Remaining amount management system, remaining amount management method, and program

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a remaining amount management system with improved user convenience, a remaining amount management method for the remaining amount management system, and a program.SOLUTION: A remaining amount management system according to the present disclosure is a remaining amount management system including a washing machine and an information processing device, the washing machine including a first control portion configured to transmit operation data to the information processing device each time a washing operation is executed, the operation data including a consumption amount of a washing agent consumed by the washing operation, the information processing device being configured to update a first remaining amount value based on the received operation data, the first remaining amount value being a value related to a remaining amount of the washing agent, the remaining quantity management system further includes a second controller configured to execute an ordering process for ordering the washing agent when the first remaining quantity is equal to or less than a threshold value, wherein the second controller is configured to determine whether there is an error in the first remaining quantity based on at least one of the operation data and an interval of the ordering process, and execute an error handling process when determining that there is an error in the first remaining quantity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a remaining amount management system, a remaining amount management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information transmission method that receives the operating status of a home appliance from the appliance, estimates the remaining amount of a consumer good using the received operating status, and updates the remaining amount of the consumer good stored in a memory unit based on the estimated remaining amount of the consumer good. It also determines whether the updated remaining amount of the consumer good is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and if it is determined that the updated remaining amount of the consumer good is equal to or less than the predetermined value, transmits a confirmation message to confirm the consumer good in use. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 141665 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a remaining amount management system, a remaining amount management method for the remaining amount management system, and a program that improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The remaining amount management system of the present disclosure is a remaining amount management system comprising a washing machine and an information processing device, wherein the washing machine comprises a first control unit that transmits operation data including the amount of laundry agent consumed by the washing operation to the information processing device each time a washing operation is performed, the information processing device comprises a second control unit that updates a first remaining amount value, which is a value related to the remaining amount of the laundry agent, based on the received operation data, and executes an ordering process to order the laundry agent when the first remaining amount value falls below a threshold value, and the second control unit determines whether there is an error in the first remaining amount value based on at least one of the operation data and the interval between the ordering processes, and executes an error response process when it determines that there is an error in the first remaining amount value.

[0006] The remaining amount management method disclosed herein is a remaining amount management method in which a processor implemented in an information processing device performs the following steps: receiving operation data, including the amount of laundry agent consumed by a washing machine, sent from a washing machine each time a washing operation is performed; updating a first remaining amount value, which is a value related to the remaining amount of laundry agent, based on the received operation data, and ordering the laundry agent when the first remaining amount value falls below a threshold; determining whether there is an error in the first remaining amount value based on at least one of the operation data and the interval between steps of ordering the laundry agent, and performing error response processing if it is determined that there is an error in the first remaining amount value.

[0007] The program of the present disclosure causes a processor implemented in an information processing device to execute a receiving process for receiving operation data, including the amount of laundry agent consumed by a washing operation, sent from the washing machine each time the washing operation is performed; an ordering process for updating a first remaining amount value, which is a value related to the remaining amount of laundry agent, based on the received operation data, and ordering the laundry agent when the first remaining amount value falls below a threshold; and an error response process for determining whether there is an error in the first remaining amount value based on at least one of the operation data and the interval between the ordering processes, and when it is determined that there is an error in the first remaining amount value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The remaining amount management system, remaining amount management method, and program disclosed herein can improve user convenience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a remaining amount management system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a washing machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a management server. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user database. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a usage status management database. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an APP screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an APP screen. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a first operation of the management server. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing details of step T6 included in the first operation. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing details of step T11 included in the first operation. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a second operation of the management server. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a second operation of the management server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors arrived at the present disclosure, a technology was known that determines whether the remaining amount of a consumer good is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and if it is determined that the updated remaining amount of the consumer good is equal to or less than the predetermined value, sends a confirmation message to check the consumer good being used, such as the information transmission method disclosed in Patent Document 1. However, in a system that automatically orders laundry detergent from a sales site that sells laundry detergent when the remaining amount of laundry detergent falls below a preset threshold, the inventors discovered a problem in that if there is a discrepancy between the actual remaining amount of laundry detergent in the washing machine and the remaining amount of laundry detergent in the washing machine managed by an information processing device, the laundry detergent is ordered at the wrong time, reducing user convenience, and the subject matter of the present disclosure was formed to solve this problem. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a remaining amount management system, a remaining amount management method, and a program that improve user convenience.

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

[0012] (Embodiment) [1. Configuration of the remaining amount management system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a remaining amount management system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0013] The remaining amount management system 1 is a system including a washing machine 100, a terminal device 200, and a management server 300, and these devices are connected via a communication network 5. The remaining amount management system 1 is a system in which a management server 300 manages the remaining amount of laundry agent stored in the laundry agent tank 141 of the washing machine 100, and when the remaining amount of the laundry agent falls below a preset amount, the management server 300 orders the laundry agent from a sales site that sells the laundry agent. The web server 400 shown in Fig. 1 is a server that provides the sales site that sells the laundry agent.

[0014] Washing machine 100 and terminal device 200 are connected to communication network 5 via communication device 3. Communication device 3 is, for example, an access point device such as a Wi-Fi router installed in the home. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark. Communication network 5 includes, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, and a mobile communication network such as a mobile phone network.

[0015] The terminal device 200 may be, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a personal computer such as a tablet, notebook, or desktop computer.

[0016] [2. Washing machine configuration] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the washing machine 100. Washing machine 100 includes washing machine communication interface 110, touch panel 120, washing tub 131, washing motor 133, water supply valve 135, drain valve 137, automatic loading unit 140, and washing machine control unit 150. Hereinafter, interface will also be referred to as I / F.

[0017] The washing machine communication I / F 110 is a wireless module for short-range wireless communication that includes a wireless antenna and an interface circuit and performs wireless communication with an external device.

[0018] Touch panel 120 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel and a touch sensor, and displays information about washing machine 100 and detects touch operations by the user.

[0019] The washing tub 131 includes an outer tub and an inner tub. The outer tub and inner tub are not shown in the drawings. The outer tub is a roughly cylindrical member that functions to store wash water. The inner tub is a roughly cylindrical member that is rotatably provided inside the outer tub and can accommodate clothes. The outer tub is called a water tub, and the inner tub is called a drum.

[0020] Washing motor 133 is a motor that drives the inner tub to rotate, and also functions as a means for detecting the amount of laundry.

[0021] The water supply valve 135 is a valve for supplying water to the outer tub. For example, the water supply valve 135 is provided on the upper part of the housing of the washing machine 100 main body. Drain valve 137 is a valve for selectively draining water stored in the outer tub through a drain port (not shown). For example, drain valve 137 is provided at the bottom of the housing of washing machine 100 main body.

[0022] The automatic dispenser 140 is a mechanism that automatically dispenses detergent from the detergent tank 141 into the washing tub 131 according to the operation course and the amount of laundry to be washed. The automatic dispenser 140 includes the detergent tank 141, a detergent dispenser motor 145, and a piston pump 147. The automatic dispenser 140 and the detergent tank 141 correspond to a detergent supply device.

[0023] The detergent tank 141 stores detergents. The detergents include, for example, laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and fashion additives. The detergent tank 141 includes a remaining amount sensor 143. The remaining amount sensor 143 transmits a detection signal to the washing machine control unit 150 when the remaining amount of detergent stored in the detergent tank 141 falls below a preset value.

[0024] The detergent dispensing motor 145 is a motor that operates the piston pump 147. The washing machine control unit 150 controls the washing agent dispensing motor 145 to drive the piston pump 147, and the appropriate amount of detergent corresponding to the amount and type of laundry is dispensed into the washing tub 131.

[0025] Washing machine control unit 150 is a computer device that includes washing machine memory unit 160, washing machine processor 170, and an interface circuit (not shown) to which other devices and sensors are connected. Washing machine control unit 150 corresponds to the first control unit.

[0026] Washing machine storage unit 160 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or a combination of volatile and nonvolatile semiconductor memories. Washing machine storage unit 160 stores firmware 161 executed by washing machine processor 170, washing machine ID (Identification) 163 that identifies washing machine 100, and operation data history information 165. Operation data history information 165 is history information of operation data transmitted by washing machine 100 to management server 300 over a certain period of time. When washing machine 100 performs a washing operation, it transmits operation data to management server 300. The operation data will be described later.

[0027] Washing machine processor 170 is an arithmetic processing device configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Washing machine processor 170 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors.

[0028] Washing machine control unit 150 has, as functional components, washing machine communication control unit 171, operation control unit 173, and display control unit 175. These functional components are realized by washing machine processor 170 performing arithmetic processing in accordance with firmware 161.

[0029] Washing machine communication control unit 171 performs data communication with management server 300 via washing machine communication I / F 110.

[0030] The operation control unit 173 controls the operation of the washing motor 133, water supply valve 135, drain valve 137, detergent dispenser motor 145, etc. according to the settings received through the touch panel 120, and controls each process such as rinsing and spin-drying. Furthermore, operation control unit 173 transmits operation data to management server 300 before washing machine 100 starts or after washing operation ends. This operation data includes information indicating the washing machine ID, operation program information, operation date and time, and the amount of detergent used. The operation data may also include information indicating the number of times washing machine 100 has been operated. Operation control unit 173 transmits operation data including information indicating the number of times washing machine 100 has been operated in a preset period, such as one week, 10 days, or 30 days, to management server 300. Furthermore, when operation control unit 173 receives a request to acquire information on the number of times of operation from management server 300, it may transmit information indicating the number of times the washing machine has been operated in the preset period to management server 300.

[0031] The amount of laundry agent used is calculated, for example, based on the rotation speed of the laundry agent dispensing motor 145. The operation control unit 173 calculates the amount of laundry agent used based on the rotation speed of the laundry agent dispensing motor 145. The amount of laundry agent used can also be determined based on the weight of the laundry detected by the washing motor 133 or the operation program selected by the user. The washing machine communication control unit 171 transmits the amount of laundry agent used calculated by the operation control unit 173, as well as operation data including the washing machine ID, operation program information, and operation date and time, to the management server 300.

[0032] In addition, when a detection signal is input from the remaining amount sensor 143, the washing machine communication control unit 171 transmits to the management server 300 operating data including remaining amount notification information notifying that the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 141 is below a preset value.

[0033] [3. Terminal Device Configuration] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the terminal device 200. As shown in FIG. The terminal device 200 includes a terminal communication I / F 210 , a touch panel 230 , and a terminal control unit 250 .

[0034] The terminal communication I / F 210 is a wireless module for short-range wireless communication that includes a wireless antenna and an interface circuit and performs wireless communication with an external device.

[0035] The touch panel 230 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, and a touch sensor. An APP (Application Program) screen 240 (described later) is displayed on the touch panel 230 under the control of the terminal control unit 250. The touch panel 230 also detects touch operations by the user. Coordinates are set on the display panel in advance, and the touch sensor outputs coordinate information indicating the position on the display panel where the user has touched to the terminal control unit 250.

[0036] The terminal control unit 250 is a computer device that includes a terminal storage unit 260 and a terminal processor 270.

[0037] The terminal storage unit 260 includes a non-volatile semiconductor memory, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile semiconductor memory. The terminal storage unit 260 stores an OS (Operating System) 261 and an application program 263. Hereinafter, the application program will be referred to as an APP263.

[0038] Terminal processor 270 is an arithmetic processing unit configured with a CPU or MPU. Washing machine processor 170 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors.

[0039] The terminal control unit 250 causes the terminal processor 270 to execute the APP 263, thereby displaying the APP screen 240 on the touch panel 230. A user of the remaining amount management system 1 downloads the APP 263 to the terminal device 200 and causes the terminal processor 270 to execute the downloaded APP 263. This causes the APP screen 240 to be displayed on the touch panel 230. The APP screen 240 displays input fields for initial settings such as the user's name, password, address, user ID, email address, washing machine ID, type of detergent used, and remaining amount of detergent. The password is a password set by the user, and the user ID is identification information for identifying the user. When the user enters information in these input fields and presses the confirm button, the terminal control unit 250 transmits the entered information for initial settings to the management server 300. The remaining amount of detergent is information indicating the total remaining amount of detergent, including the remaining amount of detergent stored in the detergent tank 141 and the amount of detergent already purchased by the user. The user may input the remaining amount of detergent by operating the touch panel 230. Alternatively, the terminal device 200 and the weight sensor may be connected via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth, and the terminal control unit 250 running the APP 263 may calculate the remaining amount of detergent based on the type of detergent input by the user and the weight of the detergent measured by the weight sensor. Furthermore, the terminal control unit 250 running the APP 263 may calculate the remaining amount of detergent based on the amount of detergent purchased. Bluetooth is a registered trademark.

[0040] The management server 300 initially registers the first remaining amount value based on the received information on the initial setting. In the initial registration, the remaining amount of the laundry agent included in the information on the initial setting is registered as the first remaining amount value. The first remaining amount value is information on the laundry agent of the washing machine 100 managed by the management server 300, and is information indicating the total remaining amount of laundry agent that has been purchased by the user, including the remaining amount of laundry agent stored in the laundry agent tank 141. The first remaining amount value includes the remaining amount of laundry agent stored in the laundry agent tank 141 and the remaining amount of laundry agent that has been purchased by the user but has not yet been added to the laundry agent tank 141. The first remaining amount value is managed for each type of laundry agent used.

[0041] In addition, in this embodiment, a configuration is described in which the terminal control unit 250 executing APP263 accepts input of the first remaining amount value and transmits the accepted first remaining amount value to the management server 300, but the first remaining amount value may also be input by the user operating the washing machine.

[0042] [4. Management Server Configuration] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management server 300. The management server 300 corresponds to an information processing device, and is a computer device that includes a server communication I / F 310 and a server control unit 330.

[0043] The server communication I / F 310 includes a network adapter such as a network interface card (NIC), and performs data communication with the washing machine 100 and the terminal device 200 via the communication network 5.

[0044] The server control unit 330 is a computer device that includes a server storage unit 340 and a server processor 370.

[0045] The server storage unit 340 includes a non-volatile semiconductor memory or a combination of volatile and non-volatile semiconductor memories, and also includes an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0046] The server storage unit 340 includes a control program 341, a user database 343, and a usage status management database 345. Hereinafter, the database will be abbreviated as DB.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the user DB 343. As shown in FIG. A user ID, a user name, a password, an address, an email address, and a washing machine ID are included in one record of the user DB 343. The information registered in the user DB 343 is information included in the initial setting information received from the terminal device 200.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the usage status management DB 345. As shown in FIG. One record in the usage status management DB 345 includes a user ID, a washing machine ID, a detergent used, an operation date and time, an operation course, a first remaining amount value, and order history information. The operation date and time, the operation course, and the first remaining amount value are data included in the reception history of the operation data.

[0049] The order history information includes the date on which the management server 300 placed an order for the laundry agent to the Web server 400, registered for each type of laundry agent.

[0050] Server processor 370 is an arithmetic processing unit configured with a CPU or MPU. Washing machine processor 170 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors.

[0051] The server control unit 330 has, as functional components, a server communication control unit 351, a data management unit 353, an order unit 355, and an error determination unit 357. These functional components are realized by the server processor 350 performing arithmetic processing in accordance with the control program 341. The server control unit 330 corresponds to a second control unit.

[0052] Server communication control unit 351 controls mutual data communication with washing machine 100 and terminal device 200 via communication network 5. For example, server communication control unit 351 receives operation data transmitted from washing machine 100 and initial setting information transmitted from terminal device 200 via server communication I / F 310.

[0053] The data management unit 353 newly registers data and updates data in the user DB 343 and the usage status management DB 345. For example, when the data management unit 353 receives information about initial settings from the terminal device 200, it registers the received information about the initial settings in the user DB 343 and the usage status management DB 345.

[0054] Furthermore, when data management unit 353 receives operation data from washing machine 100, it acquires the washing machine ID included in the received operation data. Data management unit 353 registers operation course information and operation date and time in the record of usage status management DB 345 in which the acquired washing machine ID is registered. Furthermore, every time data is received from washing machine 100, data management unit 353 acquires the amount of laundry agent used included in the operation data, and subtracts the acquired amount of laundry agent used from the first remaining amount value registered in usage status management DB 345 to update the first remaining amount value.

[0055] The ordering unit 355 executes an ordering process. When the first remaining amount value registered in the usage status management database 345 falls below a preset remaining amount, the ordering unit 355 orders the laundry agent corresponding to the laundry agent used in the usage status management database 345 from an external website. The ordering unit 355 registers the order date in the order history information of the usage status management database 345.

[0056] The error determination unit 357 determines whether or not there is an error between the first remaining amount value registered in the usage status management database 345 and the remaining amount of the laundry agent actually owned by the user. The remaining amount of the laundry agent actually owned by the user is referred to as the second remaining amount value. The second remaining amount value includes the actual remaining amount of the laundry agent stored in the laundry agent tank 141 and the actual remaining amount of the laundry agent that the user has purchased but has not yet poured into the laundry agent tank 141.

[0057] For example, if a communication failure occurs in communication between washing machine 100 and management server 300, even if washing machine 100 transmits operation data, management server 300 may not be able to receive the operation data, which may result in an error between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value.

[0058] Even if there is no communication failure in communication between washing machine 100 and management server 300, an error may occur between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value if, for example, the user inputs a wrong amount of the remaining detergent during initial setup accepted on APP screen 240, or if the user purchases detergent but forgets to input the amount of the purchased detergent. Furthermore, an error may occur between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value if the user discards the remaining detergent when replacing the detergent or cleaning the detergent supply path.

[0059] Furthermore, the measurement of the amount of detergent used by the washing machine control unit 150 includes an error, and an error also occurs when the piston pump 147 is clogged with foreign matter.

[0060] The error determination unit 357 determines whether or not an error has occurred between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value based on at least one of the operation data received from the washing machine 100 and the order interval at which the order unit 355 orders laundry agents from the sales site.

[0061] For example, the error determination unit 357 sets an acceptable range based on the order intervals at which the ordering unit 355 has previously placed orders on the website. The acceptable range indicates the range of order intervals within which it can be determined that no error occurs between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value.

[0062] This acceptable range can be set, for example, based on the average value of the order intervals for a preset number of past orders. For example, the acceptable range is set by adding or subtracting a preset number of days from the average value of the order intervals for a preset number of past orders. This preset number of days may be, for example, 5 days, 7 days, or 10 days. For example, if the average order interval is 45 days and the preset number of days is 10 days, the acceptable range is between 35 and 55 days. Alternatively, the allowable range may be set based on the order interval between the previous order and the order before the previous order, rather than the average order interval. Furthermore, the allowable range may be set arbitrarily by the user.

[0063] Once the tolerance range is set, the error determination unit 357 compares the order interval with an upper threshold value of the tolerance range and a lower threshold value of the tolerance range to determine whether or not an error has occurred between the first remaining quantity value and the second remaining quantity value. The upper threshold value of the tolerance range is called the upper threshold value, and the lower threshold value of the tolerance range is called the lower threshold value. The upper threshold value corresponds to the determination threshold value. If the order interval is longer than the upper threshold value, the error determination unit 357 determines that an error has occurred between the first remaining quantity value and the second remaining quantity value. Furthermore, if the order interval is shorter than the lower threshold value, the error determination unit 357 determines that an error has occurred between the first remaining quantity value and the second remaining quantity value.

[0064] Furthermore, error determination unit 357 may request washing machine 100 to acquire the number of times the operation data has been transmitted in a preset period such as one month or three months. Washing machine control unit 150 transmits the number of times the operation data has been transmitted in a preset period to management server 300 in accordance with a request from management server 300. Error determination unit 357 compares the number of times the operation data has been transmitted from washing machine 100 with the number of registered operation data for a preset period registered in usage status management DB 345. If the number of times the operation data has been transmitted matches the number of registered operation data, error determination unit 357 determines that no error has occurred due to a communication failure. If the number of times the operation data has been transmitted does not match the number of registered operation data, error determination unit 357 determines that an error has occurred due to a communication failure.

[0065] In addition, the error determination unit 357 refers to the usage status management DB 345 and determines that an error has occurred between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value if the length of the period during which no operating data has been received is equal to or longer than a predetermined determination period.

[0066] In addition, the error determination unit 357 determines that there may be an error between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value when a setting to change the brand of laundry agent to be used is received from the terminal device 200, or when the operation data includes data indicating an operation course to clean the laundry agent supply path.

[0067] Furthermore, when the remaining amount in the detergent agent tank 141 detected by the remaining amount sensor 143 is equal to or less than a preset remaining amount, the washing machine 100 may transmit, to the management server 300, operation data including a remaining amount notification indicating that the remaining amount in the detergent agent tank 141 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The washing machine 100 transmits operation data including the remaining amount notification to the management server 300 while the remaining amount sensor 143 detects that the remaining amount in the detergent agent tank 141 is equal to or less than the preset remaining amount. When the error determination unit 357 receives the operating data including the remaining amount notification a preset number of times or more, it determines that an error has occurred between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value.

[0068] When the error determination unit 357 determines that an error has occurred between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value, the error determination unit 357 executes an error handling process. As an example of the error handling process, the error determination unit 357 transmits a correction guide, which is a request to update the first remaining amount value, to the terminal device 200.

[0069] 7 and 8 are diagrams showing an example of the APP screen 240 displayed on the terminal device 200. When the terminal device 200 receives the remaining amount correction instruction from the management server 300, it executes the APP 263 to display the APP screen 240. The APP screen 240 displays information that it is time to order detergent and that there may be an error between the input remaining amount and the actual remaining amount. Also, a guide requesting the correction of the remaining amount as necessary is displayed.

[0070] Additionally, a Modify button 241 and an Order button 243 are displayed on the APP screen 240. When the user presses the Order button 243, the terminal control unit 250 transmits a permission notice permitting the order to the management server 300. Upon receiving the permission notice from the terminal device 200, the management server 300 places an order for the laundry agent on an external website.

[0071] When the correction button 241 is pressed, the terminal control unit 250 displays the APP screen 240 shown in FIG. 8 . The APP screen 240 displays a list display 245 of the remaining amounts of each laundry agent managed by the management server 300 in the usage status management DB 345. The user can correct the displayed remaining amounts of each laundry agent by touching the touch panel 230. The APP screen 240 also displays a confirm button 247. When the confirm button 247 is pressed, the terminal control unit 250 transmits the corrected remaining amounts of each laundry agent to the management server 300. The remaining amounts of laundry agents may be obtained, for example, by connecting the terminal device 200 and a weight sensor via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth, and the terminal control unit 250 executing the APP 263 may calculate the remaining amounts of laundry agents based on the type of laundry agent input by the user and the weight of the laundry agent measured by the weight sensor. Furthermore, the terminal control unit 250 executing the APP 263 may calculate the remaining amounts of laundry agents based on the purchased amounts of the laundry agents.

[0072] Furthermore, when error determination unit 357 determines that an error has occurred between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value, error determination unit 357 may correct the first remaining amount value registered in usage status management database 345 as an example of error handling processing. For example, error determination unit 357 corrects the first remaining amount value based on the difference between the number of times operation data received from washing machine 100 is transmitted and the number of times operation data is received based on the reception history. For example, if the number of times operation data received from washing machine 100 is transmitted is seven and the number of times operation data registered in usage status management database 345 is received is four, error determination unit 357 calculates the average amount of detergent used per load based on the amount of laundry agent used included in the operation data. Error determination unit 357 corrects the first remaining amount value by the amount of detergent used that is three times the calculated average amount of detergent used per load.

[0073] [5. Management Server Operation] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a first operation of the update server 300. The operation of the update server 300 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the server control unit 330 determines whether or not operation data has been received from the washing machine 100 (step T1). When the server control unit 330 receives the operation data (step T1 / YES), the server control unit 330 acquires the washing machine ID and the amount of detergent used included in the operation data (step T2).

[0074] Next, server control unit 330 refers to usage status management DB 345 and updates the first remaining amount value registered in the record of the acquired washing machine ID with the acquired amount of laundry agent used (step T3).

[0075] Next, the server control unit 330 determines whether the updated first remaining amount value is equal to or less than a preset remaining amount threshold (step T4). If the first remaining amount value is not equal to or less than the remaining amount threshold (step T4 / NO), that is, if the first remaining amount value is greater than the remaining amount threshold, the server control unit 330 returns to the determination of step T1.

[0076] If the first remaining amount value is equal to or less than the remaining amount threshold value (step T4 / YES), the server control unit 330 places an order for the laundry agent to the Web server 400 (step T5). Step T5 corresponds to the order process. Next, the server control unit 330 determines whether there is an error between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value based on the order history (step T6). Details of the determination in step T6 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 10. Step T6 corresponds to the determination process.

[0077] When the server control unit 330 determines that there is no error between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value (step T7 / NO), the process returns to the determination in step T1. Furthermore, when the server control unit 330 determines that an error has occurred between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value (step T7 / YES), it transmits a correction guide for the first remaining amount value managed by the management server 300 to the terminal device 200 (step T8). The processing of step T8 corresponds to the error correction processing.

[0078] Next, server control unit 330 determines whether or not update information corresponding to the correction guidance has been received from terminal device 200 (step T9). If the server control unit 330 has not received update information from the terminal device 200 (step T9 / NO), the server control unit 330 waits until update information is received.

[0079] When the server control unit 330 receives the update information from the terminal device 200 (step T9 / YES), it updates the first remaining amount value registered in the usage status management DB 345 with the received update information (step T10). Step T10 corresponds to an update process.

[0080] Furthermore, if the server control unit 330 has not received the driving data in step T1 (step T1 / NO), it determines whether the length of the non-reception period during which the driving data has not been received is equal to or longer than a predetermined period (step T11).

[0081] If the length of the non-received period is not equal to or longer than the predetermined period (step T11 / NO), the server control unit 330 returns to the determination in step T1. Furthermore, if the length of the non-reception period is equal to or longer than a predetermined period (step T11 / YES), the server control unit 330 determines whether or not there is an error between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value based on the reception interval of the operating data (step T12). Details of step T12 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 11. Step T12 also corresponds to a determination process.

[0082] If the server control unit 330 determines that there is no error between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value (step T13 / NO), the process returns to the determination in step T1. Furthermore, when server control unit 330 determines that there is an error between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value (step T13 / YES), it corrects the first remaining amount value based on the difference between the number of times that washing machine 100 has transmitted operation data to management server 300 and the number of times that management server 300 has received operation data (step T14). After that, server control unit 330 returns to step T1. The processing of step T14 corresponds to error handling processing.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the details of step T6. Details of step T6 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the server control unit 330 acquires information on the order dates of a predetermined number of past orders by referring to the order history information in the usage status management DB 345. The server control unit 330 calculates the order interval and the average order interval based on the acquired information on the order dates of the predetermined number of past orders (step T61).

[0084] Next, the server control unit 330 sets an allowable range based on the calculated average order interval (step T62). The server control unit 330 sets the allowable range by adding or subtracting a preset number of days to or from the average order interval.

[0085] Next, the server control unit 330 determines whether the order interval between the previous order and the current order is within the allowable range (step T63). If the order interval between the previous order and the current order is not within the allowable range (step T63 / NO), the server control unit 330 determines that there is an error (step T64). If the order interval between the previous order and the current order is within the allowable range (step T63 / YES), the server control unit 330 determines that there is no error (step T65).

[0086] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the details of step T11. Step T11 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, server control unit 330 transmits a request to acquire the number of times the operating data has been transmitted in a preset period to the corresponding washing machine 100 (step T111). Upon receiving the acquisition request from management server 300, washing machine 100 transmits the number of times the operating data has been transmitted in the preset period to management server 300.

[0087] Next, server control unit 330 determines whether or not the number of times the operation data has been transmitted within a preset period has been received from washing machine 100 (step T112). If server control unit 330 has not received the number of times the operation data has been transmitted (step T112 / NO), server control unit 330 again transmits a request to acquire the number of times the operation data has been transmitted within a preset period to the washing machine 100 (step T111).

[0088] When the server control unit 330 receives the number of times the operation data has been transmitted from the washing machine 100 during a preset period (step T112 / YES), the server control unit 330 refers to the usage status management DB 345 and counts the number of times the operation data has been received from the washing machine 100 during the preset period (step T113).

[0089] Next, server control unit 330 compares the number of times the operation data has been transmitted by washing machine 100 with the number of times the operation data has been received by management server 300 (step T114).

[0090] If the number of times the operation data is transmitted by washing machine 100 does not match the number of times the operation data is received by management server 300 (step T114 / NO), server control unit 330 determines that there is an error (step T115). Furthermore, if the number of times the operation data transmitted by washing machine 100 matches the number of times the operation data received by management server 300 is received (step T114 / YES), server control unit 330 determines that there is no error (step T116).

[0091] 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the second operation of the management server 300. The operation of the management server 300 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The server control unit 330 determines whether or not the order condition for ordering the laundry agent from the sales site is satisfied (step S1). The order condition is satisfied when the first remaining amount value registered in the usage status management DB 345 becomes equal to or less than a preset threshold value. If the order condition is not satisfied (step S1 / NO), the server control unit 330 waits until the order condition is satisfied.

[0092] When the second remaining amount value indicated by the remaining amount information registered in the usage status management DB 345 becomes equal to or less than a preset threshold value and the order conditions are met (step S1 / YES), the server control unit 330 determines whether the order interval, which is the number of days elapsed since the previous order, is longer than the first threshold value (step S2).

[0093] If the order interval is longer than the first threshold value (step S2 / YES), the server control unit 330 refers to the usage status management DB 345 and acquires the order intervals of the predetermined number of past orders (step S3).

[0094] Next, server control unit 330 determines whether the order interval between the past predetermined number of orders continues to be longer than the first threshold value (step S4). If the order interval between the past predetermined number of orders continues to be longer than the first threshold value (step S4 / YES), server control unit 330 determines that a measurement error has occurred in the amount of laundry agent used measured by washing machine 100. Therefore, server control unit 330 transmits a guide to terminal device 200 for correcting the remaining amount of laundry agent, taking into account the measurement error, and displays the guide on touch panel 230 of terminal device 200 (step S6). The processing in step S6 corresponds to an error handling process.

[0095] Furthermore, if the order interval of the past predetermined number of orders is equal to or less than the first threshold value (step S4 / NO), the server control unit 330 determines that an error has occurred due to multiple reasons. The multiple reasons include a communication error, a manual input error of the remaining amount of laundry agent, and a measurement error of the remaining amount of laundry agent due to a device factor. In this case, the server control unit 33 transmits correction guidance assuming the multiple reasons to the terminal device 200 and displays it on the touch panel 230 of the terminal device 200 (step S5). The processing of step S5 corresponds to error handling processing.

[0096] If the order interval is equal to or shorter than the first threshold value (step S2 / NO), the server control unit 330 determines whether the order interval is longer than a second threshold value (step S7). The second threshold value is a threshold value smaller than the first threshold value.

[0097] If the order interval is equal to or shorter than the second threshold value (step S7 / NO), the server control unit 330 places an order for the laundry agent corresponding to the laundry agent used at an external website (step S8).

[0098] If the order interval is longer than the second threshold value (step S7 / YES), the server control unit 330 determines whether the user has purchased the laundry agent by operating the terminal device 200 or the like (step S9). For example, the server control unit 330 may send a notification to the terminal device 200 inquiring whether the laundry agent has been purchased, or may obtain information on the purchase date of the laundry agent from the sales site and determine whether the information matches the order date entered by the order unit 355.

[0099] When the server control unit 330 determines that there is a history of manual purchase of laundry agent (step S9 / YES), it transmits a guide to correct the remaining amount assuming a manual order to the terminal device 200, and causes the guide to be displayed on the touch panel 230 of the terminal device 200 (step S10). The guide to correct the remaining amount assuming a manual order is displayed on the APP screen 240 shown in Fig. 7, displaying a message such as "Did you purchase the laundry agent yourself?" and a message saying "If you purchased it, there may be an error between the input value of the remaining amount and the actual remaining amount." The processing of step S10 corresponds to an error handling process.

[0100] If there is no history of manual purchase of laundry agent (step S9 / NO), the server control unit 330 refers to the usage status management DB 345 and determines whether there is a period of time for which no operating data has been received that is longer than a preset number of days (step S11).

[0101] If there is a period of time during which no operating data has been received that is equal to or longer than a preset number of days (step S11 / YES), the server control unit 330 determines whether the order interval is longer than a preset third threshold value (step S13). The third threshold value is set to a value that is smaller than the first threshold value and larger than the second threshold value.

[0102] If the order interval is equal to or shorter than a preset third threshold value (step S13 / NO), the server control unit 330 corrects the error without instructing the terminal device 200 to correct the error (step S14). For example, the server control unit 330 corrects the error based on the amount of laundry agent used the previous time or the average amount of laundry agent used multiple times. The process of step S14 corresponds to error handling processing.

[0103] Furthermore, if the order interval is longer than a preset third threshold value (step S13 / YES), server control unit 330 determines that a communication failure has occurred in the communication between washing machine 100 and management server 300. In this case, server control unit 330 transmits a remaining amount correction guide assuming a communication abnormality to terminal device 200, and causes touch panel 230 of terminal device 200 to display the guide (step S15). The communication abnormality includes, for example, a poor connection between washing machine 100 and communication device 3, or an unnecessary connection between communication device 3 and communication network 5. The remaining amount correction guide assuming a communication abnormality is displayed on APP screen 240 shown in FIG. 7, indicating that an error may have occurred between the input value of the remaining amount and the actual remaining amount due to the communication abnormality. The processing of step S15 corresponds to error handling processing.

[0104] Furthermore, if there is no period of time during which no operation data has been received for a preset number of days or more (step S11 / NO), the server control unit 330 transmits a remaining amount correction guide assuming an input error in the remaining amount of laundry agent to the terminal device 200, and causes the remaining amount correction guide to be displayed on the touch panel 230 of the terminal device 200 (step S12). The remaining amount correction guide assuming an input error in the remaining amount of laundry agent is displayed on the APP screen 240 shown in Fig. 7, which displays a message indicating that there may be an error between the input value of the remaining amount and the actual remaining amount. The processing in step S12 corresponds to an error handling process.

[0105] 6. Effect of the embodiment As described above, the remaining amount management system according to the embodiment includes the washing machine 100 and the management server 300. The washing machine 100 includes a washing machine control unit 150 that transmits operation data including the amount of detergent consumed by the washing operation to the management server 300 every time a washing operation is performed. The management server 300 is equipped with a server control unit 330 that updates a first remaining amount value, which is a value related to the remaining amount of laundry agent, based on the received operating data, and executes an ordering process to order laundry agent when the first remaining amount value falls below a threshold value. The server control unit 330 determines whether there is an error in the first remaining amount value based on at least one of the operating data and the interval between order processes, and executes error response processing if it determines that there is an error in the first remaining amount value.

[0106] Therefore, the server control unit 330 determines whether there is an error in the first remaining amount value based on at least one of the operating data and the interval between ordering processes, and executes error response processing if it determines that there is an error in the first remaining amount value. Therefore, since the error response processing is executed when there is an error in the first remaining amount value, it is possible to respond to the error and improve user convenience.

[0107] The washing machine 100 includes a detergent tank 141 for storing detergent, and an automatic dispenser 140 for supplying detergent. The management server 300 includes a server storage unit 340 that stores a first remaining amount value of the laundry agent that has been purchased by the user of the washing machine 100, including the remaining amount of the laundry agent stored in the laundry agent tank 141, and operation data. If the server control unit 330 has not received operating data for a period longer than the judgment threshold, it determines that there is an error between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value, which is the actual remaining amount of laundry agent that the user has purchased.

[0108] Therefore, when the server control unit 330 has not received operation data from the washing machine 100 for a period longer than the determination threshold, the server control unit 330 determines that an error has occurred between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value, which is the actual remaining amount of the laundry agent that the user has purchased. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not an error has occurred in the first remaining amount value.

[0109] The server control unit 330 transmits to the washing machine 100 a request to transmit information on the number of times the operating data was transmitted within a preset period, and if there is a difference between the number of times the operating data was transmitted from the washing machine 100 and the number of times the operating data was received within the preset period, it determines that there is an error between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount, which is the actual remaining amount of the laundry agent that the user has purchased.

[0110] Therefore, when there is a difference between the number of times the operation data is transmitted from the washing machine 100 and the number of times the operation data is received within a preset period, the server control unit 330 determines that an error has occurred between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not an error has occurred in the first remaining amount value.

[0111] The washing machine 100 is provided with a remaining amount sensor 143 that detects whether the actual remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 141 has fallen below a predetermined value. When the remaining amount sensor 143 detects that the actual remaining amount in the detergent tank 141 has fallen below a predetermined value, the washing machine control unit 150 transmits operating data to the management server 300, including a remaining amount notification indicating that the actual remaining amount in the detergent tank 141 is below the predetermined value. When the server control unit 330 receives operating data including a remaining amount notification a predetermined number of times or more, it determines that there is an error between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount, which is the actual remaining amount of laundry agent that the user has purchased.

[0112] Therefore, when the server control unit 330 receives the operation data including the remaining amount notification a preset number of times or more, it determines that an error has occurred between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value. When the server control unit 330 receives the operation data including the remaining amount notification a preset number of times or more, there is a possibility that the washing operation is being performed with the detergent tank 141 of the washing machine 100 empty. Therefore, by determining that an error has occurred between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value when the server control unit 330 receives the operation data including the remaining amount notification a preset number of times or more, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the determination.

[0113] The remaining amount management system 1 includes a terminal device 200 carried by a user of the washing machine 100. When the server control unit 330 determines that an error has occurred between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value, the server control unit 330 transmits an update request for the first remaining amount value to the terminal device 200 as an error handling process.

[0114] Therefore, when the server control unit 330 determines that an error has occurred between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value, it transmits an update request for the first remaining amount value to the terminal device 200. This allows the user to operate the terminal device 200 to update the first remaining amount value.

[0115] The terminal device 200 receives the input of the first remaining amount value and transmits the received first remaining amount value to the management server 300.

[0116] Therefore, information on the first remaining amount value input by the user via the terminal device 200 is transmitted from the terminal device 200 to the management server 300. Therefore, the first remaining amount value, which is a value relating to the remaining amount of the laundry agent, can be registered in the management server 300, and when an error occurs in the first remaining amount value managed by the management server 300, the first remaining amount value can be updated.

[0117] As an error response process, when the server control unit 330 determines that an error has occurred between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value, it corrects the first remaining amount value based on the difference between the number of times the operating data received from the washing machine 100 has been transmitted and the number of times the operating data stored in the server memory unit 340 has been received.

[0118] Therefore, the first remaining amount value is corrected based on the difference between the number of times the operation data received from washing machine 100 is transmitted and the number of times the operation data stored in server storage unit 340 is received. Therefore, the first remaining amount value managed by management server 300 can be corrected with high accuracy.

[0119] 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.

[0120] For example, the functional units of management server 300 shown in FIG. 4 represent functional configurations, and specific implementation forms are not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each functional unit individually. Of course, a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of multiple functional units is also possible. Furthermore, some of the software-implemented functions in the above-described embodiments may be implemented in hardware, and some of the hardware-implemented functions may be implemented in software. The specific detailed configurations of other units of the projector can also be changed as desired without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The same applies to the configuration of washing machine 100 shown in FIG. 2 and the configuration of terminal device 200 shown in FIG. 3. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which management server 300 is configured as a single server device has been shown, but the functions of management server 300 may be realized by multiple server devices. For example, a server device that determines whether there is an error in the first remaining amount value and a server device that, when it is determined that there is an error in the first remaining amount value, sends a request to update the first remaining amount value to terminal device 200 as an error handling process may be configured as separate servers.

[0121] 9 to 13 are divided into processing units according to the main processing content in order to make the processing of the management server 300 easier to understand. The present invention is not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 to 13. Furthermore, the processing of the management server 330 can be divided into more processing units according to the processing content, or one processing unit can be divided so that it includes more processes. Furthermore, the processing order of the above flowcharts is not limited to the example shown in the drawings.

[0122] Furthermore, when the program is implemented using server processor 350 included in management server 300 and washing machine processor 170 included in washing machine 100, the program executed by these processors can be configured in the form of a processor-readable, non-transitory recording medium. Alternatively, the program can be configured in the form of a transmission medium for transmitting the program executed by these processors. The recording medium can be a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device. Specific examples include portable or fixed recording media such as flexible disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), CD-ROMs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), Blu-ray discs, magneto-optical discs, flash memory, and card-type recording media. The recording medium can also be a non-volatile storage device such as RAM, ROM, or HDD, which is an internal storage device included in management server 300 and washing machine 100. Blu-ray is a registered trademark.

[0123] In the above-described embodiment, the ordering process is described as a case where the management server 300 orders laundry detergent from the web server 400. However, if the administrator of the management server 300 sells laundry detergent, the management server 300 may also perform the order receiving, payment, and shipping processes for the laundry detergent.

[0124] In addition, when the management server 300 orders a laundry agent, it may store the email address of a retail store such as a supermarket or drugstore selected based on the user's address in the server storage unit 340, and send an email ordering the laundry agent to the email address of the retail store.

[0125] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0126] (Technology 1) A remaining amount management system comprising a washing machine and an information processing device, wherein the washing machine comprises a first control unit that transmits operation data including the amount of laundry agent consumed by the washing operation to the information processing device each time a washing operation is performed, the information processing device comprises a second control unit that updates a first remaining amount value, which is a value related to the remaining amount of the laundry agent, based on the received operation data, and executes an ordering process to order the laundry agent when the first remaining amount value falls below a threshold value, the second control unit determines whether there is an error in the first remaining amount value based on at least one of the operation data and the interval between the ordering processes, and executes an error response process when it determines that there is an error in the first remaining amount value.

[0127] The information processing device of the remaining amount management system of Technology 1 determines whether there is an error in the first remaining amount value based on at least one of the operating data and the interval between ordering processes, and executes error response processing if it is determined that there is an error in the first remaining amount value. Therefore, since the error response processing is executed when there is an error in the first remaining amount value, it is possible to respond to the error and improve user convenience.

[0128] (Technology 2) The washing machine includes a detergent supply device that supplies the detergent, the information processing device includes a memory unit that stores the first remaining amount value and the operating data, and the second control unit determines that an error has occurred in the first remaining amount value when the operating data has not been received for a period longer than a judgment threshold.

[0129] The remaining amount management system of Technology 2 determines that there is an error between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount value, which is the actual remaining amount of laundry agent that the user has purchased, when no operation data has been received from the washing machine for a period longer than the determination threshold value. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether there is an error in the first remaining amount value.

[0130] (Technology 3) The washing machine includes a laundry agent supplying device that supplies the laundry agent, and the information processing device includes a memory unit that includes a remaining amount of the laundry agent stored in the laundry agent supplying device and stores a first remaining amount value of the laundry agent that has been purchased by a user of the washing machine and the operating data, and the second control unit transmits a request to the washing machine to send information on the number of times the operating data has been transmitted within a predetermined period, and when there is a difference between the number of times the operating data has been transmitted from the washing machine and the number of times the operating data has been received within the predetermined period, determines that there is an error between the first remaining amount value and a second remaining amount, which is the actual remaining amount of the laundry agent that has been purchased by the user.

[0131] The remaining amount management system of Technology 3 determines that an error has occurred in the first remaining amount value when there is a difference between the number of transmissions of operation data received from the washing machine and the number of receptions of the operation data during the preset period. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether an error has occurred in the first remaining amount value.

[0132] (Technology 4) The washing machine includes a laundry agent supplying device that supplies the laundry agent, and a sensor that detects when the actual remaining amount of the laundry agent in the laundry agent supplying device has fallen below a predetermined value. When the sensor detects that the actual remaining amount of the laundry agent in the laundry agent supplying device has fallen below the predetermined value, the first control unit transmits the operating data including a remaining amount notification indicating that the actual remaining amount of the laundry agent in the laundry agent supplying device is below the predetermined value to the information processing device. When the second control unit receives the operating data including the remaining amount notification a predetermined number of times or more, it determines that there is an error between the first remaining amount value and a second remaining amount, which is the actual remaining amount of the laundry agent that the user has purchased.

[0133] The remaining amount management system described in Technology 4 determines that an error has occurred in the first remaining amount value when it receives operation data including a remaining amount notification a preset number of times or more. When operation data including a remaining amount notification is received a preset number of times or more, there is a possibility that the washing machine is operating while the detergent supply device is empty. Therefore, by determining that an error has occurred in the first remaining amount value when operation data including a remaining amount notification is received a preset number of times or more, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the determination.

[0134] (Technology 5) The remaining amount management system is a remaining amount management system described in any one of techniques 2 to 4, wherein the remaining amount management system includes a terminal device carried by a user of the washing machine, and when the second control unit determines that an error has occurred in the first remaining amount value, the second control unit sends an update request for the first remaining amount value to the terminal device as the error response process.

[0135] When the remaining amount management system of Technique 5 determines that an error has occurred in the first remaining amount value, it transmits a request to update the first remaining amount value to the terminal device, thereby prompting the user to operate the terminal device to update the first remaining amount value.

[0136] (Technology 6) The remaining amount management system described in Technology 5, wherein the terminal device accepts input of the remaining amount of the laundry agent and transmits the accepted remaining amount of the laundry agent to the information processing device, and the information processing device sets the first remaining amount value based on the remaining amount of the laundry agent received from the terminal device.

[0137] In the remaining amount management system described in Technology 6, a terminal device receives input of the remaining amount of laundry agent and transmits the received remaining amount to an information processing device. The information processing device sets a first remaining amount value based on the remaining amount of laundry agent received from the terminal device. This allows the information processing device to correctly initialize the first remaining amount value.

[0138] (Technology 7) When the second control unit determines that an error has occurred in the first remaining amount value as the error response processing, the second control unit corrects the first remaining amount value based on the difference between the number of times the operation data received from the washing machine is transmitted and the number of times the operation data stored in the memory unit is received.

[0139] The remaining amount management system of Technology 7 corrects the first remaining amount value based on the difference between the number of transmissions of operation data received from the washing machine and the number of receptions of operation data stored in the storage unit. Therefore, the first remaining amount value managed by the information processing device can be corrected with high accuracy.

[0140] (Configuration 8) A processor implemented in an information processing device receives operation data transmitted from a washing machine each time a washing operation is performed, the operation data including a consumption amount of laundry agent consumed by the washing operation; updates a first remaining amount value, which is a value related to a remaining amount of the laundry agent, based on the received operation data; and orders the laundry agent when the first remaining amount value becomes equal to or less than a threshold value. A remaining amount management method that executes a step of determining whether there is an error in the first remaining amount value based on at least one of the operating data and the interval between steps of ordering the laundry agent, and executing error response processing if it is determined that there is an error in the first remaining amount value.

[0141] The remaining amount management method of configuration 8 determines whether there is an error in the first remaining amount value based on at least one of the operating data and the interval between ordering processes, and executes error response processing if it is determined that there is an error in the first remaining amount value. Therefore, since the error response processing is executed when there is an error in the first remaining amount value, it is possible to respond to the error and improve user convenience.

[0142] (Configuration 9) a processor implemented in an information processing device, the processor including: a receiving process for receiving operation data transmitted from the washing machine each time a washing operation is performed, the operation data including the amount of laundry agent consumed by the washing operation; an ordering process for updating a first remaining amount value, which is a value relating to the remaining amount of the laundry agent, based on the received operation data, and ordering the laundry agent when the first remaining amount value becomes equal to or less than a threshold value; and an error handling process for determining whether or not there is an error in the first remaining amount value based on at least one of the operation data and the interval of the ordering process, and performing an error response process when it is determined that there is an error in the first remaining amount value. A program that executes.

[0143] The program of configuration 9 determines whether there is an error in the first remaining amount value based on at least one of the operating data and the interval between ordering processes, and executes error response processing if it is determined that there is an error in the first remaining amount value. Therefore, since the error response processing is executed when there is an error in the first remaining amount value, it is possible to respond to the error and improve user convenience. [Industrial Applicability]

[0144] As described above, the remaining amount management system, remaining amount management method, and program of the remaining amount management system of the present invention can be used to manage the remaining amount of laundry agent in a washing machine and to order laundry agent when the remaining amount falls below a predetermined threshold value. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1 Remaining amount management system 3. Communications equipment 5. Communication Network 100 washing machines 110 Washing machine communication I / F 120 Touch Panel 131 Washing machine tub 133 Washing machine motor 135 Water supply valve 137 Drain valve 140 Automatic loading section 141 Detergent tank 143 Remaining amount sensor 145 Detergent dispenser motor 147 Piston pump 150 Washing machine control unit 160 Washing Machine Memory Unit 161 Firmware 163 Washing machine ID 165 Operational data history information 170 Washing Machine Processor 171 Washing machine communication control unit 173 Operation control unit 200 Terminal Device 210 Terminal communication I / F 230 Touch Panel 240 APP screens 241 Modify button 243 Order button 245 List View 247 Confirm button 250 Terminal control unit 260 Terminal memory section 261 OS 263 APP 270 Terminal Processor 300 Management Server 310 Server communication I / F 330 Server control unit 340 Server storage unit 341 Control Program 343 User Database 345 Usage Management Database 350 Server Processors 351 Server communication control unit 353 Data Management Department 355 Order Department 357 Error judgment section 400 Web Server

Claims

1. A remaining amount management system including a washing machine and an information processing device, The washing machine is a first control unit that transmits operation data including a consumption amount of a laundry agent consumed by the washing operation to the information processing device every time the washing operation is performed; The information processing device includes: a second control unit that updates a first remaining amount value, which is a value relating to a remaining amount of the laundry agent, based on the received operation data, and executes an ordering process to order the laundry agent when the first remaining amount value becomes equal to or less than a threshold value; The second control unit determines whether there is an error in the first remaining amount value based on at least one of the operating data and the interval between the order processes, and executes error response processing if it determines that there is an error in the first remaining amount value.

2. The washing machine includes a detergent supply device that supplies the detergent, the information processing device includes a storage unit that stores the first remaining amount value and the operating data; The remaining amount management system according to claim 1 , wherein the second control unit determines that an error has occurred in the first remaining amount value when the driving data has not been received for a period longer than a determination threshold value.

3. The washing machine includes a detergent supply device that supplies the detergent, the information processing device includes a storage unit configured to store a first remaining amount value of the laundry agent stored in the laundry agent supply device and purchased by a user of the washing machine, and the operation data; The second control unit transmits, to the washing machine, a transmission request for information on the number of times the operation data has been transmitted within a predetermined period, 2. The remaining amount management system according to claim 1, wherein when there is a difference between the number of times the operating data is transmitted from the washing machine and the number of times the operating data is received during the preset period, it is determined that there is an error between the first remaining amount value and a second remaining amount, which is the actual remaining amount of the laundry agent that the user has purchased.

4. The washing machine is a detergent supplying device for supplying the detergent; a sensor for detecting whether the actual remaining amount of the detergent in the detergent supply device has become equal to or less than a predetermined value; Equipped with When the sensor detects that the actual remaining amount of the laundry agent supplying device is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the first control unit transmits the operation data including a remaining amount notification indicating that the actual remaining amount of the laundry agent supplying device is equal to or less than the predetermined value to the information processing device; The remaining amount management system described in claim 1, wherein the second control unit determines that an error has occurred between the first remaining amount value and the second remaining amount, which is the actual remaining amount of laundry agent purchased by the user, when the second control unit receives the operating data including the remaining amount notification a predetermined number of times or more.

5. The remaining amount management system includes a terminal device carried by a user of the washing machine, 5. The remaining amount management system according to claim 2, wherein when the second control unit determines that an error has occurred in the first remaining amount value, the second control unit sends an update request for the first remaining amount value to the terminal device as the error response process.

6. the terminal device receives an input of the remaining amount of the laundry agent and transmits the received remaining amount of the laundry agent to the information processing device; The remaining amount management system according to claim 5 , wherein the information processing device sets the first remaining amount value based on the remaining amount of the detergent received from the terminal device.

7. The remaining amount management system according to claim 3, wherein, when the second control unit determines that an error has occurred in the first remaining amount value as the error response processing, the second control unit corrects the first remaining amount value based on the difference between the number of times the operating data received from the washing machine is transmitted and the number of times the operating data stored in the memory unit is received.

8. A processor implemented in an information processing device Receiving operation data transmitted from the washing machine each time a washing operation is performed, the operation data including the amount of laundry agent consumed by the washing operation; updating a first remaining amount value, which is a value relating to the remaining amount of the laundry agent, based on the received operation data, and ordering the laundry agent when the first remaining amount value becomes equal to or less than a threshold value; determining whether or not there is an error in the first remaining amount value based on at least one of the operation data and the interval between steps of ordering the laundry agent, and executing an error response process when it is determined that there is an error in the first remaining amount value; A remaining amount management method that performs the following.

9. A processor implemented in an information processing device, A receiving process for receiving operation data including a consumption amount of laundry agent consumed by the washing operation, the operation data being transmitted from the washing machine each time the washing operation is performed; an ordering process for updating a first remaining amount value, which is a value relating to the remaining amount of the laundry agent, based on the received operation data, and ordering the laundry agent when the first remaining amount value becomes equal to or less than a threshold value; determining whether or not there is an error in the first remaining amount value based on at least one of the operating data and the interval of the ordering process, and performing an error response process when it is determined that there is an error in the first remaining amount value; A program that executes.

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