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 screen related to a refrigerator. The refrigerator is capable of performing a steady operation in which, once a setting is made, the set operation is continued until another setting is made next, and a temporary operation in which the refrigerator is operated until a predetermined condition is satisfied after the setting, and the operation is switched to the steady operation after the setting is finished. In the first display process, when the temporary driving is set, first information related to the temporary driving and second information related to an end of the temporary driving are displayed on the screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

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 Laid-Open No. 2012-69120 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 that displays a first screen related to a refrigerator. The refrigerator can execute two modes: a steady operation mode, which, once set, continues the set operation until another setting is made, and a temporary operation mode, which, after setting, operates until a predetermined condition is met and then switches to the steady operation after the operation ends. When the temporary operation is set, the first display process displays, on the screen, first information related to the temporary operation and second information related to the end of the temporary operation. [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 display example of an operation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an individual operation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the individual operation screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 3A to 3C are diagrams showing an example of screen transitions of an operation screen according to the first embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the operation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for displaying an operation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for displaying an individual operation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an individual operation screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] 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. In addition to or instead of 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 (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, cooling unit 50, door-opening detection sensor 110, temperature sensor 120, communication unit 140, control device 150, and memory unit 190. Each of door-opening detection sensor 110 and temperature sensor 120 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] (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.

[0029] (Temperature sensor) Temperature sensor 120 is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of storage compartment 30 (e.g., the air temperature inside storage compartment 30) or the temperatures of coolers 51, 53. Temperature sensor 120 includes, for example, refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 121 that detects the temperature of refrigerator compartment 31, chilled compartment temperature sensor 122 that detects the temperature of chilled compartment 31A, upper freezer compartment temperature sensor 123 that detects the temperature of upper freezer compartment 34, and main freezer compartment temperature sensor 124 that detects the temperature of main freezer compartment 35. The detection results of temperature sensor 120 are output to control device 150.

[0030] (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.

[0031] (Storage part) 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, driving content information 191, threshold information 192, status information 193, and remaining time information 194.

[0032] Operation content information 191 stores operation content of various operations that can be performed by refrigerator 100. The operation content includes, for example, the content of cooling control (cooling pattern), the type of operation (whether it is a normal operation or a temporary operation, which will be described later), or an end condition of the temporary operation. Threshold information 192 includes thresholds used in various operations that can be performed by refrigerator 100. Threshold information 192 includes, for example, thresholds used to determine (estimate) the remaining time of the temporary operation, which will be described later. Status information 193 and remaining time information 194 will be described later.

[0033] 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, remaining time derivation unit 153, and transmission unit 154. 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.

[0034] (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.

[0035] (Control unit) Control unit 152 performs overall control of refrigerator 100. For example, control unit 152 controls cooling unit 50, thereby cooling each storage compartment 30. For example, control unit 152 controls cooling unit 50 based on the set temperature (target temperature) of each storage compartment 30 and the detection result of temperature sensor 120. For example, control unit 152 controls one or more of refrigeration blower 52, freezing blower 54, compressor 55, and 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 temperature sensor 120.

[0036] In this embodiment, the control unit 152 can execute normal operation and temporary operation as the operation of the refrigerator 100. "Normal operation" is an operation that, once set, continues the set operation until another setting is made next time. "Temporary operation" is an operation that, after being set, continues until a predetermined condition is satisfied, and then switches to normal operation after the operation is finished. Specific examples of normal operation and temporary operation will be described later.

[0037] The control unit 152 stores information indicating the state of the refrigerator 100 as state information 193 in the storage unit 190. The state information 193 is stored when there is a change in the state of the refrigerator 100 or at a predetermined interval. The information indicating the state of the refrigerator 100 includes, for example, information indicating the settings of the refrigerator 100 or information indicating the operating state of the refrigerator 100. "Information indicating the settings of the refrigerator" is information indicating the cooling intensity set for each storage compartment 30, the operating mode (operating mode, operating content) set for each storage compartment 30, etc. "Information indicating the operating state of the refrigerator" is, for example, information indicating the operating mode (operating mode, operating content) currently being executed.

[0038] (Remaining time calculation part) When a temporary operation is being performed in the refrigerator 100, the remaining time derivation unit 153 derives (for example, calculates) the remaining time of the temporary operation. When the primary operation is a fixed time, the remaining time of the temporary operation is derived by subtracting the elapsed time since the start of the temporary operation from the fixed time. Note that the remaining time of the temporary operation may be derived by estimation based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 120 (for example, the rate of temperature change after the start of the temporary operation). The remaining time derivation unit 153 stores information indicating the derived remaining time of the temporary operation in the storage unit 190 as remaining time information 194.

[0039] (Transmitter) The transmitting unit 154 communicates with the server 200 via the communication unit 140 and transmits predetermined information to the server 200. For example, the transmitting unit 154 transmits the status information 193 and the remaining time information 194 to the server 200 at predetermined intervals.

[0040] <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.

[0041] (Information acquisition department) The information acquisition unit 210 communicates with the refrigerator 100 or the terminal device 300 to acquire various information from the refrigerator 100 or the terminal device 300. For example, the information acquisition unit 210 acquires the status information 193 and the remaining time information 194 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.

[0042] (Refrigerator Management Department) Refrigerator management unit 220 manages refrigerator 100 based on the information acquired by information acquisition unit 210. For example, refrigerator management unit 220 generates a control command related to the control of refrigerator 100 or a change command for changing the settings based on the information acquired by information acquisition unit 210 from terminal device 300.

[0043] (Information Transmission Department) The information transmitting unit 230 transmits the information acquired from the refrigerator 100 by the information acquiring unit 210 to the terminal device 300. The information transmitting unit 230 also transmits the control command and setting change command generated by the refrigerator management unit 220 to the refrigerator 100.

[0044] (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 193 and remaining time information 194.

[0045] <4. Configuration of terminal device> 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.

[0046] (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.

[0047] (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.

[0048] (Operation reception section) The operation receiving unit 330 receives an operation of the user U performed on the input device 302 in relation to the screen displayed by the display control unit 320. For example, the operation receiving unit 330 receives an operation of the user U to press (e.g., tap) various operation units displayed on the screen.

[0049] (Information Transmission Department) 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, 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.

[0050] (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.

[0051] <4. Specific examples of normal operation and temporary operation> <4.1 Specific examples of steady-state operation> Next, a specific example of steady operation will be described. As described above, steady operation is an operation that, once set, continues the set operation until a different setting is made. Note that, in this application, "continuing operation" is not limited to cases where the blower (refrigeration blower 52, freezer blower 54) or compressor 55 continues to be driven, but may also apply to cases where the drive of the blower (refrigeration blower 52, freezer blower 54) or compressor 55 is stopped, but the same cooling control (cooling pattern) is resumed when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Furthermore, in this application, "the same cooling control (cooling pattern)" is not limited to cases where the set temperature (target temperature) is the same, but also applies to cases where the set temperature changes according to a preset standard (for example, multiple set temperatures are set alternately in a time sequence).

[0052] An example of steady-state operation is "normal operation" for each storage compartment 30. In normal operation, cooling control is performed based on a preset temperature (target temperature, e.g., a fixed lower limit value of a set temperature band) for each storage compartment 30. For example, in normal operation, one or more of refrigeration blower 52, freezer blower 54, compressor 55, and three-way valve 56 are controlled by feedback control such as PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control based on the difference between the preset temperature for each storage compartment 30 and the temperature detected by temperature sensor 120. In normal operation, when the temperature detected by temperature sensor 120 reaches the set temperature for a storage compartment 30 (e.g., the lower limit value of a set temperature band), cooling for that storage compartment 30 is stopped. Then, when a predetermined condition is met, such as a predetermined time having elapsed or the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 120 reaching the upper limit of the set temperature range of the storage compartment 30, the operation of one or more of the refrigeration blower 52, the freezing blower 54, the compressor 55, and the three-way valve 56 is resumed.

[0053] The normal operation described above includes, for example, "normal refrigeration operation" in the refrigerator compartment 31, "normal chilled operation" in the chilled compartment 31A, "normal ice-making operation" in the ice-making compartment 33, and "normal freezing operation" in the upper freezer compartment 34 or the main freezer compartment.

[0054] Another example of steady operation is "special chilled operation" in chilled compartment 31A. "Special chilled operation" is chilled operation that executes cooling control different from normal chilled operation. "Special chilled operation" is, for example, operation that alternates between low-temperature cooling control, in which cooling is performed for a first predetermined time period using a set temperature (target temperature) as a first temperature zone, and high-temperature cooling control, in which cooling is performed for a second predetermined time period using a set temperature (target temperature) as a second temperature zone that is higher than the first temperature zone.

[0055] Another example of a steady operation is "rice chilled operation" in chilled compartment 31A. "Rice chilled operation" is chilled operation that performs cooling control different from normal chilled operation and special chilled operation. "Rice chilled operation" is chilled operation that performs cooling control at a set temperature (target temperature) suitable for storing rice, for example, due to changes in texture or ingredients, or for other reasons. Alternatively, "rice chilled operation" may be chilled operation in which the cooling speed (cooling intensity) from the start of operation until a specific temperature range is reached is different from that of normal chilled operation.

[0056] <4.2 Examples of temporary operation> Next, a specific example of temporary operation will be described. As described above, temporary operation is an operation that is set and then operated until a predetermined condition is met, and then switches to normal operation after completion. The predetermined condition may be a time-related condition, a temperature-related condition, or any other condition. In this application, "switching to normal operation after completion" is not limited to a case where, after completion of temporary operation, the operation switches to the normal operation that was set before the temporary operation, but also applies to a case where, after completion of temporary operation, the operation switches to a normal operation other than the normal operation that was set before the temporary operation.

[0057] An example of a temporary operation is a "thawing operation" in the chilled compartment 31A or the upper freezer compartment 34. The "thawing operation" is an operation in which the target temperature of the storage compartment 30 is set higher (for example, near 0°C) than in the normal operation (normal operation) in order to promote thawing of the stored items. The "thawing operation" may include heating by the heater if a heater is installed in the storage compartment 30. The "thawing operation" ends, for example, when a fixed time has elapsed or when the air temperature in the storage compartment 30 or the surface temperature of the stored items stored in the storage compartment 30 detected by the temperature sensor 120 reaches a predetermined temperature threshold.

[0058] Another example of a temporary operation is "rapid ice-making operation" in ice-making compartment 33. "Rapid ice-making operation" is an operation in which the cooling intensity of ice-making compartment 33 is set higher than in normal ice-making operation, and / or the upper limit of the set temperature range of refrigerator compartment 31 is raised compared to normal ice-making operation, making it difficult to transition from freezing operation to refrigerating operation (an operation in which freezing operation takes priority). "Rapid ice-making operation" ends, for example, when a fixed time has elapsed.

[0059] Another example of a temporary operation is a "quick freezing operation" in the upper freezing compartment 34, etc. The "quick freezing operation" is a freezing operation in which the cooling speed (cooling strength) from the start of operation until a specific temperature range is reached is faster than in normal freezing operation. The "quick freezing operation" ends, for example, when a fixed time has elapsed or when the air temperature in the storage compartment 30 or the surface temperature of the stored item stored in the storage compartment 30 detected by the temperature sensor 120 reaches a predetermined temperature threshold.

[0060] <5. Example of operation screen> Next, a description will be given of an example of the display on the operation screen of the terminal device 300. Here, the operation screen relating to the right chilled compartment 31Ab will be described as a representative example. Note that the operation screens relating to the other storage compartments 30 are similar.

[0061] 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 screens and screen transitions described below are realized by control by the display control unit 320 in response to the acceptance of operations 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 display content based on the status information 193 or remaining time information 194 acquired from the server 200, and displays the generated display content on the display screen 301a.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the operation screen of terminal device 300. In this embodiment, operation screen D1 related to refrigerator 100 is displayed on display screen 301a of the terminal device. Operation screen D1 is a screen related to refrigerator 100 and is an example of a "first screen." Operation screen D1 is displayed on display screen 301a when display control unit 320 executes first display processing. Note that the "first screen" referred to in this application is not limited to a screen having an operation function, and may be a screen dedicated to viewing information.

[0063] <5.1 Operation screen including collective display area> (Group display) In this embodiment, operation screen D1 includes collective display section A. Collective display section A includes multiple display sections A11 to A16. Collective display section A1 is a display section that collectively displays multiple display sections A11 to A16 related to the cooling function of refrigerator 100. Collective display section A is a display section that displays, for example, a list of operation details of multiple storage compartments 30.

[0064] 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 horizontally and three rows vertically. The plurality of display units A11 to A16 are display units related to the setting of the cooling function of different storage compartments 30. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of display units A11 to A16 includes a display C (C11 to C16) and an operation unit B (B11 to B16).

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] (Display related to the setting of the cooling function 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 state of the right chilled compartment 31Ab). Operation unit B14 is an operation unit used to change the setting of the cooling function for the right chilled compartment 31Ab. When operation unit B14 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual operation screen D2 (see FIG. 8) to change the setting of the cooling function for the right chilled compartment 31Ab.

[0068] <5.2 Individual operation screen> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of individual operation screen D2. Individual operation screen D2 is an individual operation screen related to setting the cooling function of right chilled compartment 31Ab. Individual operation screen D2 is a screen that accepts the selection of operation details, and is an example of a "second screen." Individual operation screen D2 is displayed on display screen 301a when display control unit 320 executes second display processing.

[0069] The individual operation screen D2 is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit B14 of the display unit A14 of the collective display unit A is operated. The individual operation screen D2 has a display CJ showing the current setting of the cooling function of the right chilled compartment 31Ab, as well as multiple operation units BJ for changing the setting of the cooling function of the right chilled compartment 31Ab (for example, changing the operation content). The user U can change the setting of the cooling function of the right chilled compartment 31Ab by operating (for example, pressing) the operation unit BJ corresponding to the desired setting from among the multiple operation units BJ.

[0070] Here, the terms "selection" and "setting" in this application are defined. "Selection" refers to a state in which one or more options are selected from a plurality of options (for example, a plurality of feasible operations). "Selection" in this application is not limited to a state in which an option has been selected and determined from a plurality of options (a set state), but also refers to a state in which an option has been selected from a plurality of options but has not yet been determined (an unset state). On the other hand, "set" or "being set" refers to a state in which an option has been selected and determined from a plurality of options (a set state).

[0071] In this embodiment, the individual operation screen D2 includes a first area K1 and a second area K2. The first area K1 is an area for accepting operations related to normal operation. The first area K1 has one or more operation units BJ for selecting normal operation as the operation of the right chilled compartment 31Ab, along with text indicating normal operation (normal mode). The second area K2 is an area for accepting operations related to temporary operation. The second area K2 has one or more operation units BJ for selecting temporary operation as the operation of the right chilled compartment 31Ab, along with text indicating temporary operation (temporary mode).

[0072] In this embodiment, the first region K1 and the second region K2 are separated on the individual operation screen D2. For example, the first region K1 and the second region K2 are visually separated on the individual operation screen D2. For example, an area with a background color different from the background colors of the first region K1 and the second region K2 exists between the first region K1 and the second region K2. This allows the user U to visually separate the first region K1 and the second region K2 and recognize them.

[0073] In this embodiment, when there are multiple operation units BJ related to normal operation, the multiple operation units BJ are collectively arranged in the first area K1. Similarly, when there are multiple operation units BJ related to temporary operation, the multiple operation units BJ are collectively arranged in the second area K2.

[0074] In the example shown in FIG. 8, refrigerator 100 can perform three steady operations ("normal chilled operation," "special chilled operation," and "rice chilled operation") for right chilled compartment 31Ab. In this case, multiple operation units BJ (operation units BJ1 to BJ3) for the three steady operations are arranged side by side in first area K1. Operation unit BJ1 is an operation unit for selecting "normal chilled operation." Operation unit BJ2 ​​is an operation unit for selecting "special chilled operation." Operation unit BJ3 is an operation unit for selecting "rice chilled operation." In this embodiment, by operating (for example, pressing) any one of operation units BJ1 to BJ3 arranged in first area K1, steady operation can be selected as the operation of right chilled compartment 31Ab.

[0075] Meanwhile, refrigerator 100 can execute one temporary operation ("defrosting operation") as a temporary operation for right chilled compartment 31Ab. In this case, the operation unit BJ (operation unit BJ4) for the temporary operation is located in second area K2. Operation unit BJ4 is an operation unit for selecting "defrosting operation." In this embodiment, the temporary operation can be selected as the operation for right chilled compartment 31Ab by operating (for example, pressing) operation unit BJ4 located in second area K2. In this embodiment, when a temporary operation is selected (for example, when operation unit BJ4 corresponding to the temporary operation is operated), the normal operation that was set before the temporary operation was selected is selected as the normal operation to switch to after the temporary operation ends, without any operation by user U.

[0076] In this embodiment, each of the operation units BJ (BJ1 to BJ4) switches between a first state and a second state depending on the selection state of the operation unit. The first state is a display state indicating that the operation unit BJ is in a selected state. In the first state, for example, the operation unit BJ is colored in a color (first color) that stands out against the background color. On the other hand, the second state is a display state indicating that the operation unit BJ is in a non-selected state. In the second state, the operation unit BJ is colored in a color similar to the background color (second color), for example.

[0077] In this embodiment, the operating unit BJ4 corresponding to the temporary operation can be switched between the first and second modes. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, each of the operating units BJ1 to BJ3 corresponding to the normal operation can be switched to a third mode in addition to the first and second modes. The third mode is a display mode indicating that the temporary operation has been selected and that the normal operation is selected as the target to switch to after the selected temporary operation ends. In the third mode, for example, most of the operating unit BJ is colored in the second color, but a portion of the operating unit BJ (for example, the peripheral edge) is colored in the first color.

[0078] The display modes of the first to third modes are not limited to the above examples and may be adopted. For example, the first mode (selected state) may be displayed to give an impression of higher activity by using a larger number of colors or with higher brightness and saturation than the second mode (non-selected state). For example, the third mode (selected state as the transition destination after the temporary operation ends) may be displayed to give an impression of higher activity than the second mode (non-selected state) but lower activity than the first mode (selected state) by using a larger number of colors or with higher brightness and saturation than the second mode (non-selected state), but with fewer colors or with lower brightness and saturation than the first mode (selected state).

[0079] 8(a) shows a state in which a normal operation (e.g., "normal chilled operation") has been selected. In this case, the operation unit BJ1 corresponding to "normal chilled operation" is displayed in the first mode, and the remaining operation units BJ2 and BJ3 for normal operation and the operation unit BJ4 for temporary operation are each displayed in the second mode. On the other hand, FIG. 8(b) shows a state in which a temporary operation (e.g., "defrosting operation") has been selected and "normal chilled operation" has been selected as the operation to switch to after the defrosting operation has ended. In this case, the operation unit BJ4 corresponding to "defrosting operation" is displayed in the first mode, and the operation unit BJ1 corresponding to "normal chilled operation," which is the operation to switch to after the defrosting operation has ended, is displayed in the third mode. On the other hand, the operation units BJ2 and BJ3, which are not selected, are displayed in the second mode.

[0080] Furthermore, individual operation screen D2 includes a cancel operation unit BD1 and a decision operation unit BD2. Cancel operation unit BD1 is an operation unit for canceling the content selected using operation units BJ1 to BJ4. Decision operation unit BD2 is an operation unit for deciding (setting) the operation selected using operation units BJ1 to BJ4 to actually execute it. When decision operation unit BD2 is operated by user U, information transmission unit 340 generates a setting change command for changing the setting of the cooling function of refrigerator 100 based on the selection content accepted by operation acceptance unit 330. Then, information transmission unit 340 transmits the generated setting change command to refrigerator 100 via server 200 or directly.

[0081] (Modification of the individual operation screen) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the individual operation screen D2. In this modified example, the refrigerator 100 can perform multiple temporary operations for the right chilled compartment 31Ab. The second area K2 of the individual operation screen D2 includes, as operation units BJ, an operation unit BJ4 for selecting a first temporary operation and an operation unit BJ5 for selecting a second temporary operation. The multiple operation units BJ4, BJ5 are collectively arranged in the second area K2.

[0082] In this modified example, the display control unit 320 performs the following process as the second display process. That is, when the entire first region K1 and the entire second region K2 cannot both be displayed on the individual operation screen D2 at the same time, the display control unit 320 displays the first region K1 with priority over the second region K2. For example, when the entire first region K1 and the entire second region K2 cannot both be displayed on the individual operation screen D2 at the same time, the display control unit 320 displays the entire first region K1 on the individual operation screen D2 and displays only a portion of the second region K2 on the individual operation screen D2. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the display control unit 320 displays only the operation unit BJ4 in the second region K2 and hides the operation unit BJ5. Furthermore, the display control unit 320 displays an operation unit BE for displaying the remaining portion of the second region K2 (e.g., the operation unit BJ5) on the individual operation screen D2. The operation unit BE is, for example, a scroll bar that accepts an operation to display the remaining part of the second area K2 on the individual operation screen D2. However, the operation unit BE is not limited to a scroll bar and may be another type of operation unit.

[0083] <5.3 Screen transitions on the operation screen> Next, the screen transition of the operation screen D1 will be described. In this embodiment, when a temporary operation is set, the operation screen D1 displays first information related to the temporary operation as well as second information related to the end of the temporary operation. The "first information" is, for example, information related to the name or content of the operation set as the temporary operation. The "first information" is, for example, information indicating that the operation being set is a temporary operation. The "second information" includes, for example, content indicating the normal operation to which the operation will switch after the set temporary operation ends (for example, the name or content of the normal operation). Furthermore, instead of / in addition to the above example, the "second information" is information related to the remaining time until the set temporary operation ends. Furthermore, instead of / in addition to the above example, the "second information" may be information indicating the conditions under which the set temporary operation will end.

[0084] Fig. 10 shows an example of screen transitions of operation screen D1. Fig. 10 shows an example in which "normal chilled operation," which is a regular operation, is set, then "defrosting operation," which is a temporary operation, is set, and after "defrosting operation" ends, the operation switches to "normal chilled operation," which is a regular operation. Note that although illustration of operation unit B is omitted in Fig. 10, each of display units A11 to A16 includes operation unit B, as described above with reference to Fig. 7.

[0085] (a) in FIG. 10 shows a state in which the normal operation, "normal chilled operation," is set. In this case, display C14 included in display section A14 corresponding to right chilled compartment 31Ab includes information related to normal operation as information indicating the current setting of the cooling function of right chilled compartment 31Ab. Information related to normal operation is an example of "third information." Information related to normal operation is, for example, information regarding the name or content of the operation set as normal operation.

[0086] In the example shown in Fig. 10(a), display C14 includes characters and a picture indicating normal chilled operation. In the example shown in Fig. 10(a), display C included in each of display sections A11 to A13, A15, and A16 corresponding to other storage compartments 30 in collective display section A includes information related to normal operation as information indicating the current setting of the cooling function of the corresponding storage compartment 30.

[0087] 10(b) shows a state in which the temporary operation "Defrosting operation" is set using the individual operation screen D2. In this case, the display C14 included in the display section A14 corresponding to the right chilled compartment 31Ab includes a first display Ca and a second display Cb.

[0088] The first display Ca includes information (first information) related to the defrosting operation, which is a temporary operation that has been set, as information indicating the current setting of the cooling function of the right chilled compartment 31Ab. That is, the first display Ca is information related to the temporary operation, such as the name or content of the defrosting operation. For example, the first display Ca includes letters and a picture indicating the defrosting operation.

[0089] The second display Cb includes information (second information) related to the normal operation to which the refrigerator switches after the temporary operation ends. That is, the second display Cb is information related to the normal operation to which the refrigerator switches after the temporary operation ends, such as the name or details of the normal chilled operation. For example, the second display Cb includes characters or a picture indicating the normal chilled operation. In this embodiment, the second display Cb is displayed smaller than the first display Ca.

[0090] In the example shown in (b) of Figure 10, the display C included in each of the display sections A11 to A13, A15, and A16 corresponding to other storage compartments 30 in the collective display section A includes information related to steady-state operation (third information) as information indicating the current settings of the cooling function of the corresponding storage compartment 30.

[0091] (c) in Fig. 10 shows the state after temporary operation (defrosting operation) has ended and the refrigerator has switched to normal operation, "normal chilled operation." In this case, display C14 included in display section A14 corresponding to right chilled compartment 31Ab includes information related to normal operation as information indicating the current setting of the cooling function of right chilled compartment 31Ab, similar to (a) in Fig. 9. The same applies to displays C included in display sections A11 to A13, A15, and A16 corresponding to the other storage compartments 30 in collective display section A.

[0092] (Modified example of operation screen) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the operation screen D1. FIG. 11 corresponds to the state shown in FIG. 10(b). In this modified example, the second display Cb includes information (second information) related to the set remaining time of the temporary operation, instead of / in addition to information related to the normal operation to which the operation mode switches after the temporary operation ends. The remaining time of the temporary operation is displayed based on, for example, remaining time information 194 acquired from the refrigerator 100 via the server 200. The remaining time of the temporary operation may be information indicating a specific remaining time, or may be information indicating to which stage of multiple stages the operation has progressed without a specific numerical value indicating the time. In this modified example, the second display Cb is displayed smaller than the first display Ca.

[0093] <6. Processing flow> Next, the processing flow of the home appliance management application AP will be described. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for displaying the operation screen D1. First, the operation accepting unit 330 accepts an operation by the user U to display the operation screen D1 (S101). The "operation by the user U to display the operation screen" is, for example, an operation to transition from another screen to the operation screen D1.

[0094] When the operation receiving unit 330 receives an operation by the user U to display the operation screen D1, the information obtaining unit 310 inquires of the server 200 about display information required to display the operation screen D1 (S102). The display information is, for example, the above-mentioned status information 193 and remaining time information 194. The information obtaining unit 310 obtains the display information from the server 200 in response to the inquiry (S103).

[0095] 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.

[0096] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for displaying the individual operation screen D2. First, the operation accepting unit 330 accepts an operation of the user U for displaying the individual operation screen D2 (S201). The "operation of the user U for displaying the individual operation screen" is, for example, an operation for transitioning from the operation screen D1 to the individual operation screen D2.

[0097] The display control unit 320 generates an image to be displayed on the display screen 301a based on the display information acquired by the process of S103, and outputs the generated image to the display device 301 (S202). The process of S202 is an example of a "second display process." As a result, the individual operation screen D2 is displayed on the display screen 301a. Note that the display information may be acquired after the operation of the user U is accepted in S201.

[0098] The display control unit 320 determines whether or not an operation by the user U (operation on the operation unit BJ) to change the setting of the cooling function of the storage room 30 has been accepted by the operation acceptance unit 330 (S203). If there is no operation by the user U to change the setting (S203: NO), the display control unit 320 ends the display of the individual operation screen D2 in response to accepting an operation to transition to another screen, etc.

[0099] When the display control unit 320 receives an operation by the user U to change the setting (S203: YES), it then determines whether the operation receiving unit 330 has received an operation by the user U on the decision operation unit BD2 (S205). When the user U has not performed an operation on the decision operation unit BD2 (S205: NO), the display control unit 320 terminates the display of the individual operation screen D2 in response to receiving an operation to transition to another screen, for example. On the other hand, when the user U has performed an operation on the decision operation unit BD2 (S205: YES), the information transmission unit 340 generates a setting change command corresponding to the selected and determined operation and transmits the generated setting change command to the refrigerator 100 via the server 200. This changes the setting of the cooling function of the refrigerator 100. Furthermore, the display control unit 320 updates the display content of the individual operation screen D2 based on the content of the selected and determined operation.

[0100] <7. Advantages> As a comparative example, consider a configuration in which normal operation and temporary operation are not clearly distinguished from each other. In such a configuration, it is difficult for the user U to know whether the operation he or she has selected is normal operation or temporary operation, and there is a possibility that the user U will make an unintended setting.

[0101] In this embodiment, the refrigerator 100 can perform two types of operation: a normal operation, which, once set, continues the set operation until another setting is made; and a temporary operation, which, after setting, continues operation until a predetermined condition is met and then switches back to the normal operation after the operation ends. The display control unit 320 executes a first display process to display an operation screen D1 related to the refrigerator 100. When the temporary operation is set, the first display process displays, on the operation screen D1, first information related to the temporary operation and second information related to the end of the temporary operation. With this configuration, when the temporary operation is set, the user U can easily recognize by looking at the second information that the set operation will end when a predetermined condition is met. This improves convenience for the user U.

[0102] In this embodiment, the second information includes information related to the remaining time until the end of the temporary operation. This configuration makes it easier for the user U to recognize how much time is left until the temporary operation ends. This makes it easier for the user U to determine whether or not additional setting changes are necessary and what changes to make, further improving convenience for the user U.

[0103] In this embodiment, the second information includes information indicating the normal operation to which the vehicle will switch after the temporary operation ends. This configuration makes it easier for the user U to recognize the type of normal operation to which the vehicle will switch after the temporary operation ends. This makes it easier for the user U to determine whether or not additional setting changes are necessary and the details of the changes, further improving convenience for the user U.

[0104] In the present embodiment, when the operation screen D1 displays a list of the operation details of the plurality of storage compartments 30 of the refrigerator 100, the first display process displays third information related to the normal operation for a storage compartment 30 among the plurality of storage compartments 30 that is currently in normal operation, and displays the first information and the second information for a storage compartment 30 among the plurality of storage compartments 30 that is currently in temporary operation. With this configuration, the user U can recognize the settings related to the cooling functions of the plurality of storage compartments 30 at once. The user U can also recognize the settings related to the cooling functions of the plurality of storage compartments 30 while comparing them. This makes it easier to determine whether or not additional setting changes are necessary and the contents of the changes, further improving convenience for the user U.

[0105] In this embodiment, the display control unit 320 executes a second display process to display an individual operation screen D2 that accepts the selection of an operation content. The second display process displays one or more operation units BJ for selecting a normal operation in a first area K1 of the individual operation screen D2, and displays one or more operation units BJ for selecting a temporary operation in a second area K2 separated from the first area K1. This configuration allows the user U to more intuitively recognize which operations are normal operations and which operations are temporary operations, even on the individual operation screen D2. This can further improve convenience for the user U.

[0106] In this embodiment, when the entire first area K1 and the entire second area K2 cannot both be displayed on the individual operation screen D2 at the same time, the display control unit 320 displays the first area K1 with priority over the second area K2. This configuration makes it easier for the user U to recognize the operation unit BJ corresponding to the normal operation, which is generally used more frequently than the temporary operation. This further improves convenience for the user U.

[0107] In this embodiment, the display control unit 320 displays, on the individual operation screen D2, one or more operation units BJ for selecting normal operation and one or more operation units BJ for selecting temporary operation. The display of the operation unit BJ for selecting normal operation switches between a first state indicating a selected state, a second state indicating a non-selected state, and a third state indicating a selected state to which the selected temporary operation will be switched after the selected temporary operation ends, depending on the selection state of the operation unit BJ. With this configuration, by looking at the operation unit BJ in the third state, the user U can easily recognize what normal operation will be switched to after the temporary operation ends. This makes it easier to determine whether additional setting changes are necessary and what changes to make, further improving convenience for the user U.

[0108] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a normal operation different from the normal operation before the start of the temporary operation can be selected as the normal operation to be switched to after the temporary operation ends. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment. Note that operations on the selection operation units DS1 and DS2, which will be described later, are accepted by the operation acceptance unit 330. Furthermore, the display of the selection operation units DS1 and DS2 is realized by control by the display control unit 320.

[0109] 14 is a diagram showing an individual operation screen D2 of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when a temporary operation is selected (for example, when the operation unit BJ4 corresponding to the temporary operation is operated), the normal operation that was set before the temporary operation was selected is selected as the normal operation to be switched to after the temporary operation ends, without any operation by the user U.

[0110] In this embodiment, the individual operation screen D2 includes a selection operation unit DS1 for selecting, from a plurality of steady operations, a steady operation to which the system will switch after the selected temporary operation has ended (see (a) in FIG. 14). When the selection operation unit DS2 is operated (for example, pressed) by the user U, the individual operation screen D2 displays the selection operation unit DS2 (see (b) in FIG. 14). The selection operation unit DS2 includes a display showing a list of a plurality of steady operations that can be selected as the steady operation to which the system will switch after the temporary operation has ended, and an operation unit DS2a for selecting one steady operation from the plurality of steady operations. The user U can select, from a plurality of candidates, the steady operation to which the system will switch after the temporary operation has ended by operating the selection operation unit DS2.

[0111] In this embodiment, the selection operation units DS1 and DS2 are in a hidden state or an inactive state when normal operation is selected as the operation of the storage room 30. The selection operation units DS1 and DS2 are displayed in an active state when temporary operation is selected as the operation of the storage room 30. The "inactive state" is a state in which the operation reception unit 330 does not respond to the operation of the user U and the operation cannot be accepted. The "active state" is a state in which the operation reception unit 330 accepts the operation of the user U.

[0112] According to this configuration, the selection operation unit DS1 is displayed, and the user can select from a plurality of normal operations the normal operation to which the selected temporary operation will be switched after the end of the temporary operation. This increases the user U's freedom of time regarding the settings. This further enhances the user U's convenience.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the selection operation units DS1 and DS2 are in a hidden state or an inactive state when normal operation is selected as the operation of the storage room 30. The selection operation units DS1 and DS2 are displayed in an active state when temporary operation is selected as the operation of the storage room 30. With this configuration, the selection operation units DS1 and DS2 are displayed in an active state when normal operation is selected, which can prevent the user U from being misled. This can further improve convenience for the user U.

[0114] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an operation screen D1 and an individual operation screen D2 are 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.

[0115] FIG. 15 is a front view showing a refrigerator 100 according to the 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 the operation screen D1 and individual operation screen D2 similar to those of the first or second embodiment. This configuration also improves convenience for the user U.

[0116] Several embodiments have been described above. However, the embodiments are not limited to the above examples. For example, the above-described multiple embodiments may be realized in combination with each other.

[0117] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, a program causes a computer to execute a first display process that displays a first screen related to a refrigerator. The refrigerator can execute two modes: a regular operation mode, which, once set, continues the set operation until another setting is made, and a temporary operation mode, which, after setting, operates until a predetermined condition is met and then switches to the regular operation after the operation ends. When the temporary operation is set, the first display process displays, on the screen, first information related to the temporary operation and second information related to the end of the temporary operation. This configuration improves convenience.

[0118] 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]

[0119] 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 screen related to the refrigerator; the refrigerator is capable of executing a steady operation in which, once set, the set operation is continued until another setting is made next time, and a temporary operation in which, after set, the refrigerator is operated until a predetermined condition is satisfied and then switched to the steady operation after the temporary operation is finished; When the temporary operation is set, the first display process displays, on the first screen, first information related to the temporary operation and second information related to the end of the temporary operation. program.

2. the second information includes information related to the remaining time until the end of the temporary operation; The program according to claim 1.

3. The second information includes information indicating the steady operation to be switched to after the temporary operation ends. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In the first display process, when a list of operation details of a plurality of storage compartments of the refrigerator is displayed on the first screen, third information related to the steady operation is displayed for a storage compartment in which the steady operation is being performed among the plurality of storage compartments, and the first information and the second information are displayed for a storage compartment in which the temporary operation is being performed among the plurality of storage compartments. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The computer, Execute a second display process to display a second screen for accepting a selection of an operation content; the second display process displays, on the second screen, one or more operation units for selecting the steady operation in a first area, and one or more operation units for selecting the temporary operation in a second area separated from the first area. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the second display process displays the first area with priority over the second area when both the first area and the second area cannot be displayed on the second screen at the same time; The program according to claim 5.

7. The computer, Execute a second display process to display a second screen for accepting a selection of an operation content; the second display process displays, on the second screen, one or more operation units for selecting the steady operation and one or more operation units for selecting the temporary operation; a display of an operation unit for selecting the steady operation is switched among a first state indicating a selected state, a second state indicating a non-selected state, and a third state indicating a selected state as a target to be switched to after termination of the selected temporary operation, according to a selection state of the operation unit; The program according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The computer, Execute a second display process to display a second screen for accepting a selection of an operation content; The refrigerator can selectively perform a plurality of steady operations as the steady operation, the second screen includes a selection operation unit for selecting, from the plurality of steady operations, a steady operation to be switched to after the selected temporary operation is terminated, The program according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the selection operation unit is in a hidden state or an invalid state when the steady operation is selected, and is displayed in an enabled state when the temporary operation is selected; The program according to claim 8.

10. The computer executes a first display process for displaying a first screen related to the refrigerator; the refrigerator is capable of executing a steady operation in which, once set, the set operation is continued until another setting is made next time, and a temporary operation in which, after set, the refrigerator is operated until a predetermined condition is satisfied and then switched to the steady operation after the temporary operation is finished; When the temporary operation is set, the first display process displays, on the first screen, first information related to the temporary operation and second information related to the end of the temporary operation. Information processing methods.

11. a display control unit that displays a first screen related to the refrigerator, the refrigerator is capable of executing a steady operation in which, once set, the set operation is continued until another setting is made next time, and a temporary operation in which, after set, the refrigerator is operated until a predetermined condition is satisfied and then switched to the steady operation after the temporary operation is finished; When the temporary operation is set, the display control unit causes the first screen to display first information related to the temporary operation and second information related to the end of the temporary operation. Information processing system.

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