Program, information processing method, and information processing system

Abstract

The objective is to provide programs, information processing methods, and information processing systems that can improve convenience. [Solution] By executing the program of the embodiment, a basic screen for accepting refrigerator setting operations and a detailed screen that allows for more detailed settings than the basic screen can be displayed. When a predetermined operation on the basic screen is detected, the detailed screen is displayed. If there are multiple candidates for the detailed screen that can be selected by the predetermined operation, the detailed screen selected according to a predetermined priority index is displayed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a program, an information processing method, and an information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] An information processing system that causes a terminal device to display an operation screen including an operation unit for operating a home appliance is known. As the functions of home appliances are improving, there is a tendency for an increase in the information displayed on the terminal device and an increase in the setting items that can be changed from the terminal device, and it has been required to facilitate the operation of the terminal device.

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 program, an information processing method, and an information processing system that can improve convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The program according to the embodiment enables display of a basic screen for receiving a setting operation of a refrigerator and a detailed screen that enables more detailed settings than the basic screen, and displays the detailed screen in response to detection of a predetermined operation on the basic screen. When there are a plurality of candidates for the detailed screen that can be selected by the predetermined operation, the computer is caused to display the detailed screen selected according to a predetermined priority index.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1]A diagram showing the overall configuration of the home appliance management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A front view showing a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A cross-sectional view of the refrigerator along the F3-F3 line shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows a first example of the display of the operation screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the state change of the first collective display unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the switching of the display using the detailed screen candidate display unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of an individual function screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of an individual function screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of an individual function screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] A diagram showing an example of an individual function screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] A diagram showing the state change of the second collective display unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] A diagram showing the switching of the display using the detailed screen candidate display unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] A diagram showing an example of an individual function screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] A diagram showing the switching of the display using the detailed screen candidate display unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] A diagram showing an example of an individual function screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] A diagram showing an example of an individual function screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 20] A diagram showing an example of an individual function screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 21]A diagram showing an example of an individual function screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 22] A diagram for explaining an application example of information display in the first embodiment. [Figure 23] A diagram for explaining an application example of information display in the first embodiment. [Figure 24] A diagram showing the switching of display using the detailed screen candidate display section when a communication failure occurs in the first embodiment. [Figure 25] A diagram showing the switching of display using the detailed screen candidate display section when a communication failure occurs in the first embodiment. [Figure 26] A diagram showing an example of an individual function screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 27] A diagram showing an example of an individual function screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 28] A diagram showing the switching of display using the detailed screen candidate display section when a communication failure occurs. [Figure 29] A diagram for explaining the individual function screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 30] A diagram for explaining the individual function screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 31] A diagram for explaining the detailed screen candidate display section W of the second embodiment. [Figure 32] A flowchart showing the flow of processing for displaying an operation screen of an embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] The programs, information processing methods, and information processing systems of the embodiments 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. In this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX," and may include cases where it is based on another element in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where it is directly based on XX, but may also include cases where it is based on XX that has been processed or modified. In this application, "XX or YY" is not limited to cases where it is either XX or YY, but may include cases where it is both XX and YY. This is also true when there are three or more optional elements. XX and YY are arbitrary elements (e.g., arbitrary information).

[0008] In this application, "to acquire" is not limited to actively acquiring information by sending a transmission request, but may also include acquiring information by passively receiving information transmitted from another device. Furthermore, "to acquire" is not limited to directly acquiring the target information (information to be acquired) from an external source, but may also include acquiring the target information by generating it through calculations or processing of information obtained from an external source. In this application, "to be displayed at the top" may mean any of the following: • Display the information on the top of the screen shown on the terminal device 300. • Display the information in a position that indicates its high priority. The "basic screen" in this application includes an illustration of the refrigerator 100 and a screen listing the functions. In this application, the "list screen" refers to a screen that combines an illustration of the refrigerator 100, a display unit that shows information on various functions, and an operation unit that accepts requests to change the information on various functions.

[0009] (First Embodiment) <1. Overall Configuration of the Home Appliance Management System> Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the home appliance management system 1 according to the first embodiment. The home appliance management system 1 includes, for example, a refrigerator 100, a server 200, and a home appliance management application AP on a terminal device 300. The network NW, which will be described later, may utilize, 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, depending on the situation.

[0010] The refrigerator 100 is installed in the dwelling of user U. The refrigerator 100 is connected to a network NW, for example, via a wireless router WR and modem M installed in the dwelling of user U. The refrigerator 100 can communicate with a server 200 or a terminal device 300 via the network NW. The refrigerator 100 may also communicate directly with the terminal device 300 using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®.

[0011] Server 200 is a management server that manages the refrigerator 100. Server 200 consists of one or more server devices (e.g., cloud servers). Server 200 can communicate with the refrigerator 100 or terminal device 300 via a network NW. 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. Server 200 is not limited to a cloud server; it may be a computer in the user U's residence, or a home router, etc.

[0012] Terminal device 300 is a terminal device used by user U of refrigerator 100. Terminal device 300 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal device. However, terminal device 300 is not limited to portable terminal devices, and may also be a personal computer or a voice interaction device such as a smart speaker.

[0013] The terminal device 300 includes, for example, a display device 301, an input device 302, and a communication unit 303. The display device 301 is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and has a display screen 301a capable of displaying various information. The input device 302 is capable of receiving input from user U. The input device 302 is, for example, a touch panel superimposed on the display screen 301a. The input device 302 may include a camera or microphone provided in the terminal device 300. The communication unit 303 is, for example, a communication module capable of wireless communication. The communication unit 303 is connected to the network NW via or directly to a wireless router WR and modem M. The communication unit 303 can communicate with the refrigerator 100 or server 200 via the network NW. The communication unit 303 may also communicate directly with the refrigerator 100 using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

[0014] The terminal device 300 has application program P installed and supports the functions described below. Application program P is, for example, an application program for managing the refrigerator 100. Hereinafter, the application software launched when application program P is executed will be referred to as the "home appliance management app AP".

[0015] In this embodiment, the home appliance management application AP is an example of an "information processing system". The "information processing system" may be implemented by the refrigerator 100 or the server 200 instead of the above example, or by a combination of two or more of the refrigerator 100, the server 200, and the home appliance management application AP. Each of the refrigerator 100, the server 200, and the terminal device 300 is an example of a "computer".

[0016] <2. Refrigerator Configuration> <2.1 Configuration related to the enclosure> Next, I will explain the configuration of Refrigerator 100. Figure 2 is a front view of the refrigerator 100. The refrigerator 100 comprises, for example, a casing 10 and a number of doors 20.

[0017] The enclosure 10 is provided with a plurality of storage compartments 30. The plurality of storage compartments 30 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 31, a chilled compartment 31A, a vegetable compartment 32, an ice-making compartment 33, an upper freezer compartment 34, and a main freezer compartment 35. The refrigerator compartment 31 is cooled to a refrigerator temperature range where the average temperature is approximately 2°C to 6°C. The chilled compartment 31A is cooled to a chilled temperature range where the average temperature is approximately -1°C to +1°C. The vegetable compartment 32 is cooled to a vegetable temperature range where the average temperature is approximately 3°C to 7°C. The ice-making compartment 33, the upper freezer compartment 34, and the main freezer compartment 35 are cooled to a freezer temperature range where the average temperature is approximately -20°C to -18°C. In addition, the storage compartment 30 of the refrigerator 100 may be a partial compartment cooled to a partial temperature zone with an average temperature of approximately -3°C, or a temperature switching compartment in which the temperature zone can be switched, instead of / in addition to the above example.

[0018] In this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 31 is located at the top, the vegetable compartment 32 is located below the refrigerator compartment 31, the ice-making compartment 33 and the upper freezer compartment 34 are located below the vegetable compartment 32, and the main freezer compartment 35 is located below the ice-making compartment 33 and the upper freezer compartment 34. However, the arrangement of the storage compartments 30 is not limited to the above example. For example, the ice-making compartment 33 and the upper freezer compartment 34 may be located below the refrigerator compartment 31, the vegetable compartment 32 may be located below the ice-making compartment 33 and the upper freezer compartment 34, and the main freezer compartment 35 may be located below the vegetable compartment 32.

[0019] The enclosure 10 has openings on the front side of each storage compartment 30 that allow food to be put in and taken out of each storage compartment 30. The openings of the multiple storage compartments 30 are closed by multiple doors 20 that can be opened and closed. The multiple doors 20 include left and right refrigerator compartment doors 21A and 21B that close the opening of the refrigerator compartment 31, a vegetable compartment door 22 that closes the opening of the vegetable compartment 32, an ice maker compartment door 23 that closes the opening of the ice maker compartment 33, an upper freezer compartment door 24 that closes the opening of the upper freezer compartment 34, and a main freezer compartment door 25 that closes the opening of the main freezer compartment 35. Hereinafter, the left and right refrigerator compartment doors 21A and 21B will be referred to as "refrigerator compartment doors 21" unless otherwise distinguished.

[0020] <2.2 Internal Refrigerator Configuration> Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 100 shown in Figure 2 along the line F3-F3. The refrigerator 100 includes, for example, an airflow duct forming component 40 and a cooling unit 50.

[0021] (Airflow forming component) The air passage forming component 40 includes a refrigeration air passage component 41 and a freezing air passage component 42. The refrigeration air passage component 41 is installed inside the housing 10 and extends vertically along the rear wall of the housing 10. The refrigeration air passage component 41 forms an air passage G1, which is a passage through which cold air flows, near the rear wall of the housing 10.

[0022] The refrigeration air passage component 41 has cold air outlets 41a, 41b and a cold air return port 41c. The cold air outlet 41a opens into the refrigerator compartment 31 and supplies cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 51 (described later) to the refrigerator compartment 31. The cold air outlet 41b opens into the chilled compartment 31A and supplies cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 51 (described later) to the chilled compartment 31A. The cold air outlet 41b may be provided with a damper 41d that can adjust the opening amount of the cold air outlet 41b. The cold air return port 41c opens into the vegetable compartment 32 and guides the cold air that has passed through the refrigerator compartment 31 or the vegetable compartment 32 to the air passage G1.

[0023] The refrigeration air passage component 42 is installed inside the housing 10 and extends vertically along the rear wall of the housing 10. The refrigeration air passage component 42 forms an air passage G2, which is a passage through which cold air flows, near the rear wall of the housing 10. The refrigeration air passage component 42 has a cold air outlet 42a and a cold air return port 42b. The cold air outlet 42a supplies cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 53 (described later) to the ice-making compartment 33, the upper freezer compartment 34, and the main freezer compartment 35. The cold air return port 42b opens at the bottom of the main freezer compartment 35 and guides the cold air that has passed through one or more of the ice-making compartment 33, the upper freezer compartment 34, and the main freezer compartment 35 to the air passage G2.

[0024] (cooling section) The cooling unit 50 includes, for example, a refrigerator cooler 51, a refrigerator fan 52, a freezer cooler 53, a freezer fan 54, and a compressor 55. The refrigerator cooler 51 and the refrigerator fan 52 are located in the air passage G1. The refrigerator cooler 51 is supplied with refrigerant compressed by the compressor 55 to cool the cold air flowing through the air passage G1. When the refrigerator fan 52 is driven, the cold air cooled by the refrigerator cooler 51 is supplied from the cold air outlets 41a and 41b to the refrigerator compartment 31 or the chilled compartment 31A. The cold air that has passed through the refrigerator compartment 31, the chilled compartment 31A, or the vegetable compartment 32 returns to the air passage G1 from the cold air return port 41c.

[0025] The refrigeration cooler 53 and the refrigeration blower 54 are located in the air passage G2. The refrigeration cooler 53 is supplied with refrigerant compressed by the compressor 55, which cools the cold air flowing through the air passage G2. When the refrigeration blower 54 is driven, the cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 53 is supplied from the cold air outlet 42a to the ice-making compartment 33, the upper freezer compartment 34, or the main freezer compartment 35. The cold air that has passed through the ice-making compartment 33, the upper freezer compartment 34, or the main freezer compartment 35 then returns to the air passage G2 from the cold air return port 42b.

[0026] <2.3 Refrigerator Functional Configuration> Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a refrigerator 100. The refrigerator 100 includes, for example, a cooling unit 50, a defrost heater 60, an ultraviolet irradiation device 70, a door open detection sensor 110, a temperature sensor 120, a water container remaining level sensor 130, a communication unit 140, a control device 150, and a storage unit 190. The door open detection sensor 110, the temperature sensor 120, and the water container remaining level sensor 130 are each examples of "detectors".

[0027] (cooling section) The cooling unit 50 includes a three-way valve 56 in addition to the above-mentioned refrigeration cooler 51, refrigeration fan 52, freezing cooler 53, freezing fan 54, and compressor 55. The three-way valve 56 switches between a state in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 55 is supplied to the refrigeration cooler 51 and a state in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 55 is supplied to the freezing cooler 53. For example, by controlling the three-way valve 56, the refrigerator 100 can alternately perform refrigeration operation in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 55 is supplied to the refrigeration cooler 51 to cool the refrigerator compartment 31, chiller compartment 31A, and vegetable compartment 32, and freezing operation in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 55 is supplied to the freezing cooler 53 to cool the ice maker compartment 33, upper freezer compartment 34, and main freezer compartment 35.

[0028] (Defrost heater) The defrost heater 60 is attached to the refrigeration cooler 53. The defrost heater 60 is energized and heated when the refrigeration cooler 53 is in defrost operation mode. During the defrost operation of the refrigeration cooler 53, the defrost heater 60 heats the refrigeration cooler 53 and reduces the frost that has accumulated on it.

[0029] (Ultraviolet irradiation device) The ultraviolet irradiation device 70 is installed in the storage room 30. The ultraviolet irradiation device 70 irradiates ultraviolet light into the storage room 30 for purposes such as suppressing viruses or bacteria. For example, the ultraviolet irradiation device 70 is installed in the vegetable compartment 32 and irradiates ultraviolet light into the vegetable compartment 32. However, the ultraviolet irradiation device 70 may be installed in a storage room 30 other than the vegetable compartment 32 (such as the refrigerator compartment 31, chilled compartment 31A, ice-making compartment 33, upper freezer compartment 34, or main freezer compartment 35) instead of / in addition to the above example. Ultraviolet light is an example of "light that has the effect of suppressing viruses or bacteria".

[0030] In this embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device 70 includes, for example, an ultraviolet irradiation unit 71 and a colored light irradiation unit 72. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 71 includes an ultraviolet LED (Light-Emitting Diode) and is an irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet light. The colored light irradiation unit 72 includes an LED of colored light (for example, visible light such as blue or purple) and is an irradiation unit that irradiates the storage room irradiated with ultraviolet light by the ultraviolet irradiation unit 71 with the colored light. Since ultraviolet light is invisible, the user U can recognize that special control (ultraviolet irradiation) is being performed on the storage room when the colored light is irradiated by the colored light irradiation unit 72.

[0031] (Door open detection sensor) The door open detection sensor 110 is a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the door 20. The door open detection sensor 110 includes, for example, a refrigerator door sensor 111 that detects the opening and closing of the refrigerator door 21, a vegetable door sensor 112 that detects the opening and closing of the vegetable door 22, an ice maker door sensor 113 that detects the opening and closing of the ice maker door 23, an upper freezer door sensor 114 that detects the opening and closing of the upper freezer door 24, and a main freezer door sensor 115 that detects the opening and closing of the main freezer door 25. The detection result of the door open detection sensor 110 is output to the control device 150.

[0032] (Temperature sensor) The temperature sensor 120 is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the storage room 30 (for example, the air temperature inside the storage room 30) or the temperatures of the refrigerator cooler 51 and the freezer cooler 53. The temperature sensor 120 includes, for example, a refrigerator room temperature sensor 121 for detecting the temperature of the refrigerator room 31, a chilled room temperature sensor 122 for detecting the temperature of the chilled room 31A, an upper freezer room temperature sensor 123 for detecting the temperature of the upper freezer room 34, a main freezer room temperature sensor 124 for detecting the temperature of the main freezer room 35, a refrigerator cooler temperature sensor 125 for detecting the temperature of the refrigerator cooler 51, and a freezer cooler temperature sensor 126 for detecting the temperature of the freezer cooler 53. The detection results of the temperature sensor 120 are output to the control device 150.

[0033] (Water container level sensor) The water container level sensor 130 detects the remaining amount of water stored in the water container (not shown) used for ice making. The detection result from the water container level sensor 130 is output to the control device 150.

[0034] (Communications Department) The communication unit 140 is, for example, a wireless communication module. The communication unit 140 can communicate with the server 200 via, for example, a wireless router WR and modem M installed in the user U's residence. In this embodiment, the communication unit 140 may also have a short-range wireless communication function, such as Bluetooth, and be able to communicate directly with the terminal device 300.

[0035] <2.4 Control Unit Configuration> Next, the control device 150 will be described. The control device 150 comprehensively controls the entire refrigerator 100. The control device 150 includes an information acquisition unit 151, a control unit 152, a status recording unit 153, a determination unit 154, and a transmission unit 155. These functional units are realized by one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), installed in the refrigerator 100 executing programs. However, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or by the cooperation of software and hardware.

[0036] (Information acquisition department) The information acquisition unit 151 acquires control commands related to the operation of the refrigerator 100, and / or setting change commands instructing changes to the settings of the refrigerator 100, from the server 200. In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 151 acquires the above control commands or setting change commands from the server 200, which are generated based on the user U's operation of the home appliance management application AP on the terminal device 300.

[0037] (Control Unit) The control unit 152 controls the cooling unit 50, the defrost heater 60, the ultraviolet irradiation device 70, etc. For example, the control unit 152 cools each storage chamber 30 by controlling the cooling unit 50. For example, the control unit 152 controls the cooling unit 50 based on the set temperature (target temperature) of each storage chamber 30 and the detection result of the temperature sensor 120. For example, the control unit 152 controls one or more of the refrigeration fan 52, freezing fan 54, compressor 55, and three-way valve 56 by feedback control such as PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control based on the difference between the set temperature (target temperature) of each storage chamber 30 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 120.

[0038] In this embodiment, the strength of the cooling control (cooling intensity) for each storage chamber 30 can be set in steps. For example, if the cooling intensity of a certain storage chamber 30 is set to "strong," the control unit 152 sets the set temperature (target temperature) of the storage chamber 30 to a lower temperature compared to when the cooling intensity is "medium." As a result, when the cooling intensity is set to "strong," the control unit 152 promotes cooling of the storage chamber 30 by increasing the rotational speed of the refrigeration fan 52 or freezing fan 54 and / or increasing the operating frequency of the compressor 55 compared to when the cooling intensity is "medium." On the other hand, if the cooling intensity of a certain storage chamber 30 is set to "weak," the control unit 152 sets the set temperature (target temperature) of the storage chamber 30 to a higher temperature compared to when the cooling intensity is "medium." As a result, when the cooling intensity is set to "weak," the control unit 152 suppresses the cooling of the storage chamber 30 by reducing the rotational speed of the refrigeration fan 52 or the freezing fan 54, and / or by lowering the operating frequency of the compressor 55, compared to when the cooling intensity is set to "medium." Note that the cooling intensity setting is not limited to three levels, but may be set to four or more levels (for example, five levels).

[0039] When predetermined conditions are met, the control unit 152 performs eco-operation, door 20 opening and closing control, ice maker compartment 33 cleaning operation, and preheating operation. The control unit 152 may record the history of communication with the server 200 in its storage unit. For example, the control unit 152 performs a defrosting operation on the refrigeration cooler 53 when predetermined defrosting conditions set in advance in relation to the refrigeration cooler 53 are met. The defrosting operation on the refrigeration cooler 53 includes, for example, heating the defrost heater 60 until predetermined conditions are met. These predetermined conditions include, but are not limited to, the elapsed time (e.g., a fixed time) or the temperature of the refrigeration cooler temperature sensor 126 reaching a predetermined temperature.

[0040] Furthermore, the control unit 152 performs a defrosting operation on the refrigerator cooler 51 when predetermined defrosting conditions set in advance in relation to the refrigerator cooler 51 are met. The control unit 152 controls the opening and closing of the door 20 when the function to retain the user U's door opening and closing operation is enabled. The control unit 152, in response to a request from user U, supplies water to the ice-making chamber 33 and performs a maintenance operation for the ice-making chamber 33, which involves cleaning the flow path.

[0041] (Status Recording Section) The status recording unit 153 stores information indicating the status of the refrigerator 100 as status information 191 in the storage unit 190. The storage of status information 191 is performed by the status recording unit 153 at predetermined intervals. Information indicating the status of the refrigerator 100 includes, for example, information indicating the settings of the refrigerator 100 or information indicating the operating status of the refrigerator 100. "Information indicating the settings of the refrigerator" refers to information such as the cooling intensity set for each storage compartment 30, the operating mode (operating content, operating mode) set for each storage compartment 30, or whether or not ultraviolet irradiation is set, or whether or not a cleaning operation of the ice maker compartment 33 has been performed.

[0042] "Information indicating the operating status of the refrigerator" refers, for example, to information indicating the current operating mode (operating content, operating mode). In this embodiment, "information indicating the operating status of the refrigerator" includes information indicating whether or not defrosting is being performed, information on the implementation of door 20 opening and closing control, and information on the implementation of ice maker compartment 33 maintenance operation. This information is stored as time history information.

[0043] In this embodiment, the information indicating the status of the refrigerator 100 includes the determination result from the determination unit 154 (described later) (such as information indicating that the water supply container is out of water).

[0044] Furthermore, the status recording unit 153 stores the detection results of various sensors as detection result information 192 in the storage unit 190. The detection result information 192 includes, for example, the detection results of the door open detection sensor 110 and the temperature sensor 120.

[0045] Furthermore, the status recording unit 153 stores the operating history of the refrigerator 100 as operating history information 193 in the storage unit 190. The operating history information 193 includes, for example, information indicating the power consumption per predetermined unit time (e.g., 1 hour) or whether or not special operations described later are performed.

[0046] (Judgment Department) The determination unit 154 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is met, and if the predetermined condition is met, it sends a notification to the server 200 via the transmission unit 155 indicating that the predetermined condition has been met. For example, if the amount of water remaining in the water container, as detected by the water container remaining amount sensor 130, falls below a predetermined value, the determination unit 154 sends a notification to the server 200 indicating that the water supply is out of stock.

[0047] Furthermore, the determination unit 154 may determine the behavioral characteristics of user U (for example, the days of the week and time periods in which the door 20 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times or less) based on the detection result information 192. If such behavioral characteristics of user U are determined, the control unit 152 may perform special operation according to the behavioral characteristics of user U. Special operation is, for example, an operation in which the set temperature (target temperature) of the storage room 30 is increased on the days of the week and time periods in which the door 20 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times or less, and the cooling operation is suppressed compared to normal operation. Note that the determination of such behavioral characteristics of user U may be performed by the server 200 instead of the refrigerator 100. Also, the determination of whether or not to perform special operation may be performed by the server 200 instead of the refrigerator 100.

[0048] (Transmitter) The transmitting unit 155 communicates with the server 200 via the communication unit 140 and transmits predetermined information to the server 200. For example, the transmitting unit 155 transmits status information 191, detection result information 192, and operation performance information 193 to the server 200 at predetermined intervals. For example, the server 200 may detect this periodic information notification and identify the communication status with the refrigerator based on this detection result. In this case, if the server 200 is unable to detect the periodic information notification, it will identify that it is in an "offline" state and cannot communicate with the refrigerator. In other words, the "offline" state is a time when communication is lost and information about the current control status of the refrigerator cannot be obtained.

[0049] <2.5 Storage section> The memory unit 190 is a functional unit that stores various types of information. The memory unit 190 is implemented by a combination of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), or SSD (Solid State Drive). For example, the memory unit 190 stores state information 191, detection result information 192, and operation history information 193.

[0050] <3. Server Configuration> Next, we will describe the configuration of server 200. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of server 200. Server 200 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 210, a refrigerator management unit 220, an information transmission unit 230, and a storage unit 290. The information acquisition unit 210, the refrigerator management unit 220, and the information transmission unit 230 are implemented by one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU installed in server 200, executing programs. However, some or all of these functional units may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA, or by the cooperation of software and hardware. These functional units may be provided separately in multiple server devices.

[0051] (Information acquisition department) The information acquisition unit 210 acquires various information from the refrigerator 100 or terminal device 300 by communicating with the refrigerator 100 or terminal device 300. For example, the information acquisition unit 210 acquires status information 191, detection result information 192, and operation performance information 193 from the refrigerator 100. The information acquisition unit 210 may also acquire information from the refrigerator 100 indicating the judgment result by the judgment unit 154 of the refrigerator 100. The information acquisition unit 210 also acquires instructions from the terminal device 300 regarding the control or setting changes of the refrigerator 100. The information acquisition unit 210 stores the acquired information in the storage unit 290. In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 210 detects periodic information notifications from the refrigerator 100 and identifies the communication status with the refrigerator 100 based on this detection result. When the information acquisition unit 210 is unable to detect periodic information notifications, it identifies that the refrigerator is in an "offline" state and cannot communicate with it. For example, the information acquisition unit 210 may include this identification result in the status information 191 and store it in the storage unit 290.

[0052] (Refrigerator Management Department) The refrigerator management unit 220 manages the refrigerator 100 based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 210. For example, the refrigerator management unit 220 generates control commands related to the control of the refrigerator 100, or setting change commands for changing the settings, based on the information acquired from the terminal device 300 by the information acquisition unit 210.

[0053] (Information transmission department) The information transmission unit 230 transmits information acquired from the refrigerator 100 by the information acquisition unit 210 (for example, status information 191, detection result information 192, and operation performance information 193) to the terminal device 300. The information transmission unit 230 may also transmit information indicating the determination result by the determination unit 154 of the refrigerator 100 to the terminal device 300 as part of the status information 191 or as separate information. The information transmission unit 230 also transmits control commands and setting change commands generated by the refrigerator management unit 220 to the refrigerator 100. The information transmission unit 230 also transmits information such as the operation history of the refrigerator 100 and information regarding the communication status with the refrigerator 100, collected by the refrigerator management unit 220, to the terminal device 300.

[0054] (Storage part) The memory unit 290 is a functional unit that stores various types of information. The memory unit 290 is implemented by a combination of RAM, ROM, EEPROM, or SSD. For example, the memory unit 290 stores refrigerator information such as status information 191, detection result information 192, and operation history information 193.

[0055] <4. Configuration of terminal equipment> Next, we will describe the terminal device 300. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 300. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 310, a display control unit 320, an operation reception unit 330, an information transmission unit 340, and a storage unit 390. The information acquisition unit 310, the display control unit 320, the operation reception unit 330, and the information transmission unit 340 are realized by one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU mounted on the terminal device 300, executing an application program P. In other words, the information acquisition unit 310, the display control unit 320, the operation reception unit 330, and the information transmission unit 340 are software functions included in the home appliance management application AP.

[0056] (Information acquisition department) The information acquisition unit 310 acquires various information from the refrigerator 100 or server 200 by communicating with the refrigerator 100 or server 200.

[0057] (Display Control Unit) The display control unit 320 controls the content displayed on the display screen 301a of the display device 301 of the terminal device 300 by controlling the display device 301 of the display device 301. The content displayed on the display screen 301a, as described below, is displayed under the control of the display control unit 320. For example, the display control unit 320 displays an operation screen on the display screen 301a that accepts user U's operation to change the settings of the refrigerator 100.

[0058] (Operation reception desk) The operation reception unit 330 receives user U operations performed on the input device 302 in relation to the screen displayed by the display control unit 320 (for example, the operation screen D1 described later). For example, the operation reception unit 330 receives user U operations such as pressing (for example, tapping) various operation buttons displayed on the screen.

[0059] (Information transmission department) When the operation reception unit 330 receives an operation from user U, the information transmission unit 340 generates information corresponding to the received operation. For example, when the operation reception unit 330 receives an operation from user U to change the settings of the refrigerator 100 (for example, an operation to the operation unit BJ described later), the information transmission unit 340 generates a setting change command corresponding to the received operation. The information transmission unit 340 then transmits the generated information or setting change command to the server 200. Alternatively, the information transmission unit 340 may transmit the generated information or setting change command directly to the refrigerator 100.

[0060] (Storage part) The memory unit 390 is implemented by a combination of, for example, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, or SSD. The memory unit 390 stores various types of information. For example, the memory unit 390 stores application program P, operation history information for the refrigerator 100, information about the refrigerator 100 obtained from the server 200, and information indicating the communication status with the refrigerator.

[0061] <5. Example of operation screen display> Next, an example of the display of the operation screen of the terminal device 300 will be described. The various operation units described below are virtual operation units placed on the display screen 301a. Operations on these operation units are received by the operation reception unit 330 as described above. Furthermore, the display of the screens and screen transitions described below are realized by the display control unit 320 in response to the operation of user U being received by the operation reception unit 330. For example, the display control unit 320 queries the server 200 about the content to be displayed, and generates the display content based on the status information 191, detection result information 192, or operation performance information 193 obtained from the server 200, and displays it on the display screen 301a.

[0062] Figure 7 shows a first example of the operation screen of the terminal device 300. In this embodiment, the display screen 301a of the terminal device displays an operation screen D1 related to the refrigerator 100. Operation screen D1 is an example of the "first operation screen". Operation screen D1 is displayed on the display screen 301a when the display control unit 320 executes a first display process.

[0063] <5.1 Switching between display modes and display by the combined display unit> First, the switching of display modes and the display by the combined display unit will be explained. The operation screen D1 can be switched between at least a first display mode including the first combined display unit A1 (see (a) in Figure 7) and a second display mode including the second combined display unit A2 (see (b) in Figure 7) in response to an operation on a predetermined switching operation unit (for example, the switching operation unit BS).

[0064] <5.1.1 First Display Mode> First, the first display mode will be described. The first display mode is a display mode that can accept operations related to setting a predetermined function (first function, for example, the main function of the refrigerator) of the refrigerator 100. The first display mode includes, for example, a first picture R1 representing a refrigerator and a first combined display section A1. In the first display mode of this embodiment, an example of how to use the "cool" function of the refrigerator 100 is shown.

[0065] (First design) The first pattern R1 is an example of a pattern R representing the refrigerator 100. The first pattern R1 is, for example, a pattern showing the storage compartment 30 inside the refrigerator 100. In the example shown in Figure 7(a), a part of the first pattern R1 overlaps with the first collective display section A1 and is covered by the first collective display section A1.

[0066] (1st group display) The first combined display unit A1 includes a switching operation unit BS1 and a plurality of display units A11 to A16. The first combined display unit A1 is a display unit that displays a plurality of display units A11 to A16 related to a predetermined function of the refrigerator 100 (first function, for example, the main function of the refrigerator). In this embodiment, the predetermined function (first function) is the function of "cooling" the refrigerator 100.

[0067] The switching operation unit BS1 is an example of the predetermined switching operation unit (switching operation unit BS) described above. The switching operation unit BS1 is an operation unit for switching the operation screen D1 from the second display mode to the first display mode. The switching operation unit BS1 is, for example, a tab-type operation unit. The switching operation unit BS1 is, for example, located at the upper end of the first collective display unit A1. The switching operation unit BS1 is displayed on the operation screen D1 whether the operation screen D1 is in the first display mode or the second display mode. The switching operation unit BS1 is labeled "Cool".

[0068] Each of the multiple display units A11 to A16 has, for example, a rectangular (card-shaped) external shape. The multiple display units A11 to A16 are arranged, for example, in two horizontal rows and three vertical rows. Each of the multiple display units A11 to A16 is a display unit relating to a function related to a predetermined function of the refrigerator 100 (first function, for example, the main function of the refrigerator), and is a display unit relating to the setting of each other's different functions.

[0069] In this embodiment, each of the multiple display units A11 to A16 includes a display C (C11 to C16) and an operation unit B (B11 to B16).

[0070] Display C contains information regarding the current settings of the function corresponding to the display unit in which the display C is located among the multiple display units A11 to A16. In this embodiment, each of the displays C (C11 to C16) located in the multiple display units A11 to A16 contains information indicating the current settings of the "cooling" function of different storage compartments 30 of the refrigerator 100. Note that this embodiment is an example in which five of the displays C are located in the multiple display units A11 to A16, and the arrangement of display C16 and the operation unit B16 is omitted.

[0071] Operation unit B is an operation unit used to set the function corresponding to the display unit on which it is located among the multiple display units A11 to A16. In this application, "operation unit used for XX" or "operation unit for XX" is not limited to an operation unit that can directly perform XX by being operated, but may also include an operation unit that can transition to another operation screen on which XX can be performed by being operated. "XX" is any action (for example, changing a setting). Operation unit B is, for example, a virtual operation unit located corresponding to the entire area of ​​each display unit A11 to A16. Operation unit B accepts user U's operation (for example, a press operation). In this embodiment, operation units B (B11 to B16) located on the multiple display units A11 to A16 are operation units for changing the settings of the cooling function ("cool" function) of different storage compartments 30 of the refrigerator 100.

[0072] (Display unit related to the settings of the refrigerator compartment's cooling function) Display unit A11 is a display unit related to the settings of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31. Display unit A11 includes, for example, display C11 and operation unit B11. Display C11 includes information indicating the current settings of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31 (for example, a picture that displays the cooling intensity of the refrigerator compartment 31 in 5 stages). Operation unit B11 is an operation unit used to change the settings of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31. When operation unit B11 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to the individual function screen D2B (see Figure 11) to change the settings of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31 (for example, to change the setting of the cooling intensity).

[0073] (Display unit related to the cooling function settings of the chiller compartment) Display unit A12 is a display unit related to the setting of the cooling function of the chilled compartment 31A (chilled room). Display unit A12 includes, for example, display C12 and operation unit B12. Display C12 includes information indicating the current setting of the cooling function of the chilled compartment 31A (for example, information indicating the current operating mode of the chilled compartment 31A). The operating mode (operating content, operating mode) of the chilled compartment 31A is "normal chilling" or "special chilling," etc.

[0074] "Normal chilling" refers to chilling operation with standard settings. "Normal chilling" is, for example, an operating mode in which the target temperature is constant. "Special chilling" is chilling operation that performs cooling control different from normal chilling. "Special chilling" is, for example, an operating mode that alternately repeats a low-temperature cooling control in which the target temperature is set to a first temperature zone and cooled for a first predetermined time, and a high-temperature cooling control in which the target temperature is set to a second temperature zone higher than the first temperature zone and cooled for a second predetermined time. "Ice crystal chilling" and "Deli chilling" are examples of special chilling. In addition to the temperature control for continuous low-temperature storage mentioned above, it is also possible to set a temporary switch to a "defrost mode" for thawing frozen food.

[0075] Control panel B12 is used to change the settings of the cooling function of the chilled compartment 31A. When control panel B12 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to the individual function screen D2C (see Figure 12) to change the settings of the cooling function of the chilled compartment 31A (for example, switching the operating mode between "normal chilled," "special chilled," and "temporary mode").

[0076] (Display unit related to the setting of the ice maker's cooling function) Display unit A13 is a display unit related to the setting of the cooling function of the ice-making compartment 33. Display unit A13 includes, for example, display C13 and operation unit B13. Display C13 includes information indicating the current setting of the cooling function of the ice-making compartment 33 (for example, information indicating the current operating mode of the ice-making compartment 33). The operating mode (operating content, operating mode) of the ice-making compartment 33 includes stopping the ice-making operation ("ice-making off"), ice-making operations such as "normal ice making" or "rapid ice making", and "cleaning" operation for cleaning the ice-making compartment 33.

[0077] "Normal ice making" is the standard ice making operation mode. "Rapid ice making" is an ice making operation mode that produces ice in a shorter time than normal ice making. "Rapid ice making" is an operation mode in which, for example, the cooling intensity of the ice making chamber 33 is set higher than in normal ice making, and / or the transition from freezing operation to refrigeration operation is less likely compared to normal ice making.

[0078] The control unit B13 is used to change the settings of the cooling function of the ice-making compartment 33. When the control unit B13 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to the individual function screen D2E (see Figure 18) to change the settings of the cooling function of the ice-making compartment 33 (for example, switching the operating mode between "normal ice making" and "rapid ice making").

[0079] (Display unit related to the cooling function settings of the upper freezer compartment) Display unit A14 is a display unit related to the setting of the cooling function of the upper freezer compartment 34. Display unit A14 includes, for example, display C14 and operation unit B14. Display C14 includes information indicating the current setting of the cooling function of the upper freezer compartment 34 (for example, information indicating the current operating mode of the upper freezer compartment 34). The operating mode (operating content, operating mode) of the upper freezer compartment 34 is "normal freezing", "rapid freezing", or "defrosting", etc.

[0080] "Normal freezing" is the standard operating mode. "Rapid freezing" is an operating mode that lowers the temperature of the upper freezer compartment 34 in a shorter time than normal freezing. In "Rapid freezing," for example, the cooling intensity of the upper freezer compartment 34 is set higher than in normal freezing. "Defrosting" is an operating mode that sets the target temperature of the upper freezer compartment 34 higher than in normal freezing (for example, set to around 0 degrees). In "Defrosting," if a heater is installed in the upper freezer compartment 34, heating by the heater may also be included.

[0081] Control panel B14 is used to change the settings of the cooling function of the upper freezer compartment 34. When control panel B14 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to an individual operation screen (not shown) to change the settings of the cooling function of the upper freezer compartment 34 (for example, switching the operating mode between "normal freezing", "rapid ice making", and "defrosting").

[0082] (Display unit related to the settings of the main freezer compartment's cooling function) Display unit A15 is a display unit related to the settings of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35. Display unit A15 includes, for example, display C15 and operation unit B15. Display C15 includes information indicating the current settings of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35 (for example, a picture that displays the cooling intensity of the main freezer compartment 35 in 5 stages). Operation unit B15 is an operation unit used to change the settings of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35. When operation unit B15 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to an individual function screen (not shown) to change the settings of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35 (for example, to change the setting of the cooling intensity).

[0083] (Display related to the setting of the vegetable compartment's sterilization function) In this embodiment, the setting for the sterilization function of the vegetable compartment 32 is assigned to the "convenience function," so there is no display in the display units A11 to 15, which were exemplified in correspondence with the "cooling" function. In addition, the display units A11 to 16 may include a display unit related to the setting of the sterilization function of the vegetable compartment 32. In this embodiment, the sterilization function of the vegetable compartment 32 can be indirectly accessed by performing a predetermined operation on the first pattern R1.

[0084] The control unit BT4 is positioned in the area corresponding to the vegetable compartment 32 in the first pattern R1 (the area overlapping with the pattern element indicating the vegetable compartment 32). The control unit BT4 is used to change the setting of ultraviolet irradiation for the vegetable compartment 32. When the control unit BT4 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to the individual function screen D2D (see Figure 13) to change the setting of ultraviolet irradiation for the vegetable compartment 32, similar to when the control unit B26 described above is operated.

[0085] <5.1.2 Second Display Mode> Next, a second display mode will be described. The second display mode is a display mode that can accept operations related to setting functions of the refrigerator 100 that are different from the predetermined functions (first functions, for example, the main functions of the refrigerator). The second display mode includes, for example, a second picture R2 representing a refrigerator and a second combined display section A2.

[0086] (Second design) The second pattern R2 is another example of pattern R representing the refrigerator 100. The second pattern R2 is a different pattern from the first pattern R1 described above. For example, the second pattern R2 is a pattern showing the exterior of the refrigerator 100. In the example shown in Figure 7(b), a part of the second pattern R2 overlaps with the second collective display section A2 and is covered by the second collective display section A2.

[0087] (Second set display) The second combined display unit A2 includes a switching operation unit BS2 and a plurality of display units A21 to A26. The second combined display unit A2 is a display unit that displays a plurality of display units related to functions of the refrigerator 100 that are different from the predetermined function (first function, for example, the main function of the refrigerator). In this embodiment, the second combined display unit A2 displays a collection of general functions of the refrigerator 100 other than the cooling function. In this embodiment, the functions of the refrigerator 100 that are different from the predetermined function (first function) are "convenience" functions that enhance the convenience of the refrigerator 100.

[0088] The switching operation unit BS2 is another example of the predetermined switching operation unit (switching operation unit BS) described above. The switching operation unit BS2 is an operation unit for switching the operation screen D1 from the first display mode to the second display mode. The switching operation unit BS2 is, for example, a tab-type operation unit. The switching operation unit BS2 is, for example, located at the upper end of the second collective display unit A2. The switching operation unit BS2 is displayed on the operation screen D1 whether the operation screen D1 is in the first display mode or the second display mode. The switching operation unit BS2 is labeled "Convenient".

[0089] Each of the multiple display units A21 to A26 has, for example, a rectangular (card-shaped) external shape. The multiple display units A21 to A26 are arranged, for example, in two horizontal rows and three vertical rows. Each of the multiple display units A21 to A26 is a display unit relating to a function of the refrigerator 100 that is different from the predetermined function (first function, for example, the main function of the refrigerator), and is a display unit relating to the setting of functions that are different from each other. In this embodiment, each of the multiple display units A21 to A26 is a display unit relating to the setting of a function that is less related to the cooling function of the refrigerator 100 compared to the display units A11 to A16 of the first collective display unit A1. For example, each of the multiple display units A21 to A26 is a display unit relating to the setting of a "convenience" function that can enhance the convenience of user U when used.

[0090] In this embodiment, each of the multiple display units A21 to A26 includes a display C (C21 to C26) and an operation unit B (B21 to B26).

[0091] Display C contains information regarding the current settings or status of the function corresponding to the display unit in which the display C is located among the multiple display units A21 to A26. In this embodiment, each of the displays C (C21 to C26) located in the multiple display units A21 to A26 contains information indicating the current settings or status of different "convenience" functions of the refrigerator 100. Note that this embodiment is an example in which six such displays C are located in the multiple display units A21 to A26. However, it is not limited to this, and five or fewer such displays C may be located.

[0092] Operation unit B is an operation unit used to change the settings or confirm the contents of the function corresponding to the display unit on which operation unit B is located among the multiple display units A21 to A26. Operation unit B is, for example, a virtual operation unit located corresponding to the entire area of ​​each display unit A21 to A26. Operation unit B accepts user U's operation (e.g., a press operation). In this embodiment, operation units B (B21 to B26) located on the multiple display units A21 to A26 are operation units used to change the settings or confirm the contents of different functions of the refrigerator 100.

[0093] (Display related to power saving mode settings) Display unit A21 is a display unit related to the power saving setting mode of the refrigerator 100. Display unit A21 includes, for example, display C21 and operation unit B21. Display C21 includes information indicating the current setting of the power saving setting of the refrigerator 100 (for example, information indicating whether the power saving setting is enabled or disabled in the power saving setting mode, or information indicating the content of the power saving setting). In the "power saving setting enabled (ON)" operating mode, the set temperature (target temperature) of the storage compartment 30 is set higher and the cooling operation is suppressed compared to the "power saving setting disabled (OFF)" operating mode. Operation unit B21 is an operation unit used to change the presence or absence of the power saving setting of the refrigerator 100 or the content of the power saving setting. When operation unit B21 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to an individual operation screen (not shown) to change the power saving setting of the refrigerator 100 (for example, enabling or disabling the power saving setting or changing the content of the power saving setting).

[0094] (Display section related to viewing driving records) Display unit A22 is a display unit related to viewing the operating history of refrigerator 100. Display unit A22 includes, for example, display C22 and operation unit B22. Display C21 includes information showing the main items of the operating history of refrigerator 100 (for example, information showing "eco operation rate" and "number of door openings"). "Eco operation rate" is, for example, the percentage of time the above special operation was performed in the elapsed time from 0:00 on the day. "Number of door openings" is, for example, the number of times door 20 was opened and closed in the elapsed time from 0:00 on the day. When operation unit B22 is operated, operation screen D1 transitions to individual function screen D2A (see Figure 10) to view the details of the operating history of refrigerator 100.

[0095] (Display related to the settings of the monitoring service) Display unit A23 is a display unit related to a monitoring service using the refrigerator 100. In this embodiment, the home appliance management application AP can provide a monitoring service that uses the refrigerator 100 to monitor a person to be monitored (elderly person or child). In this embodiment, the home appliance management application AP can provide a "door opening / closing monitoring service" and a "temperature monitoring service". The "door opening / closing monitoring service" is a service in which a predetermined notification is sent from the server 200 to the home appliance management application AP if the opening or closing of the refrigerator 100 door is not detected during a preset time period. The "temperature monitoring service" is a service in which a predetermined notification is sent from the server 200 to the home appliance management application AP if the ambient temperature of the refrigerator 100 (room temperature) detected by an outside temperature sensor (not shown) installed in the refrigerator 100 exceeds or is expected to exceed a preset high temperature standard, or falls below or is expected to fall below a preset low temperature standard.

[0096] The display unit A23 includes, for example, a display C23 and an operation unit B23. The display C23 includes information indicating the settings of the monitoring service using the refrigerator 100 (for example, information indicating whether the "door opening / closing monitoring service" and the "temperature monitoring service" are set). When the operation unit B23 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to an individual function screen (not shown) to change the settings of the monitoring service.

[0097] (Display related to voice notification settings) Display unit A24 is a display unit related to voice notification settings. In this embodiment, the home appliance management application AP receives a predetermined notification from the server 200 when the expiration date (use-by date or best-before date) of food stored in the refrigerator 100 approaches, based on a food management service linked to the home appliance management application AP. In this embodiment, the home appliance management application AP also has a weekly timer that outputs a notification indicating the arrival of a specific time on a specific day of the week, which has been set in advance. The home appliance management application AP can output these notifications as voice notifications (voice announcements).

[0098] The display unit A24 includes, for example, a display C24 and an operation unit B24. Display C24 includes information indicating the settings for the voice notification (voice announcement) described above (for example, whether or not to output a notification when the expiration date has arrived, or the settings for the weekly timer). When the operation unit B24 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to an individual function screen (not shown) to change the settings for the voice notification.

[0099] (Display unit related to the setting of lighting or automatic door opening) Display unit A25 is a display unit related to the setting of lighting or automatic door opening. In this embodiment, the illumination intensity of the lighting unit (not shown) of the refrigerator 100 can be changed in multiple stages. Also in this embodiment, the door 20 of the refrigerator 100 can be opened automatically by an actuator (e.g., a solenoid) (not shown).

[0100] The display unit A25 includes, for example, a display C25 and an operation unit B25. The display C25 includes information indicating the current settings for the lighting of the refrigerator 100 or the automatic door opening of the door 20 (for example, information indicating the setting for the illumination intensity of the lighting unit of the refrigerator 100 and the setting for automatic door opening). When the operation unit B25 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to the individual function screen D2E (see Figure 16) to change the setting for the lighting or the automatic door opening of the door 20.

[0101] (Display unit related to setting the sterilization function using ultraviolet irradiation) Display unit A26 is a display unit related to the setting of the sterilization function by ultraviolet irradiation (UV sterilization function). In this embodiment, as described above, the refrigerator 100 is capable of ultraviolet irradiation using the ultraviolet irradiation device 70. For example, the ultraviolet irradiation device 70 is capable of irradiating with ultraviolet light and visible light.

[0102] The display unit A26 includes, for example, a display C26 and an operation unit B26. The display C26 includes information indicating the current setting of the UV irradiation of the refrigerator 100 (for example, information indicating whether or not UV irradiation is performed by the UV irradiation unit 71). When the operation unit B26 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to the individual function screen D2D (see Figure 13) to change the setting of the UV irradiation of the refrigerator 100.

[0103] <5.2 First example of switching the display of the collective display section> Next, we will explain the first example of switching the display of the collective display unit. In the following, when the first collective display unit A1 and the second collective display unit A2 are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "collective display unit A".

[0104] Figure 8 shows the state changes of the first collective display unit A1. In this embodiment, the collective display unit A can be switched between a first state (see (a) in Figure 8) in which it is displayed with a first display area on the operation screen D1, and a second state (see (b) in Figure 8) in which it is displayed with a second display area smaller than the first display area.

[0105] In this embodiment, in the first state, the operation reception unit 330 detects a predetermined operation (e.g., pressing) performed on the area outside the collective display unit A on the operation screen D1. When the predetermined operation is detected, the display control unit 320 transitions the display of the operation screen D1 from the first state to the second state.

[0106] On the other hand, in the second state, the operation reception unit 330 detects a predetermined operation (for example, pressing) performed on the area outside the collective display unit A and the first pattern R1 on the operation screen D1. When the predetermined operation is detected, the display control unit 320 transitions the display on the operation screen D1 from the second state to the first state. In the second state, the operation reception unit 330 detects a predetermined operation (for example, a long press or a press) performed on the area inside the first pattern R1 on the operation screen D1. For example, if a long press is performed as the predetermined operation, the operation reception unit 330 transitions the display of the operation screen D1 from the second state to the third state. If a press is performed as the predetermined operation, the operation reception unit 330 transitions the display of the operation screen D1 from the second state to each individual function screen.

[0107] In this embodiment, pressing (single press operation) is defined as the predetermined operation. A special operation that differs from the predetermined operation is an operation that involves a more complex action than pressing (single press operation). For example, a long press operation is an example of the "special operation that differs from the predetermined operation" described above. In the following description, the "special operation that differs from the predetermined operation" will simply be referred to as a "long press operation".

[0108] In the second state shown in Figure 8, displaying and selecting all setting items within the collective display unit A is restricted. Therefore, by utilizing the display of the first state, the number of viewable items within the collective display unit A can be increased. However, an operation is required to transition from the second state to the first state. Note that even in the second state, setting items that are positioned higher within the collective display unit A can be viewed without transitioning to the first state. Setting items (items) that are positioned higher can also be operated without changing the display from the second state to the first state. Therefore, the arrangement of each item within the collective display unit A is such that items with a higher priority index are positioned higher. As described above, by determining the position of each item in the aggregate display unit A based on the priority index, the number of operations performed by user U can be reduced.

[0109] As described above, processing using priority indicators allows frequently used items to be placed higher. Among these, items for functions that are viewed repeatedly, such as the function that displays door opening and closing history ("Operational Performance," etc.), can be displayed in a fixed position as shown in Figure 22, making them viewable without compromising usability. Furthermore, displaying them differently from other items makes them easier to identify. Such areas may be designated as "special areas" to distinguish them from other areas. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 23, by placing items with view-only functionality outside of the collective display unit A, the restrictions on placement within the collective display unit A are relaxed, allowing for the separate placement of setting-related items and view-related items. By making the placement location movable to the user U's desired location and fixing it in that position, convenience can be enhanced.

[0110] For example, by adjusting the position within the collective display unit A based on the priority indicators mentioned above, the user U's operations can be reduced. Furthermore, by combining this with the methods shown in Figures 22 and 23, which will be described later, it becomes possible to effectively utilize the area within the operation screen D1. The methods using Figures 22 and 23 utilize the area outside the pattern R.

[0111] At that time, the operation reception unit 330 detects a long press operation on the selected item (card) from the items displayed in the collective display unit A, thereby enabling the repositioning of the displayed item. User U drags the item (card) that has become repositionable to the area outside the image R. The operation reception unit 330 moves the position of the card in response to this operation. The process related to this movement may be the same as the operation of moving an app icon on a smartphone. In addition to the above, you can adjust the placement of items (cards) that you want to move to a higher position simply by marking them and ending the operation. For example, the operation reception unit 330 can detect the marked items the next time it is used and place those items in the "special area".

[0112] The transition between the first state and the second state is not limited to the method described above. For example, if user U swipes down on the aggregate display unit A in the first state, the display control unit 320 may transition the display of the operation screen D1 from the first state to the second state. If user U swipes up on the aggregate display unit A in the second state, the display control unit 320 may transition the display of the operation screen D1 from the second state to the first state.

[0113] <5.2.1 First state in the first display mode> First, the first state in the first display mode will be explained (Figure 8(a)). In the first state in the first display mode, the entire first combined display unit A1 is displayed on the operation screen D1. For example, in the first state, the switching operation unit BS1 and the six display units A11 to A16 included in the first combined display unit A1 are displayed on the operation screen D1. In the first state, the operation units B (operation units B11 to B16) of the six display units A11 to A16 are operable. In the first state, the first combined display unit A1 is positioned overlapping with a part of the first image R1 of the refrigerator. Therefore, a part of the first image R1 of the refrigerator is covered by the first combined display unit A1.

[0114] In this embodiment, in the first state, on the operation screen D1, everything except the collective display unit A (for example, the entirety of the first collective display unit A1 and the switching operation unit BS2 of the second collective display unit A2) is in an inactive state and does not accept user U's input. That is, the multiple operation units BT (described later) included in the first pattern R1 are in an inactive state and do not accept user U's input. In the first state, to indicate that the operation units BT are in an inactive state, the areas on the operation screen D1 other than the collective display unit A are displayed in a darker state (grayed out) compared to the state where operation is enabled.

[0115] <5.2.2 Second state in the first display mode> Next, the second state in the first display mode will be described (Figure 8(b)). In the second state in the first display mode, the first collective display unit A1 is positioned shifted downwards compared to the first state. In the second state, some of the display units included in the first collective display unit A1 are hidden. For example, display units A11 and A12 of the first collective display unit A1, the switching operation unit BS1 of the first collective display unit A1, and the switching operation unit BS2 of the second collective display unit A2 are displayed on the operation screen D1. On the other hand, all or part of the display units A13 to A16 of the first collective display unit A1 are hidden. Therefore, in the second state, the operation units B (operation units B11 and B12) of the two display units A11 and A12 are operable, but the operation units B (operation units B13 to B16) of the remaining four display units A13 to A16 are not operable.

[0116] In the second state, the first collective display unit A1 does not overlap with the first pattern R1 of the refrigerator. In the second state, the first collective display unit A1 is positioned away from the first pattern R1 of the refrigerator. Alternatively, in the second state, the area of ​​overlap between the first collective display unit A1 and the first pattern R1 may be smaller than in the first state.

[0117] In this embodiment, in the second state, the user U can operate areas other than the collective display unit A on the operation screen D1. Therefore, the first pattern R1 and background in the second state are displayed brighter than in the first state. In this embodiment, in the second state, the first pattern R1 of the refrigerator includes a plurality of operation units BT (BT1 to BT6). Each operation unit BT is arranged superimposed on the pattern element representing each storage compartment 30 of the refrigerator in the first pattern R1. In this application, "pattern element" means a part of the pattern R.

[0118] The control unit BT1 is positioned in the area corresponding to the refrigerator compartment 31 in the first pattern R1 (the area overlapping with the pattern element indicating the refrigerator compartment 31). The control unit BT1 is used to change the settings of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31. When the control unit BT1 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to the individual function screen D2B (see Figure 11) to change the settings of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31 (for example, to change the cooling intensity setting), similar to when the control unit B11 described above is operated.

[0119] The control unit BT2 is positioned in the area corresponding to the main freezer compartment 35 in the first pattern R1 (the area overlapping with the pattern element indicating the main freezer compartment 35). The control unit BT2 is used to change the settings of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35. When the control unit BT2 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to an individual function screen (not shown) to change the settings of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35 (for example, to change the cooling intensity setting), similar to when the control unit B12 described above is operated.

[0120] The control unit BT3 is positioned in the area corresponding to the chilled compartment 31A in the first pattern R1 (the area overlapping with the pattern element representing the chilled compartment 31A). The control unit BT3 is used to change the settings of the cooling function of the chilled compartment 31A. When the control unit BT3 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to the individual function screen D2C (see Figure 12) to change the settings of the cooling function of the chilled compartment 31A (for example, to change the cooling intensity setting), similar to when the control unit B13 described above is operated.

[0121] The control unit BT4 is positioned in the area corresponding to the vegetable compartment 32 in the first pattern R1 (the area overlapping with the pattern element indicating the vegetable compartment 32). The control unit BT4 is used to change the setting of ultraviolet irradiation for the vegetable compartment 32. When the control unit BT4 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to the individual function screen D2D (see Figure 13) to change the setting of ultraviolet irradiation for the vegetable compartment 32, similar to when the control unit B26 described above is operated.

[0122] The control unit BT5 is positioned in the area corresponding to the ice-making compartment 33 in the first pattern R1 (the area overlapping with the pattern element representing the ice-making compartment 33). The control unit BT5 is used to change the settings of the cooling function of the ice-making compartment 33. When the control unit BT5 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to the individual function screen D2F (see Figure 18) to change the settings of the cooling function of the ice-making compartment 33 (for example, to change the cooling intensity setting), similar to when the control unit B15 described above is operated.

[0123] The control unit BT6 is positioned in the area corresponding to the upper freezer compartment 34 in the first pattern R1 (the area overlapping with the pattern element indicating the upper freezer compartment 34). The control unit BT6 is used to change the settings of the cooling function of the upper freezer compartment 34. When the control unit BT6 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to an individual function screen (not shown) to change the settings of the cooling function of the upper freezer compartment 34 (for example, to change the cooling intensity setting), similar to when the control unit B16 described above is operated.

[0124] <5.2.3 Third state in the first display mode> Next, the third state in the first display mode will be described (Figure 9(b)). This third state display includes a detailed screen candidate display unit F. Hereafter, when the first detailed screen candidate display unit F1 and the second detailed screen candidate display unit F2 are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "detailed screen candidate display unit F".

[0125] Figure 9 shows the display switching using the detailed screen candidate display unit F. In the operation screen D1 of this embodiment, it is possible to switch from a second state in which the detailed screen candidate display unit F is not displayed (see (b) in Figure 9) to a third state in which the detailed screen candidate display unit F is displayed (see (c) in Figure 9). (b) in Figure 9 corresponds to (b) in Figure 8 mentioned above. Note that the notation (a) in Figure 9 has been omitted.

[0126] In both the second state shown in Figure 9(b) and the third state shown in Figure 9(c), the area of ​​the collective display unit A(A1) on the operation screen D1 is limited. Furthermore, in the third state shown in Figure 9(c), the detailed screen candidate display unit F is displayed on the operation screen D1 in a position that does not overlap with the collective display unit A. In this embodiment, the detailed screen candidate display unit F has three sector-shaped candidate displays FC1, FC2, and FC4 arranged side by side, dividing a circle into equal parts. Each sector-shaped portion is assigned information for the detailed screen candidates (F1, F2, F4). The information displayed in the candidate screens FC1, FC2, and FC4 in this third state includes "Operation History" (F1), "Refrigerator Compartment" (F2), and "Sterilization Settings" (F4), all related to the "Cooling" function. The candidate displays FC1, FC2, and FC4 on the details screen are each associated with the operation units FB1, FB2, and FB4, respectively.

[0127] For example, when the operation reception unit 330 detects a predetermined operation on the operation screen D1 in the second state shown in Figure 9(b), it transitions to a screen displaying a detail screen or a detail screen candidate display unit F (the screen in the third state). More specifically, when the operation reception unit 330 detects a first predetermined operation (such as a tap) on the operation screen D1 in the second state, it transitions to each detail screen. Also, when the operation reception unit 330 detects a second predetermined operation (such as a long press) on the operation screen D1 in the second state, it transitions to a screen displaying a detail screen candidate display unit F (the screen in the third state). The operation screen D1 in the second state is an example of a basic screen.

[0128] Furthermore, when the operation reception unit 330 detects a predetermined operation on the operation units FB1, FB2, and FB4 in the operation screen D1 of the third state shown in Figure 9(c), it transitions to the respective detail screens corresponding to the candidate displays FC1, FC2, and FC4.

[0129] For example, when the operation reception unit 330 detects an operation on operation unit FB1 displaying "Operation History" (F1), it switches the display on operation screen D1 to individual function screen D2A (see Figure 10). When the operation reception unit 330 detects an operation on operation unit FB2 displaying "Refrigerator Compartment" (F2), it switches the display on operation screen D1 to individual function screen D2B (see Figure 11). When the operation reception unit 330 detects an operation on operation unit FB4 displaying "Sterilization Settings" (F4), it switches the display on operation screen D1 to individual function screen D2D (see Figure 13). In the example above, there is no display for candidate display FC3 (not shown), nor is there a corresponding operation unit FB3 (not shown).

[0130] The assignment of each operation unit FB described above should be determined based on priority information for each detail screen. For example, the display control unit 320 should assign and display the operations in order of priority, starting with those with the highest priority indicated by the priority information.

[0131] As this priority information, a predetermined priority may be applied, associated with the model of refrigerator 100, etc. Alternatively, this priority may be changed after user U begins using the device. This change may be based on a change request based on user U's preferences, or it may be based on the results of an analysis of user U's operation history. Alternatively, the settings preferred by user U may be estimated from the usage history information resulting from repeated use, and the priority may be determined from this estimation result. In addition to the above, known methods may be applied to the method of determining this priority and the method of specifying the order in the setting method.

[0132] For specific operations on the BT21 control unit (e.g., tapping, single-pressing), it is preferable to display an individual function screen determined based on a priority index. In contrast, for operations other than the predetermined operations on the above-mentioned operation unit BT21 (for example, long-press operations), it is preferable to display the candidate individual function screens determined based on the priority index on the detailed screen candidate display unit F. In this case, the individual function screen is not displayed directly, but it can be displayed through a procedure involving the operation of the detailed screen candidate display unit F.

[0133] In this example, the detailed screen candidate display section F is related to the "cool" function. The first image R1 shown in this diagram shows each storage compartment of the refrigerator 100 with the door 20 open. In this case, as this display indicates, the settings items related to the functions of each storage compartment of the refrigerator 100 are more relevant. More specifically, in the case of the refrigerator compartment 31 to which the operation unit BT1 is associated, in addition to the operation history information of the refrigerator compartment 31, individual function screens corresponding to each storage compartment are associated. In this case, the candidate information shown in the detailed screen candidate display unit F should be set according to the priority of the individual function screens corresponding to each storage compartment.

[0134] <5.2.4 Individual function screens related to the first combined display unit>

[0135] (Individual function screens related to driving performance) Figure 10 shows an example of the individual function screen D2A. The individual function screen D2A is an individual function screen (individual viewing screen) related to the operating performance of refrigerator 100. The individual function screen D2A is displayed when one of the following two procedures is detected. In the first procedure, the individual function screen D2A is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit B22 of the display unit A22 of the second collective display unit A2 described above is operated. In the second procedure, the individual function screen D2A is displayed on the display screen 301a when the candidate display F1 ("Operational Performance") of the detailed screen candidate display unit F described above is operated. This individual function screen D2A can show the contents of the operational performance of the refrigerator 100 in more detail than the display unit A22. This information related to the operational performance of the refrigerator 100 is an example of refrigerator information related to the refrigerator 100. If information related to the operating history of Refrigerator 100 cannot be obtained, a different display will be shown than usual. For example, if it is a graph showing hourly data such as "Daily Performance" or "Door Open / Close Log," it would be good to show a display indicating that the data has not been obtained. More specifically, if information for the last two hours cannot be obtained, the display in that area may be grayed out or marked with a dashed line. For items that display a numerical value, such as "number of times the door was opened and closed," it is better to use a display format that indicates that the information could not be obtained, such as "- times" instead of "0 (zero) times."

[0136] (Individual function screens related to the settings of the refrigerator compartment's cooling function) Figure 11 shows an example of the individual function screen D2B. The individual function screen D2B is an individual function screen (individual setting screen) related to the setting of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31. The individual function screen D2B is displayed when one of the following two procedures is detected. In the first procedure, the individual function screen D2B is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit B11 of the display unit A11 of the first collective display unit A1 described above is operated. In the second procedure, the individual function screen D2B is displayed on the display screen 301a when the candidate display F2 ("refrigerator compartment") of the detailed screen candidate display unit F described above is operated. This individual function screen D2B has a display CJ that shows the current setting of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31, and also has multiple operation units BJ for changing the setting of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31 (for example, changing the setting of the cooling intensity). User U can change the cooling function settings of the refrigerator compartment 31 by operating the control unit BJ that corresponds to the desired setting from among several control unit BJs. In addition to the above, the individual function screen D2B of the embodiment displays a display DJ indicating movement information, along with multiple operation units EJ for moving to the destination screen indicated by that movement information. These display DJ and operation units EJ correspond to the "detail screen movement display for receiving user requests to move from one detail screen to another" in the present invention. Here, "moving" refers to switching the content mainly displayed on the screen, and includes cases where the previous screen is partially displayed after moving, or where the destination screen is partially displayed before moving. In this example shown in the diagram, the screen currently displayed is related to the settings for the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31. From this screen, the control panel EJ ("Chilled" icon) for moving to the "Individual Function Screen Related to the Cooling Function Settings of the Chilled Compartment" and the control panel EJ ("Lighting / Door" icon) for moving to the "Individual Function Screen Related to the Lighting / Door Settings of the Refrigerator Compartment 31" are displayed.

[0137] (Individual function screen related to the cooling function settings of the chiller compartment) Figure 12 shows an example of the individual function screen D2C. The individual function screen D2C is an individual function screen (individual setting screen) related to the setting of the cooling function of the chilled compartment 31A. The individual function screen D2C is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit B13 of the display unit A13 of the first collective display unit A1 described above is operated. The individual function screen D2C has a display CJ that shows the current setting of the cooling function of the chilled compartment 31A, as well as multiple operation units BJ for changing the setting of the cooling function of the chilled compartment 31A (for example, changing the operating mode). User U can change the setting of the cooling function of the chilled compartment 31A by operating the operation unit BJ corresponding to the desired setting from among the multiple operation units BJ. In addition to the above, the individual function screen D2C of the embodiment displays a display DJ indicating movement information, along with multiple operation units EJ for moving to the destination screen indicated by the movement information. These display DJ and operation units EJ correspond to the "detail screen movement display for receiving user requests to move from one detail screen to another" in the present invention. In the example shown in this figure, the screen currently displayed is related to the setting of the cooling function of the chiller compartment 31A. From this screen, operation units EJ ("refrigerator compartment" icon) for moving to the "individual function screen related to the setting of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment" and operation units EJ ("lighting / door" icon) for moving to the "individual function screen related to the setting of the lighting / door of the refrigerator compartment 31" are displayed. Due to user error, false detection, etc., it may be possible to be redirected to a detail screen different from the desired one. In such cases, it is desirable to be able to easily transition to the originally intended detail screen. Therefore, the operation reception unit 330 displays alternative destinations (operation unit EJ) on the transitioned detail screen, allowing the user to transition from the current detail screen to the desired detail screen. This is expected to improve usability. As shown in the detail screens of Figures 11 and 12, one possible solution is to place the links to the alternative detail screens (operation unit EJ) outside the sheet displaying the information used for operation, at the top of it. In the destination detail screen, settings related to the "refrigerated compartment" are prioritized, similar to the conditions for displaying the alternatives, and examples include the "chilled" storage compartment in the same room or an adjacent storage compartment, and the "lighting / door" setting, which has the same function but with a different brightness level.

[0138] (Individual function screens related to UV irradiation settings) Figure 13 shows an example of the individual function screen D2D. The individual function screen D2D is an individual function screen (individual setting screen) related to the setting of lighting or automatic door opening of door 20. The individual function screen D2D is displayed when one of the following two procedures is detected. In the first procedure, the individual function screen D2D is displayed on display screen 301a when the operation unit B26 of the display unit A26 of the second collective display unit A2 described above is operated. In the second procedure, the individual function screen D2D is displayed on display screen 301a when the candidate display F4 ("Lighting / Door") of the detailed screen candidate display unit F described above is operated. This individual function screen D2D has a display CJ that shows the current setting of ultraviolet irradiation, as well as multiple operation units BJ for changing the setting of ultraviolet irradiation. User U can change the setting of ultraviolet irradiation by operating the operation unit BJ corresponding to the desired setting from among the multiple operation units BJ.

[0139] <5.2.5 First state in the second display mode> Figure 14 shows the state changes of the second collective display unit A2. In this embodiment, the second collective display unit A2, like the first collective display unit A1, can be switched on the operation screen D1 between a first state (see (a) in Figure 14) in which it is displayed with a first display area and a second state (see (b) in Figure 14) in which it is displayed with a second display area smaller than the first display area.

[0140] First, the first state in the second display mode will be explained. In the first state in the second display mode, the entire second collective display unit A2 is displayed on the operation screen D1. For example, in the first state, the switching operation unit BS2 and the six display units A21 to A26 included in the second collective display unit A2 are displayed on the operation screen D1. In the first state, the operation units B (operation units B21 to B26) of the six display units A21 to A26 are operable. In the first state, the second collective display unit A2 is positioned overlapping with a part of the second refrigerator pattern R2. Therefore, a part of the second refrigerator pattern R2 is covered by the second collective display unit A2.

[0141] In this embodiment, in the first state, on the operation screen D1, everything except the collective display unit A (for example, the entire second collective display unit A2 and the switching operation unit BS2 of the second collective display unit A2) is in an inactive state and does not accept user U's input. That is, the multiple operation units BT included in the second pattern R2 are in an inactive state and do not accept user U's input. In the first state, to indicate that the operation units BT are in an inactive state, the area of ​​the operation screen D1 other than the collective display unit A is displayed in a darker state (grayed out) compared to the state where operation is enabled.

[0142] The method for transitioning between the first state and the second state may be the same as in the case of the first display mode described above.

[0143] <5.2.6 Second state in the second display mode> Next, the second state in the second display mode will be described. In the second state in the second display mode, the second collective display unit A2 is positioned shifted downwards compared to the first state. In the second state, some of the display units included in the second collective display unit A2 are hidden. For example, display units A21 and A22 of the second collective display unit A2, the switching operation unit BS2 of the second collective display unit A2, and the switching operation unit BS2 of the first collective display unit A1 are displayed on the operation screen D1. On the other hand, all or part of the display units A23 to A26 of the second collective display unit A2 are hidden. Therefore, in the second state, the operation units B (operation units B21 and B22) of the two display units A21 and A22 are operable, but the operation units B (operation units B23 to B26) of the remaining four display units A23 to A26 are not operable.

[0144] In the second state, the second collective display unit A2 does not overlap with the second pattern R2 of the refrigerator. In the second state, the second collective display unit A2 is positioned away from the second pattern R2 of the refrigerator. Alternatively, in the second state, the area of ​​overlap between the second collective display unit A2 and the second pattern R2 may be smaller compared to the first state.

[0145] In this embodiment, in the second state, the user U can operate areas other than the collective display unit A on the operation screen D1. Therefore, the second image R2 and background in the second state are displayed brighter than in the first state. In this embodiment, in the second state, the second image R2 of the refrigerator includes multiple operation units BT (BT1, BT2, BT4~BT6). In this embodiment, in the second state of the second display mode, operation unit BT3 is disabled.

[0146] The control unit BT1 is located in the area corresponding to the refrigerator compartment 31 in the second pattern R2. The control unit BT1 is used to change the settings of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31. When the control unit BT1 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to the individual function screen D2B (see Figure 11) to change the settings of the cooling function of the refrigerator compartment 31 (for example, to change the cooling intensity setting), similar to when the control unit B11 described above is operated.

[0147] The control unit BT2 is located in the area corresponding to the main freezer compartment 35 in the second pattern R2. The control unit BT2 is used to change the settings of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35. When the control unit BT2 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to an individual function screen (not shown) to change the settings of the cooling function of the main freezer compartment 35 (for example, to change the cooling intensity setting), similar to when the control unit B12 described above is operated.

[0148] The control unit BT4 is positioned in the area corresponding to the vegetable compartment 32 in the second pattern R2. The control unit BT4 is used to change the setting of ultraviolet irradiation for the vegetable compartment 32. When the control unit BT4 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to the individual function screen D2D (see Figure 13) to change the setting of ultraviolet irradiation for the vegetable compartment 32, similar to when the control unit B26 described above is operated.

[0149] The control unit BT5 is located in the area corresponding to the ice-making compartment 33 in the second pattern R2. The control unit BT5 is used to change the settings of the cooling function of the ice-making compartment 33. When the control unit BT5 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to the individual function screen D2F (see Figure 18) to change the settings of the cooling function of the ice-making compartment 33 (for example, to change the cooling intensity setting), similar to when the control unit B15 described above is operated.

[0150] The control unit BT6 is located in the area corresponding to the upper freezer compartment 34 in the second pattern R2. The control unit BT6 is used to change the settings of the cooling function of the upper freezer compartment 34. When the control unit BT6 is operated, the operation screen D1 transitions to an individual function screen (not shown) to change the settings of the cooling function of the upper freezer compartment 34 (for example, to change the cooling intensity setting), similar to when the control unit B16 described above is operated.

[0151] Furthermore, the functions (and their contents) assigned to the operation units BT (BT1-BT2, BT4-BT6) may differ depending on whether the operation screen D1 is in the first display mode or the second display mode. For example, when the operation screen D1 is in the first display mode, the operation units BT (BT1-BT2, BT4-BT6) are assigned functions related to setting the predetermined function (first function, e.g., cooling function). On the other hand, when the operation screen D1 is in the second display mode, the operation units BT (BT1-BT2, BT4-BT6) may be assigned functions related to setting functions other than the predetermined function (first function, e.g., cooling function).

[0152] <5.2.7 Third state in the second display mode> Next, we will describe the first example of the third state in the second display mode (Figure 15(b)). This third state display includes a detailed screen candidate display unit F. Hereafter, when the first detailed screen candidate display unit F1, the second detailed screen candidate display unit F2, the third detailed screen candidate display unit F3, and the fourth detailed screen candidate display unit F4 are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "detailed screen candidate display unit F".

[0153] Figure 15 shows the display switching using the detailed screen candidate display unit F. In the operation screen D1 of this embodiment, it is possible to switch from a second state in which the detailed screen candidate display unit F is not displayed (see (b) in Figure 15) to a third state in which the detailed screen candidate display unit F is displayed (see (c) in Figure 15).

[0154] In both the second state shown in Figure 15(b) and the third state shown in Figure 15(c), the area of ​​the collective display unit A(A1) on the operation screen D1 is limited. Furthermore, in the third state shown in (c) of Figure 15, the detailed screen candidate display unit F is displayed on the operation screen D1 in a position that does not overlap with the collective display unit A. In this embodiment, the detailed screen candidate display unit F has sector-shaped candidate displays FC1, FC2, FC3, and FC4 arranged in a row, dividing a circle into equal parts. Each sector-shaped portion is assigned information for the detailed screen candidates (F1, F2, F3, and F4). The information displayed in the candidate screens FC1, FC2, FC3, and FC4 in this third state includes "Operation History" (F1), "Refrigerator Compartment" (F2), "Chilled Compartment" (F3), and "Lighting / Door" (F4), which are related to the "Convenience" function. The candidate displays FC1, FC2, FC3, and FC4 on the details screen are each associated with the operation units FB1, FB2, FB3, and FB4, respectively.

[0155] For example, when the operation reception unit 330 detects a predetermined operation on the operation screen D1 in the second state shown in Figure 15(b), it transitions to a screen displaying a detail screen or a detail screen candidate display unit F (the screen in the third state). More specifically, when the operation reception unit 330 detects a first predetermined operation (such as a tap operation or a single press operation) on the operation screen D1 in the second state, it transitions to the respective detail screen. Also, when the operation reception unit 330 detects a second predetermined operation (such as a long press operation) on the operation screen D1 in the second state, it transitions to a screen displaying a detail screen candidate display unit F (the screen in the third state). Operation screen D1 is an example of a basic screen. For example, when a long press operation is performed on the control unit BT1, the third state shown in (c) of Figure 15 displays information regarding the refrigerator compartment 31 and the chilled compartment 31A on the control screen D1.

[0156] Furthermore, when the operation reception unit 330 detects a predetermined operation on the operation units FB1, FB2, FB3, and FB4 in the operation screen D1 of the third state shown in Figure 15(c), it transitions to the respective detail screens corresponding to the candidate displays FC1, FC2, FC3, and FC4.

[0157] For example, when the operation reception unit 330 detects an operation on operation unit FB1 displaying "Operation History" (F1), it switches the display on operation screen D1 to individual function screen D2A (see Figure 10). When the operation reception unit 330 detects an operation on operation unit FB2 displaying "Refrigerator Compartment" (F2), it switches the display on operation screen D1 to individual function screen D2B (see Figure 11). When the operation reception unit 330 detects an operation on operation unit FB3 displaying "Chilled" (F3), it switches the display on operation screen D1 to individual function screen D2C (see Figure 12). When the operation reception unit 330 detects an operation on operation unit FB4 displaying "Sterilization Setting" (F4), it switches the display on operation screen D1 to individual function screen D2E (see Figure 16).

[0158] In the example above, all candidate displays (FC3) are shown, and corresponding operation buttons are provided. The assignment of each operation unit FB described above should be determined based on priority information for each detail screen. For example, the display control unit 320 should assign and display the operations in order of priority, starting with those with the highest priority indicated by the priority information.

[0159] A predetermined priority may be applied to this priority, corresponding to the model of refrigerator 100, etc. Alternatively, this priority may be changed after user U begins using the device. This change may be based on a change request based on user U's preferences, or it may be based on the results of an analysis of user U's operation history. The settings preferred by user U may be estimated from the usage history information resulting from repeated use, and the priority may be determined from this estimation result. In addition to the above, known methods may be applied to the method of determining this priority and the method of specifying the rank in the setting method.

[0160] Even in the case of a predetermined operation on the BT21 control unit (e.g., a tap operation, a single-press operation), it is preferable to display an individual function screen determined based on a priority index. In contrast, for operations other than the predetermined operations on the control unit BT21 (for example, long-press operations), the individual function screen is not displayed directly. Instead, candidates for the individual function screen determined based on the priority index are displayed on the detailed screen candidate display unit F.

[0161] The functions set in the detailed screen candidate display unit F should be arranged so that similar functions are not placed adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction relative to the center of the detailed screen candidate display unit F. In the case of the detailed screen candidate display unit F shown in Figure 15, "Refrigerator" and "Chilled" are similar remote control functions. In this remote control, to prevent erroneous operation due to mistaking the controlled object, it is best to place "Refrigerator" and "Chilled" opposite each other, with the center of the detailed screen candidate display unit F in between.

[0162] In this first example, the detailed screen candidate display section F is related to the "convenience" function. The second image R2 shown in this diagram depicts the exterior of the refrigerator 100 with the door 20 closed. In this case, as this display indicates, the settings related to the refrigerator 100 are more or less relevant to the external view of its state. More specifically, in the case of the refrigerator compartment 31 to which the control unit BT1 is associated, it is desirable that the current status of the settings related to the refrigerator compartment door 21 and the priority of the individual function screen for changing those settings be set higher than the priority of each individual function screen.

[0163] The above is just one example; instead, the destination may be determined based on the frequency / number of uses. For example, the chiller compartment 31A may be used relatively frequently. In the case of user U, who uses frozen foods, the defrost mode is used relatively often. In such cases, as described above, the number of times (or frequency) the refrigerator door 21 (operation panel BT11) is operated increases, so the priority of the individual function screen related to the "chiller compartment" may be increased.

[0164] (Individual function screens related to lighting or automatic door opening settings) Figure 16 shows an example of the individual function screen D2E. The individual function screen D2E is an individual function screen (individual setting screen) related to the setting of the lighting or the automatic door opening of the door 20. The individual function screen D2E is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit B25 of the display unit A25 of the second collective display unit A2 described above is operated. The individual function screen D2E has a display CJ that shows the current setting of the lighting or the automatic door opening of the door 20, as well as multiple operation units BJ for changing the setting of the lighting or the automatic door opening of the door 20. User U can change the setting of the lighting or the automatic door opening of the door 20 by operating the operation unit BJ corresponding to the desired setting from among the multiple operation units BJ.

[0165] (Summary of the first case) Now, let's summarize the first example mentioned above. In this first example, in order to reduce the number of steps required for user U to operate, the terminal device 300 can directly transition to each detail screen and display the detail screen by tapping or single-pressing the image R (illustration) of the refrigerator 100 shown on the display screen 301a. The embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 15 above fall under this category.

[0166] In the case of a single-press operation, the user will be directly redirected to a detailed screen selected based on a priority index. Examples of this priority index include the frequency of operations on the R symbol for refrigerator 100, and the frequency of use of related functions.

[0167] For example, if the exterior view of refrigerator 100 shown in Figure 9 is displayed, and a single press operation is detected on a predetermined location on the refrigerator 100's image R, the setting change for the door 20's opening and closing function will take priority, and the system will transition to the "Lighting / Door" details screen. If the transition is based on the frequency of use of the related functions, the destination should be determined according to the number of times each function has been used.

[0168] In the embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 15, pressing and holding a predetermined location on the pattern R of the refrigerator 100 will result in the third state shown in Figures 9(c) and 15(c), where a list of destination options will be displayed. By selecting a destination option, user U can transition to any detailed screen (settings screen). For example, when the control unit BT31 corresponding to the refrigerator compartment 31 is operated in Figure 15(c), the following options are displayed as transition destinations: "Refrigerator" to change the temperature setting of the refrigerator compartment 31, "Chilled" to change the mode of the chilled compartment 31A, "Lighting / Door" to set the brightness of the lighting in the storage compartment 30 and the strength of the automatic door opening, and "Operation History" to check the number of times the door has been opened and closed. The position where the detailed screen candidate display section F is displayed is determined based on the position where user U's operation is detected. For example, a representative position within the area where user U's finger is touching the screen is used as the position for displaying the detailed screen candidate display section F. In this case, when user U lifts their finger from the screen, the detailed screen candidate display section F is displayed based on that position. The method for determining the position of the detailed screen candidate display unit F is not limited to the method described above. For example, instead, the position of the detailed screen candidate display unit F may be determined and displayed based on the position of the operation unit BT at the location where user U's operation was detected.

[0169] The above display is an example and is not limiting. For example, you could select and display items based on a priority index. In the case of the refrigerator compartment 31, options related to the functions of the refrigerator compartment 31 may be displayed. In the case of the vegetable compartment 32, "Sterilization setting," "Lighting / Door" (if there is lighting in the vegetable compartment), and "Operation history" may be displayed.

[0170] (Regarding the relationship between the number of candidates and the number of displayable destinations) The number of candidates and the number of available transition destinations for selection may not always match. If the number of candidates is less than the number of destinations that can be displayed for selection, it is advisable to limit the number of destinations displayed (see Figure 9(c)). For example, even if up to four items can be displayed, limit the number displayed if there are no related functions.

[0171] Conversely, if the number of candidates exceeds the number of destinations that can be displayed for selection, the decision should be made based on user U's usage, such as the number of times a particular function has been used or configured.

[0172] If the number of candidates is equal to the number of destinations that can be displayed for selection, they should be displayed in a predetermined order. The above is an example of a priority indicator.

[0173] Furthermore, if visibility of the image displayed on the terminal device 300 can be ensured, information on the current setting status may also be displayed in conjunction with the display of the above items.

[0174] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the first pattern R1 of the refrigerator 100, which corresponds to the "cooling" function, displays the inside of the storage compartment 30 (inside the refrigerator). When the position (type) of the control unit BT operated by the user U changes, such as the control unit BT1 corresponding to the refrigerator compartment 31 and the control unit BT3 corresponding to the chilled compartment 31A, the destination after detection of that operation will be different from each other. As shown in Figures 9, 29, and 30, the rules for long-press operations in each case are basically the same as described above, but you may also choose to display "Disinfection Settings" instead of "Lighting / Door" by prioritizing the internal settings.

[0175] Additionally, if there is any remaining display space on the control panel BT, it may be configured to display "Chilled". On the other hand, considering that a single press of the control unit BT3 corresponding to the chilled compartment 31A of the first pattern R1 will transition to the individual function screen D2C (see Figure 12) corresponding to the chilled compartment 31A, it is better to prioritize the display related to the "lighting and door" settings. Thus, displaying screens that require fewer steps to transition from the current screen to the final screen is more user-friendly than displaying screens that require multiple steps to transition from the current screen to the final screen. Thus, if there are multiple candidate detail screens for a given operation on the operation screen D1 in the second state, the system may be configured to automatically transition to the selected detail screen according to a predetermined priority index. This allows the system to transition to the detail screen identified as having the highest priority when there are multiple candidate destinations.

[0176] <5.3 Second example of switching the display of the collective display section> <5.3.1 Second example of the third state in the second display mode> Next, referring to Figure 17, a second example of switching the display of the collective display unit will be described, specifically a second example of the third state in the second display mode. Figure 17 shows the display switching using the detailed screen candidate display unit F. The display of the third state in (c) in Figure 17 includes the detailed screen candidate display unit F. Hereafter, when the first detailed screen candidate display unit F1, the second detailed screen candidate display unit F2, and the fourth detailed screen candidate display unit F4 are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as "detailed screen candidate display unit F".

[0177] In the operation screen D1 of this embodiment, it is possible to switch from a second state in which the detailed screen candidate display unit F is not displayed (see (b) in Figure 17) to a third state in which the detailed screen candidate display unit F is displayed (see (c) in Figure 17).

[0178] The information shown in candidate displays FC1, FC2, and FC4 on the detailed screen in the third state of (b) in Figure 17 includes "Convenience" functions related to the ice-making function, such as "Ice Making Off" (F1), "Single-Machine Ice Making" (F2), and "Maintenance" (F4). The candidate displays FC1, FC2, and FC4 on the details screen are each associated with the operation units FB1, FB2, and FB4, respectively.

[0179] For example, when the operation reception unit 330 detects a predetermined operation on the operation unit BT5 in the second state operation screen D1 shown in Figure 17(b), it transitions to a screen displaying the details screen or the details screen candidate display unit F (the third state screen). More specifically, when the operation reception unit 330 detects a first predetermined operation (tap operation, single press operation, etc.) on the operation unit BT5 in the second state operation screen D1, it transitions to the details screen D2F related to ice maker settings (see Figure 18). Also, when the operation reception unit 330 detects a second predetermined operation (long press operation, etc.) in the second state operation screen D1, it transitions to screen D3 (the third state screen) displaying the details screen candidate display unit F. For example, if a long press operation is performed on the control unit BT5, the third state shown in (c) of Figure 17 will display information about the ice-making compartment 33 on the operation screen D3.

[0180] Furthermore, when the operation reception unit 330 detects a predetermined operation on the operation units FB1, FB2, and FB4 in the operation screen D3 of the third state shown in Figure 17(c), it transitions to the respective detail screens corresponding to the candidate displays FC1, FC2, and FC4.

[0181] For example, when the operation reception unit 330 detects an operation on operation unit FB1 displaying "Ice Making Off" (F1), it switches the display on operation screen D3 to individual function screen D4A (see Figure 19). When the operation reception unit 330 detects an operation on operation unit FB2 displaying "Instant Ice Making" (F2), it switches the display on operation screen D3 to individual function screen D4B (see Figure 20). When the operation reception unit 330 detects an operation on operation unit FB4 displaying "Maintenance" (F4), it switches the display on operation screen D3 to individual function screen D4C (see Figure 21).

[0182] By pressing the operation button BT shown in the second state above (see (b) in Figure 17), the settings screen can be accessed. Furthermore, by long-pressing the operation button BT shown in the second state above (see (b) in Figure 17), screen D3 shown in (c) in Figure 17 can be displayed, enabling screen transitions using the detailed screen candidate display unit F. In this case, a settings screen for accepting operations such as function changes can be accessed.

[0183] (Individual function screen related to the cooling function settings of the ice maker) Figure 18 shows an example of the individual function screen D2F. The individual function screen D2F is an individual function screen (individual setting screen) related to the setting of the cooling function of the ice-making compartment 33. The individual function screen D2F is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit B15 of the display unit A15 of the first collective display unit A1 described above is operated. The individual function screen D2F has a display CJ that shows the current setting of the cooling function of the ice-making compartment 33, as well as multiple operation units BJ for changing the setting of the cooling function of the ice-making compartment 33 (for example, changing the operating mode). User U can change the setting of the cooling function of the ice-making compartment 33 by operating the operation unit BJ corresponding to the desired setting from among the multiple operation units BJ.

[0184] (Individual function screen related to the cooling function settings of the ice maker) Figures 19 to 21 show examples of individual function screens D4A, D4B, and D4C. Individual function screens D4A, D4B, and D4C are individual function screens (individual setting screens) related to the settings of the cooling function of the ice-making compartment 33.

[0185] The individual function screen D4A shown in Figure 19 is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit FB1 of screen D3, which displays the detailed screen candidate display unit F described above, is operated. The individual function screen D4A displays information to ask the user U whether or not to stop the ice-making function of the ice-making compartment 33. For example, when the operation reception unit 330 receives a change request to stop the ice-making function of the ice-making compartment 33, it stops the ice-making operation of the ice-making compartment 33. At the same time, it updates the operation history information in accordance with the change request.

[0186] The individual function screen D4B shown in Figure 20 is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit FB2 of screen D3, which displays the detailed screen candidate display unit F described above, is operated. The individual function screen D4B displays information to ask the user U whether or not to perform a rapid ice-making operation that enhances the ice-making capacity of the ice-making chamber 33. For example, when the operation reception unit 330 receives a request to change the ice-making chamber 33 to continuous ice-making mode, it switches the ice-making chamber 33 to continuous ice-making mode. At the same time, it updates the operation history information in accordance with the above change request.

[0187] The individual function screen D4C shown in Figure 21 is displayed on the display screen 301a when the operation unit FB4 of screen D3, which displays the detailed screen candidate display unit F described above, is operated. The individual function screen D4C does not relate to the ice-making function of the ice-making compartment 33, but it displays information to ask the user U whether or not to perform maintenance on the ice-making compartment 33. For example, when the operation reception unit 330 receives a request (change request) to perform maintenance on the ice-making compartment 33, it performs the maintenance process for the ice-making compartment 33. At the same time, it updates the operation history information in accordance with the above change request.

[0188] Furthermore, the individual function screens D4A, D4B, and D4C shown in Figures 19 to 21 display, in addition to the above, a display FJ (detail screen movement display) indicating movement information, along with multiple operation units GJ for moving to the destination screen indicated by the movement information. These display FJ and operation units GJ correspond to the "detail screen movement display for receiving user requests to move from one detail screen to another" in the present invention. For example, in Figure 19, on the individual function screen D4A, the operation section GJ for transitioning to other individual function screens D4(D4B, D4C) that are different from the selected individual function screen D4(D4A) displays the "Quick Freeze" icon and the "Maintenance" icon. Other individual function screens D4 also include those with different transition destinations, but the displayed icons are the same. Note that the display of this movement information (FJ - detailed screen movement display) and the display of multiple control buttons (GJ) are optional.

[0189] In Figure 17 (c), the third state display shows the detail screen candidate display section F, which shows the candidate detail screens associated with each transition destination. The example shown here is an example where the transition to the detail screen does not occur.

[0190] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which candidates for the detailed screen are displayed on the detailed screen candidate display unit F, and the user transitions to each detailed screen by operating the detailed screen candidate display unit F. In this modified example, instead of using a detailed screen, a screen that allows direct mode selection is used. This example will be explained below.

[0191] In the example of the ice-making compartment 33 shown in Figure 17, a single press on the detailed screen candidate display unit F transitions to the detailed screen for the ice-making compartment 33. This transition corresponds to the previously mentioned example.

[0192] A difference from before is that when the detailed screen candidate display unit F is pressed and held, the mode switching screen for the ice maker 33 is displayed. Three screens are shown as examples of the ice maker 33 mode switching screen: "Ice Making Off," "Instant Ice Making," and "Cleaning." When one of these is selected, a confirmation dialog for the corresponding mode change request is displayed, and the setting can be changed. For example, user U, who can perform operations without viewing the details screen, may use it as a so-called shortcut to reduce the number of steps in the operation.

[0193] Furthermore, the display order of the functional elements shown in the detailed screen candidate display section F may be based on a priority index, with the function to enable ice making ("turn on") (rapid ice making) displayed higher and the function to disable ice making ("ice making off") displayed lower. Alternatively, the display order may be adjusted clockwise or counterclockwise from the top of the screen depending on the frequency of use of the ice making function. This function may also be provided to user U so that the detailed operation (shortcut) of this operation can be set on a separate settings screen.

[0194] As described above, by providing two procedures—a first procedure to select the details screen and a second procedure to select the direct mode—user U, whether unfamiliar with or familiar with remote operation of the refrigerator 100, can choose the procedure that suits their level of proficiency, thus ensuring convenience.

[0195] In this embodiment, there are four selectable settings for controlling the ice-making compartment 33. The number of items to display may be determined in accordance with the number of selectable settings. Even if there is only one option for the detailed screen displayed by the detailed screen candidate display unit F, if a long press is detected, the corresponding selection screen will be displayed.

[0196] Furthermore, if the detailed screen candidate display unit F has only one option for the detailed screen, even if a long press operation is detected, the system may transition directly to that detailed screen, similar to when a single press operation is detected.

[0197] <5.4 Examples of Information Display> Figures 22 and 23 are diagrams illustrating examples of information display applications. As shown in Figure 22, it is advisable to display the history of driving conditions (driving performance), which is frequently viewed, on the top screen, operation screen D1 (basic screen). In this case, it is desirable that the information be displayed on the operation screen D1 without requiring any specific operation from user U. For example, it is desirable that information on the operating status history (operating record) is displayed regardless of whether the display on the operation screen D1 is in the first state or the second state of the first display mode. For example, by assigning it to display unit A21 or display unit A22, even when displaying the second state mentioned above, it will not extend beyond the display range.

[0198] As shown in Figure 23, it is preferable to display information such as the operating status for the most recent predetermined period on the top screen, which is the operation screen D1 (basic screen). The location for displaying information such as the operating status for the most recent predetermined period should be set in the area outside the collective display section A and the first pattern R1 on the operation screen D1. In this case, it is preferable to group the information at the top (higher position) of the operation screen D1.

[0199] <5.5 Regarding display when offline> The above embodiment can be applied to situations where communication within the system is good. On the other hand, if there is a problem with communication within the system, it may become difficult for the terminal device 300 to acquire or display the same information as when communication is working properly.

[0200] In this embodiment, as an example, we will describe an application example in a situation where communication between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200 is disrupted, and the server 200 is unable to obtain information from the refrigerator 100.

[0201] As described above, when there is a problem with communication between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200, and the server 200 is unable to obtain information from the refrigerator 100, this situation is called the "offline" state. Conversely, when there is no such communication problem and the server 200 can obtain information from the refrigerator 100, this situation is called the "online" state. In other words, the "online" state is when there is a communication connection that allows the server to obtain information about the current control status of the refrigerator.

[0202] Figure 24 shows the display switching using the detailed screen candidate display unit F when a communication problem occurs. Figure 24 corresponds to the display switching using the detailed screen candidate display unit F shown in Figure 15 above. The differences will be explained in detail.

[0203] Due to the above circumstances, the terminal device 300 is unable to obtain information from the server 200 indicating the operating status of the refrigerator 100.

[0204] In this embodiment, even when offline, the operation screen D1 of the first state shown in Figure 24(b) accepts a screen switching request and switches to the operation screen D3 of the third state shown in Figure 24(c).

[0205] However, in this case, the display of the detailed screen candidate display unit F in the operation screen D3 of the third state shown in (c) of Figure 24 will be made different for the offline state and the online state. For example, among the display information FC1, FC2, FC3, and FC4 corresponding to this detailed screen candidate display unit F, those for which information acquisition and control of the refrigerator 100 cannot be performed due to the offline state and those for which it is possible even in the offline state will be displayed in a way that allows for visual identification. More specifically, the display of the former should be grayed out. In the example shown in this figure, display information FC2, FC3, and FC4 will be grayed out. In this case, if the operation is to the operation unit FB1 of the detailed screen candidate display unit F, the screen transition request will be accepted as in the online state and the system will transition to the "Operation Performance Display" screen. On the other hand, for the grayed-out operation units FB2, FB3, and FB4, processing of user U's transition request will be disabled.

[0206] As described above, when the refrigerator is offline, as shown in Figure 24, the display of options for detailed screens other than "Operation History," which shows the refrigerator's operating history, and the cards in the dashboard are grayed out and inactive to clearly indicate that the refrigerator cannot be configured. In this case, the display order is set so that the inactive items are lower down and the activated "Operation History" item is higher up. In addition to the above, you may also use the ability to directly access the "Driving Performance" details screen by pressing or holding the R symbol.

[0207] Figure 25 shows the display switching using the detailed screen candidate display unit F when a communication problem occurs. The display of the detailed screen candidate display unit F in Figure 25 is the same as the display using the detailed screen candidate display unit F shown in Figure 15 above.

[0208] Due to the above circumstances, the terminal device 300 cannot obtain information indicating the operating status of the refrigerator 100 provided by the server 200, and therefore the screen transitioning from the operation screen D3 of the third state shown in (c) of Figure 24 is different from the screen when the device is online.

[0209] Figure 26 is a diagram illustrating the individual function screen D2Bg. Figure 27 is a diagram illustrating the individual function screen D2Cg. Individual function screens D2Bg and D2Cg correspond to the aforementioned individual function screens D2B (Figure 11) and D2C (Figure 12). The difference in display is that the "Confirm" button, which accepts approval operations after viewing information and changing various settings, is grayed out, disabling setting changes. Note that the various information displayed on these screens refers to the history of previous operations and may differ from the current information.

[0210] Figure 28 shows the display switching using the detailed screen candidate display unit F when a communication problem occurs. Figure 29 is a diagram for explaining the individual function screen D2Fg. The following describes an example where the display position of the detailed screen candidate display section F in Figure 28 is set to the position of the ice-making compartment 33.

[0211] Due to the above circumstances, terminal device 300 cannot obtain information indicating the operating status of refrigerator 100 provided by server 200. As a result, it is unable to obtain various information related to the "convenience" function. In this embodiment, even when offline, transitions to the details screen are permitted. For example, the individual function screen D2F shown in Figure 18 above is replaced by the individual function screen D2Fg shown in Figure 29. The "Confirm" button on the individual function screen D2Fg is grayed out, and the ability to change settings is disabled. Although individual illustrations are omitted, it is also advisable to disable the processing of requests for setting changes for the individual function screens D4A, D4B, and D4C shown in Figures 19 to 21.

[0212] For example, even when in "offline" mode, there was a request to view the details screen in order to obtain information about each mode. Taking this request into consideration, as shown in Figure 25, the display of all items in the details screen candidate display unit F corresponding to the long press operation may be enabled, and the request may be addressed by disabling the "OK" button on the destination details screen (Figures 28, 29, etc.).

[0213] In cases where the mode can be selected directly, as shown in Figure 8, a single press will take you to the details screen, but a long press will gray out everything. In this case, since the status of cards in the dashboard cannot be displayed offline, it is desirable to clearly indicate that the user is offline and allow them to transition to the details screen rather than being inactive. (For those who want to see the explanation even offline, it will be possible to transition to the details screen. However, the dashboard card that serves as the entry point to that details screen will be displayed as offline, and the details screen will not accept any operations. This is a function for people who want to read the explanation.)

[0214] The priority setting of this embodiment will now be described. Prioritization can be done using one of the following methods. • Specific settings (default settings) assigned to each of the 100 refrigerator models. This default setting data is determined based on the history information of typical users. The data for these default settings is determined based on the historical information of a specific user U. The above decision method will be determined by the manufacturer of Refrigerator 100 during the design phase. • Tuning based on user requirements The refrigerator 100 accepts requests from user U and has adjustable parameters (such as timer values). The trends in these adjustable parameters should be determined from user U's history information. • Prioritization based on user requests Priority is determined based on user U's actions. In this case, priority settings that match user U's preferences can be used.

[0215] (Second Embodiment) Referring to FIG. 31, the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining the detailed screen candidate display unit W of the second embodiment. In the third state shown in (c) in this FIG. 31, a detailed screen candidate display unit W is provided. In the detailed screen candidate display unit W, the information shown in the candidate display WC1 of the detailed screen is related to the "convenient" function, such as "refrigerator compartment", "operation record", "sterilization setting", etc. The operation reception unit 330 enables selection of desired information using the candidate display WC1 of the detailed screen. For example, a drum roll is provided in the area for displaying the information to be selected, and the user U can adjust the display range of the information on the drum roll by operating the drum roll in the vertical direction. By regarding the information displayed at a predetermined position among the information on the drum roll as the information selected by the user U, desired information can be obtained from the information shown in the candidate display WC1 of the detailed screen.

[0216] Not limited to this, general UI techniques can be appropriately used for information selection. For example, as an example, selection methods such as a combination of a list-displayed information and a check box associated with it, a selection method of associating a priority index (priority order) with the list-displayed information, and a selection method of indicating selection by marking a predetermined position of each operation unit can be cited.

[0217] Thus, the display and operation system of the detailed screen candidate display unit can be appropriately changed. For other explanations, refer to the description of the first embodiment above.

[0218] <6. Process Flow> Next, the process flow of the home appliance management application AP will be described. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of displaying the operation screen D1. First, the operation reception unit 330 receives an operation of user U for displaying the operation screen D1 (S101). Here, the "operation of user U for displaying the operation screen" may be an operation for transitioning from another screen to the operation screen D1, an operation for operating the switching operation unit BS to switch between the first display mode and the second display mode on the operation screen D1, or an operation for switching the collective display unit A between the first state and the second state.

[0219] When the operation of user U for displaying the operation screen D1 is received by the operation reception unit 330, the information acquisition unit 310 inquires the server 200 about the display information necessary for displaying the operation screen D1 (S102). The display information is, for example, the above-described state information 191, detection result information 192, or driving performance information 193, etc. The information acquisition unit 310 acquires the display information from the server 200 as a response to the above inquiry (S103).

[0220] When the display information is acquired by the information acquisition unit 310, the display control unit 320 generates an image to be displayed on the display screen 301a based on the acquired display information, and outputs the generated image to the display device 301 (S104). The process of S104 is an example of the "first display process". Thereby, the operation screen D1 is displayed on the display screen 301a. Note that the acquisition of the display information may be performed at the time when the operation of user U for displaying the operation screen D1 is received, or may be acquired when the home appliance management application AP is started or when the top screen related to the refrigerator 100 is transitioned to.

[0221] <7. Advantages> In recent years, the refrigerator 100 has been advancing in multifunctionality. For this reason, it may be difficult to arrange the operation units related to the display of the information of the refrigerator 100 and the change of settings in an orderly manner.

[0222] In this embodiment, the program can display a basic screen for accepting refrigerator setting operations and a detailed screen that allows for more detailed settings than the basic screen. When a predetermined operation on the basic screen is detected, the detailed screen is displayed. If there are multiple candidates for the detailed screen that can be selected by the predetermined operation, the detailed screen selected according to a predetermined priority index is displayed. This further improves the convenience of user U.

[0223] In this embodiment, when there are multiple candidates for the detail screen that can be selected by the predetermined operation on the basic screen, the program displays a candidate for the detail screen selected from the multiple detail screens in response to the detection of a special operation different from the predetermined operation on the basic screen during program execution. With this configuration, it is possible to display a candidate for the detail screen selected from the multiple detail screens in response to the detection of a special operation different from the predetermined operation on the basic screen. This further improves the convenience of user U.

[0224] In this embodiment, upon detection of the special operation by program execution, a predetermined number of candidate detail screens selected from a plurality of detail screens are displayed. If the number of selectable detail screen candidates exceeds the predetermined number, the detail screen candidates selected according to a predetermined priority index are displayed. With this configuration, when the number of selectable detail screen candidates exceeds the predetermined number, the detail screen candidates selected according to a predetermined priority index can be displayed. This further improves the convenience of user U.

[0225] In this embodiment, when there are multiple candidates for the detail screen that can be selected by the predetermined operation on the basic screen, the program executes a detail screen transition display on the detail screen to accept a request to move from one detail screen to another detail screen. With this configuration, even when there are multiple candidates for the selectable detail screen, the detail screen transition display can be shown on the detail screen to accept a request to transition from the basic screen to one detail screen by the predetermined operation, and then to move from the resulting detail screen to another detail screen without returning to the basic screen. This further improves the convenience of user U.

[0226] In this embodiment, the basic screen is a screen that schematically represents a refrigerator, and when the program is executed, different candidate detail screens are selected depending on whether the refrigerator door displayed on the basic screen is open or closed. With this configuration, even if there are multiple candidate detail screens that can be selected, different candidate detail screens can be selected depending on whether the refrigerator door displayed on the basic screen is open or closed. This further improves the convenience of the user U.

[0227] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the program can display a basic screen for accepting refrigerator setting operations and a detailed screen that allows for more detailed settings than the basic screen. When a predetermined operation on the basic screen is detected, the detailed screen is displayed. If there are multiple candidates for the detailed screen that can be selected by the predetermined operation, the destination detailed screen displays a detailed screen movement indicator to accept a request to move to another detailed screen. This further improves the convenience of user U.

[0228] In this embodiment, the detailed screen navigation display relates to the storage room corresponding to the source detailed screen, and displays information for navigating to a detailed screen relating to a function different from the function shown in the source detailed screen within that storage room. By using such a detailed screen navigation display, the convenience of user U can be further improved.

[0229] In this embodiment, the detailed screen navigation display is a display of information for navigating to the detailed screen of a function in a storage room adjacent to the detailed screen of the storage room from which the navigation originated. By using such a detailed screen navigation display, the convenience of user U can be further improved. For example, adjacent storage rooms can be vertically adjacent or horizontally adjacent. In this embodiment, when the relationship is "adjacent vertically," it can refer to relationships such as "refrigerator compartment 31 and chilled compartment 31A," "refrigerator compartment 31 and vegetable compartment 32," "vegetable compartment 32 and ice maker compartment 33 or upper freezer compartment 34," or "ice maker compartment 33 or upper freezer compartment 34 and main freezer compartment 35." In this embodiment, when the relationship is "adjacent horizontally," it can refer to relationships such as "ice maker compartment 33 and upper freezer compartment 34," or "left chilled compartment and right chilled compartment within chilled compartment 31A."

[0230] In this embodiment, the detailed screen navigation display is a display of information for navigating to a detailed screen for functions that are common to the functions operable on the source detailed screen. By using such a detailed screen navigation display, the convenience of user U can be further improved.

[0231] In this embodiment, the basic screen is a schematic representation of a refrigerator, and the program displays different detailed screens depending on whether the refrigerator door displayed on the basic screen is open or closed. With this configuration, different detailed screen displays can be used depending on whether the refrigerator door displayed on the basic screen is open or closed. This further improves the convenience of the user U.

[0232] In this embodiment, when the program is executed, a basic screen movement indicator is displayed to move from the basic screen to a specific detail screen among the multiple detail screens. When communication is interrupted and information regarding the control status of the refrigerator cannot be obtained, the display mode of the basic screen movement indicator for moving to some of the multiple detail screens is changed to a mode different from the display mode when communication is established and information regarding the control status of the refrigerator can be obtained. The basic screen movement indicator to a specific detail screen that continues to be displayed in the same way as when communication is established, even when communication is interrupted, is displayed in a higher position on the basic screen that is easily visible. With this configuration, even when communication is interrupted, information that can be displayed normally, as when communication is established, can be displayed in a higher position on the basic screen that is easily visible. This further improves the convenience of user U.

[0233] In this embodiment, when the program is executed, a basic screen movement display for moving to a specific detail screen among a plurality of detail screens is displayed on the basic screen. When communication is interrupted and information regarding the control status of the refrigerator cannot be obtained, the display mode of the basic screen movement display for moving to some of the plurality of detail screens is changed to a different mode than the display mode when communication is established and information regarding the control status of the refrigerator can be obtained. In response to an operation on the basic screen movement display with the changed display mode, the user moves to the detail screen corresponding to that basic screen movement display. With this configuration, even when communication is interrupted and information regarding the control status of the refrigerator cannot be obtained, it is possible to transition to the detail screen and increase the amount of information that can be viewed. This further improves the convenience of user U.

[0234] In this embodiment, when there are multiple candidate detail screens that can be selected by the predetermined operation through program execution, the user moves from the basic screen to the selected detail screen according to a predetermined priority index, and the predetermined priority index prioritizes movement to the most recently used detail screen. With this configuration, a predetermined priority index that prioritizes movement to the most recently used detail screen can be used. This further improves the convenience of user U.

[0235] In this embodiment, when there are multiple candidates for the detailed screen that can be selected by the predetermined operation, the program execution moves the user from the basic screen to the selected detailed screen according to a predetermined priority indicator, and the predetermined priority indicator is to prioritize moving to the detailed screen that displays the history of the refrigerator's operating status. With this configuration, it is possible to prioritize moving to the detailed screen that displays the history of the refrigerator's operating status. This further improves the convenience of user U.

[0236] In this embodiment, the inclusion of information regarding a fixed position that determines the display position of the basic screen movement display for moving to a specific detail screen in the basic screen further improves user U's convenience. For example, particularly important information is applied to the fixed position information. By fixing the position within the detail screen, it becomes habitual for user U to use that position, eliminating the need to check the position, making it easier to select the fixed position.

[0237] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the execution of the program enables the display of a basic screen for accepting refrigerator setting operations and a detailed screen that allows for more detailed settings than the basic screen. The detailed screen is one of several types of screens for displaying refrigerator information indicating the settings of a specific function of the refrigerator or the control status of the refrigerator. When an operation for a basic screen movement display to move to a specific detailed screen is detected on the basic screen, the specific detailed screen is displayed. If new refrigerator information to be displayed on the detailed screen has been acquired, the basic screen movement display to move to the detailed screen is displayed in an active state that accepts movement instructions. Even if new refrigerator information to be displayed on the detailed screen cannot be acquired, if it can be displayed using refrigerator information previously acquired and stored in the memory, the basic screen movement display to move to the detailed screen is displayed in the active state. For example, refrigerator information includes information indicating the settings of specific functions of the refrigerator or the control status of the refrigerator. Let's look at a more specific example. Information indicating the settings for specific functions of the refrigerator 100 includes, for example, information indicating the settings for the functions of each storage compartment 30 (cooling function, etc.), information regarding the setting for the ultraviolet irradiation function within each storage compartment 30, and information indicating the settings for the opening and closing function (opening and closing control) of the door 20. Information indicating the control status of the refrigerator 100 also includes information regarding the control of each storage compartment 30 (cooling control, etc.), information regarding the control of ultraviolet irradiation within each storage compartment 30, and information regarding the opening and closing control of the door 20. This information indicating the control status of the refrigerator 100 may also include information regarding the communication status of the refrigerator 100. By making the basic screen movement display available in this way, the convenience of the user U can be further improved.

[0238] In this embodiment, regarding the detailed screen for displaying the settings of the specific functions of the refrigerator, when the refrigerator information displayed on the detailed screen cannot be newly acquired, the basic screen movement display for moving to the detailed screen is displayed in an inactive state where an instruction to move is not accepted. According to such a configuration, by displaying the basic screen movement display for moving to the detailed screen in an inactive state where an instruction to move is not accepted, it is possible to indicate a case where the refrigerator information displayed on the detailed screen cannot be newly acquired, and it is possible to further improve the convenience of the user U in the above case.

[0239] In this embodiment, regarding the detailed screen for displaying the settings of the specific functions of the refrigerator, when the refrigerator information displayed on the detailed screen cannot be newly acquired, after displaying the basic screen movement display for moving to the detailed screen in the active state, regarding the operation unit for completing the setting of the specific function of the refrigerator on the detailed screen, it is displayed in an inactive state where an instruction for setting is not accepted, and the completion of the setting operation is suppressed. For example, the operation unit for completing the setting of the specific function of the refrigerator on the detailed screen is, as shown in the individual function screen D2Bg (FIG. 26) and the individual function screen D2Cg (FIG. 27), a "decision" button that accepts an approval operation when browsing information and changing various information settings. This "decision" button is displayed in a grayed-out state, indicating that the setting change is invalid. Thereby, it is possible to further improve the convenience of the user U.

[0240] In this embodiment, on the basic screen, when the basic screen movement display for moving to a specific detailed screen is displayed in a mixed state of an inactive state where an instruction to move is not accepted and an active state, the basic screen movement display in the active state is displayed at a higher position that is more visible on the basic screen. Thereby, it is possible to further improve the convenience of the user U.

[0241] In this embodiment, if the refrigerator information displayed on the detail screen cannot be newly acquired, but can be displayed using the refrigerator information previously acquired and stored in the memory area, then on the detail screen accessed by the basic screen movement display shown in the active state, the previously acquired refrigerator information is displayed in a different manner from the newly acquired refrigerator information. This further improves user convenience by displaying the information in a manner that indicates that it cannot be acquired.

[0242] In this embodiment, with respect to the detailed screen that displays information showing the operating history of the refrigerator, if the refrigerator information to be displayed on the detailed screen cannot be newly acquired, and can be displayed using the refrigerator information that has been previously acquired and stored in the memory area, then by treating the basic screen movement display as an object to be displayed in the activated state, the convenience of the user U can be further improved.

[0243] (Modifications of the first and second embodiments) The order of the multiple (e.g., six) display units A11 to A16 of the first collective display unit A1 may be rearranged based on the user U's operation. For example, when the operation screen D1 transitions to the second state (see Figure 8), only the upper two display units A11 and A12 of the six display units A11 to A16 arranged in two horizontal and three vertical columns are displayed, and the operation unit B also becomes active. Therefore, if the user U can change the order of the display units A11 to A16, the display unit corresponding to the storage room 30 that the user U frequently operates can be placed as the active display unit in the second state. Similarly, the order of the multiple (e.g., six) display units A21 to A26 of the second collective display unit A2 may be rearranged based on the user U's operation.

[0244] Several embodiments have been described above. However, the embodiments are not limited to the examples above. For example, the above-described embodiments may be implemented in combination with each other. For example, the first operation screen D1 may be switchable to one or more other display modes, each including a different group display unit, in addition to the first display mode including the first group display unit A1 and the second display mode including the second group display unit A2.

[0245] According to at least one embodiment described above, the program of the first aspect thereof is capable of displaying a basic screen for accepting refrigerator setting operations and a detailed screen that enables more detailed settings than the basic screen, displays the detailed screen when a predetermined operation on the basic screen is detected, and, if there are multiple candidates for the detailed screen that can be selected by the predetermined operation, displays the detailed screen selected according to a predetermined priority index, thereby causing the computer to perform these actions.

[0246] Furthermore, the program from the second perspective allows the display of a basic screen for accepting refrigerator setting operations and a detailed screen that enables more detailed settings than the basic screen. The program displays the detailed screen when a predetermined operation on the basic screen is detected, and if there are multiple candidates for the detailed screen that can be selected by the predetermined operation, the program causes the computer to display a detailed screen transition indicator on the destination detailed screen to accept a request to move to another detailed screen.

[0247] Furthermore, the program from the third perspective is capable of displaying a basic screen for accepting refrigerator setting operations and a detailed screen that allows for more detailed settings than the basic screen, wherein the detailed screen is one of several types of screens for displaying refrigerator information indicating the setting of a specific function of the refrigerator or the control status of the refrigerator, and when an operation for a basic screen movement display to move to a specific detailed screen is detected on the basic screen, the specific detailed screen is displayed, and if new refrigerator information to be displayed on the detailed screen has been acquired, the basic screen movement display to move to the detailed screen is displayed in an active state that accepts instructions to move, and even if new refrigerator information to be displayed on the detailed screen cannot be acquired, if it can be displayed using the refrigerator information that has been previously acquired and stored in the memory, the basic screen movement display to move to the detailed screen is displayed in the active state. This configuration can improve convenience.

[0248] 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. The following information may be included in the "driving history information" etc. that can be viewed from the terminal device 300. • Driving record (eco-driving) Door opening and closing history • Instructions screen (including general usage instructions for the Refrigerator 100) [Explanation of symbols]

[0249] 1... Home appliance management system, 100... Refrigerator (information processing system), 10... Enclosure, 20... Door 30...Storage compartment, 31...Refrigerator compartment, 31A...Chilled compartment, 32...Vegetable compartment, 33...Ice maker compartment, 34...Upper freezer compartment, 35...Main freezer compartment, 200...Server (information processing system), 300...Terminal device, 310...Information acquisition unit, 320...Display control unit, 330...Operation reception unit, 340...Information transmission unit, AP...Home appliance management application (information processing system).

Claims

1. The system can display a basic screen for accepting settings operations for the refrigerator, and a detailed screen that allows for more detailed settings than the basic screen. Upon detection of a predetermined operation on the basic screen, the detailed screen is displayed. When there are multiple candidates for the detailed screen that can be selected by the predetermined operation, the detailed screen selected according to a predetermined priority index is displayed. A program that causes a computer to execute something.

2. When there are multiple candidates for the detailed screen that can be selected by the predetermined operation on the basic screen, the selected candidate for the detailed screen is displayed in response to the detection of a special operation on the basic screen that is different from the predetermined operation. The program according to claim 1 for causing a computer to execute it.

3. In response to the detection of the aforementioned special operation, a predetermined number of candidate detail screens selected from among the multiple detail screens will be displayed. If the number of selectable detail screen candidates exceeds a predetermined number, the selected detail screen candidates will be displayed according to a predetermined priority index. The program according to claim 2 for causing a computer to execute it.

4. When there are multiple candidates for the detail screen that can be selected by the predetermined operation on the basic screen, a detail screen movement indicator is displayed on the detail screen to accept a request to move from one detail screen to another. The program according to claim 1 for causing a computer to execute it.

5. The aforementioned basic screen is a schematic representation of a refrigerator, and depending on whether the refrigerator door displayed on the basic screen is open or closed, different detailed screen options are selected. The program according to claim 1 for causing a computer to execute it.

6. A basic screen navigation indicator is displayed on a specific detailed screen among the multiple detailed screens, allowing the user to navigate from the basic screen. When communication is interrupted and information regarding the control status of the refrigerator cannot be obtained, the display mode of the basic screen movement display for moving to some of the multiple detail screens is changed to a different mode than the display mode when communication is established and information regarding the control status of the refrigerator can be obtained. Regarding the display of the basic screen to a specific detail screen that maintains the same display configuration as when the communication is connected, even when the communication is disconnected, the basic screen shall display it in a higher position that is easily visible. The program according to claim 1 for causing a computer to execute it.

7. A basic screen navigation indicator is displayed on the basic screen to move to a specific detail screen among the multiple detail screens. When communication is interrupted and information regarding the control status of the refrigerator cannot be obtained, the display mode of the basic screen movement display for moving to some of the multiple detail screens is changed to a different mode than the display mode when communication is established and information regarding the control status of the refrigerator can be obtained. In response to an operation on the basic screen movement display whose display mode has been changed, the system moves to the detail screen corresponding to the basic screen movement display. The program according to claim 1 for causing a computer to execute it.

8. As the predetermined priority indicator, priority is given to moving to the most recently used detail screen. The program according to claim 1 for causing a computer to execute it.

9. As the predetermined priority indicator, priority is given to moving to the detailed screen that displays the history of the refrigerator's operating status. The program according to claim 1 for causing a computer to execute it.

10. This includes information regarding a fixed position that determines the display position of the basic screen movement display for moving to a specific detail screen in the basic screen. The program according to claim 1.

11. It is possible to display a basic screen for accepting settings operations for the refrigerator, and a detailed screen that allows for more detailed settings than the basic screen. Upon detection of a predetermined operation on the basic screen, the detailed screen is displayed. If there are multiple candidates for the detailed screen that can be selected by the predetermined operation, the detailed screen selected according to a predetermined priority index will be displayed. Information processing system.

12. It is possible to display a basic screen for accepting settings operations for the refrigerator, and a detailed screen that allows for more detailed settings than the basic screen. Upon detection of a predetermined operation on the basic screen, the detailed screen is displayed. If there are multiple candidates for the detailed screen that can be selected by the predetermined operation, the detailed screen selected according to a predetermined priority index will be displayed. A method of information processing in a computer configured in such a way.

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