Software update system and software update method for home appliance

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system and a method for changing a network connection setting of a refrigerator by an operation of an information terminal possessed by a service person and updating software by using a tethering function of the information terminal possessed by the service person.SOLUTION: A software update system according to the present disclosure includes a home appliance and an information terminal, the information terminal including a terminal storage unit configured to store tethering setting information necessary for using at least a tethering function of the information terminal, the information terminal being configured to communicate with the home appliance to change an Internet connection setting of the home appliance by using the tethering setting information stored in the terminal storage unit, the home appliance being configured to connect to the Internet by using the tethering function of the information terminal. The home appliance can acquire update software through Internet connection using a tethering function and update the software.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a software update system and a software update method for a home appliance. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that refrigerator control software is acquired from an external communication center and the refrigerator control software installed in the refrigerator is rewritten. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-303472 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, there exists a system in which refrigerator control software is acquired from an external communication center via the Internet and the refrigerator control software is updated.

[0005] However, with such a system, if the user does not configure the refrigerator to connect to the Internet and the refrigerator's control software cannot be updated, a service technician must visit the user's home to configure the network connection between the refrigerator and the user's home, which makes the software update process time-consuming.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a system and method for changing the network connection settings of a refrigerator by operating an information terminal carried by a service technician, and for updating software using the tethering function of the information terminal carried by the service technician. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The software update system of the present disclosure comprises a home appliance controlled by software that defines an operating system, and an information terminal separate from the home appliance, wherein the home appliance comprises at least a memory unit that stores the software, a control unit that controls the operation of the home appliance by the software, and a communication unit that connects to the Internet via wireless communication, and the information terminal comprises a terminal operation unit that accepts user operations, a terminal communication unit that communicates with the home appliance, a terminal display unit that displays information to the user, and a terminal memory unit that stores at least tethering setting information necessary to use the tethering function of the information terminal, and the information terminal communicates with the home appliance to change the Internet connection settings of the home appliance using the tethering setting information stored in the terminal memory unit, and can be configured to connect to the Internet using the tethering function of the information terminal, and the home appliance can obtain update software and update its software via an Internet connection using the tethering function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The software update system disclosed herein changes the network connection settings of a home appliance by operating an information terminal carried by a service technician, and performs software updates using the tethering function of the information terminal, thereby eliminating the need for the service technician to connect the home appliance to a router in each user's home, and further enabling software updates of home appliances to be performed even if a network connection environment is not in place in the user's home.

[0009] Furthermore, if tethering setting information is stored in the information terminal and the stored information is used to set up tethering, the effort of inputting tethering setting information at each user's home can be eliminated, further improving the efficiency of connection work. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Block configuration diagram of refrigerator software update system 1 according to the first embodiment [Figure 2] Flowchart for explaining the operation of the refrigerator software update system according to the first embodiment [Figure 3] Flowchart for explaining software update processing in the first embodiment [Figure 4A] An example of a user interface displayed on an information terminal according to the first embodiment [Figure 4B] An example of a user interface displayed on an information terminal according to the first embodiment [Figure 4C] An example of a user interface displayed on an information terminal according to the first embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0012] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims. (Embodiment 1) A first embodiment of the present application is a software update system for a refrigerator. The refrigerator operation control system updates software for controlling the refrigerator using an information terminal.

[0013] By updating the software of the refrigerator using an information terminal, it is possible to update the software even when the refrigerator is not connected to the network of the user's home.

[0014] [1-1.Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a refrigerator software update system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0015] The refrigerator software update system 1 in the first embodiment includes a refrigerator 2 and an information terminal 3.

[0016] The refrigerator 2 includes a control unit 21 that controls the operation of the refrigerator 2, an operation unit 22 that accepts operations by the user, a display unit 23 that displays information, a memory unit 24 that stores information, and a communication unit 25 that communicates with the information terminal 3.

[0017] The control unit 21 executes processing for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 2 based on the software stored in the storage unit 24.

[0018] The storage unit 24 stores at least software used to operate the refrigerator 2.

[0019] The communication unit 25 is a WAN (Wide Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), and Area Network, short-range wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi This enables the refrigerator 2 to communicate with the information terminal 3 using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, and also enables the refrigerator 2 to connect to the Internet via a router (not shown) installed in the user's home.

[0020] The information terminal 3 includes a terminal control unit 31 that controls the operation of the information terminal 3, a terminal operation unit 32 that accepts operations by the user, a terminal display unit 33 that displays information, a terminal memory unit 34 that stores information, and a terminal communication unit 35 that communicates with the refrigerator 2.

[0021] The information terminal 3 may be a terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, and the information terminal 3 has a tethering function that enables other devices to connect to the Internet using the information terminal 3 as a router.

[0022] The terminal storage unit 34 stores, as tethering setting information, information required when another device connects to a network such as the Internet using the tethering function of the information terminal 3. The stored information may be an SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and a password required when using the information terminal 3 as an access point. The terminal storage unit 34 may be configured to store, as tethering setting information, information such as the SSID and password entered by the operator.

[0023] In addition to the tethering setting information described above, the terminal storage unit 34 may also store version information of software that can be updated for each model of refrigerator 2.

[0024] The server 4 is connected to the refrigerator 2 and the information terminal 3 via a network. The communication unit 25 and the terminal communication unit 35 may also be used when the refrigerator 2 and the information terminal 3 communicate with the server 4.

[0025] [1-2. Operation] 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the refrigerator software update system according to Embodiment 1. Information processing of the system according to the present disclosure may be executed by an information processing device such as the control unit 21, the terminal control unit 31, or the server 4.

[0026] When an operator operates information terminal 3 and starts work, in step S201, communication begins between refrigerator 2 and information terminal 3 via communication unit 25 and terminal communication unit 35, and device information is requested from information terminal 3 to refrigerator 2.

[0027] Communication between the refrigerator 2 and the information terminal 3 may be performed by operating the refrigerator 2 as a wireless LAN access point and establishing a wireless connection with the information terminal 3. In this case, a special mode (hereinafter referred to as AP mode) may be set in the refrigerator 2 to operate as a wireless LAN access point.

[0028] The refrigerator 2 may be able to switch between the normal operation mode and the AP mode by operating the operation unit 22. Alternatively, the operation unit 22 may be an operation panel of the refrigerator 2, and a button for switching between the normal operation mode and the AP mode may be arranged on the operation panel, or buttons arranged for purposes such as temperature setting may be operated in a predetermined order to switch between the normal operation mode and the AP mode.

[0029] Next, in step S202, the refrigerator 2 transmits device information to the information terminal 3.

[0030] The transmitted device information may include device identification information such as an identifier, model number, and serial number that can identify the model of refrigerator 2, version information of the software currently being used in refrigerator 2, operating information such as the operating history and error history of refrigerator 2, and network connection information of refrigerator 2.

[0031] In step S203, the information terminal 3 displays the information sent from the refrigerator 2 on the terminal display unit 33.

[0032] Next, in step S204, it is determined whether there is updated software available for the refrigerator 2. If it is determined that there is no updated software available, the process ends.

[0033] The determination as to whether update software is available may be made by an operator who checks the information displayed on the terminal display unit 33 and operates the terminal operation unit 32. Alternatively, the terminal control unit 31 may determine whether update software available for the refrigerator 2 is available. In this case, the terminal control unit 31 may access an external server and determine whether available update software is available based on the device identification information of the refrigerator 2. Furthermore, if available update software for each model is stored in the terminal storage unit 34, the terminal control unit 31 may determine whether available update software is available based on the information stored in the terminal storage unit 34 instead of accessing an external server.

[0034] If it is determined in step S204 that available software updates are available, in step S205 the information terminal 3 sends tethering information to the refrigerator 2. After sending the tethering information to the refrigerator 2, the information terminal 3 may be configured to automatically disconnect communication with the refrigerator 2 and switch the tethering function to a usable state. Alternatively, the information terminal 3 may be configured to display a message on the terminal display unit 33 instructing the operator to disconnect communication with the refrigerator 2, and then the operator may operate the terminal operation unit 32 to disconnect communication between the information terminal 3 and the refrigerator 2 and switch the tethering function to a usable state.

[0035] The tethering information to be transmitted is preferably stored in the terminal storage unit 34. When updating the software of the refrigerator 2 using the information terminal 3 for the first time, the tethering information is not stored and must be entered by an operator. However, by storing the entered tethering information in the terminal storage unit 34, the tethering information stored in the terminal storage unit 34 can be used the next time the software of the refrigerator 2 is updated using the information terminal 3.

[0036] Next, in step S206, the refrigerator 2 performs communication settings for the refrigerator 2 based on the tethering information received from the information terminal 3.

[0037] The communication settings of the refrigerator 2 use the SSID and password information contained in the received tethering information, allowing the refrigerator 2 to connect to the Internet using the information terminal 3 as an access point.

[0038] To complete the communication setup for the refrigerator 2, an operator may operate the operation unit 22 to end the AP mode of the refrigerator 2 and cut off communication with the information terminal 3 that uses the refrigerator 2 as an access point. Alternatively, the AP mode may be ended by operating the information terminal 3, or the AP mode may be ended automatically when tethering information is received.

[0039] Furthermore, when starting communication using the tethering function, the worker may operate the information terminal 3 to enable the tethering function of the information terminal 3. Alternatively, the information terminal 3 may be configured to automatically enable the tethering function when it transmits tethering information.

[0040] Next, in step S207, a process for updating the software of the refrigerator 2 is performed. The software update process will be described in detail later.

[0041] Once the software update process is complete, communication resumes between the refrigerator 2 and the information terminal 3, with the refrigerator 2 acting as an access point. In step S208, the information terminal 3 requests device information from the refrigerator 2.

[0042] At this time, the operator may operate the operation unit 22 to resume the AP mode of the refrigerator 2 and allow the refrigerator 2 to communicate with the information terminal 3 using the refrigerator 2 as an access point. Alternatively, the AP mode may be resumed by operating the information terminal 3, or the AP mode may be resumed automatically once the software update is complete.

[0043] Next, in step S209, the refrigerator 2 transmits device information to the information terminal 3.

[0044] The transmitted device information may include device identification information and version information of the updated software.

[0045] In step S210, the information terminal 3 displays the information sent from the refrigerator 2 on the terminal display unit 33.

[0046] Next, in step S211, it is determined whether the software update process for the refrigerator 2 has been completed successfully. If it is determined that the update has not been completed successfully, the software update process (S207) may be performed again. Alternatively, an error may be notified and an error log or the like may be displayed to make the details of the error clear, thereby making it possible to identify the cause of the error.

[0047] The determination as to whether the software update process has been completed successfully may be made by the worker checking the information displayed on the terminal display unit 33 and then operating the terminal operation unit 32. Alternatively, the terminal control unit 31 may determine whether the software update process of the refrigerator 2 has been completed successfully.

[0048] If it is determined that the software update process has been completed normally, then in step S212, the information terminal 3 requests the refrigerator 2 to delete the tethering setting information.

[0049] When a request to delete the tethering setting information is received, the refrigerator 2 deletes the tethering setting information stored in the storage unit 24 in step S213.

[0050] [1-2-1. Software update process] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the software update process according to the first embodiment.

[0051] When the update process is started, first, in step S301, it is determined whether the network connection settings of the refrigerator 2 are valid.

[0052] If the network connection setting of the refrigerator 2 is invalid, an error is notified. The error notification may be made by displaying it on the display unit 23, or by sound such as a buzzer.

[0053] If the network connection setting of the refrigerator 2 is invalid, the refrigerator 2 requests updated software information from the server in step S302. At this time, the refrigerator 2 may be configured to send device identification information to the server together with the request for updated software information.

[0054] Next, in step S303, the server sends updated software information to the refrigerator 2 based on the device identification information of the refrigerator 2. The sent information may be the latest software stored in the server that is compatible with the model of the refrigerator 2. If there is no available updated software, an error may be sent to the refrigerator 2, and the refrigerator 2 may notify the error.

[0055] When the updated software information is sent from the server, the refrigerator 2 displays the acquired updated software information on the display unit 23 in step S304.

[0056] Next, in step S305, it is determined whether or not a software update is necessary. If it is determined that a software update is not necessary, the software update process ends.

[0057] The determination as to whether or not a software update is necessary may be made by control unit 21 comparing the current software information of refrigerator 2 with updated software information acquired from the server. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that an operator checks the display on display unit 23 and operates operation unit 22 to input whether or not a software update is necessary.

[0058] If it is determined that a software update is necessary, in step S306, the refrigerator 2 requests the server for updated software.

[0059] Next, in step S307, the server transmits the updated software to the refrigerator 2.

[0060] When the updated software is transmitted from the server, refrigerator 2 downloads the software and updates it in step S308. Note that the downloaded software may be temporarily stored in storage unit 24, and then the software may be updated when the operator performs an operation to start the update.

[0061] When the software update is complete, the refrigerator 2 notifies the user in step S309 that the software update has been completed. The notification may be made by displaying a message on the display unit 23 or by sound such as a buzzer.

[0062] After the software update is complete, the refrigerator 2 may be connected to the information terminal 3, and a notification may be displayed on the terminal display unit 33. Furthermore, when the software update is complete, the refrigerator 2 may notify the server that the update is complete.

[0063] [1-3. User Interface] 4A to 4C show an example of a user interface displayed on the information terminal 3 in the first embodiment.

[0064] The procedure display areas 51a to 51e display the work procedures to be performed by the worker.

[0065] The device information display areas 52a and 52b display information about the refrigerator 2 obtained by the information terminal 3 through communication with the refrigerator 2. The displayed device information may include device-specific information such as an identifier, model number, and serial number that can identify the model of the refrigerator 2, version information of the software currently being used in the refrigerator 2, operating information such as the operating history and error history of the refrigerator 2, and network connection information of the refrigerator 2.

[0066] The device operation buttons 53a to 53c are used to operate the refrigerator 2 and the information terminal 3. The device operation buttons 53a to 53c are displayed on the terminal display unit 33, and the user can operate the refrigerator 2 by operating them. For example, a button (53a) for enabling / disabling the network connection function of the refrigerator 2, a button (53b) for changing the wireless connection settings of the refrigerator 2, a button (53c) for deleting the wireless connection settings stored in the refrigerator 2, etc. may be displayed. Other buttons may also be displayed to which functions are assigned, such as disconnecting communication between the refrigerator 2 and the information terminal 3, switching the operation mode of the refrigerator 2, and enabling / disabling the tethering function of the information terminal 3.

[0067] The procedure display switching buttons 54a to 54c are buttons for changing the display content displayed on the terminal display unit 33. For example, the worker can switch from the screen of Fig. 4A to the screen of Fig. 4B by operating the procedure display switching button 54a. The worker can also end the procedure display by operating the procedure display switching button 54c.

[0068] The procedure display switching buttons 54a to 54c may be configured to switch between display and non-display depending on the current processing status determined by the terminal control unit 31. For example, the procedure display switching button 54a may be displayed on the terminal display unit 33 when the acquisition of refrigerator information is completed or when the refrigerator information is displayed, or when the terminal control unit 31 determines that available update software exists based on the acquired refrigerator information.

[0069] Alternatively, the refrigerator 2 and information terminal 3 may communicate with each other, allowing the terminal control unit 31 of the information terminal 3 to determine the current status of the process and switch the display content of the procedure display area depending on the status of the process. In this case, the procedure display switch buttons 54a to 54c may not be displayed.

[0070] Furthermore, some of the buttons may be displayed on the terminal display unit 33 depending on the processing status. For example, when the information terminal 3 completes sending the tethering information, a button to end the AP mode of the refrigerator 2 and a button to enable the tethering function of the information terminal 3 may be displayed.

[0071] In addition to the above, the interface displayed on the information terminal 3 may include an additional information display button 55 that displays additional information such as detailed procedures, a terminal operation button 56 that causes the information terminal 3 to perform operations such as communicating with the refrigerator 2, and an input area 57 that accepts input of tethering setting information, etc.

[0072] [1-4.Effects] As described above, in this embodiment, the software update system comprises a home appliance controlled by software that defines an operating system, and an information terminal separate from the home appliance, wherein the home appliance comprises at least a memory unit that stores the software, a control unit that controls the operation of the home appliance by the software, and a communication unit that connects to the Internet via wireless communication, and the information terminal comprises a terminal operation unit that accepts user operations, a terminal communication unit that communicates with the home appliance, a terminal display unit that displays information to the user, and a terminal memory unit that stores at least tethering setting information necessary to use the tethering function of the information terminal, and the information terminal is capable of changing the Internet connection settings of the home appliance using the tethering setting information stored in the terminal memory unit by communicating with the home appliance, and setting the home appliance to connect to the Internet using the tethering function of the information terminal, and the home appliance is capable of obtaining update software and updating its software via an Internet connection using the tethering function.

[0073] This allows an operator to avoid the task of connecting the home appliance to a network in the user's home when updating the software of the home appliance, thereby enabling the software update of the home appliance to proceed efficiently.

[0074] Furthermore, the information terminal 3 may be able to delete setting information for using the tethering function of the information terminal 3, which is stored in the storage unit 24, by communicating with a home appliance.

[0075] This increases security by preventing network information from being stored on home appliances installed in the user's home. It also improves work efficiency by eliminating the need to operate home appliances to erase tethering setting information.

[0076] Furthermore, the information terminal 3 may communicate with the home appliance to acquire version information of the software of the home appliance, and display the acquired version information of the software of the home appliance on the terminal display unit 33.

[0077] This allows the worker to check whether updatable software exists in the home appliances in the user's home.

[0078] In addition, the information terminal 3 may communicate with the home appliance to obtain version information of the software of the home appliance, determine whether updatable software exists, and display the presence or absence of updatable software on the terminal display unit 33.

[0079] This allows the worker to check whether updatable software exists in the home appliances in the user's home.

[0080] Furthermore, the information terminal 3 may communicate with the home appliance to acquire version information about the software of the home appliance, and determine whether the software update has been completed normally.

[0081] This allows the operator to know whether the software update has been completed successfully, and if it has not been completed successfully, the operator can redo the update work or investigate the cause of the abnormality.

[0082] Furthermore, the information terminal 3 may communicate with the home appliance to determine whether the wireless communication function of the home appliance is enabled, and may display on the terminal display unit 33 the status of the wireless communication function of the home appliance.

[0083] This allows the worker to check the status of the wireless communication function of the home electric appliance in the user's home, and to change the settings of the wireless communication function of the home electric appliance as necessary.

[0084] In addition, the information terminal 3 may communicate with the home appliance to determine whether the wireless communication function of the home appliance is enabled, and if the wireless communication function of the home appliance is disabled, may switch the wireless communication function of the home appliance to enabled.

[0085] This eliminates the need for the worker to operate the home appliance in the user's home to change the settings of the wireless communication function of the home appliance, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0086] In addition, the terminal memory unit 34 stores a procedure for updating software of a home appliance using the tethering function of the information terminal 3, the procedure including multiple steps, and the information terminal 3 may determine whether the step displayed on the terminal display unit 33 has been completed by communicating with the home appliance, and when the step has been completed, switch the step displayed on the terminal display unit 33.

[0087] This allows workers to check the progress of their work and the necessary steps, preventing mistakes such as skipping a necessary step or performing an operation at the wrong time.

[0088] In addition, in this embodiment, the software update method is characterized by including the steps of: the information terminal 3 and the home appliance communicating with each other and transmitting tethering setting information stored in the information terminal 3 to the home appliance; changing the Internet connection settings of the home appliance based on the tethering setting information; connecting the home appliance to the Internet using the tethering function of the information terminal and obtaining update software; and updating the software of the home appliance to the obtained update software.

[0089] This allows an operator to avoid the task of connecting the home appliance to a network in the user's home when updating the software of the home appliance, thereby enabling the software update of the home appliance to proceed efficiently.

[0090] The software update method may further include a step of deleting setting information for using the tethering function of the information terminal 3, which is stored in the home appliance.

[0091] This increases security by preventing network information from being stored on home appliances installed in the user's home. It also improves work efficiency by eliminating the need to operate home appliances to erase tethering setting information.

[0092] The software update method may further include the steps of: transmitting software version information from the home appliance to the information terminal; and displaying the acquired software version information of the home appliance on the information terminal.

[0093] This allows the worker to check whether updatable software exists in the home appliances in the user's home.

[0094] The software update method may further include a step in which the home appliance sends software version information to the information terminal, a step in which the information terminal determines whether updatable software exists, and a step in which the information terminal displays whether updatable software exists.

[0095] This allows the worker to check whether updatable software exists in the home appliances in the user's home.

[0096] The software update method may further include, after the step of updating the software of the home appliance to the acquired update software, a step of determining whether the update has been completed successfully.

[0097] This allows the operator to know whether the software update has been completed successfully, and if it has not been completed successfully, the operator can redo the update work or investigate the cause of the abnormality.

[0098] The software update method may further include the steps of determining whether the wireless communication function of the home appliance is enabled, and displaying the status of the wireless communication function of the home appliance on the information terminal.

[0099] This allows the worker to check the status of the wireless communication function of the home electric appliance in the user's home, and to change the settings of the wireless communication function of the home electric appliance as necessary.

[0100] The software update method may further include a step of determining whether the wireless communication function of the home appliance is enabled, and a step of enabling the wireless communication function of the home appliance if the wireless communication function of the home appliance is disabled.

[0101] This eliminates the need for the worker to operate the home appliance in the user's home to change the settings of the wireless communication function of the home appliance, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0102] (Other embodiments) As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first embodiment above to create new embodiments.

[0103] Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0104] In the first embodiment, it was explained that the worker is a serviceman who visits the user's home to perform software update work, but the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this and can also be applied to cases where the user himself performs the update work using an information terminal he owns.

[0105] In this case, users can easily use the tethering function to update software whenever necessary, even if they are not always connected to the network. Also, software updates can be performed simply by operating the information terminal or the home appliance following the instructions displayed on the information terminal, making the update process easy.

[0106] For such use by the user, a notification may be sent to the information terminal when the latest software becomes available for acquisition from the server.

[0107] In the first embodiment, the refrigerator 2 and the information terminal 3 communicate with each other by operating the refrigerator 2 as a wireless LAN access point. However, communication may also be performed by other means than wireless LAN, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this case, even while the refrigerator 2 and the information terminal 3 are communicating, the information terminal 3 can maintain an internet connection and send and receive information to and from external servers, etc.

[0108] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 2 and 3 are divided according to the main processing content to make the operations easier to understand, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The operations may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it includes more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not interfere with the purpose of this disclosure.

[0109] In the first embodiment, the configuration for updating the software of the refrigerator 2 has been described, but the target home appliance is not limited to the refrigerator 2. For example, the present invention may be applied to other appliances such as a washing machine or an air conditioner.

[0110] The technology disclosed herein includes a software update system and a software update method, as well as home appliances, information terminals, and servers used in the software update system, and a program for executing the software update method.

[0111] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial Applicability]

[0112] The present disclosure is applicable to a system for updating software of a home appliance via a network. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1 Software Update System 2. Refrigerator 21 Control section 22 Control section 23 Display section 24 Memory section 25 Communications Department 3. Information terminals 31 Terminal control unit 32 Terminal operation unit 33 Terminal display 34 Terminal memory section 35 Terminal communication unit 4 Server 51a~51e Procedure display area 52a, 52b Device information display area 53a~53c Device operation buttons 54a~54c Procedure display switching button 55 Additional information display button 56 Terminal operation buttons 57 Input Area

Claims

1. 1. A software update system, comprising: A home appliance controlled by software that defines an operating system; an information terminal separate from the home appliance, The home appliance includes at least a storage unit that stores the software, a control unit that controls the operation of the home appliance using the software, and a communication unit that connects to the Internet via wireless communication; the information terminal comprises a terminal operation unit that accepts user operations, a terminal communication unit that communicates with the home appliance, a terminal display unit that displays information to the user, and a terminal storage unit that stores at least tethering setting information necessary to use a tethering function of the information terminal; the information terminal is capable of changing the Internet connection setting of the home appliance using the tethering setting information stored in the terminal storage unit by communicating with the home appliance, and configuring the home appliance to connect to the Internet using the tethering function of the information terminal; The home appliance is capable of obtaining update software and updating the software via an Internet connection using the tethering function. Software update system for home appliances.

2. 2. The software update system for a home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal is capable of deleting setting information for using the tethering function of the information terminal stored in the memory unit by communicating with the home appliance.

3. 2. The software update system for a home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal acquires version information of the software of the home appliance by communicating with the home appliance, and displays the acquired version information of the software of the home appliance on the terminal display unit.

4. 2. The software update system for a home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal communicates with the home appliance to obtain version information of the software of the home appliance, determine whether updatable software exists, and display the presence or absence of updatable software on the terminal display unit.

5. The home appliance software update system according to claim 1 , wherein the information terminal communicates with the home appliance to acquire version information of the software of the home appliance and determine whether the software update has been completed successfully.

6. The software update system for a home appliance as described in claim 1, wherein the information terminal determines whether the wireless communication function of the home appliance is enabled by communicating with the home appliance, and displays the status of the wireless communication function of the home appliance on the terminal display unit.

7. The software update system for a home appliance as described in claim 1, wherein the information terminal determines whether the wireless communication function of the home appliance is enabled by communicating with the home appliance, and if the wireless communication function of the home appliance is disabled, switches the wireless communication function of the home appliance to enabled.

8. the terminal storage unit stores a procedure for updating software of the home appliance using a tethering function of the information terminal; The procedure comprises a number of steps:

2. The software update system for a home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal communicates with the home appliance to determine whether a process displayed on the terminal display unit has been completed, and when the process has been completed, switches the process displayed on the terminal display unit.

9. A software update method for a home appliance using an information terminal, comprising: a step of communicating with the information terminal and the home appliance, and transmitting tethering setting information stored in the information terminal to the home appliance; changing the Internet connection settings of the home appliance based on the tethering setting information; connecting the home appliance to the Internet using a tethering function of the information terminal and acquiring update software; updating the software of the home appliance to the acquired updated software; A software update method for a home appliance, including:

10. The software update method for a home appliance according to claim 9 , further comprising the step of deleting setting information stored in the home appliance for using a tethering function of the information terminal.

11. The software update method further includes a step of transmitting software version information from the home appliance to the information terminal; displaying the acquired software version information of the home appliance on the information terminal; The software update method for a home appliance according to claim 9, comprising:

12. The software update method further includes a step of transmitting software version information from the home appliance to the information terminal; a step of determining by the information terminal whether updatable software exists; a step of displaying on the information terminal whether or not there is software that can be updated; The software update method for a home appliance according to claim 9, comprising:

13. 10. The software update system for a home appliance according to claim 9, wherein the software update method further comprises, after the step of updating the software of the home appliance to the acquired update software, a step of determining whether the update has been completed successfully.

14. The software update method further includes determining whether a wireless communication function of the home appliance is enabled; The software update method for a home appliance according to claim 9, further comprising the step of: displaying a status of the wireless communication function of the home appliance on the information terminal.

15. The software update method further includes determining whether a wireless communication function of the home appliance is enabled; The software update method for a home appliance according to claim 9, further comprising: if the wireless communication function of the home appliance is disabled, enabling the wireless communication function of the home appliance.

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