Program, information processing method, and information processing system

Abstract

To provide a program, an information processing method, and an information processing system capable of improving convenience.SOLUTION: A program of an embodiment causes a computer to execute first display processing for displaying a first operation screen related to a refrigerator. The first operation screen is switchable between at least a first display mode including a first collective display portion and a second display mode including a second collective display portion in response to an operation performed on a predetermined switching operation portion. The first collective display portion includes a plurality of display portions in which operation portions used for setting functions related to a first function of the refrigerator and different from each other are arranged. The second collective display portion includes a plurality of display portions in which operation portions used for setting functions of the refrigerator different from the first function and different from each other are respectively disposed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to a program, an information processing method, and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Information processing systems are known that display, on a terminal device, an operation screen including an operation unit for operating a home electric appliance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-59586 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a program, an information processing method, and an information processing system that can improve convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A program according to an embodiment causes a computer to execute a first display process to display a first operation screen related to a refrigerator. The first operation screen is switchable between at least a first display mode including a first collective display unit and a second display mode including a second collective display unit in response to an operation on a predetermined switching operation unit. The first collective display unit includes a plurality of display units, each of which has an operation unit used to set a different function related to a first function of the refrigerator. The second collective display unit includes a plurality of display units, each of which has an operation unit used to set a different function of the refrigerator from the first function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a home appliance management system according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 2 taken along line F3-F3. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first display example of an operation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an individual function screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an individual function screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an individual function screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an individual function screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an individual function screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an individual function screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an individual function screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an individual function screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an individual function screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an individual function screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an individual function screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an individual function screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing state changes of the first collective display unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 21] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing state changes of the second collective display unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 22] 6A to 6C are diagrams showing switching of the display mode in the second state in the first embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of a display NA according to the first embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second example of the display NA according to the first embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third example of the display NA according to the first embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of a display NB according to the first embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of the display NB according to the first embodiment. [Figure 28] 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for displaying an operation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a refrigerator according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, a program, an information processing method, and an information processing system according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be assigned the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted. In this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and may include a case where the component is based on another element in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to a case where the component is based directly on XX, but may also include a case where the component is based on XX after calculation or processing. In this application, "XX or YY" is not limited to either XX or YY, but may include both XX and YY. This also applies when there are three or more optional elements. XX and YY are arbitrary elements (e.g., arbitrary information).

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

[0009] (First embodiment) <1. Overall configuration of home appliance management system> 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a home appliance management system 1 according to a first embodiment. The home appliance management system 1 includes, for example, a refrigerator 100, a server 200, and a home appliance management application AP of a terminal device 300. The network NW, which will be described later, may be, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a low power wide area network (LPWA), a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or other public or dedicated lines, depending on the situation.

[0010] The refrigerator 100 is installed in the residence of a user U. The refrigerator 100 is connected to a network NW via, for example, a wireless router WR and a modem M installed in the residence of the user U. The refrigerator 100 can communicate with a server 200 or a terminal device 300 via the network NW. The refrigerator 100 may also be able to communicate directly with the terminal device 300 using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0011] Server 200 is a management server that manages refrigerator 100. Server 200 is configured with one or more server devices (for example, cloud servers). Server 200 can communicate with refrigerator 100 or terminal device 300 via network NW. Server 200 may include an information processing unit that performs edge computing or fog computing, such as an information processing unit included in a router in network NW. Server 200 is not limited to a cloud server and may be a computer in the residence of user U, a home router, or the like.

[0012] The terminal device 300 is a terminal device used by a user U of the refrigerator 100. The terminal device 300 is, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal device. However, the terminal device 300 is not limited to a mobile terminal device, and may be a personal computer or a voice interaction device such as a smart speaker.

[0013] The terminal device 300 includes, for example, a display device 301, an input device 302, and a communication unit 303. The display device 301 is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, and has a display screen 301a that can display various information. The input device 302 can accept input from the user U. The input device 302 is, for example, a touch panel that is provided on top of the display screen 301a. The input device 302 may include a camera, a microphone, and the like that are provided in the terminal device 300. The communication unit 303 is, for example, a communication module capable of wireless communication. The communication unit 303 is connected to the network NW directly or via a wireless router WR and a modem M. The communication unit 303 can communicate with the refrigerator 100 or the server 200 via the network NW. The communication unit 303 may also be capable of directly communicating with the refrigerator 100 using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

[0014] An application program P is installed in the terminal device 300, and the terminal device 300 supports the functions described below. The application program P is, for example, an application program for managing the refrigerator 100. Hereinafter, the application software that is started by executing the application program P is referred to as a "home appliance management application AP."

[0015] In this embodiment, the home appliance management application AP is an example of an "information processing system." Instead of the above example, the "information processing system" may be realized by the refrigerator 100 or the server 200, or may be realized by a combination of two or more of the refrigerator 100, the server 200, and the home appliance management application AP. Each of the refrigerator 100, the server 200, and the terminal device 300 is an example of a "computer."

[0016] <2. Refrigerator configuration> <2.1 Configuration related to the chassis> Next, the configuration of the refrigerator 100 will be described. 2 is a front view showing the refrigerator 100. The refrigerator 100 includes, for example, a housing 10 and a plurality of doors 20.

[0017] A plurality of storage compartments 30 are provided inside the housing 10. The plurality of storage compartments 30 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 31, a chilled compartment 31A, a vegetable compartment 32, an ice-making compartment 33, an upper freezer compartment 34, and a main freezer compartment 35. The refrigerator compartment 31 is cooled, for example, to a refrigerator compartment temperature range having an average temperature of approximately 2°C to 6°C. The chilled compartment 31A is cooled, for example, to a chilled compartment temperature range having an average temperature of approximately -1°C to +1°C. In this embodiment, the chilled compartment 31A includes a left chilled compartment 31Aa (first chilled compartment) and a right chilled compartment 31Ab (second chilled compartment) that are independent of each other. The vegetable compartment 32 is cooled, for example, to a vegetable compartment temperature range having an average temperature of approximately 3°C to 7°C. The ice-making compartment 33, the upper freezer compartment 34, and the main freezer compartment 35 are cooled, for example, to a freezer compartment temperature range having an average temperature of approximately -20°C to -18°C. Instead of or in addition to the above example, the storage compartment 30 of the refrigerator 100 may be a partial compartment cooled to a partial temperature zone with an average temperature of about -3°C, or a temperature switchable compartment whose temperature zone can be switched.

[0018] In this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 31 is located at the top, the vegetable compartment 32 is located below the refrigerator compartment 31, the ice-making compartment 33 and the upper freezer compartment 34 are located below the vegetable compartment 32, and the main freezer compartment 35 is located below the ice-making compartment 33 and the upper freezer compartment 34. However, the location of the storage compartments 30 is not limited to the above example. For example, the ice-making compartment 33 and the upper freezer compartment 34 may be located below the refrigerator compartment 31, the vegetable compartment 32 may be located below the ice-making compartment 33 and the upper freezer compartment 34, and the main freezer compartment 35 may be located below the vegetable compartment 32.

[0019] Housing 10 has an opening on the front side of each storage compartment 30 that allows food to be put in and taken out of each storage compartment 30. The openings of the multiple storage compartments 30 are closed openably and closably by multiple doors 20. The multiple doors 20 include left and right refrigerator compartment doors 21A, 21B that close the opening of refrigerator compartment 31, vegetable compartment door 22 that closes the opening of vegetable compartment 32, ice compartment door 23 that closes the opening of ice compartment 33, upper freezer compartment door 24 that closes the opening of upper freezer compartment 34, and main freezer compartment door 25 that closes the opening of main freezer compartment 35. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between left and right refrigerator compartment doors 21A, 21B, they will be referred to as "refrigerator compartment doors 21."

[0020] <2.2 Internal structure of the refrigerator> Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F3-F3 of refrigerator 100 shown in Fig. 2. Refrigerator 100 includes air passage forming component 40 and cooling section 50, for example.

[0021] (Air path forming parts) Air passage forming component 40 includes refrigeration air passage component 41 and freezer air passage component 42. Refrigeration air passage component 41 is provided inside housing 10 and extends vertically along the rear wall of housing 10. Refrigeration air passage component 41 forms air passage G1, which is a passage through which cool air flows, near the rear wall of housing 10.

[0022] Refrigeration air passage component 41 has cold air outlets 41a and 41b and cold air return port 41c. Cold air outlet 41a opens into refrigerator compartment 31 and supplies cold air cooled by a cold storage cooler 51 (described later) to refrigerator compartment 31. Cold air outlet 41b opens into chilled compartment 31A (e.g., left chilled compartment 31Aa or right chilled compartment 31Ab) and supplies cold air cooled by a cold storage cooler 51 (described later) to chilled compartment 31A. Cold air outlet 41b may be provided with a damper 41d that can adjust the opening amount of cold air outlet 41b. Cold air return port 41c opens into vegetable compartment 32 and guides cold air that has passed through refrigerator compartment 31 or vegetable compartment 32 to air passage G1.

[0023] Freezer air passage component 42 is provided within housing 10 and extends vertically along the rear wall of housing 10. Freezer air passage component 42 forms air passage G2, a passage through which cool air flows, near the rear wall of housing 10. Freezer air passage component 42 has cool air outlet 42a and cool air return port 42b. Cool air outlet 42a supplies cool air cooled by freezer cooler 53 (described below) to ice making compartment 33, upper freezer compartment 34, and main freezer compartment 35. Cool air return port 42b opens to the bottom of main freezer compartment 35 and guides cool air that has passed through one or more of ice making compartment 33, upper freezer compartment 34, and main freezer compartment 35 to air passage G2.

[0024] (cooling section) Cooling unit 50 includes, for example, refrigeration cooler 51, refrigeration blower 52, freezer cooler 53, freezer blower 54, and compressor 55. Refrigeration cooler 51 and refrigeration blower 52 are arranged in air passage G1. Refrigerant compressed by compressor 55 is supplied to refrigeration cooler 51, which cools the cold air flowing through air passage G1. When refrigeration blower 52 is driven, the cold air cooled by refrigeration cooler 51 is supplied to refrigerator compartment 31 or chilled compartment 31A through cold air outlets 41a, 41b. Then, the cold air that has passed through refrigerator compartment 31, chilled compartment 31A, or vegetable compartment 32 returns to air passage G1 through cold air return port 41c.

[0025] Freezer cooler 53 and freezer blower 54 are arranged in air passage G2. Freezer cooler 53 is supplied with refrigerant compressed by compressor 55 and cools the cold air flowing through air passage G2. When freezer blower 54 is driven, the cold air cooled by freezer cooler 53 is supplied from cold air outlet 42a to ice making compartment 33, upper freezer compartment 34, or main freezer compartment 35. The cold air that has passed through ice making compartment 33, upper freezer compartment 34, or main freezer compartment 35 then returns to air passage G2 from cold air return port 42b.

[0026] <2.3 Refrigerator Functional Configuration> 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of refrigerator 100. Refrigerator 100 has, for example, a cooling unit 50, a defrost heater 60, an ultraviolet irradiation device 70, a door-opening detection sensor 110, a temperature sensor 120, a water supply container remaining amount sensor 130, a communication unit 140, a control device 150, and a memory unit 190. Each of door-opening detection sensor 110, temperature sensor 120, and water supply container remaining amount sensor 130 is an example of a "detector."

[0027] (cooling section) Cooling unit 50 includes three-way valve 56 in addition to refrigeration cooler 51, refrigeration blower 52, freezer cooler 53, freezer blower 54, and compressor 55. Three-way valve 56 is switched between a state in which refrigerant compressed by compressor 55 is supplied to refrigeration cooler 51 and a state in which refrigerant compressed by compressor 55 is supplied to freezer cooler 53. For example, by controlling three-way valve 56, refrigerator 100 can alternately perform a refrigeration operation in which refrigerant compressed by compressor 55 is supplied to refrigeration cooler 51 to cool refrigerator compartment 31, chilled compartment 31A, and vegetable compartment 32, and a freezing operation in which refrigerant compressed by compressor 55 is supplied to freezer cooler 53 to cool ice making compartment 33, upper freezer compartment 34, and main freezer compartment 35.

[0028] (Defrost heater) The defrost heater 60 is attached to the freezer cooler 53. The defrost heater 60 is energized and heated when a defrosting operation is performed on the freezer cooler 53. During the defrosting operation of the freezer cooler 53, the defrost heater 60 heats the freezer cooler 53 and reduces the frost that has adhered to the freezer cooler 53.

[0029] (Ultraviolet irradiation device) The ultraviolet irradiation device 70 is provided in the storage compartment 30. The ultraviolet irradiation device 70 irradiates the interior of the storage compartment 30 with ultraviolet light, for example, to suppress viruses or bacteria. For example, the ultraviolet irradiation device 70 is provided in the vegetable compartment 32 and irradiates the interior of the vegetable compartment 32 with ultraviolet light. However, instead of or in addition to the above example, the ultraviolet irradiation device 70 may be provided in a storage compartment 30 other than the vegetable compartment 32 (such as the refrigerator compartment 31, chilled compartment 31A, ice making compartment 33, upper freezer compartment 34, or main freezer compartment 35). Ultraviolet light is an example of "light having the effect of suppressing viruses or bacteria."

[0030] In this embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device 70 includes, for example, an ultraviolet irradiation unit 71 and a colored light irradiation unit 72. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 71 includes an ultraviolet light-emitting diode (LED) and is an irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet light. The colored light irradiation unit 72 includes a colored light (e.g., blue or purple) LED and is an irradiation unit that irradiates the colored light onto the storage compartment irradiated with ultraviolet light by the ultraviolet irradiation unit 71. Because ultraviolet light is invisible, the colored light irradiated by the colored light irradiation unit 72 allows the user to recognize that special control (irradiation of ultraviolet light) is being performed on the storage compartment.

[0031] In this embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device 70 can irradiate ultraviolet rays in a first control mode and a second control mode under the control of the control device 150. The first control mode is a control mode in which ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the ultraviolet irradiation unit 71, but colored light is not irradiated by the colored light irradiation unit 72. The second control mode is a control mode in which ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the ultraviolet irradiation unit 71, and colored light is irradiated by the colored light irradiation unit 72.

[0032] (Door open detection sensor) Door open detection sensor 110 is a sensor that detects the opening and closing of door 20. Door open detection sensor 110 includes, for example, refrigerator compartment door sensor 111 that detects the opening and closing of refrigerator compartment door 21, vegetable compartment door sensor 112 that detects the opening and closing of vegetable compartment door 22, ice compartment door sensor 113 that detects the opening and closing of ice compartment door 23, upper freezer compartment door sensor 114 that detects the opening and closing of upper freezer compartment door 24, and main freezer compartment door sensor 115 that detects the opening and closing of main freezer compartment door 25. The detection result of door open detection sensor 110 is output to control device 150.

[0033] (Temperature sensor) Temperature sensor 120 is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of storage compartment 30 (e.g., the air temperature in storage compartment 30) or the temperatures of coolers 51, 53. Temperature sensor 120 includes, for example, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 121 that detects the temperature of refrigerator compartment 31, a chilled compartment temperature sensor 122 that detects the temperature of chilled compartment 31A, an upper freezer compartment temperature sensor 123 that detects the temperature of upper freezer compartment 34, a main freezer compartment temperature sensor 124 that detects the temperature of main freezer compartment 35, a refrigerator cooler temperature sensor 125 that detects the temperature of refrigerator cooler 51, and a freezer cooler temperature sensor 126 that detects the temperature of freezer cooler 53. The detection results of temperature sensor 120 are output to control device 150.

[0034] (Water container remaining amount sensor) The water supply container remaining amount sensor 130 detects the amount of water remaining in a water supply container (not shown) for ice making. The detection result of the water supply container remaining amount sensor 130 is output to the control device 150.

[0035] (Communications Department) The communication unit 140 is, for example, a wireless communication module. The communication unit 140 can communicate with the server 200 via, for example, a wireless router WR and a modem M installed in the residence of the user U. In this embodiment, the communication unit 140 may have a short-range wireless communication function such as Bluetooth and be able to communicate directly with the terminal device 300.

[0036] 2.4 Configuration of the control device Next, the control device 150 will be described. Control device 150 comprehensively controls the entire refrigerator 100. Control device 150 has information acquisition unit 151, control unit 152, status recording unit 153, determination unit 154, and transmission unit 155. These functional units are realized by one or more hardware processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted on refrigerator 100 executing programs. However, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0037] (Information acquisition department) The information acquisition unit 151 acquires a control command related to the operation of the refrigerator 100 and / or a setting change command instructing a change in the settings of the refrigerator 100 from the server 200. In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 151 acquires from the server 200 the control command or the setting change command generated based on an operation by the user U on the home appliance management application AP of the terminal device 300.

[0038] (Control unit) The control unit 152 controls the cooling unit 50, the defrost heater 60, the ultraviolet irradiation device 70, and the like. For example, the control unit 152 controls the cooling unit 50 to cool each storage compartment 30. For example, the control unit 152 controls the cooling unit 50 based on the set temperature (target temperature) of each storage compartment 30 and the detection result of the temperature sensor 120. For example, the control unit 152 controls one or more of the refrigeration blower 52, the freezer blower 54, the compressor 55, and the three-way valve 56 by feedback control such as PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control based on the difference between the set temperature (target temperature) of each storage compartment 30 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 120.

[0039] In this embodiment, the strength of the cooling control (cooling strength) for each storage compartment 30 can be set in stages. For example, when the cooling strength for a certain storage compartment 30 is set to "strong," the control unit 152 sets the set temperature (target temperature) of the storage compartment 30 to a lower temperature than when the cooling strength is "medium." As a result, when the cooling strength is set to "strong," the control unit 152 accelerates the cooling of the storage compartment 30 by increasing the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 52 or the freezer blower 54 and / or by increasing the operating frequency of the compressor 55, compared to when the cooling strength is "medium." On the other hand, when the cooling strength for a certain storage compartment 30 is set to "weak," the control unit 152 sets the set temperature (target temperature) of the storage compartment 30 to a higher temperature than when the cooling strength is "medium." As a result, when the cooling strength is set to "weak", the control unit 152 suppresses the cooling of the storage compartment 30 by reducing the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 52 or the freezer blower 54 and / or by lowering the operating frequency of the compressor 55, compared to when the cooling strength is set to "medium". Note that the setting of the cooling strength is not limited to three levels, and may be set to four or more levels (for example, five levels).

[0040] The control unit 152 executes a defrosting operation when a predetermined defrosting condition that has been set in advance is satisfied. For example, the control unit 152 performs a defrosting operation on the freezer cooler 53 when a predetermined defrosting condition that has been set in advance in relation to the freezer cooler 53 is satisfied. The defrosting operation on the freezer cooler 53 includes, for example, heating the defrost heater 60 until the predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition may be, but is not limited to, the passage of a predetermined time (for example, a fixed time) or the temperature of the freezer cooler temperature sensor 126 reaching a predetermined temperature.

[0041] Furthermore, when predetermined defrosting conditions set in advance in relation to refrigerating cooler 51 are satisfied, control unit 152 performs a defrosting operation on refrigerating cooler 51. The defrosting operation on refrigerating cooler 51 includes, for example, rotating refrigerating blower 52 to pass air around refrigerating cooler 51 while the supply of refrigerant to refrigerating cooler 51 is stopped. The air that has passed around refrigerating cooler 51 (air with a higher moisture content than usual) is supplied to refrigerator compartment 31, chilled compartment 31A, and vegetable compartment 32. This allows defrosting of refrigerating cooler 51 to proceed and moisture to be replenished to foods stored in refrigerator compartment 31, chilled compartment 31A, and vegetable compartment 32. This operation may be referred to as a "moisture-retaining operation." In addition, such an operation to replenish moisture (an operation in which the supply of refrigerant to the refrigeration cooler 51 is stopped and the refrigeration blower 52 is rotated to pass air around the refrigeration cooler 51) may be performed primarily for the purpose of replenishing moisture to food ingredients when the defrosting conditions are not satisfied.

[0042] (Status Recording Section) Status recording unit 153 stores information indicating the status of refrigerator 100 as status information 191 in storage unit 190. Status recording unit 153 stores status information 191 at predetermined intervals. Information indicating the status of refrigerator 100 includes, for example, information indicating the settings of refrigerator 100 or information indicating the operating state of refrigerator 100. "Information indicating the settings of refrigerator" is information indicating the cooling intensity set for each storage compartment 30, the operating mode (operation content, operating mode) set for each storage compartment 30, whether ultraviolet irradiation is set, etc.

[0043] The "information indicating the operating state of the refrigerator" is, for example, information indicating the operating mode (operation content, operation mode) currently being performed. In this embodiment, the "information indicating the operating state of the refrigerator" includes information indicating whether a defrosting operation is being performed. The "information indicating the operating state of the refrigerator" may include information indicating that a condition for starting a defrosting operation will be satisfied within a predetermined time, or information indicating an estimated time until the defrosting operation is completed during the defrosting operation. When the defrosting operation is performed for a fixed time, the "estimated time until the completion of the defrosting operation" is the remaining time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the start time. The "estimated time until the completion of the defrosting operation" may be estimated based on the detection results of the freezer cooler temperature sensor 126 (for example, detection results at multiple points in time). The "estimated time until the completion of the defrosting operation" may be a specific length of time (not limited to "xx minutes remaining") or may indicate which of five stages of the defrosting operation has been completed.

[0044] In this embodiment, the information indicating the state of the refrigerator 100 includes the determination result by the determining unit 154 (information indicating that the water supply container is out of water, etc.), which will be described later.

[0045] Furthermore, the state recording unit 153 stores the detection results of the various sensors in the storage unit 190 as detection result information 192. The detection result information 192 includes the detection results of the door opening detection sensor 110 and the temperature sensor 120, for example.

[0046] Furthermore, the status recording unit 153 stores the operation record of the refrigerator 100 in the storage unit 190 as operation record information 193. The operation record information 193 includes, for example, information indicating power consumption per predetermined unit time (for example, one hour) or whether or not a special operation, which will be described later, is being performed.

[0047] (Judgment Department) The determination unit 154 determines whether or not a predetermined condition set in advance is satisfied, and if the predetermined condition is satisfied, transmits a notification indicating that the predetermined condition has been satisfied to the server 200 via the transmission unit 155. For example, if the amount of water remaining in the water supply container indicated by the detection result of the water supply container remaining amount sensor 130 falls below a predetermined value, the determination unit 154 transmits a notification to the server 200 indicating that the water supply container is out of water.

[0048] Furthermore, the determination unit 154 may determine the behavioral characteristics of the user U (for example, the days of the week and time periods when the door 20 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times or less in a week) based on the detection result information 192. When such behavioral characteristics of the user U are determined, the control unit 152 may execute a special operation in accordance with the behavioral characteristics of the user U. The special operation is, for example, an operation in which the set temperature (target temperature) of the storage compartment 30 is increased and the cooling operation is suppressed compared to normal operation on the days of the week and time periods when the door 20 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times or less. Note that such determination of the behavioral characteristics of the user U may be performed by the server 200 instead of the refrigerator 100. Also, the determination of whether to execute the special operation may be performed by the server 200 instead of the refrigerator 100.

[0049] (Transmitter) The transmission unit 155 communicates with the server 200 via the communication unit 140 and transmits predetermined information to the server 200. For example, the transmission unit 155 transmits the status information 191, the detection result information 192, and the driving performance information 193 to the server 200 at predetermined intervals.

[0050] <2.5 Storage section> The storage unit 190 is a functional unit that stores various types of information. The storage unit 190 is realized by a combination of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage unit 190 stores, for example, status information 191, detection result information 192, and driving performance information 193.

[0051] <3. Server configuration> Next, the configuration of the server 200 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of server 200. Server 200 has, for example, information acquisition unit 210, refrigerator management unit 220, information transmission unit 230, and memory unit 290. Information acquisition unit 210, refrigerator management unit 220, and information transmission unit 230 are realized by, for example, one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU, mounted on server 200 executing programs. However, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. These functional units may also be provided separately in multiple server devices.

[0052] (Information acquisition department) The information acquisition unit 210 communicates with the refrigerator 100 or the terminal device 300 to acquire various types of information from the refrigerator 100 or the terminal device 300. For example, the information acquisition unit 210 acquires status information 191, detection result information 192, and operating record information 193 from the refrigerator 100. The information acquisition unit 210 may also acquire information indicating the determination result by the determination unit 154 of the refrigerator 100 from the refrigerator 100. The information acquisition unit 210 also acquires instructions regarding control of the refrigerator 100 or changes to the settings from the terminal device 300. The information acquisition unit 210 stores the acquired information in the storage unit 290.

[0053] (Refrigerator Management Department) Refrigerator management unit 220 manages refrigerator 100 based on the information acquired by information acquisition unit 210. For example, based on the information acquired by information acquisition unit 210 from terminal device 300, refrigerator management unit 220 generates a control command related to the control of refrigerator 100 or a setting change command for changing the setting contents.

[0054] (Information transmission section) Information transmitting unit 230 transmits information (for example, status information 191, detection result information 192, and operation record information 193) acquired from refrigerator 100 by information acquiring unit 210 to terminal device 300. Information transmitting unit 230 may also transmit information indicating the determination result by determining unit 154 of refrigerator 100 to terminal device 300 as part of status information 191 or as separate information. Information transmitting unit 230 also transmits control commands and setting change commands generated by refrigerator management unit 220 to refrigerator 100.

[0055] (Storage part) The storage unit 290 is a functional unit that stores various types of information. The storage unit 290 is realized by a combination of RAM, ROM, EEPROM, SSD, etc. The storage unit 290 stores, for example, status information 191, detection result information 192, and driving performance information 193.

[0056] <4. Terminal Device Configuration> Next, the terminal device 300 will be described. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of terminal device 300. Terminal device 300 has, for example, an information acquisition unit 310, a display control unit 320, an operation acceptance unit 330, an information transmission unit 340, and a storage unit 390. Information acquisition unit 310, display control unit 320, operation acceptance unit 330, and information transmission unit 340 are realized by one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU, mounted on terminal device 300 executing application program P. In other words, information acquisition unit 310, display control unit 320, operation acceptance unit 330, and information transmission unit 340 are software function units included in home appliance management application AP.

[0057] (Information acquisition department) The information acquisition unit 310 communicates with the refrigerator 100 or the server 200 to acquire various types of information from the refrigerator 100 or the server 200.

[0058] (Display control unit) The display control unit 320 controls the display device 301 of the terminal device 300, thereby controlling the content displayed on the display screen 301a of the display device 301. The content displayed on the display screen 301a, which will be described below, is displayed under the control of the display control unit 320. For example, the display control unit 320 causes the display screen 301a to display an operation screen that accepts an operation by the user U to change the settings of the refrigerator 100.

[0059] (Operation reception section) The operation accepting unit 330 accepts an operation of the user U performed on the input device 302 in relation to a screen (for example, an operation screen D1 described later) displayed by the display control unit 320. For example, the operation accepting unit 330 accepts an operation of the user U to press (for example, tap) various operation units displayed on the screen.

[0060] (Information transmission section) When operation acceptance unit 330 accepts an operation by user U, information transmission unit 340 generates information corresponding to the accepted operation. For example, when operation acceptance unit 330 accepts an operation by user U to change the settings of refrigerator 100 (for example, an operation on operation unit BJ, which will be described later), information transmission unit 340 generates a setting change command corresponding to the accepted operation. Information transmission unit 340 then transmits the generated information or setting change command to server 200. Note that information transmission unit 340 may also transmit the generated information or setting change command directly to refrigerator 100.

[0061] (Storage part) The storage unit 390 is realized by, for example, a combination of RAM, ROM, EEPROM, SSD, etc. The storage unit 390 stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 390 stores an application program P.

[0062] <5. Example of operation screen> Next, a display example of the operation screen of the terminal device 300 will be described. The various operation units described below are virtual operation units arranged on the display screen 301a. Operations on these operation units are accepted by the operation acceptance unit 330 as described above. Furthermore, the display of the screens and the transition of the screens described below are realized by the control of the display control unit 320 in response to the acceptance of an operation by the user U by the operation acceptance unit 330. For example, the display control unit 320 inquires of the server 200 about the content to be displayed, and generates the display content based on the status information 191, the detection result information 192, or the driving performance information 193 acquired from the server 200, and displays the generated display content on the display screen 301a.

[0063] 7 is a diagram showing a first display example of the operation screen of the terminal device 300. In this embodiment, an operation screen D1 related to the refrigerator 100 is displayed on the display screen 301a of the terminal device. The operation screen D1 is an example of a "first operation screen." The operation screen D1 is displayed on the display screen 301a by the display control unit 320 executing a first display process.

[0064] 5.1 Switching display modes and displaying using the collective display section First, switching of the display mode and display by the collective display unit will be described. Operation screen D1 can be switched between at least a first display mode including a first collective display unit A1 (see (a) in FIG. 7) and a second display mode including a second collective display unit A2 (see (b) in FIG. 7) in response to an operation on a predetermined switching unit (e.g., switching unit BS).

[0065] <5.1.1 First display mode> First, the first display mode will be described. The first display mode is a display mode that can accept operations related to setting a predetermined function (first function, for example, a main function of the refrigerator) of refrigerator 100. The first display mode includes, for example, a first image R1 representing the refrigerator and a first collective display area A1.

[0066] (First design) The first pattern R1 is an example of the pattern R representing the refrigerator 100. The first pattern R1 is, for example, a pattern depicting the storage compartment 30 inside the refrigerator 100. In the example shown in (a) of FIG. 7, a part of the first pattern R1 overlaps with the first collective display portion A1 and is obscured by the first collective display portion A1.

[0067] (1st group display) The first collective display section A1 includes a switching operation section BS1 and a plurality of display sections A11 to A16. The first collective display section A1 is a display section that collectively displays a plurality of display sections A11 to A16 for functions related to a predetermined function (first function, for example, a main function of the refrigerator) of the refrigerator 100. In this embodiment, the predetermined function (first function) is a cooling function of the refrigerator 100.

[0068] The switching operation unit BS1 is an example of the predetermined switching operation unit (switching operation unit BS). The switching operation unit BS1 is an operation unit for switching the operation screen D1 from the second display mode to the first display mode. The switching operation unit BS1 is, for example, a tab-type operation unit. The switching operation unit BS1 is, for example, arranged at the upper end of the first collective display unit A1. The switching operation unit BS1 is displayed on the operation screen D1 whether the operation screen D1 is in the first display mode or the second display mode.

[0069] Each of the plurality of display units A11 to A16 has, for example, a rectangular (card-like) outer shape. The plurality of display units A11 to A16 are arranged, for example, in two rows and three columns. Each of the plurality of display units A11 to A16 is a display unit for setting a function related to a predetermined function (first function, for example, the main function of the refrigerator) of the refrigerator 100, and is different from each other.

[0070] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of display sections A11 to A16 includes a display C (C11 to C16) and an operation section B (B11 to B16).

[0071] The display C includes information about the current setting of the function corresponding to the display unit among the plurality of display units A11 to A16 on which the display C is arranged. In this embodiment, the displays C (C11 to C16) arranged on the plurality of display units A11 to A16 each include information indicating the current setting of the cooling function of each of the different storage compartments 30 of the refrigerator 100.

[0072] The operation unit B is an operation unit used to set the function corresponding to the display unit on which the operation unit B is arranged among the multiple display units A11 to A16. In this application, the "operation unit used for XX" or "operation unit for XX" is not limited to an operation unit that can directly execute XX by operating the operation unit, but may also refer to an operation unit that can transition to another operation screen on which XX can be executed by operating the operation unit. "XX" represents any operation (e.g., changing settings). The operation unit B is, for example, a virtual operation unit arranged corresponding to the entire area of ​​each of the display units A11 to A16. The operation unit B accepts an operation (e.g., a pressing operation) by the user U. In this embodiment, the operation units B (B11 to B16) arranged on the multiple display units A11 to A16 are operation units for changing the settings of the cooling functions of different storage compartments 30 of the refrigerator 100.

[0073] (Display related to setting the refrigerator compartment cooling function) Display unit A11 is a display unit related to the setting of the cooling function of refrigerator compartment 31. Display unit A11 includes, for example, display C11 and operation unit B11. Display C11 includes information indicating the current setting of the cooling function of refrigerator compartment 31 (for example, a picture indicating the cooling strength of refrigerator compartment 31 in five stages). Operation unit B11 is an operation unit used to change the setting of the cooling function of refrigerator compartment 31. When operation unit B11 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual function screen D2A (see FIG. 8) to change the setting of the cooling function of refrigerator compartment 31 (for example, to change the cooling strength setting).

[0074] (Display related to the setting of the cooling function of the main freezer) Display unit A12 is a display unit related to the setting of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35. Display unit A12 includes, for example, display C12 and operation unit B12. Display C12 includes information indicating the current setting of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35 (for example, a picture indicating the cooling strength of the main freezer compartment 35 in five stages). Operation unit B12 is an operation unit used to change the setting of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35. When operation unit B12 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual function screen D2B (see FIG. 9) to change the setting of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35 (for example, to change the cooling strength setting).

[0075] (Display related to the setting of the cooling function for the left chilled compartment) Display unit A13 is a display unit related to the setting of the cooling function of left chilled compartment 31Aa. Display unit A13 includes, for example, display C13 and operation unit B13. Display C13 includes information indicating the current setting of the cooling function of left chilled compartment 31Aa (for example, information indicating the current operating mode of left chilled compartment 31Aa). The operating mode (operating content, operating mode) of left chilled compartment 31Aa is, for example, "normal chilled" or "special chilled."

[0076] "Normal chill" is chilled operation with standard settings. "Normal chill" is, for example, an operating mode in which the target temperature is constant. "Special chill" is chilled operation that performs cooling control different from normal chill. "Special chill" is, for example, an operating mode that alternates between low-temperature cooling control, in which the target temperature is set to a first temperature zone and cooled for a first predetermined time, and high-temperature cooling control, in which the target temperature is set to a second temperature zone that is higher than the first temperature zone and cooled for a second predetermined time.

[0077] Operation unit B13 is an operation unit used to change the setting of the cooling function for left chilled compartment 31Aa. When operation unit B13 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual operation screen D2C (see FIG. 10) to change the setting of the cooling function for left chilled compartment 31Aa (for example, to switch the operating mode between "normal chilled" and "special chilled").

[0078] (Display related to the cooling function setting for the right chilled compartment) Display unit A14 is a display unit related to the setting of the cooling function for the right chilled compartment 31Ab. Display unit A14 includes, for example, display C14 and operation unit B14. Display C14 includes information indicating the current setting of the cooling function for the right chilled compartment 31Ab (for example, information indicating the current operating mode of the right chilled compartment 31Ab). The operating mode (operating content, operating mode) of the right chilled compartment 31Ab is "normal chilled" or "special chilled," just like the left chilled compartment 31Aa.

[0079] Operation unit B14 is an operation unit used to change the setting of the cooling function for right chilled compartment 31Ab. When operation unit B14 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual operation screen D2D (see FIG. 11) to change the setting of the cooling function for right chilled compartment 31Ab (for example, to switch the operating mode between "normal chilled" and "special chilled").

[0080] (Display related to setting the cooling function of the ice maker) Display unit A15 is a display unit related to the setting of the cooling function of ice making compartment 33. Display unit A15 includes, for example, display C15 and operation unit B15. Display C15 includes information indicating the current setting of the cooling function of ice making compartment 33 (for example, information indicating the current operating mode of ice making compartment 33). The operating mode (operating content, operating mode) of ice making compartment 33 is, for example, "normal ice making" or "rapid ice making."

[0081] "Normal ice making" is an operating mode for making ice with standard settings. "Rapid ice making" is an operating mode in which ice is made in a shorter time than normal ice making. "Rapid ice making" is, for example, an operating mode in which the cooling intensity of ice making chamber 33 is set higher than in normal ice making, and / or in which it is more difficult to transition from freezing operation to refrigerating operation than in normal ice making.

[0082] Operation unit B15 is an operation unit used to change the setting of the cooling function of ice making compartment 33. When operation unit B15 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual operation screen D2E (see FIG. 12) to change the setting of the cooling function of ice making compartment 33 (for example, to switch the operating mode between "normal ice making" and "rapid ice making").

[0083] (Display related to the setting of the cooling function of the upper freezer compartment) Display unit A16 is a display unit related to the setting of the cooling function of upper freezer compartment 34. Display unit A16 includes, for example, display C16 and operation unit B16. Display C16 includes information indicating the current setting of the cooling function of upper freezer compartment 34 (for example, information indicating the current operating mode of upper freezer compartment 34). The operating mode (operating content, operating mode) of upper freezer compartment 34 is "normal freezing," "quick freezing," "thawing," or the like.

[0084] "Normal freezing" is an operating mode with standard settings. "Quick freezing" is an operating mode in which the temperature of the upper freezer compartment 34 is lowered in a shorter time than normal freezing. "Quick freezing" sets the cooling intensity of the upper freezer compartment 34 higher than normal freezing, for example. "Defrosting" is an operating mode in which the target temperature of the upper freezer compartment 34 is set higher than normal freezing (for example, set to around 0 degrees). "Defrosting" may include heating by a heater if a heater is installed in the upper freezer compartment 34.

[0085] The operation unit B16 is an operation unit used to change the setting of the cooling function of the upper freezer compartment 34. When the operation unit B16 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to an individual operation screen D2F (see FIG. 13) for changing the setting of the cooling function of the upper freezer compartment 34 (for example, switching the operation mode among "normal freezing," "rapid ice making," and "defrosting"). For ease of explanation, FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the individual operation screen D2F on which the operation mode can be set to "removing heat" or "cooling cooking" instead of "defrosting."

[0086] <5.1.2 Second display mode> Next, the second display mode will be described. The second display mode is a display mode that can accept an operation related to setting a function of refrigerator 100 that is different from the predetermined function (first function, for example, the main function of the refrigerator). The second display mode includes, for example, a second image R2 representing the refrigerator and a second collective display area A2.

[0087] (Second picture) The second pattern R2 is another example of the pattern R indicating the refrigerator 100. The first pattern R1 is a pattern different from the first pattern R1 described above. For example, the second pattern R2 is a pattern indicating the appearance of the refrigerator 100. In the example shown in (b) of FIG. 7, a part of the second pattern R2 overlaps with the second collective display portion A2 and is covered by the second collective display portion A2.

[0088] (Second set display) Second collective display section A2 includes a switching operation section BS2 and a plurality of display sections A21 to A26. Second collective display section A2 is a display section that collectively displays a plurality of display sections related to functions of refrigerator 100 other than the predetermined function (first function, for example, the refrigerator's main function). In this embodiment, second collective display section A2 collectively displays general functions of refrigerator 100 other than the cooling function.

[0089] The switching operation unit BS2 is another example of the predetermined switching operation unit (switching operation unit BS). The switching operation unit BS2 is an operation unit for switching the operation screen D1 from the first display mode to the second display mode. The switching operation unit BS2 is, for example, a tab-type operation unit. The switching operation unit BS2 is, for example, arranged at the upper end of the second collective display unit A2. The switching operation unit BS2 is displayed on the operation screen D1 whether the operation screen D1 is in the first display mode or the second display mode.

[0090] Each of the plurality of display units A21 to A26 has, for example, a rectangular (card-like) outer shape. The plurality of display units A21 to A26 are arranged, for example, in two rows and three columns. Each of the plurality of display units A21 to A26 is a display unit for setting a function that is related to a function of refrigerator 100 that is different from the predetermined function (first function, for example, the refrigerator's main function). In this embodiment, each of the plurality of display units A21 to A26 is a display unit for setting a function that is less related to the cooling function of refrigerator 100 than display units A11 to A16 of first collective display unit A1.

[0091] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of display sections A21 to A26 includes a display C (C21 to C26) and an operation section B (B21 to B26).

[0092] The display C includes information about the current setting or status of the function corresponding to the display section among the plurality of display sections A21 to A26 on which the display C is arranged. In this embodiment, the displays C (C21 to C26) arranged on the plurality of display sections A21 to A26 each include information indicating the current setting or status of a different function of the refrigerator 100.

[0093] The operation unit B is an operation unit used to change the settings of or check the contents of a function corresponding to the display unit on which the operation unit B is arranged among the plurality of display units A21 to A26. The operation unit B is, for example, a virtual operation unit arranged corresponding to the entire area of ​​each of the display units A21 to A26. The operation unit B accepts an operation (for example, a pressing operation) by the user U. In this embodiment, the operation units B (B21 to B26) arranged on the plurality of display units A21 to A26 are operation units used to change the settings of or check the contents of different functions of the refrigerator 100.

[0094] (Display related to power saving operation settings) Display unit A21 is a display unit related to the power saving setting of refrigerator 100. Display unit A21 includes, for example, display C21 and operation unit B21. Display C21 includes information indicating the current setting of power saving setting of refrigerator 100 (for example, information indicating whether power saving setting is enabled or the content of the power saving setting). In the operation mode with "power saving setting enabled," the set temperature (target temperature) of storage compartment 30 is set higher than in the operation mode with "power saving setting disabled," and cooling operation is suppressed. Operation unit B21 is an operation unit used to change whether power saving setting is enabled or the content of the power saving setting of refrigerator 100. When operation unit B21 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual operation screen D2G (see FIG. 14) to change the power saving setting of refrigerator 100 (for example, to change whether power saving setting is enabled or the content of the power saving setting).

[0095] (Display section related to viewing driving records) Display unit A22 is a display unit related to viewing the operating history of refrigerator 100. Display unit A22 includes, for example, display C22 and operation unit B22. Display C21 includes information indicating main items of the operating history of refrigerator 100 (for example, information indicating "eco-driving rate" and "number of times door is opened and closed"). The "eco-driving rate" is, for example, the percentage of time the above-mentioned special operation was performed in the time elapsed from midnight on the day. The "number of times door is opened and closed" is, for example, the number of times door 20 was opened and closed in the time elapsed from midnight on the day. When operation unit B22 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual function screen D2H (see FIG. 15) for viewing details of the operating history of refrigerator 100.

[0096] (Display related to monitoring service settings) The display unit A23 is a display unit related to a monitoring service using the refrigerator 100. In this embodiment, the home appliance management app AP can provide a monitoring service that uses the refrigerator 100 to monitor a monitoring target (elderly people or children). In this embodiment, the home appliance management app AP can provide a "door open / close monitoring service" and a "temperature monitoring service." The "door open / close monitoring service" is a service in which the server 200 sends a predetermined notification to the home appliance management app AP when the door opening / closing of the refrigerator 100 is not detected within a preset time period. The "temperature monitoring service" is a service in which the server 200 sends a predetermined notification to the home appliance management app AP when the ambient temperature of the refrigerator 100 (room temperature) detected by an outside air temperature sensor (not shown) provided in the refrigerator 100 exceeds or is expected to exceed a preset high temperature standard, or when the ambient temperature is below or is expected to fall below a preset low temperature standard.

[0097] Display unit A23 includes, for example, display C23 and operation unit B23. Display C23 includes information indicating the settings of the monitoring service using refrigerator 100 (for example, information indicating whether or not a "door open / close monitoring service" is set and whether or not a "temperature monitoring service" is set). When operation unit B23 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual function screen D2I (see FIG. 16) to change the settings of the monitoring service.

[0098] (Display related to audio notification settings) Display unit A24 is a display unit related to voice notification settings. In this embodiment, the home appliance management app AP receives a predetermined notification from server 200 when the expiration date (use-by date or best-before date) of food stored in refrigerator 100 approaches, based on a foodstuff management service linked to the home appliance management app AP. In this embodiment, the home appliance management app AP also has a weekly timer that outputs a notification indicating the arrival of a certain time at a predetermined specific day of the week. The home appliance management app AP can output these notifications as voice notifications.

[0099] The display unit A24 includes, for example, a display C24 and an operation unit B24. The display C24 includes information indicating the settings for the above-mentioned audio notification (for example, whether or not to output a notification when the intake deadline has arrived, or the settings for the weekly timer). When the operation unit B24 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to an individual function screen D2J (see FIG. 17) for changing the settings for the audio notification.

[0100] (Display related to lighting or automatic door opening settings) Display unit A25 is a display unit related to settings for lighting or automatic door opening. In this embodiment, the illumination intensity of the lighting unit (not shown) of refrigerator 100 can be changed in multiple stages. Also, in this embodiment, door 20 of refrigerator 100 can be opened without manual operation by an actuator (not shown, for example, a solenoid).

[0101] Display unit A25 includes, for example, display C25 and operation unit B25. Display C25 includes information indicating the current settings for the lighting of refrigerator 100 or the automatic door opening of door 20 (for example, information indicating the setting for the irradiation intensity of the lighting unit of refrigerator 100 and the setting for automatic door opening). When operation unit B25 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual function screen D2K (see FIG. 18) for changing the setting for the lighting or the automatic door opening of door 20.

[0102] (Display related to UV irradiation settings) Display unit A26 is a display unit related to ultraviolet irradiation settings. In this embodiment, as described above, the refrigerator 100 is capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays using the ultraviolet irradiation device 70. For example, the ultraviolet irradiation device 70 is capable of irradiating ultraviolet rays in a first control mode and a second control mode. The first control mode is a control mode in which ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the ultraviolet irradiation unit 71, but colored light is not irradiated by the colored light irradiation unit 72. The second control mode is a control mode in which ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the ultraviolet irradiation unit 71, and colored light is irradiated by the colored light irradiation unit 72.

[0103] Display unit A26 includes, for example, display C26 and operation unit B26. Display C26 includes information indicating the current settings of ultraviolet irradiation of refrigerator 100 (for example, information indicating whether ultraviolet irradiation by ultraviolet irradiation unit 71 is on or off and whether colored light irradiation by colored light irradiation unit 72 is on or off). When operation unit B26 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual function screen D2L (see FIG. 19) for changing the settings of ultraviolet irradiation of refrigerator 100.

[0104] <5.2 Individual function screen> Next, the individual function screen D2 to which the screen transitions when the operation units B11 to B16 or the operation units B21 to B26 are operated will be described.

[0105] <5.2.1 Individual function screens related to the first collective display section> (Individual function screen related to setting the refrigerator compartment cooling function) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the individual function screen D2A. The individual function screen D2A is an individual function screen (individual setting screen) related to the setting of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31. The individual function screen D2A is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit B11 of the display unit A11 of the first collective display unit A1 described above is operated. The individual function screen D2A has a display CJ showing the current setting of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31, as well as multiple operation units BJ for changing the setting of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31 (for example, changing the setting of the cooling intensity). The user U can change the setting of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31 by operating the operation unit BJ corresponding to the desired setting from among the multiple operation units BJ.

[0106] (Individual function screen related to the setting of the cooling function of the main freezer) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the individual function screen D2B. The individual function screen D2B is an individual function screen (individual setting screen) related to the setting of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35. The individual function screen D2B is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit B12 of the display unit A12 of the first collective display unit A1 described above is operated. The individual function screen D2A has a display CJ showing the current setting of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35, as well as multiple operation units BJ for changing the setting of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35 (for example, changing the setting of the cooling intensity). The user U can change the setting of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35 by operating the operation unit BJ corresponding to the desired setting from among the multiple operation units BJ.

[0107] (Individual function screen related to setting the cooling function for the left chilled compartment) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the individual function screen D2C. The individual function screen D2C is an individual function screen (individual setting screen) related to the setting of the cooling function for the left chilled compartment 31Aa. The individual function screen D2C is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit B13 of the display unit A13 of the first collective display unit A1 described above is operated. The individual function screen D2C has a display CJ showing the current setting of the cooling function for the left chilled compartment 31Aa, as well as multiple operation units BJ for changing the setting of the cooling function for the left chilled compartment 31Aa (for example, changing the operating mode). The user U can change the setting of the cooling function for the left chilled compartment 31Aa by operating the operation unit BJ corresponding to the desired setting from among the multiple operation units BJ.

[0108] (Individual function screen related to setting the cooling function for the right chilled compartment) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the individual function screen D2D. The individual function screen D2D is an individual function screen (individual setting screen) related to the setting of the cooling function for the right chilled compartment 31Ab. The individual function screen D2D is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit B14 of the display unit A14 of the first collective display unit A1 described above is operated. The individual function screen D2D has a display CJ showing the current setting of the cooling function for the right chilled compartment 31Ab, as well as multiple operation units BJ for changing the setting of the cooling function for the right chilled compartment 31Ab (for example, changing the operating mode). The user U can change the setting of the cooling function for the right chilled compartment 31Ab by operating the operation unit BJ corresponding to the desired setting from among the multiple operation units BJ.

[0109] (Individual function screen related to setting the cooling function of the ice maker) FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of individual function screen D2E. Individual function screen D2E is an individual function screen (individual setting screen) related to the setting of the cooling function of ice making compartment 33. Individual function screen D2E is displayed on display screen 301a when operation unit B15 of display unit A15 of first collective display unit A1 described above is operated. Individual function screen D2E has a display CJ showing the current setting of the cooling function of ice making compartment 33, as well as multiple operation units BJ for changing the setting of the cooling function of ice making compartment 33 (for example, changing the operating mode). User U can change the setting of the cooling function of ice making compartment 33 by operating the operation unit BJ corresponding to the desired setting from among the multiple operation units BJ.

[0110] (Individual function screen related to the setting of the cooling function for the upper freezer) 13 is a diagram showing an example of the individual function screen D2F. The individual function screen D2F is an individual function screen (individual setting screen) related to the setting of the cooling function of the upper freezer compartment 34. The individual function screen D2F is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit B16 of the display unit A16 of the first collective display unit A1 described above is operated. The individual function screen D2F has a display CJ showing the current setting of the cooling function of the upper freezer compartment 34, as well as multiple operation units BJ for changing the setting of the cooling function of the upper freezer compartment 34 (for example, changing the operating mode). The user U can change the setting of the cooling function of the upper freezer compartment 34 by operating the operation unit BJ corresponding to the desired setting from among the multiple operation units BJ.

[0111] <5.2.2 Individual function screens related to the second collective display section> (Individual function screen related to power saving settings) FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the individual function screen D2G. The individual function screen D2G is an individual function screen (individual setting screen) related to power saving settings. The individual function screen D2G is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit B21 of the display unit A21 of the second collective display unit A2 described above is operated. The individual function screen D2G has a display CJ showing the current setting contents of the power saving settings, as well as multiple operation units BJ for selecting the operation mode of the power saving settings. The user U can change the setting of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31 by operating the operation unit BJ corresponding to the desired setting from among the multiple operation units BJ.

[0112] (Individual function screen related to operation record) 15 is a diagram showing an example of the individual function screen D2H. The individual function screen D2H is an individual function screen (individual viewing screen) related to the operation record of the refrigerator 100. The individual function screen D2H is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit B22 of the display unit A22 of the second collective display unit A2 is operated. The individual function screen D2H shows the operation record of the refrigerator 100 in more detail than the display unit A22.

[0113] (Individual function screen related to monitoring service settings) FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an individual function screen D2I. The individual function screen D2I is an individual function screen (individual setting screen) related to settings for a monitoring service. The individual function screen D2I is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit B23 of the display unit A23 of the second collective display unit A2 described above is operated. The individual function screen D2I has a display CJ showing the current settings of the power saving settings, as well as multiple operation units BJ for changing the settings for the monitoring service. The user U can change the settings for the monitoring service by operating the operation unit BJ corresponding to the desired setting from among the multiple operation units BJ.

[0114] (Individual function screen related to voice notification settings) FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an individual function screen D2J. The individual function screen D2J is an individual function screen (individual setting screen) related to the voice notification settings. The individual function screen D2J is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit B24 of the display unit A24 of the second collective display unit A2 described above is operated. The individual function screen D2J has a display CJ showing the current settings of the voice notification settings, as well as multiple operation units BJ for changing the voice notification settings. The user U can change the voice notification settings by operating the operation unit BJ corresponding to the desired setting from among the multiple operation units BJ.

[0115] (Individual function screen related to lighting or automatic door opening settings) 18 is a diagram showing an example of the individual function screen D2K. The individual function screen D2K is an individual function screen (individual setting screen) related to the setting of the lighting or the automatic door opening of the door 20. The individual function screen D2K is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit B25 of the display unit A25 of the second collective display unit A2 described above is operated. The individual function screen D2K has a display CJ showing the current setting content of the lighting or the automatic door opening of the door 20, as well as a plurality of operation units BJ for changing the setting of the lighting or the automatic door opening of the door 20. The user U can change the setting of the lighting or the automatic door opening of the door 20 by operating the operation unit BJ corresponding to the desired setting from among the plurality of operation units BJ.

[0116] (Individual function screen related to UV irradiation settings) FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the individual function screen D2L. The individual function screen D2L is an individual function screen (individual setting screen) related to settings for lighting or automatic door opening of the door 20. The individual function screen D2L is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit B26 of the display unit A26 of the second collective display unit A2 described above is operated. The individual function screen D2L has a display CJ showing the current settings for ultraviolet irradiation, as well as multiple operation units BJ for changing the settings for ultraviolet irradiation. The user U can change the settings for ultraviolet irradiation by operating the operation unit BJ corresponding to the desired setting from among the multiple operation units BJ.

[0117] <5.2 Switching the display area of ​​the collective display> Next, switching of the display area of ​​the collective display section will be described. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the first collective display section A1 and the second collective display section A2, they will simply be referred to as "collective display section A."

[0118] 20 is a diagram showing state changes of the first collective display section A1. In this embodiment, the collective display section A can be switched between a first state (see (a) in FIG. 20) in which the first display area is displayed on the operation screen D1, and a second state (see (b) in FIG. 20) in which the second display area is displayed in a smaller area than the first display area.

[0119] In this embodiment, in the first state, the operation receiving unit 330 detects a predetermined operation (e.g., pressing) when the predetermined operation is performed on the operation screen D1 in an area outside the collective display portion A. When the predetermined operation is detected, the display control unit 320 transitions the display of the operation screen D1 from the first state to the second state.

[0120] On the other hand, in the second state, when a predetermined operation (e.g., pressing) is performed on an area outside the collective display portion A and the first picture R1 on the operation screen D1, the operation receiving unit 330 detects the predetermined operation. When the predetermined operation is detected, the display control unit 320 transitions the display of the operation screen D1 from the second state to the first state.

[0121] The transition between the first state and the second state is not limited to the above method. For example, when a user U's operation of swiping down on the collective display section A is accepted in the first state, the display control section 320 may transition the display of the operation screen D1 from the first state to the second state. When a user U's operation of swiping up on the collective display section A is accepted in the second state, the display control section 320 may transition the display of the operation screen D1 from the second state to the first state.

[0122] <5.2.1 First state in first display mode> First, the first state in the first display mode will be described. In the first state in the first display mode, the entire first collective display unit A1 is displayed on the operation screen D1. For example, in the first state, the switching operation unit BS1 and six display units A11 to A16 included in the first collective display unit A1 are displayed on the operation screen D1. In the first state, the operation units B (operation units B11 to B16) of the six display units A11 to A16 are operable. In the first state, the first collective display unit A1 is positioned so as to overlap a portion of the first picture R1 of the refrigerator. As a result, a portion of the first picture R1 of the refrigerator is obscured by the first collective display unit A1.

[0123] In this embodiment, in the first state, the operation screen D1 is in an invalid state in which it does not accept operations from the user U, except for the collective display section A (for example, the entire first collective display section A1 and the switching operation section BS2 of the second collective display section A2). In other words, the multiple operation sections BT (described later) included in the first picture R1 are in an invalid state in which they do not accept operations from the user U. In the first state, to indicate that the operation section BT is in an invalid state, the areas of the operation screen D1 other than the collective display section A are displayed in a darker state (grayed out) than in a state in which operations are valid.

[0124] <5.2.2 Second state in first display mode> Next, the second state in the first display mode will be described. In the second state in the first display mode, the first collective display unit A1 is shifted downward compared to the first state. In the second state, some of the display units included in the first collective display unit A1 are hidden. For example, display units A11 and A12 of the first collective display unit A1, switching operation unit BS1 of the first collective display unit A1, and switching operation unit BS2 of the second collective display unit A2 are displayed on the operation screen D1. Meanwhile, all or some of the display units A13 to A16 of the first collective display unit A1 are hidden. Therefore, in the second state, the operation units B (operation units B11 and B12) of the two display units A11 and A12 are operable, but the operation units B (operation units B13 to B16) of the remaining four display units A13 to A16 are inoperable.

[0125] In the second state, the first collective display unit A1 does not overlap with the first picture R1 of the refrigerator. In the second state, the first collective display unit A1 is positioned away from the first picture R1 of the refrigerator. Alternatively, in the second state, the area of ​​first collective display unit A1 that overlaps with the first picture R1 may be smaller than in the first state.

[0126] In this embodiment, in the second state, areas of the operation screen D1 other than the collective display section A can also accept operations by the user U. Therefore, the first picture R1 and the background in the second state are displayed brighter than in the first state. In this embodiment, in the second state, the first picture R1 of the refrigerator includes multiple operation units BT (BT1 to BT7). Each operation unit BT is arranged so as to overlap a pattern element in the first picture R1 that indicates each storage compartment 30 of the refrigerator. In this application, the term "pattern element" means a part of the picture R.

[0127] The operation unit BT1 is arranged in an area of ​​the first design R1 that corresponds to the refrigerator compartment 31 (an area that overlaps with the design element representing the refrigerator compartment 31). The operation unit BT1 is an operation unit used to change the setting of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31. When the operation unit BT1 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to an individual function screen D2A (see FIG. 8) to change the setting of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31 (for example, to change the setting of the cooling intensity), in the same way as when the above-described operation unit B11 is operated.

[0128] The operation unit BT2 is arranged in an area of ​​the first design R1 that corresponds to the main freezer compartment 35 (an area that overlaps with the design element representing the main freezer compartment 35). The operation unit BT2 is an operation unit used to change the setting of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35. When the operation unit BT2 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to the individual function screen D2B (see FIG. 9) to change the setting of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35 (for example, to change the setting of the cooling intensity), in the same way as when the above-mentioned operation unit B12 is operated.

[0129] Operation unit BT3 is located in the area of ​​the first design R1 that corresponds to the left chilled compartment 31Aa (the area that overlaps with the design element representing the left chilled compartment 31Aa). Operation unit BT3 is used to change the setting of the cooling function for the left chilled compartment 31Aa. When operation unit BT3 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual function screen D2C (see FIG. 10) to change the setting of the cooling function for the left chilled compartment 31Aa (for example, to change the cooling intensity setting), just as when operation unit B13 described above is operated.

[0130] Operation unit BT4 is located in the area of ​​the first design R1 that corresponds to the right chilled compartment 31Ab (the area that overlaps with the design element representing the right chilled compartment 31Ab). Operation unit BT4 is used to change the setting of the cooling function for the right chilled compartment 31Ab. When operation unit BT4 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual function screen D2D (see FIG. 11) to change the setting of the cooling function for the right chilled compartment 31Ab (for example, to change the cooling intensity setting), just as when operation unit B14 described above is operated.

[0131] Operation unit BT5 is located in the area of ​​first design R1 that corresponds to ice making compartment 33 (the area that overlaps with the design element representing ice making compartment 33). Operation unit BT5 is an operation unit used to change the setting of the cooling function of ice making compartment 33. When operation unit BT5 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual function screen D2E (see FIG. 12) to change the setting of the cooling function of ice making compartment 33 (for example, to change the setting of cooling intensity), just as when operation unit B15 described above is operated.

[0132] Operation unit BT6 is arranged in an area of ​​first design R1 corresponding to upper freezer compartment 34 (an area overlapping with the design element representing upper freezer compartment 34). Operation unit BT6 is an operation unit used to change the setting of the cooling function of upper freezer compartment 34. When operation unit BT6 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual function screen D2F (see FIG. 13) to change the setting of the cooling function of upper freezer compartment 34 (for example, to change the setting of cooling intensity), similar to when operation unit B16 described above is operated.

[0133] Operation unit BT7 is arranged in an area of ​​first pattern R1 that corresponds to vegetable compartment 32 (an area that overlaps with the pattern element representing vegetable compartment 32). Operation unit BT7 is an operation unit used to change the settings for ultraviolet irradiation in vegetable compartment 32. When operation unit BT7 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual function screen D2L (see FIG. 19) for changing the settings for ultraviolet irradiation in vegetable compartment 32, similar to when operation unit B26 described above is operated.

[0134] <5.2.3 First state in second display mode> 21 is a diagram showing state changes of the second collective display section A2. In this embodiment, like the first collective display section A1, the second collective display section A2 can be switched between a first state (see (a) in FIG. 21) in which the second display area is displayed in a first display area on the operation screen D1, and a second state (see (b) in FIG. 21) in which the second display area is displayed in a second display area that is smaller than the first display area.

[0135] In this embodiment, in the first state, the operation receiving unit 330 detects a predetermined operation (e.g., pressing) when the predetermined operation is performed on the operation screen D1 in an area outside the collective display portion A. When the predetermined operation is detected, the display control unit 320 transitions the display of the operation screen D1 from the first state to the second state.

[0136] On the other hand, in the second state, when a predetermined operation (e.g., pressing) is performed on an area outside the collective display portion A and the second image R2 on the operation screen D1, the operation receiving unit 330 detects the predetermined operation. When the predetermined operation is detected, the display control unit 320 transitions the display of the operation screen D1 from the second state to the first state.

[0137] First, the first state in the second display mode will be described. In the first state in the second display mode, the entire second collective display unit A2 is displayed on the operation screen D1. For example, in the first state, the switching operation unit BS2 and six display units A21 to A26 included in the second collective display unit A2 are displayed on the operation screen D1. In the first state, the operation unit B (operation units B21 to B26) of the six display units A21 to A26 can be operated. In the first state, the second collective display unit A2 is positioned so as to overlap a portion of the second picture R2 of the refrigerator. As a result, a portion of the second picture R2 of the refrigerator is obscured by the second collective display unit A2.

[0138] In this embodiment, in the first state, the operation screen D1 is in an invalid state in which it does not accept operations from the user U, except for the collective display section A (for example, the entire second collective display section A2 and the switching operation section BS1 of the first collective display section A1). In other words, the multiple operation sections BT included in the second image R2 are in an invalid state in which they do not accept operations from the user U. In the first state, to indicate that the operation section BT is in an invalid state, the areas of the operation screen D1 other than the collective display section A are displayed in a darker state (grayed out) than in a state in which operations are valid.

[0139] <5.2.2 Second state in first display mode> Next, the second state in the second display mode will be described. In the second state in the second display mode, the second collective display unit A2 is positioned shifted downward compared to the first state. In the second state, some of the display units included in the second collective display unit A2 are hidden. For example, display units A21 and A22 of the second collective display unit A2, switching operation unit BS2 of the second collective display unit A2, and switching operation unit BS2 of the first collective display unit A1 are displayed on the operation screen D1. Meanwhile, all or some of the display units A23 to A26 of the second collective display unit A2 are hidden. Therefore, in the second state, the operation units B (operation units B21 and B22) of the two display units A21 and A22 are operable, but the operation units B (operation units B23 to B26) of the remaining four display units A23 to A26 are inoperable.

[0140] In the second state, the second collective display section A2 does not overlap with the second picture R2 of the refrigerator. In the second state, the second collective display section A2 is positioned away from the second picture R2 of the refrigerator. Alternatively, in the second state, the area of ​​the second collective display section A2 that overlaps with the second picture R2 may be smaller than in the first state.

[0141] In the present embodiment, in the second state, areas of the operation screen D1 other than the collective display section A can also accept operations by the user U. Therefore, the second picture R2 and the background in the second state are displayed brighter than in the first state. In the present embodiment, in the second state of the second display aspect, the second picture R2 of the refrigerator includes multiple operation sections BT (BT1, BT2, BT5 to BT7). In the present embodiment, operation sections BT3 and BT4 are disabled in the second state of the second display aspect.

[0142] The operation unit BT1 is arranged in an area of ​​the second image R2 that corresponds to the refrigerator compartment 31. The operation unit BT1 is an operation unit used to change the setting of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31. When the operation unit BT1 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to the individual function screen D2A (see FIG. 8) to change the setting of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31 (for example, to change the setting of the cooling intensity), in the same way as when the above-mentioned operation unit B11 is operated.

[0143] The operation unit BT2 is arranged in an area of ​​the second image R2 that corresponds to the main freezer compartment 35. The operation unit BT2 is an operation unit used to change the setting of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35. When the operation unit BT2 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to the individual function screen D2B (see FIG. 9) to change the setting of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35 (for example, to change the setting of the cooling intensity), just as when the above-mentioned operation unit B12 is operated.

[0144] Operation unit BT5 is located in the area of ​​second image R2 that corresponds to ice making compartment 33. Operation unit BT5 is an operation unit used to change the setting of the cooling function of ice making compartment 33. When operation unit BT5 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual function screen D2E (see FIG. 12) to change the setting of the cooling function of ice making compartment 33 (for example, to change the setting of cooling intensity), just as when operation unit B15 described above is operated.

[0145] Operation unit BT6 is located in an area of ​​second image R2 that corresponds to upper freezer compartment 34. Operation unit BT6 is an operation unit used to change the setting of the cooling function of upper freezer compartment 34. When operation unit BT6 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual function screen D2F (see FIG. 13) to change the setting of the cooling function of upper freezer compartment 34 (for example, to change the setting of cooling intensity), similar to when operation unit B16 described above is operated.

[0146] The operation unit BT7 is arranged in an area of ​​the second image R2 that corresponds to the vegetable compartment 32. The operation unit BT7 is an operation unit used to change the ultraviolet irradiation setting for the vegetable compartment 32. When the operation unit BT7 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to the individual function screen D2L (see FIG. 19) for changing the ultraviolet irradiation setting for the vegetable compartment 32, similar to when the above-described operation unit B26 is operated.

[0147] Note that the functions (allocated contents) allocated to the operation units BT (BT1 to BT7) may be different when the operation screen D1 is in the first display mode and when the operation screen D1 is in the second display mode. For example, when the operation screen D1 is in the first display mode, the operation units BT (BT1 to BT7) are allocated functions related to setting the predetermined function (first function, for example, cooling function). On the other hand, when the operation screen D1 is in the second display mode, the operation units BT (BT1 to BT7) may be allocated functions related to setting a function different from the predetermined function (first function, for example, cooling function).

[0148] <5.2.3 Switching the display mode in the second state> 22 is a diagram showing switching of the display mode in the second state. In this embodiment, when collective display section A is displayed in the second state, operation screen D1 can be switched between a first display mode (see (a) in FIG. 22) including a first collective display section A1 in the second state and a second display mode (see (b) in FIG. 22) including a second collective display section A2 in the second state, in response to an operation on a predetermined switching operation section (for example, switching operation section BS).

[0149] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, when the collective display section A is displayed in the first state, the operation screen D1 can be switched between a first display mode (see (a) in FIG. 7) including the first collective display section A1 in the first state and a second display mode (see (b) in FIG. 7) including the second collective display section A2 in the first state, depending on an operation on a predetermined switching operation section (e.g., switching operation section BS).

[0150] 5.3 Notification of refrigerator status using pictures Next, notification of the status of the refrigerator 100 using the image R will be described. In this embodiment, an image NA, which is information about the status of the refrigerator 100, is superimposed on the image R. The process of displaying the image NA and image ND described below is performed by the display control unit 320 based on information acquired from the server 200. The image NA may be configured, for example, by a part of the image R. In other words, the image R may change depending on the content of the image NA. For example, the image NA may change depending on the setting status of the functions of the refrigerator 100, and the image R may change depending on the setting status of the functions of the refrigerator 100.

[0151] (First example of notification using pictures) Fig. 23 is a diagram showing a first example of the display NA. In Fig. 23, the display NA1 is arranged as the display NA so as to overlap the area of ​​the first pattern R1 that corresponds to the vegetable compartment 32. The display NA1 is a display that notifies information about the state of the vegetable compartment 32.

[0152] In this embodiment, the display NA1 is a display that illustrates whether or not ultraviolet light is being emitted by the ultraviolet irradiation device 70. For example, when ultraviolet irradiation by the ultraviolet irradiation device 70 is set (when irradiation is "ON"), the display NA1 includes an illustration of blue or purple light being emitted. As a result, when ultraviolet irradiation is set, the display NA1 including an illustration of blue or purple light being emitted is displayed, and the content of the first pattern R1 changes. On the other hand, when ultraviolet irradiation by the ultraviolet irradiation device 70 is not set (when irradiation is "OFF"), the display NA1 is not displayed. In other words, the first pattern R1 of the standard setting is displayed.

[0153] As described above, the ultraviolet irradiation device 70 can irradiate ultraviolet rays in a first control mode and a second control mode. The first control mode is a control mode in which the ultraviolet irradiation unit 71 irradiates ultraviolet rays while the colored light irradiation unit 72 does not irradiate colored light. The second control mode is a control mode in which the ultraviolet irradiation unit 71 irradiates ultraviolet rays and the colored light irradiation unit 72 irradiates colored light. In such a case, the content or color of the display NA1 may differ between when ultraviolet irradiation is set in the first control mode and when ultraviolet irradiation is set in the second control mode. For example, when ultraviolet irradiation is set in the first control mode, the display NA1 includes an illustration of purple light being irradiated. On the other hand, when ultraviolet irradiation is set in the second control mode, the display NA1 includes an illustration of blue light being irradiated.

[0154] (Second example of notification using pictures) Fig. 24 is a diagram showing a second example of the display NA. In Fig. 24, the display NA2 is arranged as the display NA so as to overlap the area of ​​the first picture R1 that corresponds to the refrigerator compartment 31. The display NA2 is a display that notifies information about the state of the refrigerator compartment 31.

[0155] In this embodiment, the display NA2 indicates whether or not a moisturizing operation is being performed for the refrigerator compartment 31. For example, when the moisturizing operation is being performed, the display NA2 includes content indicating that the moisturizing operation is being performed. For example, when the moisturizing operation is being performed, the display NA2 includes an indication that the humidity is high (for example, an indication in which a blue gradation is arranged on the frame of the refrigerator compartment 31). As a result, when the moisturizing operation is being performed, the display NA2 including an indication that the humidity is high is displayed, and the content of the first pattern R1 changes. On the other hand, when the moisturizing operation is not being performed, the display NA2 is not displayed. In other words, the standard setting first pattern R1 is displayed.

[0156] (Third example of notification using pictures) Fig. 25 is a diagram showing a third example of the display NA. In Fig. 25, the display NA3 is arranged as the display NA so as to overlap the area of ​​the first image R1 corresponding to the water container. The display NA3 is a display that notifies information about the state of the water container.

[0157] In this embodiment, the display NA3 includes content indicating that the water supply container is out of water (the remaining water level is below a threshold). For example, if the water supply container is out of water, the display NA3 includes an illustration of the water supply container's outline colored yellow. As a result, if the water supply container is out of water, the display NA3 including an illustration of the water supply container's outline colored yellow is displayed, and the content of the first image R1 changes. On the other hand, if the water supply container is not out of water, the display NA3 is not displayed. In other words, the standard first image R1 is displayed.

[0158] In this embodiment, when the water supply container is out of water, display ND3 is displayed in addition to display NA3. Display ND3 is arranged in an area (e.g., background area) that does not overlap with collective display section A and first image R1. Display ND3 is information that supplements the content of display NA3. Display ND3 has a larger display area than display NA3. Display NA3 does not include text display. On the other hand, display ND3 does include text display. For example, display ND3 includes text display indicating that the water supply container is out of water.

[0159] The display NA is not limited to the above example, and may be a display showing the operation state (operation content, operation mode) of the storage compartment 30, the temperature setting of the storage compartment 30, the illumination intensity of the storage compartment 30, etc.

[0160] <5.4 Notification of refrigerator status using collective display> Next, notification of the status of the refrigerator 100 using the collective display unit A will be described. In this embodiment, a display NB of information relating to the status of the refrigerator 100 is superimposed on the collective display unit A. The process of displaying the display NB shown below is performed by the display control unit 320 based on information acquired from the server 200.

[0161] (First example of notification using collective display unit) Fig. 26 is a diagram showing a first example of the display NB. In Fig. 26, the display NB is a display NB1 that is arranged in the first collective display section A1 so as to overlap the display sections A11 to A14, A16. The display NB1 is a display that notifies information about the status of each storage compartment 30 (for example, whether or not the cooling setting for each storage compartment 30 is possible).

[0162] 26 shows a state in which the power saving setting of refrigerator 100 is enabled (power saving setting is "ON") and the cooling settings of refrigerator compartment 31, left chilled compartment 31Aa, right chilled compartment 31Ab, upper freezer compartment 34, and main freezer compartment 35 cannot be changed from the standard setting. In this case, display sections A11 to A14, A16 of collective display section A1 display a display NB1 indicating that power saving is enabled. Note that in this case, displays C11 to C14, C16 do not include any display related to cooling intensity, and operation sections B11 to B14, B16 of collective display section A1 are disabled and do not accept operations by user U.

[0163] (Second example of notification using collective display unit) Fig. 27 is a diagram showing a second example of the display NB. In Fig. 27, the display NB2 is arranged as the display NB, superimposed on the display section A11 in the first collective display section A1. The display NB2 is a display that notifies information about the state of the storage compartment 30 (for example, whether or not the cooling setting for the storage compartment 30 is possible).

[0164] 27 shows a state in which, in a model in which the temperatures of the refrigerator compartment 31 and the chilled compartment 31A are managed together, the operating mode of the chilled compartment 31A takes priority over the setting of the cooling intensity of the refrigerator compartment 31. In this case, display C11 of the collective display unit A1 displays a display NB2 indicating that the operating mode of the chilled compartment 31A has been set. Note that in this case, the display C11 does not include any display related to the cooling intensity, and the operation unit B11 of the collective display unit A1 is disabled and does not accept operations by the user U.

[0165] <6. Processing flow> Next, the processing flow of the home appliance management application AP will be described. 28 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for displaying operation screen D1. First, operation accepting unit 330 accepts an operation of user U to display operation screen D1 (S101). Note that the "operation of user U to display the operation screen" here may be an operation to transition from another screen to operation screen D1, an operation to operate switching operation unit BS to switch between the first display mode and the second display mode on operation screen D1, or an operation to switch collective display unit A between the first state and the second state.

[0166] When the operation receiving unit 330 receives an operation by the user U to display the operation screen D1, the information obtaining unit 310 queries the server 200 for display information required to display the operation screen D1 (S102). The display information is, for example, the above-mentioned status information 191, detection result information 192, or driving performance information 193. The information obtaining unit 310 obtains the display information from the server 200 in response to the query (S103).

[0167] When the information acquisition unit 310 acquires the display information, the display control unit 320 generates an image to be displayed on the display screen 301a based on the acquired display information, and outputs the generated image to the display device 301 (S104). The processing of S104 is an example of a "first display processing." As a result, the operation screen D1 is displayed on the display screen 301a. Note that the display information may be acquired when the home appliance management application AP is launched or when a transition to a top screen related to the refrigerator 100 occurs, instead of when an operation by the user U to display the operation screen D1 is accepted.

[0168] <7. Advantages> In recent years, refrigerators 100 have become increasingly multifunctional. For this reason, the operation units for changing the settings of the refrigerator 100 are not categorized, which can be confusing.

[0169] In this embodiment, the operation screen D1 can be switched between at least a first display mode including a first collective display section A1 and a second display mode including a second collective display section A2 in response to an operation on a predetermined switching operation section BS. The first collective display section A1 includes multiple display sections A11-A16, each of which has an operation section B used to set a different function related to a predetermined function of the refrigerator 100. The second collective display section A2 includes multiple display sections A21-A26, each of which has an operation section B used to set a different function of the refrigerator 100. This configuration collectively displays multiple operation sections B used to set a function related to the predetermined function of the refrigerator 100, and also displays multiple operation sections B related to other functions separately. This allows the user U to quickly reach the desired operation section by switching between the multiple collective display sections based on whether the function is closely related to the predetermined function. This improves convenience for the user U.

[0170] In this embodiment, the predetermined function is a cooling function of the refrigerator 100. Each of the plurality of display sections A11 to A16 included in the first collective display section A1 has an operation section B used to set the cooling function of each of the different storage compartments 30 of the refrigerator 100 arranged therein. With this configuration, the plurality of operation sections B used to set the cooling function of the refrigerator 100 are collectively displayed, and the plurality of operation sections B related to functions other than the cooling function are separately collectively displayed. This allows the user U to quickly reach the desired operation section B by switching between the plurality of collective display sections based on whether the operation section B is highly or weakly related to the cooling function. This improves convenience for the user U.

[0171] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of display sections A11 to A16 included in the first collective display section A1 displays information relating to the current settings of the functions of the refrigerator 100 corresponding to the display sections A11 to A16. With this configuration, a plurality of pieces of information relating to the predetermined function (for example, the cooling function) and a plurality of operation sections B are collectively displayed. This allows the user U to operate the operation sections B while checking the current settings.

[0172] In this embodiment, collective display section A, which is either first collective display section A1 or second collective display section A2, can be switched between a first state in which it is displayed in a first display area on operation screen D1 and a second state in which it is displayed in a second display area that is smaller than the first display area. This configuration allows for selective use between the first state in which collective display section A is displayed large and the contents of collective display section A are easy to check, and the second state in which collective display section A is displayed small and other parts of operation screen D1 are easy to see. This further improves convenience for user U.

[0173] In this embodiment, when collective display section A is in the second state, it transitions from the second state to the first state in response to an operation on an area on operation screen D1 outside collective display section A. With this configuration, collective display section A can be transitioned from the second state to the first state with a simple operation. This can further improve convenience for user U.

[0174] In this embodiment, operation screen D1 includes a picture R representing refrigerator 100. A display N indicating the state of refrigerator 100 or an operation unit BT used to set functions of refrigerator 100 is superimposed on picture R. When collective display unit A is in the first state, at least a portion of collective display unit A overlaps with picture R. When collective display unit A is in the second state, collective display unit A does not overlap with picture R, and the area overlapping with picture R is smaller than in the first state. With this configuration, collective display unit A is displayed large in the first state, making it easy to check the contents of collective display unit A, and in the second state, it is easy to check display N or operation unit BT superimposed on picture R. This further improves convenience for user U.

[0175] In this embodiment, when the operation screen D1 is switched to the second display mode including the second collective display section A2, an operation unit BT used to set the predetermined function (for example, the cooling function) is superimposed on the design R. According to this configuration, when the operation screen D1 is displayed in the second display mode (when the first collective display section A1 corresponding to the predetermined function (for example, the cooling function) is not displayed), the operation unit BT superimposed on the design R can be used to perform an operation related to setting the predetermined function (for example, the cooling function). In other words, an operation related to setting the predetermined function (for example, the cooling function) can be performed without going through the first display mode. This can further improve convenience for the user U.

[0176] In this embodiment, the picture R is displayed as a first picture R1 when the operation screen D1 is in the first display mode, and is displayed as a second picture R2 different from the first picture R1 when the operation screen D1 is in the second display mode. According to this configuration, the picture R is different between the first display mode and the second display mode, so that the user U can intuitively tell whether it is the first display mode or the second display mode.

[0177] In this embodiment, the operation unit BT used to set the cooling function of each storage compartment 30 is superimposed on the pattern element representing each storage compartment 30 in the first pattern R1 of the refrigerator 100. This configuration makes it easier to understand the correspondence between the storage compartments 30 and the operation unit BT. Furthermore, even for a storage compartment 30 whose location is difficult to identify, such as an "upper freezer," the user U can operate the operation unit BT after determining its location based on the first pattern R1. This further improves convenience for the user U.

[0178] In this embodiment, the presence or absence or content of the operation unit BT displayed superimposed on the picture R differs between when the operation screen D1 is in the first display mode and when the operation screen D1 is in the second display mode. This configuration makes it possible to differentiate between the first display mode and the second display mode in terms of screen visibility or operability. This further improves convenience for the user U.

[0179] In this embodiment, the image R changes depending on the setting status of the functions of the refrigerator 100. With this configuration, the user U can intuitively recognize the setting status of the functions of the refrigerator 100 by looking at the image R. This further improves convenience for the user U.

[0180] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that when a function is currently restricted, the display corresponding to that function is displayed in an inactive state. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0181] Fig. 29 is a diagram showing the operation screen D1 of the second embodiment. Fig. 29 shows a state in which the setting of the cooling function of the upper freezer compartment 34 and the use of the monitoring service are restricted. In this case, for example, the display unit A16 of the first collective display unit A1 and the display unit A23 of the second collective display unit A2 are displayed in a darker state (grayed out) compared to when operation is enabled. In addition, the operation unit B of these display units A16 and A23 is disabled.

[0182] Such a function may be restricted when there is an update program available in the server 200 but the program (for example, firmware) of the refrigerator 100 has not been updated, or when a specific service has not been subscribed to. In such cases, by displaying the display area for these restricted functions as part of the collective display area A, the user can easily recognize the existence of the update program or the specific service. This can further improve convenience for the user U.

[0183] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an operation screen D1 is displayed on the display screen 180a of the display device 180 of the refrigerator 100. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0184] FIG. 30 is a front view showing a refrigerator 100 according to a third embodiment. In this embodiment, the refrigerator 100 has a display device 180 having a display screen 180a. The refrigerator 100 also includes a program equivalent to the application program P of the first embodiment, and has an information acquisition unit 310, a display control unit 320, and an operation reception unit 330. The display screen 180a of the display device 180 of the refrigerator 100 displays an operation screen D1 similar to that of the first or second embodiment. This configuration also improves convenience for the user U.

[0185] (Modifications of the first to third embodiments) The order of the multiple (e.g., six) display units A11-A16 in the first collective display unit A1 may be rearrangeable based on an operation by the user U. For example, when the operation screen D1 is transitioned to the second state (see FIG. 20), of the six display units A11-A16 arranged in two horizontal rows and three vertical rows, only the top two display units A11 and A12 are displayed, and the operation unit B also becomes active. Therefore, if the user U can change the order of the display units A11-A16, the display unit corresponding to the storage room 30 that the user U frequently operates can be arranged as the active display unit in the second state. Similarly, the order of the multiple (e.g., six) display units A21-A26 in the second collective display unit A2 may be rearrangeable based on an operation by the user U.

[0186] Several embodiments have been described above. However, the embodiments are not limited to the above examples. For example, the above-described embodiments may be realized by combining one another. For example, the first operation screen D1 may be switchable between a first display mode including a first collective display area A1 and a second display mode including a second collective display area A2, as well as one or more other display modes each including a different collective display area.

[0187] According to at least one of the above-described embodiments, a program causes a computer to execute a first display process for displaying a first operation screen related to a refrigerator. The first operation screen is switchable between at least a first display mode including a first collective display unit and a second display mode including a second collective display unit in response to an operation on a predetermined switching operation unit. The first collective display unit includes a plurality of display units, each of which has an operation unit used to set a different function related to a first function of the refrigerator. The second collective display unit includes a plurality of display units, each of which has an operation unit used to set a different function of the refrigerator from the first function. This configuration improves convenience.

[0188] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0189] 1... Home appliance management system, 100... Refrigerator (information processing system), 10... Housing, 20... Door 30...storage compartment, 31...refrigerator compartment, 31A...chilled compartment, 31Aa...left chilled compartment, 31Ab...right chilled compartment, 32...vegetable compartment, 33...ice maker compartment, 34...upper freezer compartment, 35...main freezer compartment, 200...server, 300...terminal device, 310...information acquisition unit, 320...display control unit, 330...operation reception unit, 340...information transmission unit, AP...home appliance management app (information processing system).

Claims

1. On the computer, executes a first display process for displaying a first operation screen related to the refrigerator; the first operation screen is switchable between at least a first display mode including a first collective display portion and a second display mode including a second collective display portion in response to an operation on a predetermined switching operation portion, the first collective display unit includes a plurality of display units on which operation units used for setting mutually different functions related to a first function of the refrigerator are respectively arranged, the second collective display unit includes a plurality of display units on which operation units used for setting mutually different functions of the refrigerator that are different from the first function are respectively arranged, program.

2. the first function is a cooling function of the refrigerator, the operation unit used for setting cooling functions of different storage compartments of the refrigerator is arranged on each of the plurality of display units included in the first collective display unit, The program according to claim 1.

3. Each of the plurality of display units included in the first collective display unit displays information about a current setting of a function of the refrigerator corresponding to that display unit. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The collective display unit, which is the first collective display unit or the second collective display unit, is switchable between a first state in which the collective display unit is displayed in a first display area and a second state in which the collective display unit is displayed in a second display area smaller than the first display area on the first operation screen. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

5. When the collective display unit is in the second state, the collective display unit transitions from the second state to the first state in response to an operation on an area outside the collective display unit on the first operation screen. The program according to claim 4.

6. the first operation screen includes a picture representing the refrigerator, a display indicating a state of the refrigerator or an operation unit used to set functions of the refrigerator is superimposed on the picture, The collective display unit When in the first state, at least a portion of the image overlaps with the image, When in the second state, the image does not overlap with the image, or the area overlapping with the image is smaller than when in the first state. The program according to claim 4.

7. an operation unit used for setting the first function is superimposed on the picture when the first operation screen is switched to the second display mode including the second collective display unit; The program according to claim 6.

8. The image is: When the first operation screen is in the first display mode, the first picture is displayed, When the first operation screen is in the second display mode, a second picture different from the first picture is displayed. The program according to claim 6.

9. an operating unit used to set a cooling function of each storage compartment of the refrigerator is disposed on top of the picture element of the first picture that indicates each storage compartment of the refrigerator; The program according to claim 8.

10. The presence or absence of an operation section or content of the operation section displayed superimposed on the picture differs between when the first operation screen is in the first display mode and when the first operation screen is in the second display mode. The program according to claim 6.

11. The image changes depending on the setting state of the refrigerator's functions. The program according to claim 6.

12. The computer execute a first display process for displaying a first operation screen related to the refrigerator; the first operation screen is switchable between at least a first display mode including a first collective display portion and a second display mode including a second collective display portion in response to an operation on a predetermined switching operation portion, the first collective display unit includes a plurality of display units on which operation units used for setting mutually different functions related to a first function of the refrigerator are respectively arranged, the second collective display unit includes a plurality of display units on which operation units used for setting mutually different functions of the refrigerator that are different from the first function are respectively arranged, Information processing methods.

13. a display control unit that displays a first operation screen related to the refrigerator, the first operation screen is switchable between at least a first display mode including a first collective display portion and a second display mode including a second collective display portion in response to an operation on a predetermined switching operation portion, the first collective display unit includes a plurality of display units on which operation units used for setting mutually different functions related to a first function of the refrigerator are respectively arranged, the second collective display unit includes a plurality of display units on which operation units used for setting mutually different functions of the refrigerator that are different from the first function are respectively arranged, Information processing system.

Images