Washing machine system

Abstract

The objective is to provide a washing machine system that can improve convenience. [Solution] The washing machine system of the embodiment includes a washing machine. The washing machine has a storage unit, a display unit, and a control unit. The storage unit stores operation history information, including the details of the operation courses of the washing machine that the device has operated. The display unit displays the operation history of the operation courses based on the operation history information. When the control unit detects an operation to select an operation course from the operation history displayed on the display unit, it operates the device based on the selected operation course.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 Embodiments of the present invention relate to a washing machine system. 【Background Art】 【0002】 There is provided a washing machine that can register a plurality of operation courses in the washing machine with arbitrarily set times and numbers of washing, rinsing, dehydration, etc., call an operation course according to needs, and execute the operation course to perform washing, etc. However, such a washing machine has sometimes been difficult to further improve convenience. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-200691 7]【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 washing machine system capable of improving convenience. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0005】 The washing machine system according to the embodiment includes a washing machine and a storage unit. The washing machine includes an operation course selection unit for a user to select an operation course to be executed by the washing machine, a display unit for displaying the operation history of the operation course based on the operation history information of the operation course executed by the washing machine, and a control unit. The storage unit for storing the operation history information is provided in the washing machine or a server capable of communicating with the washing machine. When the washing machine executes one operation course, the control unit causes the storage unit to store the operation history information regarding the operation of the operation course. When displaying the operation history, the control unit causes the display unit to display the operation history of the same operation course so as not to overlap. 【Brief Description of the Drawings】 【0006】 [Figure 1] A diagram showing the overall configuration of the washing machine system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Functional block diagram of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows an example of a screen displayed on the control panel of a washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 2 shows an example of a screen displayed on the control panel of a washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 3 shows an example of a screen displayed on the control panel of a washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing an example of the operation history display process in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 4 shows an example of a screen displayed on the control panel of a washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A first flowchart showing an example of the operation history registration process in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing an example of the operation history registration process in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] A flowchart showing an example of the process for reflecting the operation history in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the overall configuration of the washing machine system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 1 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operating terminal of the third embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 2 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operating terminal of the third embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 3 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operating terminal of the third embodiment. [Figure 15] A first flowchart showing the flow of communication data in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 4 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operating terminal of the third embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 5 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operating terminal of the third embodiment. [Figure 18]Figure 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the operating terminal of the third embodiment. [Figure 19] A second flowchart showing the flow of communication data in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0007】 The washing machine system of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplication of these components may be omitted. 【0008】 (First embodiment) Referring to Figure 1, the overall configuration of the washing machine system 1, including the washing machine of the embodiment, will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the washing machine system, including the washing machine of the embodiment. The washing machine system 1 comprises a washing machine 2, an operating terminal 3, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) router (hereinafter referred to as the router) 4, and a server 5. The washing machine 2 is a washer-dryer that can sequentially perform washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying. Note that the washing machine 2 may be a washing machine that sequentially performs washing, rinsing, and spinning, and does not have a drying function. The washing machine 2 is equipped with an operating panel 21. 【0009】 The operating terminal 3 is, for example, a mobile device including a smartphone, a tablet device, or a personal computer, and has an application program for operating the washing machine system (hereinafter referred to as the washing machine app) installed on it. The number of operating terminals 3 shown in Figure 1 is one, but there are no limitations and there may be multiple terminals. The operating terminal 3 communicates wirelessly with the washing machine 2 via the router 4 and remotely controls the washing machine 2. The router 4 is, for example, a Wi-Fi® router commonly used in homes, and is connected to the internet via a modem or the like (not shown). The server 5 exists, for example, on the internet and provides services for the washing machine system. The server 5 has a database 6. The server 5 is an example of a server device. The database 6 is an example of an external storage unit. 【0010】 On the washing machine app installed on the operation terminal 3, the user can create an app course, which is a driving course of the washing machine 2. Also, on the washing machine app, the user can customize the driving course registered in the server 5 to create an app course. The course information of the app course created by the user is stored in the database 6 of the server 5. The app course is an example of a driving course. 【0011】 FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the washing machine 2 according to the embodiment. The washing machine 2 includes an operation panel 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a communication unit 24. 【0012】 As shown in FIG. 1 for example, the operation panel 21 is provided on the front side of the upper surface of the washing machine 2 main body. The operation panel 21 includes a display unit made of, for example, TFT (Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid-Crystal Display) liquid crystal, and displays an image including a plurality of types of display screens related to the driving course of the washing machine 2 on its display surface. Thereby, the user can confirm the setting of the driving course of the washing machine 2 and the current driving status. 【0013】 Further, the operation panel 21 includes a course selection unit that receives a user operation for instructing the setting and switching of the driving course of the washing machine 2. The course selection unit is formed, for example, as a so-called touch-type operation panel and includes a touch sensor constituted by a capacitance switch. With such a configuration, the user operates the washing machine 2 using the screen displayed on the operation panel 21. The operation panel 21 receives various operations related to the operation of the washing machine 2. The display unit of the operation panel 21 may be constituted by an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 7-segment display, and the course selection unit may be constituted by a physical push button switch. 【0014】 The control unit 22 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Each process of the control unit 22 is realized by the processor executing a program. Some or all of the processes of the control unit 22 may be executed by hardware such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 22 controls the operation of the washing machine 2, controls input / output to the storage unit 23, controls the display on the operation panel 21, and controls the detection and processing of operations entered on the operation panel 21. 【0015】 The storage unit 23 has semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable ROM). EEPROM is an example of electrically erasable non-volatile semiconductor memory and is used as a non-volatile storage area. For example, the storage unit 23 can store application course information acquired via the server 5 in its non-volatile storage area. It can also store the operation history of the washing machines 2 that have run and the application courses in its storage area. 【0016】 The communication unit 24 is configured to be connectable to a network, for example, via a router 4. The communication unit 24 connects to the server 5 via the network. The communication unit 24 also communicates with the operation terminal 3 via the network. For example, the communication unit 24 sends course information of an application course to the operation terminal 3. For example, the communication unit 24 sends and receives driving history information to and from the server 5. The communication unit 24 may also send and receive data to and from the operation terminal 3 via the router 4 or directly, without using the network. 【0017】 Washing machine 2 is configured to have all operating courses other than the app-selected courses available as standard operating courses. Therefore, washing machine 2 can be controlled using the standard operating courses without having to obtain course information from server 5. In contrast, app-selected courses can be selected by the user obtaining the course information of the desired operating course from server 5 and registering it with washing machine 2. Server 5 has various operating courses that can be selected as app-selected courses pre-registered. The user can use the operation terminal 3 to select the desired operating course from the operating courses registered in server 5 and apply it to the operation control of washing machine 2. 【0018】 Next, the screens displayed on the operation panel 21 will be explained using Figures 3 to 5. The example screens shown below are created and displayed by the control unit 22. 【0019】 Figure 3 is the first diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the control panel 21 of the washing machine 2 according to the first embodiment. The example screen shown in Figure 3(a) is the top screen displayed when the washing machine 2 is turned on. The example screen shown in Figure 3(b) is the first operating course selection screen, which is displayed in place of the top screen in Figure 3(a), and displays several operating courses that are originally set on the washing machine. The example screen shown in Figure 3(c) is the second operating course selection screen, which is displayed in place of the first operating course selection screen in Figure 3(b), and displays the app course. These will be explained in order below. 【0020】 The top screen shown in Figure 3(a) displays icons in the middle section indicating operation types such as washing ("Wash: Standard Course"), washing and drying ("Wash and Dry"), and drying ("Dry"), while the bottom section displays course buttons, a start button, etc. When the control unit 22 detects an operation on an icon indicating an operation type displayed on the top screen, it selects an operation type according to the detection result. For example, if the user operates the "Washing" icon on the display screen and the operation is detected by the control panel 21, the control unit 22 determines the operation type to be "Washing" ("Washing: Standard Course"). 【0021】 When the user presses the "Course" button displayed on the top screen in Figure 3(a) while the operating type is selected, the process moves to the step of selecting an operating course, and the display on the control panel 21 changes to the first operating course selection screen shown in Figure 3(b). With the first operating course selection screen displayed, the user can select one desired operating course from among the multiple operating courses originally set in the washing machine. There are five operating courses displayed on the screen in Figure 3(b), and icons indicating the content of each operating course are displayed: "Standard," "Soak," "Speed," "Memory," and "Very Soft." When an operating course icon is pressed, the corresponding operating course is selected. The icon of the selected operating course is white, and a description of the operating course is displayed below it. Figure 3(b) shows the state where the Speed ​​course is selected as the operating course, and the description of the operating course is displayed as "For when you want to save water and wash in a short time." The Memory course is an operating course in which the user combines desired processes for washing. In addition, the first operating course selection screen allows the user to set hot water settings, bath water settings, etc. The memory course is just one example of a washing machine course. Courses created by adding settings such as hot water settings and bath water settings to the washing machine's original courses are also just examples of washing machine courses. 【0022】 Furthermore, users can select an app-based course, which is a different operating course from the one originally set on the washing machine. An app-based course is an operating course created by the user using a washing machine app installed on an external operating terminal 3, and can be selected by downloading it from the server 5 to the washing machine 2. When using an app-based course, the washing machine 2 is operated in a manner defined by the course information downloaded from the server 5. 【0023】 To select an app course, the user presses the ">" button displayed on the far right of Figure 3(b). This displays the second driving course selection screen shown in Figure 3(c) on the control panel 21. The user can then choose their desired driving course from the multiple app courses displayed on the second driving course selection screen. In the example in Figure 3(c), there are a total of three app courses, each represented by an icon labeled "App 1," "App 2," and "App 3." 【0024】 A course confirmation button 25 is located at the bottom of the second driving course selection screen. When the user presses the course confirmation button 25, the course information of the currently selected app course is notified to the external control terminal 3 linked to the washing machine 2. Note that the course confirmation button 25 does not have to be located on the control panel 21; for example, it may be a physical push-button switch. 【0025】 When a driving course or application course is executed from the screen shown above, the control unit 22 records the driving history information of the executed driving course or application course in the storage unit 23. The driving history information includes, for example, the name and identification information of the course, the driving details, the start time, the end time, and whether or not there was an interruption. 【0026】 Figure 4 shows a second example of the screen displayed on the control panel 21 of the washing machine 2 in the first embodiment. The example screen shown in Figure 4(a) is the same top screen as in Figure 3(a). The example screen shown in Figure 4(b) is the operation history list screen that is displayed when the "Operation History Button" on the top screen of Figure 4(a) is pressed. The operation courses or app courses that the washing machine 2 has actually operated are displayed in chronological order of execution (from most recently executed) along with their start time. In other words, the operation history list screen in Figure 4(b) displays the operation history of the washing machine 2. There is a limit to the operation history that can be displayed on the operation history list screen; only a predetermined number of recent entries are displayed. The control unit 22 reads the operation history recorded in the storage unit 23 and creates and displays the operation history list screen in Figure 4(b). The example screen shown in Figure 4(c) is a confirmation screen that is displayed when the "Sheet Course" is pressed on the operation history list screen in Figure 4(b), and it confirms the execution of the operation course selected by the user. If the user presses "Close" on the confirmation screen in Figure 4(c), the sheets course will not be executed, and the user will return to the operation history list screen in Figure 4(b). If the user presses "Start" on the confirmation screen in Figure 4(c), the sheets course will be started by washing machine 2. 【0027】 Figure 5 shows a third example of the screen displayed on the control panel 21 of the washing machine 2 in the first embodiment. Figure 5 shows another aspect of the screen for selecting a washing course from the washing history. The example screen shown in Figure 5(a) is the same top screen as in Figure 3(a). The example screen shown in Figure 5(b) is the washing course selection screen that appears when the "Course button" on the top screen of Figure 5(a) is pressed, and displays multiple washing courses that are originally set on the washing machine. The example screen shown in Figure 5(c) is the second course selection screen that appears when ">" is pressed on the washing course selection screen of Figure 5(b), and displays up to a predetermined number of washing courses and other washing history that have actually been run on the washing machine 2, in chronological order of execution (from most recently executed). In the example in Figure 5, the previously executed washing content is displayed in a selectable format alongside other courses. For example, if the user presses "History Course 1", the washing machine 2 can be made to execute "History Course 1". 【0028】 Next, the process for displaying the operation history will be explained in the operation history list screen shown in Figure 4(b) and the second course selection screen shown in Figure 5(c). Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation history display process in the first embodiment. First, the control unit 22 sets the counting variable n to 0 (step S101). Next, the control unit 22 reads out the operation history information with the most recent start time from the operation history information recorded in the storage unit 23 (step S102). Next, the control unit 22 determines whether the read operation history information is to be displayed or not (step S103). For example, the control unit 22 determines that if the course indicated by the operation history information is an application course created by the user, the read operation history information is to be displayed, but if it is an operation course originally provided by the washing machine 2, it is not to be displayed. Also, for example, even if the course indicated by the operation history information is an operation course originally provided by the washing machine 2, if it is a memory course, it may be determined to be to be displayed. For example, the control unit 22 determines that if the read driving history information is for an application course that has not yet been set as a display target, then it is for display, and if it is the same as a course that has already been set as a display target, then it determines that the read driving history information is not for display. The control unit 22 sets the course that it has determined to be for display as a display target and adds 1 to the variable n (step S104). Next, the control unit 22 determines whether the value of variable n is equal to or greater than the maximum number of display items N (step S105). Here, N (for example, 5) is the maximum number of driving histories to be registered in the storage unit 23, or a value less than or equal to that. If variable n is N or greater (step S105; Yes), the control unit 22 creates a screen (for example, Figure 4(b) or Figure 5(c)) in which the courses set as display targets are arranged in order from the most recent driving time, and displays it on the operation panel 21 (step S107). If the variable n is less than N (step S105; No), the control unit 22 reads the next most recent operation start time from the operation history information recorded in the storage unit 23 (step S106). Then, the control unit 22 repeats the process from step S103 onwards. In the above explanation, only the app course is displayed, and standard courses and the like are not displayed, but the operation courses that the washing machine 2 originally has may also be displayed. 【0029】 When a user selects a course and the washing machine 2 completes the operation of that course, the control unit 22 creates a screen as illustrated in Figure 7 and displays it on the operation panel 21. Figure 7 is the fourth diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel 21 of the washing machine 2 in the first embodiment. The example screen shown in Figure 7 is the completion screen displayed when the washing machine 2 has finished operating a certain application course (or operation course). A "Register Operation History" button is located at the bottom of the completion screen. When the user presses the "Register Operation History" button, the control unit 22 records the completed course as operation history in the storage unit 23. After the operation is complete, the user can remove the laundry from the washing machine 2, check the condition of the clothes, and if they are satisfied with the result, they can press the "Register Operation History" button to register the operation details they just performed as operation history information. The registered operation history information can be selected and executed again from the screens illustrated in Figures 3(b) and 4(c). Also, for example, the control unit 22 does not need to display the "Register Operation History" button when an operation course originally provided by the washing machine 2 is executed. Furthermore, the control unit 22 may not display the driving history registration button regardless of whether it is a driving course or an app course, and may unconditionally record the course in the storage unit 23 when the driving is completed. 【0030】 Next, the process of registering the driving history will be explained. Figure 8 is a first flowchart showing an example of the driving history registration process in the first embodiment. Assume that the user presses the driving history registration button on the completion screen. The control unit 22 refers to the storage unit 23 and obtains the number of currently recorded driving history information entries (step S201). Next, the control unit 22 determines whether the number of entries is equal to or greater than the maximum number of entries M (step S202). If the number of entries is M or greater (step S202; Yes), the control unit 22 selects the oldest driving time entry, that is, the one that has not been used recently, from the driving history information recorded in the storage unit 23 and deletes that driving history information (step S203). If the number of entries is less than M (step S202; No), or when the process in step S203 is completed, the control unit 22 records the driving history information of the application course that has just finished driving in the storage unit 23 (step S204). 【0031】 In the explanation of Figure 8, driving history information is described as being added one after another. However, if the same app course is driven many times, all the driving history information will end up being for the same app course. In this situation, when an app course that has already been recorded as driving history information is executed, only the start time of execution may be newly recorded, or it may be overwritten, so that as many types of driving history information as possible remain. In this case, driving history information that has not been executed for a predetermined period of time may be deleted. Also, if the same app course is driven many times, the number of times it has been driven may be recorded, and those with the fewest runs within a predetermined period may be deleted first. 【0032】 As described above, according to this embodiment, the washing machine 2 can display the operation history. The user can select and execute a washing operation from the displayed operation history. The operation history displays the most recently executed course. This allows the user to check the courses that have been recently executed on the washing machine 2. The most recently executed course is likely to be a high-priority course for the current user, and it is likely that the same operation will be executed next time. According to this embodiment, convenience is improved because the recent operation history can be easily checked and re-executed. Although there is a limit to the memory capacity of the washing machine 2 for storing operation courses, by configuring it to store and execute only the courses that the user is likely to desire, it is possible to support the execution of operations that meet the user's needs, even if there is a limit to the memory capacity. Furthermore, by storing the operation history information in the memory unit 23 of the washing machine 2, the washing machine 2 can display and re-execute the operation history on its own without communicating with other devices, so it can be used without worrying about the communication status. Furthermore, if, for example, the operation history cannot be displayed without operating the operation terminal 3 and sending the operation history information from the operation terminal 3 or server 5 to the washing machine 2, then this operation must be performed when the washing machine 2 is powered on. However, by storing high-priority operation history in the storage unit 23, such inconvenience is avoided. Also, since only recently executed courses are displayed, for example, when the number of favorite app courses increases, the effort and time required to find the necessary course from among the many app courses can be reduced. For example, laundry methods may change depending on the clothes to be washed depending on the season or changes in family circumstances. If an app course is created each time, the number of courses increases, and it becomes troublesome to remember which app course to use. And the more app courses there are, the more trouble it becomes to find and select them. According to this embodiment, high-priority courses are accumulated in the operation history, so that the app courses that the user uses frequently are accumulated in the operation history. As a result, the user can easily select and execute the desired app course. 【0033】 Furthermore, this embodiment allows for handling irregular setting changes that occur during the operation of an existing washing course. Even after creating an app course, the user may need to change its operation for various reasons. For example, suppose an app course is a sheets course created for washing sheets, with the option to use bath water. During operation, the user may decide to stop using bath water for some reason. For example, they might have used bath salts on a particular day and feel uncomfortable using bath water containing bath salts, so they decide to stop. In such a case, the user would recall this course, change the setting to not use bath water before starting the operation, and then run the machine. Such a setting change is not reflected in the original app course. Therefore, if a similar situation occurs again, the user would have to recall the sheets course again and readjust the bath water setting, or create a new sheets course that does not use bath water. In contrast, this embodiment allows the user to select a sheets course with the bath water usage changed from "yes" to "no" from the operation history and have the washing machine 2 run it. 【0034】 (First variation) As mentioned above, the memory course allows users to arbitrarily set the operating content. Even after registering the operating content in the memory course, users can later change or adjust it. In that case, the operating content before the change will be overwritten and erased. However, there may be times when users want to run the memory course again before the change or adjustment. Therefore, to ensure that the operating content before the change is preserved even when the memory course is changed, separate operating history information may be recorded for the memory course. For example, three operating history entries may be recorded for the memory course, and five operating history entries may be recorded separately for other operating courses and app courses. 【0035】 (Second variation) Furthermore, in addition to the operation history of washing cycles, the operation history information of maintenance operations for washing machine 2 may also be recorded. Maintenance operations for washing machine 2 include, for example, the total wash cycle. Users can also customize the total wash cycle. Since the total wash cycle is usually executed only about once per cycle, even if a user customizes and runs the total wash cycle, it will be overwritten with the operation history information of the application washing cycles after one month. Therefore, similar to the memory cycle, a separate area may be provided to store operation history information specifically for the total wash cycle, so that the operation history information is kept separately from other operation cycles and application cycles. The total wash cycle is an example of an operation that performs maintenance on the washing machine. 【0036】 (Third variation) Furthermore, for each operation type, such as washing ("Wash: Standard Course"), washing and drying ("Wash & Dry"), and drying ("Dry"), the system may store, for example, five operation history entries. In this way, for example, five operation history entries will be recorded for courses created by setting hot water settings, bath water settings, etc., for washing and drying courses, and five operation history entries will be recorded for courses created by setting hot water settings, bath water settings, etc., for washing and drying courses. The user can then select their preferred course from the operation history entries recorded separately for washing and washing and drying, thus improving convenience. 【0037】 (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, the operation history information is recorded in the storage unit 23 of the washing machine 2 and can be re-executed. However, the storage unit 23 of the washing machine 2 has a limited capacity. Therefore, it is only possible to store operation history information of a predetermined number of megabytes or less by processing such as the one exemplified in Figure 8. However, for example, if an app course suitable for the winter season is set and executed many times during this winter, there may be cases where the same app course will be reused next winter. In such cases, it would be convenient to display the same operation history as this winter on the operation panel 21 again next winter and select a course from it. In the second embodiment, in addition to the storage unit 23 of the washing machine 2, the operation history information is also stored in the database 6 of the server 5. 【0038】 Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation history registration process in the second embodiment. When the user presses the operation history registration button, the control unit 22 detects that the operation history registration button has been pressed (step S301). The control unit 22 instructs the communication unit 24 to transmit the operation history of the completed application course (or operation course). The communication unit 24 transmits the operation history information (step S302). The operation history information includes course identification information, start time, end time, and operation details. The server 5 receives the operation history information transmitted from the washing machine 2 (step S303). The server 5 records the received operation history information in the database 6 (step S304). 【0039】 The timing of sending operation history information from the washing machine 2 to the server 5 is not limited to the example in Figure 9. For example, the operation history information may be sent to the server 5 when the power of the washing machine 2 is turned ON, or when the power of the washing machine 2 is turned OFF. Also, a communication error may occur when attempting to send operation history information from the washing machine 2 to the server 5. In such cases, the control unit 22 may store the operation history information to be sent in the storage unit 23 and resend the operation history information when communication becomes possible. The control unit 22 may also send the operation history information to be deleted to the server 5 when deleting the operation history information from the washing machine 2. Furthermore, the control unit 22 may, through the communication unit 24, send the identification information and start time of an application course or operation course to the server 5 when the course is started, and send the identification information and end time of the operation to the server 5 when the operation is finished. In addition, a user may interrupt an application course, etc., once it has started. In such cases, the control unit 22 may send the identification information of the application course, etc., and the time of interruption to the server 5. 【0040】 The operation history information stored in the database 6 of server 5 can be accessed through the washing application on the operation terminal 3. Furthermore, the user can use the operation terminal 3 to select a preferred application course from the operation history information, send the preferred application course to the washing machine 2, and have it stored. For example, at the transition from autumn to winter, the user uses the washing application on the operation terminal 3 to select an application course they want to use this winter from the operation history information registered last winter, and instructs the washing machine 2 to set it. Server 5 then extracts the application course specified by the user from the operation history information stored in the database 6 and sends the operation history information for that application course (course identification information, name, start time, end time, interruption status, operation details, etc.) to the washing machine 2. The communication unit 24 in the washing machine 2 receives the application course information. The control unit 22 deletes the operation history information recorded in the storage unit 23 and records the operation history information received from server 5 in the storage unit 23. This allows, for example, when the user presses the driving history button on the screen shown in Figure 4(a), a driving history list screen (Figure 4(b)) can be displayed, showing the app courses selected by the user, that is, the app courses that were frequently executed last winter. 【0041】 Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation history reflection process in the second embodiment. Figure 10 shows the data flow between the washing machine 2, the server 5, and the control terminal (smartphone) 3. When the user performs an operation to retrieve past operation history on the control terminal 3, The operating terminal 3 sends information requesting operation history information to the server 5 (step S401). The server 5 sends the requested operation history information to the operating terminal 3 (step S402). The user uses the operating terminal 3 to specify their preferred operation history information and instructs the washing machine 2 to send and register the specified operation history information. The operating terminal 3 specifies the operation history information and sends instruction information to the server 5 instructing it to be registered in the washing machine 2 (step S403). The operating terminal 3 sends one or more specified operation history information (course identification information, name, start time, end time, whether or not it was interrupted, operation details) to the washing machine 2 (step S404). In the washing machine 2, the communication unit 24 receives the operation history information, and the control unit 22 records the operation history information in the storage unit 23 (step S405). At this time, if the number of registered operation history information exceeds the maximum number of possible registrations M, the control unit 22 deletes, for example, the oldest operation history information and records the operation history information received from the server 5. Alternatively, the user may specify the driving history information to be deleted, and the control unit 22 may delete the driving history information specified by the user and record the driving history information received from the server 5. 【0042】 As described above, according to this embodiment, in addition to the storage unit 23 of the washing machine 2, the operation history information is stored in an external storage device (database 6). This allows for the accumulation and utilization of operation history beyond the limitations of the storage capacity of the storage unit 23, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment. 【0043】 (First modification of the second embodiment) In the embodiment described above, the operation history information is stored in the database 6 of the server 5. However, instead of the database 6, or in addition to the database 6, the operation history information may be stored in the operation terminal 3. If the operation history information is stored in the operation terminal 3, the operation history information is sent directly from the operation terminal 3 to the washing machine 2 without going through the server 5, and an instruction is given to register the transmitted operation history information. 【0044】 (Second modification of the second embodiment) In the above embodiment, the operation history information is stored in the database 6 provided by the server 5, but the database 6 may be a storage device located outside the server 5. 【0045】 (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, it is possible to share the operation history information of the washing machine 2 with other users. 【0046】 Figure 11 shows the overall configuration of a washing machine system according to the third embodiment. The washing machine system 1' includes washing machines 2a and 2b, operating terminals 3a, 3b, and 3c, a router 4, and a server 5. Washing machine 2a is user A's washing machine, and operating terminal 3a is user A's smartphone, etc. Operating terminal 3b is user B's smartphone, etc. Washing machine 2c is user C's washing machine, and operating terminal 3c is user C's smartphone, etc. Server 5 includes databases 6a and 6c. Server 5 stores configuration information that associates user A's identification information, operating terminal 3a's identification information (e.g., MAC address), and washing machine 2a's identification information. As a result, when user A operates operating terminal 3a and accesses server 5, they can refer to the contents of database 6a, which records the washing machine 2a's operation history information, or send the operation history information from database 6a to washing machine 2a. Furthermore, server 5 stores configuration information that associates user B's identification information with the identification information of the operation terminal 3b and the identification information of the washing machine 2a, for example, with user A's permission. This allows user B to use operation terminal 3b to refer to operation history information related to washing machine 2a. Similarly, server 5 stores configuration information that associates user C's identification information with the identification information of the operation terminal 3c and the identification information of washing machine 2c. This allows user C to access server 5 by operating operation terminal 3c and refer to the contents of database 6c. Operation terminal 3a is an example of a first operation terminal, operation terminal 3c is an example of a first operation terminal, database 6a is an example of a first database, and database 6c is an example of a second database. 【0047】 In this embodiment, in addition to the above settings stored in the server 5, a method for sharing user A's operating history information regarding the washing machine 2a with user C is described by registering setting information in the server 5 that associates user C's identification information, the operating terminal 3c's identification information, and the washing machine 2a's identification information. 【0048】 Referring to Figures 12 to 14, the operation in which User A allows User C to share the operating history information of washing machine 2a will be described. The screens shown in Figures 12(a) to (e) and Figures 13(f) to (i) are screens displayed by the washing machine application on the operation terminal 3a. In Figure 12(a), when User A presses the washing machine icon, they can view the status of washing machine 2a. In Figure 12(a), when User A presses the mark 122 in the upper left corner of the screen, the menu screen shown in Figure 12(b) is displayed. Next, when User A presses the "Appliance Management Button" 123 on the menu screen in Figure 12(b), the appliance management screen in Figure 12(c) is displayed. When User A presses the "Edit Appliance Settings Button" 124 on the screen in Figure 12(c), the registered appliance sharing screen shown in Figure 12(d) is displayed. When User A presses the "User A Washing Machine Button" 125 on the screen shown in Figure 12(d), the registered appliance sharing screen shown as an example in Figure 12(e) is displayed. The screen in Figure 12(e) displays the model name and serial number of the washing machine 2a. User A presses the "Share Appliance Button" 126 on the screen in Figure 12(e). 【0049】 When the “Share Home Appliances” button 126 is pressed on the screen shown in Figure 12(e), the registered home appliance sharing screen, as illustrated in Figure 13(a), is displayed. As illustrated in Figure 13(g), User A enters the identification information of User C, who is authorized to share the operating history information. User C's identification information is, for example, User C's email address. After entering User C's identification information, User A is asked to confirm whether the entered identification information is correct, as illustrated in Figure 13(h). If there is no problem, User A presses the displayed “Confirmation field” 127. The operating terminal 3a then sends the entered User C's identification information to the server 5 and queries for User C's identification information. The server 5 searches for User C's identification information. If the identification information is found, the server 5 notifies the operating terminal 3a that the query was successful. The washing app on the operating terminal 3a then displays a confirmation dialog for sharing, as illustrated in Figure 13(i). If User A presses the “Cancel button” 128, the sharing process is canceled. When User A presses the "Settings button" 129, the sharing process continues, and a screen requesting consent for sharing is displayed on User C's operating terminal 3c. 【0050】 The screens illustrated in Figures 14(a) and 14(b) are screens displayed by the washing machine application on the operating terminal 3c. In Figure 14(a), if user C presses the "Agree button" 141, the sharing process is canceled. If user C presses the "Agree button" 142, the washing machine 2a's operation history information is shared with user C. Once the washing machine 2a's operation history information is shared with user C, an icon 143 representing user A's washing machine 2a is displayed on the screen of the washing machine application on the operating terminal 3c. If user C presses the icon 143, the operating terminal 3c can access the database 6a. 【0051】 Figure 15 is a first flowchart showing the flow of communication data in the third embodiment. Referring to Figure 15, the flow of communication data when user A and user C perform the screen operations described in Figures 12 to 14 will be explained. When user A performs a series of operations to allow sharing with user C, the operation terminal 3a queries the server 5 for user C's identification information (step S501). The server 5 sends the query result (OK) to the operation terminal 3a (step S502). If user C's query is successful, user A requests to perform the sharing process. Specifically, user A presses the "Settings button" 129 on the screen shown in Figure 13(i). Then, the operation terminal 3a sends request information to the server 5 requesting sharing with user C (step S503). Upon receiving this request, the server 5 sends information to the operation terminal 3c notifying it that user A has requested sharing (step S504). Then, the screen shown in Figure 14(a) is displayed on the operation terminal 3c. When user C presses the "Agree button" 142, the operating terminal 3c sends consent information to the server 5 indicating that consent for sharing has been given (step S505). Upon receiving the consent information, the server 5 registers setting information in its storage unit that associates user C's identification information, the operating terminal 3c's identification information, and the washing machine 2a's identification information. This enables the operating terminal 3c to access the database 6a. Once sharing is established, user C can select a preferred course from the operation history information registered by user A and have their own washing machine 2c perform the same operation. Next, referring to Figures 16 to 18, the operation and process by which user C reflects the washing machine 2a's operation history information to the washing machine 2c will be explained. 【0052】 The screens illustrated in Figures 16(a) to (c) and Figures 17(d) to (f) are screens displayed by the washing application on the operating terminal 3c. On the screen illustrated in Figure 16(a), when user C presses the "User A Washing Machine" icon 161, they can see the screen showing the status of user A's washing machine 2a, as illustrated in Figure 16(b). At the bottom of the screen in Figure 16(b) is a "Driving History Button" 162, which allows the user to check the courses that the washing machine 2a has previously operated. Pressing this button displays the screen in Figure 16(c). On the screen in Figure 16(c), three driving histories are displayed for each type of operation: washing ("Washing: Standard Course") and washing and drying ("Washing & Drying"). For example, user C presses the Washable Suit / School Uniform Course, which is the second driving history entry in the washing history. 【0053】 Then, the operating terminal 3c displays the screen shown in Figure 17(d). This screen shows the contents of the Washable Suits and School Uniforms course. When User C presses the download button 163 at the bottom, the screen shown in Figure 17(e) is displayed. The screen in Figure 17(e) displays the operation history of washing machines of the same category on User C's washing machine 2c. User C selects which area of ​​User C's operation history the Washable Suits and School Uniforms course selected from User A's operation history information should be downloaded to. For example, as shown in Figure 16(f), when User C selects History 1 and presses the setting button 164, the Washable Suits and School Uniforms course is downloaded to the washing machine 2c. 【0054】 The screens illustrated in Figures 18(a) and 18(b) are those displayed on the control panel 21c of the washing machine 2c. Once the download of the washable school uniform course operation history information from the server 5 to the washing machine 2c is complete, the screen illustrated in Figure 18(a) is displayed on the control panel 21c. As shown in the illustration, this screen allows the user to confirm that a new course has been downloaded. User C can then call up the screen illustrated in Figure 18(b) using the procedure described with Figure 5, and by pressing History Course 1, the washing machine 2c can run the downloaded washable school uniform course. 【0055】 Figure 19 is a second flowchart showing the flow of communication data in the third embodiment. Referring to Figure 19, the flow of communication data when user C performs the screen operations described in Figures 16 and 17 will be explained. When user C performs a series of operations to refer to the operation history information of user A's washing machine 2a, the operation terminal 3c requests the operation history information of user A's washing machine 2a from the server 5 (step S601). The server 5 transmits the operation history information of the washing machine 2a to the operation terminal 3c (step S602). As explained in Figures 16(c) and 17(a) to (c), user C selects the course to be downloaded (for example, the washable / school uniform course) and performs an operation to instruct the server 5 to download it to its washing machine 2c. The operation terminal 3c then transmits information to the server 5 instructing it to download the course selected by user C to the specified storage area of ​​the washing machine 2c. Upon receiving this instruction, the server 5 specifies the storage area to record and transmits the operation history information (step S604). In the washing machine 2c, the control unit 22c acquires operation history information via the communication unit 24c and records the operation history information acquired from the server 5 in a designated storage area of ​​the storage unit 23c, for example, the area where the first operation history related to washing operations ("History 1") is recorded (step S605). 【0056】 According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, the following effects can be obtained. The user can run their own washing machine 2 based on the operation history information obtained from the operation history information of other users' washing machines. This allows the user to run courses that have been confirmed to be effective by other users on their own washing machine 2 without having to go through trial and error. This allows the user to refer to and share, for example, operation courses that are frequently used depending on the season, or operation courses that are run by other users living in the same area with similar environmental conditions such as water, temperature, and humidity. This allows the user to find useful app courses that were previously hidden, or to find courses that are effective for specific types of clothing, thereby improving user convenience. 【0057】 (Modified example in the third embodiment) In the embodiment described above, user A shares all of the operating history information of their washing machine 2a with user C, but it may also be possible to set whether or not to share information for each operating history. 【0058】 According to at least one embodiment described above, the washing machine 2 records the history of the operating courses it has performed, and the user can select from that history and have the washing machine 2 perform the same course again. This improves the convenience of the app courses and operating courses set by the user. 【0059】 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] 【0060】 1...Washing machine system, 2...Washing machine, 3...Operating terminal, 4...Router, 5...Server, 6...Database.

Claims

[Claim 1] A washing machine selection unit where the user selects the washing machine cycle to run, Based on the operation history information of the operation courses performed by the washing machine, a display unit that displays the operation history of the operation courses, A washing machine comprising a control unit and A storage unit for storing the aforementioned driving history information, It has, The storage unit is provided in the washing machine or a server capable of communicating with the washing machine. When the washing machine executes one of the operation courses, the control unit causes the operation history information for that operation course to be stored in the storage unit. The control unit, when displaying the operation history, ensures that the operation history for the same operation course is not duplicated when displayed on the display unit, in a washing machine system. [Claim 2] A washing machine selection unit where the user selects the washing machine cycle to run, A display unit that displays the operation history of the operation course based on the operation history information of the operation course performed by the washing machine, A washing machine comprising a control unit and A storage unit for storing the aforementioned driving history information, A terminal device having a terminal device display unit that displays the driving course included in the driving history information read from the storage unit, It has, The storage unit is provided in the washing machine or a server capable of communicating with the washing machine. When the washing machine operates one of the operating courses, the control unit causes the operating history information for that operating course to be stored in the storage unit. The aforementioned terminal device, when displaying the operation history, displays the operation history for the same operation course on the display unit of the terminal device so as not to be duplicated. [Claim 3] The washing machine is capable of operating an app course, which is a different operating course from the operating course pre-set on the washing machine, created by the user operating a terminal device and registered on the server. The control unit further causes the washing machine to operate one of the operating courses, and stores the operating history information for that operating course in the storage unit. When the driving history is displayed on the display screen of the display unit or terminal device, the application course is included. The washing machine system according to claim 1 or claim 2. [Claim 4] Even if the first and second operating courses are the same operating course, if the operating content of the first and second operating courses is different, the control unit will display the operating history of the first operating course and the operating history of the second operating course on the display unit or the display screen of the terminal device. The washing machine system according to claim 1 or claim 2. [Claim 5] When the control unit operates the driving course, if the storage unit has already stored the driving history information for that driving course, it will either newly record the execution start time of the driving history information or overwrite the execution start time of the driving history information and display the driving history information on the display unit or the display screen of the terminal device. The washing machine system according to claim 1 or claim 2. [Claim 6] The control unit, for the same driving course, stores the driving history information of the last driven driving course in the storage unit and displays the driving history information on the display unit or the display screen of the terminal device. The washing machine system according to claim 1 or claim 2. [Claim 7] The control unit displays a list of the driving courses or the start times of the driving courses related to the driving history information stored in the storage unit as the driving history on the display unit or the display screen of the terminal device. The washing machine system according to claim 1 or claim 2. [Claim 8] When the washing machine completes one of the operation courses, the control unit displays an operation history registration button on the display unit or the display screen of the terminal device to instruct the control unit to store the operation history information for that operation course in the storage unit, and when the operation history registration button is operated by the user, the control unit stores the operation history information for that operation course in the storage unit. The washing machine system according to claim 1 or claim 2. [Claim 9] When the number of driving history entries stored in the storage unit exceeds a predetermined number, the control unit deletes the driving history entries from the storage unit in order from the most recent to the most recent, based on the time the driving course indicated by each driving history entry was executed. The washing machine system according to claim 1 or claim 2. [Claim 10] The storage unit stores the operation history information separately from the operation course for the operation that performs maintenance on the washing machine. The washing machine system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

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