Proposed system, proposed method, and program

Abstract

To facilitate proposal of an operation course indicating a suitable operation content of a washing machine for a user.SOLUTION: A proposal system 1 has an acquisition part 111, a determination part 112, and a presentation part 113. The acquisition part 111 acquires attribute information of a user using a washing machine 2. The determination part 112 determines an operation course to be recommended for the user among a plurality of operation courses that can be used in the washing machine 2 and indicate an operation content of the washing machine 2 based on the attribute information acquired by the acquisition part 111. The presentation part 113 presents the operation course determined by the determination part 112 to the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a suggestion system, a suggestion method, and a program for presenting an operation course indicating the operation content of a washing machine to a user. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine system. This washing machine system is configured by connecting multiple washing machines and a server via a network so that they can communicate with each other. The server is provided with a website that publishes information on multiple operation courses. Each washing machine is provided with an operation control device that controls the washing mechanism according to a set operation course to perform washing operations of the operation course, an operation display device, and a communication device that allows browsing of the server's website.

[0003] This washing machine system allows the user to create any operating program based on the operation of the operation display device, and also allows the user to download operating programs published on a website and upload operating programs created by the user to the website. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-058601 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a suggestion system etc. that can easily suggest an operation program that indicates the operation content of a washing machine that is suitable for a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A proposal system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a presentation unit. The acquisition unit acquires attribute information of a user who uses a washing machine. The determination unit determines an operation course to be recommended to the user from among a plurality of operation courses that are available for the washing machine and indicate operation contents of the washing machine, based on the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit. The presentation unit presents the operation course determined by the determination unit to the user.

[0007] A proposed method according to one aspect of the present disclosure acquires attribute information of a user who uses a washing machine, and based on the acquired attribute information, determines an operating course recommended to the user from among a plurality of operating courses that are available for the washing machine and indicate the operation content of the washing machine, and presents the determined operating course to the user.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes one or more processors to execute the proposed method. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The proposed system and the like according to the present disclosure has the advantage of easily proposing an operation program that indicates the operation content of the washing machine that is suitable for the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration including a proposed system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen of attribute information displayed on a display unit of the information terminal in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of attribute information. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation program available for the washing machine. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of related data. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operating course proposal screen displayed on the display unit of the information terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the proposed system in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration including a proposed system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation course suggested to a user in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the proposed system in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration including a proposed system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the proposed system in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (Findings on which this disclosure is based) First, the inventor's point of view will be explained below.

[0012] When a user sets an operation program for a washing machine to wash clothes, the user can select a desired operation program from a large number of available operation programs. However, it is difficult for a busy user to select an operation program suitable for himself or herself.

[0013] In recent years, therefore, technology has been developed that proposes operation programs suitable for users. For example, such technology can propose operation programs suitable for users by analyzing big data of the operation history of the washing machine used by the user.

[0014] However, in the above technology, the big data of the operation history includes only data on the operation programs that the user has used in the past. Therefore, in the above technology, operation programs that the user knows but has not used in the past, and operation programs that the user does not know in the first place, are not suggested to the user. In other words, the above technology has a problem in that it cannot be said that it fully takes into consideration the user's laundry needs and cannot be said to be able to suggest operation programs suitable for the user.

[0015] In view of the above, the inventors have created the present disclosure.

[0016] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0017] The inventor provides the accompanying drawings and the following description so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the present disclosure, and does not intend for them to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0018] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Overall composition] First, the overall configuration including the proposed system 1 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration including the proposed system 1 in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the proposed system 1 is used to propose an operation course indicating the operation content of the washing machine 2 to a user. The user is a person who uses the washing machine 2, that is, a person who washes clothes using the washing machine 2. The user may be one person or multiple people. The operation of the washing machine 2 includes at least a washing operation for washing clothes, and may also include a drying operation for drying the clothes.

[0019] The washing machine 2 includes a functional unit 21 and a communication unit 22. In the first embodiment, the washing machine 2 is a drum type washing machine as an example. Of course, the washing machine 2 is not limited to a drum type washing machine, and may be, for example, a vertical washing machine or the like.

[0020] The functional unit 21 executes various functions of the washing machine 2. In the embodiment, the functional unit 21 has a washing function for executing a washing operation for washing the clothes contained in the washing tub, and a drying function for executing a drying operation for drying the clothes contained in the washing tub and washed. The washing operation washes the clothes by rotating the washing tub or the like and washing, rinsing, and / or spin-drying the clothes contained in the washing tub. The drying operation dries the clothes contained in the washing tub and washed by sending dry air dehumidified by a heat pump or the like.

[0021] Functional unit 21 executes a function according to a user input received, for example, by a user interface mounted on washing machine 2. Functional unit 21 also executes a function according to a user input received by information terminal 3 owned by a user, for example, by communicating with information terminal 3 owned by a user via communication unit 22.

[0022] The communication unit 22 communicates with the communication unit 10 of the proposed system 1 via an external network NT1 such as the Internet. The communication between the communication unit 22 and the communication unit 10 of the proposed system 1 may be wired communication in addition to wireless communication. Furthermore, the standard of communication between the communication unit 22 and the proposed system 1 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the communication unit 22 also communicates with the information terminal 3 as described above.

[0023] As described above, the information terminal 3 is a terminal owned by a user, and may include, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a desktop or laptop personal computer. In the embodiment, the information terminal 3 is a smartphone. The information terminal 3 includes a communication unit 31, a display unit 32, and an input receiving unit 33.

[0024] The communication unit 31 has a function of communicating with the communication unit 22 of the washing machine 2 and a function of communicating with the communication unit 10 of the proposed system 1. The communication between the communication unit 31 and the communication unit 22 of the washing machine 2 is wireless communication according to a standard such as WiFi (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy). The standard of the communication between the communication unit 31 and the communication unit 22 of the washing machine 2 is not particularly limited. The communication between the communication unit 31 and the communication unit 10 of the proposed system 1 may be wired communication in addition to wireless communication via the external network NT1. The standard of the communication between the communication unit 31 and the communication unit 10 of the proposed system 1 is not particularly limited.

[0025] The display unit 32 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information. In the embodiment, the display unit 32 displays, for example, a driving course proposed by the proposal system 1, which is received from the proposal system 1 by the communication unit 31. The driving course proposed by the proposal system 1 will be described later.

[0026] The input receiving unit 33 receives inputs by user operations. The input receiving unit 33 receives, for example, inputs for registering attribute information. The attribute information will be described later. The input receiving unit 33 also receives, for example, an input for approving a driving course proposed by the proposal system 1 displayed on the display unit 32, an input for suspending the driving course, or an input for rejecting the driving course. In the first embodiment, the display unit 32 is configured with a touch panel display. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the display unit 32 also serves as the input receiving unit 33.

[0027] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a registration screen P1 of attribute information displayed on display unit 32 of information terminal 3 in embodiment 1. For example, the user starts an application for washing machine 2 installed in information terminal 3 and performs a predetermined operation in the application, whereby registration screen P1 is displayed on display unit 32. In the example shown in FIG. 2, display unit 32 displays registration screen P1 including character strings indicating a plurality of questions for the user, a plurality of answer icons I11 for inputting answers to the questions, and a registration icon I12 for completing registration.

[0028] 2 is only a part of the questions, and many more questions and answer icons I11 may be displayed in reality. If all the questions and answer icons I11 do not fit within the display range of the display unit 32, the user can scroll the screen.

[0029] For each question, the user selects an answer icon I11 that applies to the user from among multiple answer icons I11, and then selects a registration icon I12. This enables the information terminal 3 to acquire attribute information of the user. The attribute information acquired by the information terminal 3 is transmitted to the proposal system 1, which will be described later, via the communication unit 31.

[0030] [1-2. Proposed system] Next, the details of the proposed system 1 will be described. In the embodiment, the proposed system 1 is configured by a server installed in a remote location away from the facility where the washing machine 2 is installed (here, the house where the user lives). In the embodiment, the proposed system 1 is described as targeting one washing machine 2, but the proposed system 1 may target multiple washing machines 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the proposed system 1 includes a communication unit 10, a processing unit 11, and a storage unit 12.

[0031] As already described, communication unit 10 has a function of communicating with communication unit 22 of washing machine 2 via external network NT1. Also, communication unit 10 has a function of communicating with communication unit 31 of information terminal 3 via external network NT1.

[0032] The processing unit 11 includes a processor and a memory, and is configured to perform various functions by the processor executing a program stored in the memory. The processing unit 11 has functions of executing an acquisition unit 111, a determination unit 112, and a presentation unit 113. In other words, the proposal system 1 includes the acquisition unit 111, the determination unit 112, and the presentation unit 113.

[0033] Acquiring unit 111 acquires attribute information of a user who uses washing machine 2. In the first embodiment, acquiring unit 111 acquires attribute information inputted to information terminal 3 and transmitted from information terminal 3 via communication unit 10. The attribute information acquired by acquiring unit 111 is stored in attribute information DB (Database) 121 of storage unit 12.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of attribute information. The attribute information may include information about the user himself / herself ("User" category in FIG. 3), information about the clothes worn by the user ("Clothing" category in FIG. 3), and information about the user's laundry method ("Laundry" category in FIG. 3). The attribute information may also include concern information about concerns about the operation of the washing machine 2 by the user ("Concern" category in FIG. 3). Note that the attribute information does not need to include information from all of the above four categories, and may include information from any one of the categories.

[0035] Among the attribute information, information included in the "user" category may include information on the user's occupation, interests or hobbies, residence, physical constitution, etc. For details of each piece of information, please refer to "attribute value" in FIG. 3.

[0036] Although not shown in Fig. 3, the information included in the "User" category may also include the user's gender, age group, or action schedule. The action schedule is managed, for example, by a schedule management application installed in the information terminal 3 or a schedule management server, and may include the user's schedule. The action schedule includes at least the start date and time of the user's action, the end date and time of the user's action, and an overview of the user's action.

[0037] Among the attribute information, the information included in the "clothing" category may include information such as the major or minor classification of the clothing worn by the user. For details of each piece of information, please refer to "attribute value" in FIG. 3.

[0038] Among the attribute information, the information included in the "laundry" category may include washing frequency, which is how often the user uses the washing machine 2, use of the drying function of the washing machine 2, how the laundry is hung out to dry, etc. For details of each piece of information, please refer to "Attribute Value" in FIG. 3.

[0039] The attribute information included in the “problem” category may include information about the user’s dissatisfaction with the washing machine 2 or dissatisfaction with the washing results. For details of each piece of information, see “attribute value” in FIG. 3.

[0040] Based on the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit 111, the determination unit 112 determines an operation course to be recommended to the user from among a plurality of operation courses that are available for the washing machine 2 and indicate the operation content of the washing machine 2.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of operation courses available in the washing machine 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the operation courses are broadly divided into a category focusing on "soil on clothes", a category focusing on "type of clothes", and a category focusing on "lifestyle and characteristics of the user". Note that an operation course does not need to include all of the courses in the above four categories, and it is sufficient to include a course in any one of the categories.

[0042] The category focusing on "soil on clothes" is further classified into an "automatic" category, which is a course in which the user does not specify any particular operation, a "pre-wash" category, which is a course performed before washing clothes, and a "large amount of water use" category, which is a course that uses a large amount of water to wash clothes, etc. For the operation courses included in each category, please refer to "Courses" in Figure 4.

[0043] The category focusing on "type of clothing" is further classified into a "delicate" category for washing delicate clothes, a "specific material" category for washing clothes sewn with specific materials such as synthetic fibers, etc. For the operation courses included in each category, please refer to "Course" in Figure 4.

[0044] The categories focusing on "user's lifestyle and characteristics" are further classified into the "My Way" category, which is a course where the user specifies the desired operation, the "Quiet" category, which is a course where the operation sound of the washing machine 2 is quiet, the "Economy" category, which is a course where the amount of water consumed by the washing machine 2 is saved, the "Disinfection" category, which is a course where the clothes are disinfected, and the "Tub Cleaning" category, which is a course where the washing tub of the washing machine 2 is cleaned. For the operation courses included in each category, please refer to "Course" in Figure 4.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the determination unit 112 determines an operating course that is considered optimal for the user, that is, an operating course recommended to the user, from among the multiple operating courses shown in Fig. 4 based on the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit 111. Specifically, the determination unit 112 reads out the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 and stored in the attribute information DB 121 of the storage unit 12 and the associated data stored in the storage unit 12, and determines the operating course by comparing the read attribute information with the associated data. The associated data is data that associates the attribute information with the operating course.

[0046] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of related data. When referring to the related data shown in Fig. 5, the determination unit 112 determines an operation course from the "with pre-wash" category when the user's attribute information is, for example, information such as "annoyed by the smell of clothes dried indoors" or "likes cleanliness." In addition, the determination unit 112 determines an operation course from the "quiet" category when the user's attribute information is, for example, information such as "has a small child."

[0047] The presentation unit 113 presents the operating course determined by the determination unit 112 to the user. Specifically, the presentation unit 113 transmits a signal including information indicating the operating course determined by the determination unit 112 to the information terminal 3 via the communication unit 10. When the information terminal 3 receives the signal at the communication unit 31, it causes the display unit 32 to display the information included in the signal. As a result, the operating course determined by the determination unit 112 is presented to the user.

[0048] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a driving course proposal screen P2 displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 3 in the first embodiment. The proposal screen P2 is displayed on the display unit 32 by push notification, for example, when the information terminal 3 receives a signal including information indicating a driving course transmitted from the proposal system 1. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the display unit 32 displays the proposal screen P2 including the name of a driving course recommended to the user, a description of the driving course, a character string indicating the reason for recommending the driving course, an approval icon I21 for approving the recommended driving course, and a rejection icon I22 for rejecting the recommended driving course.

[0049] When the user selects the approval icon I21, the communication unit 31 of the information terminal 3 transmits a signal including information indicating the selected operation course to the washing machine 2 directly via the external network NT1, or indirectly to the washing machine 2 via the external network NT1 and the proposed system 1. When the washing machine 2 receives the signal via the communication unit 22, it sets the operation course included in the signal. This allows the user to operate the washing machine 2 according to the operation course proposed by the proposed system 1 by performing an operation to start operation after putting clothes in the washing tub of the washing machine 2.

[0050] On the other hand, when the user selects the reject icon I22, the information terminal 3 does not execute anything in particular. In this case, the user may set the operation course of the washing machine 2 by, for example, directly operating the washing machine 2 or by operating an application for the washing machine 2 installed in the information terminal 3.

[0051] Here, the timing when determination unit 112 determines the operation course and the timing when presentation unit 113 presents the operation course to the user are, for example, 7 a.m., a time period before the user uses washing machine 2. The timing may be set in advance by the user, or, if the operation history can be referred to as in the third embodiment described later, may be automatically set by processing unit 11 by estimating it from the operation history. When the user sets the timing in advance, for example, the user may perform a predetermined operation in an application for washing machine 2 installed in washing machine 2 or information terminal 3.

[0052] The storage unit 12 is a storage device that stores information (such as computer programs) required for each unit of the processing unit 11 to execute various functions. The storage unit 12 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory, but is not particularly limited and any known means for storing electronic information can be used. In the first embodiment, the storage unit 12 has an attribute information DB 121. The attribute information stored in the attribute information DB 121 is updated, for example, every time the user registers attribute information or every time the user's schedule is updated. In addition, the storage unit 12 stores related data referenced by the determination unit 112.

[0053] [2. Operation] The operation of the proposed system 1 configured as above will be described below with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the proposed system 1 in the first embodiment. First, the acquisition unit 111 acquires attribute information of a user who uses the washing machine 2 (S101). Next, the determination unit 112 determines an operation course to be recommended to the user from among a plurality of operation courses available for the washing machine 2 based on the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 (S102). Then, the presentation unit 113 presents the operation course determined by the determination unit 112 to the user (S103). Each of the processes S101 to S103 is a part of the process of the proposed method in the first embodiment.

[0054] [3. Advantages, etc.] The advantages of the proposed system 1 in the first embodiment will be described below.

[0055] As already mentioned, in the technology that proposes an operation program suitable for a user by analyzing the big data of the operation history of the washing machine used by the user, the big data of the operation history includes only data on the operation programs used by the user in the past. Therefore, the above technology has a problem that it cannot be said that it can propose an operation program suitable for the user, since the operation programs that the user knows but has not used in the past, and the operation programs that the user does not know in the first place, are not proposed to the user.

[0056] In contrast, in the proposed system 1 in the first embodiment, an operation course recommended to a user is determined based on the attribute information of the user. Therefore, in the proposed system 1 in the first embodiment, the purpose of using the washing machine 2 of the user can be estimated from the attribute information, and therefore, there is an advantage that an operation course indicating the operation content of the washing machine 2 suitable for the user can be easily proposed. Furthermore, in the proposed system 1 in the first embodiment, compared to the case where only the operation history is referred to, it is possible to propose to the user an operation course that the user knows but has not used in the past, and an operation course that the user does not know in the first place. Furthermore, in the proposed system 1 in the first embodiment, there is an advantage that, compared to the above technology, even if the data of the operation history is relatively small, an operation course suitable for the user can be easily proposed.

[0057] (Embodiment 2) [1. Configuration] The proposed system 1A in the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration including the proposed system 1A in the second embodiment. The proposed system 1A in the second embodiment differs from the proposed system 1 in the first embodiment in that the acquisition unit 111 further acquires evaluation information indicating a user's evaluation of the driving course presented by the presentation unit 113. The proposed system 1A in the second embodiment also differs from the proposed system 1 in the first embodiment in that the determination unit 112 further refers to the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 to determine the next driving course.

[0058] Furthermore, the proposal system 1A in the second embodiment differs from the proposal system 1 in the first embodiment in that the presentation unit 113 changes the way in which the driving course is presented to the user based on the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 111.

[0059] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a driving course proposed to a user in embodiment 2. The upper part of Fig. 9 shows a proposal screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 3 the previous time. The lower part of Fig. 9 shows a proposal screen displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 3 the next time. Note that "no proposal" in the lower part of Fig. 9 indicates that the driving course presented by the presentation unit 113 the previous time is not displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 3, and a driving course different from the driving course is displayed on the display unit 32.

[0060] The proposal screen P3 shown in the upper part of FIG. 9 differs from the proposal screen P2 in the first embodiment in that it further includes a hold icon I23 for holding the recommended driving course.

[0061] In the second embodiment, when the user selects the approval icon I21, the communication unit 31 of the information terminal 3 transmits a signal including evaluation information indicating that the user has approved the recommended driving course to the proposal system 1A via the external network NT1. When the user selects the rejection icon I22, the communication unit 31 of the information terminal 3 transmits a signal including evaluation information indicating that the user has rejected the recommended driving course to the proposal system 1A via the external network NT1. When the user selects the hold icon I23, the communication unit 31 of the information terminal 3 transmits a signal including evaluation information indicating that the user has put the recommended driving course on hold to the proposal system 1A via the external network NT1.

[0062] In the second embodiment, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the evaluation information included in the signal transmitted from the information terminal 3 via the communication unit 10. That is, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the evaluation information in addition to the attribute information. The evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 is stored in the evaluation information DB 122 of the storage unit 12.

[0063] In the second embodiment, the determination unit 112 determines the next driving course to be recommended to the user by further referring to the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 in addition to the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit 111. Specifically, the determination unit 112 reads out evaluation information on the driving course recommended last time from the evaluation information DB 122, and determines whether or not to recommend the same driving course next time based on the contents of the read evaluation information. For example, if the evaluation information indicates that the user has approved or reserved the recommended driving course, the determination unit 112 determines to recommend the same driving course next time. On the other hand, if the evaluation information indicates that the user has rejected the recommended driving course, the determination unit 112 excludes the driving course and then determines the next driving course based on the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit 111.

[0064] In the second embodiment, the presentation unit 113 changes the way of presenting the next driving course based on the contents of the evaluation information about the previously recommended driving course. Specifically, if the evaluation information indicates that the user has approved the recommended driving course, the display unit 32 of the information terminal 3 will also display the proposal screen P3 shown in the upper part of Fig. 9 next time, as shown in the lower left part of Fig. 9. In other words, the presentation unit 113 proactively presents the same driving course as the previous time to the user by the same push notification as the previous time.

[0065] On the other hand, if the evaluation information indicates that the user has put the recommended operating course on hold, as shown in the lower center of Fig. 9, a proposal screen P4 different from the proposal screen P3 shown in the upper part of Fig. 9 is displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 3. In the example shown in the lower center of Fig. 9, the proposal screen P4 is a top screen that is displayed when the user starts an application for the washing machine 2 installed in the information terminal 3. Then, an image P31 including a character string recommending the previous operating course is displayed on the proposal screen P4. That is, the presentation unit 113 passively presents the same operating course as the previous one to the user on the top screen of the application that the user actively started, rather than by push notification.

[0066] If the evaluation information indicates that the user has rejected the recommended driving course, a screen similar to the proposed screen P3 shown in the upper part of Fig. 9 is displayed on the display unit 32 of the information terminal 3. However, a driving course different from the previously presented driving course is presented on this screen. In other words, the presentation unit 113 proactively presents a driving course different from the previous driving course to the user by push notification.

[0067] [2. Operation] The operation of the proposed system 1A configured as above will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the proposed system 1A in the embodiment 2. In the example shown in Fig. 10, it is assumed that the proposed system 1A has already executed the processes S101 to S103 in the embodiment 1.

[0068] First, the acquisition unit 111 acquires evaluation information indicating the user's evaluation of the driving course presented by the presentation unit 113 (S201). Next, the determination unit 112 further refers to the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 to determine the next driving course (S202). Furthermore, the presentation unit 113 determines how to present the driving course to the user (i.e., a method of presenting the driving course) based on the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 (S203). Then, the presentation unit 113 presents the driving course determined by the determination unit 112 to the user in accordance with the presentation method (S204). Each of the processes S201 to S204 is a part of the process of the proposed method in the second embodiment.

[0069] [3. Advantages, etc.] The advantages of the proposed system 1A in the second embodiment will be described below. In the proposed system 1A in the second embodiment, the next driving course is determined based on the user's evaluation of the driving course presented to the user. Therefore, the proposed system 1A in the second embodiment has the advantage that the accuracy of proposing a driving course suitable for the user can be improved since the driving course to be recommended to the user can be determined by further taking into account the user's evaluation.

[0070] Furthermore, in the proposed system 1A in the second embodiment, the way of presenting a driving course to the user is determined based on the above evaluation. Therefore, the proposed system 1A in the second embodiment has an advantage that it is easy to present a driving course to the user in a way that suits the user, and the user is unlikely to feel bothered by the presentation of the driving course.

[0071] (Embodiment 3) [1. Configuration] Hereinafter, proposed system 1B in the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration including proposed system 1B in the third embodiment. Proposed system 1B in the third embodiment differs from proposed system 1A in the second embodiment in that acquisition unit 111 further acquires an operation history of washing machine 2. Proposed system 1B in the third embodiment also differs from proposed system 1A in the second embodiment in that determination unit 112 further refers to the operation history acquired by acquisition unit 111 to determine the next operation course.

[0072] In the third embodiment, the acquisition unit 111 acquires, via the communication unit 10, an operation history that is transmitted from the washing machine 2 by making a request to the washing machine 2 or that is periodically transmitted from the washing machine 2. The operation history includes an operation course of the washing machine 2 and the date and time when the operation was performed (the operation start time, the operation end time, the reservation end time, etc.). The operation history acquired by the acquisition unit 111 is stored in the operation history DB 123 of the storage unit 12.

[0073] In the third embodiment, the determination unit 112 further refers to the driving history acquired by the acquisition unit 111 in addition to the attribute information and evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 to determine a driving course to be recommended to the user next time. Specifically, the determination unit 112 reads evaluation information on the driving course recommended last time from the evaluation information DB 122, and reads the driving history from the driving history DB 123. Then, the determination unit 112 determines whether to recommend the same driving course next time based on the contents of the read evaluation information and the driving history. For example, if the evaluation information indicates that the user has rejected the recommended driving course and the driving history does not include the driving course, the determination unit 112 excludes the driving course and then determines the next driving course based on the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit 111. On the other hand, if the driving history includes the recommended driving course, the determination unit 112 determines to recommend the same driving course next time regardless of the contents of the evaluation information.

[0074] In the third embodiment, the presentation unit 113 changes the way of presenting the next driving course based on the contents of the evaluation information about the previously recommended driving course and the driving history. Specifically, if the evaluation information indicates that the user has approved the previously presented driving course and the driving history includes the driving course, the presentation unit 113 proactively presents the same driving course as the previous time to the user by the same push notification as the previous time. On the other hand, if the evaluation information indicates that the user has approved the previously presented driving course but the driving history does not include the driving course, the presentation unit 113 passively presents the same driving course as the previous time to the user on the top screen of the application actively started by the user, instead of by push notification.

[0075] [2. Operation] The operation of the proposed system 1B configured as above will be described below with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the proposed system 1B in the third embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 12, it is assumed that the proposed system 1A has already executed the processes S101 to S103 in the first embodiment. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 12, it is assumed that the user has used the washing machine 2 after the presentation unit 113 has presented an operation course.

[0076] First, the acquisition unit 111 acquires evaluation information indicating the user's evaluation of the operation course presented by the presentation unit 113 (S301). The acquisition unit 111 also acquires the operation history of the washing machine 2 (S302). Next, the determination unit 112 further refers to the evaluation information and the operation history acquired by the acquisition unit 111 to determine the next operation course (S303). The presentation unit 113 also determines how to present the operation course to the user (i.e., the method of presenting the operation course) based on the evaluation information and the operation history acquired by the acquisition unit 111 (S304). Then, the presentation unit 113 presents the operation course determined by the determination unit 112 to the user according to the above presentation method (S305). The processes S301 to S305 are each a part of the process of the proposed method in the third embodiment.

[0077] [3. Advantages, etc.] The advantages of the proposed system 1B in the third embodiment will be described below. In the proposed system 1B in the third embodiment, the next driving course is determined based on the user's evaluation of the driving course presented to the user and the driving history. Therefore, the proposed system 1B in the third embodiment has the advantage that the accuracy of proposing a driving course suitable for the user can be improved since the driving course to be recommended to the user can be determined by further taking into account the driving history indicating whether the user actually used the presented driving course.

[0078] [4. Modifications] As described above, each embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to each embodiment with appropriate changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. Also, it is possible to combine the components described in each of the above embodiments to create a new embodiment.

[0079] Therefore, modifications of each embodiment will be exemplified below.

[0080] In the above-mentioned third embodiment, the determination unit 112 determines the next driving course by referring to the attribute information, the evaluation information, and the driving history, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the determination unit 112 may determine the next driving course by referring to the attribute information and the driving history without referring to the evaluation information. Specifically, if the driving history includes the driving course presented last time, the determination unit 112 may determine the same driving course as the previous driving course as the next driving course. On the other hand, if the driving history continues to include the driving course presented last time, the determination unit 112 may exclude the previous driving course and determine the next driving course based on the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit 111.

[0081] In the above-mentioned third embodiment, the presentation unit 113 changes the way of presenting the driving course to the user based on the evaluation information, but the presenting unit 113 may change the way of presenting the driving course to the user based on the driving history. Specifically, if the driving history includes the driving course presented last time, the presentation unit 113 may proactively present the same driving course as last time to the user by the same push notification as last time. On the other hand, if the driving history does not include the driving course presented last time, the presentation unit 113 may passively present the same driving course as last time to the user on the top screen of the application actively started by the user, instead of by push notification.

[0082] In each of the above embodiments, the determination unit 112 may be realized by a trained model that is machine-learned to output a driving course recommended to a user using, for example, attribute information as input. In this case, the trained model may be a general-purpose model or a dedicated model machine-learned for each user. In addition, if feedback data such as whether or not the user adopted the determined driving course as in the second and third embodiments can be obtained, the trained model may be re-trained using the feedback data.

[0083] In the above-described embodiments, the proposed systems 1, 1A, and 1B are intended for the washing machine 2 with a drying function, but are not limited thereto. For example, the proposed systems 1, 1A, and 1B may be intended for a washing machine without a drying function.

[0084] Also, for example, in each of the above embodiments, the proposed systems 1, 1A, and 1B are realized as a single device, but may be realized by multiple devices. When the proposed systems 1, 1A, and 1B are realized by multiple devices, the components of the proposed systems 1, 1A, and 1B may be distributed in any manner among the multiple devices. In other words, the present disclosure may be realized by cloud computing or edge computing.

[0085] Also, for example, in each of the above embodiments, all or part of the components of the proposed systems 1, 1A, and 1B in the present disclosure may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor memory.

[0086] Furthermore, the components of the proposed systems 1, 1A, and 1B in the present disclosure may be configured with one or more electronic circuits. Each of the one or more electronic circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0087] The one or more electronic circuits may include, for example, a semiconductor device, an integrated circuit (IC), or a large scale integration (LSI). The IC or LSI may be integrated into one chip or into multiple chips. Here, the IC or LSI is referred to as an IC or LSI, but the name may vary depending on the degree of integration, and may be called a system LSI, a very large scale integration (VLSI), or an ultra large scale integration (ULSI). Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the LSI is manufactured can be used for the same purpose.

[0088] In addition, the general or specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, or a computer program. Alternatively, the present disclosure may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as an optical disk, HDD, or semiconductor memory in which the computer program is stored. For example, the present disclosure may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute the proposed method in each of the above embodiments. In addition, the program may be recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be distributed via a communication channel such as the Internet.

[0089] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology in the present disclosure, and the accompanying drawings and detailed descriptions have been provided for this purpose.

[0090] Therefore, among the components described in the attached drawings and detailed description, not only are there components essential for solving the problem, but there may also be components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to illustrate the above technology. Therefore, the fact that such non-essential components are described in the attached drawings or detailed description should not be interpreted as immediately indicating that such non-essential components are essential.

[0091] Furthermore, since the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology in the present disclosure, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0092] (summary) As described above, the proposed systems 1, 1A, and 1B in the embodiments include an acquisition unit 111, a determination unit 112, and a presentation unit 113. The acquisition unit 111 acquires attribute information of a user who uses the washing machine 2. The determination unit 112 determines an operation course to be recommended to the user from among a plurality of operation courses that are available for the washing machine 2 and indicate operation contents of the washing machine 2, based on the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit 111. The presentation unit 113 presents the operation course determined by the determination unit 112 to the user.

[0093] This has the advantage that the purpose for which the user uses the washing machine 2 can be inferred from the attribute information, making it easier to suggest an operation program that indicates the operation content of the washing machine 2 that is suitable for the user.

[0094] Moreover, for example, the acquisition unit 111 further acquires evaluation information indicating a user's evaluation of the driving course presented by the presentation unit 113. The determination unit 112 further refers to the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 to determine the next driving course.

[0095] According to this, since the driving plan recommended to the user can be determined by further taking into account the user's evaluation, there is an advantage that the accuracy of proposing a driving plan suitable for the user can be easily improved.

[0096] Furthermore, for example, the presentation unit 113 changes the way in which the driving course is presented to the user based on the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 .

[0097] This has the advantage that it is easy to present a driving course to the user in a manner suitable for the user, and the user is unlikely to feel bothered by the presentation of the driving course.

[0098] Moreover, for example, the acquisition unit 111 further acquires an operation history of the washing machine 2. The decision unit 112 further refers to the operation history acquired by the acquisition unit 111 to decide the next operation course.

[0099] This has the advantage that the driving course recommended to the user can be determined by further taking into account the driving history indicating whether or not the user actually used the presented driving course, which tends to improve the accuracy of suggesting a driving course suitable for the user.

[0100] Furthermore, for example, the attribute information includes information about the user himself / herself.

[0101] This has the advantage that the purpose of the user's use of the washing machine 2 can be further easily estimated by referring to information about the user himself / herself.

[0102] For example, the attribute information also includes information regarding the clothing worn by the user.

[0103] This has the advantage that by referring to information about the clothes worn by the user, it becomes easier to estimate the purpose for which the user uses the washing machine 2.

[0104] Furthermore, for example, the attribute information includes information regarding how the user does laundry.

[0105] This has the advantage that by referring to information on the user's washing method, it becomes easier to estimate the purpose for which the user uses the washing machine 2.

[0106] Further, for example, the attribute information includes concern information regarding concerns about the operation of the washing machine 2 of the user.

[0107] This has the advantage that by referring to information regarding the user's concerns about the operation of the washing machine 2, it becomes easier to estimate the purpose for which the user uses the washing machine 2.

[0108] Moreover, in the proposed method in the embodiment, attribute information of a user who uses the washing machine 2 is acquired. Moreover, in the proposed method, based on the acquired attribute information, an operation course to be recommended to the user is determined from among a plurality of operation courses that are available for the washing machine 2 and indicate operation contents of the washing machine 2. Moreover, in the proposed method, the determined operation course is presented to the user.

[0109] This has the advantage that the purpose for which the user uses the washing machine 2 can be inferred from the attribute information, making it easier to suggest an operation program that indicates the operation content of the washing machine 2 that is suitable for the user.

[0110] Moreover, the program in the embodiment causes one or more processors to execute the driving analysis method described above.

[0111] This has the advantage that the purpose for which the user uses the washing machine 2 can be inferred from the attribute information, making it easier to suggest an operation program that indicates the operation content of the washing machine 2 that is suitable for the user. [Industrial Applicability]

[0112] The present disclosure is applicable to a system that presents a washing machine operation program to a user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1,1A,1B Proposed system 111 Acquisition Department 112 Decision Section 113 Presentation section 2. Washing machine

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires attribute information of a user who uses the washing machine; A determination unit that determines an operation course recommended to the user from among a plurality of operation courses that are available for the washing machine and indicate operation contents of the washing machine, based on the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit; a presentation unit that presents the driving course determined by the determination unit to the user, The acquisition unit further acquires evaluation information indicating an evaluation by the user of the driving course presented by the presentation unit, The determination unit further refers to the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit to determine the next operating course, the presentation unit determines whether to proactively or passively present the next driving course to the user based on the evaluation information acquired by the acquisition unit. Proposed system.

2. The active presentation of the driving course includes: presenting the driving course by a push notification by an information terminal of the user; The passive presentation of the driving course includes: and displaying the driving course on a top screen of an application started by the user on the information terminal of the user. The recommendation system of claim 1 .

3. The acquisition unit further acquires an operation history of the washing machine, The determination unit further refers to the driving history acquired by the acquisition unit to determine the next driving course. The recommendation system of claim 1 .

4. The attribute information includes information about the user himself / herself. The proposal system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The attribute information includes information about clothing worn by the user. The proposal system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The attribute information includes information regarding how the user does laundry. The proposal system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The attribute information includes problem information regarding the user's problem with operation of the washing machine, The proposal system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. Acquire attribute information of users who use washing machines, determining an operation program recommended to the user from among a plurality of operation programs available for the washing machine and indicating operation contents of the washing machine based on the acquired attribute information; presenting the determined driving course to the user; Further acquiring evaluation information indicating an evaluation of the user for the presented driving course; Further referring to the acquired evaluation information, the next operation course is determined; determining whether to actively or passively present the next driving course to the user based on the acquired evaluation information; Proposal method.

9. One or more processors, Executing the proposed method according to claim 8 . program.

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