Control system, refrigerator, control device, control method, and program

Abstract

To reduce power consumption based on opening / closing of a door of a refrigerator by a user.SOLUTION: An opening / closing result acquisition unit 111 acquires opening / closing result information indicating an opening / closing result of a door of a refrigerator 100 including a light emitting means for emitting light of a designated color among a plurality of colors. The emission color determination unit 112 determines an emission color, which is a color of light emitted by the light emitting means, among a plurality of colors based on the opening / closing result information acquired by the opening / closing result acquisition unit 111. The light emission control unit 113 controls the light emitting unit to emit light of the emission color determined by the emission color determination unit 112.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control system, a refrigerator, a control device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, there are known techniques for reducing power consumption during specific time periods in order to adjust the balance between power supply and demand, reduce electricity charges, etc. For example, there are known techniques for reducing power consumption during time periods when a power shortage is predicted.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which a message is displayed on the refrigerator's LCD screen during times of tight power supply, requesting the user to reduce the number of times the door is opened and closed. The technology described in Patent Document 1 is expected to encourage refrigerator users to cooperate in saving power by following this message and reducing the number of times the door is opened and closed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-33199 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, a message is simply displayed requesting the user to reduce the number of times the door is opened and closed, regardless of the actual number of times the door has been opened and closed. Therefore, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult for the user to understand how much room there is for reducing the number of times the door is opened and closed, and how reducing the number of times the door is opened and closed will affect power saving. For this reason, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, the number of times the door is opened and closed is not actively reduced, and there is a possibility that power consumption due to door opening and closing will not be reduced. Therefore, there is a demand for technology that reduces power consumption due to the opening and closing of the refrigerator door by the user.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-described problems, and aims to provide a control system, refrigerator, control device, control method, and program that reduce power consumption based on the opening and closing of a refrigerator door by a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the control system according to the present disclosure comprises: an opening / closing record acquiring means for acquiring opening / closing record information indicating opening / closing records of a door of a refrigerator having a light emitting means for emitting light of a specified color among a plurality of colors; an emission color determination means for determining an emission color, which is the color of light emitted by the light emitting means, from among the plurality of colors based on the opening / closing record information acquired by the opening / closing record acquisition means; and a light emission control means for controlling the light emitting means so that the light emitting means emits light of the light color determined by the light emission color determination means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the present disclosure, the light-emitting means is controlled to emit light of a color determined based on opening / closing record information indicating the opening / closing record of the door of a refrigerator equipped with the light-emitting means. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce power consumption due to the opening / closing of the refrigerator door by a user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Configuration diagram of a control system according to the first embodiment [Figure 2] Front view of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment [Figure 3] Functional configuration diagram of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows color specifying information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Flowchart showing light emission control processing executed by the refrigerator according to the first embodiment [Figure 6] Configuration diagram of a control system according to a second embodiment [Figure 7]Functional configuration diagram of a control system according to a second embodiment [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing color specifying information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Flowchart showing light emission control processing executed by a refrigerator according to a second embodiment [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a luminous color determination process executed by a control device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing color specifying information according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing color specifying information according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] Functional configuration diagram of a refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment [Figure 14] Functional configuration diagram of a control device according to the fifth embodiment [Figure 15] Flowchart showing light emission control processing executed by a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment [Figure 16] 10 is a first flowchart showing a luminous color determination process executed by a control device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 17] 20 is a second flowchart showing the emission color determination process executed by the control device according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system 1000 according to the first embodiment. The control system 1000 is a system for reducing power consumption based on the opening and closing of the door of a refrigerator 100 by a user. The control system 1000 controls the light-emitting means provided in the refrigerator 100 so as to emit light of a color corresponding to the history of opening and closing of the door of the refrigerator 100. The control system 1000 includes the refrigerator 100.

[0012] Refrigerator 100 is a device for storing items at low temperatures. FIG. 2 shows a front view of refrigerator 100. Refrigerator 100 includes, for example, insulated main body 140 and doors 150AA, 150AB, 150B, 150C, 150D, and 150E. The interior of refrigerator 100 is divided into storage compartments 160A, 160B, 160C, 160D, and 160E by, for example, partition components (not shown) that separate the interior of insulated main body 140. Hereinafter, doors 150AA, 150AB, 150B, 150C, 150D, and 150 will be collectively referred to as doors 150, as appropriate. Furthermore, storage chamber 160A, storage chamber 160B, storage chamber 160C, storage chamber 160D, and storage chamber 160E will be collectively referred to as storage chamber 160 as appropriate.

[0013] The heat insulating box 140 is a box-shaped member that forms the outer shape of the refrigerator 100. The heat insulating box 140 is composed of an outer box (not shown), an inner box (not shown), and a heat insulating material (not shown) enclosed between the outer box and the inner box.

[0014] Door 150 is a door for opening and closing insulated box 140. When door 150 is opened, it becomes possible to store items in storage room 160 corresponding to door 150 and to remove items from storage room 160 corresponding to door 150. Door 150 is equipped with a heat insulating material. Doors 150AA and 150AB are doors provided in storage room 160A and can be opened like double doors. Door 150B is a door provided in storage room 160B. Door 150C is a door provided in storage room 160C. Door 150D is a door provided in storage room 160D. Door 150E is a door provided in storage room 160E.

[0015] Door 150 may be a drawer-type door. That is, when door 150 is pulled out, a storage case (not shown) fixed to door 150 and the items stored in this storage case may be pulled out to the outside of refrigerator 100. In this case, pulling out door 150 corresponds to opening door 150, and pushing back door 150 corresponds to closing door 150.

[0016] Storage compartment 160 is a space for storing items at low temperatures. Storage compartment 160 is a refrigerator compartment for storing items refrigerated, a freezer compartment for storing items frozen, or a switchable compartment that can be switched between a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. In this embodiment, storage compartment 160A is a refrigerator compartment, storage compartment 160B is an ice making compartment that is also a freezer compartment, storage compartment 160C is a switchable compartment, storage compartment 160D is a vegetable compartment that is also a refrigerator compartment, and storage compartment 160E is a freezer compartment. Refrigerator 100 includes control unit 11, memory unit 12, display unit 13, operation reception unit 14, communication unit 15, cooling unit 16, heating unit 17, open / close detection unit 18, and temperature detection unit 19.

[0017] Control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), RTC (Real Time Clock), etc. The CPU is also called a central processing unit, central arithmetic unit, processor, microprocessor, microcomputer, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and functions as a central processing unit that executes processes and calculations related to the control of refrigerator 100. In control unit 11, the CPU reads programs and data stored in ROM and uses RAM as a work area to perform overall control of refrigerator 100. The RTC is, for example, an integrated circuit with a timekeeping function. The CPU can determine the current date and time from time information read from the RTC.

[0018] The storage unit 12 includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and serves as a so-called auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 12 stores programs and data used by the control unit 11 to execute various processes. The storage unit 12 also stores data generated or acquired by the control unit 11 as a result of executing various processes.

[0019] Display unit 13 displays various images under the control of control unit 11. For example, display unit 13 displays a screen for receiving various operations from the user. Display unit 13 includes a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), etc. Display unit 13 is placed in a location that is easily visible to the user of refrigerator 100. For example, display unit 13 is placed so that the display surface is exposed on the outer surface of door 150. Display unit 13 is an example of a light-emitting means.

[0020] The operation reception unit 14 receives various operations from the user and supplies information indicating the contents of the received operations to the control unit 11. The operation reception unit 14 includes a touch screen, buttons, levers, and the like.

[0021] The communication unit 15 communicates with devices connected to a communication network (not shown) under the control of the control unit 11. The communication unit 15 has a function of connecting to a communication network and communicates with devices connected to the communication network. The communication unit 15 is provided with a communication interface that complies with various communication standards.

[0022] Cooling unit 16 cools the inside of storage compartment 160 under the control of control unit 11. Cooling unit 16 includes a processor (not shown) that controls the overall operation of cooling unit 16, a cooler (not shown) that cools the surrounding air, and a cooling fan (not shown) that supplies cooled air to each storage compartment.

[0023] Heating unit 17 heats the cooler on which frost has adhered, under the control of control unit 11. Heating unit 17 includes a heater that generates heat to melt the frost that has adhered to the cooler.

[0024] The open / close detection unit 18 detects the open / closed state of the door 150. Specifically, the open / close detection unit 18 detects whether each door 150 of the refrigerator 100 is in an open state or a closed state. The open / close detection unit 18 is provided with an open / close sensor (not shown) for each door 150 that detects the open / closed state of the door 150. The open / close detection unit 18 supplies the control unit 11 with open / closed state information indicating the open / closed state of each door 150.

[0025] The control unit 11 generates opening / closing record information indicating the opening / closing record of the door 150 based on the opening / closing state information supplied from the opening / closing detection unit 18. The control unit 11 stores the generated opening / closing record information in the storage unit 12. The opening / closing record information may be any information as long as it is information that can identify the door opening / closing count, which is the number of times the door 150 has been opened and the door open time, which is the total time the door 150 was open.

[0026] For example, the opening and closing record information may be information indicating the number of times the door is opened and closed per unit time and the door open time, or may be information indicating the time the door 150 is opened and the time the door 150 is closed for each opening and closing of the door 150. In this embodiment, for ease of understanding, the type of door 150 that is opened and closed is not distinguished. For example, when any door 150 is opened and closed once, the number of times the door is opened and closed is counted up by one, and the time that any door 150 is open is added to the door open time.

[0027] Temperature detection unit 19 detects the temperature inside or outside refrigerator 100. That is, temperature detection unit 19 detects the temperature inside each storage compartment 160 included in refrigerator 100 and the temperature outside refrigerator 100. Temperature detection unit 19 includes a temperature sensor (not shown) provided inside each storage compartment 160 and a temperature sensor (not shown) provided outside refrigerator 100. Temperature detection unit 19 supplies temperature information indicating the detected temperature to control unit 11.

[0028] Next, functions of refrigerator 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. Functionally, refrigerator 100 includes opening / closing history acquisition unit 111, light emission color determination unit 112, and light emission control unit 113. Each of these functions is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. Software and firmware are written as programs and stored in ROM, storage unit 12, etc. A CPU executes the programs stored in ROM, storage unit 12, etc. to realize each of these functions.

[0029] Opening / closing history acquisition unit 111 acquires opening / closing history information indicating the opening / closing history of door 150 of refrigerator 100. For example, opening / closing history acquisition unit 111 acquires the opening / closing history information from memory unit 12. Note that refrigerator 100 is equipped with display unit 13 as light-emitting means that emits light of a specified color from among multiple colors. Opening / closing history acquisition unit 111 is an example of opening / closing history acquisition means.

[0030] The light emission color determination unit 112 determines the light emission color, which is the color of light emitted by the light-emitting means, from among a plurality of colors based on the opening / closing history information acquired by the opening / closing history acquisition unit 111. In this embodiment, the plurality of colors are three colors: blue, yellow, and red. That is, the light-emitting means emits any one of blue light, yellow light, and red light. Generally, when a warning is given to the user using colors, the order of increasing warning intensity is red, yellow, and blue.

[0031] The warning in this embodiment warns that frequent opening and closing of door 150 of refrigerator 100 or leaving door 150 open for a long time will increase the power consumption of refrigerator 100. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a stronger warning with a red light to users who open and close the door frequently and for long periods of time. Similarly, it is desirable to provide a stronger warning with a red light during periods when the door is opened and closed frequently and for long periods of time.

[0032] On the other hand, it is desirable that a weaker warning be given using blue light for a user who opens and closes the door infrequently and for a short period of time. Similarly, it is desirable that a weaker warning be given using blue light during periods when the number of times the door is opened and closed is low and the door is open for a short period of time. The light emission color determination unit 112 determines the light emission color based on the number of times the door is opened and closed, the door open period, etc. indicated by the opening and closing record information. Specifically, the light emission color determination unit 112 determines the light emission color to be red when a strong warning is desired, determines the light emission color to be blue when a weak warning is desired, and determines the light emission color to be yellow when a medium warning is desired. The light emission color determination unit 112 is an example of a light emission color determination means.

[0033] The light emission control unit 113 controls the display unit 13, which is a light emitting means, to emit light of the light color determined by the light emission color determination unit 112. In this embodiment, it is sufficient that the display unit 13 presents a color to the user, and the shape, size, etc. of the area where the color is presented are arbitrary. For example, characters, symbols, figures, etc. may be displayed by light of the light emission color, or characters, symbols, figures, etc. may not be displayed by light of the light emission color. The light emission control unit 113 is an example of a light emission control means.

[0034] In this embodiment, the opening / closing record information includes information indicating the most recent opening / closing record value. The most recent opening / closing record value is the number of times the door was opened and closed in the most recent specified time, or the length of time the door was open in the most recent specified time. The specified time is assumed to be about 5 to 15 minutes. In other words, the most recent specified time is the time from the current time back to a time about 5 to 15 minutes ago.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the luminous color determination unit 112 determines, from among a plurality of colors, a color that corresponds to the most recent actual opening / closing value and the current time zone, which is the time zone to which the current time belongs, as the luminous color. In other words, the luminous color determination unit 112 determines the luminous color by taking into consideration not only the most recent actual opening / closing value but also the current time zone. For example, the luminous color determination unit 112 determines the luminous color by referring to color identification information, which is information for identifying the luminous color. FIG. 4 shows the color identification information. The color identification information is stored, for example, in the storage unit 12.

[0036] The color identification information is information that indicates a color according to the classification of the most recent opening / closing actual value based on the threshold value for each classification of the current time period. The current time period is classified as either a specific time period or a normal time period. A specific time period is a specific time period during which power saving is strongly desired. In this embodiment, the specific time period is the time period from 14:00 to 16:00. A specific time period is a time period during which power is tight, or a time period during which the power unit price is high (for example, a time period during which the power unit price is 28 yen / kWh or more). A normal time period is a time period other than the specific time period. 14:00, 16:00, etc. are threshold values ​​for classifying the current time period.

[0037] The most recent opening / closing result value is divided into four categories: less than N1, N1 or more but less than N2, N2 or more but less than N3, and N3 or more. Here, n is the most recent opening / closing result value, and is either the most recent door opening / closing count, which is the number of times the door was opened and closed in the most recent specified time, or the most recent door opening / closing time, which is the door opening / closing time in the most recent specified time. N1, N2, N3, etc. are thresholds for dividing the most recent opening / closing result values. More specifically, N1 and N2 are thresholds for specific time periods, and N2 and N3 are thresholds for normal time periods. The color identification information includes a threshold for dividing the current time period, a threshold according to the classification of the current time period for dividing the most recent opening / closing result value, a color according to the classification of the most recent opening / closing result value, etc.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the specific time period is more likely to be illuminated in a color indicating a stronger warning than the normal time period. For example, if the most recent opening / closing record value is equal to or greater than N2 and less than N3, the illuminated color is determined to be red when the current time period is the specific time period, but is determined to be yellow when the current time period is the normal time period. The reason for this is that the specific time period is more effective at saving power than the normal time period, and therefore it is highly desirable to reduce the number of times the door is opened and closed, the amount of time the door is open, etc. Furthermore, if the number of times the door is opened and closed, the amount of time the door is open, etc. is reduced, the cooling capacity required to maintain a cooled state in the storage chamber 160 is reduced, and power consumption is reduced.

[0039] In this embodiment, light emission control unit 113 controls display unit 13, which is a light emitting means, to emit light of a luminous color for a specified time period after door 150 is closed. The specified time period is, for example, 5 seconds. The reason for setting the light emission period in this manner is that it is considered that the user can easily check display unit 13 during the period immediately after door 150 is closed.

[0040] Next, the light emission control process executed by the refrigerator 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. The light emission control process is a process for controlling the light emission of the display unit 13 included in the refrigerator 100. The light emission control process is executed, for example, after the refrigerator 100 is powered on.

[0041] First, the control unit 11 included in the refrigerator 100 acquires open / closed state information (step S101). For example, the control unit 11 acquires the open / closed state information from the open / closed state detection unit 18. After completing the process of step S101, the control unit 11 determines whether the door 150 has changed to an open state (step S102). That is, the control unit 11 refers to the open / closed state information to determine whether the door 150 of the refrigerator 100 has been opened by the user. Note that in this embodiment, it is not distinguished which door 150 has been opened or closed.

[0042] If the control unit 11 determines that the door 150 has not changed to the open state (step S102: NO), the process returns to step S101. If the control unit 11 determines that the door 150 has changed to the open state (step S102: YES), the control unit 11 acquires opening and closing history information (step S103). For example, the control unit 11 acquires the opening and closing history information from the storage unit 12.

[0043] When the process of step S103 is completed, the control unit 11 determines the light color based on the most recent opening / closing result value and the current time period (step S104). For example, the control unit 11 classifies the current time period based on the color identification information, classifies the most recent opening / closing result value with a threshold value according to the classification result of the current time period, and determines the light color to be a color according to the classification result of the most recent opening / closing result value.

[0044] Upon completing the process of step S104, control unit 11 starts emitting light (step S105). Specifically, control unit 11 controls display unit 13 to start emitting light of the determined luminescent color. Upon completing the process of step S105, control unit 11 acquires open / closed state information (step S106). Upon completing the process of step S106, control unit 11 determines whether door 150 has changed to the closed state (step S107). That is, control unit 11 refers to the open / closed state information to determine whether door 150 of refrigerator 100 has been closed by the user.

[0045] When the control unit 11 determines that the door 150 has not changed to the closed state (step S107: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S106. When the control unit 11 determines that the door 150 has changed to the closed state (step S107: YES), the control unit 11 waits for a specified time (step S108). That is, the control unit 11 maintains the emission of the luminescent color for a specified time after the door 150 is closed. When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S108, the control unit 11 ends the emission (step S109). Specifically, the control unit 11 controls the display unit 13 to end the emission of the determined luminescent color. When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S109, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S101.

[0046] In this embodiment, display unit 13 is controlled to emit light of a color determined based on opening / closing record information indicating the opening / closing record of door 150 of refrigerator 100. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce power consumption caused by the opening / closing of door 150 of refrigerator 100 by the user.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a color corresponding to the most recent opening / closing result value and the current time period is determined as the emitted color. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to accurately inform the user of the degree to which the opening and closing of door 150 should be suppressed, the degree of the effect of reducing power consumption, and the like. Note that a large most recent opening / closing result value means that there is a high possibility that door 150 will be opened and closed frequently or for long periods of time in the future. Therefore, the larger the most recent opening / closing result value, the stronger the warning color that is determined as the emitted color. Furthermore, the more strongly power saving is desired during a time period, the stronger the warning color that is determined as the emitted color.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, light of the determined luminescent color is emitted for a specified time after the door 150 is closed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to notify the user of the degree to which the opening and closing of the door 150 should be restricted, the degree of the power consumption reduction effect, etc., at a timing that is easy for the user to confirm.

[0049] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which refrigerator 100 determines the luminous color of display unit 13. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which control device 200 determines the luminous color of display unit 13. Note that descriptions of the same configurations and functions as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 6, control system 1002 according to this embodiment includes refrigerator 102, control device 200, and server 300. Refrigerator 102, control device 200, and server 300 are connected to each other via communication network 700. Communication network 700 is, for example, the Internet. Physically, refrigerator 102 has the same configuration as refrigerator 100.

[0051] The control device 200 is a device that remotely controls the operation of the refrigerator 102. In this embodiment, the control device 200 determines the color of light emitted by the display unit 13 of the refrigerator 102. The control device 200 is, for example, a cloud server that provides device control services. The cloud server is a server that provides resources in cloud computing. As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 200 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 25.

[0052] The control unit 21 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, RTC, etc. In the control unit 21, the CPU reads out programs and data stored in the ROM and uses the RAM as a work area to perform overall control of the control device 200. The storage unit 22 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc., and serves as a so-called auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 22 stores programs and data used by the control unit 21 to execute various processes. The storage unit 22 also stores data generated or acquired by the control unit 21 executing various processes. The communication unit 25 communicates with devices connected to the communication network 700 under the control of the control unit 21. The communication unit 25 includes communication interfaces that comply with various communication standards.

[0053] Server 300 is a server that provides various information related to electricity. Server 300 provides power shortage information, power unit price information, etc. Power shortage information is information that indicates power shortage time periods, which are time periods when power is tight. Power unit price information is information that indicates the power unit price for each time period. This power unit price is the power purchase price when consumers purchase electricity. Server 300 is, for example, a cloud server managed by an aggregator. An aggregator is a business that aggregates the power demands of consumers and provides an efficient energy management service. Server 300 has a communication interface for connecting to communication network 700.

[0054] The functions of control system 1002 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Refrigerator 102 functionally includes light emission control unit 113 and opening / closing record transmission unit 114. Control device 200 functionally includes opening / closing record acquisition unit 211, emitted color determination unit 212, emitted color transmission unit 213, pressure information acquisition unit 214, and unit price information acquisition unit 215.

[0055] The light emission control unit 113 controls the display unit 13, which is a light emitting means, to emit light of the light color determined by the light emission color determination unit 212. The opening / closing history transmission unit 114 transmits the opening / closing history information stored in the storage unit 12 to the control device 200.

[0056] The opening / closing history acquisition unit 211 acquires opening / closing history information indicating the opening / closing history of the door 150 of the refrigerator 102. For example, the opening / closing history acquisition unit 211 acquires the opening / closing history information from the refrigerator 102. The opening / closing history acquisition unit 211 is an example of an opening / closing history acquisition means. The luminous color determination unit 212 determines an luminous color based on the opening / closing history information acquired by the opening / closing history acquisition unit 211. The luminous color determination unit 212 is an example of an luminous color determination means.

[0057] Emitted color transmitting unit 213 transmits luminous color information indicating the luminous color determined by luminous color determining unit 212 to refrigerator 102. Emitted color transmitting unit 213 is an example of luminous color transmitting means. Power pressure information acquiring unit 214 acquires power pressure information from server 300. Power pressure information acquiring unit 214 is an example of power pressure information acquiring means. Unit price information acquiring unit 215 acquires power unit price information from server 300. Unit price information acquiring unit 215 is an example of unit price information acquiring means.

[0058] The luminous color determination unit 212 determines the luminous color based on the switching history information, power pressure information, power unit price information, and color identification information. Specifically, when the current time period falls within a power pressure time period, the luminous color determination unit 212 determines, as the luminous color, a color from among the multiple colors corresponding to the classification result of the most recent switching history value using a threshold corresponding to the power pressure time period. Furthermore, when the current time period does not fall within a power pressure time period, the luminous color determination unit 212 determines, as the luminous color, a color from among the multiple colors corresponding to the classification result of the most recent switching history value using a threshold corresponding to the classification result based on the power unit price of the current time period. FIG. 8 shows the color identification information according to this embodiment. The color identification information is stored, for example, in the storage unit 22.

[0059] In this embodiment, the color identification information is information that indicates a color according to the classification of the most recent switching actual value based on the threshold value for each classification of the current time period. In this embodiment, the current time period is broadly divided into a tight time period and a non-tight time period. A tight time period is identified by power tightness information. A non-tight time period is a time period other than a tight time period. A non-tight time period is further classified according to the power unit price. In this embodiment, a non-tight time period is classified into three periods: a time period where the power unit price is less than 20 yen / kWh, a time period where the power unit price is 20 yen / kWh or more but less than 28 yen / kWh, and a time period where the power unit price is 28 yen / kWh or more. The power unit price is identified by the power unit price information.

[0060] In this embodiment, the most recent switching result value is classified into seven categories: less than N1, N1 or more and less than N2, N2 or more and less than N3, N3 or more and less than N4, N4 or more and less than N5, N5 or more and less than N6, and N6 or more. N1, N2, N3, N4, N5, N6, etc. are thresholds for classifying the most recent switching result value. More specifically, N1 and N4 are thresholds for the pressure time period and the non-pressure time period when the power unit price is 28 yen / kWh or more, N2 and N5 are thresholds for the non-pressure time period when the power unit price is 20 yen / kWh or more and less than 28 yen / kWh, and N3 and N6 are thresholds for the non-pressure time period when the power unit price is less than 20 yen / kWh. The color identification information includes a threshold value for dividing the current time period into a pressure time period and a non-pressure time period, a threshold value for dividing the current time period, which is a non-pressure time period, by the electricity unit price, a threshold value according to the division of the current time period for dividing the most recent actual opening and closing values, and a color according to the division of the most recent actual opening and closing values.

[0061] As shown in Figure 8, during times of high electricity demand, the color of the light is likely to be determined to be a color that indicates a stronger warning. Also, during times of low electricity demand, the higher the electricity unit price, the more likely it is that the color of the light is likely to be determined to be a color that indicates a stronger warning. The reason for this is that during times of high electricity demand and low electricity demand, when electricity unit prices are high, the effect of saving electricity is great, and it is highly desirable to reduce the number of times the door is opened and closed, the length of time the door is open, etc.

[0062] Next, the light emission control process executed by the refrigerator 102 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 9. The light emission control process is a process for controlling the light emission of the display unit 13 included in the refrigerator 102. The light emission control process is executed, for example, after the refrigerator 102 is powered on.

[0063] First, control unit 11 included in refrigerator 102 determines whether there is a transmission request for periodic transmission information (step S111). Periodic transmission information is information that should be periodically transmitted from refrigerator 102 to control device 200. In this embodiment, the periodic transmission information is opening / closing history information. The transmission cycle for periodic transmission information is approximately 5 to 15 minutes. If control unit 11 determines that there is a transmission request for periodic transmission information (step S111: YES), it transmits the opening / closing history information to control device 200 (step S112). For example, control unit 11 transmits the opening / closing history information stored in storage unit 12 to control device 200.

[0064] When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S112, it acquires emitted light color information from the control device 200 (step S113). When the control unit 11 determines that there is no request to transmit periodic transmission information (step S111: NO), or when it completes the process of step S113, it acquires open / closed state information (step S101). When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S101, it determines whether the door 150 has changed to an open state (step S102).

[0065] When the control unit 11 determines that the door 150 has not changed to the open state (step S102: NO), the control unit 11 returns the process to step S111. When the control unit 11 determines that the door 150 has changed to the open state (step S102: YES), the control unit 11 starts emitting light (step S105). Specifically, the control unit 11 controls the display unit 13 to start emitting light of the color indicated by the luminous color information. When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S105, it acquires open / closed state information (step S106). Note that the processes from step S106 to step S109 are as described in the first embodiment. When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S109, the control unit 11 returns the process to step S111.

[0066] Next, the luminous color determination process executed by the control device 200 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 10. The luminous color determination process is a process for determining the luminous color, which is the color of light emitted by the display unit 13 included in the refrigerator 102. The luminous color determination process is executed, for example, after the control device 200 is powered on.

[0067] First, control unit 21 included in control device 200 acquires power pressure information from server 300 (step S201). After completing the process of step S201, control unit 21 acquires power unit price information from server 300 (step S202). After completing the process of step S202, control unit 21 acquires opening / closing history information from refrigerator 102 (step S203). Control unit 21 can acquire the opening / closing history information from refrigerator 102 by transmitting a request to refrigerator 102 to transmit periodic transmission information.

[0068] Upon completing the process of step S203, control unit 21 determines whether the current time period is a pressure time period (step S204). If control unit 21 determines that the current time period is a pressure time period (step S204: YES), control unit 21 specifies an emitted color according to the most recent opening / closing result value using a threshold value according to the pressure time period (step S205). For example, control unit 21 classifies the most recent opening / closing result value using N1 and N4, and determines a color according to the classification result of the most recent opening / closing result value as the emitted color.

[0069] When the control unit 21 determines that the current time period is not a pressure time period (step S204: NO), it specifies an emission color corresponding to the most recent switching result value using a threshold value corresponding to the electricity unit price (step S206). For example, the control unit 21 classifies the current time period based on the electricity unit price, and specifies a threshold value for the most recent switching result value corresponding to the classification result of the current time period. Then, the control unit 21 classifies the most recent switching result value using the specified threshold value, and determines a color corresponding to the classification result of the most recent switching result value as the emission color.

[0070] When control unit 21 completes the process of step S205 or step S206, it transmits emitted color information indicating the identified emitted color to refrigerator 102 (step S207). When control unit 21 completes the process of step S207, it returns the process to step S201.

[0071] In this embodiment, the most recent opening / closing result value is classified by a threshold value according to the time period of tight demand or a threshold value according to the unit price of electricity, and the color corresponding to the classification result of the most recent opening / closing result value is determined as the light color. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to accurately notify the user of the degree to which the opening / closing of the door 150 should be suppressed, the degree of the effect of reducing power consumption, etc.

[0072] (Embodiment 3) In the second embodiment, an example was described in which the threshold value of the most recent switching actual value during a non-pressure time period differs for each power unit price category. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the threshold value of the most recent switching actual value during a non-pressure time period is uniform regardless of the power unit price category. Note that the description of the same configurations and functions as those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0073] 11 shows color identification information according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the color identification information is information that indicates a color according to the classification result of the most recent switching actual value using a threshold according to the classification result of whether the current time period belongs to a pressure time period. In this embodiment, the current time period is classified as either a pressure time period or a non-pressure time period, and even if the current time period is a non-pressure time period, the current time period is not classified by the electricity unit price.

[0074] As shown in Figure 11, during times of high demand, the light color is likely to be determined to be a color that indicates a stronger warning. On the other hand, during times of low demand, the light color is likely to be determined to be a color that indicates a weaker warning. The reason for this is that during times of high demand, the effect of saving electricity is greater than during times of low demand, and there is a strong desire to reduce the number of times the door is opened and closed, the duration for which the door is open, etc.

[0075] In this embodiment, the color corresponding to the classification result of the most recent opening and closing performance value using a threshold value according to the classification result of whether the current time period belongs to the tight time period is determined as the light color. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to inform the user of the degree to which the opening and closing of the door 150 should be suppressed depending on whether the current time period belongs to the tight time period.

[0076] (Fourth embodiment) In the second embodiment, an example was described in which the current time period is classified according to whether it is a tight time period or not. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the current time period is classified according to the electricity unit price. Note that the description of the same configurations and functions as those in the first to third embodiments will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0077] 12 shows color identification information according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the color identification information is information indicating a color according to the classification result of the most recent switching actual value using a threshold according to the classification result based on the electricity unit price for the current time period. In this embodiment, the current time period is not classified according to whether it is a tight time period or not, but according to the electricity unit price.

[0078] As shown in Figure 12, the higher the electricity unit price, the more likely it is that the light color will be determined to be a stronger warning color. This is because the higher the electricity unit price, the greater the effect of saving electricity, and there is a strong desire to reduce the number of times the door is opened and closed, the amount of time the door is open, etc.

[0079] In this embodiment, the color of the light is determined according to the classification result of the most recent opening / closing actual value using a threshold according to the classification result based on the electricity unit price for the current time period. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to inform the user of the degree to which the opening / closing of the door 150 should be suppressed according to the electricity unit price.

[0080] (Embodiment 5) In the second embodiment, an example in which the defrosting operation performed by the refrigerator 102 is not taken into consideration has been described. In the present embodiment, an example in which the defrosting operation performed by the refrigerator 105 is taken into consideration will be described. Note that the description of the same configurations and functions as those in the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0081] Control system 1005 according to this embodiment includes refrigerator 105, control device 205, and server 300. Refrigerator 105 has a physical configuration similar to that of refrigerator 100. Control device 205 has a physical configuration similar to that of control device 200. Functions of control system 1005 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 13 and 14.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 13, refrigerator 105 functionally includes light emission control unit 113, opening / closing record transmission unit 114, operation record transmission unit 115, postponement instruction reception unit 116, and defrosting execution unit 117. As shown in Fig. 14, control device 205 functionally includes opening / closing record acquisition unit 211, emission color determination unit 212, emission color transmission unit 213, pressure information acquisition unit 214, unit price information acquisition unit 215, operation record acquisition unit 216, and postponement instruction unit 217. Note that server 300 is not shown in Figs. 13 and 14.

[0083] Operation history transmission unit 115 transmits operation history information indicating operation history of a compressor (not shown) included in refrigerator 105 to control device 205. The operation history information is stored in storage unit 12, for example, and is generated or updated by control unit 11. The operation history information may be any information as long as it is information that can identify the accumulated operation time of the compressor after the defrosting operation of refrigerator 105. For example, the operation history information may be information that indicates the accumulated operation time of the compressor after the defrosting operation.

[0084] Alternatively, for example, the operating history information may be information indicating the operating period of the compressor and the execution period of the defrosting operation. The operating period of the compressor is specified, for example, by the start time and end time of the compressor operation. The execution period of the defrosting operation is specified, for example, by the start time and end time of the defrosting operation. In this case, the control device 205 can specify the cumulative operating time of the compressor after the defrosting operation based on the operating history information. For example, the control device 205 can calculate the cumulative operating time of the compressor after the defrosting operation by calculating the sum of the operating periods of the compressor after the execution period of the defrosting operation.

[0085] The postponement instruction receiving unit 116 receives an instruction to postpone the next defrosting operation from the user of the refrigerator 105. When a postponement confirmation request is received from the control device 205, the postponement instruction receiving unit 116 receives the postponement instruction from the user. For example, the postponement instruction receiving unit 116 displays a button for receiving the postponement instruction on the display unit 13, and determines whether the operation receiving unit 14 has received an operation on this button.

[0086] When this button is pressed, the postponement instruction receiving unit 116 considers that a postponement instruction has been issued by the user. When this button is not pressed, the postponement instruction receiving unit 116 considers that a postponement instruction has not been issued by the user. The postponement instruction receiving unit 116 transmits a postponement confirmation result, which is a response to the postponement confirmation by the user, to the control device 205. The postponement instruction receiving unit 116 is an example of a postponement instruction receiving means.

[0087] The defrost execution unit 117 executes a defrost operation. For example, the defrost execution unit 117 enters a defrost standby state when the cumulative operating time of the compressor after the last defrost operation has exceeded a reference time. The defrost standby state is a state in which the defrost operation can be executed. When in the defrost standby state, the defrost execution unit 117 executes a defrost operation at an appropriate timing according to the state of the compressor. The defrost execution unit 117 executes a defrost operation by instructing the heating unit 17 to heat. The defrost execution unit 117 is an example of a defrost execution means.

[0088] Operation history obtaining unit 216 obtains operation history information indicating operation history of a compressor included in refrigerator 105. Operation history obtaining unit 216 obtains operation history information from refrigerator 105. Operation history obtaining unit 216 is an example of an operation history obtaining means.

[0089] Postponement instructing unit 217 instructs to postpone the defrosting operation. More specifically, when it is estimated that the defrosting operation is imminent, there is a high possibility that door 150 will be opened or closed, and power saving is desired, postponement instructing unit 217 requests refrigerator 105 to confirm whether or not to postpone the defrosting operation. When it is estimated that the defrosting operation is imminent, for example, when the cumulative operating time of the compressor after the defrosting operation of refrigerator 105 based on the operation performance information exceeds a reference time, and when defrosting executing unit 117 is in a defrost standby state. When it is highly likely that door 150 will be opened or closed, for example, when the most recent opening / closing performance value exceeds a reference value. When power saving is desired, for example, when the current time period belongs to a specific time period that is a specific time period in which power saving is desired.

[0090] When the postponement instruction unit 217 receives a postponement confirmation result from the refrigerator 105, the postponement instruction unit 217 executes processing according to the content of the postponement confirmation result. For example, when the postponement instruction unit 217 receives a postponement confirmation result indicating that the postponement is accepted, the postponement instruction unit 217 instructs the defrosting execution unit 117 to postpone the defrosting operation. In accordance with this instruction, the defrosting execution unit 117 postpones the next defrosting operation until the current time slot does not belong to the specific time slot.

[0091] Furthermore, for example, when the postponement instruction unit 217 receives a postponement confirmation result indicating that the postponement is not accepted, it instructs the luminous color determination unit 212 to determine a specific color as the luminous color until the current time period no longer belongs to the specific time period. Meanwhile, the luminous color determination unit 212 follows this instruction and determines a specific color as the luminous color until the current time period no longer belongs to the specific time period. The specific color is, for example, red. The postponement instruction unit 217 is an example of a postponement instruction means.

[0092] Next, the light emission control process executed by refrigerator 105 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 15. The light emission control process is a process for controlling the light emission of display unit 13 included in refrigerator 105. The light emission control process is executed, for example, after refrigerator 105 is powered on.

[0093] First, control unit 11 included in refrigerator 105 determines whether or not there is a transmission request for periodic transmission information (step S111). In this embodiment, the periodic transmission information is opening / closing record information and operating record information. When control unit 11 determines that there is a transmission request for periodic transmission information (step S111: YES), it transmits the opening / closing record information to control device 205 (step S112). When control unit 11 completes the process of step S112, it transmits the operating record information to control device 205 (step S121).

[0094] When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S121, it determines whether or not a postponement confirmation request has been made (step S122). When it determines that a postponement confirmation request has been made (step S122: YES), the control unit 11 confirms with the user whether or not to postpone the defrosting operation (step S123). For example, the control unit 11 causes the display unit 13 to display a button for instructing to postpone the defrosting operation.

[0095] When the control unit 11 completes the process of step S123, it transmits a postponement confirmation result to the control device 205 (step S124). When the control unit 11 determines that there is no postponement confirmation request (step S122: NO), or when the control unit 11 completes the process of step S124, it determines whether there is a postponement instruction (step S125). When the control unit 11 determines that there is a postponement instruction (step S125: YES), it postpones the defrosting operation (step S126). For example, the control unit 11 postpones the defrosting operation until the current time period is no longer a specific time period.

[0096] If the control unit 11 determines that there is no postponement instruction (step S125: NO) or has completed the processing of step S126, it acquires emitted light color information from the control device 205 (step S113). If the control unit 11 determines that there is no transmission request for periodic transmission information (step S111: NO) or has completed the processing of step S113, it acquires open / closed state information (step S101). After completing the processing of step S101, the control unit 11 determines whether the door 150 has changed to an open state (step S102).

[0097] If control unit 11 determines that door 150 has not changed to the open state (step S102: NO), it returns the process to step S111. If control unit 11 determines that door 150 has changed to the open state (step S102: YES), it starts emitting light (step S105). The processes from step S105 to step S109 are as described in the first embodiment. When control unit 11 completes the process of step S109, it returns the process to step S111.

[0098] Next, the luminous color determination process executed by the control device 205 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Fig. 16 and Fig. 17. The luminous color determination process is a process for determining the luminous color, which is the color of light emitted by the display unit 13 included in the refrigerator 105. The luminous color determination process is executed, for example, after the control device 205 is powered on.

[0099] First, control unit 21 included in control device 205 acquires power pressure information from server 300 (step S201). After completing the process of step S201, control unit 21 acquires power unit price information from server 300 (step S202). After completing the process of step S202, control unit 21 acquires opening / closing record information from refrigerator 105 (step S203). After completing the process of step S203, control unit 21 acquires operating record information from refrigerator 105 (step S221).

[0100] When the control unit 21 completes the process of step S221, it determines whether the cumulative operating time exceeds a reference time (step S222). When the cumulative operating time exceeds the reference time, it means that the defrost standby state has been entered. When the control unit 21 determines that the cumulative operating time does not exceed the reference time (step S222: NO), it determines whether the current time slot is a pressure time slot (step S204). The processes from step S204 to step S207 are as described in the second embodiment. When the control unit 21 completes the process of step S207, it returns the process to step S201.

[0101] When the control unit 21 determines that the cumulative operation time exceeds the reference time (step S222: YES), it determines whether postponement has been confirmed (step S223). That is, the control unit 21 determines whether the user has already been given an opportunity to issue a postponement instruction after the cumulative operation time exceeds the reference time. When the control unit 21 determines that postponement has not been confirmed (step S223: NO), it determines whether the postponement confirmation condition is satisfied (step S224). In this embodiment, the postponement confirmation condition is that the current time period is a pressure time period or a non-pressure time period where the electricity unit price is 28 yen / kWh or more, and the most recent opening / closing actual value is N4 or more. The fact that the postponement confirmation condition is not satisfied means that no particular problem will arise from the perspective of power saving even if the defrosting operation is performed at an appropriate timing in accordance with the operation of the compressor, or that the door 150 is unlikely to be opened or closed and therefore the defrosting operation is unlikely to be performed.

[0102] If control unit 21 determines that the postponement confirmation condition is not satisfied (step S224: NO), it proceeds to step S204. If control unit 21 determines that the postponement confirmation condition is satisfied (step S224: YES), it sends a postponement confirmation request to refrigerator 105 (step S225). After completing the process of step S225, control unit 21 obtains a postponement confirmation result from refrigerator 105 (step S226).

[0103] Upon completing the process of step S226, control unit 21 determines whether a postponement instruction has been issued (step S227). If control unit 21 determines that a postponement instruction has been issued (step S227: YES), control unit 21 transmits the postponement instruction to refrigerator 105 (step S228). Upon completing the process of step S228, control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S204.

[0104] If the control unit 21 determines that a postponement instruction has not been issued (step S227: NO), it determines the emitted light color to be red (step S229). After completing the process of step S229, the control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S207.

[0105] If the control unit 21 determines that the postponement has been confirmed (step S223: YES), it determines whether the postponement confirmation result is a denial of postponement (step S230). If the control unit 21 determines that the postponement confirmation result is a denial of postponement (step S230: YES), it determines whether the specific time period has ended after the denial of postponement (step S231).

[0106] If the control unit 21 determines that the specific time period has not ended after the postponement refusal (step S231: NO), it determines the emitted light color to be red (step S232). After completing the process of step S232, the control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step S207. If the control unit 21 determines that the postponement confirmation result is not a postponement refusal (step S230: NO), or if the control unit 21 determines that the specific time period has ended after the postponement refusal (step S231: YES), it proceeds to the process of step S204.

[0107] In this embodiment, when the cumulative operating time of the compressor after the defrosting operation of refrigerator 105 exceeds the reference time, if the most recent opening / closing result value exceeds the reference value and the current time period belongs to the specific time period, an instruction to postpone the next defrosting operation can be received from the user of refrigerator 105, and when the postponement instruction is received, the next defrosting operation is postponed. According to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the execution of the defrosting operation in the specific time period, and power saving in the specific time period can be expected.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if a postponement instruction is not received from the user, the specific color is determined as the light emission color until the current time period does not belong to the specific time period. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if the defrosting operation is not postponed, it is expected that the opening and closing of door 150 during the specific time period will be suppressed. As a result, the possibility that the defrosting operation will be performed during the specific time period is reduced, and power saving during the specific time period can be expected.

[0109] (Variation) Although the embodiments have been described above, modifications and applications in various forms are possible. It is up to the discretion of the individual to adopt any of the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments. Furthermore, in addition to the above-described configurations, functions, and operations, additional configurations, functions, and operations may be adopted. Furthermore, the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments can be freely combined.

[0110] For example, in the first embodiment, the candidate luminescent colors are three colors: blue, yellow, and red. The candidate luminescent colors may be three other colors, two colors, or four or more colors.

[0111] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the emitted color is determined based on the most recent actual opening and closing value and the current time slot. The emitted color may also be determined based on the most recent actual opening and closing value.

[0112] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the light emission period of the luminous color is the period from when door 150 is opened until a specified time has elapsed after door 150 is closed. The light emission period of the luminous color is not limited to this example. For example, the light emission period of the luminous color may be the period from when door 150 is closed until a specified time has elapsed, or may be the entire period during which refrigerator 100 is in operation. Furthermore, the specified time may, of course, be shorter or longer than 5 seconds.

[0113] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the most recent opening / closing performance value is either the most recent number of times the door has been opened or the most recent door open time. The most recent opening / closing performance value may be both the most recent number of times the door has been opened and the most recent door open time. In this case, it is preferable that the color corresponding to the classification result of the most recent number of times the door has been opened or the color corresponding to the classification result of the most recent door open time, whichever color indicates a higher level of warning, be determined as the light emission color. For example, if the color corresponding to the classification result of the most recent number of times the door has been opened is red and the color corresponding to the classification result of the most recent door open time is yellow, it is preferable that red, which indicates a higher level of warning, be determined as the light emission color.

[0114] In the fifth embodiment, an example has been described in which the timing to perform the defrosting operation is estimated based on the cumulative operating time of the compressor. The timing to perform the defrosting operation may be estimated based on the number of times the door is opened and closed, the length of time the door is open, the temperature outside the refrigerator 105, and the like, in addition to the cumulative operating time of the compressor.

[0115] In the above-described embodiments, the control unit 11 or the control unit 21 functions as each of the units shown in FIGS. 3, 7, 13, and 14 by the CPU executing a program stored in the ROM, the memory unit 12, or the memory unit 22. However, in the present disclosure, the control unit 11 or the control unit 21 may be dedicated hardware. Dedicated hardware may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. When the control unit 11 or the control unit 21 is dedicated hardware, the functions of each unit may be realized by individual hardware, or the functions of each unit may be realized collectively by a single piece of hardware. Furthermore, some of the functions of each unit may be realized by dedicated hardware, and other functions may be realized by software or firmware. In this manner, the control unit 11 or the control unit 21 can realize each of the above-described functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0116] An operation program that defines the operation of a refrigerator or a control device according to the present disclosure can be applied to an existing computer such as a personal computer or an information terminal device, causing the computer to function as the refrigerator or the control device according to the present disclosure. The method of distributing such a program is arbitrary, and the program may be distributed by storing it on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk ROM), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), or a memory card, or may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0117] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of equivalent disclosures are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0118] The present disclosure is applicable to control systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 11, 21 control unit, 12, 22 memory unit, 13 display unit, 14 operation reception unit, 15, 25 communication unit, 16 cooling unit, 17 heating unit, 18 opening / closing detection unit, 19 temperature detection unit, 100, 102, 105 refrigerator, 111, 211 opening / closing record acquisition unit, 112, 212 light-emitting color determination unit, 113 light-emitting control unit, 114 opening / closing record transmission unit, 115 operation record transmission unit, 116 extension instruction reception unit, 117 defrosting execution unit, 140 insulated box, 150, 150AA, 150AB, 150B, 150C, 150D, 150E door, 160, 160A, 160B, 160C, 160D, 160E storage room, 200, 205 control device, 211 Equipment status acquisition unit, 212 equipment history transmission unit, 213 light emission color transmission unit, 214 pressure information acquisition unit, 215 unit price information acquisition unit, 216 operation record acquisition unit, 217 postponement instruction unit, 300 server, 700 communication network, 1000, 1002, 1005 control system

Claims

1. an opening / closing record acquiring means for acquiring opening / closing record information indicating opening / closing records of a door of a refrigerator having a light emitting means for emitting light of a specified color among a plurality of colors; an emission color determination means for determining an emission color, which is the color of light emitted by the light emitting means, from among the plurality of colors based on the opening / closing record information acquired by the opening / closing record acquisition means; a light emission control means for controlling the light emitting means so that the light emitting means emits light of the light color determined by the light emission color determination means, Control system.

2. The opening / closing record information includes information indicating a most recent opening / closing record value, which is the number of times the door is opened and closed or the door opening time in the most recent specified time, the luminous color determining means determines, from the plurality of colors, a color corresponding to the most recent opening / closing result value and a current time zone to which the current time belongs, as the luminous color; The control system of claim 1 .

3. The power supply system includes a power shortage information acquisition means for acquiring power shortage information indicating a power shortage time period, The luminous color determination means determines, as the luminous color, a color according to a classification result of the most recent opening / closing actual value using a threshold value according to a classification result of whether the current time period belongs to the tight time period, from among the plurality of colors. The control system of claim 2 .

4. a unit price information acquiring means for acquiring power unit price information indicating the power unit price for each time period; the luminous color determination means determines, as the luminous color, a color corresponding to a classification result of the most recent switching actual value using a threshold value corresponding to a classification result based on the electricity unit price for the current time period, from among the plurality of colors; The control system of claim 2 .

5. a power pressure information acquisition means for acquiring power pressure information indicating a time period when power is tight; a unit price information acquisition means for acquiring electricity unit price information indicating the electricity unit price for each time period; The luminous color determination means, when the current time period falls within the tight time period, determines a color from among the plurality of colors according to a classification result of the most recent switching actual value using a threshold value according to the tight time period as the luminous color, and when the current time period does not fall within the tight time period, determines a color from among the plurality of colors according to a classification result of the most recent switching actual value using a threshold value according to a classification result based on the unit price of electricity for the current time period as the luminous color. The control system of claim 2 .

6. an operation performance acquisition means for acquiring operation performance information indicating an operation performance of a compressor included in the refrigerator; a postponement instruction receiving means configured to receive an instruction to postpone a next defrosting operation from a user of the refrigerator when a cumulative operation time of the compressor after a defrosting operation of the refrigerator based on the operation result information exceeds a reference time, the most recent opening / closing result value exceeds a reference value, and the current time zone belongs to a specific time zone that is a specific time zone in which power saving is desired; and a postponement instruction means for instructing a defrosting execution means included in the refrigerator to postpone the next defrosting operation until the current time zone does not belong to the specific time zone when the postponement instruction receiving means receives the postponement instruction from the user. The control system of claim 2 .

7. When the postponement instruction receiving means does not receive the postponement instruction from the user, the luminous color determining means determines a specific color from among the plurality of colors as the luminous color until the current time period does not belong to the specific time period. The control system of claim 6.

8. the light emission control means controls the light emitting means to emit light of the luminous color for a specified time period after the door is closed. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. a light emitting means for emitting light of a designated color among a plurality of colors; an opening / closing record acquiring means for acquiring opening / closing record information indicating the opening / closing record of the refrigerator door; an emission color determination means for determining an emission color, which is the color of light emitted by the light emitting means, from among the plurality of colors based on the opening / closing record information acquired by the opening / closing record acquisition means; a light emission control means for controlling the light emitting means so that the light emitting means emits light of the light color determined by the light emission color determination means, refrigerator.

10. an opening / closing record acquiring means for acquiring opening / closing record information indicating opening / closing records of a door of a refrigerator having a light emitting means for emitting light of a specified color among a plurality of colors; an emission color determination means for determining an emission color, which is the color of light emitted by the light emitting means, from among the plurality of colors based on the opening / closing record information acquired by the opening / closing record acquisition means; and a luminous color transmitting means that transmits luminous color information indicating the luminous color determined by the luminous color determining means to the refrigerator. Control device.

11. acquiring opening / closing record information indicating opening / closing records of a door of a refrigerator having a light-emitting means that emits light of a specified color from among a plurality of colors; determining a light emission color, which is the color of light emitted by the light-emitting means, from among the plurality of colors based on the acquired opening / closing record information; controlling the light emitting means to emit light of the determined light emission color; Control method.

12. A computer included in a refrigerator having a light emitting means for emitting light of a specified color among a plurality of colors, an opening / closing record acquiring means for acquiring opening / closing record information indicating the opening / closing record of the refrigerator door; an emission color determination means for determining an emission color, which is the color of light emitted by the light-emitting means, from among the plurality of colors based on the opening / closing record information acquired by the opening / closing record acquisition means; a light emission control means for controlling the light emitting means so that the light emitting means emits light of the light color determined by the light emission color determination means; program.

13. Computer, an opening / closing record acquiring means for acquiring opening / closing record information indicating the opening / closing record of a door of a refrigerator having a light emitting means for emitting light of a specified color among a plurality of colors; an emission color determination means for determining an emission color, which is the color of light emitted by the light-emitting means, from among the plurality of colors based on the opening / closing record information acquired by the opening / closing record acquisition means; a luminous color transmitting means that transmits luminous color information indicating the luminous color determined by the luminous color determining means to the refrigerator, program.

Images