refrigerator

Abstract

The objective is to provide a refrigerator that can improve convenience. [Solution] The refrigerator of the embodiment is capable of switching between a first operation and a second operation by a predetermined operation. The refrigerator includes a control unit that, when communication between the refrigerator and an external device is established, restricts the switching from the first operation to the second operation by at least the predetermined operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a refrigerator.

Background Art

[0002] Refrigerators that can set a storefront display mode are known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of improving convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The refrigerator of the embodiment can switch between a first operation and a second operation by a predetermined operation. The refrigerator includes a control unit that restricts at least the switching from the first operation to the second operation by the predetermined operation when communication between the refrigerator and an external device is established.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] A diagram showing a home appliance management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the overall configuration of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing a configuration related to the control device of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram for explaining the function of the ROM according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram for explaining the control flow of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating the control flow of the refrigerator in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the control flow of the refrigerator in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating the control flow of the refrigerator in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating the configuration and control flow of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating the configuration and control flow of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram illustrating the configuration and control flow of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] A diagram illustrating the configuration and control flow of the third embodiment. [Figure 13] A diagram illustrating the configuration and control flow of the third embodiment. [Figure 14] A diagram illustrating the configuration and control flow of a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 15] A diagram illustrating the configuration and control flow of a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 16] A diagram illustrating the information stored in the ROM of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] A diagram illustrating the information stored in the ROM of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] A diagram illustrating the configuration and control flow of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] A diagram illustrating the configuration and control flow of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] A diagram illustrating the configuration and control flow of a modified example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] A diagram illustrating the configuration and control flow of a modified example of the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Hereinafter, the refrigerator of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. And redundant descriptions of those components may be omitted. In the present application, "based on XX" means "at least based on XX", and may include cases based on other elements in addition to XX. Also, "based on XX" is not limited to cases directly based on XX, and may include cases based on those obtained by performing operations or processing on XX. In the present application, "XX or YY" is not limited to either one of XX and YY, and may include both cases of XX and YY. This is the same when there are three or more selective elements. XX and YY are arbitrary elements (for example, arbitrary information).

[0008] In the present application, "update of information" is not limited to replacing old information with new information. "Update of information" may include adding new information while leaving old information, or obtaining one new piece of information by combining old information and new information (for example, differential information with respect to old information).

[0009] (A. First Embodiment) <A1. Overall Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a home appliance management system 1 (information processing system) according to the first embodiment. The home appliance management system 1 includes, for example, a refrigerator 100, a server 200, and a terminal device 300. The network NW described later can use, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), or other public lines or dedicated lines.

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

[0011] The server 200 is a management server that manages the refrigerator 100. The server 200 is composed of one or more server devices (for example, a cloud server). The server 200 can communicate with the refrigerator 100 or the terminal device 300 via the network NW. The server 200 may include an information processing unit that performs edge computing or fog computing, such as an information processing unit included in a router in the network NW.

[0012] The terminal device 300 is an electronic device used by the user U. The terminal device 300 can be used independently of the refrigerator 100, for example. The terminal device 300 is a portable terminal device such as, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal device. However, the terminal device 300 is not limited to a portable terminal device and may be a personal computer or the like, or a voice dialogue device (for example, a smart speaker) or the like.

[0013] <A2. Configuration of the refrigerator> <A2.1 Overall configuration of the refrigerator> Figure 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the refrigerator 100. The refrigerator 100 has, for example, a housing 10 and a plurality of doors 20.

[0014] The housing 10 has heat insulation and is formed in a rectangular box shape. Inside the housing 10, a plurality of storage chambers 30 are provided. The plurality of storage chambers 30 include, for example, a refrigerating chamber 31, a vegetable chamber 32, an ice-making chamber 33, a small freezing chamber 34, and a main freezing chamber 35. The refrigerating chamber 31 and the vegetable chamber 32 are storage chambers in the refrigerating temperature range (for example, a positive temperature range of 1 to 4 °C). The ice-making chamber 33, the small freezing chamber 34, and the main freezing chamber 35 are storage chambers in the freezing temperature range (for example, a negative temperature range of -10 to -20 °C).

[0015] The openings of the plurality of storage chambers 30 are closable by a plurality of doors 20. The plurality of doors 20 include left and right refrigerating chamber doors 21A and 21B that close the opening of the refrigerating chamber 31, a vegetable chamber door 22 that closes the opening of the vegetable chamber 32, an ice-making chamber door 23 that closes the opening of the ice-making chamber 33, a small freezing chamber door 24 that closes the opening of the small freezing chamber 34, and a main freezing chamber door 25 that closes the opening of the main freezing chamber 35.

[0016] <A2.2 Refrigerator control device> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to the control device 101 of the refrigerator 100. The refrigerator 100 has, for example, a control device 101, a communication unit 102, and an operation panel PU. For convenience of explanation here, the communication unit 102 and the operation panel PU will be described first, and then the control device 101 will be described.

[0017] <A2.2.1 Communication unit> The communication unit 102 is a functional unit that communicates with the outside of the refrigerator 100 and can acquire information from the outside of the refrigerator 100. The communication unit 102 is, for example, a wireless communication module. The communication unit 102 can communicate with the server 200 and the terminal device 300 via the network NW. The communication unit 102 is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) module of IEEE802.11, but is not limited to this example. When updating the software of the refrigerator 100, the communication unit 102 receives update information (update information SA) from the server 200 and transmits the received information to the main microcomputer 110 described later.

[0018] In this embodiment, the control unit 111 may restrict the operation of the communication unit 102 so that communication between the communication unit 102 and the server 200 is not established while the demonstration operation described later is being performed. That is, the communication unit 102 can operate and communicate with the server 200 during normal operation described later, but its operation may be restricted and communication with the server 200 restricted during the demonstration operation. By performing such control, it is possible to suppress the establishment of communication between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200 during the demonstration operation.

[0019] Alternatively, the communication unit 102 may be capable of operating both during normal operation and during demo operation, and may also be capable of communicating with the server 200. In this case, if communication is established during demo operation, the control unit 111 will set the switching permission flag FS to the prohibited state and then automatically switch the operation from demo operation to normal operation.

[0020] Furthermore, the control unit 111 shortens the time limit for establishing communication between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200 during demonstration operation compared to normal operation. For example, during normal operation, if communication between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200 is not established within 1 hour (e.g., 10 minutes) after the operation to establish communication between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200 is initiated, the control unit 111 cancels the operation and prevents communication between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200 from being established. This prevents communication between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200 from being established due to malfunction (e.g., incorrect operation).

[0021] In this embodiment, during demonstration operation, if communication between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200 is not established within a second time (e.g., 2 minutes), which is shorter than the first time, after the operation to establish communication between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200 is initiated, the control unit 111 cancels the operation and prevents communication between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200 from being established. This further suppresses the establishment of communication between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200 due to malfunctions (e.g., incorrect operation) during demonstration operation, compared to normal operation.

[0022] Also, in this embodiment, when an operation for establishing communication between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200 is started and an operation unrelated to communication establishment is performed on the operation unit 104, the operation for establishing communication is canceled and communication between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200 is not established. This suppresses the establishment of communication between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200 due to a malfunction (e.g., an incorrect operation).

[0023] <A2.2.2 Operation Panel> The operation panel PU is a functional unit that performs predetermined notification to the user U and accepts the operation of the user U. The operation panel PU includes, for example, a display unit 103 and an operation unit 104.

[0024] The display unit 103 includes, for example, a plurality of light emitting units provided on the operation panel PU. The plurality of light emitting units notify the user U of the state of the refrigerator 100 by lighting according to the state of the refrigerator 100. Note that the display unit 103 may have a display device having a display screen capable of displaying various information instead of / in addition to the above example.

[0025] The operation unit 104 includes a plurality of buttons, switches, or dials provided on the operation panel PU. The operation unit 104 can accept the operation of the user U for changing the state of the refrigerator 100. Note that the operation unit 104 may have a touch panel disposed over the display screen of the display device instead of / in addition to the above example.

[0026] <A2.2.3 Control Device> Next, the control device 101 will be described. The control device 101 controls each functional unit of the refrigerator 100, such as cooling control or power saving control of each storage chamber 30. The control device 101 has, for example, a main microcomputer 110, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) 120, a control circuit unit 130, and an interface 140. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the main microcomputer 110 may be referred to as the "main micro 110".

[0027] (Main microcontroller) The main microcontroller 110 is a functional unit capable of controlling the main functions of the refrigerator 100. The main microcontroller 110 comprehensively controls the refrigerator 100. For example, the main microcontroller 110 performs cooling control of the refrigerator 100 by driving electrical components such as the compressor 51 and the blower 52. The main microcontroller 110 includes, for example, a control unit 111, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113.

[0028] (Control Unit) The control unit 111 is a functional unit capable of controlling the functions of the refrigerator 100. The control unit 111 comprehensively controls the refrigerator 100. The control unit 111 performs cooling control of the refrigerator 100, for example, by driving the compressor 51 and the blower 52. The control unit 111 is implemented, for example, by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing software. The control unit 111 is implemented, for example, by the CPU or MPU executing the normal operation software SFA described later.

[0029] (ROM) ROM112 is a non-volatile memory unit located within the main microcontroller 110. Information stored in ROM112 is retained even when the refrigerator 100 is turned off. ROM112 is electrically rewritable multiple times. Alternatively, ROM112 may be mounted on a separate circuit board as a separate component from the main microcontroller 110, instead of being located within the main microcontroller 110. ROM112 is an example of a "first memory unit" and a "first storage device."

[0030] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the function of ROM 112 in this embodiment. ROM 112 in this embodiment is a dual-bank ROM. ROM 112 includes bank BK0 and bank BK1. Each of bank BK0 and bank BK1 is a logically separated area within ROM 112. Bank BK0 and bank BK1 are logically distinct areas within ROM 112. Bank BK0 and bank BK1 have the same memory capacity. Each of bank BK0 and bank BK1 includes an area within ROM 112 corresponding to logical addresses "FFC0_0000h" to "FFDF_FFFFh". One of bank BK0 and bank BK1 is an example of a "first area (first memory area)". The other of bank BK0 and bank BK1 is an example of a "second area (second memory area)". In the following, when we do not distinguish between Bank BK0 and Bank BK1, we will simply refer to them as "Bank BK".

[0031] From another perspective, ROM112 includes an execution area GA and a download area (non-execution area, backup area) NA. The information stored in the execution area GA and download area NA is generated with the assumption that it will be placed in the execution area GA.

[0032] The execution area GA is an area in which information stored in the execution area GA can be read by the control unit 111 and used for control. For example, the execution area GA is an area in which information can be stored (written) and the information stored in the execution area GA can be read (executed as a program). The execution area GA is a bank-sized area that includes the logical addresses to be read after the main microcontroller 110 is reset. In the example shown in Figure 5, the execution area GA is set in the area from logical address "FFE0_0000h" to "FFFF_FFFFh" within the ROM 112. In this case, when the main microcontroller 110 is reset (restarted), the information stored in the area from logical address "FFE0_0000h" to "FFFF_FFFFh" is read by the control unit 111 after the reset.

[0033] The download area NA is an area where information stored in the download area NA cannot be read (it can be read, but it cannot be executed as a program because it is not placed at the correct address location). For example, the download area NA is an area where information obtained from an external source can be stored (written) in the download area NA, but the information stored in the download area NA cannot be read for program execution. Specifically, the information is read as part of signature verification to check whether the program has been tampered with, but it is not executed as a program. The download area NA is, for example, an area within ROM 112 with a different logical address from the execution area GA, and is an area of ​​the above bank size. In the example shown in Figure 4, the download area NA is set in the area from logical address "FFC0_0000h" to "FFDF_FFFFh" within ROM 112. In this case, after the main microcontroller 110 is reset (restarted), the information stored in the area from "FFC0_0000h" to "FFDF_FFFFh" is not read by the control unit 111 (it is not executed as a program).

[0034] In this embodiment, the ROM 112 is switchable between at least a first mode (first usage mode) and a second mode (second usage mode).

[0035] The first mode is a state in which bank BK0 is set to the execution area GA and bank BK1 is set to the download area NA (see (b) in Figure 4). In the first mode, the information stored in bank BK0 can be read out as control code (can be treated as control information), but the information stored in bank BK1 cannot be read out (cannot be treated as control information). For example, the control unit 111 sets ROM 112 to the first mode by assigning logical addresses "FFE0_0000h" to "FFFF_FFFFh" to bank BK0 and logical addresses "FFC0_0000h" to "FFDF_FFFFh" to bank BK1.

[0036] The second mode is a state in which bank BK1 is set to the execution area GA and bank BK0 is set to the download area NA (see (c) in Figure 4). In the second mode, the information stored in bank BK1 can be read out as control code (can be treated as control information), but the information stored in bank BK0 cannot be read out as control code (cannot be treated as control information). For example, the control unit 111 sets ROM 112 to the second mode by assigning logical addresses "FFE0_0000h" to "FFFF_FFFFh" to bank BK1 and logical addresses "FFC0_0000h" to "FFDF_FFFFh" to bank BK0.

[0037] In this embodiment, for example, when the main microcontroller 110 is reset (restarted), the control unit 111 determines whether to set the main microcontroller 110 to the first mode or the second mode based on a pre-set bank setting flag, and sets the main microcontroller 110 to the determined mode.

[0038] In addition, ROM112 may have three or more banks instead of two banks (banks BK0 and BK1). In this case, the three or more banks may be switched between the execution area GA, the download area NA, and the backup area used for backups.

[0039] Next, returning to Figure 3, we will describe the information stored in ROM 112. In this embodiment, ROM 112 stores operating information SF used to control the refrigerator 100. At least the operating information SF at the time of shipment of the refrigerator 100 includes normal operation software SFA and demo operation software SFB. The normal operation software SFA is stored in bank BK0 of ROM 112. On the other hand, the demo operation software SFB is stored in bank BK1 of ROM 112.

[0040] (Normal operating software) The Normal Operation Software (SFA) is operating information (e.g., a control program) used to control the normal operation of the refrigerator 100. The Normal Operation Software (SFA) is, for example, firmware for realizing the normal operation of the refrigerator 100. The Normal Operation Software (SFA) is executed by the control unit 111 to control the normal operation of the refrigerator 100. The Normal Operation Software (SFA) is an example of "first operating information".

[0041] Here, in this application, "normal operation" or "normal behavior" refers to the operation performed when the refrigerator 100 is actually used. Normal operation is an operation that involves cooling control to cool the storage compartment 30. For example, normal operation includes cooling control that drives the compressor 51 and the blower 52 based on the detection result of a temperature sensor installed in the storage compartment 30 to lower the temperature of the storage compartment 30 toward a target temperature. Normal operation is an example of "first operation".

[0042] (Demo software) The demo operation software SFB is operating information (e.g., a control program) used to control the demo operation (demonstration run) of the refrigerator 100. The demo operation software SFB is, for example, firmware for realizing the demonstration run of the refrigerator 100. The demo operation software SFB is executed by the control unit 111 to control the demonstration run of the refrigerator 100. The demo operation software SFB is an example of "second operating information".

[0043] Here, in this application, "demonstration operation" or "demonstration operation" means operation performed for in-store display when the refrigerator 100 is displayed in a store. Demonstration operation is operation without cooling control to cool the storage compartment 30. Demonstration operation includes the same control as normal operation, except, for example, that cooling control is not performed. Demonstration operation includes the same control as normal operation with respect to, for example, the operation of the interior light, the operation of the control panel PU (such as receiving operations and warning sounds), or the operation of the automatic door opening device. Demonstration operation is an example of "second operation".

[0044] In this embodiment, the control unit 111 can switch between normal operation and demonstration operation by a predetermined operation. For example, the control unit 111 can switch between normal operation and demonstration operation by a predetermined operation performed manually by the user U. The "predetermined operation" is defined by a combination of multiple conditions, such as simultaneously pressing multiple buttons on the operation unit 104 or the open / closed state of the door 20.

[0045] (Switching from normal operation to demonstration operation) Next, we will explain the transition from normal operation to demonstration operation. The control unit 111 switches from normal operation to demonstration operation when the above-mentioned predetermined operation is performed during normal operation (when the above-mentioned predetermined operation is received by the operation unit 104). In other words, the control unit 111 terminates normal operation and starts demonstration operation.

[0046] More specifically, in this embodiment, when the ROM 112, which is a dual-bank ROM, is in the state described in the first embodiment (where bank BK0, which stores the normal operation software SFA, is set as the execution area GA), the control unit 111 reads the normal operation software SFA from bank BK0 and performs normal operation.

[0047] If the control unit 111 performs the predetermined operation described above to switch from normal operation to demo operation while normal operation is in progress, it terminates normal operation. Subsequently, the control unit 111 sets the bank setting flag to the second mode and resets (restarts) the main microcontroller 110. As a result, the ROM 112 switches from the first mode to the second mode, and bank BK1, where the demo operation software SFB is stored, is set as the execution area GA. Subsequently, the control unit 111 reads the demo operation software SFB from bank BK1 and starts demo operation.

[0048] (Switching from demonstration operation to normal operation) Next, I will explain the transition from demonstration operation to normal operation. The control unit 111 switches from demonstration operation to normal operation when the above-mentioned predetermined operation is performed during the execution of demonstration operation (when the above-mentioned predetermined operation is received by the operation unit 104). In other words, the control unit 111 terminates the demonstration operation and starts normal operation.

[0049] More specifically, in this embodiment, when the ROM 112, which is a dual-bank ROM, is in the state described in the second embodiment (where bank BK1, which stores the demo operation software SFB, is set as the execution area GA), the control unit 111 reads the demo operation software SFB from bank BK1 and performs a demo operation.

[0050] If the control unit 111 performs the predetermined operation described above to switch from demo operation to normal operation while demo operation is in progress, it terminates the demo operation. Subsequently, the control unit 111 sets the bank setting flag to the first mode and resets (restarts) the main microcontroller 110. As a result, the ROM 112 switches from the second mode to the first mode, and bank BK0, where the normal operation software SFA is stored, is set as the execution area GA. Subsequently, the control unit 111 reads the normal operation software SFA from bank BK0 and starts normal operation.

[0051] (RAM) RAM113 is a volatile memory unit located within the main microcontroller 110. The information stored in RAM113 is erased when the refrigerator 100 is turned off. Furthermore, when the main microcontroller 110 is reset (restarted), the values ​​stored in RAM113 are not guaranteed (they are considered undefined values), so they are erased during the initialization process and set to their initial values. Note that RAM113 may be mounted on the circuit board as a separate component from the main microcontroller 110, instead of being located within the main microcontroller 110.

[0052] The RAM 113 stores parameter information PR, which is read from the EEPROM 120. Parameter information PR defines some of the operating details of the refrigerator 100 (for example, the amount and duration of operation of electrical components such as the compressor 51 and blower 52, the timing of operation, and whether or not electronic components corresponding to a predetermined function are operating). Parameter information PR is used in combination with the normal operation software SFA to control normal operation. Parameter information PR is also used in combination with, for example, the demo operation software SFB to control demo operation. Note that, in the case of demo operation, parameter information PR may not be used.

[0053] (EEPROM) EEPROM120 is a separate storage device located outside the main microcontroller 110. EEPROM120 is a non-volatile memory whose contents can be rewritten. EEPROM120 stores the switch permission flag FS and parameter information PR. EEPROM120 is an example of both the "second storage unit" and the "second memory device."

[0054] (Allow switching flag) The switch permission flag FS is status information indicating whether or not it is possible to switch between normal operation and demo operation by the predetermined operation described above. The switch permission flag FS indicates whether the state of the refrigerator 100 is an permitted state (first state) in which it is possible to switch between normal operation and demo operation by the predetermined operation described above, or a prohibited state (second state) in which it is prohibited to switch between normal operation and demo operation by the predetermined operation described above. The switch permission flag FS is switched between the permitted state and the prohibited state by the control unit 111. The switch permission flag FS is an example of "predetermined status information".

[0055] The control unit 111 determines whether it is possible to switch between normal operation and demonstration operation based on the switching permission flag FS. For example, during normal operation, when the predetermined operation to switch from normal operation to demonstration operation is received, the control unit 111 determines whether it is possible to switch between normal operation and demonstration operation based on the switching permission flag FS. For example, if the switching permission flag FS is in the above permission state, the control unit 111 determines that it is possible to switch from normal operation to demonstration operation. In this case, the control unit 111 terminates the normal operation and starts the demonstration operation. On the other hand, if the switching permission flag FS is in the above prohibited state, the control unit 111 determines that it is impossible to switch from normal operation to demonstration operation. In this case, the control unit 111 continues the normal operation.

[0056] Also, during demonstration operation, when the predetermined operation to switch from demonstration operation to normal operation is received, the control unit 111 may determine whether it is possible to switch from demonstration operation to normal operation based on the switching permission flag FS. For example, if the switching permission flag FS is in the above permission state, the control unit 111 may determine that it is possible to switch from demonstration operation to normal operation. In this case, the control unit 111 terminates the demonstration operation and starts the normal operation. On the other hand, if the switching permission flag FS is in the above prohibited state, the control unit 111 determines that it is impossible to switch from demonstration operation to normal operation. In this case, the control unit 111 continues the demonstration operation.

[0057] (Control Circuit Section) The control circuit section 130 includes electronic components 131 for controlling each part within the refrigerator 100. The control circuit section 130 executes control of each part within the refrigerator 100 based on commands from the main microcomputer 110. The control circuit section 130 is connected to sensors and actuators (such as electrical components like the compressor 51 and the blower 52) of each part within the refrigerator 100 via the interface 140.

[0058] <A3. Restriction on Switching between Normal Operation and Demonstration Operation> In this embodiment, when communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device (for example, the server 200) is established, the control unit 111 restricts switching from normal operation by at least the above-described predetermined operation to demonstration operation. Hereinafter, this content will be described in detail.

[0059] <A3.1 Establishment of Communication between Refrigerator and External Device> First, "establishment of communication between the refrigerator and an external device" will be described. The user U who has purchased the refrigerator 100 registers the device of the refrigerator 100 on the server 200. For example, the user U uses application software (hereinafter referred to as "home appliance management app") installed on the terminal device 300 to register the device of the refrigerator 100.

[0060] As a premise, it is assumed that user registration by the user U has been performed previously. By performing user registration, the user account (for example, email address) of the user U is registered. The user U who has purchased the refrigerator 100 and installed it at home starts the home appliance management app and connects the terminal device 300 and the server 200 so that they can communicate with each other. Next, after the user U inputs the user account into the home appliance management app, the user U takes a picture of the two-dimensional barcode pasted inside the refrigerator 100 that is the target of device registration, and transmits the image of the taken two-dimensional barcode from the terminal device 300 to the server 200. The two-dimensional barcode includes identification information of the refrigerator 100.

[0061] Next, user U establishes a communication connection between their home wireless router WR and the refrigerator 100. For example, user U operates the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button on the wireless router WR and a designated button on the refrigerator 100. This establishes a communication connection between the refrigerator 100 and the wireless router WR, and connects to the network NW via the wireless router WR and modem M. Once the refrigerator 100 is connected to the network NW, the server 200 registers the refrigerator 100, which is to be registered, and user U's user account based on the information received from the terminal device 300. This completes the device registration of the refrigerator 100 on the server 200. After device registration, it becomes possible to check the status of the refrigerator 100 and change its settings using the home appliance management app. The device registration of the refrigerator 100 is an example of "establishing communication between a refrigerator and an external device." The server 200 is an example of an "external device." Note that the device registration of the refrigerator 100 is not limited to the above example, and various known methods can be used.

[0062] It should be noted that "establishing communication between the refrigerator and an external device" is not limited to the above example. For example, during the above procedure, the establishment of a communication-enabled connection between the refrigerator 100 and the wireless router WR may be considered "establishing communication between the refrigerator and an external device." In this case, the wireless router WR is an example of an "external device."

[0063] Alternatively, instead of the above example, setting the refrigerator 100 to access point mode and establishing a wireless connection between the refrigerator 100 and the terminal device 300 may be considered as "establishing communication between the refrigerator and an external device." In this case, the terminal device 300 is an example of an "external device." Alternatively, instead of the above example, establishing a wireless connection between the refrigerator 100 and the terminal device 300 using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® may be considered as "establishing communication between the refrigerator and an external device." In this case, the terminal device 300 is an example of an "external device."

[0064] In this embodiment, when the communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established once, even after the communication is interrupted (for example, interrupted), the control unit 111 continues to limit at least the switching between the normal operation and the demo operation by the above-described predetermined operation.

[0065] In addition, when device registration is performed using a predetermined account (predetermined email address) registered in advance, the control unit 111 (or the server 200) determines that it is an exception when the communication between the refrigerator 100 and the external device is established, and may not limit the switching between the normal operation and the demo operation. The above-described predetermined account (predetermined email address) is, for example, an account (email address) registered in the name of a household appliance mass retailer. According to this configuration, even when the communication between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200 is established using the above-described predetermined account for in-store display at a household appliance mass retailer, the switching between the normal operation and the demo operation can be performed.

[0066] Also, instead of the two-dimensional barcode attached inside the refrigerator 100, when device registration is performed using a two-dimensional barcode prepared for a household appliance mass retailer, it is also determined as an exception when the communication between the refrigerator 100 and the external device is established, and the switching between the normal operation and the demo operation may not be limited.

[0067] <A3.2 Limitation Contents of Switching> In this embodiment, when the communication between the refrigerator 100 and the external device is established, the control unit 111 limits at least the switching from the normal operation to the demo operation by the above-described predetermined operation. Here, "limiting the switching from the normal operation to the demo operation by the above-described predetermined operation" is not limited to completely prohibiting the switching from the normal operation to the demo operation, and may include permitting switching by an operation different from the above-described predetermined operation and / or permitting switching by an operation method not described in the instruction manual. "An operation different from the above-described predetermined operation" is, for example, an operation more complex than the above-described predetermined operation. "A complex operation" is an operation with a large number of operations on the operation unit 104 and / or an operation with a large number of operation types (for example, an operation including a combination of a short press and a long press).

[0068] Further, "restricting the switching from normal operation to demonstration operation by at least the above-mentioned predetermined operation" is not limited to the case of restricting both the switching from normal operation to demonstration operation and the switching from demonstration operation to normal operation. It may include the case where the switching from normal operation to demonstration operation is restricted but the switching from demonstration operation to normal operation is permitted. For the sake of convenience of explanation below, an example where both the switching from normal operation to demonstration operation and the switching from demonstration operation to normal operation are restricted will be described.

[0069] <A3.3 Method of restricting switching> In the present embodiment, the control unit 111 will describe the case where, as a restriction on the switching between normal operation and demonstration operation, the restriction by the first method using the switching permission flag FS and the restriction by the second method using software update are executed. However, as a restriction on the switching between normal operation and demonstration operation, only either one of the restriction by the first method and the restriction by the second method may be used.

[0070] <A3.3.1 Restriction using the switching permission flag> When communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established, the control unit 111 restricts the switching between normal operation and demonstration operation by at least the above-mentioned predetermined operation by rewriting the switching permission flag FS.

[0071] In the present embodiment, when the switching permission flag FS is set to the prohibited state, the control unit 111 restricts the switching from the above-mentioned first mode to the above-mentioned second mode in at least the ROM 112. Thereby, the switching between normal operation and demonstration operation by the above-mentioned predetermined operation is restricted. This content will be described in detail in the control flow described below.

[0072] Instead of the above example, the switching permission flag FS may not be used. For example, when communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established, the control unit 111 may directly restrict the change of the bank setting flag so that the state of the ROM 112 is fixed in the first mode. Thereby, the bank switching of the ROM 112 is restricted, and the switching between the normal operation and the demo operation by the above predetermined operation is restricted.

[0073] <A3.3.2 Restriction Using Software Update> When communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established, the control unit 111 updates the operation information SF stored in the ROM 112 at the time of shipment of the refrigerator 100 using the information acquired from the outside (for example, the server 200) by the communication unit 102, thereby restricting at least the switching between the normal operation and the demo operation by the above predetermined operation.

[0074] For example, the operation information SF stored in the ROM 112 at the time of shipment of the refrigerator 100 includes the normal operation software SFA used for the control of the normal operation and the demo operation software SFB used for the control of the demo operation. The operation information SF updated using the information acquired from the outside (for example, the server 200) includes the normal operation software SFA but does not include the demo operation software SFB. This content will also be described in detail in the control flow described below.

[0075] <A4. Control Flow Related to Restriction of Switching between Normal Operation and Demo Operation> FIGS. 5 to 8 are diagrams for explaining the control flow of the refrigerator 100.

[0076] (Normal Usage State before Communication Establishment) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the state of the refrigerator 100 before communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established. FIG. 5 shows the normal usage state before communication establishment. FIG. 5 shows, for example, the state at the time of shipment of the refrigerator 100.

[0077] In the state shown in Figure 5, the normal operation software SFA is stored in bank BK0 of ROM112, and the demo operation software SFB is stored in bank BK1 of ROM112. The normal operation software SFA is the normal operation software SFA (normal operation software SFA1) corresponding to the version at the time of shipment (version 0). The demo operation software SFB is the demo operation software SFB (demo operation software SFB1) corresponding to the version at the time of shipment (version 0).

[0078] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 5, ROM 112 is set to the first configuration described above. That is, bank BK0 is set to the execution area GA, and bank BK1 is set to the download area NA. The control unit 111 uses the normal operation software SFA1 read from bank BK0 to perform normal operation of the refrigerator 100. In the state shown in Figure 5, the switch permission flag FS stored in EEPROM 120 is set to an permission state that allows switching between normal operation and demo operation by the predetermined operation described above.

[0079] (Store display condition before communication was established) Figure 6 shows the state of the refrigerator 100 before communication between the refrigerator 100 and external equipment is established. Figure 6 shows, for example, the state in which the refrigerator 100 is on display in a store.

[0080] In the state shown in Figure 6, the normal operation software SFA is stored in bank BK0 of ROM112, and the demo operation software SFB is stored in bank BK1 of ROM112. The normal operation software SFA is the normal operation software SFA (normal operation software SFA1) corresponding to the version at the time of shipment (version 0). The demo operation software SFB is the demo operation software SFB (demo operation software SFB1) corresponding to the version at the time of shipment (version 0).

[0081] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 6, the control unit 111 resets (restarts) the main microcontroller 110 by setting the bank setting flag to the second mode based on the salesperson's operation, so that the ROM 112 is set to the second mode. That is, bank BK1 is set to the execution area GA, and bank BK0 is set to the download area NA. The control unit 111 uses the demo operation software SFB1 read from bank BK1 to perform a demo operation of the refrigerator 100. In the state shown in Figure 6, the switching permission flag FS stored in the EEPROM 120 is set to an permission state that allows switching between normal operation and demo operation by the predetermined operation.

[0082] (State after communication is established: Before software update) Figure 7 shows the state of the refrigerator 100 after communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device has been established. As shown in Figure 7, when communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established, the control unit 111 sets the switching permission flag FS stored in the EEPROM 120 to a prohibited state, which prohibits switching between normal operation and demo operation by the predetermined operation. This restricts switching between normal operation and demo operation by the predetermined operation.

[0083] For example, in this embodiment, when the switching permission flag FS is set to the prohibited state (when communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established), the control unit 111 restricts the change of the bank setting flag so that the state of the ROM 112 is fixed in the first embodiment described above. This restricts the bank switching of the ROM 112 and restricts the switching between normal operation and demo operation by the predetermined operation described above.

[0084] In the state shown in Figure 7, the normal operation software SFA is stored in bank BK0 of ROM112, and the demo operation software SFB is stored in bank BK1 of ROM112. The normal operation software SFA is the normal operation software SFA (normal operation software SFA1) corresponding to the version at the time of shipment (version 0). The demo operation software SFB is the demo operation software SFB (demo operation software SFB1) corresponding to the version at the time of shipment (version 0).

[0085] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 7, the ROM 112 is set to the first configuration described above. That is, bank BK0 is set to the execution area GA, and bank BK1 is set to the download area NA. The control unit 111 uses the normal operation software SFA1 read from bank BK0 to perform normal operation of the refrigerator 100.

[0086] (Condition 2 after communication is established: after software update) Figure 8 shows the state of the refrigerator 100 after communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device has been established. The switching permission flag FS stored in the EEPROM 120 is set to a prohibited state, which prohibits switching between normal operation and demo operation by the predetermined operation described above. Figure 8 shows the state in which the operation information SF stored in the ROM 112 has been updated by the update information SA obtained from an external source (e.g., server 200) by the communication unit 102.

[0087] In the state shown in Figure 8, update information SA is registered in server 200. Update information SA is information that can be used to update the operation information SF stored in ROM 112. Update information SA includes, for example, normal operation software SFA (normal operation software SFA2) corresponding to the new version (version 1). On the other hand, update information SA does not include, for example, demo operation software SFB corresponding to the new version (version 1).

[0088] For example, in the first mode where bank BK0 is set as the execution area GA and bank BK1 is set as the download area NA, the control unit 111 deletes the demo operation software SFB stored in bank BK1. Then, the control unit 111 acquires the update information SA obtained from the outside (for example, the server 200) by the communication unit 102, and stores the normal operation software SFA2 included in the update information SA in bank BK1.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 8, thereafter, the control unit 111 switches the bank BK and sets the ROM112 to the second mode (the mode where bank BK1 is set as the execution area GA and bank BK0 is set as the download area NA). The switching of the bank BK here is automatically performed at the time of software update, and is different from the case where the user U performs a predetermined operation when the switching permission flag FS is in the permission state. Then, the control unit 111 executes the normal operation of the refrigerator 100 using the normal operation software SFA2 read from bank BK1.

[0090] Instead of the above example, when the normal operation software SFA2 corresponding to the new version (version 1) has not been developed, the normal operation software SFA1 corresponding to version 0 may be included in the update information SA. In this case, after deleting the demo operation software SFB stored in bank BK1, the control unit 111 may store the normal operation software SFA1 obtained from the outside (for example, the server 200) by the communication unit 102 in bank BK1. That is, the normal operation software SFA1 may be stored in both bank BK0 and bank BK1. Even with such a method, it is possible to more reliably suppress the accidental execution of the demo operation. Note that, in order to reduce the capacity load and communication load of the server 200, instead of acquiring from the server 200, the normal operation software SFA1 of bank BK0 may be copied and stored in bank BK1.

[0091] <A5. Control when communication is established during demo operation> In this embodiment, when an operation for establishing communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is performed during the demonstration operation, the control unit 111 switches from the demonstration operation to the normal operation. Then, after switching from the demonstration operation to the normal operation, the control unit 111 restricts the switching between the normal operation and the demonstration operation by the above-described method based on the predetermined operation. The "operation for establishing communication between the refrigerator and an external device" is, for example, an act of operating a predetermined button of the refrigerator 100 after operating the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button of the wireless router WR.

[0092] (First Modified Example) Note that, instead of the above example, the control unit 111 may automatically switch from the demonstration operation to the normal operation when communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established during the demonstration operation. Then, after switching from the demonstration operation to the normal operation, the control unit 111 may restrict the switching between the normal operation and the demonstration operation by the above-described method based on the predetermined operation.

[0093] (Second Modified Example) Instead of the above example, the control unit 111 may output a notification prompting the switching from the demonstration operation to the normal operation when communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established during the demonstration operation. Then, after switching from the demonstration operation to the normal operation, the control unit 111 may restrict the switching between the normal operation and the demonstration operation by the above-described method based on the predetermined operation. The "notification prompting the switching from the demonstration operation to the normal operation" is, for example, one or more of a buzzer sound by a buzzer provided in the refrigerator 100, a voice notification if the refrigerator 100 has a voice dialogue function, or an output of an error message to the display screen of the refrigerator 100 or the display screen of the terminal device 300.

[0094] <A6. Advantages> Demonstration operation (operation for in-store display) does not involve cooling, and if the unit is accidentally switched from normal operation (operation that cools the storage compartment 30) to demonstration operation, it will damage the food inside the storage compartment 30. On the other hand, if the unit is accidentally switched back to normal operation when demonstration operation is desired, it will increase the electricity costs for the electronics retailer conducting the demonstration or trip the circuit breaker. It would be undesirable if the unit could be easily switched between normal operation and demonstration operation due to accidental operation.

[0095] Furthermore, some electronics retailers operate by turning off the circuit breakers for refrigerators in demo mode after closing and turning them back on before opening. Therefore, it is undesirable to use only power ON / OFF to determine the transition conditions between normal operation and demo mode. To prevent this, the transition conditions between normal operation and demo mode use a combination of operations that are not normally performed. However, because these are operations that are not normally used, it is difficult to revert to the original operation once the operating settings are changed unintentionally.

[0096] Therefore, in this embodiment, when communication is established between the refrigerator 100 and an external device, the control unit 111 restricts switching from normal operation to demo operation by at least the predetermined operation described above. With this configuration, when communication is established between the refrigerator 100 and an external device, it is considered to be a situation in which user U would normally use the refrigerator, and switching from normal operation to demo operation is restricted. This prevents user U from accidentally switching to demo operation at home. This improves the convenience for user U.

[0097] In this case, if the normal operation software SFA and the demo operation software SFB are integrated as a single software, there is a possibility of accidentally switching between normal operation and demo operation. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the normal operation software SFA and the demo operation software SFB are separated into different banks BK, thereby separating and making the normal operation and demo operation independent.

[0098] From an operational standpoint, while a demo run needs to be included in the refrigerator at the time of shipment, it does not need to be included in the update information SA registered in server 200 for updates. The fact that an update is performed using the update information SA in server 200 means that user U is already using refrigerator 100.

[0099] Furthermore, while it is possible to develop two types of software—one for shipment that includes both normal and demo operation, and another for updates that includes only normal operation—the source code becomes complex. Also, integrating the normal operation software (SFA) and the demo operation software (SFB) increases verification time. For example, if the demo operation software for shipment is modified, it becomes necessary to verify the normal operation of the shipment software as well. Alternatively, version and difference management when changes are made to both the shipment and update software becomes complex, making debugging difficult.

[0100] On the other hand, separating and making the system independent simplifies refrigerator control and reduces the ROM size it occupies. This improves design quality and reduces operating and management costs. Furthermore, independent verification of normal operation and demo operation makes management and verification easier when changes are made, improving development efficiency.

[0101] In this embodiment, when communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established, the control unit 111 updates the operation information SF stored in the ROM 112 at the time of shipment of the refrigerator 100 using update information SA obtained from an external source by the communication unit 102, thereby restricting the switching from normal operation to demo operation by at least the predetermined operation. With this configuration, the switching from normal operation to demo operation can be restricted by updating the software.

[0102] In this embodiment, the operating information SF stored in the ROM 112 at the time of shipment of the refrigerator 100 includes normal operation software SFA used for controlling normal operation and demo operation software SFB used for controlling demo operation. On the other hand, the operating information SF updated using the information acquired from the external source includes the normal operation software SFA but does not include the demo operation software SFB. With this configuration, it is possible to more reliably prevent the accidental execution of demo operation.

[0103] In this embodiment, the control unit 111 switches from demo operation to normal operation when an operation is performed to establish communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device during demo operation. With this configuration, if demo operation is in progress when an operation to establish communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is performed, it can be mistakenly treated as if demo operation is in progress and terminated. This further improves the convenience of the user U.

[0104] In this embodiment, the control unit 111 switches from demo operation to normal operation when communication is established between the refrigerator 100 and an external device during demo operation. With this configuration, if demo operation is in progress when communication is established between the refrigerator 100 and an external device, it can be mistakenly considered that demo operation is being performed and terminated. This further improves the convenience of the user U.

[0105] In this embodiment, the control unit 111 outputs a notification prompting the user to switch from demo operation to normal operation when communication is established between the refrigerator 100 and an external device during demo operation. With this configuration, if demo operation is in progress when communication is established between the refrigerator 100 and an external device, it can be mistakenly assumed that demo operation is being performed, and the user U can be notified that demo operation is in progress. This further improves the convenience of the user U.

[0106] In this embodiment, ROM 112 includes bank BK0 and bank BK1. ROM 112 can switch between at least two modes: a first mode in which information stored in bank BK0 is readable, while information stored in bank BK1 is not readable; and a second mode in which information stored in bank BK1 is readable (executable as a program), while information stored in bank BK0 is not readable (not executable as a program). Bank BK0 stores normal operation software SFA used for controlling normal operation. Bank BK1 stores demo operation software SFB used for controlling demo operation. The control unit 111 restricts switching from at least the first mode to the second mode when communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established. With this configuration, for example, the functionality of ROM 112, which is a dual-bank ROM, can be effectively utilized to restrict switching from normal operation to demo operation.

[0107] In this embodiment, the EEPROM 120 stores a switching permission flag FS that indicates whether or not switching between normal operation and demo operation is possible by the predetermined operation. When communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established, the control unit 111 rewrites the switching permission flag FS, thereby restricting switching from normal operation to demo operation by at least the predetermined operation. With this configuration, the restriction state for switching between normal operation and demo operation can be determined by the switching permission flag FS located outside the ROM 112. This simplifies the normal operation software SFA and the demo operation software SFB.

[0108] In this embodiment, once communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established, the control unit 111 continues to restrict switching from normal operation to demo 2 operation, at least by the predetermined operation, even after the communication is interrupted. With this configuration, even if communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is interrupted, it is considered that the user U is in a normal operating state, and the switching from normal operation to demo operation is restricted. This further improves the convenience of the user U.

[0109] (B. Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it is provided with a ROM 151 that is not a dual-bank ROM. Other than what is described below, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0110] Figures 9 to 11 are diagrams illustrating the configuration and control flow of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the main microcontroller 110 has a ROM 151. The ROM 151 is not a dual-bank ROM, and the entire area of ​​the ROM 151 is readable.

[0111] (State before communication is established) Figure 9 shows the state of the refrigerator 100 before communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established. Figure 9 shows the normal usage state before communication is established. Figure 9 shows, for example, the state of the refrigerator 100 when it is shipped.

[0112] In the state shown in Figure 9, ROM 151 stores the normal operation software SFA (Normal Operation Software SFA1) corresponding to the factory version (version 0) and the demo operation software SFB (Demo Operation Software SFB1) corresponding to the factory version (version 0). Also in the state shown in Figure 9, the switchover permission flag FS stored in EEPROM 120 is set to an permission state that allows switching between normal operation and demo operation by the predetermined operation described above.

[0113] In the state shown in Figure 9, the control unit 111 can perform normal operation by reading the normal operation software SFA from the ROM 151 and executing the normal operation software SFA. Similarly, the control unit 111 can perform a demonstration operation by reading the demonstration operation software SFB from the ROM 151 and executing the demonstration operation software SFB.

[0114] (State after communication is established: Before software update) Figure 10 shows the state of the refrigerator 100 after communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device has been established. As shown in Figure 10, when communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established, the control unit 111 sets the switching permission flag FS stored in the EEPROM 120 to a prohibited state, which prohibits switching between normal operation and demo operation by the predetermined operation. This restricts switching between normal operation and demo operation by the predetermined operation.

[0115] (Condition 2 after communication is established: after software update) Figure 11 shows the state of the refrigerator 100 after communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device has been established. The switching permission flag FS stored in the EEPROM 120 is set to a prohibited state, which prohibits switching between normal operation and demo operation by the predetermined operation described above. Figure 11 shows the state in which the operation information SF stored in the ROM 112 has been updated by the update information SA obtained from an external source (e.g., server 200) by the communication unit 102.

[0116] In the state shown in Figure 11, update information SA is registered in server 200. Update information SA includes, for example, normal operation software SFA (normal operation software SFA2) corresponding to the new version (version 1) and demo operation software SFB (demo operation software SFB1) corresponding to the version at the time of shipment (version 0).

[0117] The control unit 111 obtains update information SA from the server 200 via the communication unit 102 and updates the operation information SF (normal operation software SFA1, demo operation software SFB1) stored in the ROM 151 using the update information SA. As a result, the updated ROM 151 will contain normal operation software SFA2 instead of normal operation software SFA1.

[0118] Even with such a configuration, when communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established, the switching from normal operation to demo operation is restricted. This can improve the convenience for the user U.

[0119] (C. Third Embodiment) Next, the third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a switching permission flag FS is stored in banks BK0 and BK1 of the ROM 112. The configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0120] <C1. Configuration and Control Flow of the Third Embodiment> FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining the configuration and control flow of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the main microcomputer 110 has a ROM 112 which is a dual - bank ROM.

[0121] (State Before Communication Establishment) FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the state of the refrigerator 100 before communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established. FIG. 12 shows the normal usage state before communication establishment. FIG. 12 shows, for example, the state at the time of shipment of the refrigerator 100. In this embodiment, in bank BK0 of the ROM 112, normal operation software SFA (normal operation software SFA1) corresponding to the version at the time of shipment (version 0) and a switching permission flag FS (switching permission flag FS1) set to the above - mentioned permission state are stored. On the other hand, in bank BK1 of the ROM 112, demo operation software SFB (demo operation software SFB1) corresponding to the version at the time of shipment (version 0) and a switching permission flag FS (switching permission flag FS1) set to the above - mentioned permission state are stored.

[0122] (State After Communication Establishment: After Software Update) Figure 13 shows the state of the refrigerator 100 after communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device has been established. In this embodiment, update information SA is registered in the server 200. The update information SA includes, for example, normal operation software SFA (normal operation software SFA2) corresponding to the new version (version 1) and a switchover permission flag FS (switchover permission flag FS2) set to the prohibited state described above.

[0123] When communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established, the control unit 111 deletes the demo operation software SFB and the switchover permission flag FS1 that were stored in bank BK1 in the first mode described above (the mode in which bank BK0 is set to the execution area GA and bank BK1 is set to the download area NA). Then, the control unit 111 obtains the update information SA obtained from an external source (e.g., server 200) by the communication unit 102 and stores the normal operation software SFA2 and the switchover permission flag FS2 contained in the update information SA in bank BK1. The switchover permission flag FS2 is the switchover permission flag FS that has been set to the prohibited state described above.

[0124] As shown in Figure 13, the control unit 111 then switches bank BK and sets ROM 112 to the second mode (the mode in which bank BK1 is set to execution area GA and bank BK0 is set to download area NA). Then, the control unit 111 uses the normal operation software SFA2 read from bank BK1 to perform normal operation of the refrigerator 100. The control unit 111 also determines that it is not possible to switch from normal operation to demo operation based on the switching permission flag FS2 stored in bank BK1.

[0125] Even with this configuration, switching from normal operation to demo operation is restricted once communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established. This improves user convenience.

[0126] In addition, if the normal operation software SFA2 corresponding to the new version (version 1) has not been developed instead of the above example, the normal operation software SFA1 corresponding to version 0 may be included in the update information SA. In this case, after deleting the demo operation software SFB stored in the bank BK1, the control unit 111 may store the normal operation software SFA1 acquired from the outside (for example, the server 200) by the communication unit 102 in the bank BK1. That is, the normal operation software SFA1 may be stored in both the bank BK0 and the bank BK1. Even with such a method, by storing the switching permission flag FS2 in the bank BK1, it is possible to more reliably suppress the accidental execution of the demo operation. Note that, in order to reduce the capacity load and communication load of the server 200, instead of acquiring from the server 200, the normal operation software SFA1 in the bank BK0 may be copied and stored in the bank BK1.

[0127] <C2. Modification Example of the Third Embodiment> Next, a modification example of the third embodiment will be described. FIGS. 14 and 15 are diagrams for explaining the configuration and control flow of a modification example of the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the state of the refrigerator 100 before communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the state of the refrigerator 100 after communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established.

[0128] In this modification example, in the configuration of the third embodiment described above, a ROM 151 that is not a dual-bank ROM is provided as in the second embodiment. Therefore, for the details of this modification example, in the description of the third embodiment described above, ROM 112 may be read as ROM 151. Even with such a configuration, when communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established, switching from normal operation to demo operation is restricted. Thereby, the convenience of the user U can be improved.

[0129] (D. Fourth Embodiment) Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that the update information SA is stored in advance in the download area A2 of the ROM 112. The configuration other than that described below is the same as the configuration of the modification example of the third embodiment.

[0130] <D1. Configuration and control flow of the fourth embodiment> FIGS. 16 and 17 are diagrams for explaining the information stored in the ROM 151 of the fourth embodiment. In the present embodiment, the main microcomputer 110 has a ROM 151 that is not a dual-bank ROM. The ROM 151 includes an execution area A1 (first area) and a download area A2 (second area).

[0131] FIG. 16 shows the information stored in the ROM 151 at the time of shipment of the refrigerator 100. In the execution area A1 of the ROM 151 at the time of shipment, normal operation software SFA (normal operation software SFA1) corresponding to the version at the time of shipment (version 0), demo operation software SFB (demo operation software SFB1) corresponding to the version at the time of shipment (version 0), and a switching permission flag FS (switching permission flag FS1) set to the above permission state are stored.

[0132] On the other hand, in the download area A2 of the ROM 151 at the time of shipment, update information SA for updating the information stored in the execution area A1 is stored after communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established. The update information SA includes normal operation software SFA (normal operation software SFA1) corresponding to the version at the time of shipment (version 0), demo operation software SFB (demo operation software SFB1) corresponding to the version at the time of shipment (version 0), and a switching permission flag FS (switching permission flag FS2) set to the above prohibited state.

[0133] Figure 17 shows the state in which communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established and the information stored in the execution area A1 is updated by the update information SA. In this state, the execution area A1 of the ROM 151 stores the normal operation software SFA (normal operation software SFA1) corresponding to the factory version (version 0), the demo operation software SFB (demo operation software SFB1) corresponding to the factory version (version 0), and the switchover permission flag FS (switchover permission flag FS2) which is set to the prohibited state described above.

[0134] Figures 18 and 19 illustrate the configuration and control flow of a modified example of the fourth embodiment. Figures 18 and 19 show only the execution area A1 of the ROM 151.

[0135] (State before communication is established) Figure 18 shows the state of the refrigerator 100 before communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established. Figure 18 shows the normal usage state before communication is established. Figure 18 shows, for example, the state of the refrigerator 100 at the time of shipment. In this embodiment, the execution area A1 of the ROM 151 stores the normal operation software SFA (normal operation software SFA1) corresponding to the version at the time of shipment (version 0), the demo operation software SFB (demo operation software SFB1) corresponding to the version at the time of shipment (version 0), and the switchover permission flag FS (switchover permission flag FS1) set to the above permission state.

[0136] (Status after communication is established: after software update) FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the state of the refrigerator 100 after communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established. When communication between the refrigerator 100 and the external device is established, the control unit 111 updates the information stored in the execution area A1 of the ROM 151 using the update information SA stored in the download area A2 of the ROM 151. As a result, in the execution area A1 of the ROM 151, there are stored normal operation software SFA (normal operation software SFA1) corresponding to the version at the time of shipment (version 0), demo operation software SFB (demo operation software SFB1) corresponding to the version at the time of shipment (version 0), and a switching permission flag FS (switching permission flag FS2) set to the prohibited state. The control unit 111 executes normal operation of the refrigerator 100 using the normal operation software SFA1 read from the execution area A1 of the ROM 151.

[0137] Even with such a configuration, when communication between the refrigerator 100 and the external device is established, switching from normal operation to demo operation is restricted. Thereby, the convenience of the user U can be improved. Further, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to prepare the update information SA in the server 200.

[0138] <D2. Modification Example of the Fourth Embodiment> Next, a modification example of the fourth embodiment will be described. FIGS. 20 and 21 are diagrams for explaining the configuration and control flow of a modification example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the state of the refrigerator 100 before communication between the refrigerator 100 and the external device is established. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the state of the refrigerator 100 after communication between the refrigerator 100 and the external device is established.

[0139] In this modified example, in the configuration of the fourth embodiment described above, a ROM 112 is provided, which is a dual-bank ROM, similar to the first embodiment. Therefore, the details of this modified example can be understood by replacing "execution area A1 of ROM 151" with "bank BK0 of ROM 112", "download area A2 of ROM 151" with "bank BK1 of ROM 112", and "updating information using update information SA" with "switching bank BK" in the description of the fourth embodiment described above.

[0140] Even with this configuration, switching from normal operation to demo operation is restricted once communication between the refrigerator 100 and an external device is established. This improves the convenience for user U. Furthermore, this modified version eliminates the need to prepare update information SA on the server 200.

[0141] Although several embodiments and variations have been described above, the embodiments and variations are not limited to the examples described above. For example, the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined as appropriate.

[0142] According to at least one embodiment described above, the refrigerator can switch between a first operation and a second operation by a predetermined operation. The refrigerator includes a control unit that restricts switching from the first operation to the second operation by at least the predetermined operation when communication between the refrigerator and an external device is established. Such a configuration can improve convenience.

[0143] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 100... Refrigerator 101...Control device 102... Communications Department 110... Main microcontroller 111... Control Unit 112…ROM (memory unit) BK1…Bank 1 BK2...Bank 2 120...EEPROM (storage unit) 200... Server

Claims

1. A refrigerator that can switch between a first operation and a second operation by a predetermined operation, The refrigerator is equipped with a control unit that, when communication is established between the refrigerator and an external device, restricts switching from the first operation to the second operation by at least one predetermined operation. refrigerator.

2. The first operation described above is an operation with cooling control, The second operation described above is an operation for in-store display without cooling control. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

3. A storage unit that stores operating information used to control the operation of the refrigerator, A communications unit capable of acquiring information from external sources, Furthermore, When communication between the refrigerator and an external device is established, the control unit updates the operating information stored in the storage unit at the time of shipment of the refrigerator using information obtained from the outside by the communication unit, thereby restricting the switching from the first operation to the second operation by at least the predetermined operation. A refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The operating information stored in the storage unit at the time of shipment of the refrigerator includes first operating information used for controlling the first operation and second operating information used for controlling the second operation. The operating information updated using the information obtained from the external source includes the first operating information but does not include the second operating information. The refrigerator according to claim 3.

5. The control unit switches from the second operation to the first operation if an operation is performed during the second operation to establish communication between the refrigerator and an external device. A refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The control unit switches from the second operation to the first operation when communication between the refrigerator and an external device is established during the second operation. A refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The control unit outputs a notification prompting a switch from the second operation to the first operation when communication between the refrigerator and an external device is established during the second operation. A refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. Equipped with additional memory, The storage unit includes a first area and a second area, and is at least switchable between a first mode in which information stored in the first area is readable while information stored in the second area is not readable, and a second mode in which information stored in the second area is readable while information stored in the first area is not readable. The first region stores first operation information used for controlling the first operation, The second region stores second operation information used for controlling the second operation, The control unit, when communication between the refrigerator and an external device is established, restricts switching from at least the first mode to the second mode. A refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. Equipped with additional memory, The memory unit stores status information indicating whether or not it is possible to switch between the first operation and the second operation by the predetermined operation. The control unit, when communication between the refrigerator and an external device is established, rewrites the predetermined status information to restrict switching from the first operation to the second operation by at least the predetermined operation. A refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 2.

10. The control unit, once communication between the refrigerator and an external device is established, continues to restrict switching from the first operation to the second operation by at least the predetermined operation, even after the communication is interrupted. A refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 2.

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