Home electrical appliance control system and application program for home electrical appliance control system

Abstract

We provide a user-friendly home electrical appliance control system and an application program for the home electrical appliance control system. [Solution] The household electrical appliance control system 1 of the present invention comprises a household electrical appliance 3 and a communication terminal 4. The communication terminal 4 has multiple types of operating functions and can communicate with the household electrical appliance 1. The household electrical appliance 3 is capable of a first operation and a second operation in which at least one of the operating noise, light emission, and specific operations is restricted compared to the first operation. The communication terminal 4 can also set a restriction mode that restricts the execution of some of the operating functions. Furthermore, the communication terminal 4 can transmit a setting signal to the household electrical appliance 3 based on the setting of the restriction mode. When the household electrical appliance 3 receives a setting signal from the communication terminal 4, it performs the second operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a home electric appliance control system and an application program for the home electric appliance control system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional communication terminal. Specifically, this communication terminal is a smartphone, which has multiple functions such as making phone calls, sending and receiving emails, and managing the user's schedule in addition to making phone calls. Further, in this communication terminal, it is possible to set restricted modes such as a "manner mode" and a "bedtime mode". These "manner mode" and "bedtime mode" are modes that restrict notifications by incoming call sounds or restrict phone calls.

[0003] Furthermore, in this communication terminal, it is possible to link the above-described restricted modes to the schedule set by the user. Thereby, for example, between Monday and Friday, the "manner mode" can be automatically set when it becomes 7:20, and the "bedtime mode" can be automatically set when it becomes 24:00.

[0004] In this way, in this communication terminal, the user does not need to set the restricted mode every time according to his or her schedule, so the operation burden on the user's communication terminal is reduced accordingly.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Incidentally, in some household electrical appliances such as dryers, in addition to the first operation which is the normal operation, it is possible to perform a second operation, for example, which limits the operating noise more than the first operation. With such household electrical appliances, when people around the appliance, including the user, are resting or sleeping, the second operation can be made less likely to disturb their rest or sleep.

[0007] In this case, even if a user has set a restricted mode on the conventional communication terminal described above, if the aforementioned household electrical appliance performs the first operation in the vicinity of the user, the user's purpose in setting the restricted mode on the communication terminal may be hindered. Therefore, in order to avoid such a situation, the user must separately set the restricted mode on the communication terminal and perform the operation to cause the household electrical appliance to perform the second operation. This may cause the user to find such operations cumbersome.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to solve the problem of providing a convenient household electrical appliance control system and an application program for the household electrical appliance control system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The household electrical appliance control system of the present invention controls household electrical appliances used in a building, It has multiple types of operating functions and includes a communication terminal capable of communicating with the aforementioned household electrical appliance, The aforementioned household electrical appliance is capable of a first operation and a second operation in which at least one of the operating noise, light emission, and specific operations is restricted compared to the first operation. The communication terminal is a household electrical appliance control system capable of setting a restriction mode that limits the execution of some of the operating functions, The communication terminal is capable of transmitting a setting signal to the household electrical appliance based on the setting of the restriction mode. The household electrical appliance is characterized in that it performs the second operation when it receives the setting signal from the communication terminal.

[0010] In the household electrical appliance control system of the present invention, a communication terminal can transmit a setting signal to the household electrical appliance based on the setting of a restriction mode. The household electrical appliance then performs a second operation upon receiving this setting signal.

[0011] As a result, in this home electrical appliance control system, when the communication terminal is in restricted mode, it is not necessary to separately set the communication terminal in restricted mode and then perform the operation to make the home electrical appliance perform the second operation. Therefore, this home electrical appliance control system can reduce the operational burden on the user.

[0012] Furthermore, because it is not necessary to separately set the restriction mode for the communication terminal and to perform the operation to make the household electrical appliance perform the second operation, this household electrical appliance control system can prevent the household electrical appliance from unintentionally performing the first operation when the user forgets to operate the household electrical appliance and the communication terminal is in restriction mode.

[0013] Therefore, the household electrical appliance control system of the present invention offers excellent convenience.

[0014] Preferably, when a restriction mode is set, the communication terminal should propose to the user of the communication terminal that it send a setting signal, and if the user accepts the proposal, it should send the setting signal. In this case, the user can decide in advance whether or not to allow the household electrical appliance to perform a second operation when the communication terminal is in restriction mode, thus improving convenience.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferable that the communication terminal transmits a setting signal at the same time that the restriction mode is set. This allows the household electrical appliance to suitably perform the second operation when the communication terminal is in restriction mode.

[0016] It is preferable that the communication terminal is capable of communicating with household electrical appliances via short-range wireless communication. This allows for easy communication between the household electrical appliances and the communication terminal, and thus, in this household electrical appliance control system, setting signals can be suitably transmitted from the communication terminal to the household electrical appliances.

[0017] In the household electrical appliance control system of the present invention, there may be multiple communication terminals. Furthermore, the second operation may limit the operating noise. Moreover, limiting the operating noise may include adjusting the volume of the operating noise. In addition, it is preferable that the household electrical appliance reduces the volume in the second operation as the number of communication terminals to which the limiting mode is set increases.

[0018] In this case, the more communication terminals that are set to restricted mode, the lower the operating noise of household electrical appliances when the second operation is performed. For this reason, the household electrical appliance control system of the present invention can effectively prevent the operating noise of household electrical appliances when the second operation is performed from disturbing the user's rest or sleep.

[0019] The application program for a household electrical appliance control system of the present invention controls household electrical appliances used in a building, An application program for a home electrical appliance control system, which has multiple types of operating functions and includes a communication terminal capable of communicating with the home electrical appliance, The aforementioned household electrical appliance is capable of a first operation and a second operation in which at least one of the operating noise, light emission, and specific operations is restricted compared to the first operation. The communication terminal can be configured to set a restriction mode that limits the execution of some of the operating functions. The application program for the household electrical appliance control system is capable of performing a transmission process to send a setting signal to the household electrical appliance based on the setting of the restriction mode in the communication terminal. The household electrical appliance executes the second operation when receiving the setting signal.

[0020] According to the application program for the household electrical appliance control system of the present invention, it is possible to achieve the same operation as the household electrical appliance control system of the present invention.

[0021] Therefore, the application program for the household electrical appliance control system of the present invention is excellent in convenience.

[0022] The application program for the household electrical appliance control system of the present invention preferably performs remote control of the household electrical appliance based on the operation of the communication terminal by the user of the communication terminal. In this case, the convenience can be further improved.

Effect of the Invention

[0023] The household electrical appliance control system of the present invention and the application program for the household electrical appliance control system are excellent in convenience.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the household electrical appliance control system of the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a list diagram showing the contents of the standard drying operation and the mild drying operation that can be executed by the dryer according to the household electrical appliance control system of the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication terminal that displays a mode selection screen according to the household electrical appliance control system of the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a communication terminal that displays a remote control screen according to the household electrical appliance control system of the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control flow for the dryer to execute operation switching control according to the household electrical appliance control system of the embodiment. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication terminal that displays a confirmation screen, relating to a household electrical appliance control system of an embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the control flow for a household electrical appliance control system of an embodiment, in which the dryer performs operation switching control. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the household electrical appliance control system 1 of the embodiment comprises a dryer 3 and communication terminals 4 to 7. Specifically, the dryer 3 is a clothes dryer and is an example of a "household electrical appliance" in the present invention.

[0027] In this embodiment, the arrows shown in Figure 1 define the front-to-back, up-and-down, and left-to-right directions of the dryer 3. These front-to-back, up-and-down, and left-to-right directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0028] Dryer 3 is installed inside building H. Building H is specifically a residence where users 11 to 14 live. Dryer 3 is equipped with a casing 31, a drum 33, a speaker 39, and a control device C1, etc.

[0029] The housing 31 is a roughly rectangular box shape extending in the front-to-back, up-to-down, and left-to-right directions. The front of the housing 31 is provided with an opening / closing door 35 and an operating section 37. The opening / closing door 35 can open and close the drying chamber 33a, which will be described later.

[0030] The control unit 37 consists of a liquid crystal display 37a and a plurality of operation buttons 37b. The control unit 37 allows users 11-14 to select the type of drying operation in the dryer 3 by operating the operation buttons 37b. This drying operation includes normal drying and mild drying. Normal drying is an example of the "first operation" in this invention. Mild drying is an example of the "second operation" in this invention. Details of these normal and mild drying operations will be described later. The control unit 37 may also be composed of a liquid crystal panel or the like that can accept touch operations from users 11-14.

[0031] The drum 33 is located inside the housing 31 and is rotatable within the housing 31. The drum 33 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and forms a drying chamber 33a inside. The drying chamber 33a is opened to the outside of the housing 31 by an opening / closing door 35, allowing users 11-14 to place items to be dried (not shown) inside. Examples of items to be dried include clothing, blankets, carpets, etc.

[0032] The speaker 39 is located inside the housing 31. The speaker 39 is capable of emitting an operation completion sound to indicate the end of the drying operation, as well as warning sounds to indicate abnormalities in the dryer 3.

[0033] Although not shown in the diagram, the housing 31 is also equipped with a power unit that rotates the drum 33 inside the housing 31 using the power of an electric motor, a hot air supply unit that supplies hot air into the drying chamber 33a, and an exhaust unit that discharges the hot air used to dry the material inside the drying chamber 33a to the outside of the drying chamber 33a and, consequently, the housing 31.

[0034] The control device C1 is located inside the housing 31. The control device C1 is connected to the operation unit 37, the speaker 39, the power unit, and the hot air supply unit. Based on the operation of the operation unit 37 by users 11 to 14, the control device C1 controls the operation of the power unit and the hot air supply unit. As a result, the control device C1 performs normal drying operation and mild drying operation. The control device C1 also controls the operation of the speaker 39.

[0035] In both normal drying and mild drying operations, the power unit rotates the drum 33 for a preset operating time, while the hot air supply unit supplies hot air to the drying chamber 33a, thereby drying the material to be dried contained in the drying chamber 33a. As shown in Figure 2, in normal drying operation, the control device C1 controls the operation of the power unit so that the drum 33 rotates 60 times per minute.

[0036] The mild drying operation has three operating levels. The control unit C1 controls the operation of the power unit so that the drum 33 rotates at 54 revolutions per minute in mild drying operation level 1, 50 revolutions per minute in mild drying operation level 2, and 46 revolutions per minute in mild drying operation level 3. In other words, the control unit C1 limits the rotation speed of the drum 33 to decrease in the order of operating level 1, operating level 2, and operating level 3 during mild drying operation. Furthermore, the control unit C1 limits the rotation speed of the drum 33 to be lower than that of normal drying operation in mild drying operation, regardless of whether the operating level is 1 to 3.

[0037] Thus, in mild drying mode, the rotation speed of the drum 33 is limited compared to normal drying mode, and therefore the operating noise during drying is reduced in mild drying mode compared to normal drying mode. More specifically, in this dryer 3, the operating noise during drying decreases in the following order: normal drying mode, mild drying mode at operating level 1, mild drying mode at operating level 2, and mild drying mode at operating level 3.

[0038] Furthermore, the control device C1 sets the operating time for mild drying to be longer than that for normal drying, so that the materials to be dried in the drying chamber 33a can be dried appropriately even in mild drying mode. In other words, the operating time increases in the order of normal drying mode, mild drying mode at operating level 1, mild drying mode at operating level 2, and mild drying mode at operating level 3. In addition, the control device C1 appropriately adjusts the flow rate and temperature of the hot air supplied from the hot air supply unit to the drying chamber 33a during normal drying mode and mild drying mode.

[0039] Furthermore, when the normal drying operation is completed, the control device C1 notifies users 11-14 that the drying operation has finished by illuminating the liquid crystal display 37a on the operation unit 37. In addition, when the normal drying operation is completed, the control device C1 also notifies users 11-14 that the drying operation has finished by emitting a sound from the speaker 39. In contrast, in the mild drying operation, regardless of the operation level 1-3, the control device C1 does not notify users 11-14 by illuminating the liquid crystal display 37a or by using the speaker 39 when the operation is completed.

[0040] As a result, in the mild drying operation of this dryer 3, the operating noise, light emission, and rotation of the drum 33 are all restricted compared to the normal drying operation. Warning sounds are used to notify of any abnormality in the dryer 3, regardless of whether it is in normal or mild drying operation. Furthermore, the control device C1 can switch to mild drying operation while in normal drying operation, and can also switch back to normal drying operation while in mild drying operation.

[0041] Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, in addition to normal drying and mild drying operations, this dryer 3 also allows selection of individual drying operations according to the type and material of the material to be dried, as well as sterilization and deodorization operations for sterilizing and deodorizing the material to be dried, via the control unit 37. When a sterilization and deodorization operation or the like is selected, the control device C1 controls the operation of the power unit and hot air supply unit accordingly to execute the sterilization and deodorization operation or the like.

[0042] Furthermore, the control device C1 is connected to the communication terminals 4-7 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth® or WiFi®. As a result, the control device C1 can also perform normal drying operation and mild drying operation based on remote control by the communication terminals 4-7.

[0043] The communication terminals 4-7 shown in Figure 1, etc., are all commercially available smartphones. Each communication terminal 4-7 is located outside the dryer 3 and is separate from the dryer 3. Furthermore, each communication terminal 4-7 is also separate from the others. Note that communication terminals 4-7 may also be laptop computers or tablet computers, as long as they can communicate with the dryer 3.

[0044] Communication terminal 4 is primarily used by user 11. Communication terminal 5 is primarily used by user 12. Communication terminal 6 is primarily used by user 13. And communication terminal 7 is primarily used by user 14. As mentioned above, users 11-14 also use dryer 3. Note that user 11 may also use communication terminals 5-7. The same applies to users 12-14. In addition, users other than users 11-14 may be included as users of dryer 3.

[0045] Communication terminals 4 to 7 have substantially the same configuration. The following is a detailed explanation of the configuration using communication terminal 4 as an example. As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6, communication terminal 4 is equipped with a touch panel display 21. The display 21 can display the mode selection screen 41 shown in Figure 3, the remote control screen 42 shown in Figure 4, and the transmission confirmation screen 43 shown in Figure 6, among others. Details regarding these mode selection screens 41, etc., will be described later. Note that communication terminals 4 to 7 may have completely identical configurations.

[0046] The communication terminal 4 includes a storage unit 22, a calculation unit 23, a communication unit 24, an audio output unit 25, and a vibration unit 26. These storage unit 22, calculation unit 23, communication unit 24, audio output unit 25, and vibration unit 26 are located inside the communication terminal 4.

[0047] The memory unit 22 stores a basic control program (not shown) for controlling the operation of the communication terminal 4, as well as a dryer control application 27, etc. The dryer control application 27 is an example of an "application program for a household electrical appliance control system" in the present invention.

[0048] The calculation unit 23 controls the operation of the memory unit 22, communication unit 24, audio output unit 25, and vibration unit 26. In addition, the calculation unit 23 can execute "standard mode," "sleep mode," and "concentration mode," and also executes dryer control applications 27, etc.

[0049] The communication unit 24 can connect to the dryer 3 via short-range wireless communication. Furthermore, the communication unit 24 enables wireless communication between communication terminals 4-7. In addition, the communication unit 24 can connect to a network NW (see Figure 1), such as the Internet.

[0050] The audio output unit 25 shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6 notifies the communication terminals 4-7 with a ringtone when a phone call or email is received, and also plays operation sounds and voice messages in response to operations on the communication terminals 4-7. Furthermore, the audio output unit 25 can play music. The vibration unit 26 notifies the communication terminals 4-7 with vibration when a phone call or email is received, and also vibrates in response to operations on the communication terminals 4-7.

[0051] Communication terminals 4-7, like typical smartphones, have multiple functions including making phone calls, sending and receiving emails, and playing music. Furthermore, communication terminals 4-7 can run various applications (not shown) desired by users 11-14, including the dryer control application 27, by obtaining them via the network NW.

[0052] Furthermore, communication terminals 4 to 7 are equipped with "Standard Mode," "Sleep Mode," and "Concentration Mode." "Sleep Mode" and "Concentration Mode" are examples of "Restriction Modes" in this invention. Communication terminals 4 to 7 can select and execute one of these "Standard Mode," "Sleep Mode," and "Concentration Mode." Note that communication terminals 4 to 7 may also be equipped with modes other than "Standard Mode," "Sleep Mode," and "Concentration Mode."

[0053] Here, "Standard Mode" is a mode in which all functions of communication terminals 4-7 can be performed without restriction, and notifications are made by ringtone and vibration when a call is received or an email is received. "Do Not Disturb Mode" is a mode in which notifications are made by ringtone and vibration for calls from pre-set contacts, but no notifications are made for calls from other contacts. And "Focus Mode" is a mode in which no notifications are made from communication terminals 4-7, including notifications by ringtone and vibration for calls and emails.

[0054] To select one of these modes—"Standard Mode," "Sleep Mode," or "Focus Mode"—users 11-14 operate the communication terminals 4-7 to display the mode selection screen 41 on the display 21 (see Figure 3). This mode selection screen 41 displays the text "Please select a mode" along with the Standard Mode icon 411, Sleep Mode icon 412, and Focus Mode icon 413.

[0055] For example, if user 11 wishes to execute "Standard Mode" on the communication terminal 4, user 11 touches the Standard Mode icon 411 on the mode selection screen 41 of the communication terminal 4. As a result, the arithmetic unit 23 on the communication terminal 4 executes "Standard Mode". Furthermore, while "Standard Mode" is running, user 11 can switch from "Standard Mode" to "Sleep Mode" or "Concentration Mode" by touching the Sleep Mode icon 412 or the Concentration Mode icon 413 on the mode selection screen 41.

[0056] Furthermore, the selection of "Standard Mode," "Sleep Mode," and "Focus Mode" can be performed individually on each of the communication terminals 4 through 7. This means that while "Standard Mode" is running on communication terminal 4, communication terminals 5 through 7 can also run "Standard Mode" like communication terminal 4, and unlike communication terminal 4, they can also run "Sleep Mode" or "Focus Mode."

[0057] The dryer control application 27, upon confirmation that "sleep mode" or "focused mode" is set in communication terminals 4-7 and approval is given by users 11-14, transmits a setting signal indicating that "sleep mode" or "focused mode" is set to the control device C1 of the dryer 3 via the communication unit 24.

[0058] Furthermore, when a user 11-14 sets a communication terminal 4-7 that is set to "sleep mode" or "focused mode," that is, when a switch occurs from "sleep mode" to "standard mode," or from "focused mode" to "standard mode," the dryer control application 27 sends a release signal to the control device C1 of the dryer 3 indicating that "sleep mode" has been released. However, the dryer control application 27 does not send a release signal when a switch occurs from "sleep mode" to "focused mode," or from "focused mode" to "sleep mode."

[0059] As a result, the dryer control application 27 connects the communication terminals 4-7 and the dryer 3 via short-range wireless communication, and can link the settings of "Standard Mode," "Sleep Mode," and "Concentrated Mode" on the communication terminals 4-7 with the drying operation of the dryer 3. However, if the dryer control application 27 cannot communicate with the communication terminals 4-7 and the dryer 3 via short-range wireless communication, it will not send setting signals or cancellation signals even if "Sleep Mode" or "Standard Mode" is set on the communication terminals 4-7. In other words, in this case, the dryer control application 27 will not link the settings of "Standard Mode," "Sleep Mode," and "Concentrated Mode" on the communication terminals 4-7 with the drying operation of the dryer 3.

[0060] Furthermore, the dryer control application 27 allows for remote control of the dryer 3 via communication terminals 4-7, or more specifically, remote control to select the drying operation in the dryer 3.

[0061] When remotely operating the dryer 3 via communication terminals 4-7, users 11-14 execute the dryer control application 27, which displays the remote operation screen 42 shown in Figure 4 on the display 21. This remote operation screen 42 displays the text information "Please select the type of drying operation," along with the first operation icon 421 corresponding to standard drying operation, the second operation icon 422 corresponding to mild drying operation at operation level 1, the third operation icon 423 corresponding to mild drying operation at operation level 2, and the fourth operation icon 424 corresponding to mild drying operation at operation level 3. Although not shown in the illustration, the remote operation screen 42 can also display the fifth operation icon, corresponding to sterilization and deodorization operation, etc., by allowing users 11-14 to scroll.

[0062] For example, when remotely operating the dryer 3 to perform a mild drying operation at operating level 3, users 11-14 place the items to be dried into the drying chamber 33a of the dryer 3. Then, users 11-14 touch the fourth operation icon 424 on the remote control screen 42. In this way, a selection signal indicating that mild drying operation at operating level 3 has been selected is sent from the communication terminals 4-7 that performed the operation to the dryer 3. Upon receiving this selection signal, the control device C1 of the dryer 3 starts the mild drying operation at operating level 3.

[0063] In the household electrical appliance control system 1 configured as described above, the drying operation of the material to be dried is performed in the dryer 3 based on the standard drying operation, mild drying operation, etc., selected by the users 11 to 14 through operations on the operation unit 37 or on the communication terminals 4 to 7.

[0064] Furthermore, this household electrical appliance control system 1 makes it possible to link the execution of "Standard Mode," "Sleep Mode," and "Concentration Mode" on communication terminals 4-7 with the drying operation of dryer 3. The following will provide a specific explanation using the example of when "Sleep Mode" is set on communication terminals 4-7 while dryer 3 is performing a standard drying operation.

[0065] When the material to be dried is placed in the drying chamber 33a, and users 11 to 14 select the standard drying operation via the control unit 37 or communication terminals 4 to 7, the dryer 3 starts drying the material in the standard drying operation (step S101 in Figure 5).

[0066] While this standard drying operation is being performed, that is, until the end time of the standard drying operation is reached (step S102: NO), if "Sleep Mode" is selected on the mode selection screen 41 (see Figure 3) of any of the communication terminals 4 to 7 (step S110: YES in Figure 5), the dryer control application 27 will display the transmission confirmation screen 43 shown in Figure 6 on the display 21 of the communication terminal 4 to 7 that has selected "Sleep Mode".

[0067] On the transmission confirmation screen 43, the text message "Do you want to send a setting signal to the dryer?" is displayed along with an approval icon 431 and a rejection icon 432. If users 11 to 14 approve sending a setting signal from the communication terminals 4 to 7 to the dryer 3, they touch the approval icon 431 on the transmission confirmation screen 43.

[0068] As a result, the dryer control application 27 starts the transmission process. In this transmission process, the communication terminals 4 to 7 send a setting signal indicating that "sleep mode" has been set to the control device C1 of the dryer 3 via the communication unit 24. Then, the control device C1 receives the setting signal from the communication terminals 4 to 7 (step S112: YES) and starts the operation switching process (step S113).

[0069] On the other hand, if the end time of the standard drying operation is reached before "sleep mode" is selected in any of the communication terminals 4 to 7 (step S102: YES), the control device C1 terminates the standard drying operation without starting the operation switching process described above. At this time, the dryer 3 notifies users 11 to 14 that the standard drying operation has ended by illuminating the liquid crystal display 37a and sounding the speaker 39. This terminates the drying operation of the material to be dried in the dryer 3 (step S103).

[0070] Furthermore, if "Sleep Mode" is not selected on any of the communication terminals 4-7 while the standard drying operation is in progress (Step S110: NO), the dryer 3 will continue the standard drying operation. Also, if "Sleep Mode" is set on the communication terminals 4-7, but users 11-14 do not authorize the transmission of the setting signal from the communication terminals 4-7 to the dryer 3 by touching the negation icon 432 on the transmission confirmation screen 43 shown in Figure 4 (Step S111: NO), the dryer 3 will continue the standard drying operation.

[0071] Furthermore, if a setting signal is transmitted from communication terminals 4-7 to control device C1, but control device C1 is unable to receive the setting signal due to a communication failure or other reasons (step S112: NO), control device C1 will not start the operation switching process. In this case as well, standard drying operation will continue in dryer 3.

[0072] In the operation switching process, first, the control device C1 determines how many of the communication terminals 4 to 7 have sent setting signals. If the control device C1 has received a setting signal from one of the communication terminals 4 to 7 (step S201 in Figure 7: YES), in other words, if one of the communication terminals 4 to 7 has set "sleep mode" and sent a setting signal, the control device C1 switches to mild drying operation at operation level 1 (step S202). In other words, if standard drying operation is currently running, the control device C1 switches from standard drying operation to mild drying operation at operation level 1.

[0073] As a result, from this point onward, the drying operation of the material to be dried is performed in dryer 3 using mild drying operation at operating level 1. At this time, the control device C1 takes into account the operating time of the drying operation that has already been performed and sets a new operating time for mild drying operation at operating level 1. As a result, the drying operation of the material to be dried using mild drying operation at operating level 1 is performed for an operating time different from the pre-set operating time for mild drying operation at operating level 1.

[0074] On the other hand, if the control device C1 has received setting signals from two of the communication terminals 4 to 7 (step S201: NO, step S211: YES), in other words, if two of the communication terminals 4 to 7 have set "sleep mode" and sent setting signals, the control device C1 switches to mild drying operation at operating level 2 (step S212). As a result, from this point onward, the drying operation of the material to be dried is performed in the dryer 3 using mild drying operation at operating level 2. At this time as well, the control device C1 takes into account the operating time of the drying operation that has already been performed and sets a new operating time for the mild drying operation at operating level 2.

[0075] Furthermore, if the control device C1 receives setting signals from three or more of the communication terminals 4 to 7 (step S201: NO, step S211: NO), in other words, if three or more of the communication terminals 4 to 7 have set "sleep mode" and sent setting signals, the control device C1 switches to mild drying operation at operating level 3 (step S221). As a result, from this point onward, the drying operation of the material to be dried is performed in the dryer 3 using mild drying operation at operating level 3. At this time as well, the control device C1 takes into account the operating time of the drying operation that has already been performed and sets a new operating time for the mild drying operation at operating level 3.

[0076] When the end time for these mild drying operations is reached (step S203: YES), the control device C1 terminates the mild drying operation. At this time, the dryer 3 does not provide notification by illuminating the liquid crystal display 37a or by sounding the speaker 39 to indicate the end of operation. Thus, in this case as well, the drying operation of the material to be dried in the dryer 3 is completed (step S103 in Figure 5).

[0077] Furthermore, as described above, if a user 11 to 14 switches from "sleep mode" to "standard mode" in a communication terminal 4 to 7 that has "sleep mode" set, a release signal is sent from that communication terminal 4 to 7 to the control device C1. Therefore, while the mild drying operation is being performed (step S203:NO in Figure 7), the control device C1 determines whether or not it has received a release signal from all communication terminals 4 to 7 that sent a setting signal based on the setting of "sleep mode" (step S231).

[0078] If the control device C1 receives a release signal from all communication terminals 4-7 that sent the setting signal (step S231: YES), that is, if "Standard Mode" is set in all communication terminals 4-7, the control device C1 switches from mild drying operation to standard drying operation (step S232). From this point onward, the dryer 3 dries the material to be dried using standard drying operation. At this time, the control device C1 also takes into account the operating time of the mild drying operation that had already been performed and sets a new operating time for the standard drying operation.

[0079] On the other hand, if a release signal is not received from any of the communication terminals 4-7 that sent the setting signal, or if a release signal is received from only some of the communication terminals 4-7 that sent the setting signal (step S231: NO), the control device C1 repeats the processing from step S201 onwards. As a result, for example, if "sleep mode" is newly set in one of the communication terminals 4-7 while mild drying operation at operating level 1 is being performed, the control device C1 switches from mild drying operation at operating level 1 to mild drying operation at operating level 2 or operating level 3. In this way, the drying of the material to be dried by mild drying operation continues in the dryer 3.

[0080] The above explanation describes the case where "Sleep Mode" is selected on communication terminals 4-7 while standard drying is in progress. However, the same process of switching from standard drying to mild drying will occur if "Concentration Mode" is selected on communication terminals 4-7 while standard drying is in progress. Furthermore, if "Concentration Mode" is deactivated and "Standard Mode" is selected on all of communication terminals 4-7 while mild drying is in progress, the process of switching from mild drying to standard drying will occur.

[0081] Thus, in this household electrical appliance control system 1, a setting signal can be sent to the dryer 3 based on whether "sleep mode" or "concentration mode" is set in the communication terminals 4 to 7. Upon receiving this setting signal, the dryer 3 then performs a mild drying operation. In other words, upon receiving the setting signal, the dryer 3 switches to a mild drying operation to dry the items to be dried, even if it is currently performing a standard drying operation.

[0082] As a result, in this household electrical appliance control system 1, when communication terminals 4-7 are in "sleep mode" or "focused mode," it is not necessary to separately set the communication terminals 4-7 to "sleep mode" or "focused mode" and to operate the dryer 3 to perform a mild drying operation. Therefore, this household electrical appliance control system 1 can reduce the operational burden on users 11-14.

[0083] Furthermore, since it is not necessary to separately set the communication terminals 4-7 to "sleep mode" or "focus mode" and to operate the dryer 3 to perform a mild drying operation, this household electrical appliance control system 1 can prevent users 11-14 from forgetting to operate the dryer 3 and causing the dryer 3 to unintentionally perform a normal drying operation when the communication terminals 4-7 are in "sleep mode" or "focus mode".

[0084] Furthermore, in mild drying mode, regardless of whether the operating level is 1 to 3, the operating noise, light emission, and drum 33 rotation speed are restricted compared to normal drying mode. As a result, in this household electrical appliance control system 1, when users 11 to 14 set "sleep mode" on their communication terminals 4 to 7 to rest or sleep, the noise generated from the dryer 3 during drying mode is less likely to disturb users 11 to 14's rest or sleep. Similarly, in this household electrical appliance control system 1, when users 11 to 14 set "concentration mode" on their communication terminals 4 to 7, the noise generated from the dryer 3 is less likely to disrupt users 11 to 14's concentration.

[0085] Therefore, the household electrical appliance control system 1 of the embodiment offers excellent convenience.

[0086] In particular, this household electrical appliance control system 1 has three operating levels, 1 to 3, for mild drying operation, with the operating noise decreasing in the order of operating level 1, operating level 2, and operating level 3. Furthermore, in this household electrical appliance control system 1, if "sleep mode" or "focused mode" is set on two of the communication terminals 4 to 7, the dryer 3 will perform mild drying operation at operating level 2. If "sleep mode" or "focused mode" is set on three or more of the communication terminals 4 to 7, the dryer 3 will perform mild drying operation at operating level 3. Thus, in this household electrical appliance control system 1, as the number of users 11 to 14 who set "sleep mode" or "focused mode" on the communication terminals 4 to 7 increases, it becomes possible to further reduce the operating noise of the dryer 3 during the drying operation. As a result, even if all users 11-14 have set "sleep mode" on their communication terminals 4-7 and are sleeping while the dryer 3 is drying the items to be dried, the operating noise of the dryer 3 is less likely to disturb the sleep of users 11-14. In this respect as well, this household electrical appliance control system 1 is highly convenient.

[0087] Furthermore, in this household electrical appliance control system 1, when "sleep mode" or "focused mode" is set on communication terminals 4-7, users 11-14 can indicate whether or not to send a setting signal to the dryer 3 via the transmission confirmation screen 43. This allows users 11-14 to decide in advance whether or not to have the dryer 3 perform a mild drying operation when communication terminals 4-7 are in "sleep mode" or "focused mode". For example, even if users 11-14 have set "sleep mode" on communication terminals 4-7 (step S110 in Figure 5: YES), if they wish to end the current drying operation of the items being dried in the dryer 3 as quickly as possible, they can refuse to send a setting signal to the dryer 3 (step S111: NO), allowing the dryer 3 to continue normal drying operation. In this respect as well, this household electrical appliance control system 1 is highly convenient.

[0088] Furthermore, in this household electrical appliance control system 1, the communication terminals 4-7 and the dryer 3 are directly connected and able to communicate via short-range wireless communication. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the communication terminals 4-7 and the dryer 3 communicate via, for example, a server, this household electrical appliance control system 1 makes it possible to easily connect the communication terminals 4-7 and the dryer 3 for communication. In addition, compared to a configuration in which the communication terminals 4-7 and the dryer 3 communicate via infrared communication, this household electrical appliance control system 1 makes it possible to suitably transmit setting signals and release signals from the communication terminals 4-7 to the dryer 3 even if obstacles such as walls are unavoidably present between the communication terminals 4-7 and the dryer 3 within the building H.

[0089] Furthermore, in this household electrical appliance control system 1, the dryer 3 can be remotely controlled by communication terminals 4 to 7, allowing selection of standard drying operation, mild drying operation, etc., via communication terminals 4 to 7, without relying on operation of the control unit 37. In this case as well, since communication terminals 4 to 7 and the dryer 3 can communicate via short-range wireless communication, this household electrical appliance control system 1 enables efficient remote control of the dryer 3.

[0090] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to examples, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above examples and can be applied with appropriate modifications without departing from its spirit.

[0091] For example, in the household electrical appliance control system 1 of the embodiment, the dryer 3 is defined as the "household electrical appliance" in the present invention. However, it is not limited to this, and clothes washing and drying machines, dishwashing and drying machines, etc., may also be defined as the "household electrical appliance" in the present invention. Furthermore, in the household electrical appliance control system 1 of the embodiment, there may be more than one household electrical appliance. In this case, the types of household electrical appliances may be different.

[0092] Furthermore, in the household electrical appliance control system 1 of the embodiment, four communication terminals, 4 to 7, are connected to the dryer 3 in a way that enables communication. However, the number of communication terminals connected to the dryer 3 in a way that enables communication can be changed as appropriate.

[0093] Furthermore, in the household electrical appliance control system 1 of the embodiment, the standard drying operation in the dryer 3 is designated as the "first operation" in the present invention, and the mild drying operations at operating levels 1 to 3 are designated as the "second operation" in the present invention, thereby limiting the operating noise and light emission in the mild drying operation compared to the standard drying operation. However, the invention is not limited to this, and in the mild drying operation, only the rotation of the drum 33 may be limited compared to the standard drying operation.

[0094] Furthermore, the "specific operation" in this invention can be appropriately changed depending on the type of household electrical appliance. For example, if a dishwasher or air conditioner is used as the "household electrical appliance" in this invention, the interior cleaning operation of the dishwasher or the internal cleaning operation of the air conditioner may be used as the "specific operation" in this invention. In this case, the interior cleaning operation or internal cleaning operation may be performed in the first operation, and the interior cleaning operation or internal cleaning operation may be stopped in the second operation.

[0095] Furthermore, in the household electrical appliance control system 1 of the embodiment, the system switches from standard drying operation to mild drying operation by setting "sleep mode" or "concentration mode" on the communication terminals 4-7 while the dryer 3 is performing a standard drying operation. However, the system is not limited to this; the dryer 3 may also start drying the material by setting "sleep mode" or "concentration mode" on the communication terminals 4-7 before the drying operation of the material to be dried is performed on the dryer 3, thereby allowing the dryer 3 to start drying the material using one of the mild drying operations at operating levels 1-3.

[0096] Furthermore, in the household electrical appliance control system 1 of the embodiment, after switching from standard drying operation to mild drying operation, the operating level of the mild drying operation is switched as the number of communication terminals 4-7 set to "sleep mode" or "concentration mode" increases. However, the system is not limited to this, and for example, if it switches from standard drying operation to mild drying operation at operating level 1, it may be configured to continue mild drying operation at operating level 1 even if the number of communication terminals 4-7 set to "sleep mode" or "concentration mode" changes thereafter.

[0097] Furthermore, in the household electrical appliance control system 1 of the embodiment, while the mild drying operation is being performed after switching from the standard drying operation, the "standard mode" is set in all communication terminals 4-7 that are set to "sleep mode" or "concentration mode," thereby switching from the mild drying operation back to the standard drying operation. However, the system is not limited to this, and when switching from the standard drying operation back to the mild drying operation, the system may also be configured to continue the mild drying operation until the end of the operating time.

[0098] Furthermore, in the household electrical appliance control system 1 of the embodiment, "sleep mode" and "focus mode" are designated as "restriction modes" in the present invention. However, this is not limited to this, and only "sleep mode" or only "focus mode" may be designated as "restriction modes" in the present invention. Alternatively, modes other than "sleep mode" and "focus mode" may be designated as "restriction modes" in the present invention.

[0099] Furthermore, in the household electrical appliance control system 1 of the embodiment, regardless of whether the mild drying operation is at operating level 1 to 3, neither the illumination of the liquid crystal display 37a nor the speaker 39 provides notification at the end of operation. However, the system is not limited to this, and in mild drying operation at operating level 1, notification is provided by illumination of the liquid crystal display 37a and the speaker 39 at the end of operation; in mild drying operation at operating level 2, either illumination of the liquid crystal display 37a or notification and notification by the speaker 39 are provided at the end of operation; and in mild drying operation at operating level 3, neither illumination of the liquid crystal display 37a, notification, nor notification by the speaker 39 are provided at the end of operation.

[0100] Furthermore, the mild drying operation may be set to one operating level, or to four or more operating levels.

[0101] Furthermore, the dryer control application 27 may perform transmission processing simultaneously with the setting of "sleep mode" or "concentration mode" in the communication terminals 4-7.

[0102] Furthermore, when the control device C1 of the dryer 3 receives a setting signal or a cancellation signal from the communication terminals 4 to 7, it may also transmit a received signal to the communication terminals 4 to 7.

[0103] Furthermore, the communication terminals 4-7 and the dryer 3 may be connected via a server to enable communication. In this case, the dryer control application 27 may be stored on the server.

[0104] Furthermore, the communication terminals 4-7 and the dryer 3 may be directly connected to each other in a way that enables communication, such as by infrared communication or other methods other than short-range wireless communication. [Industrial applicability]

[0105] This invention can be used in control systems for household electrical appliances such as clothes dryers and dishwashers. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1…Household electrical appliance control system 3. Dryer (household electrical appliance) 4-7... Communication terminals 11~14…User 27…Dryer control application (Application program for household electrical appliance control systems) H…Building

Claims

1. Household electrical appliances used within the building, It has multiple types of operating functions and includes a communication terminal capable of communicating with the aforementioned household electrical appliance, The aforementioned household electrical appliance is capable of a first operation and a second operation in which at least one of the operating noise, light emission, and specific operations is restricted compared to the first operation. The communication terminal is a household electrical appliance control system capable of setting a restriction mode that limits the execution of some of the operating functions, The communication terminal is capable of transmitting a setting signal to the household electrical appliance based on the setting of the restriction mode. A household electrical appliance control system characterized in that the household electrical appliance performs the second operation when it receives the setting signal from the communication terminal.

2. The household electrical appliance control system according to claim 1, wherein the communication terminal, when the restriction mode is set, proposes to the user of the communication terminal that it transmit the setting signal, and transmits the setting signal if the user accepts the proposal.

3. The household electrical appliance control system according to claim 1, wherein the communication terminal transmits the setting signal at the same time that the restriction mode is set.

4. The household electrical appliance control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication terminal is capable of communicating with the household electrical appliance by short-range wireless communication.

5. The aforementioned communication terminals are multiple, The second operation limits the operating noise, The aforementioned limitation of operating noise includes adjusting the volume of the operating noise. The household electrical appliance control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the second operation, the volume is reduced as the number of communication terminals on which the restriction mode is set increases.

6. Household electrical appliances used within the building, An application program for a home electrical appliance control system, which has multiple types of operating functions and includes a communication terminal capable of communicating with the home electrical appliance, The aforementioned household electrical appliance is capable of a first operation and a second operation in which at least one of the operating noise, light emission, and specific operations is restricted compared to the first operation. The communication terminal can be configured to set a restriction mode that limits the execution of some of the operating functions. The application program for the household electrical appliance control system is capable of performing a transmission process to send a setting signal to the household electrical appliance based on the setting of the restriction mode in the communication terminal. An application program for a household electrical appliance control system, characterized in that the household electrical appliance performs the second operation upon receiving the setting signal.

7. An application program for a household electrical appliance control system according to claim 6, which remotely controls the household electrical appliance based on the operation of the communication terminal by the user of the communication terminal.

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