Refrigerator, program, terminal device, and refrigerator control system

Abstract

To make it possible to set an interior temperature in a refrigerator 1 at a temperature suitable for winter.SOLUTION: The refrigerator 1 capable of communicating with a weather server 2 comprises a refrigerator control unit 16 for receiving air temperature data indicating an air temperature in an area including an installation place of the refrigerator 1, from the weather server 2, determining whether the current season is winter or not, on the basis of the air temperature indicated by the received air temperature data, and changing an operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from a normal operation mode to a winter operation mode in which an interior temperature is higher than that in the normal operation mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator, a program, a terminal device, and a refrigerator control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known techniques for setting the temperature inside a refrigerator. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator that specifies the day of the week and the date and time when a large amount of food is purchased based on the past change in the amount of food stored inside the refrigerator, and increases the amount of cooling on the specified day of the week and date and lowers the temperature inside the refrigerator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-108740 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By the way, some people are concerned about getting cold in winter. Such people tend to dislike cold foods in winter compared to other seasons, so it is desirable to be able to set the internal temperature of a refrigerator to a temperature suitable for winter.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable the internal temperature of a refrigerator to be set to a temperature suitable for winter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a refrigerator capable of communicating with a server, the refrigerator including a refrigerator control unit that receives, from the server, temperature data indicating a temperature of an area including a location where the refrigerator is installed, and, when the temperature indicated by the received temperature data is lower than a predetermined temperature, transitions an operation mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode in which an internal temperature is higher than that of the first mode. the refrigerator control unit receives a plurality of pieces of the temperature data from a predetermined number of days back from the present, and when an average of a daily minimum temperature indicated by the plurality of received temperature data is lower than the predetermined temperature, transitions an operation mode of the refrigerator from the first mode to the second mode, and when the average of the daily minimum temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, transitions the operation mode of the refrigerator from the second mode to the first mode. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the internal temperature of a refrigerator can be set to a temperature suitable for winter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the configuration of a communication system. [Diagram 2] Block diagram showing the functional configuration of a refrigerator [Diagram 3] Flowchart showing the operation of a refrigerator [Figure 4] Block diagram showing the functional configuration of a refrigerator [Diagram 5] Flowchart showing the operation of a refrigerator [Figure 6] Diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator control system [Figure 7] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of a refrigerator, a refrigerator control server, and a terminal device. [Figure 8] Flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of a user interface [Figure 10] Flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] A first invention is a refrigerator capable of communicating with a server, comprising a refrigerator control unit that receives temperature data from the server indicating a temperature in an area including a location where the refrigerator is installed, determines whether a current season is winter or not based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data, and, when it is determined that the current season is winter, shifts an operation mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode in which an internal temperature is higher than that of the first mode. According to this, when it is determined that the current season is winter, the internal temperature of the refrigerator is set high, so that the internal temperature of the refrigerator can be set to a temperature suitable for winter.

[0010] A second invention is characterized in that, when the refrigerator control unit determines that the current season is winter, it inquires of a user of the refrigerator as to whether or not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator to the second mode, and, when an instruction to transition to the second mode is received from the user, the refrigerator control unit transitions the operation mode of the refrigerator to the second mode. According to this, when a command to switch to the second mode is received, the operation mode of the refrigerator is switched to the second mode, so that the operation of setting the internal temperature of the refrigerator to a temperature suitable for winter can be prevented from becoming an unintended refrigerator operation by the user.

[0011] A third invention is characterized in that the refrigerator control unit receives a plurality of sets of the temperature data for a predetermined number of days prior to the present, and determines that the current season is winter when an average of temperatures indicated by the plurality of received temperature data sets is lower than a predetermined temperature. According to this, if the average of a plurality of temperatures from the present to a date going back a predetermined number of days falls below a predetermined temperature, the current season is determined to be winter, so that even if there is variation in temperature from the present to a date going back a predetermined number of days, the current season can be accurately determined to be winter. Therefore, the internal temperature of the refrigerator can be set to a temperature suitable for winter at an appropriate timing.

[0012] A fourth invention is characterized in that the refrigerator control unit ends the second mode when an instruction to end the second mode is received from a user of the refrigerator. According to this, since receiving an instruction to end the refrigerator from the user is highly likely to mean that the user is attempting to change the refrigerator's internal temperature from the second mode temperature to another temperature, the internal temperature setting suitable for winter can be ended at an appropriate time.

[0013] A fifth invention is characterized in that the refrigerator control unit ends the second mode when an operation to change the internal temperature of the refrigerator is accepted from a user of the refrigerator. According to this, receiving a change in the internal temperature from the user is highly likely to mean that the user is attempting to change the internal temperature of the refrigerator from the second mode temperature to another temperature, so the internal temperature setting suitable for winter can be terminated at an appropriate time.

[0014] A sixth invention is a program that causes a control unit of a terminal device capable of communicating with a refrigerator and a server to function as a communication control unit that receives temperature data from the server indicating a temperature in an area including a location of the refrigerator, a determination unit that determines whether or not a current season is winter based on the temperature indicated by the temperature data received by the communication control unit, and an operation mode control unit that shifts an operation mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode in which an inside temperature is higher than that of the first mode when the determination unit determines that the current season is winter. According to this, when it is determined that the current season is winter, the internal temperature of the refrigerator is set high, so that the internal temperature of the refrigerator can be set to a temperature suitable for winter.

[0015] A seventh invention is characterized in that, when the determination unit determines that the current season is winter, the operation mode control unit inquires of a user of the refrigerator about whether to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator to the second mode, and, after the inquiry, when an instruction to transition to the second mode is received from the user, the operation mode control unit transitions the operation mode of the refrigerator to the second mode. According to this, when a command to switch to the second mode is received, the operation mode of the refrigerator is switched to the second mode, so that the operation of setting the internal temperature of the refrigerator to a temperature suitable for winter can be prevented from becoming an unintended refrigerator operation by the user.

[0016] The eighth invention is characterized in that the communication control unit receives multiple pieces of temperature data from the server for a predetermined number of days prior to the present, and the determination unit determines that the current season is winter if the average temperature indicated by the multiple pieces of temperature data received by the communication control unit is below a predetermined temperature. According to this, if the average of a plurality of temperatures from the present to a date going back a predetermined number of days falls below a predetermined temperature, the current season is determined to be winter, so that even if there is variation in temperature from the present to a date going back a predetermined number of days, the current season can be accurately determined to be winter. Therefore, the internal temperature of the refrigerator can be set to a temperature suitable for winter at an appropriate timing.

[0017] A ninth invention is characterized in that the program is an application program that can be installed in the terminal device. According to this, a terminal device that does not have a function for controlling a refrigerator can be turned into a terminal device having the function by installing an application program, and thus a general-purpose terminal device can be turned into a terminal device that can set the internal temperature of the refrigerator to a temperature suitable for winter.

[0018] A tenth invention is a terminal device capable of communicating with a refrigerator and a server, comprising a control unit that receives temperature data from the server indicating a temperature in an area including a location of the refrigerator, determines whether a current season is winter or not based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data, and, when it is determined that the current season is winter, shifts an operation mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode in which an internal temperature is higher than that of the first mode. According to this, when it is determined that the current season is winter, the internal temperature of the refrigerator is set high, so that the internal temperature of the refrigerator can be set to a temperature suitable for winter.

[0019] An eleventh invention is a refrigerator control system having a refrigerator and a terminal device capable of communicating with the refrigerator and a server, wherein the terminal device receives temperature data indicating a temperature of an area including a location of the refrigerator from the server, determines whether a current season is winter or not based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data, and when it is determined that the current season is winter, transmits transition instruction information to the refrigerator indicating an instruction to transition an operation mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode having an inside temperature higher than that of the first mode, and upon receiving the transition instruction information, the refrigerator transitions the operation mode of the refrigerator from the first mode to the second mode. According to this, when it is determined that the current season is winter, the internal temperature of the refrigerator is set high, so that the internal temperature of the refrigerator can be set to a temperature suitable for winter.

[0020] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a communication system 1000 including a refrigerator 1.

[0021] In communication system 1000, refrigerator 1 and weather server 2 transmit and receive various information via global network GN, and refrigerator 1 performs various information processing based on the transmitted and received information. Global network GN includes the Internet, telephone networks, and other communication networks. Weather server 2 corresponds to the "server" of this invention.

[0022] In Fig. 1, refrigerator 1 is installed in the home H of user P. Refrigerator 1 has a main box 10 with an open front, in which a refrigerator compartment 11, an ice-making compartment 12, a fresh-freezing compartment 13, a freezer compartment 14, and a vegetable compartment 15 are formed. A rotating left door 11A and a right door 11B are provided at the opening at the front of refrigerator compartment 11. Drawers 12A, 13A, 14A, and 15A for storing food are provided in ice-making compartment 12, fresh-freezing compartment 13, freezer compartment 14, and vegetable compartment 15, respectively.

[0023] The refrigerator 1 is connected to a communication device 3 installed in the home H of a user P, and communicates with a weather server 2 via the communication device 3.

[0024] The communication device 3 is connected to the global network GN and communicates with the weather server 2 connected to the global network GN. The communication device 3 functions as an interface device for connecting the refrigerator 1 to the global network GN. The communication device 3 has functions such as a modem function, a router function, and a NAT (Network Address Translation) function. The communication device 3 transfers data sent and received between the refrigerator 1 and the weather server 2 connected to the global network GN.

[0025] The weather server 2 is a server device that provides weather data related to the weather in the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1. Examples of the weather data provided by the weather server 2 include temperature data indicating the temperature in the area including the installation location of the refrigerator 1, humidity data indicating the humidity in the area, and wind speed data indicating the wind speed in the area. In this embodiment, temperature data is exemplified as the weather data provided by the weather server 2, but the weather data provided by the weather server 2 only needs to include at least temperature data, and may also include other data such as humidity data. In this embodiment, the temperature data provided by the weather server 2 indicates at least the daily minimum temperature.

[0026] The area for which the weather server 2 provides weather data may be an area including the location of the refrigerator 1, and may be, for example, a primary subdivision area, a secondary subdivision area, or another area. In addition, in each figure, the weather server 2 is represented by one block, but this does not necessarily mean that the weather server 2 is composed of a single server device. For example, the weather server 2 may be composed of multiple server devices with different processing contents.

[0027] Next, the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the refrigerator.

[0028] The refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator control unit 16, a refrigerator communication unit 17, a refrigerator operation unit 18, and a cooling unit 19.

[0029] Refrigerator control unit 16 includes refrigerator processor 160, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU or an MPU, and refrigerator storage unit 161, and controls each part of refrigerator 1. Refrigerator control unit 16 executes various processes by cooperation of hardware and software such that refrigerator processor 160 reads control program 1611 stored in refrigerator storage unit 161 and executes processes.

[0030] Refrigerator storage unit 161 has a storage area for storing programs executed by refrigerator processor 160 and data processed by refrigerator processor 160. Refrigerator storage unit 161 stores control program 1611 executed by refrigerator processor 160, setting data 1612 related to settings of refrigerator 1, installation location information 1613, and various other data. Installation location information 1613 is information indicating the installation location of refrigerator 1. In this embodiment, the installation location of refrigerator 1 is home H of user P, and therefore installation location information 1613 is information indicating the address and postal code of home H. Refrigerator storage unit 161 has a nonvolatile storage area for nonvolatilely storing programs and data. Refrigerator storage unit 161 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for temporarily storing programs executed by refrigerator processor 160 and data to be processed.

[0031] Refrigerator communication unit 17 includes communication hardware that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with devices connected to the global network GN in accordance with the predetermined communication standard under the control of refrigerator control unit 16. In this embodiment, refrigerator communication unit 17 communicates with weather server 2 in accordance with the predetermined communication standard. The communication standard used by refrigerator communication unit 17 may be a wireless communication standard (e.g., IEEE802.11a / 11b / 11g / 11n / 11ac, Bluetooth (registered trademark)) or a wired communication standard.

[0032] Refrigerator operation unit 18 includes operation means such as an operation switch provided at a predetermined position, for example, on the front surface of right door 11B, detects operation of the operation means by user P, and outputs the detection result to refrigerator control unit 16. Refrigerator operation unit 18 may include a touch panel together with or instead of the operation switch. Based on the input from refrigerator operation unit 18, refrigerator control unit 16 executes processing corresponding to the operation on the operation means.

[0033] Cooling unit 19 includes mechanisms for cooling each storage compartment of refrigerator 1, such as compressor 191, condenser 192, capillary tube 193, cooler 194, cooling fan 195 for sending the cold air generated by cooler 194 to each storage compartment, and damper 196 for dividing the cold air sent by cooling fan 195, and cools each storage compartment of refrigerator 1 under the control of refrigerator control unit 16.

[0034] Next, the operation of the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart FA showing the operation of the refrigerator 1.

[0035] At the start of the flowchart FA shown in Fig. 3, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode. The normal operation mode corresponds to the "first mode" of the present invention. The normal operation mode is an operation mode in which the refrigerator 1 performs normal operation with an internal temperature that is, for example, 1°C to 2°C lower than in winter operation, which will be described later.

[0036] The refrigerator control unit 16 of the refrigerator 1 determines whether or not a start trigger for starting the processing of the flowchart FA has occurred (step SA1).

[0037] For example, in step SA1, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that a start trigger has occurred when a predetermined time has arrived. Also, for example, in step SA1, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that a start trigger has occurred when a predetermined day of the week and time arrive.

[0038] When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the start trigger has not occurred (step SA1: NO), it performs the determination in step SA1 again.

[0039] On the other hand, if refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the start trigger has occurred (step SA1: YES), refrigerator control unit 16 transmits temperature data request information requesting temperature data to weather server 2 via refrigerator communication unit 17 (step SA2).

[0040] The temperature data request information includes installation location information 1613 stored in the refrigerator storage unit 161.

[0041] The temperature data request information also includes multiple pieces of date information indicating dates. In this embodiment, refrigerator control unit 16 requests temperature data for all dates in a period from the present to the day going back a predetermined number of days (e.g., seven days) from weather server 2. Therefore, in step SA2, refrigerator control unit 16 transmits temperature data request information including date information for all dates in a period from the present to the day going back a predetermined number of days to weather server 2 via refrigerator communication unit 17.

[0042] When the weather server 2 receives the temperature data request information, it acquires from a specified database the temperature data for the area including the installation location indicated by the installation location information included in the temperature data request information. The weather server 2 acquires the temperature data for all dates indicated by all date information included in the temperature data request information from the specified database. When the weather server 2 acquires the temperature data, it transmits all of the acquired temperature data to the refrigerator 1 as a response to the received temperature data request information.

[0043] The refrigerator control unit 16 receives the temperature data from the weather server 2 via the refrigerator communication unit 17 (step SA3). In step SB3, the refrigerator control unit 16 receives the temperature data from the weather server 2 for all dates indicated by all the date information included in the temperature data request information transmitted in step SA2.

[0044] Next, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether the current season is winter or not based on the temperature data received from the weather server 2 (step SA4).

[0045] In step SA4, the refrigerator control unit 16 calculates the average of the daily minimum temperatures indicated by the multiple temperature data received. Next, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether or not the calculated average of the daily minimum temperatures is below a predetermined temperature (for example, 6°C). If the calculated average of the daily minimum temperatures is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the current season is not winter, that is, that the current season is a season other than winter. On the other hand, if the calculated average of the daily minimum temperatures is below the predetermined temperature, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the current season is winter.

[0046] The refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether the current season is determined to be winter or not in step SA4 (step SA5).

[0047] When it is determined in step SA4 that the current season is winter (step SA5: "Winter"), the refrigerator control unit 16 transitions the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode, and starts winter operation (step SA6).

[0048] The winter operation mode is an operation mode in which the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 is set, for example, 1°C to 2°C higher than in normal operation. The winter operation mode corresponds to the "second mode" of the present invention. In the winter operation mode, the internal temperature may be increased for all storage compartments, or may be increased for any storage compartment, such as only the refrigeration compartment 11. For example, in winter operation, refrigerator control unit 16 reduces the rotation speed of compressor 191 to a value lower than that during normal operation, thereby reducing the amount of cooling in each storage compartment of refrigerator 1. Also, for example, refrigerator control unit 16 reduces the rotation speed of cooling fan 195 to a value lower than that during normal operation, thereby reducing the amount of cold air circulating in refrigerator 1. Also, for example, refrigerator control unit 16 reduces the rotation speed of compressor 191 to a value lower than that during normal operation, and reduces the rotation speed of cooling fan 195 to a value lower than that during normal operation, thereby reducing the amount of cooling and the amount of circulation. Note that instead of reducing the rotation speed of compressor 191 to a value lower than that during normal operation, a period during which operation of compressor 191 is stopped may be extended. Also, instead of reducing the rotation speed of cooling fan 195 to a value lower than that during normal operation, a period during which operation of cooling fan 195 is stopped may be extended.

[0049] When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the current season is not winter (step SA5: "Other than winter"), the refrigerator control unit 16 ends this process. That is, the refrigerator control unit 16 does not shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode, and does not start the winter operation.

[0050] Returning to the explanation of step SA6 and subsequent steps, when the winter operation is started, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether or not an end trigger for ending the winter operation has occurred (step SA7). Here, several examples of end triggers are given.

[0051] <First end trigger> When the operation of user P accepted by refrigerator operation unit 18 is an operation indicating an instruction to end winter operation or an operation indicating an instruction to end winter operation mode, refrigerator control unit 16 determines that an end trigger has occurred.

[0052] <Second end trigger> When the operation of user P accepted by refrigerator operation unit 18 is an operation to change the internal temperature of refrigerator 1, refrigerator control unit 16 determines that an end trigger has occurred.

[0053] <Third End Trigger> After starting winter operation, refrigerator control unit 16 transmits temperature data request information to weather server 2 via refrigerator communication unit 17 each time a predetermined timing arrives, and determines whether the current season is winter or not. Then, when refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the current season is not winter, it determines that an end trigger has occurred.

[0054] Refrigerator control unit 16 may determine whether any one of the first end trigger, the second end trigger, and the third end trigger has occurred, or may determine whether any one of a plurality of end triggers has occurred. Note that, in the case where refrigerator control unit 16 is configured to determine whether only the third end trigger has occurred, refrigerator 1 does not need to include refrigerator operation unit 18 as a functional configuration.

[0055] Returning to the explanation of step SA7, when it is determined that the end trigger has not occurred (step SA7: NO), the refrigerator control unit 16 performs the determination of step SA7 again while continuing the winter operation.

[0056] On the other hand, if the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the end trigger has occurred (step SA7: YES), it transitions the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the winter operation mode to the normal operation mode and ends the winter operation (step SA8).

[0057] As described above, refrigerator 1 is capable of communicating with weather server 2. Refrigerator 1 receives temperature data indicating the temperature in an area including the location of refrigerator 1 from weather server 2, determines whether the current season is winter or not based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data, and includes refrigerator control unit 16 that transitions the operation mode of refrigerator 1 from a normal operation mode to a winter operation mode when it is determined that the current season is winter.

[0058] According to this configuration, when it is determined that the current season is winter, the refrigerator 1 sets the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 high, so that the refrigerator 1 can set the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 to a temperature suitable for winter. Also, since the refrigerator 1 sets the internal temperature in the winter operation mode higher than in the normal operation mode, it can reduce power consumption compared to the normal operation mode.

[0059] The refrigerator control unit 16 receives a plurality of pieces of temperature data covering a predetermined number of days prior to the present, and determines that the current season is winter if the average of the daily minimum temperatures indicated by the plurality of received temperature data is lower than a predetermined temperature.

[0060] According to this configuration, if the average of the minimum daily temperatures from the present to the date counted back by a predetermined number of days falls below a predetermined temperature, the current season is determined to be winter, so that even if there is variation in the minimum daily temperatures from the present to the date counted back by a predetermined number of days, the current season can be accurately determined to be winter. Therefore, the refrigerator 1 can set the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 to a temperature suitable for winter at an appropriate timing.

[0061] When the refrigerator control unit 16 receives an instruction to end the winter operation mode from the user P, it ends the winter operation mode.

[0062] Receiving an end instruction from user P is likely to mean that user P is trying to change the internal temperature of refrigerator 1 from the winter operation mode temperature to another temperature. Therefore, with this configuration, refrigerator 1 can end the winter-friendly temperature setting at an appropriate time.

[0063] When the refrigerator control unit 16 receives an operation from the user P to change the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator control unit 16 ends the winter operation mode.

[0064] Accepting a request to change the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 is likely to indicate that the user P is trying to change the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 from the winter operation mode temperature to another temperature. Therefore, with this configuration, the refrigerator 1 can end the setting of a temperature suitable for winter at an appropriate time.

[0065] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0066] In the first embodiment, the refrigerator control unit 16 is configured to automatically shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode when it determines that the current season is winter. In the second embodiment, the refrigerator control unit 16 is configured to inquire whether to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode when it determines that the current season is winter, and to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode when an instruction to shift to the winter operation mode is received from the user P after the inquiry.

[0067] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1 according to the second embodiment. Compared to the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment, the refrigerator 1 of the second embodiment includes a refrigerator display unit 20 as a functional unit that inquires whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode.

[0068] Refrigerator display unit 20 includes a display panel provided at a predetermined position, such as the front surface of right door 11B, and displays information on the display panel according to the control of refrigerator control unit 16. When the operation means of refrigerator operation unit 18 is a touch panel, the display panel included in refrigerator display unit 20 may function as the display panel for this touch panel.

[0069] Fig. 5 is a flowchart FB showing the operation of the refrigerator 1 of the second embodiment. In Fig. 5, the same steps as those in the flowchart FA shown in Fig. 3 are given the same step numbers, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. At the start of the flowchart FB shown in FIG. 5, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode, similarly to FIG.

[0070] When the refrigerator control unit 16 of the refrigerator 1 determines that the current season is winter (step SA5: "Winter"), the refrigerator control unit 16 inquires of the user P via the refrigerator display unit 20 whether or not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode (step SB1).

[0071] For example, the refrigerator control unit 16 inquires of the user P whether or not to switch the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode by displaying the character string "Do you want to switch the operation mode to the winter operation mode?" on the refrigerator display unit 20.

[0072] Next, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether or not an instruction to switch the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has been received from the user P (step SB2).

[0073] For example, when the operation of user P accepted by refrigerator operation unit 18 is an operation indicating an instruction to shift the operation mode of refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode, refrigerator control unit 16 makes an affirmative determination in step SB2.

[0074] When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that an instruction to change the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has been received from the user P (step SB2: YES), it executes the processes of step SA6 and onward.

[0075] On the other hand, if the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that an instruction to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has not been received from the user P (step SB2: NO), the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether or not an instruction to not transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has been received from the user P (step SB3).

[0076] For example, when the operation of user P accepted by refrigerator operation unit 18 is an operation indicating an instruction not to shift the operation mode of refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode, refrigerator control unit 16 makes an affirmative determination in step SB3.

[0077] When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that an instruction not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has been received from the user P (step SB3: YES), the refrigerator control unit 16 ends this process. In other words, the refrigerator control unit 16 does not shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode, and does not start winter operation.

[0078] On the other hand, if the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that an instruction not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has not been received from the user P (step SB3: NO), the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since starting the inquiry of step SB1 (step SB4).

[0079] When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that a predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of the inquiry in step SB2 (step SB4: NO), it returns the process to step SB2 and executes the process of step SB2 again.

[0080] On the other hand, when the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the inquiry in step SB1 (step SB4: YES), it ends the inquiry (step SB5) and ends this process. That is, the refrigerator control unit 16 does not shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode, and does not start the winter operation.

[0081] In this embodiment, the refrigerator display unit 20 is configured to inquire as to whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode, but the manner of the inquiry is not limited to a display. For example, the refrigerator control unit 16 may inquire as to whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode by voice output using a speaker built into the refrigerator 1 or a speaker externally connected to the refrigerator 1. In this configuration, the refrigerator 1 includes, instead of or together with the refrigerator display unit 20, a voice signal output unit that outputs a voice signal to the speaker or a speaker externally connected to the refrigerator 1, as a functional unit that inquires as to whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode.

[0082] As described above, when the refrigerator control unit 16 of this embodiment determines that the current season is winter, it inquires of the user P of the refrigerator 1 whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode, and when it receives an instruction from the user P to shift to the winter operation mode, it shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode.

[0083] According to this configuration, when an instruction to switch to the winter operation mode is received, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is switched to the winter operation mode, so that the operation of setting the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 to a temperature suitable for winter can be prevented from being an operation of the refrigerator 1 that is not intended by the user P.

[0084] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator control system 2000. In the description of the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0085] The refrigerator control system 2000 is a system in which a terminal device 5 used by a user P of the refrigerator 1 controls the operation of the refrigerator 1 via a global network GN.

[0086] The refrigerator control system 2000 includes a refrigerator 1. In Fig. 6, similar to Fig. 1, the refrigerator 1 is installed in the home H of a user P. The refrigerator 1 is connected for communication with a communication device 3 installed in the home H of the user P, and communicates with a refrigerator control server 4 via the communication device 3.

[0087] Communication device 3 communicates with weather server 2 and refrigerator control server 4 connected to the global network GN. When terminal device 5 has established a communication connection with communication device 3, communication device 3 functions as an interface device for connecting terminal device 5 to the global network GN. Communication device 3 transfers data transmitted and received between refrigerator 1 and refrigerator control server 4 connected to the global network GN. Communication device 3 transfers data transmitted and received between terminal device 5 that has established a communication connection, and weather server 2 and refrigerator control server 4 connected to the global network GN.

[0088] The refrigerator control system 2000 includes a terminal device 5 having a touch panel 52. The terminal device 5 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. An application program for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1 is installed in the terminal device 5. In the following description, the application program for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1 is referred to as a "refrigerator control app" and is assigned the reference number "513." The refrigerator control app 513 corresponds to the "program" and "application program" of the present invention.

[0089] In Fig. 1, a user P who is at home is indicated by a dotted line, and a user P who has left home H is indicated by a solid line. When the terminal device 5 is used by a user P who is at home, the terminal device 5 uses the function of the refrigerator control app 513 to communicate with the refrigerator control server 4 connected to the global network GN via the communication device 3 or without the communication device 3 to control the operation of the refrigerator 1. When the terminal device 5 is used by a user P who has left home H, the terminal device 5 uses the function of the refrigerator control app 513 to communicate with the refrigerator control server 4 connected to the global network GN without the communication device 3 to control the operation of the refrigerator 1.

[0090] Refrigerator control system 2000 includes refrigerator control server 4. Refrigerator control server 4 is a server device that controls the operation of refrigerator 1, and is connected to global network GN. In each drawing, refrigerator control server 4 is represented by a single block, but this does not necessarily mean that refrigerator control server 4 is configured as a single server device. For example, refrigerator control server 4 may be configured to include multiple server devices with different processing contents. In each drawing, weather server 2 and refrigerator control server 4 are illustrated as separate server devices, but weather server 2 and refrigerator control server 4 may be configured as the same server device.

[0091] Next, the functional configurations of the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator control server 4, and the terminal device 5 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator control server 4, and the terminal device 5.

[0092] First, the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1 will be described. In the third embodiment, the refrigerator storage unit 161 stores the refrigerator ID 1614. The refrigerator ID 1614 is identification information of the refrigerator 1, and is, for example, a serial number of the refrigerator 1.

[0093] Although the refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 7 does not include the refrigerator operation unit 18 and the refrigerator display unit 20 as functional components, the refrigerator 1 may include the refrigerator operation unit 18 and / or the refrigerator display unit 20.

[0094] Next, the functions of the refrigerator control server 4 will be described. The refrigerator control server 4 includes a server control unit 40 and a server communication unit 41.

[0095] Server control unit 40 includes server processor 400, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU or MPU, and server storage unit 410, and controls each unit of refrigerator control server 4. Server control unit 40 executes various processes through cooperation between hardware and software such that server processor 400 reads control program 411 stored in server storage unit 410 and executes processing.

[0096] Server storage unit 410 has a storage area for storing programs executed by server processor 400 and data processed by server processor 400. Server storage unit 410 stores control programs 411 executed by server processor 400, setting data 412 related to the settings of refrigerator control server 4, refrigerator control database 413, and various other data. Server storage unit 410 has a nonvolatile storage area for nonvolatilely storing programs and data. Server storage unit 410 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for temporarily storing programs executed by server processor 400 and data to be processed.

[0097] The refrigerator control database 413 is a database that stores various information related to the operation control of the refrigerator 1. Each record R stored in the refrigerator control database 413 includes a user ID 4131, a refrigerator ID 1614, and communication information 4132. Each record R stored in the refrigerator control database 413 may further include one or more other types of information.

[0098] The user ID 4131 is identification information for identifying the user P who uses the refrigerator control application 513, and is appropriately assigned to the user P who uses the refrigerator control application 513.

[0099] As described above, the refrigerator ID 1614 is identification information of the refrigerator 1.

[0100] The communication information 4132 is information for communicating with the refrigerator 1 of the refrigerator ID 1614 associated with the same record R. The communication information 4132 includes, for example, address information and security information.

[0101] The server communication unit 41 includes communication hardware that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with devices connected to the global network GN in accordance with the predetermined communication standard under the control of the server control unit 40. In this embodiment, the server communication unit 41 communicates with the refrigerator 1 and the terminal device 5.

[0102] Next, the functional configuration of the terminal device 5 will be described. The terminal device 5 includes a terminal control unit 50, a terminal communication unit 51, and a touch panel 52. The terminal control unit 50 corresponds to the "control unit" of the present invention.

[0103] The terminal control unit 50 includes a terminal processor 500, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU or an MPU, and a terminal storage unit 510, and controls each unit of the terminal device 5. The terminal control unit 50 executes various processes by cooperation of hardware and software such that the terminal processor 500 reads a control program 511 stored in the terminal storage unit 510 and executes the processes. A refrigerator control application 513 is pre-installed in the terminal device 5. The refrigerator control application 513 is read from the terminal storage unit 510 by the terminal processor 500 and executed, thereby causing the terminal control unit 50 to function as a setting unit 501, a communication control unit 502, a determination unit 503, and an operation mode control unit 504. Details of these functional units will be described later.

[0104] The terminal storage unit 510 has a storage area for storing programs executed by the terminal processor 500 and data processed by the terminal processor 500. The terminal storage unit 510 stores a control program 511 executed by the terminal processor 500, setting data 512 related to the settings of the terminal device 5, a refrigerator control app 513, a user ID 4131, installation location information 1613, and various other data. The terminal storage unit 510 has a non-volatile storage area for non-volatilely storing programs and data. The terminal storage unit 510 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for temporarily storing programs executed by the terminal processor 500 and data to be processed.

[0105] Terminal communication unit 51 includes communication hardware conforming to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with devices connected to global network GN according to the predetermined communication standard under the control of terminal control unit 50. Terminal communication unit 51 communicates with weather server 2 and refrigerator control server 4 according to the predetermined communication standard using the function of refrigerator control app 513. The communication standard used by terminal communication unit 51 is a wireless communication standard.

[0106] The touch panel 52 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel, and a touch sensor that is overlaid on or integrated with the display panel. The display panel displays various images under the control of the terminal control unit 50. The touch sensor detects a touch operation and outputs it to the terminal control unit 50. The terminal control unit 50 executes a process corresponding to the touch operation based on an input from the touch sensor.

[0107] As described above, the terminal control unit 50 functions as a setting unit 501, a communication control unit 502, a determination unit 503, and an operation mode control unit 504.

[0108] Setting unit 501 performs various settings related to the functions of refrigerator control app 513. For example, setting unit 501 performs various settings related to the functions of refrigerator control app 513 by setting setting values ​​to corresponding setting items in app setting data stored in a predetermined storage area accessible by refrigerator control app 513. Note that the app setting data is data related to setting the functions of refrigerator control app 513 and includes various setting items.

[0109] The setting unit 501 sets the installation location of the refrigerator 1. For example, the setting unit 501 displays a user interface on the touch panel 52 for allowing the user P to input the address and postal code of the home H, and sets the input address and postal code as the installation location of the refrigerator 1. Installation location information 1613 indicating the installation location of the refrigerator 1 set by the setting unit 501 is stored in the terminal storage unit 510.

[0110] When the setting unit 501 sets the installation location of the refrigerator 1 and the start trigger shown in Fig. 8 occurs, the communication control unit 502 sends temperature data request information to the weather server 2 via the terminal communication unit 51. Then, as a response to the temperature data request information, the communication control unit 502 receives temperature data from the weather server 2 via the terminal communication unit 51. The communication control unit 502 outputs the received temperature data to the determination unit 503. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 502 outputs multiple temperature data to the determination unit 503.

[0111] The determination unit 503 determines whether the current season is winter or not based on the temperature data output from the communication control unit 502. As with the refrigerator control unit 16 in the first embodiment, the determination unit 503 calculates an average of the daily minimum temperatures indicated by the multiple temperature data received, and determines whether the calculated average of the daily minimum temperatures is below a predetermined temperature (for example, 6°C). When the determination unit 503 determines that the calculated average of the daily minimum temperatures is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is a season other than winter. On the other hand, when the determination unit 503 determines that the calculated average of the daily minimum temperatures is below the predetermined temperature, the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter. The determination unit 503 outputs the determination result to the operation mode control unit 504.

[0112] When the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter, the operation mode control unit 504 transmits transition instruction information indicating an instruction to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode to the refrigerator 1 via the terminal communication unit 51.

[0113] Next, the operation of the refrigerator control system 2000 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator control system 2000. In Fig. 8, a flowchart FC shows the operation of the terminal device 5, a flowchart FD shows the operation of the refrigerator control server 4, and a flowchart FE shows the operation of the refrigerator 1.

[0114] At the start of each flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode, similarly to FIG. 3 and FIG.

[0115] The communication control unit 502 of the terminal control unit 50 of the terminal device 5 determines whether or not a start trigger for starting the processing of the flowchart FC has occurred (step SC1).

[0116] For example, in step SC1, the communication control section 502 determines that a start trigger has occurred when a predetermined time arrives. Also, for example, in step SC1, the communication control section 502 determines that a start trigger has occurred when a predetermined day of the week and time arrives.

[0117] When communication control unit 502 determines that the start trigger has not occurred (step SC1: NO), it performs the determination of step SC1 again.

[0118] On the other hand, if the communication control unit 502 determines that the start trigger has occurred (step SC1: YES), it transmits temperature data request information to the weather server 2 via the terminal communication unit 51 (step SC2).

[0119] The temperature data request information transmitted in step SC2 includes the installation location information 1613 stored in the terminal storage unit 510.

[0120] Also, similar to the first embodiment, the temperature data request information transmitted in this embodiment includes multiple pieces of date information indicating dates. As in the first embodiment, in this embodiment, refrigerator control unit 16 requests temperature data for all dates in the period from the present to the day going back a predetermined number of days (for example, 7 days) from weather server 2. Therefore, in step SC2, refrigerator control unit 16 transmits temperature data request information including date information for all dates in the period from the present to the day going back a predetermined number of days to weather server 2 via refrigerator communication unit 17.

[0121] In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when the weather server 2 receives temperature data request information, it acquires from a specified database the temperature data for the area corresponding to the installation location indicated by the installation location information included in the temperature data request information. The weather server 2 acquires the temperature data for all dates indicated by all date information included in the temperature data request information from the specified database. When the weather server 2 acquires multiple pieces of temperature data, it transmits the acquired multiple pieces of temperature data to the terminal device 5 as a response to the received temperature data request information.

[0122] The communication control unit 502 receives the temperature data from the weather server 2 via the terminal communication unit 51 (step SC3). In step SC3, the communication control unit 502 receives from the weather server 2 the temperature data for all dates indicated by all the date information included in the temperature data request information sent in step SC2.

[0123] Next, the determination unit 503 determines whether the current season is winter or not based on the plurality of weather data output from the communication control unit 502 (step SC4).

[0124] Next, the operation mode control unit 504 determines, based on the determination result output from the determination unit 503, whether or not the determination unit 503 has determined that the current season is winter (step SC5).

[0125] When the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is not winter (step SC5: "Other than winter"), the operation mode control unit 504 ends this process. That is, the operation mode control unit 504 does not shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode, and does not cause the refrigerator 1 to start winter operation.

[0126] On the other hand, if operation mode control unit 504 determines that determination unit 503 has determined that the current season is winter (step SC5: "Winter"), operation mode control unit 504 transmits transition instruction information indicating an instruction to transition the operation mode of refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode to refrigerator control server 4 via terminal communication unit 51 (step SC6). In step SC6, operation mode control unit 504 transmits the transition instruction information to which user ID 4131 stored in terminal storage unit 510 has been added to refrigerator control server 4.

[0127] Referring to the flowchart FD, the server control unit 40 of the refrigerator control server 4 determines whether or not the server communication unit 41 has received transition instruction information from the terminal device 5 (step SD1).

[0128] When server control unit 40 determines that transition instruction information has been received (step SD1: YES), it refers to refrigerator control database 413 and identifies record R including user ID 4131 added to the transition instruction information (step SD2).

[0129] The server control unit 40 sends the transition instruction information received from the terminal device 5 to the refrigerator 1 via the server communication unit 41 based on the communication information 4132 included in the identified record R (step SD3). In step SD3, the server control unit 40 adds the refrigerator ID 1614 included in the record R identified in step SD2 to the transition instruction information and sends it.

[0130] Referring to the flowchart FE, the refrigerator control unit 16 of the refrigerator 1 determines whether or not the refrigerator communication unit 17 has received transition instruction information from the refrigerator control server 4 (step SE1).

[0131] When refrigerator control unit 16 determines that it has received transition instruction information (step SE1: YES), it determines whether refrigerator ID 1614 added to the received transition instruction information matches refrigerator ID 1614 stored in refrigerator storage unit 161 (step SE2).

[0132] If the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the refrigerator ID 1614 matches (step SE2: YES), the refrigerator control unit 16 transitions the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode, and starts winter operation (step SE3).

[0133] On the other hand, if the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the refrigerator ID 1614 does not match (step SC2: NO), the refrigerator control unit 16 ends this process. That is, the refrigerator control unit 16 does not shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode, and does not start the winter operation.

[0134] In this way, refrigerator control unit 16 starts winter operation only when refrigerator ID 1614 added to the transition instruction information matches refrigerator ID 1614 stored in refrigerator storage unit 161. This provides the following effects. If the configuration were such that winter operation was started without relying on refrigerator ID 1614, and communication information 4132 associated with refrigerator ID 1614 in refrigerator control database 413 was not appropriate information, refrigerator 1 unintended by user P may start winter operation. For example, if the setting location of refrigerator 1 changes due to moving or the like and the address on the network changes as a result, refrigerator control database 413 may start winter operation if refrigerator control unit 16 is not appropriately updated. Therefore, by configuring refrigerator control unit 16 as described above to start winter operation only when refrigerator ID 1614 added to the transition instruction information matches refrigerator ID 1614 stored in refrigerator storage unit 161, refrigerator 1 intended by user P may start winter operation reliably.

[0135] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart FC, when the winter operation is started, the refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether or not an end trigger has occurred, similarly to the first embodiment (step SE4).

[0136] When determining that the end trigger has not occurred (step SE4: NO), the refrigerator control unit 16 continues the winter operation and executes the process of step SE4 again.

[0137] When it is determined that the end trigger has occurred (step SE4: YES), the refrigerator control unit 16 transitions the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the winter operation mode to the normal operation mode, and ends the winter operation (step SE5).

[0138] As described above, the refrigerator control app 513 causes the terminal control unit 50 of the terminal device 5 capable of communicating with the refrigerator 1 and the weather server 2 to function as a communication control unit 502 that receives temperature data from the weather server 2 indicating the temperature in the area including the location of the refrigerator 1, a determination unit 503 that determines whether the current season is winter or not based on the temperature indicated in the temperature data received by the communication control unit 502, and an operation mode control unit 504 that, when the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter, shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode in which the inside temperature is higher than in the normal operation mode.

[0139] In addition, the terminal device 5 capable of communicating with the refrigerator 1 and the weather server 2 receives temperature data indicating the temperature in an area including the location of the refrigerator 1 from the weather server 2, determines whether the current season is winter or not based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data, and includes a terminal control unit 50 that transitions the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 from a normal operation mode to a winter operation mode when it is determined that the current season is winter.

[0140] Moreover, refrigerator control system 2000 includes refrigerator 1 and terminal device 5 capable of communicating with refrigerator 1 and weather server 2. Terminal device 5 receives temperature data indicating the temperature in an area including the installation location of refrigerator 1 from weather server 2, determines whether the current season is winter or not based on the temperature indicated by the received temperature data, and if it determines that the current season is winter, transmits transition instruction information to refrigerator 1 indicating an instruction to transition the operation mode of refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode. Upon receiving the transition instruction information, refrigerator 1 transitions the operation mode of refrigerator 1 from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode.

[0141] According to the refrigerator control application 513, the terminal device 5, and the refrigerator control system 2000, when it is determined that the current season is winter, the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 is set high, so that the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 can be set to a temperature suitable for winter. Furthermore, the refrigerator control application 513, the terminal device 5, and the refrigerator control system 2000 can reduce the power consumption of the refrigerator 1 compared to the normal operation mode by setting the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 higher in the winter operation mode than in the normal operation mode.

[0142] The communication control unit 502 receives multiple pieces of temperature data covering a predetermined number of days prior to the present from the weather server 2. The determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter if the average of the daily minimum temperatures indicated by the multiple pieces of temperature data received by the communication control unit 502 is below a predetermined temperature.

[0143] According to this configuration, the current season is determined to be winter if the average of the minimum daily temperatures from the present to the date counted back by a predetermined number of days falls below a predetermined temperature, so that the current season can be accurately determined to be winter even if there is variation in the minimum daily temperatures from the present to the date counted back by a predetermined number of days. Therefore, the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 can be set to a temperature suitable for winter at an appropriate timing.

[0144] The refrigerator control application 513 is an application program that can be installed in the terminal device 5.

[0145] According to this configuration, a terminal device 5 that does not have a function for controlling the refrigerator 1 can be made into a terminal device 5 having the function by installing the refrigerator control app 513. Therefore, a general-purpose terminal device 5 can be made into a terminal device 5 that can set the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 to a temperature suitable for winter.

[0146] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the description of the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0147] In the third embodiment, the operation mode control unit 504 is configured to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode when the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter. In the fourth embodiment, when the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter, the operation mode control unit 504 inquires of the user P whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode, and after the inquiry, when an instruction to shift to the winter operation mode is received from the user P, the operation mode control unit 504 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode.

[0148] The operation mode control unit 504 of the fourth embodiment displays various user interfaces on the touch panel 52, and receives inquiries about whether or not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode and instructions to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode.

[0149] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface that the operation mode control unit 504 causes the touch panel 52 to display.

[0150] When the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter, if the display screen of the touch panel 52 is the non-application screen HAG, the operation mode control unit 504 causes the touch panel 52 to display the first user interface UI1 in the form of a push notification. The non-application screen HAG indicates a screen other than the application screen AG related to the refrigerator control application 513, such as a home screen.

[0151] The first user interface UI1 includes inquiry information J1 inquiring of the user P as to whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to a winter operation mode. When the user P touches the first user interface UI1, the operation mode control unit 504 transitions the display screen of the touch panel 52 from the non-application screen HAG to the application screen AG displaying the second user interface UI2. Note that when the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter, if the display screen of the touch panel 52 is the application screen AG, the operation mode control unit 504 causes the touch panel 52 to display the second user interface UI2 superimposed on the application screen AG without displaying the first user interface UI1.

[0152] The second user interface UI2 includes inquiry information J1 for inquiring of the user P as to whether or not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode. The second user interface UI2 also includes a YES button B1 and a NO button B2. The YES button B1 is a software button for accepting an instruction from the user P to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode. The NO button B2 is a software button for accepting an instruction from the user P not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode.

[0153] When the user P touches the NO button B2, the operation mode control unit 504 stops displaying the second user interface UI2 without transitioning the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode. On the other hand, when the user P touches the YES button B1, the operation mode control unit 504 transitions the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode and displays the third user interface UI3 on ​​the touch panel 52 instead of the second user interface UI2.

[0154] The third user interface UI3 includes operation start information J2 which indicates that the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 has been shifted to the winter operation mode and that the refrigerator 1 has started winter operation.

[0155] Next, the operation of the refrigerator control system 2000 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of refrigerator control system 2000 according to the fourth embodiment. In Fig. 10, like Fig. 8, the flowchart FC shows the operation of terminal device 5, the flowchart FD shows the operation of refrigerator control server 4, and the flowchart FE shows the operation of refrigerator 1.

[0156] In FIG. 10, the same steps as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 are given the same step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0157] At the start of each flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is the normal operation mode, similarly to FIG.

[0158] If the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter (step SC5: YES), the operation mode control unit 504 displays the first user interface UI1 or the second user interface UI2 on the touch panel 52, and asks the user P whether or not to switch the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode (step SC10).

[0159] Next, the operation mode control unit 504 determines whether or not an instruction to switch the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has been received from the user P (step SC11). When the YES button B1 of the second user interface UI2 is touched, the operation mode control unit 504 makes a positive determination in step SC11.

[0160] Next, when the operation mode control unit 504 determines that an instruction to switch the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has not been received from the user P (step SC11: NO), it determines whether an instruction not to switch the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has been received from the user P (step SC12). When the NO button B2 of the second user interface UI2 is touched, the operation mode control unit 504 makes a positive determination in step SC12.

[0161] When the operation mode control unit 504 determines that an instruction not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has not been received from the user P (step SC12: NO), the operation mode control unit 504 returns the process to step SC11 and performs the determination of step SC11 again.

[0162] On the other hand, if the operation mode control unit 504 determines that an instruction not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode has been received from the user P (step SC12: YES), it stops displaying the second user interface UI2 and ends the inquiry as to whether or not to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode (step SC13).

[0163] Returning to the explanation of step SC11, when the operation mode control unit 504 receives an instruction to transition the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode (step SC11: YES), the operation mode control unit 504 transmits transition instruction information to the refrigerator control server 4 via the terminal communication unit 51 (step SC6).

[0164] As described above, when the determination unit 503 determines that the current season is winter, the operation mode control unit 504 inquires of the user P of the refrigerator 1 as to whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode, and after the inquiry, when an instruction to shift to the winter operation mode is received from the user P, the operation mode control unit 504 shifts the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 to the winter operation mode.

[0165] According to this configuration, when an instruction to switch to the winter operation mode is received, the operation mode of the refrigerator 1 is switched to the winter operation mode, so that the operation of setting the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 to a temperature suitable for winter can be prevented from being an operation of the refrigerator 1 that is not intended by the user P.

[0166] Each of the above-described embodiments merely shows one aspect of the present invention, and any modification and application is possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0167] For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the refrigerator 1 shifts its operation mode from the normal operation mode to the winter operation mode when it starts its winter operation, but the operation mode from which the shift is made is not limited to the normal operation mode and may be any operation mode other than the winter operation mode. Also, in each of the above-described embodiments, the refrigerator 1 shifts its operation mode from the winter operation mode to the normal operation mode when it ends its winter operation, but the operation mode to which the refrigerator 1 shifts is not limited to the normal operation mode and may be any operation mode other than the winter operation mode. Here, an operation mode other than the winter operation mode corresponds to the "first mode" of the present invention.

[0168] Also, for example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the temperature data request information includes date information for all dates in the period from the present to the date that is a predetermined number of days back. However, the temperature data request information may include date information for any dates in the period from the present to the date that is a predetermined number of days back, such as including date information indicating the dates of every other day in the period from the present to the date that is a predetermined number of days back.

[0169] Also, for example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the date information included in the temperature data request information may be date information indicating the current date.

[0170] Also, for example, in the first and second embodiments described above, the refrigerator control unit 16 is configured to determine whether or not the current season is winter based on the average of daily minimum temperatures indicated by the multiple temperature data received from the weather server 2. However, the refrigerator control unit 16 may determine whether or not the current season is winter based on the average of daily maximum temperatures, the average of daily average temperatures, the average temperature at a specific time, etc., instead of the average of daily minimum temperatures. The determination unit 503 in the third and fourth embodiments may be configured to make a similar determination. In these configurations, the temperature data received from the weather server 2 indicates the temperature for which the average of the daily maximum temperature, the daily average temperature, the temperature at a specific time, etc. is calculated.

[0171] Furthermore, for example, in the third and fourth embodiments described above, a configuration has been exemplified in which refrigerator control server 4 adds refrigerator ID 1613 when transmitting transition instruction information to refrigerator 1, but refrigerator control server 4 may be configured to transmit transition instruction information to refrigerator 1 without adding refrigerator ID 1613. In this configuration, when refrigerator 1 receives transition instruction information from refrigerator control server 1, it transitions the operation mode to the winter operation mode without executing the process of step SE2 shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10. In this configuration, refrigerator storage unit 161 does not need to store refrigerator ID 1613. In this configuration, one record R stored in refrigerator control database 413 does not need to have refrigerator ID 1613.

[0172] Also, for example, the types of compartments formed in the main box 10 of the refrigerator 1 are not limited to the refrigeration compartment 11, the ice-making compartment 12, the fresh-freezing compartment 13, the freezer compartment 14, and the vegetable compartment 15, and there may be fewer compartments or other types of compartments. Also, the number of doors provided at the opening on the front of the refrigeration compartment 11 may be one.

[0173] In addition, the functions of the refrigerator control unit 16, the terminal control unit 50, and the server control unit 40 may be realized by multiple processors or semiconductor chips.

[0174] Also, the components shown in Figures 2, 4, and 7 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware that corresponds to each component individually, and it is of course possible to implement a configuration in which one processor executes a program to realize the functions of each component. Also, in the above-described embodiment, some of the functions realized by software may be implemented as hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of other components of refrigerator 1, terminal device 5, and refrigerator control server 4 may also be changed as desired without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0175] For example, the step units of the operation shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the operation of the refrigerator 1, and the present invention is not limited by the manner of division or the names of the processing units. The operation may be divided into more step units according to the processing contents. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided to include more processes. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be appropriately changed within a range that does not impede the spirit of the present invention. For example, the step units of the operation shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the operation of each part of the refrigerator control system 2000, and the present invention is not limited by the manner of division or the names of the processing units. The operation may be divided into more step units according to the processing contents. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided to include more processes. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be appropriately changed within a range that does not impede the spirit of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0176] As described above, the refrigerator, the program, the terminal device, and the refrigerator control system according to the present invention can be used to set the internal temperature of a refrigerator. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 1. Refrigerator 2 Weather Server (Server) 4. Refrigerator control server 5 Terminal Equipment 16 Refrigerator control unit 50 Terminal control unit (control unit) 502 Communication control section 503 Judgment section 504 Operation mode control unit 513 Refrigerator control application (program, application program) 2000 Refrigerator Control System H Home (installation location) P User

Claims

1. A refrigerator capable of communicating with a server, a refrigerator control unit that receives, from the server, temperature data indicating a temperature in an area including an installation location of the refrigerator, and when the temperature indicated by the received temperature data is lower than a predetermined temperature, transitions an operation mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode having an internal temperature higher than that of the first mode, The refrigerator control unit is receiving a plurality of pieces of the temperature data for a predetermined number of days going back from the present, and when an average of a daily minimum temperature indicated by the plurality of pieces of the received temperature data is lower than the predetermined temperature, shifting an operation mode of the refrigerator from the first mode to the second mode, and when the average of the daily minimum temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, shifting the operation mode of the refrigerator from the second mode to the first mode; A refrigerator characterized by:

2. The refrigerator control unit is when the air temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, inquiring of a user of the refrigerator as to whether or not to shift the operation mode of the refrigerator to the second mode; transitioning the operation mode of the refrigerator to the second mode when an instruction to transition to the second mode is received from the user; 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1 .

3. The refrigerator control unit is when receiving an instruction to end the second mode from a user of the refrigerator, the second mode is ended.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The refrigerator control unit is when an operation to change the internal temperature of the refrigerator is received from a user of the refrigerator, the second mode is terminated.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A control unit of a terminal device capable of communicating with the refrigerator and the server, a communication control unit that receives, from the server, temperature data indicating a temperature in an area including an installation location of the refrigerator; when the air temperature indicated by the air temperature data received by the communication control unit is lower than a predetermined temperature, the communication control unit functions as an operation mode control unit that shifts an operation mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode having an internal temperature higher than that of the first mode; The communication control unit receives a plurality of pieces of temperature data from a predetermined number of days prior to the present, the operation mode control unit transitions an operation mode of the refrigerator from the first mode to the second mode when an average of a daily minimum temperature indicated by the plurality of received temperature data is lower than the predetermined temperature, and transitions an operation mode of the refrigerator from the second mode to the first mode when the average of the daily minimum temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature. A program characterized by:

6. The operation mode control unit is when the air temperature falls below the predetermined temperature, inquiring of a user of the refrigerator as to whether or not to shift an operation mode of the refrigerator to the second mode, and, after the inquiry, when an instruction to shift to the second mode is received from the user, shifting the operation mode of the refrigerator to the second mode.

6. The program according to claim 5 .

7. The program is an application program that can be installed in the terminal device.

7. The program according to claim 5 or 6.

8. A terminal device capable of communicating with a refrigerator and a server, receiving temperature data from the server, the temperature data indicating the temperature of an area including a location where the refrigerator is installed; a control unit that, when the air temperature indicated by the received air temperature data is lower than a predetermined temperature, shifts an operation mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode in which an internal temperature is higher than that of the first mode; The control unit is receiving a plurality of pieces of the temperature data for a predetermined number of days going back from the present, and when an average of a daily minimum temperature indicated by the plurality of pieces of the received temperature data is lower than the predetermined temperature, shifting an operation mode of the refrigerator from the first mode to the second mode, and when the average of the daily minimum temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, shifting the operation mode of the refrigerator from the second mode to the first mode; A terminal device comprising:

9. A refrigerator control system having a refrigerator and a terminal device capable of communicating with the refrigerator and a server, The terminal device receiving from the server a plurality of pieces of temperature data indicating temperatures in an area including a location where the refrigerator is installed, for a period up to a predetermined number of days prior to the present; when an average of daily minimum temperatures indicated by the plurality of received temperature data is lower than a predetermined temperature, transmit to the refrigerator transition instruction information indicating an instruction to transition an operation mode of the refrigerator from a first mode to a second mode having an inside temperature higher than that of the first mode; The refrigerator includes: When receiving the transition instruction information, transitioning an operation mode of the refrigerator from the first mode to the second mode, when the average of the daily minimum temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the operation mode of the refrigerator is shifted from the second mode to the first mode. A refrigerator control system comprising:

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