Washing machine system, proposing method of washing machine to user, and washing machine

Abstract

To provide a washing machine system which determines a lifestyle of a user and proposes information with the content and at timing that a user is likely to wish, to provide a proposing method of a washing machine to a user, and to provide a washing machine.SOLUTION: A washing machine system includes: a washing machine; an equipment information processing part for acquiring washing operation information and user information transmitted from the washing machine; a lifestyle determination part for determining whether or not a daily pattern has been continuing based on the washing operation information of the user acquired by the equipment information processing part; a proposal content determination part which determines predetermined information proposed to the user, in the case where it is determined by the lifestyle determination part that the daily patten has been continuing; and a display part for presenting information determined by the proposal content determination part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine system, a method for making suggestions to a washing machine user, and a washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a technology that includes an identification information acquisition unit that acquires identification information of clothing stored in an ID tag, which is an example of an identification information storage unit attached to clothing, which is an example of an item, and records the information in a history storage unit; a usage mode determination unit that determines the usage mode of the clothing based on the acquisition history of the identification information of the clothing recorded in the history storage unit; and a suggestion unit that suggests the type or number of items that a user should purchase based on the usage mode of the clothing determined by the usage mode determination unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-053808 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a washing machine system, a method for suggesting information to a washing machine user, and a washing machine that can determine a user's lifestyle and suggest information with content and timing that the user is likely to want. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The washing machine system of the present disclosure includes a washing machine, an appliance information processing unit that acquires washing operation information and user information sent from the washing machine, a lifestyle determination unit that determines whether a daily pattern is continuing based on the user's washing operation information acquired by the appliance information processing unit, a proposal content determination unit that determines predetermined information to be proposed to the user when the lifestyle pattern determination unit determines that the daily pattern is continuing, and a display unit that presents the information determined by the proposal content determination unit.

[0006] In addition, the method of making suggestions to a user of a washing machine in the present disclosure includes a process of acquiring washing operation information and user information sent from the washing machine, a process of determining whether the washing operation information is a daily pattern or an unusual pattern based on the washing operation information, a process of determining specified information to be suggested to the user if it is determined to be a daily pattern, and a process of presenting the determined information.

[0007] In addition, the washing machine of the present disclosure includes an appliance information processing unit that acquires washing operation information and user information, a lifestyle determination unit that determines whether a daily pattern is continuing based on the user's washing operation information acquired by the appliance information processing unit, a proposal content determination unit that determines specified information to be proposed to the user when the lifestyle pattern determination unit determines that the daily pattern is continuing, and a display unit that presents the information determined by the proposal content determination unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The washing machine system, the method for making suggestions to a washing machine user, and the washing machine according to the present disclosure can determine the user's lifestyle and suggest information with content and timing that the user is likely to want. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a washing machine system according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] A block diagram showing a control configuration of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a management server according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing control of a terminal device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] Graph showing an example of acquiring washing operation information on laundry amount in embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Graph showing an example of acquiring washing operation information regarding washing start time and laundry amount in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example on a terminal device according to the first embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time when the inventors came up with the idea for the present disclosure, there was a technology available that determined how clothing was used and presented to a mobile terminal the type or number of items that a user should purchase based on how the clothing was used. However, such technology has the problem that it can only notify the user of specified information at a specified date and time, regardless of the user's lifestyle, and cannot notify the user of information that they may want at a time or according to their lifestyle situation. Furthermore, the inventors discovered a problem with conventional technology in that a separate support device was required that used identification information stored in an ID tag attached to an item to determine how the item was being used and suggested purchasing items of the same or similar type, and that the suggestions made by the suggestion unit were limited to suggestions for purchasing items of the same or similar type as the item in question. In order to solve this problem, the inventors came up with the subject matter of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a washing machine system, a method for suggesting information to a washing machine user, and a washing machine that can determine a user's lifestyle and suggest information with content and timing that the user is likely to want.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) [1-1.Configuration] [1-1-1. Washing machine system configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a washing machine system 1000.

[0013] The washing machine system 1000 determines the lifestyle of the user P based on the washing operation information of the washing machine 1, and promptly suggests information that the user P is likely to want. The types of suggestions will be described later.

[0014] The washing machine system 1000 includes a washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 is a device for washing cloth as laundry in a washing tub 156. In this embodiment, a drum-type washing machine is exemplified as washing machine 1. FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which two washing machines 1A and 1B are installed inside facility H, and washing machine 1C is installed outside facility H. When washing machines 1A, 1B, and 1C are not particularly distinguished from one another, they are referred to as washing machine 1.

[0015] The washing machine 1 communicates with a management server 3 connected to a network NW via a communication device 5. The network NW includes the Internet, a telephone network, and other communication networks.

[0016] The communication device 5 is connected to the network NW and communicates with devices connected to the network NW. The communication device 5 functions as an interface device for connecting the washing machine 1 and the terminal device 4 to the network NW. The communication device 5 establishes a local network in the facility H.

[0017] The washing machine system 1000 includes a terminal device 4. The terminal device 4 is a PC (Personal Computer) such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. An application program related to the washing machine 1 is installed on the terminal device 4, and the terminal device 4 communicates with the management server 3 using the function of this application program. In the following description, the application program is referred to as a "terminal APP" and is appropriately represented as "terminal APP 431" by adding the reference number "431."

[0018] The washing machine system 1000 includes a management server 3. Management server 3 is a server device that manages washing machine 1. Management server 3 is connected to network NW and performs information processing with washing machine 1 and terminal device 4 as clients.

[0019] [1-1-2. Washing machine system control configuration] [1-1-2-1. Washing machine control configuration] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 includes a washing machine control device 100. The washing machine control device 100 includes a washing machine processor 110 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a washing machine memory 130, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0020] Washing machine memory 130 is a memory that stores programs and data. Washing machine memory 130 stores control program 131, washing machine ID (Identification) 132, and other data processed by washing machine processor 110. Washing machine memory 130 has a non-volatile storage area. Washing machine memory 130 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for washing machine processor 110. Washing machine memory 130 is composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0021] The washing machine ID 132 is identification information for identifying the washing machine 1. An example of the washing machine ID 132 is the serial number of the washing machine 1.

[0022] Washing machine control device 100 is connected to washing machine communication unit 151, display operation unit 102, water supply valve 154, drain valve 155, each unit included in washing tub 156, temperature sensor 160, and compressor 161. Note that washing machine control device 100 may also be connected to devices other than those described above.

[0023] The washing tub 156 is composed of an outer tub and an inner tub (not shown). The outer tub is a generally cylindrical member that stores wash water. The inner tub is a generally cylindrical member that is rotatably disposed inside the outer tub and can accommodate laundry. The outer tub may be called a water tub, and the inner tub may be called a drum.

[0024] The drive motor 157 is a motor that drives the inner tub to rotate, and also functions as a means for detecting the amount of laundry. Washing tub 156 further includes vibration sensor 159 and recognition unit 158 ​​.

[0025] Vibration sensor 159 is a sensor that measures a displacement value of washing tub 156 in a certain direction. The certain direction is, for example, the direction of the rotation axis and / or the radial direction of washing tub 156. Vibration sensor 159 is a means for detecting a deviation in the position of the clothes. The deviation in the position of the clothes can also be called an imbalance of washing tub 156. Note that vibration sensor 159 may be an acceleration sensor that measures a displacement value of the acceleration of the rotation of washing tub 156.

[0026] The identification unit 158 ​​is a means capable of identifying the type of fabric. When it is assumed that clothes to which an IC tag such as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) that stores identification information is attached are to be washed, a reader that reads the RFID corresponds to identification unit 158. The reader functions as a sensor that identifies the type of fabric. Identification unit 158 ​​is provided in washing tub 156.

[0027] It is also possible to provide an image sensor capable of capturing an image of the inside of washing tub 156 in washing machine 1, and have recognition unit 158 ​​capture the image using the image sensor.

[0028] Temperature sensor 160 measures the temperature of the location where washing machine 1 is installed. In the present embodiment, this temperature corresponds to the room temperature inside facility H for washing machines 1A and 1B, and corresponds to the outside air temperature outside facility H for washing machine 1C. Temperature sensor 160 is preferably placed in a position where it is not affected by the heat generated by washing machine 1.

[0029] Washing machine 1 has a function of drying the clothes stored in washing tub 156. A circulation air passage (not shown) provided in washing machine 1 exhausts the air in washing tub 156 to dehumidify it, and then heats and dries the air, which is then blown back into washing tub 156. A heat pump unit in which compressor 161, a heating means such as a condenser, and a dehumidifying means such as an evaporator are connected by piping, and a blower fan serving as a blowing means are provided along the circulation air passage.

[0030] Washing machine communication unit 151 includes hardware such as a communication circuit that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with management server 3 under the control of washing machine processor 110.

[0031] The display operation unit 102 is a panel having a washing machine touch panel 153, which is a touch panel, operation buttons, etc. The display operation unit 102 is disposed on the top of the washing machine 1, for example.

[0032] Washing machine processor 110 functions as washing machine communication control unit 111, operation control unit 112, and washing machine display control unit 113 by reading and executing control program 131 stored in washing machine memory 130.

[0033] Washing machine communication control unit 111 communicates with management server 3 via washing machine communication unit 151.

[0034] Operation control unit 112 performs washing by controlling mechanisms related to washing, such as water supply valve 154, drive motor 157, and drain valve 155. Washing mainly consists of a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, and a drying process.

[0035] There are multiple courses for washing that the operation control unit 112 can perform. The courses include, for example, an automatic course, a towel-only course, and a blanket course. The automatic course is suitable when there is little bias in the types of fabrics being washed. The towel-only course is particularly suitable for washing towels, and is characterized by, for example, supplying more water during the washing process. The blanket course is particularly suitable for washing large fabrics such as blankets, sheets, and curtains, and is characterized by, for example, performing the washing process with a high concentration of detergent.

[0036] The operation control unit 112 measures the operation time required for one washing cycle. The operation time measured by the operation control unit 112 is the time required for one washing cycle from the start to the end of washing.

[0037] The washing machine display control unit 113 uses the display operation unit 102 to display information related to the washing machine 1. The information related to the washing machine 1 is, for example, text information notifying the washing status, washing time, etc.

[0038] The measurement unit 114 includes a laundry amount measurement unit 115 , a position measurement unit 116 , a type measurement unit 117 , and a temperature measurement unit 118 . The measuring unit 114 measures operation information such as the washing course and washing time of the washing machine 1. The cloth amount measuring unit 115 acquires the rotational workload, which is the workload of the drive motor 157 required for the drive motor 157 to rotate at a predetermined rotation speed. For example, the cloth amount measuring unit 115 acquires the current value of the drive motor 157 required for the drive motor 157 to rotate at the predetermined rotation speed as the rotational workload.

[0039] Position measurement unit 116 acquires the displacement value of washing tub 156 measured by vibration sensor 159 . The type measurement unit 117 acquires the number of each type of cloth from the reading result by the identification unit 158. The type of cloth is, for example, an item name such as towel, jeans, blanket, shirt, etc. The type of cloth may also be the composition of the cloth, such as cotton or polyester. The temperature measurement unit 118 acquires the temperature value from the data measured by the temperature sensor 160 .

[0040] [1-1-2-2. Management Server Control Configuration] Next, the configuration of the management server 3 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server 3. The management server 3 includes a server control device 300 and a server communication unit 351 . The server control device 300 includes a server processor 310 such as a CPU or MPU, a server memory 330, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0041] The server memory 330 is a memory that stores programs and data. The server memory 330 stores a control program 331, a management DB (database) 332, a proposal information storage unit 333, and other data to be processed by the server processor 310. The server memory 330 has a non-volatile storage area. The server memory 330 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the server processor 310. The server memory 330 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM.

[0042] Management DB 332 is a database for managing information related to washing machine 1. Management DB 332 stores washing operation information such as washing machine ID 132, washing day of the week for one wash, washing time, laundry amount, washing course, and the like. Washing machines 1A, 1B, and 1C have different washing machine IDs 132, and management DB 332 can store washing operation information for each washing machine ID.

[0043] The suggested information storage unit 333 stores information suggested to the user P in accordance with his / her lifestyle. The suggested information may include, for example, destination information, event information, and travel information. Examples of destination information include travel information such as the sea, mountains, hot springs, and theme parks; sports information such as skiing, golf, and tennis; sports spectator information such as baseball, soccer, and basketball; sightseeing information such as museums, art galleries, and gardens; and shopping information such as department stores and outlet malls.

[0044] Server communication unit 351 includes hardware such as a communication circuit that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with washing machine 1 and terminal device 4 under the control of server control device 300.

[0045] The server processor 310 reads and executes a control program 331 stored in the server memory 330, thereby functioning as a server communication control unit 311, a management unit 312, a device information processing unit 313, a lifestyle determination unit 314, and a proposal content determination unit 315.

[0046] Server communication control unit 311 communicates with washing machine 1 and terminal device 4 via server communication unit 351. The management unit 312 performs processing related to the management DB 332. In particular, the management unit 312 updates the management DB 332. The management unit 312 identifies, from the dedicated ID 432 received from the terminal device 4, the washing operation information or user information linked to the dedicated ID 432.

[0047] The device information processing unit 313 acquires the washing operation information sent from the washing machine 1 and also acquires the user information. The washing operation information and the user information are stored in the management DB 332.

[0048] The lifestyle determining unit 314 determines the lifestyle of the user P based on the laundry operation information stored in the management DB 332, such as the day of the week, the time of the laundry, the amount of laundry, and the laundry course.

[0049] Fig. 5 is a graph showing an example of acquired washing operation information regarding the laundry amount, and Fig. 6 is a graph showing an example of acquired washing operation information regarding the washing start time and the laundry amount. For example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, for a certain user P, on weekdays (Monday to Friday), the laundry time is between 9:00 p.m. and midnight, and the amount of laundry is about 3 to 4 kg, whereas on Saturdays and Sundays, the amount of laundry is often about 6 to 7 kg.

[0050] The lifestyle determining unit 314 analyzes the laundry pattern as follows. The maximum and minimum values ​​of the amount of fabric used are removed over a 1.7 day period. 2. Calculate the average amount of fabric for the remaining 5 days. 3. Days with low laundry volume are defined as days with a low amount of laundry within the range of the average amount of laundry plus or minus 1. 4. Days with a large amount of laundry are defined as days with a maximum amount of laundry or a value greater than the average amount of laundry plus 1. 5. The weekly laundry pattern is created by including information about the days of the week and the patterns of days with a small amount of laundry and days with a large amount of laundry. 6. Perform steps 1 to 5 on the information for the past month to extract four patterns for one week. 7. Of the four extracted weekly patterns, the pattern that matches three or more is considered to be the daily recurring pattern.

[0051] The determination of whether the daily pattern continues is performed as follows. 1. Use the daily repetitive patterns output by pattern analysis. 2. Calculate the degree of match with daily repetition patterns every week. 3. The degree of match is calculated based on the degree of similarity of the patterns using deviation, etc. 4. If a pattern match rate of 90% or more is detected for three consecutive months, it is determined that the daily pattern is continuing. If the judgments 1 to 4 do not match, it is determined that the daily pattern is not continuing.

[0052] When the lifestyle determination unit 314 determines that the daily pattern is continuing, the proposal content determination unit 315 determines travel destination information, sports information, sports viewing information, viewing information, shopping information, etc. to be proposed to the user P based on the proposal information stored in the proposal information storage unit 333. At this time, when determining the proposed information, the proposed content determination unit 315 may determine, for example, if family structure is registered as user information, proposed information for children for a user P who has children. Furthermore, the proposal content determination unit 315 may acquire seasonal information based on the current date, and thereby determine proposal information according to the season, such as cherry blossom viewing, clam digging, or autumn leaf viewing. In addition, the proposal content determination unit 315 may acquire weather information such as a weather forecast and temperature, and determine, for example, on a rainy day, proposal information such as indoor proposal information or proposal information such as a trip to a summer resort.

[0053] Furthermore, based on the laundry operation information, for example, when the delicate clothes course is used, the proposal content determination unit 315 may determine that the user P is likely to be going out for a special occasion and determine proposal information accordingly. Also, for example, when the water-repellent recovery course is used, the proposal content determination unit 315 may determine that the user P is likely to be an outdoor enthusiast and determine proposal information related to the outdoors. Furthermore, if the user P drives on a muddy course, it may be determined that the user P has children, and suggested information relating to children may be determined. When the proposal information is determined by the proposal content determination unit 315, it is also possible to determine proposal information that matches the preferences of user P based on, for example, user information and proposal information adopted by user P. In this case, by inputting laundry operation information, user information, the current date, weather information, and proposal information adopted by user P, it is also possible to adapt the proposal content to the preferences of user P so that it is more likely to be adopted by user P.

[0054] [1-1-2-3. Control configuration of terminal device] Next, the configuration of the terminal device 4 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 4. As shown in FIG. The terminal device 4 includes a terminal control device 400, a terminal communication unit 451, and a terminal touch panel 452.

[0055] The terminal control device 400 includes a terminal processor 410 such as a CPU or MPU, a terminal memory 430, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected. A terminal communication unit 451 and a terminal touch panel 452 are connected to the terminal control device 400. Note that other devices such as sensors may also be connected to the terminal control device 400.

[0056] The terminal memory 430 is a memory that stores programs and data. The terminal memory 430 stores a terminal APP 431, a dedicated ID 432, a washing machine ID 132 linked to the dedicated ID, and other data to be processed by the terminal processor 410. The terminal memory 430 has a non-volatile storage area. The terminal memory 430 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the terminal processor 410. The terminal memory 430 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM. The dedicated ID 432 is identification information for acquiring information to be displayed on the terminal device 4 from the management server 3. The dedicated ID 432 allows the information to be displayed on the terminal device 4 to be identified.

[0057] The terminal communication unit 451 includes hardware such as a communication circuit that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the management server 3 under the control of the terminal processor 410 . The terminal touch panel 452 is a touch panel.

[0058] The terminal processor 410 reads out and executes the terminal APP 431 stored in the terminal memory 430, thereby functioning as a terminal communication control unit 411, a terminal display control unit 412, and a reception unit 413. The terminal display control unit 412 corresponds to an example of a notification unit.

[0059] The terminal communication control unit 411 communicates with the management server 3 via the terminal communication unit 451 . The terminal display control unit 412 generates various screens and displays them on the terminal touch panel 452. The reception unit 413 receives various inputs from the user P via the screens displayed on the terminal touch panel 452 .

[0060] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of washing machine system 1000 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the washing machine system in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, first, user P operates terminal touch panel 452 of terminal device 4 to input washing machine information such as the installation location (address) of washing machine 1 and the model number of washing machine 1, and user information such as user P's ID (SA1), thereby associating washing machine 1 with terminal device 4. The washing machine information and user information are transmitted to management server 3 by the terminal communication unit of terminal device 4 (SA2). When management server 3 receives the washing machine information and user information, it stores this information in management DB 332 (SA3).

[0061] Subsequently, when the operation of the washing machine 1 starts (SA4), the measurement unit 114 of the washing machine 1 acquires washing operation information such as the washing time, the amount of laundry to be washed, and the washing mode (SA5). After acquiring the washing operation information, the washing operation information of the washing machine 1 is transmitted to the management server 3 via the washing machine communication unit 151 of the washing machine 1 (SA6).

[0062] When the device information processing unit 313 of the management server 3 receives the washing operation information, it stores the washing operation information in the management DB 332 (SA7). The lifestyle determination unit 314 of the management server 3 analyzes the washing pattern of the user P based on the washing operation information such as the washing day, washing time, laundry amount, washing course, etc. stored in the management DB 332 (SA8).

[0063] If the lifestyle determination unit 314 analyzes the laundry pattern and determines that the normal pattern is continuing (SA9: YES), the proposal content determination unit 315 determines the proposal information to be proposed to user P, such as travel destination information, sports information, sports viewing information, viewing information, shopping information, etc., based on the proposal information stored in the proposal information storage unit 333 (SA10). After determining the proposed information, the management server 3 transmits the determined proposed information to the terminal device 4 via the server communication unit 351 (SA11). If the lifestyle determining unit 314 determines, as a result of analyzing the laundry pattern, that the normal pattern is not continuing (SA9: NO), the operations from SA1 to SA8 are repeated.

[0064] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display on the terminal device 4 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, based on the proposal information sent from the management server 3, the terminal device 4 displays on the terminal touch panel 452 an image that prompts the user to connect to a website corresponding to the proposal information (SA12). By operating the "display" displayed on the terminal touch panel 452, the user P can display a predetermined website and view the proposed information.

[0065] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, washing machine system 1000 in this embodiment includes washing machine 1, appliance information processing unit 313 that acquires washing operation information and user information sent from washing machine 1, lifestyle behavior determination unit 314 that determines whether or not a daily pattern is continuing based on the washing operation information of user P acquired by appliance information processing unit 313, proposal content determination unit 315 that determines predetermined information to be proposed to user P when lifestyle behavior determination unit 314 determines that the daily pattern is continuing, and terminal touch panel 452 (display unit) that presents the information determined by proposal content determination unit 315. According to this, it is determined whether the daily pattern is continuing, and if it is determined that the daily pattern is continuing, predetermined information is proposed to the user P, so that information that the user P is likely to want can be proposed at a time when the user P's living situation is thought to be becoming monotonous.

[0066] In addition, in the washing machine system 1000 of this embodiment, the lifestyle determination unit 314 determines whether the daily pattern is continuing or not based on the washing operation information including at least the operation start date and time, the operation day, the amount of laundry to be washed, and the operation course acquired from the washing machine 1. This makes it possible to determine the user P's washing pattern from information such as the start date and time of the washing operation, the day of the week the washing operation is performed, the amount of laundry washed, and the operation course, and to accurately determine whether the daily pattern is continuing.

[0067] In addition, in washing machine system 1000 in the present embodiment, proposal content determination unit 315 proposes information according to at least the residence, family composition, and current date of user P, based on the user information acquired by device information processing unit 313. This allows information to be proposed that takes into account the season and location based on the user information. Therefore, by proposing information that is familiar to the user P, it becomes easier for the user P to take actual action.

[0068] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned first embodiment has been described as an example disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned first embodiment to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, a drum-type washing machine is exemplified as the washing machine 1, but the washing machine 1 may also be a vertical washing machine. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, three washing machines 1A, 1B, and 1C are installed, but the number of washing machines 1 may be one, or four or more.

[0070] In the first embodiment, washing machine system 1000 includes washing machine 1, terminal device 4, and management server 3, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, washing machine 1 may include appliance information processing unit 313, lifestyle mode determination unit 314, proposal content determination unit 315, and display unit, and washing machine system 1000 may be configured using only washing machine 1. Furthermore, for example, device information processing unit 313, lifestyle mode determination unit 314, proposal content determination unit 315, and display unit may all be mounted on terminal device 4, and proposal information may be displayed on terminal device 4 based on washing operation information sent from washing machine 1. In this case, washing machine 1 and terminal device 4 constitute washing machine system 1000.

[0071] Alternatively, for example, device information processing unit 313, lifestyle mode determination unit 314, and proposal content determination unit 315 may be installed in terminal device 4, and only the display unit may be installed in the washing machine, and proposal information may be generated by terminal device 4 based on washing operation information sent from the washing machine and displayed on the display unit of the washing machine. In this case, washing machine 1 and terminal device 4 constitute washing machine system 1000.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, a dedicated application program to be installed is exemplified as a program for realizing each functional unit of the terminal processor 410, but the program may be a browser or the like.

[0073] Washing machine processor 110, server processor 310, and terminal processor 410 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to realize the corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0074] The configurations of washing machine 1, terminal device 4, and management server 3 shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is also possible to configure each unit to realize its function by having one processor execute a program. Also, some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiments may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software.

[0075] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0076] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0077] (Technology 1) A washing machine system comprising: a washing machine; an appliance information processing unit that acquires washing operation information and user information sent from the washing machine; a lifestyle behavior determination unit that determines whether a daily pattern is continuing based on the user's washing operation information acquired by the appliance information processing unit; a proposal content determination unit that determines predetermined information to be proposed to the user when the lifestyle behavior determination unit determines that the daily pattern is continuing; and a display unit that presents the information determined by the proposal content determination unit. According to this configuration, it is determined whether or not the daily pattern is continuing, and if it is determined that the daily pattern is continuing, predetermined information is proposed to the user, so that information that the user is likely to want can be proposed at a time when it is thought that the user's living situation is becoming monotonous.

[0078] (Technology 2) The washing machine system according to Technology 1, wherein the lifestyle determination unit determines whether a daily pattern is continuing based on the washing operation information including at least the operation start date and time, the operation day, the amount of laundry washed, and the operation course acquired from the washing machine. With this configuration, the user's washing pattern can be determined from information such as the start date and time of the washing operation, the day of the week the washing operation is performed, the amount of laundry washed, and the operating course, and it can be accurately determined whether the daily pattern is continuing.

[0079] (Technology 3) The washing machine system according to Technology 1 or Technology 2, wherein the proposal content determination unit proposes information according to at least the user's place of residence, family composition, and current date based on the user information acquired by the device information processing unit. According to this configuration, it is possible to propose information that takes into account the season and location based on the user information. Therefore, by proposing information that is familiar to the user, it becomes easier for the user to take actual action.

[0080] (Technology 4) A method of making suggestions to a user of a washing machine, which includes the steps of: acquiring washing operation information and user information sent from the washing machine; determining whether the washing operation information is a daily pattern or an irregular pattern based on the washing operation information; determining predetermined information to be suggested to the user if it is determined to be a daily pattern; and presenting the determined information. According to this configuration, it is determined whether or not the daily pattern is continuing, and if it is determined that the daily pattern is continuing, predetermined information is proposed to the user, so that information that the user is likely to want can be proposed at a time when it is thought that the user's living situation is becoming monotonous.

[0081] (Technology 5) A washing machine comprising: an appliance information processing unit that acquires washing operation information and user information; a lifestyle determination unit that determines whether a daily pattern is continuing based on the user's washing operation information acquired by the appliance information processing unit; a proposal content determination unit that determines predetermined information to be proposed to the user when the lifestyle pattern determination unit determines that the daily pattern is continuing; and a display unit that displays the information determined by the proposal content determination unit. According to this configuration, it is determined whether or not the daily pattern is continuing, and if it is determined that the daily pattern is continuing, predetermined information is proposed to the user, so that information that the user is likely to want can be proposed at a time when it is thought that the user's living situation is becoming monotonous. [Industrial Applicability]

[0082] As described above, the present disclosure can be suitably used as a washing machine system, a method of suggesting information to a washing machine user, and a washing machine that can determine a user's lifestyle and suggest information with content and timing that the user is likely to want. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Washing machine 3 Management Server 4 Terminal Devices 5. Communications equipment 100 Washing machine control device 102 Display operation section 110 Washing Machine Processor 111 Washing machine communication control unit 112 Operation control unit 113 Washing machine display control unit 114 Measurement Unit 115 Cloth quantity measurement section 116 Position measurement unit 117 Type Measurement Section 118 Temperature measurement unit 130 Washing Machine Memory 131 Control Program 132 Washing machine ID 151 Washing Machine Communication Unit 153 Washing machine touch panel 154 Water supply valve 155 Drain valve 156 Washing machine tub 157 Drive motor 158 Identification Unit 159 Vibration Sensor 160 Temperature Sensor 161 Compressor 300 Server control device 310 Server Processor 311 Server communication control unit 312 Management Department 313 Device Information Processing Unit 314 Lifestyle Determination Division 315 Proposal Content Determination Department 330 Server Memory 331 Control Program 332 Management DB 333 Proposal information storage unit 351 Server Communication Department 400 Terminal control device 410 Terminal Processor 411 Terminal communication control unit 412 Terminal display control unit 413 Reception Department 430 terminal memory 431 Terminal APP 432 Dedicated ID 451 Terminal Communication Unit 452 Terminal Touch Panel 1000 Washing Machine System P User H Facility NW Network

Claims

1. A washing machine and a device information processing unit that acquires washing operation information and user information sent from the washing machine; a lifestyle determination unit that determines whether a daily pattern is continuing based on the user's laundry operation information acquired by the appliance information processing unit; and a proposal content determination unit that determines predetermined information to be proposed to the user when the lifestyle mode determination unit determines that the daily pattern is continuing; a display unit that displays the information determined by the proposal content determination unit, Washing machine system.

2. the lifestyle determination unit determines whether a daily pattern is continuing based on the washing operation information including at least an operation start date and time, an operation day, an amount of laundry to be washed, and an operation program acquired from the washing machine; The washing machine system of claim 1 .

3. the proposal content determination unit proposes information according to at least the user's place of residence, family structure, and current date based on the user information acquired by the device information processing unit; The washing machine system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A process of acquiring washing operation information and user information sent from the washing machine; A process of determining whether the laundry pattern is a daily pattern or an unusual pattern based on the laundry operation information; a process of determining predetermined information to be proposed to the user when the daily pattern is determined; and presenting the determined information. How to suggest washing machine users.

5. a device information processing unit that acquires washing operation information and user information; a lifestyle determination unit that determines whether a daily pattern is continuing based on the user's laundry operation information acquired by the appliance information processing unit; a proposal content determination unit that determines predetermined information to be proposed to the user when the lifestyle mode determination unit determines that the daily pattern is continuing; a display unit that displays the information determined by the proposal content determination unit, washing machine.

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