected, the series of operations ends. If step SD131 is selected, the schedule determination unit 26 is input with the next shopping scheduled date or the like (step SD19), and a series of operations ends.

[0348] Next, FIG. 21 will be described. FIG. 21 is a process explanatory diagram showing the types of response menus and operation steps in the communication terminal 20 regarding the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment.

[0349] In FIG. 21, the display of the user intention confirmation initial screen (step SD13) means displaying a total of four options, namely steps SD13A1, SD13B1, SD13C1, and SD13D1 in FIG. 21, in a list state. This display is also performed on the terminal-side display unit 216. Note that the range of the display of the user intention confirmation initial screen (step SD13) is indicated by a broken-line frame in FIG. 21.

[0350] The range of the display of the user intention confirmation initial screen (step SD13) described in FIG. 21 does not completely match the select screen 216D, the list screen (input screen) 216P, and the individual screen (input screen) 216V described in FIGS. 27(A)(B) and 28(A)(B). In FIG. 21, some explanations are simplified.

[0351] Hereinafter, the four options will be sequentially described. First, step SD13A1 is the case where the user selects to individually check the inventory information of the consumables. In this case, the terminal-side display unit 216 switches to the inventory information confirmation screen (SD13A2). When the user US operates the display screen (or inputs by voice), as shown in SD13A3 next, the display screen switches to the one showing the detailed inventory information of the corresponding consumable (for example, liquid detergent 42). In this way, deep-level information can be sequentially confirmed. This option of step SD13A1 may be hereinafter referred to as the "second selection means". This "second selection means" corresponds to the "second selection means (icon 274)" described in FIG. 28(A).

[0352] Next, step SD13B1 is the case where the user US selects to purchase the corresponding consumable when going shopping. In this case, next, the terminal-side display unit 216 switches to a confirmation screen for inputting the plan to go shopping (SD13B2). When the user US operates the display screen to input the shopping plan (or inputs it by voice), next, as shown in SD13B3, the process proceeds to the step of issuing a command to the schedule determination unit 26 so that data such as the user US's shopping planned date and the time zone of the planned date is reflected. In this way, information with a deep hierarchy can be sequentially confirmed.

[0353] Next, step SD13C1 is the case where the user US selects to obtain the corresponding consumable through mail order without going shopping. In this case, the mail-order processing unit 234 is activated, and then the terminal-side display unit 216 switches to a display screen for connecting to a pre-set mail-order site (SD13C2).

[0354] After that, after the communication terminal 20 finishes the mail-order application (order placement) and receives a response signal indicating that the order has been received from the mail-order site, it switches to a confirmation screen indicating that (SD13C3).

[0355] Next, step SD13D1, which is the fourth response information menu, is the case where the user US selects to comprehensively consider the status confirmation of each consumable corresponding to all the electrical devices 1 registered in advance and the acquisition of the lacking consumables.

[0356] That is, it is convenient when comprehensively considering the consumable status of all the electrical devices 1 linked in units of user ID. In this case, next, the terminal-side display unit 216 switches to a confirmation screen for issuing an instruction to comprehensively collect and provide the status information A about each electrical device 1 linked to the user ID of this user US (SD13D2). The option of this step SD13D1 may be hereinafter referred to as "batch selection means". This "batch selection means" corresponds to an input means (icon) 100B for selecting "consumable material management" among the "individual menus" described in FIG. 27(A).

[0357] After finishing the steps of the above-described steps SD13A3, SD13B3, SD13C3, and SD13D2, the above-described operation input for determining response information is performed, and the process proceeds to a transmission step SD14 to the first server 20.

[0358] Next, FIG. 22 will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the communication terminal 200 regarding the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. FIG. 22 shows an example in which a user US, including an individual user US living in one household using the electric device 1 (dishwasher 1E), or a manager of one store or office (including store employees) using other electric devices 1, uses the communication terminal 200.

[0359] When the display operation unit 225 of the communication terminal 200 receives an input by a touch operation or voice input (step SE1), an input key (icon 100B, described in FIG. 27) for selecting an individual menu of "consumable material management" is displayed on the display screen displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216. That display screen is called a select screen 216D (see FIG. 27).

[0360] Therefore, when the icon 100B (see FIG. 27) is touched, it means that the individual menu (sub-menu) of "consumable material management" shown on the select screen 216D (see FIG. 27) has been selected (step SE3).

[0361] As is clear from the above description, an input screen 216D as described after FIG. 27 is displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216 at any time based on the display data from the electric device database 217.

[0362] On the input screen 216D (selection screen; see Fig. 27) at the stage of step SE3, there is no means for selecting whether to target only a specific electrical device 1 associated with one user ID or all electrical devices 1 associated with the user US in order to specify the data search range first.

[0363] Therefore, automatically in the next step SE4, data for all consumables of all electrical devices 1 is displayed. That is, data for all consumable lists corresponding to a specific user ID can be obtained in a list state and is displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216 (list screen 216P described in Fig. 28).

[0364] Next, steps SE4 and SE5 are steps added when the user US has previously selected an option function. Step SE4 corresponds to the display screen in Fig. 28(A). Since the display screen in Fig. 28(A) is displayed when the icon 100B in Fig. 27(A) is selected and is added as an option, the display screen in Fig. 28(B) may be displayed instead of the display screen in Fig. 28(A).

[0365] The stage of step SE5 is a step that is displayed when there is a consumable with an urgency specified. The display screen in Fig. 28(A) or (B) corresponds to it. In this way, when the user US requests detailed information about a specific consumable by a touch operation or the like (step SE7), the process proceeds to step SE8.

[0366] Note that at the stage of step SE4, the information at the stage of step SE6 may be notified and step SE5 may be omitted.

[0367] When the user US has not selected the option function, the process proceeds directly from step SE3 to step SE6. As described in step SD5 of FIG. 19, step SE6 is a step of displaying information on the relevant consumable on the list screen 216P when there is data on the consumable with the information on "alert level" pre-stored in the first server 20.

[0368] As another optional function, it may be possible to display the degree of decrease of the consumable at the stage of step SE5. This is to obtain and display data such as the weight and volume of the consumable decreased in one operation of the electric device 1 from the change of the status information A acquired by the first server 20. As a result, information is provided to the user US in the form of the display area 291 shown in FIG. 31(A).

[0369] As described in FIG. 19, if, as a result of searching for the consumables associated with the classification information of "alert level" from the status information A stored in the device consumable database 23R, there is no status information A with a high "alert level", the series of display operations ends.

[0370] On the other hand, if the selection to display details for the consumable with a high urgency level is step SE7, step SE7 results in a "Yes" determination and proceeds to step SE8. In step SE8, detailed information on the specific consumable with a high "urgency level" that the user US is desired to obtain early is displayed.

[0371] When the input screen 216D (described after FIG. 28) is further touched or voice input is given, the input screen 216D changes to a display asking for confirmation of whether to add to the shopping list PL, that is, whether to change the shopping list (step SE9). For example, the input screen 216D simultaneously displays a question "Do you want to change the shopping list?" and two icons "Change" and "Do not change", and asks to select one of the icons by a touch operation.

[0372] If "Modify" is selected in step SE9, the process proceeds to step SE10. In step SE10, the user US is asked to confirm whether there are consumer goods to be displayed in more detail. If a selection is made here to request additional display of data regarding the consumer goods (step SE12), the process returns to step SE8, and detailed consumer goods data corresponding to the additional items is displayed.

[0373] In addition, in step SE8, when the communication terminal 200 first acquires data on the detailed information of the consumer goods determined by the first server 20 to be "high urgency", it is temporarily stored as "extracted consumer goods data" in a specific storage area in the electrical equipment database 217. Here, the meaning of "temporarily" is that it is automatically deleted, for example, after 24 hours have passed. Alternatively, it may be automatically deleted as old data at the stage when a change to the shopping list (step SE11) as shown in this Figure 22 is made.

[0374] If "Modify" is selected for the shopping list in step SE9, in step SE10, the terminal control unit 212 generates a shopping list (overwriting it if there is already a shopping list) and displays it on the terminal-side display unit 216. This shopping list is temporarily stored as "shopping list data" in the electrical equipment database 217. For example, it is retained for 48 hours after being stored, but after that time, it is either automatically deleted, or a message such as "Do you want to delete?" is displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216 in advance to request confirmation, and it may be deleted if consent to deletion is given.

[0375] Note that when the display in step SE11 ends, the series of operations shown in this Figure 22 ends. Similarly, when "Do not modify" is selected in step SE9, the series of operations shown in this Figure 22 also ends. The operation of the shopping list creation unit 231 ends here.

[0376] In this way, in the communication terminal 200, information on consumables to be obtained can be collected from the status information A regarding the consumables of each electric device 1, and a draft of the shopping list PL can be created. Furthermore, as described with reference to FIG. 22, in the communication terminal 200, a past shopping list PL indicating the consumables of each electric device 1 can be called up and arbitrarily added by the user US.

[0377] Note that at the stage of step SE11, the past "shopping list data" (final version) stored in the electric device database 217 is displayed. Looking at the list, if the user vocalizes "add" by voice input or if the input key 285 (see FIG. 29) labeled "purchase" is displayed, the user can touch the input key 285 to instruct the addition of consumables. Upon receiving this addition input, the draft of the "shopping list" is stored in the electric device database 217 as the "shopping list data" (final version).

[0378] Next, FIG. 23 will be described. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the status information A acquired by the first server 20 from the dishwasher 1E by the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. In FIG. 23, L1 is the user ID for registering (by the communication terminal 200) with the first server 20 that the "user" using the dishwasher 1E is.

[0379] When the dishwasher 1E is a business-use device used in a store or the like, the operator of the store or a specific employee or the like can be the "user".

[0380] L2 is the device identification information 1, which is the model number, model number, etc. determined by the manufacturer of the dishwasher 1E. This device identification information 1 is displayed on the rating nameplate or external parts (such as the door) of the dishwasher 1E, and is also specified in the warranty at the time of purchase. The device identification information 1 of the dishwasher 1E is held by the device information holding unit 6 described in FIG. 1.

[0381] L3 is device identification information 2, which is the manufacturing number (also referred to as the serial number) determined by the manufacturer (manufacturing company) of the dishwasher 1E. This device identification information 2 is displayed on the rating plate, outer parts, etc. of the dishwasher 1E, and is also specified in the warranty at the time of purchase. The device identification information 2 of the dishwasher 1E is held by the device information holding unit 6 described in FIG. 1.

[0382] L4 is the name of the electrical device, which is the name determined by the manufacturer of the dishwasher 1E. This name of the electrical device is also information specified in the warranty at the time of purchase.

[0383] L5 to L9 are consumable material information, which is important information constituting the core of the state information A. L5 is the name of the consumable material, which indicates the product name of the recommended consumable material determined by the manufacturer of the dishwasher 1E. For example, it is a name with a usage indication such as "Liquid Dishwashing Detergent XX", and it is always displayed on commercially available products.

[0384] The name L5 of the consumable material may use the JAN, which is a well-known product code. The JAN code has a 13-digit numeric display type and a shortened 8-digit type, and either can be used, or it can be used in combination with an identification method other than the JAN code.

[0385] L6 indicates the consumption amount of the consumable material consumed in one operation of the function execution unit 9, that is, in one operation for dishwashing. For example, in the case of a liquid detergent, it is displayed as 40 cc, 40 g, etc. In another dishwasher 1E, it is displayed as one or two tablet detergents (solid detergents).

[0386] As described in FIG. 1, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 extracts, from among various data stored in the storage unit 12M (not shown) of the measurement unit 12, the data calculated as the weight data of the liquid detergent 42 excluding the weight of the tank 16, and holds that data. In the case of tablet detergents, the number of tablets inserted (counted by an optical sensor or the like) may be counted to estimate the consumption amount, but detailed explanations are omitted.

[0387] Further, since the consumption information acquisition unit 11 also holds data on the consumption amount consumed per operation determined by the manufacturer of the dishwasher 1E, the consumption amount per operation is subtracted from the weight value of the detergent 42 measured by the metering unit 12 to obtain data L7 on the remaining amount. Finally, the "margin" described later is determined, and data indicating this margin is held.

[0388] As described with reference to FIG. 6, L8 is information indicating the measurement date and time when the weight of the consumable (liquid detergent 42) was actually measured. L9 is information indicating the margin. The "margin" is determined according to the number of days until the point when the remaining amount of the consumable decreases and the operation of the electric device 1 is impaired. For example, for "1 day, 2 days", the margin is "A", which is the situation with the least margin, and it is necessary to obtain the consumable as a top priority.

[0389] The "B" of the margin shown in FIG. 23 is a situation with a little less margin. For example, it is information indicating the case where the number of days until the point when the remaining amount of the consumable decreases and the operation of the electric device 1 is impaired is "3 days to 5 days". For example, as shown in FIG. 23, if the remaining amount is 150 g, it is estimated that 40 g is consumed per day for one wash, and 120 g is consumed for 3 days, so it is possible to operate for 3 days. Note that the margin C indicates a state with even more margin than the margin B.

[0390] Rather than generating and transmitting the data indicating the margin on the side of the electric device 1, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 may acquire the results of the usage amount estimation process AP1 performed by the control unit 2 and the operable number of times estimation process AP2 based on the remaining amount estimation result, and transmit the data indicating these process results. Alternatively, the data of these processes may be classified into hierarchies (for example, three levels) according to the urgency of obtaining the consumables, and transmitted as indices (for example, three levels of A, B, and C).

[0391] Next, FIG. 24 will be described. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data of the shopping list PL held in the first server 20 by the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. Note that the content of the shopping list PL here is different from the content of the shopping list PL described in FIG. 28. FIG. 24 is an explanation in data format, while in FIG. 28, from the perspective of the user US, the existence of the consumables to be obtained can be known simply and quickly.

[0392] That is, in FIG. 24, the target consumables are displayed in a horizontally long list format. When this data is actually displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200, the display form may be appropriately changed according to the size and shape of the screen (described in FIG. 28). In addition, although FIG. 24 describes various data for explaining the types of data, not all of these data are displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200, and are appropriately selected and displayed according to the wishes of the user US.

[0393] In FIG. 24, L1, L3, and L5 are the various types of information described in FIG. 23, so duplicate explanations are omitted. However, L1 indicating the user ID is held by the user / facility specifying unit 24 described in FIG. 1.

[0394] In FIG. 24, L10 is the unique information such as the address when the location where the dishwasher 1E is used is registered with the first server 20 (by the communication terminal 200). For example, when the electric device 1 is a household dishwasher 1E and the user US registers it by the communication terminal 200 associated with the user ID of the user, it is the unique information indicating one household where the dishwasher 1E is installed (for example, the address including the house number of the residence or the installation location information). This information L10 is held by the user / facility identification unit 24 described in FIG. 1.

[0395] When the dishwasher 1E is a business-use device used in a store or the like, since the location of the store or the like becomes the target of the facility ID, the facility ID uses the identification information of the location of the store or the like.

[0396] L11 is the category of the electric device 1 such as the dishwasher 1E classified from the usage and the main technical fields (washing, air survey, cooking, refrigeration, etc.). This category information L11 of the device is convenient when the user US searches with keywords such as "washing".

[0397] L12 is the category of the consumables (liquid detergent, etc.) used in the various electric devices 1 of the dishwasher 1E classified from the usage (general market volume, for special industries, etc.) and the main technical characteristics (liquid, individual, replacement parts, etc.). This category information L12 of the consumables is convenient when the user US searches with keywords such as "commercially available detergent" before going shopping at a general home center or at the destination. Note that this category information L12 of the consumables is used for the classification of various consumables stored in the consumable database 28 described in FIG. 1.

[0398] L13 is the consumable ID, which is unique information for identifying each of the consumables (such as the liquid detergent 42). This consumable ID is obtained by the first server 20 analyzing the status information A transmitted from the electric device 1 and extracting the corresponding consumable from the consumables held in the consumable database 28 and attaching it to that consumable. Therefore, the status information A transmitted from the electric device 1 for the first time after the electric device 1 is installed does not contain the data of this consumable ID. However, after being received by the first server 20, the corresponding consumable is extracted, and the identification information originally attached to the extracted consumable is included as the consumable ID to enrich the data as shown in FIG. 24.

[0399] The consumable ID (L13) may use the JAN code, which is a well-known product code. The JAN code has a 13-digit numerical display type and a shortened 8-digit type, and either can be used, or it can be used in combination with an identification method other than the JAN code.

[0400] L14 is data indicating the rated capacity of the sales unit of the consumable. L15 is also data indicating the sales unit of the consumable. In the case of the liquid detergent 42 of the dishwasher 1E in FIG. 24, it indicates that the capacity is 500 ml (milliliters) and it is sold one by one. These pieces of information are also collated by the control unit 21 with the status information A from the various data of the consumables held in the consumable database 28 and stored in the device consumable database 23R in the form of FIG. 24.

[0401] L16 is data indicating the urgency level. "High" indicates a high urgency level, but in actual data processing, for example, it is replaced by a single-digit number and processed. Note that the urgency level is classified into, for example, three levels from high to low.

[0402] Note that the "filter" in the "ventilator" category of the equipment in FIG. 24 refers to a filter installed in contaminated air such as fumes from the exhaust of a cooking heater or generated from the food to be cooked. Such an air purification filter catches fine oil particles in the fumes and gradually becomes clogged. Therefore, when used for a certain period of time, the manufacturer of the ventilator recommends disposal, and replacement with a new filter is required. In the example of FIG. 24, it can be seen that the filter is usually sold in sets of three (at this point).

[0403] Next, FIG. 25 will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart 2 showing the operation of the communication terminal 200 regarding the remaining amount management system in Embodiment 1. This FIG. 25 shows the operation of the sub-menu "Consumable Material Management (Remaining Amount / Replenishment)", which is different from the time chart of "Latest Shopping List Viewing" of the sub-menu described in FIG. 22. Note that this sub-menu refers to the individual menu described in FIG. 28(A). The sub-menu "Consumable Material Management (Remaining Amount / Replenishment)" can be selected by the input key (icon) 100B described in FIG. 28(A).

[0404] In this FIG. 25, similar to FIG. 22, both general individual users and administrators who use the electric device 1 in facilities such as restaurants and offices are simply referred to as user US for simplicity of explanation. First, step SE21 is the stage where the user US starts input on the display operation unit 225 such as the touch operation unit 215 in the communication terminal 200.

[0405] When the display operation unit 225 of the communication terminal 200 receives an input by touch operation or voice input (step SE21), a "Consumable Material Management Menu" is displayed on the display screen (of the top page) displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216 (step SE22).

[0406] On the display screen of the top page, a plurality of "main menus" such as "Mail", "Internet", and "Search" are also displayed. Therefore, when "Consumable Management Menu" is selected from the main menu in the displayed content, the sub-menu "Consumable Management (Remaining Quantity / Replenishment)" is then displayed (step SE23). The display screen displayed in this state is the "Select Screen" 216D, which is illustrated in FIG. 27(A) and will be described later.

[0407] As is clear from the above description, the select screen (input screen) 216D is displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216 as needed based on the display data from the electrical equipment database 217.

[0408] On the input screen 216D (see FIG. 27) at the stage of step SE23, there is no means for selecting whether to target only a specific electrical equipment 1 associated with one user ID or all the electrical equipment 1 associated with the user US in order to specify the data search range first.

[0409] Therefore, automatically, in the next step SE23, data for all consumables of all the electrical equipment 1 is displayed. That is, data for all consumable lists corresponding to a specific user ID can be obtained in a list state and displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216.

[0410] In particular, in this step SE23, as described in step SD5 of FIG. 19, it is a step for determining whether there is consumable data with the information of "urgency" pre-stored in the first server 20.

[0411] As described in FIG. 19, as a result of searching for consumables associated with the classification information of "urgency" from the status information A stored in the equipment consumable database 23R, if there is no status information A with a high "urgency", step SE23 results in a "No" answer and proceeds to step SE33.

[0412] Note that, if, by the stage of step SE22, the communication terminal 200 has not acquired, in the electrical equipment database 217, data for all the consumables of all the electrical equipment 1 held by the first server 20 (relating to a specific user ID), then, in this step SE23, the communication terminal 200 acquires data by wireless communication with the first server 20. Then, the terminal identification information held by the terminal identification information holding unit 226 and the information of the specific user ID are compared with the registered data held by the user / facility specifying unit 24 of the first server 20, and the data of the consumables stored in the equipment consumables database 23R are provided to the communication terminal 200.

[0413] On the other hand, if there is status information A for specifying consumables with a high degree of urgency, step SE23 results in a "Yes" determination and proceeds to step SE24. In step SE24, detailed information about specific consumable candidates with a "high degree of urgency" that the user US is desired to acquire early is displayed in a list form.

[0414] When the input screen 216D (described from FIG. 27 onwards) is further touched or input is given by voice to request the display of detailed information about a specific consumable (step SE25), detailed information about the specified consumable is displayed (FIG. 25), and when a specific input key on the display screen 216D is operated, it is displayed that reference information (advice) such as purchase or selection of the displayed consumable is additionally displayed (step SE26).

[0415] When the input screen 216D is further touched or input is given by voice to request the display of reference information (advice) about a specific consumable (step SE27), the reference information (advice) is displayed (step SE28).

[0416] The next step SE29 is a step that asks whether to add to the shopping list PL, that is, to confirm whether to change the shopping list. In this step SE29, the input screen 216D changes to a display that asks whether to add to the shopping list, that is, to confirm whether to change the shopping list. For example, on the input screen 216D, a question "Do you want to change the shopping list?" and two icons "Change" and "Do not change" are simultaneously displayed, and it is required to select one of the icons by a touch operation. Or, as will be described with reference to FIG. 28, an input key (icon) 285 for instructing purchase is displayed.

[0417] If "Add to shopping list" is selected in step SE29, the process proceeds to step SE30. In step SE30, the user US is asked to confirm whether there are consumer goods to be displayed in more detail. If a selection is made here to request additional display of data related to consumer goods (step SE32), the process returns to step SE28, and detailed consumer goods data corresponding to the additional items is displayed.

[0418] If "Add to shopping list" is selected in step SE29, in step SE31, the terminal control unit 212 generates a shopping list (overwriting it if there is already a shopping list) and displays it on the terminal-side display unit 216. This shopping list is temporarily stored as "shopping list data" in the electrical equipment database 217. For example, it is held for 48 hours after being stored, and after that time elapses, it is automatically deleted, or a message asking for confirmation such as "Do you want to delete?" may be displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216 in advance, and it may be deleted if consent to deletion is given.

[0419] Note that when the display in step SE31 ends, the series of operations shown in this FIG. 25 ends. Similarly, when "Do not change the shopping list" is selected in step SE29, the series of operations shown in this FIG. 25 also ends. The operation of the shopping list creation unit 231 ends here.

[0420] In this way, in the communication terminal 200, from the latest status information A regarding the consumables of each electric device 1, information on the consumables that the user US should preferentially obtain can be collected, and a shopping list PL can be created. Furthermore, as described with reference to FIG. 25, reference information (advice) such as purchase and selection of consumables with a high degree of urgency is also selectively added and displayed according to the user's preference (step SE28). For this reason, it is possible to reduce the situation where the user US shops relying on past memories and support the acquisition of accurate consumables.

[0421] Note that at the stage of step SE31, the past "shopping list data" stored in the electric device database 217 is changed to a new shopping list (final version) created by the shopping list creation unit 231 at the stage of step SE31 and stored in the electric device database 217.

[0422] Next, FIG. 26 will be described. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in information regarding consumables from an electric device to the communication terminal 200 via the first server in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment.

[0423] As shown in FIG. 26, in the electric device 1, the status information A generated or acquired by the control unit 2 includes user ID, device identification information, an estimated remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42, an estimated number of operable times, and information indicating a margin. Note that FIG. 26 does not show the operation information of the electric device 1.

[0424] The status information A generated or acquired by the control unit 21 of the first server 20 includes user ID, device identification information, consumable information (including urgency information) including consumable ID, determination information 1, and determination information 2, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Note that determination information 1 and determination information 2 will be described in detail later.

[0425] In addition, the first server 20 can know the change value from the previous reception by receiving the estimated remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 from the electric device 1 each time. That is, since the estimated remaining amount can be received from the electric device 1 together with the operation information each time, the weight, volume, etc. of the consumables consumed in one operation can be calculated, the data can be held by the electric device information holding unit 23, and can also be provided to the communication terminal 200. With this function, for example, as shown in the display area 291 of FIG. 31(A), it becomes possible to notify the user US of the decrease amount of the consumables.

[0426] The information providing server 20N connected to the first server 20 via the network NW holds consumable information and electric device information, and is transmitted to the first server 20 in a timely manner. Then, it is used to update the data in the consumable database 28 and the electric device information holding unit 23 to the latest information.

[0427] The consumable data provided by the communication terminal 200 includes consumable information including user ID, device identification information, consumable ID, determination information 1 and determination information 2 described later, and emergency degree information.

[0428] Next, FIGS. 27 to 31 will be described. FIG. 27 is an operation explanatory diagram 1 of the communication terminal 200 showing a scene where data of a shopping list is acquired from the first server in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment.

[0429] FIG. 27 shows the display content of the terminal-side display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200. This display screen also serves as a touch-type input operation screen. FIGS. 27(A) and 27(B) are enlarged views of the terminal-side display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200 as viewed from the front. The terminal-side display unit 216 is formed by covering the surface of a liquid crystal display screen or an organic EL display screen with a glass plate.

[0430] On the upper surface (front surface) of the glass plate, although there are no physical structures, various icons (input keys) 100A to 100E, 261R, 261L, 263, 264, etc., which will be described later, can be visually recognized by the display on the terminal-side display unit 216. It is not the case that a specific part of the glass plate itself emits light or generates an image. However, in the following description, from the perspective of the user US who visually recognizes this, the expression "displayed on the display screen" is used for the display of characters, figures, and other information in this way.

[0431] The icons 100A to 100E, 261R, 261L, 263, 264, etc. can perform desired inputs. That is, capacitance detection type keys are arranged in individual icon portions. When the user US touches the icon with the fingertip FG, a command signal for the terminal control unit 212 is generated in the touch operation unit 215 (see FIG. 2).

[0432] To display the existence and function of the icon, a specific function is displayed in characters or figures (at least in a state where input can be accepted). For example, as in the example of FIG. 27(A), at the position of the icon 100A, a display such as "Electrical Equipment Usage Guide" appears as character information.

[0433] As shown in FIG. 27(A), a select screen 216D is displayed on the entire terminal-side display unit 216. The "select screen 216D" here is a screen on which various functions related to the management of the remaining amount, replenishment, procurement, etc. of consumables (corresponding to the above-mentioned "sub-menu" or the "individual menu" to be described later) can be selected by the icons 100A to 100E, etc.

[0434] When the communication terminal 200 is activated, an icon 99 (not shown) of the "consumable management menu" is displayed on the display screen (top page) first displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216 (see step SE2 in FIG. 22). When the icon 99 is touched and operated, the select screen 216D of FIG. 27(A) is displayed. That is, the user US can display this select screen 216D with a single touch operation.

[0435] In FIG. 27(A), the five menus selected by the icons 100A to 100E are called individual menus. 100A is an icon of an individual menu that provides useful information to the user US when using various electrical devices 1 connected to the communication terminal 200 and the network NW. When this icon 100A is touched, the display screen changes as shown in FIG. 27(B). 100AG is a menu display section that corresponds one-to-one to the icons 100A to 100E, respectively.

[0436] In FIGS. 27(A) and 27(B), 260 is a display section indicating that it is a selection screen for an individual menu, 261R is a triangular icon, and when this is touched, this selection screen changes in an image of moving to the right and switches to another display screen. 261L is a triangular icon similar to the icon 261R, and when this is touched, this selection screen changes in an image of moving to the left and switches to another display screen.

[0437] The terminal-side display section 216 of the communication terminal 200 shown in FIGS. 28 to 31 can switch the display screen without touching the icons 261L and 261R. That is, while the user US touches with the fingertip FG on a part other than the individual icon parts and moves it in the left-right or up-down direction (also called a slide operation), a command signal for the terminal control section 212 is generated in the touch operation section 215 (see FIG. 2). Then, another display screen is displayed according to the direction in which the fingertip FG is moved. Thus, since a scroll function for moving the display screen and switching the screen can be realized, the screen switching icons 261L, 261R, etc. may be omitted.

[0438] In FIG. 27(A), 262 is a triangular icon, and when this is touched, this selection screen changes in an image of moving downward and switches to another display screen. 263 is an icon for returning the display from the selection screen 216D to the display screen of the top page. 264 is an icon for advancing to the next page (display screen).

[0439] In FIG. 27(A), 100B is an icon (of an individual menu) for selecting to acquire various information (including the state information A) regarding consumables from the first server 20 in order to grasp the remaining amounts etc. of various consumables used in various electric devices 1 connected to this communication terminal 200 and the network NW. When this icon 100A is touched-operated, the display screen changes as shown in FIG. 27(B).

[0440] In FIG. 27(A), 100C is an icon (of an individual menu) that can select to view and update the "shopping list" that recommends the purchase of various articles including various consumables used in various electric devices 1. The data of this shopping list PL is created by the shopping list creation unit 231 described with reference to FIG. 2 using the data from the first server 20 and is stored in the electric device database 217.

[0441] In FIG. 27(A), 100D is an icon (of an individual menu) for selecting to create a memo for easily and electronically recording, so that the user US does not forget, the purchase of various consumables used in the electric device 1 and various consumables not used in those electric devices 1. This simple shopping memo is created separately from the shopping list PL.

[0442] The simple shopping memo is created by the voice input unit 222 and the voice processing unit 230 by decoding the voice content of the user US according to the voice of the user US and sequentially accumulating text data such as the names of consumables in the order of input. The creation of this memo is performed by the shopping list creation unit 231. And this simple shopping memo is stored in the electric device database 217.

[0443] In Fig. 27(A), 100E is an icon (for selecting an individual menu) that allows the history of creating and updating the shopping list PL, etc. to be viewed retrospectively within a certain period in the past.

[0444] Next, Fig. 27(B) will be described. When touching one of the icons 100A in the individual menu on the select screen 216D shown in Fig. 27(A), one of the following two processes (the first process and the second process) pre-set by the user is performed by the terminal control unit 212.

[0445] (1) First process: The electrical equipment 1 for which it is known that the first server 20 is in operation is listed on the terminal-side display unit 216D, and by touching the icon for selecting one of them, the process proceeds to a display screen that displays information such as precautions regarding the target electrical equipment 1 and matters that the user should prepare during operation. This example is the example of Fig. 27(B).

[0446] (2) Second process: A list of the electrical equipment 1 registered in advance by the user US is displayed, and by touching the icon for selecting one of them, the target electrical equipment 1 is selected, and the replenishment work and work process of the consumer goods (for example, liquid detergent 42, tablet detergent, softener, etc.) to be replenished for the electrical equipment 1 are displayed on the display screen. Alternatively, information such as the work process when replacing a consumable part such as the filter 16F described later is displayed in characters, illustrations, etc.

[0447] 269 is an icon (input key) displayed on the individual screen 216V that displays more detailed information than the list screen 216P for one of the consumer goods (for example, AA detergent) displayed on the list screen 216P. Pressing this returns to the menu screen. That is, it returns to the select screen 216D.

[0448] Next, Fig. 28(A) will be described. When touching one of the icons 100B in the individual menu on the selection screen 216D shown in FIG. 27(A), the input screen of FIG. 28(A) is displayed by the terminal control unit 212. 100BG is a menu display unit corresponding to the icon 100B.

[0449] When touching the icon 100B, the terminal control unit 212 acquires data of consumables as described in step SE4 of FIG. 22 or step SE23 of FIG. 25 from the first server 20. As shown in FIG. 28(A), it can be seen that the remaining amounts of five consumables are decreasing within the range of the electrical device 1 pre-registered with the name of a specific user US. 270 is a summary message (hereinafter referred to as "judgment information 1") that briefly shows the latest judgment status regarding the remaining amount of consumables and the like.

[0450] 271 is a consumable list displayed at a position adjacent to the summary message 270 on the input screen. In the example of FIG. 28(A), it can be seen that there are 3 items of detergents, 1 item of food, and 1 item of consumable parts (replacement parts). 271A is information indicating the urgency from the viewpoint of the degree of influence on the operation of the electrical device 1. In FIG. 28(A) and the following FIG. 28(B), for example, it is character information such as "Urgency: Urgent", but a graphic may be used.

[0451] 272 is an icon that allows the user to optionally set functions such as display, search, and input for this consumable management function. If this is pressed to display a function setting screen (not shown) on the terminal side display unit 216, the user can set optional functions. For example, steps SE4 and SE5 described in FIG. 22 can be omitted.

[0452] The communication terminal 200 can acquire the data of the "urgency-designated consumable list" extracted according to the criteria in the criteria storage unit 25 of the first server 20. As shown in Fig. 28(A), for example, a consumable list including urgency information such as "urgency: immediate" can be collectively displayed for all electrical devices 1 registered by a specific user US with the first server 20 using their user ID.

[0453] When the icon 272 is touched, the option setting unit 235 shown in Fig. 2 is activated, and a dedicated option setting screen is displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216.

[0454] 273 is an icon for returning the display from the state of Fig. 28(A) to the previous display screen shown in Fig. 27(B). 274 is an icon for advancing to the next page (display screen) with detailed information.

[0455] At the time of Fig. 28(A), the first server 20 causes the list screen 216P to be displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200. The first server 20 displays a summary message ("judgment information 1") 270 that briefly indicates that the remaining amounts of five consumables are low within the range of the electrical devices 1 pre-registered under the name of a specific user US. When a touch operation is performed on the "second selection means (icon 274)" in this state, detailed information about the five types of consumables shown in Fig. 28(A) is displayed as shown in Fig. 28(B).

[0456] Furthermore, subsequently, when any one of the five types of consumables is touched on its name part, the display form of the list state (list screen 216P) on the terminal-side display unit 216 can be switched to the display form of a specific screen 216V as shown in Fig. 29(A).

[0457] Next, Fig. 28(B) will be described. In FIG. 28(A), when touching the icon 274, the terminal control unit 212 notifies consumable material information as shown in FIG. 28(B) according to the touch operation. In this FIG. 28(B), 275 is an icon (input key) that also serves as a display unit and displays the name "XX detergent" of one consumable material, AA detergent. 276 is an icon (input key) that also serves as a display unit and displays the name "DD" of one consumable material, BB fabric softener.

[0458] 277 is an icon (input key) that also serves as a display unit and displays the name of one consumable material, CC detergent. 278 is an icon (input key) that also serves as a display unit and displays the name "egg" of one consumable material, food. 279 is an icon (input key) that also serves as a display unit and displays the name "replacement filter" of one consumable material related to "kitchen ventilation fan 1F (not shown)", which is one type of electrical equipment 1. 280 is an icon for advancing to the next page (display screen). 295 is an input key (icon) that can change the display data of the consumable material display area 284 displayed on the input screen of this FIG. 28(B).

[0459] The five input keys (icons) 275 to 279 are the first selection means as described above. The input key (icon) 274 shown in the following FIGS. 29(A) and (B) is the second selection means as described above.

[0460] The input screen 216P on which the consumable material display area 284 is displayed as shown in FIG. 28(B) is referred to as the "list screen" in the following description. This list screen 216P is a screen in a form where, among a plurality of data stored in the storage means (the first server 20), determination information 1 (described later) and determination information 2 (example: acquisition urgency "high") regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable (AA detergent) acquired from the electric device 1, and determination information 1 and determination information 2 (example: acquisition urgency "high") regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable (BB softener) acquired from an electric device 1 that is the same as or different from the electric device 1 are simultaneously displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216D.

[0461] In some cases, determination information 1 and determination information 2 regarding a specific consumable (for example, AA detergent) used in one electric device (for example, the cleaning device 1E) may be referred to as "determination information A". Also, in some cases, determination information 1 and determination information 2 regarding a specific consumable (for example, BB softener) used in an electric device different from the electric device 1 (for example, a clothes washing machine) may be referred to as "determination information B".

[0462] In this embodiment, the specific consumable information acquired from the dishwasher 1E as one electric device 1 is AA detergent as described above. Also, the specific consumable information acquired from a clothes washing machine (not shown) as another electric device 1 is BB softener as described above. Not limited to this example, there may also be a case where determination information 1 and determination information 2 regarding the remaining states of two or more consumables simultaneously from a single electric device 1 are acquired from the first server 20.

[0463] When the icon 295 is pressed, the screen switches to a correction screen, and the consumables of the icons 275 to 279 can be individually deleted. Also, when the icon 295 is pressed, the user US can arbitrarily add another consumable by voice input. Note that such a shopping list PL of the change history and the change result is stored in the communication terminal 200 itself (shopping list data 228). Furthermore, the changed content is transmitted to the first server 20 as a corrected shopping list PL and stored as a new shopping list PL in the device consumable database 23R.

[0464] Since the list screen 216P in Fig. 28(B) can be regarded as the latest content of the shopping list PL, this list screen 216P can be displayed on the terminal display unit 216 in the communication terminal 200 in response to the operation input of the user US hereafter as well.

[0465] In addition, the scene where the user US presses the icon 295 to individually delete the consumables of the icons 275 to 279 is, for example, when the user US goes shopping without looking at the display content in Fig. 28(A) or Fig. 28(B), purchases the corresponding consumables, and returns home or to the office. Also, in such a deletion scene, it may be a screen for inputting the reason for deletion. In the input screen, if options such as "already purchased" are provided in the reason column by a pull-down menu or the like, the input can be made more easily, which is convenient.

[0466] Next, Fig. 29(A) will be described. In Fig. 28(B), when a touch operation is performed on the icon (input key) 275 that displays the name "XX detergent" of one consumable, AA detergent, the screen switches to the individual screen (input screen) 216V shown in Fig. 29(A), where detailed remaining quantity information regarding one consumable, AA detergent, is displayed.

[0467] In the example of Fig. 29(A), important information (hereinafter referred to as "judgment information 2") indicating that the remaining quantity of the consumable (for example, liquid detergent 42) will run out during the next operation of the electric device 1, that is, there will be an obstacle to subsequent operations, is displayed in the display area 282. Here, an example of displaying "expected zero remaining quantity" in characters is shown, but an illustration or an appropriate symbol may also be displayed. From this judgment information 2, the urgency of replenishing or replacing the consumable can be understood.

[0468] 283 is a display area that shows precautions (also referred to as "Advice Information A") regarding specific consumables (in this case, AA detergent). In this example, it recommends "using dedicated XX detergent". For the dishwasher 1E, general detergents (kitchen detergents) used when washing dishes by hand in the kitchen, etc. are prohibited from being used. This is because a large amount of foam is generated. If such a general kitchen detergent is used, a large amount of foam may be generated during the dishwashing operation, and the foam may leak outside the washing tank 15 or penetrate into the electrical circuit section, which may cause a failure.

[0469] Also, in the display area 283, it may be possible to display not to use baking soda. This is because baking soda may solidify and cause blockages in pipes, drain outlets, etc. 285 is a selection part (icon) for selecting to connect to an external EC site (electronic commerce site) through the network NW. When this icon 285 is pressed, a dedicated input screen is displayed so that the consumables shown in this Figure 29(A) can be purchased via the network NW. For this purpose, the mail-order sales processing unit 234 described in Figure 2 is activated.

[0470] 274 is the icon also described in Figure 28(A), but in the case of this Figure 29(A)(B), when this icon 274 is pressed, it is possible to obtain and display the explanatory information of individual consumables stored in the consumable database 28 of the first server 20 and the electrical equipment information holding unit 23 from the first server 20. That is, in the state of Figure 29(A), the detailed information of XX detergent can be displayed. This icon 274 is the second selection means as described above.

[0471] In the said display areas 282 and 283, information is not necessarily displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216. In the case where there are no corresponding consumables, etc., information may not be displayed. Also, the display area of the displayed area automatically changes each time according to the amount of information to be displayed, and the area is not fixed.

[0472] Next, FIG. 29(B) will be described. In FIG. 29(A), when a touch operation is performed on the icon (input key) 261L, the display switches to the individual screen 216V of FIG. 29(B), where detailed remaining amount information regarding one consumable, the BB fabric softener, is displayed. Alternatively, in FIG. 28(B), when the icon 276 is touched, the display also switches to the input screen (individual screen 216V) of the BB fabric softener in FIG. 29(B).

[0473] In the example of FIG. 29(B), information identifying the fabric softener (product name "DD") is displayed in the display area 286. Also, in the display area 287, it is indicated that the inventory information of this fabric softener was notified to the user by this communication terminal 200 three weeks ago.

[0474] In the example of FIG. 29(B), if the icon 274 is touched, more detailed information regarding the information in the display area 287 is displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216. As described above, this icon 274 is the second selection means.

[0475] In FIG. 29(B), 288 is a reference image display unit for the consumable. The reference image may be other than a photograph, and may be an illustration 79 or the like showing an image of a bottle or packaging box of the consumable as an actually sold product.

[0476] Next, FIG. 30(A) will be described. In FIG. 28(B), when a touch operation is performed on the icon (input key) 261L, the display switches to the individual screen 216V of FIG. 30(A), where detailed remaining amount information regarding one consumable, the CC detergent, is displayed. Alternatively, in FIG. 28(B), when the icon 277 is touched, the display also switches to the input screen (individual screen 216V) of FIG. 30(A).

[0477] In the example of FIG. 30(A), it is displayed in the display unit 290 that there is CC detergent as a consumable with a decreasing remaining amount. Also, important information (judgment information 2) indicating that the remaining amount of the consumable material (e.g., liquid detergent 42) will run out during the next operation of the electrical appliance 1, that is, there will be an obstacle to subsequent operations, is displayed in the display area 291. Here, an example is shown where it is displayed in characters as "Expected to end in one more time", but an illustration or an appropriate symbol may also be displayed. The "one more time" here means that when the electrical appliance 1 (such as the dishwasher 1E) is operated one more time, the consumable material (in this case, the CC detergent) used there is predicted to have a remaining amount of zero.

[0478] 292 is a display area that displays precautions regarding a specific consumable material (in this case, the CC detergent). In this example, it recommends "Use the dedicated YY detergent". In the case of the dishwasher 1E, general detergents (kitchen detergents) used when washing dishes by hand in the kitchen, etc., are prohibited from being used. This is because such general kitchen detergents generate a large amount of foam. If this detergent is used, a large amount of foam may be generated during the dishwashing operation, and the foam generated outside the washing tank 15 may leak out or penetrate into the electrical circuit part, which may cause a failure.

[0479] Also, in the display area 292, it may be displayed not to use baking soda. This is because baking soda can solidify and cause blockages in pipes, drain outlets, etc.

[0480] Next, FIG. 30(B) will be described. In FIG. 28(B), when a touch operation is performed on the icon 279, it switches to the individual screen (input screen) of FIG. 30(B) where detailed remaining amount information regarding one consumable material (consumable part), the ventilation fan filter, is displayed.

[0481] In the example of Fig. 30(B), the display unit 293 indicates that the ventilation fan filter is a consumable whose replacement time is approaching. The ventilation fan filter is a filter that is detachably attached to the indoor intake of a ventilation fan used in a kitchen or the like. It has the effect of capturing fine particles of vaporized oil contained in the air flow discharged outdoors and preventing the ventilation fan from getting dirty. Since the vaporized oil accumulates on the surface and inside of the filter material, reducing the air permeability, the ventilation fan manufacturers and filter manufacturers recommend replacement after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0482] In the example of Fig. 30(B), in addition to the ventilation fan filter, the display area 294 indicates that the filter that is detachably installed for an air conditioner (not shown), which is one of the other electrical devices 1, is also approaching its replacement time. Also, the display area 294 indicates that the ventilation fan filter and the filter of the air conditioner are products of the same manufacturer.

[0483] In the example of this Fig. 30(B), from the perspective of "similarity of consumables", which are consumables of different electrical devices 1 from the same manufacturer, the display information in this display area 294 is the result extracted by the first server 20. In the following description, the information displayed in this display area 294 may sometimes be referred to as "advice information B" 294D regarding the replacement and inspection of consumable parts.

[0484] That is, as described with reference to Fig. 24, the control unit 21 of the first server 20 analyzes the information on the device category L11 and the consumable category L12, also referring to the information in the consumable database 28, and can generate advice information B294D like the display example in the display area 294 of this Fig. 30(B), which can be acquired and displayed by the communication terminal 200.

[0485] In this Fig. 30(B), when the icon 274 (second selection means) is touched, for example, the display screen can be changed to a display screen that shows the following detailed information. Also, as described above, it may be configured to connect to an EC site from the changed display screen. (1) Product name, model name, specifications (outer dimensions, etc.), and sales form (per unit, multiple units, etc.) of genuine product (ventilation fan filter) (2) Standard service life (3) Name by the manufacturer of the genuine product (ventilation fan filter) (4) Product name, model name, etc. of the air conditioner

[0486] Next, FIG. 31 will be described. FIGS. 31(A) and (B) are operation explanatory diagrams 5 of the communication terminal 200 showing a scene where data of the shopping list PL is acquired from the first server 20. FIG. 31(A) is an example of the terminal-side display unit 216 showing a display example different from FIG. 30(A). In FIG. 31(A), the consumption amount of the liquid detergent 42 in the display area 291 is displayed as "about 30 cc".

[0487] FIG. 31(B) shows an example different from the display content of FIG. 30(B). In FIG. 31(B), in the display area 294, it is displayed as advice 294D that the filter 16F (not shown) used in the tank 16 as a consumable part is also about to reach the replacement time. Also, it is displayed that it is a product of the same manufacturer, and detailed information can be displayed on the individual screen 216V by touching the icon 274.

[0488] Next, FIG. 32 will be described. FIG. 32 is operation explanatory diagram 1 of the terminal-side display unit showing a scene where the reservation status of the electric device is confirmed by the communication terminal in the remaining amount management system according to Embodiment 1. As described above, the "reservation course" of the dishwasher 1 starts operation after a certain time (for example, 4 hours) after setting, or conversely, the start time of the operation is set and the start of the operation is left to the cleaning device 1E side.

[0489] In this dishwasher 1, the user US can also set to start the cleaning operation by a command from the communication terminal 200 for the said "reservation course" ("reservation course #2"). Therefore, the second command data CD2 generated by the communication terminal 200 can be transmitted to the dishwasher 1E, or the operation unit 54 of the dishwasher 1E can be directly operated to set the reservation course.

[0490] FIGS. 32(A) and (B) show a scene where the user US checks the operation state of such a "reservation course #2" from a remote location. That is, the state where the user US operates the communication terminal 200 from a place such as a destination and the sub-menu (individual menu) of FIG. 32 is opened on the list screen 216D is the state of FIG. 32(A).

[0491] In FIG. 32(A), 100Y is one icon in the individual menu. When this is touched, the display screen switches to the "operation reservation confirmation / cancellation" screen. Note that if the user has not previously set the "reservation course #2", this icon 100Y is not displayed. This applies to all electrical appliances 1 other than the dishwasher 1E. That is, when the user US sees this list screen 216D, the display of this icon 100Y can also remind the user of the reservation of the electrical appliance 1.

[0492] Note that when the reservation is set in this way, notifications are sent to the communication terminal 200 by push-type notifications every time a certain period of time has elapsed since the reservation course was set, and the user US is guided to view the screen of FIG. 32(A).

[0493] Next, FIG. 32(B) will be described. In FIG. 32(B), 100YG is the display section of the reservation setting screen. 296 is a display area showing the current reservation setting status of this user US. In this example, it is shown that there is one reserved electrical appliance 1. 297 is a display area for information identifying the reserved electrical appliance 1. In this example, it is shown that it is the dishwasher 1E. It can be seen that the start of the dishwashing operation is expected to be at 15:30 and the end of the operation is expected to be at 16:30.

[0494] 298 is an input key (icon). If you want to view more detailed information, you can touch it. 299 is an input key (icon) to be operated when changing or canceling the reservation settings. Operating this will switch to another display screen and send a confirmation signal for the change or cancellation. When the target electrical device 1 receives the confirmation signal, the reservation content is changed or canceled. Note that depending on the status of the electrical device 1, the change or cancellation process may not be performed immediately.

[0495] Next, FIG. 33 will be described. FIG. 33 is the second operation explanatory diagram of the terminal-side display unit 216 showing a scene where the details of the reservation setting are confirmed by pressing the icon 298 shown in FIG. 32. 308 is a display area that displays the same information as the display area 297 in FIG. 32(B). 309 is a display area that displays the detailed operating conditions of the electrical device 1 (in this case, the dishwasher 1E) for which the reservation is set. In this example, it can be confirmed from the display information in this display area 309 that the dishes are reserved for washing for four people in the "normal wash" mode.

[0496] 311 is an input key (icon) to be operated when changing or canceling the reservation settings, similar to the icon 299. Operating this will switch to another display screen and send a confirmation signal for the change or cancellation.

[0497] In the above description, the first command data CD1 in the command data CD was mainly described. However, for the other second command data CD2 to fourth command data CD4, the acquisition from the outside is also restricted in the same way so as not to be inadvertently acquired from the outside immediately after the main power is turned on.

[0498] Summary of Embodiment 1 As is clear from the above description, in this Embodiment 1, the electrical device 1 (dishwasher 1E) related to the first disclosure was disclosed in the following form. That is, the electrical device 1 disclosed in Embodiment 1 is A communication unit 8 that can be connected to a network NW or an information processing terminal 200, An input unit 4 (operation unit 54) that receives an input command from a user US, An informing unit 3, A control unit 2 that receives an input command from the input unit 4 and controls the operation of a function - performing unit 9 (washing unit 9W), A measuring unit 12 that measures the amount of a consumable used during the operation of the function - performing unit 9, A consumption information acquisition unit 11 that generates status information A to be provided to the outside from the communication unit 8, An equipment information holding unit 6 that holds the status information A, and has, The consumption information acquisition unit 11 generates the status information A regarding the consumable consumed by the function - performing unit 9, The control unit 2 transmits the status information A from the communication unit 8, The control unit 2 has a function of acquiring command data CD via the communication unit 8, After the main power is turned on, before transmitting a reception permission signal RS by an operation of the input unit 4, the control unit 2 does not perform at least one of the reception operation of the command data CD or the transmission operation of the status information A via the communication unit 8, It was a configuration characterized by the above.

[0499] Due to this configuration, according to this electrical device (including the dishwasher 1E), the inventory information of the liquid detergent 42 as a consumable is measured and transmitted to the outside, so the convenience of inventory management by the user US is improved.

[0500] Furthermore, the operating conditions of the electrical device 1 (including operating conditions such as an operating course, an operation mode, and an operating time) can be set by the command data CD, which can reduce the setting work of the user US, and the acquisition and timing of the command data CD can be restricted on the input unit 4 side, so it is possible to avoid the user US being confused during the initial standby.

[0501] Furthermore, in the electrical device 1 of the first disclosure, the control unit 2 determines whether or not it has shifted to a predetermined standby state since the main power supply was turned on. When it has shifted to the standby state, it notifies with the notification unit 3 and starts driving the function exertion unit 9 after waiting for an operation start command from the user US (see FIG. 10). Therefore, it is possible to suppress a situation where the user US makes a misoperation during the initial standby, and it can be expected to improve the operability of the user US.

[0502] Furthermore, in the electrical device 1 of the first disclosure, when the control unit 2 shifts to the initial standby state, it can transmit the reception permission signal RS to the outside by performing a specific input (by an input key or an operation button) with the input unit 4, and start the operation of acquiring the command data CD. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a situation where the user US acquires command data by a misoperation during the initial standby, and it can be expected to improve the operability of the user US.

[0503] Furthermore, in the electrical device 1 of the first disclosure, since the control unit 2 can transmit the reception permission signal RS to the communication terminal 200 when a specific input is performed in the input unit 4, there is no confusion in a scene where the communication terminal 200 transmits the command data CD to the electrical device 1, and the operation of the command data CD can be smoothly advanced in cooperation with the operation of the communication terminal 200.

[0504] Furthermore, in the electrical device 1 of the first disclosure, the measurement unit 12 is configured to measure the amount of the consumable material from the outside of the container (tank) 16 that stores the consumable material (such as the liquid detergent 42). Therefore, the sensor of the measurement unit 12 does not come into contact with the consumable material, and there is no concern about corrosion or deterioration of the sensor, and stable measurement can be expected over a long period of time.

[0505] Furthermore, in the electrical device 1 of the first disclosure, the consumable material uses the liquid detergent 42. The metering unit 12 is configured to include a sensor (such as the weight sensor 37) that measures at least one of the weight or volume of the liquid detergent, and a metering circuit 35 that determines the amount of the consumable based on the measurement data from the sensor. Therefore, by measuring the amount of the liquid detergent, it is easy to grasp the remaining amount.

[0506] Furthermore, in the electric device 1 of the first disclosure, the command data CD includes an operation program for controlling at least one of a power source (washing pump 49) or a heating source (electric heater 51) included in the function-performing unit. Therefore, by acquiring the command data CD, the operation of the control unit 2 can be determined, the troublesome input settings by the user US can be reduced, and the operability can be improved.

[0507] Also, the electric device 1 of the first disclosure further includes a second sensor (reed switch) 46 that detects that the container (tank) 16 is installed at a predetermined position. The second sensor 46 is configured such that the third sensors 39 and 40 optically grasp the mass of the consumable while detecting the installation of the tank 16.

[0508] With this configuration, since the remaining amount of the consumable is measured while the tank 16 is actually present at the predetermined position, the amount of the consumable can be accurately grasped. That is, the latest amount of the consumable can be accurately grasped and reflected in the status information A.

[0509] Furthermore, the control unit 2 of the electric device 1 according to the first disclosure performs a usage amount estimation process AP1 of the consumable and an operable number of times estimation process AP2 based on the remaining amount estimation result, and transmits the result of the operation number process AP2 included in the status information A. Therefore, on the external device side such as the first server 20 that receives the state information A, it is possible to know the number of times the operation can be performed with the data of the remaining amount of the consumable material without analyzing and evaluating the state information A in detail.

[0510] Further, in the electric device 1 of the first disclosure, the function - performing unit 9 is formed inside the housing 14 and includes at least one of a liquid supply means (washing pump) 49 that supplies a cleaning liquid containing a consumable material and a cleaning head or a cleaning nozzle 50 that sprays the cleaning liquid from the liquid supply means 49 onto the object to be cleaned, inside the cleaning space WS where the object to be cleaned (tableware 55) is placed. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently clean the object to be cleaned such as tableware 55 in the cleaning space WS.

[0511] Furthermore, the electric device 1 of the first disclosure further has a water - quality determination unit 17 that receives the detection data of a water - quality sensor 17S that detects the water quality of the cleaning liquid after cleaning the object to be cleaned. The control unit 2 is configured to control at least one of the supply amount or the number of supply times of the liquid detergent 42 by the detergent supply means (control valve 48) 43 according to the determination result of the water - quality determination unit 17. Therefore, it is possible to inspect the water quality to confirm the cleaning effect and automatically input the liquid detergent 42 as necessary, so that it is not necessary for the user US to perform troublesome operations such as water - quality confirmation, and the intended cleaning can be executed.

[0512] Furthermore, the control unit 2 is configured to include the determination result of the water - quality determination unit 17 in the state information A. Therefore, in addition to managing consumable materials such as the liquid detergent 42, it is also possible to know the state of the water quality in the cleaning process, improving convenience.

[0513] Furthermore, in the electric device 1 of the first disclosure, a door 44 that opens and closes the cleaning space WS, a door drive device 86 that generates a driving force for the closing operation of the door 44, Position detection means 72 for detecting the position of the container (tank) 16 that houses the liquid detergent 42, and the control unit 2 is configured such that, when the door 44 is open, the door drive device 86 is not driven during the period in which the position detection means 72 detects that the container 16 is not in the correct installation position.

[0514] Due to this configuration, according to this electric appliance 1, when the container 16 is separated from (removed from) the door 44 for replenishment or confirmation of the liquid detergent 42 and then reinstalled on the door 44, if it is not in the correct installation position, the door 44 will not be accidentally driven, so a situation where the door 44 moves and collides with the housing 14 with the container 16 protruding from the side surface of the door 44 or the like does not occur. Also, when the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 is less than the threshold value, the operation cannot be started, so there is no concern that the washing process will be executed with insufficient detergent after starting the washing operation.

[0515] Also, in the electric appliance 1 of the first disclosure, when the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 is less than the threshold value, the operation cannot be started. Also, it has previously notified that the remaining amount is less than the specified amount. Therefore, there is no concern that the washing process will be executed with insufficient detergent after starting the washing operation, resulting in a washing effect that fails to meet expectations.

[0516] Furthermore, in this Embodiment 1, the cleaning device (dishwasher) 1E related to the second disclosure was disclosed in the following form. That is, the cleaning device 1E such as a dishwasher related to the second disclosure has a communication unit 8 that can be connected to a network NW or an information processing terminal 200, an input unit 4 (operation unit 54) that receives an input command from a user US, a notification unit 3, a control unit 2 that controls the operation of the cleaning unit 9W in response to an input command from the input unit 4, a measurement unit 12 that measures the amount of consumables used during the operation of the cleaning unit 9W, A consumption information acquisition unit 11 that generates status information A to be provided to the outside from the communication unit 8; An equipment information holding unit 6 that holds the status information A; Supply means (detergent supply unit 43) for supplying the consumable to the cleaning space WS; A water quality determination unit 17 for the cleaning liquid; and has The consumption information acquisition unit 11 generates the status information A regarding the consumable used in the cleaning unit 9W; The cleaning unit 9W controls the supply means (detergent supply unit 43) in response to the determination data of the water quality determination unit 17; It was a configuration characterized by

[0517] Due to this configuration, according to this cleaning device 1E, the inventory information of the consumable (liquid detergent 42) is measured and transmitted to the outside, so the convenience of inventory management by the user US is improved.

[0518] Furthermore, since the cleaning unit 9W controls the supply means (detergent supply unit 43) based on the determination of the water quality determination unit 17, it detects the quality of the water for the cleaning effect and supplies detergent according to this detection result, so a cleaning device 1E with an enhanced cleaning effect can be provided. Moreover, it is not necessary for the user US to check the water quality each time, which also contributes to reducing the user's burden and improving operability.

[0519] Furthermore, the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure has a function of acquiring command data CD via the communication unit 8, When the control unit 2 receives a command to receive the command data CD from the input unit 4, it transmits a reception permission signal RS to the outside, and thereafter, it does not transmit the status information A to the outside during the period until the acquisition of the command data CD is completed. This is a characteristic configuration.

[0520] Therefore, since priority is given to acquiring the command data CD, it is possible to avoid causing an obstacle to the remote control on the side of the dishwasher 1E. As a result, the cleaning device 1E of the present disclosure can effectively utilize the network.

[0521] Furthermore, the operation conditions of the cleaning device 1E (including operation conditions such as an operation course, an operation mode, an operation time, etc.) can be set by the command data CD, which can reduce the setting work of the user US and can limit the acquisition of the command data CD and its timing on the input unit 4 side, so that it is possible to avoid the user US being confused at the time of initial startup.

[0522] Furthermore, the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure a door 44 for opening and closing the cleaning space WS, a door driving device 86 that generates a driving force for the closing operation of the door 44, and a position detecting means 72 for detecting the position of a container (tank) 16 that stores the liquid detergent 42. The control unit 2 is configured such that, when the door 44 is in an open state, the door driving device 86 is not driven during a period in which the position detecting means 72 detects that the container 16 is not at the correct installation position.

[0523] Due to this configuration, according to this cleaning device 1E, when the container 16 is separated from (removed) the door 44 for replenishment or confirmation of the liquid detergent 42 and then reinstalled on the door 44, if it is not in the correct installation position, the door 44 is not driven erroneously, so that a situation where the door 44 moves with the container 16 protruding from the side surface of the door 44 and collides with the housing 14 does not occur.

[0524] Also, since the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure cannot start operation when the remaining amount of the liquid detergent 42 is less than the threshold value, there is no concern that the cleaning process will be executed with insufficient detergent after the cleaning operation is started.

[0525] Furthermore, by using the network NW to generate measurement data MD of consumables and aggregating the measurement data into status information A and providing it outside the house, it becomes easy to manage consumables using the measurement data.

[0526] Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 is configured to include a metering unit 12 that grasps the consumption amount of the consumable (for example, the liquid detergent 42). Therefore, the decrease in the consumable can be detected by the metering unit 12 and reflected in the state information A.

[0527] Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure, the metering unit 12 is configured to include a tank 16 that stores the consumable and a first sensor 37 (weight sensor) that measures the amount (weight) of the consumable (for example, the liquid detergent 42) stored inside the tank 16 (see FIG. 6 in particular). With this configuration, the degree of consumption of the consumable can be grasped by the decrease in weight, and this data can be reflected in the state information A.

[0528] Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure, a light emitting element 39 and a light receiving element 40 that constitute a third sensor are installed so as to face each other with the tank 16 interposed therebetween, and the presence and absence of the liquid detergent 42 are detected. Therefore, the presence of the liquid detergent 42 can be detected with a simple configuration and without contact.

[0529] Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 acquires information indicating a margin from the consumption amount data of the consumable consumed in one operation and the amount of the consumable measured by the metering unit 12, and includes the margin information in the state information A and transmits it. That is, this cleaning device 1E holds data (first measurement data MD1) indicating the weight measurement result of the liquid detergent 42 and data (second measurement data MD2) indicating the amount of weight change and the change rate generated from the first measurement data MD1, and acquires and transmits information indicating a margin.

[0530] Therefore, on the external device side such as the first server 20 that receives the status information A, it is possible to easily grasp the necessity and urgency of obtaining the consumables without complicatedly analyzing the status information A.

[0531] Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure, the light emitting element 39 and the light receiving element 40 were installed so as to face each other with the tank 16 interposed therebetween, and the presence or absence of the liquid detergent 42 was detected. Therefore, it is possible to detect the presence of the liquid detergent 42 with a simple configuration and without contact.

[0532] Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1E according to the second disclosure, the result of the operation count process AP2 was transmitted as an index classified into a plurality of levels with respect to the time margin for obtaining the consumables. Therefore, on the external device side such as the first server 20 that receives the status information A, it is possible to easily know the time margin until obtaining the consumables without detailedly analyzing and evaluating the status information A.

[0533] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, an information processing terminal (communication terminal) 200 according to the third disclosure was disclosed in the following form. That is, the information processing terminal 200 according to the third disclosure A communication unit 210 that can be connected to the electric device 1 via the network NW, A terminal side display unit 216, An operation unit 225 that receives a user input command, A terminal control unit 212 that controls data processing and transmission operations in response to an input command from the operation unit, A consumable database 227 that stores the status information A of the consumables of the electric device 1 acquired via the communication unit 210, A shopping list creation unit 231 that extracts data from the consumable database 227 within a range specified by the operation unit 225, and has When the control unit 212 acquires the status information A of the consumables of the electric device 1 via the communication unit 210, the control unit 212 displays a selection menu that can be input by the operation unit 225 on the terminal side display unit 216. The selection menu includes: a first selection means (icons 275 to 279) for requesting display of data related to consumables of the electric device 1 linked to the user US; and a second selection means (icon) 274 for requesting display of more detailed data for a specific consumable displayed by selection of the first selection means. It further includes a remote operation information generation unit 219 that receives an input command from the operation unit 225 and transmits command data CD to the electric device 1 from the communication unit 210. During the period before the terminal control unit 212 receives the reception permission signal RS from the electric device 1, it does not transmit at least either one of a signal for requesting provision of the command data CD or the status information A from the communication unit 210. It is configured as such.

[0534] Due to this configuration, according to this information processing terminal 200, consumption information of consumables of the cleaning device 1E can be acquired from outside the home in units of the user US using the network NW, enabling unified management of consumables of the cleaning device 1E used at home, in the office, etc. Moreover, not only the overall information of the consumables but also detailed data of individual consumables can be displayed, providing high convenience. Thereby, the information terminal device 200 of the present disclosure can effectively utilize the network to contribute to the management of consumables of the cleaning device 1E.

[0535] Also, since priority is given to acquiring the command data CD, it is possible to avoid causing an obstacle to remote control on the side of the dishwasher 1E. Thereby, the information processing terminal 200 according to the third disclosure can effectively utilize the network.

[0536] Furthermore, since the operating conditions of the electric device 1 (including operating conditions such as an operating course, an operation mode, and an operating time) can be set by the command data CD, the setting work of the user US can be reduced, and the acquisition of the command data CD and its timing can be restricted on the information processing terminal 200 side, so that it is possible to avoid the user US from failing to transmit the command data CD.

[0537] Furthermore, in the information processing terminal 200 according to the third disclosure, when the terminal control unit 212 acquires the state information A, on the terminal side display unit 216, for each specific consumable, the name of the consumable (for example, "liquid detergent XX") and determination information 2 (for example, "urgency: urgent") 271A indicating the urgency in terms of the influence on the operation of the cleaning device 1E are displayed, and a shopping list PL is displayed (see FIG. 28 in particular). Therefore, for the user US, it is easy to identify what arranges to obtain (purchase) the consumables at an early stage, and the acquisition of the consumables can be preferentially promoted.

[0538] Furthermore, a select screen 216D is displayed on the terminal side display unit 216, and the select screen 216D includes a selection unit 100B (input key) for selecting a consumable management menu and a selection unit 100C (input key) for activating the shopping list creation unit 231 (see FIG. 27 in particular).

[0539] Therefore, the user US can select to grasp the consumables to be obtained and the acquisition (purchase) of the consumables by the display of the select screen 216D, so that there is no confusion in information confirmation and operation, and it can be expected to improve the operability of the user US of the information processing terminal 200.

[0540] Furthermore, in the information processing terminal 200 according to this third disclosure, the select screen 216D further includes a use guide selection unit 100A (input key) for selecting the display of reference information such as the use of the cleaning device 1E (electric device 1), the replenishment, and replacement of the consumables. Therefore, as described with reference to FIG. 27(A), when one of the icons 100A in the individual menu is touched, one of the "first process" and the "second process" pre-set by the user is performed by the terminal control unit 212.

[0541] As described above, in the "first process", the washing device 1E for which the first server 20 is operating is listed on the terminal side display unit 216D, and by touching an icon for selecting any one of them, the user proceeds to a display screen that displays information such as precautions regarding the target washing device 1E and items that the user should prepare during operation.

[0542] In the above-described "second process", a list of the washing devices 1E registered in advance by the user US is displayed, and by touching an icon for selecting any one of them, the target washing device 1E is selected, and the replenishment work of consumables (such as the liquid detergent 42) to be replenished to the washing device 1E and the work process are displayed on the display screen. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 27(B), information such as the work process in the case of replacing as a replacement part (one type of consumable) can be displayed in characters, illustrations, or the like.

[0543] As described above, the user US can know the reference information and caution information regarding the replenishment and replacement of consumables for the washing device 1E, and has a highly convenient function for the user US.

[0544] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the information acquisition system according to the fourth disclosure was disclosed in the following form. That is, the information acquisition system according to the fourth disclosure is an electric device 1 connected to the network NW, a storage means (first server 20) that is connected to the electric device 1 via the network NW and acquires and stores state information A for displaying the state of consumables used in the electric device 1, It is connected to the memory means (the first server 20) via the network NW, and includes an information processing terminal 200 having a terminal-side display unit 216. The electric device 1 includes a consumption information acquisition unit 11 that acquires state information A regarding the remaining state of the consumable, and a communication unit 8 that transmits the state information A to the memory means (the first server 20) via the network. The information processing terminal 200 has a plurality of input keys (100A to 100E). When the input keys are operated, information regarding the state information A acquired from the electric device 1 among the plurality of data stored in the memory means (the first server 20) is displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216. The information processing terminal 200 further includes a remote operation information generation unit 219 that transmits command data CD to the electric device 1. During the period before the information processing terminal 200 receives the reception permission signal RS from the electric device 1, it does not transmit at least one of a signal requesting the provision of the command data CD or the state information A from the communication unit 210 to the electric device 1. It is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0545] Due to this configuration, according to this information acquisition system, the consumption information of the consumables of the cleaning device 1E can be acquired by the information processing terminal 200 from outside the house in units of the user US using the network NW, so that unified management of the consumables of the electric devices 1 used in homes, offices, etc. becomes possible. Thereby, the information acquisition system according to the fourth disclosure can effectively utilize the network to collect and utilize data useful for the management of the consumables of the electric device 1.

[0546] Also, during the initial standby period immediately after the main power of the electric device 1 is turned on, by issuing a reception permission signal from the electric device 1 side, communication with the outside is controlled, and the electric device 1 can acquire the command data CD, and the transmission and reception of the consumption information of the consumables are restricted, so that it is possible to avoid causing an obstacle to the clean remote control on the electric device 1 side.

[0547] Furthermore, in the information acquisition system according to this fourth disclosure, the information processing terminal 200 displays a select screen 216D having a plurality of input keys (100A to 100E) on the terminal-side display unit 216, when one of the input keys (100B) is operated on the select screen 216, among the plurality of data stored in the storage means (the first server 20), the status information (e.g., low remaining amount) of a specific consumable AA (e.g., AA detergent) acquired from the electric device 1, and the status information (e.g., low remaining amount) of a specific consumable BB (e.g., BB softener) acquired from an electric device 1 (e.g., a washing machine) that is the same as or different from the electric device 1 are displayed on the same list screen 216P on the terminal-side display unit 216, when the specific consumable AA (e.g., AA detergent) is selected with the input key 275 while the list screen 216P is being displayed, information regarding the operation of the related electric device 1 or specific advice information A (recommended manufacturer, precautions when using, etc.) 283 regarding the acquisition of the designated consumable AA (e.g., the AA detergent), which is information not displayed on the list screen 216P for the consumable AA (e.g., AA detergent), is displayed on a separate screen 216V different from the list screen 216P. This is the configuration characterized thereby (see FIG. 29 in particular).

[0548] Due to this configuration, according to this information acquisition system, the status information A of the consumables of the electric devices 1 used in the home, office, store, etc. can be easily acquired from outside the home, office, store, etc. using the network NW, so that unified management of the consumables of various electric devices 1 used in the home, office, etc. becomes possible. Moreover, not only the overall information of the consumables but also the detailed data of individual consumables can be displayed, which is highly convenient.

[0549] Furthermore, in the information acquisition system according to this fourth disclosure, in the list screen 216P and a separate screen 216V different from this list screen 216P, additional information such as the remaining amount of consumables, the time margin for replenishment, replacement, acquisition, etc., or the urgency can be respectively displayed in response to the selection of the user US. Therefore, it is possible to provide a convenient system for individual users US such as residents in each household and users (administrators, etc.) who manage the electric device 1 in offices and stores. Thus, this information acquisition system can contribute to the management of consumables of the electric device 1 by effectively utilizing the network.

[0550] Furthermore, when the information processing terminal 200 acquires the state information A, this information acquisition system is configured to display, on the terminal-side display unit 216, a shopping list PL that displays, for each specific consumable, the name of the consumable (for example, "Liquid Detergent XX") and determination information 2 (for example, "Urgency: Urgent") 271A indicating the urgency in terms of the degree of influence on the operation of the electric device 1 (see FIG. 28 in particular). Therefore, for the user US, it is easy to identify what consumables need to be obtained (purchased) early, and the acquisition of the consumables can be prioritized.

[0551] Furthermore, this information acquisition system displays, on the terminal-side display unit 216, a select screen 216D having a plurality of input keys (100A to 100E). The select screen is configured to include a selection unit (input key) 100B for selecting a consumable management menu by the information processing terminal 200 and a selection unit (input key) 100C for activating the shopping list creation unit 231 (see FIG. 27 in particular).

[0552] Therefore, the user US can select the grasp of the consumables to be obtained and the acquisition (purchase) of the consumables by the display of the select screen 216D, so that there is no confusion in information confirmation and operation, and it is expected to improve the operability of the user US of the information processing terminal 200.

[0553] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the server (first server) 20 according to the fifth disclosure was disclosed in the following form. That is, the server (first server) 20 according to the fifth disclosure is connected to the electric device 1 and the information processing terminal 200 via the network NW in a communicable state, and holds a plurality of data for causing the information processing terminal 200 to display information on consumables related to the electric device 1 on the terminal-side display unit 216. The select screen 216D having a plurality of input keys 100A to 100E is displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216. When the input keys 100A to 100E are operated by the user, according to the content of the operated input key, (1) Among the plurality of data, the consumable data generated corresponding to the transmission result of the status information A from the electric device 1 is aggregated in units of the user and displayed in a list state on the terminal-side display unit 216. (2) When the input key 274, which is different from the input keys 100A to 100E, is used to command the display of information indicating the remaining amount or the urgency of replenishment or replacement of a specific consumable among the consumables displayed in the list state (list screen 216P), a display screen (specific screen 216V) different from the list state (list screen 216P) is displayed on the terminal-side display unit 216. Execute the process, After the main power supply of the electric device 1 is turned on and before receiving the reception permission signal RS from the electric device 1, a signal for requesting the provision of the status information A is not transmitted to the electric device 1. It was a configuration characterized by the above.

[0554] Due to this configuration, according to this first server 20, the consumption information of the consumables of the cleaning device 1E can be acquired by the information processing terminal 200 from outside the house using the network NW in units of the user US, so that unified management of the consumables of the electric device 1 used at home, in the office, etc. becomes possible. As a result, the first server 20 according to the fifth disclosure can effectively utilize the network NW to collect and utilize data useful for the consumable management of the electric device 1.

[0555] Also, during the standby period after the main power supply is turned on, since the electric device 1 is given priority to acquire the command data CD, it is possible to avoid causing an obstacle to the remote control on the electric device 1 side.

[0556] Furthermore, in the first server 20 according to the fifth disclosure, one type of the plurality of data is the operation state data OS acquired from the electric device 1 via the network NW, and another type of the plurality of data is the determination information 1 based on the remaining amount and usage amount of the consumable and the determination information 2 regarding the necessity of replenishment or replacement of the consumable. This is a characteristic configuration. Therefore, it is possible to easily grasp the consumables that need replenishment, replacement, etc. in the first server 20.

[0557] Furthermore, in the first server 20 according to the fifth disclosure, as means for storing the plurality of data, at least any one of a device consumable database 23R for storing the consumable data for each electric device 1, a user / facility specifying section 24 for storing the identification information (user ID) of the user or the facility identification information (facility ID), a determination criterion storage section 25, a command data generation section 31 for generating command data for the electric device 1, an application software providing section 29 for information exchange with the information processing terminal 200, and a schedule determination section 26 for determining the timing of acquiring the consumable data from the electric device 1 is provided. This is a characteristic configuration.

[0558] Due to this configuration, according to this first server 20, it is possible to provide the consumable data for each electrical device 1, extract data using the user ID and the facility ID, provide the command data CD for each electrical device 1, provide application software for cooperation with the information processing terminal 200, and determine the timing for acquiring the state information A from the cleaning device 1E, etc., and various effects can be exerted.

[0559] Furthermore, in the first server 20 according to the fifth disclosure, the command data CD includes an operation program for controlling at least one of the power source (such as the cleaning pump 49) or the heating source (the electric heater 51) held by the electrical device 1. During the initial startup period of the electrical device 1, the command data CD is not transmitted to the electrical device 1, which is a characteristic configuration. Therefore, by acquiring the command data CD, the operation of the electrical device 1 can be determined, the troublesome input settings by the user US can be reduced, and the operability can be improved.

[0560] Furthermore, this first server 20 has a control unit 21 for controlling communication between the cleaning device 1E and the information processing terminal 200, and a command data generation unit 31 for generating the command data CD of the cleaning device 1E. During the period when the control unit 21 transmits the command data CD to the cleaning device 1E, the control unit 21 does not acquire the information of the consumable from the cleaning device 1E, which is a characteristic configuration.

[0561] Due to this configuration, according to this first server 20, priority is given to the reliable transmission process of the command data CD. Thereby, it is possible to prevent communication from becoming abnormal or causing a failure when transmitting the command data CD to the cleaning device 1E via the information processing terminal 200. Therefore, this first server 20 can effectively utilize the network NW and be highly reliable.

[0562] Furthermore, the command data CD generated by the first server 20 is an operation program for driving at least one of a power source (for example, a cleaning pump 49) or a heating source (an electric heater 51) possessed by the cleaning device 1E.

[0563] With this configuration, according to the first server 20, the power source or the heating source can be remotely controlled.

[0564] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a remaining amount management system for consumables according to the sixth disclosure was disclosed in the following form. That is, the remaining amount management system for consumables according to the sixth disclosure includes a plurality of electric devices 1 connected to a network NW, a first server 20 connected to the electric devices 1 via the network NW, and an information processing terminal 200 that can be connected to the first server 20 via the network NW. The first serve...

Claims

1. A communication unit that can be connected to a network or an information processing terminal; an input unit for receiving input commands from a user; A notification section; A control unit that receives an input command from the input unit and controls an operation of the cleaning unit; A measuring unit that measures an amount of consumables used during operation of the cleaning unit; a consumption information acquisition unit that generates status information A to be provided to an external device from the communication unit; A device information storage unit for storing the status information A; A supply means for supplying the consumables to the cleaning space; A water quality determination unit for the cleaning liquid; having The consumption information acquisition unit generates the status information A regarding the consumable product used in the cleaning unit, The cleaning unit receives the judgment data from the water quality judgment unit and controls the supply means; A cleaning device characterized by:

2. the control unit has a function of acquiring command data via the communication unit, when the control unit receives a command from the input unit to receive the command data, the control unit transmits a reception permission signal to an external device, and thereafter, does not transmit the status information A to an external device until the acquisition of the command data is completed; 2. The cleaning device according to claim 1 .

3. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit transitions to an initial standby state when the main power is turned on, and in the initial standby state, the notification unit notifies the user that operation is possible using the input unit, and then waits for a start operation command from the user to start operating the cleaning unit.

4. a communication unit that can be connected to an electrical device via a network; A terminal display unit; an operation unit that accepts input commands from a user; a terminal control unit that receives input commands from the operation unit and controls data processing and transmission operations; a consumer goods database for storing status information A of the consumer goods of the electrical device acquired via the communication unit; a shopping list creation unit that extracts data from the consumer goods database within a range designated by the operation unit, When the terminal control unit acquires the status information A of the consumable goods of the electrical device via the communication unit, the terminal control unit displays a selection menu that can be inputted by the operation unit on the terminal side display unit, the selection menu includes a first selection means for requesting a display of data on consumable goods of each electric appliance associated with a user who has been registered in advance, and a second selection means for requesting a display of more detailed data on a specific consumable goods displayed by a selection made by the first selection means; a remote control information generating unit configured to receive an input command from the operation unit and transmit command data from the communication unit to the electrical device; the terminal control unit does not transmit at least one of the command data and a signal requesting provision of the status information A from the communication unit during a period before receiving a reception permission signal from the electrical device; An information processing terminal characterized by:

5. The information processing terminal according to claim 4, characterized in that when the terminal control unit acquires the status information A, a shopping list is displayed on the terminal display unit, showing the names of specific consumable products and information indicating the urgency of the products in terms of their impact on the operation of the electrical appliance.

6. An electrical device connected to a network; a storage means connected to the electrical device via the network, for acquiring and storing status information A for displaying the status of a consumable product used in the electrical device; an information processing terminal connected to said storage means via said network and having a terminal-side display unit; the electrical appliance includes a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires status information A relating to a remaining status of the consumable product, and a communication unit that transmits the status information A to the storage means via the network, the information processing terminal has a plurality of input keys, and when the input keys are operated, displays information related to the status information A acquired from the electrical device among the plurality of data stored in the storage means on the terminal side display unit; the information processing terminal further includes a remote control information generating unit that transmits command data to the electrical device, said information processing terminal does not transmit, to said electrical equipment, at least one of said command data and a signal requesting provision of said status information A from said communication unit during a period before receiving a reception permission signal from said electrical equipment; An information acquisition system comprising:

7. the information processing terminal displays a selection screen on the terminal display unit, A plurality of input keys are displayed on the select screen, The information acquisition system according to claim 6, characterized in that when at least one of the input keys on the selection screen is operated, information regarding the remaining status of a specific consumable product obtained from the electrical device and information regarding the remaining status of a specific consumable product obtained from an electrical device other than the electrical device are displayed on the same list screen on the terminal display unit, among the multiple data stored in the memory means.

8. a plurality of data items connected to an electrical appliance and an information processing terminal in a communicable state via a network, for displaying information on consumable goods related to the electrical appliance on a terminal display unit of the information processing terminal; A selection screen having a plurality of input keys is displayed on the display unit of the terminal, and when the input keys are operated by a user, according to the contents of the operated input keys, (1) among the plurality of data, consumable goods data generated in response to a transmission result of status information A from the electrical appliance is aggregated for each user, and displayed in a list form on the terminal side display unit; (2) For a specific consumable product among the consumable products displayed in the list state, information indicating the remaining amount or the urgency of refilling or replacing the specific consumable product is displayed on a display screen different from the list state on the terminal side display unit. Execute the process, not transmitting a signal requesting provision of the status information A to the electrical device during a period after the main power supply of the electrical device is turned on and before a reception permission signal is received from the electrical device; A server that features.

9. A plurality of electrical devices connected to a network; a server connected to the electrical device via the network; an information processing terminal that can be connected to the server via the network; Equipped with The server has a user identification unit for identifying a user who uses the electrical device, Each of the plurality of electrical appliances has a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires status information A relating to a remaining status of a consumable product, and a communication unit that transmits the status information A to an outside, The server generates determination information A regarding a remaining state of a specific consumable product AA based on the status information A acquired from one of the electrical appliances, and generates determination information B regarding a remaining state of a specific consumable product BB based on the status information A acquired from an electrical appliance that is the same as or different from the electrical appliance; The information processing terminal displays the specific consumable goods AA and BB, whose remaining state determination information 1 belongs to the same level, on the same list screen on the terminal side display unit for each user, the server has a function of transmitting, to the electrical device, command data that determines an operation of a function performing unit that is a configuration for achieving a function of the electrical device; the server does not transmit, to the electrical device, at least one of the command data and a signal requesting provision of the status information A during a period before receiving a reception permission signal from the electrical device; A remaining quantity management system for consumables, characterized by:

10. A plurality of electrical devices connected to a network; a server connected to the electrical device via the network; an information processing terminal that can be connected to the server via the network; Equipped with The server has a user identification unit for identifying a user who uses the electrical device, The server generates determination information A regarding a remaining state of a specific consumable product AA based on status information A acquired from one of the electrical appliances, and generates determination information B regarding a remaining state of a specific consumable product BB based on the status information A acquired from an electrical appliance that is the same as or different from the electrical appliance; the information processing terminal displays the judgment information A and the judgment information B on a single list screen on a terminal display unit for each user; when at least one of the determination information 1 relating to the remaining state or the determination information 2 relating to the urgency is displayed on the terminal display unit, the information processing terminal displays an input key to be selected when a purchase of the consumable product specified in the determination information 1 or the determination information 2 is desired; the server transmits command data for the electrical device after receiving a reception permission signal from the electrical device; A consumer goods purchasing support system characterized by:

11. A select screen is displayed on the terminal display unit, 11. The consumer goods purchasing support system according to claim 10, wherein the selection screen includes an input key for selecting a consumer goods management menu and an input key for starting a shopping list creation function.

12. An electrical device connected to a network; a storage means connected to the electrical device via the network, the storage means storing a plurality of data items for displaying the status of consumables used in the electrical device; an information processing terminal connected to said storage means via said network and having a terminal-side display unit; The electrical appliance includes a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires status information A relating to a remaining status of the consumable product, and a communication unit that transmits the status information A to an outside, the information processing terminal displays a selection screen having a plurality of input keys on the terminal display unit; When the input key is operated, information on at least one of the remaining state or urgency of a specific consumable product obtained from the electrical appliance and information on at least one of the remaining time or urgency of a specific consumable product obtained from an electrical appliance that is the same as or different from the electrical appliance are displayed on the same list screen on the terminal side display unit, when a specific consumable product is designated by an input key while the list screen is displayed, information on the remaining state of the designated consumable product that is not displayed on the list screen, and which is information on the operation of a related electrical device or specific advice on the acquisition of the designated consumable product, is displayed on the terminal display unit in a separate screen different from the list screen; the storage means does not transmit at least one of command data and a signal requesting provision of the status information A to the electrical equipment during a period before receiving a reception permission signal from the electrical equipment; An information acquisition system comprising:

13. the device is connected to an electrical appliance and an information processing terminal in a communicable state via a network, and stores a plurality of data for displaying information on consumable goods related to the electrical appliance on a terminal display unit of the information processing terminal; A selection screen having a plurality of input keys is displayed on the terminal display unit, and when the user operates the input keys, the following is executed according to the contents of the operated input keys: (1) among the plurality of data, consumable goods data generated in response to a transmission result of status information from the electrical appliance is aggregated for each user, and displayed in a list form on the terminal side display unit; (2) For a specific consumable product among the consumable products displayed in the list state, information indicating the remaining amount or the urgency of refilling or replacing the specific consumable product is displayed on a display screen different from the list state on the terminal side display unit. Execute the process, Further, a judgment criterion setting unit is provided, the judgment criterion setting unit is capable of modifying the judgment criterion of the urgency level in response to an input from the information processing terminal device, during a period before receiving a reception permission signal from the electrical appliance, not transmitting at least one of command data and a signal requesting the electrical appliance to provide status information A relating to the remaining status of the consumable product; A server that features.

14. An electrical device connected to a network; a storage means connected to the electrical device via the network, the storage means storing a plurality of data items for displaying the status of consumables used in the electrical device; an information processing terminal connected to said storage means via said network and having a terminal-side display unit; The electrical appliance has a control unit that controls an operating state, an input unit that sets operating conditions by the control unit, a communication unit that transmits a setting result of the input unit to an outside via the network, and a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires status information A relating to an accumulated use time of the consumable product, The consumables of the electrical equipment include consumable parts whose functions deteriorate with long-term operation, the information processing terminal displays a selection screen having a plurality of input keys on the terminal display unit; when a specific input key among the input keys is operated, information on a degree of urgency corresponding to a length of time until a recommended replacement deadline as viewed from the accumulated usage time of the consumable part, which is obtained from the electrical equipment, is displayed on an individual screen different from the selection screen on the terminal side display unit, the storage means does not transmit, to the electrical device, at least one of command data and a command signal requesting provision of the status information A before receiving a reception permission signal from the electrical device after a main power supply is turned on; An information acquisition system comprising:

15. the information processing terminal displays the selection screen on the terminal display unit, The information acquisition system described in claim 14, characterized in that when at least one of the input keys on the selection screen is operated, information regarding the remaining status of a specific consumable item AA obtained from the electrical device and information regarding the remaining status of a specific consumable item BB obtained from the same or different electrical device as the electrical device, among the multiple data stored in the memory means, are displayed on the same list screen on the terminal side display unit.

Images