Cleaning Equipment

Abstract

To provide a cleaning device and a system which are highly convenient to a user and can unitarily acquire management data on the remaining amounts and replacement times of various consumables.SOLUTION: A cleaning device includes: a measuring part for measuring remaining amounts and use times of consumables, consumption components, or the like to be consumed by a cleaning part; and a control part for transmitting the measurement data to the outside. The control part can switch between a normal operation mode of using specific consumables and an emergency operation mode of not using the consumables, is limited to the emergency operation mode to start operation if a measurement amount of the consumables is less than an allowable value. Further, the control part does not permit an external control mode if the measurement value of the consumables is less than the allowable value. A communication terminal displays information of specifying an electric apparatus such as a cleaning device operated in the emergency operation mode, on a terminal side display part. The terminal side display part evaluates a shopping list of consumables or the like having little remaining amounts with a determination criterion, aggregates the consumables in a user unit and display the consumables in a list state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to various cleaning devices for home and commercial use, such as washing machines and dishwashers (including dishwasher-dryers) installed in ordinary homes.

[0002] Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to an information processing terminal and an information acquisition system that acquire information regarding inventory, remaining quantity, etc. of non-durable consumer goods (hereinafter referred to as "consumer goods") such as various detergents (cleaning agents) used in electrical equipment such as the cleaning device, functional replacement parts (for example, dust collection filters, deodorizing materials, odor absorbents, rechargeable batteries), grains such as rice used in rice cookers and cooking appliances, or food ingredients such as frozen foods stored in refrigerators (including freezers). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system for managing the remaining amount of consumable goods and a system for supporting the purchase of consumable goods. [Background technology]

[0003] Generally, it is the individual user who uses electrical appliances installed in the home who keeps track of remaining amounts, stock, expiration dates, etc., and replenishes them as appropriate. As an exception, in the case of electrical appliances installed in kitchen furniture or ceilings (sometimes called "built-in appliances"), replacement of functional replacement parts may be outsourced to a specialist company.

[0004] In addition, for commercial electrical equipment (including those that also use gas burners) used in kitchens of restaurants, stores, and other facilities, the employees, managers, and specialists who use the electrical equipment procure, replenish, and replace the consumables.

[0005] For individual users of these electrical appliances, as well as the employees and managers mentioned above (collectively referred to as "users"), it is a hassle to check the inventory and remaining quantity of the consumable goods, and to know when to replenish or replace the goods, before replenishing or replacing them. Furthermore, the amount of consumables consumed by electrical appliances varies depending on their characteristics, operating environment, and frequency. For example, even if a single electrical appliance (such as a dishwasher or clothes washing machine) is used in the same household, the amount consumed per operation will vary depending on the user, items to be washed, and laundry. Therefore, even if spare consumables such as detergent and fabric softener are stored in the home, it is difficult to accurately predict when they will be used up. It is possible that a situation will arise where the washing device cannot be operated due to a lack of necessary consumables.

[0006] Therefore, in the field of (commercial) dishwashers, a technology has been proposed for a detergent supply unit installed midway through the piping connected to the dishwasher, in which a liquid-out sensor detects a "detergent-free" state in the piping, and then the detergent container is replaced or detergent is supplied and filled, and the detergent supply unit is operated a predicted number of times until the detergent is used up, based on the number of times the detergent supply unit is operated from after the liquid-out sensor detects a "detergent-present" state until it again detects "detergent-free" (see Patent Document 1).

[0007] In addition, a bathtub cleaning device technology has been proposed that includes a bathtub cleaning device that cleans a bathtub with cleaning water made by mixing water and detergent, and that includes: a replenishment preparation state detection means that detects a state in which the remaining amount of detergent falls below a predetermined threshold remaining amount as a replenishment preparation state; an expected number of days to obtain acquisition means that, when the replenishment preparation state is detected, acquires the expected number of days until the detergent to be replenished is obtained; a detergent remaining amount acquisition means that acquires the remaining detergent amount of the detergent either when the replenishment preparation state is detected or when the expected number of days to obtain is acquired; an average number of washes acquisition means that acquires the average number of washes per day; a restriction necessity determination means that determines whether or not the amount of detergent used needs to be limited based on the remaining detergent amount, the expected number of days to obtain, and the average number of washes; and a usage amount limiting means that limits the amount of detergent used during the cleaning based on the result of the determination of whether or not the restriction is necessary (see Patent Document 2).

[0008] Furthermore, a technique has been proposed in which a tank for storing liquid detergent is provided outside the washing tub of a dishwasher, which is a type of electrical appliance, and the detergent is poured into the washing tub (see Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-162937 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-193 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-178864 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the construction of a system has been considered in which various electrical appliances are provided with a network connection function and external server devices are used to collect usage data of the various electrical appliances. However, while the technology described in Patent Document 1 can tell the predicted number of times a consumable product (detergent) for a specific electrical appliance (for example, a commercial dishwasher) will be used up, it is possible that a user may go shopping or place an order online without realizing that consumable products for other electrical appliances are out of stock. This is also true for household electrical appliances.

[0011] Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 2, when it detects that a state requiring preparation for replenishment has been reached, determines the number of days until replenishment detergent is available, and limits the amount of detergent used during washing to ensure sufficient time until replenishment detergent is available, which has resulted in the same issues as Patent Document 1.

[0012] Furthermore, even with the technology described in Patent Document 3, it is not possible to know from the outside the amount of liquid detergent remaining at the time the washing process is completed. For these reasons, even if the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 were adopted, they did not fully meet the expectation of reducing the burden on users in terms of managing remaining amounts of consumable products and replenishing them.

[0013] A first object of the present disclosure is to enable a user to easily obtain information on consumable products that require replenishment or replacement, thereby reducing the burden on the user in managing consumable products such as cleaning devices and improving user convenience.

[0014] A second object of the present disclosure is to improve user convenience by enabling operation to be started using a different type of consumable product when the remaining amount of the consumable product is low. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The cleaning device according to the first disclosure has a communication unit that can be connected to a network or an information processing terminal, an input unit that accepts input commands from a user, a notification unit, a control unit that receives the input commands from the input unit and controls the operation of the cleaning unit, a measuring unit that measures the amount of a first consumable product used when the cleaning unit is operating, a consumption information acquisition unit that generates status information A to be provided to the outside from the communication unit, an equipment information storage unit that stores the status information A, a supply means that supplies the first consumable product to a cleaning space, and a water quality determination unit that determines the water quality of cleaning liquid containing the first consumable product that cleans an object to be cleaned in the cleaning unit, wherein the consumption information acquisition unit generates the status information A regarding the remaining amount of the first consumable product, the control unit switches between a normal operation mode in which the first consumable product is used and an emergency operation mode in which the supply means is not used, and the cleaning unit controls the supply means in response to determination data from the water quality determination unit. Even when the control unit executes the emergency operation mode, the consumption information acquisition unit generates the status information A regarding the remaining amount of the first consumable product, and the control unit updates a list regarding the need to replenish consumable products including the first consumable product and the need to replace the consumable product based on the generated status information A, and transmits the updated list to the information processing terminal. This configuration is characterized by:

[0016] The cleaning device according to the second disclosure is an input unit that accepts input commands from a user; a control unit that receives the input command and controls the operation of the cleaning unit; a measuring unit that measures an amount of a first consumable product to be used during operation of the cleaning unit; a container containing the first consumable product; a supply means for supplying the first consumable product to the cleaning space; The notification department, and The control unit 2 activates the notification unit after the main power is turned on, (1) when it is detected that the amount of the first consumable product present in the container is equal to or greater than a tolerance value through a measuring operation by the measuring unit, permitting acquisition of command data; (2) When the amount of the first consumable product is less than the allowable value, acquisition of the command data is not permitted, and input from the input unit is limited to an emergency operation mode; This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0017] The information processing terminal of the third disclosure is: a communication unit that can be connected to a plurality of electrical devices via a network; A terminal display unit; an operation unit that accepts input commands from a user; a terminal control unit that receives the input command and controls data processing and transmission operations; a consumable goods database that stores status information A of the consumable goods of the electrical equipment acquired via the communication unit; a shopping list creation unit that extracts data from the consumer goods database within a range designated by the operation unit, When the terminal control unit acquires the status information A, the terminal control unit displays a selection menu that can be input using the operation unit on the terminal display unit, When one of the selection menus is selected, a first selection means is displayed for requesting the display of data relating to the consumables of the electrical appliances linked to the user who has been registered in advance, and a second selection means is displayed for requesting the display of more detailed data about the specific consumables displayed by the selection of the first selection means, when the terminal control unit acquires the status information A, the terminal control unit displays, on the terminal display unit, information identifying the electrical appliance that has been operated in an emergency operation mode due to a shortage of the consumable product; This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0018] The information acquisition system for the fourth disclosure is a plurality of electrical devices connected to a network; a storage means connected to the electrical appliance via the network, which acquires and stores status information A relating to the remaining status of consumable goods used in the electrical appliance; an information processing terminal connected to the storage means via the network and having a terminal-side display unit; the electrical appliance has a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires the status information A, and a communication unit that, when operated in an emergency operation mode due to a shortage of the consumable product, includes information on the operation mode in the status information A and transmits the information to the storage means; the information processing terminal has a menu for acquiring information relating to the status information A from among the plurality of data stored in the storage means and displaying the information on the terminal display unit, when the information processing terminal device acquires the status information A, displaying information identifying the electrical device operated in the emergency operation mode on the terminal side display unit; This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0019] The server for the fifth disclosure is: a device connected to an electrical appliance and an information processing terminal via a network in a state in which the device can communicate with each other, and holding a plurality of data for displaying information on consumable goods related to the electrical appliance on a terminal display unit of the information processing terminal; a selection screen having a plurality of input keys is displayed on the terminal display unit, and when the user operates the input keys, the following is performed according to the contents of the operated input keys: (1) among the plurality of data, data relating to the remaining amount of the consumable product generated in response to the information on the consumable product from the electrical appliance is aggregated for each user and displayed in a list form on the terminal display unit; (2) For a specific consumable product among the consumable products displayed in the list state, information indicating the remaining amount or urgency of the specific consumable product is displayed on a display screen different from the list state on the terminal display unit. (3) When there is an electrical appliance that is operated in an emergency operation mode due to a shortage of the consumable product, information specifying the consumable product that is lacking in the electrical appliance is displayed on the terminal display unit. performing the processing; This is a configuration characterized by the following.

[0020] The remaining amount management system for consumables related to the sixth disclosure is as follows: a plurality of electrical devices connected to a network; a server connected to the electrical device via the network; an information processing terminal that can be connected to the server via the network; Equipped with Each of the plurality of electrical appliances has a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires status information A relating to a remaining status of a consumable product, and a communication unit that transmits the status information A to an external device, The server generates determination information A regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product AA based on the status information A acquired from one of the electrical appliances, and generates determination information B regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product BB based on the status information A acquired from the same or different electrical appliance as the electrical appliance; The information processing terminal displays the consumable products AA and BB for which the determination information A and the determination information B belong to the same urgency level on the same list screen on the terminal display unit for each user, the server, when there is an electrical appliance that is being operated in an emergency operation mode due to a shortage of the consumable goods among the electrical appliances from which the status information A has been acquired, causes the terminal display unit to display information specifying the consumable goods that are in short supply in the electrical appliance; This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0021] The consumer goods purchasing support system related to the seventh disclosure is a plurality of electrical devices connected to a network; a server connected to the electrical device via the network; an information processing terminal that can be connected to the server via the network; Equipped with The server generates determination information A regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product AA based on status information A acquired from one of the electrical appliances, and generates determination information B regarding the remaining state of a specific consumable product BB based on the status information A acquired from an electrical appliance that is the same as or different from the electrical appliance; The information processing terminal displays the determination information A and the determination information B on the same list screen on a terminal display unit, When at least one of the determination information A or the determination information B is displayed on the terminal display unit, the information processing terminal displays an input key to be selected when a purchase of the consumable product identified in the determination information A or the determination information B is desired; the server, when there is an electrical appliance that is being operated in an emergency operation mode due to a shortage of the consumable goods among the electrical appliances from which the status information A has been acquired, causes the terminal display unit to display information specifying the consumable goods that are in short supply in the electrical appliance; This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0022] The information acquisition system for the eighth disclosure is an electrical device connected to a network; a storage means connected to the electrical appliance via the network, in which a plurality of data for displaying the status of consumable goods used in the electrical appliance is recorded; an information processing terminal connected to the storage means via the network and having a terminal-side display unit; the electrical appliance has a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires status information A relating to the remaining status of the consumable goods, and a communication unit that, when operated in an emergency operation mode according to the remaining amount of the consumable goods, includes information on the operation mode in the status information A and transmits the information to the storage means; the information processing terminal has a menu for displaying, on the terminal display unit, information relating to the status information A acquired from the electrical device among the plurality of data stored in the storage means; When the information processing terminal device acquires the status information A, the information processing terminal device displays information identifying the electrical equipment operated in the emergency operation mode on the terminal side display unit, a selection screen on which input keys for selecting the menu are arranged is displayed on the information processing terminal; When the input key is operated, information on at least one of the remaining state, remaining time, and urgency of a specific consumable product obtained from the electrical appliance, and information on at least one of the remaining state, remaining time, and urgency of a specific consumable product obtained from an electrical appliance that is the same as or different from the electrical appliance, are displayed on the same list screen on the terminal display unit, from among the plurality of data stored in the storage means; When a specific consumable product is designated while the list screen is displayed, information regarding the remaining status of the designated consumable product, which is not displayed on the list screen, and which is information regarding the operation of related electrical equipment or advice information regarding the acquisition of the designated consumable product, is displayed on the terminal display unit on a separate screen different from the list screen, When the information processing terminal device acquires the status information A, the information processing terminal device displays information identifying the electrical equipment operated in the emergency operation mode on the terminal side display unit. This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0023] The information acquisition system for the ninth disclosure is a plurality of electrical devices connected to a network; a storage means connected to the electrical appliances via the network, in which remaining amount data relating to consumables consumed by at least one of the electrical appliances and in need of replenishment, and part data relating to consumable parts used by at least one of the electrical appliances and in need of replacement are respectively recorded; an information processing terminal connected to the storage means via the network and having a terminal-side display unit; The electrical device has a control unit that controls an operating state, an input unit that sets operating conditions by the control unit, and a communication unit that transmits a setting result of the input unit to an external device, the information processing terminal has a plurality of input keys on the terminal display unit, when a specific input key among the input keys is operated, the storage means displays a shopping list display screen on the terminal display unit, the shopping list display screen displaying determination information regarding the necessity of replacement according to the part data acquired from the electrical appliance and information specifying the consumable product related to the remaining amount data; This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0024] The server regarding the 10th disclosure is: The device is connected to an electrical appliance and an information processing terminal via a network in a state in which they can communicate with each other, and stores a plurality of data for displaying information on consumable goods related to the electrical appliance on a terminal display unit of the information processing terminal; A select screen having a plurality of input keys is displayed on the terminal display unit, and when the user operates the input keys, the following is performed according to the contents of the operated input keys: (1) Among the plurality of data, consumable goods data generated in response to the transmission result of the status information A from the electrical appliance is aggregated for each user and displayed in a list form on the display unit of the terminal. (2) For a specific consumable product among the consumable products displayed in the list state, information indicating the remaining amount or the urgency of replenishment or replacement is displayed on a display screen different from the list state on the terminal display unit, (3) When there is an electrical appliance that is operated in an emergency operation mode due to a shortage of the consumable product, information specifying the consumable product that is lacking in the electrical appliance is displayed on the terminal display unit. Execute the process, Further, a judgment criterion setting unit is provided, the determination criterion setting unit is capable of changing the determination criterion of the urgency level in response to an input from the information processing terminal device; This is a configuration characterized by the following.

[0025] The cleaning device according to the eleventh disclosure is an input unit that accepts input commands from a user; a control unit that receives an input command from the input unit and controls the operation of the cleaning unit; a measuring unit that measures the amount of consumables used when the cleaning unit is operating; a container containing the consumable product; a supply means for supplying the consumable product for cleaning; The Communications Department and a water quality sensor that measures the quality of the cleaning solution; and The control unit (1) When the measuring operation by the measuring unit detects that the amount of the consumable product present in the container is equal to or greater than a tolerance value, the cleaning unit starts operating in response to a command from the input unit; (2) transmitting measurement data of the water quality sensor from the communication unit to an external device during the cleaning process after the cleaning unit starts operating; (3) when command data for additionally supplying the consumable product is received via the communication unit, instructing the supply means to additionally supply the consumable product; Furthermore, the control unit has a function of transmitting measurement data of the consumable product measured by the measuring unit. This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0026] The information acquisition system for the 12th disclosure is a cleaning device connected to a network; a storage means connected to the cleaning device via the network, for acquiring and storing information about a remaining amount of a first consumable product used in the cleaning device; an information processing terminal connected to the storage means via the network and having a terminal-side display unit; The cleaning device can be operated in either a normal operation mode or an emergency operation mode, The cleaning device further includes a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires measurement data of the remaining amount of the first consumable product, and a communication unit that, when operated in the emergency operation mode according to the remaining amount of the consumable product, transmits information of the emergency operation mode to the storage means, The storage means has a water quality determination function for determining the water quality of the cleaning liquid of the cleaning device after the cleaning device starts the cleaning process, and according to the water quality determination result, (1) in the normal operation mode, issuing a command to supply the first consumable product; (2) In the case of the emergency operation mode, a command to supply a second consumable product is sent; When an input key is operated, the information processing terminal displays, on the terminal display unit, information regarding the remaining amount of the first consumable product acquired from the cleaning device, among the plurality of data stored in the storage means; Furthermore, the information processing terminal displays the content of the input command for the second consumable product on the terminal display unit. This is a configuration characterized by the above.

[0027] The information acquisition system for the 13th disclosure is a cleaning device connected to a network; a storage means connected to the washing device via the network, for acquiring and storing measurement data of consumable products used in the washing device; an information processing terminal connected to the storage means via the network and having a terminal-side display unit; the cleaning device has a consumption information acquisition unit that acquires the measurement data, and a communication unit that, when operated in an emergency operation mode due to a shortage of the consumable product, transmits information about the emergency operation mode to the storage means, When an input key is operated, the information processing terminal displays the measurement data acquired from the cleaning device among the plurality of data stored in the storage means on the terminal display unit, When the cleaning device is operated in the emergency operation mode, the information processing terminal displays information specifying the operation in the emergency operation mode on the terminal display unit, The washing device has a washing process and a sterilization process, and the sterilization process includes transmitting measurement data obtained by measuring the quality of washing water from the communication unit to the storage means, The cleaning device has a program that automatically executes the sterilization process again when a certain time has elapsed after the sterilization process is completed; This is a configuration characterized by the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the cleaning device of the present disclosure, status information of consumable products can be generated and provided outside the home using a network. According to the information acquisition system of the present disclosure, status information of consumable goods related to a specific user can be acquired using a network. According to the information processing terminal of the present disclosure, status information of consumable products can be obtained from outside the home using a network and can be confirmed on the display unit. According to the server of the present disclosure, status information of consumable goods obtained from electrical appliances via a network can be provided to an information processing terminal. Furthermore, according to the consumable product remaining amount management system of the present disclosure, status information of the consumable product can be generated and provided outside the home using a network. Furthermore, according to the consumable goods purchase support system of the present disclosure, information regarding the remaining status of a specific consumable goods can be displayed on the terminal display unit for each user, thereby supporting the user's purchasing process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram 1 of a consumable product remaining amount management system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing terminal (communication terminal) used in the remaining amount management system of the consumable goods of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a network configuration to which the remaining amount management system for consumable products shown in FIG. 1 is applied. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view showing kitchen furniture to which the consumable goods remaining amount management system of FIG. 1 is applied. [Figure 5] A simplified vertical cross-sectional view of a dishwasher that uses the remaining consumables amount management system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] 6 is a schematic diagram showing the entire liquid detergent metering system in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 5, partially in vertical section. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart 1 showing the basic operation of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] 6 is a time chart 1 showing the basic operation of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart 2 showing the basic operation of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 5 . [Figure 11] 6 is a flowchart 3 showing the basic operation of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 5 . [Figure 12] 6 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of measuring liquid detergent in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 13] 6 is a flowchart showing the basics of a modified example of the liquid detergent metering operation in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 14] 6 is a flowchart showing a determination operation of a control unit accompanying an operation to install a liquid detergent container (tank) in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 15] 6 is a flowchart showing a control operation when the door of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 5 is opened. [Figure 16] 6 is a flowchart showing the process from the start of a washing step to the end of operation of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 17] 1 is a flowchart 1 showing the basic operation of the first server in the system for managing the remaining amount of consumable products in the first embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart 2 showing the basic operation of the first server in the system for managing the remaining amount of consumable products in the first embodiment. [Figure 19]1 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperative operation between the electric device, the first server, and the communication terminal in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] 10 is a time chart 2 showing the cooperative operation between the electrical device, the first server, and the communication terminal in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] 3 is a process explanatory diagram showing types of response menus and operation steps in the communication terminal in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 22] 1 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of a communication terminal in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 23] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of status information transmitted from a dishwasher to a first server in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of state information held by a first server in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 25] 10 is a flowchart 2 showing the operation of the communication terminal in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 26] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in information about consumable goods from an electrical appliance to a communication terminal via a first server in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram 1 of the operation of a communication terminal, showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from a first server in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram 2 of the operation of the communication terminal, showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from the first server in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the communication terminal, showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from the first server in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the communication terminal, showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from the first server in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the communication terminal, showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from the first server in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a terminal display unit showing a scene in which the reservation status of an electrical appliance is confirmed by a communication terminal in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 33] Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the terminal display unit when operated following Fig. 32. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a dishwasher as an example of an electrical appliance according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 35] Time chart 1 showing the basic operation of the dishwasher shown in Figure 34. [Figure 36] 35 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of measuring liquid detergent in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 34. [Figure 37] 35 is a schematic diagram showing a partial longitudinal cross section of the door portion of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 34. [Figure 38] 35 is a display example 1 showing the measurement result of the remaining amount of liquid detergent on the display unit of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 34. [Figure 39] 35 is a second example of a display showing the measurement result of the remaining amount of liquid detergent on the display unit of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 34. [Figure 40] 35 is a flowchart showing the operation during sterilization mode in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 34. [Figure 41] FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram showing an electrical appliance (cleaning device) and a system for managing remaining amounts of consumable products according to a third embodiment. [Figure 42] 42 is a schematic diagram showing the entire liquid detergent metering system in the cleaning device shown in FIG. 41, partially in vertical cross section. [Figure 43] 42 is a flowchart showing the process from start-up of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 41 to the start of the cleaning process. [Figure 44] 42 is a flowchart showing the process from the start of a cleaning step to the end of operation of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 41. [Figure 45]42 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in the content of information about consumable products from the cleaning device to the communication terminal via the first server in the remaining amount management system shown in FIG. 41. [Figure 46] FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram 1 of the operation of a communication terminal showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from a first server in the remaining amount management system shown in FIG. 41. [Figure 47] FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram 2 of the operation of the communication terminal, showing a scene in which shopping list data is acquired from the first server in the remaining amount management system shown in FIG. 41. [Figure 48] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram 3 of the operation of the communication terminal, showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from the first server in the remaining amount management system shown in FIG. [Figure 49] 42 is a flowchart showing the replacement work of consumable parts of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 41. [Figure 50] 42 is a time chart showing the correspondence between the replacement of consumable parts and the display unit, door drive device, etc. of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 41. [Figure 51] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a consumable product remaining amount management system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 52] 52 is a flowchart showing the steps of a process for changing the judgment criteria in the first server used in the system of FIG. 51. [Figure 53] 52 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of the judgment history inquiry operation in the first server used in the system of FIG. 51. [Figure 54] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing, in partial vertical cross section, a measuring section and a container storage section of a dishwasher according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 55] 13 is a flowchart showing the purchase support operation of a communication terminal in the consumable goods purchase support system of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 56] 56 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mail order processing unit of the information processing terminal used in the purchase support system of FIG. 55. [Figure 57] 55 is a time chart showing the cooperative operation between the communication terminal, the first server, and the second server in the consumer goods purchasing support system in FIG. 54. [Figure 58] FIG. 57 is a front view showing a display example of the terminal display unit of the information processing terminal shown in FIG. 56. [Figure 59] 10 is a time chart showing the basic operation of a dishwasher according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 60] 55 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of measuring liquid detergent in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 54. [Figure 61] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical devices and network environment in one house HA according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 62] 62 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of measuring liquid detergent in the dishwasher (cleaning device) shown in FIG. 61. [Figure 63] 13 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperative operation between the cleaning device and the first server in the consumable product remaining amount management system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 64] 64 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperative operation between the cleaning device and the first server in the emergency operation mode for the consumable product remaining amount management system shown in FIG. 63. [Figure 65] 1 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperative operation between the cleaning device, the first server, and the communication terminal in the emergency operation mode. [Figure 66] 62 is a flowchart showing the operation during sterilization mode in the dishwasher shown in FIG. 61. [Figure 67] 62 is a flowchart showing the cooperative operation between the home gateway and the first server during the sterilization operation of the dishwasher shown in FIG. 61. [Figure 68] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the communication terminal, showing a scene in which a notification is received from the first server in the remaining amount management system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 69] 62 is a flowchart showing the process to be performed when a malfunction occurs in the liquid detergent supply means in the dishwasher (washing device) shown in FIG. 61. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Embodiment 1 (Part 1. Definition) In the first embodiment, "electrical appliance 1" refers to an electrical appliance designed to be used in facilities such as homes, apartment buildings, and stores, and includes the following types of appliances: It also includes commercial electrical appliances 1 used in restaurant kitchens, factories, etc. (1) Electrical equipment in the kitchen Cooking appliances (including microwave, electric, and gas heating appliances), washing machines such as clothes washing machines and dishwashers (including dishwasher-dryers, and both tabletop and built-in types), electric freezers and refrigerators (including those with freezing functions), beverage serving equipment (including tea dispensers and coffee roasters) (2) Video equipment (TV receivers, monitors, etc.) (3) Air quality improvement equipment (air conditioners, air purifiers, air deodorizers, ventilation systems, exhaust systems, etc.) (4) Heating equipment (electric stoves, hot air supply devices, etc.) (5) Water heaters (including those with hot water tanks and bathtub cleaning devices, including gas-fired water heaters), bathtub cleaning devices (including those with hot water cleaning functions) (6) Cleaning equipment (including electric floor cleaners and bedding cleaners)

[0031] In the first embodiment, the "cleaning device 1E" is a type of the electrical device 1, and refers to cleaning equipment designed for use in facilities such as homes, apartment buildings, and stores. Depending on the type of items to be cleaned, it may be called, for example, a dishwasher, a dishwasher-dryer (with a dish drying function), a vegetable washer, or a clothes washer. It also includes commercial equipment used in restaurant kitchens, factories, etc.

[0032] A household dishwasher is proposed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2921083. A commercial dishwashing device is proposed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-176369.

[0033] The cleaning device 1E includes a type of cleaning device in which an object to be cleaned is placed in the internal space (cleaning space WS) of a single housing, and cleaning water (which may contain detergent) is sprayed or sprayed onto the object to clean it. It also includes a type of cleaning device in which the object to be cleaned is placed on a moving body such as a belt conveyor, and the cleaning operation is performed as the moving body passes through the cleaning space.

[0034] Furthermore, the cleaning device 1E includes a cleaning device of the type that cleans an object by immersing it in a cleaning tank that contains a liquid such as cleaning water (for example, as proposed in JP 2020-81616 A).

[0035] The "device identification information (identifier)" of an electric device 1 is information that enables the electric device 1 to be uniquely identified. In other words, it is information for distinguishing one electric device 1 from other electric devices 1, and is information that is specific to the electric device 1. For example, the device identification information specifically includes, but is not limited to, the following: (1) Name of manufacturer of electrical equipment (2) Model name (3) Model number (4) Serial number (5) Rated power consumption (6) Date of purchase (often the starting date of the manufacturer's or distributor's quality guarantee period) (7)Date of start of use (8) Quality assurance certificate number (9) Identification information on communication networks (IP addresses, MAC addresses, etc.)

[0036] "Facility identification information (facility identifier)" (also called "facility ID") is information that makes it possible to uniquely identify each facility, such as a home (house), office, or store, that uses the electrical device 1. For example, it is information that combines the above-mentioned "device identification information" with information that specifies the location, building, etc., where it is used. For example, it corresponds to unique information such as the "location of the home" that the user US presents as the location where the electrical device 1 is used, or the name of the office or store (including the official name as registered in the business). It may also be a telephone number or email address used at each facility, such as a home (house), office, or store.

[0037] In the first embodiment, "consumable goods" include, for example, detergents, fabric softeners, disinfectants, odor absorbents, frozen foods, luxury items (including tea and coffee for beverage dispensers), etc. Note that "consumable goods" also include "replacement parts" (hereinafter referred to as "consumable parts") whose original functions deteriorate, wear out, or disappear as the electrical device 1 is used. Examples include rechargeable batteries, dry batteries, activated carbon filters, odor-decomposing filters, etc. The detergent also includes powdered synthetic detergent, powdered soap, liquid detergent, and tablet detergent.

[0038] The consumable materials for the washing device 1E include liquid detergent, powder or solid (including granular or tablet) detergent, fabric softener, bleach, surfactant, and the like.

[0039] In the first embodiment, "status information A" includes information indicating the remaining amount or remaining rate of the consumable product, grace period (period) information indicating the period or time until the amount of the consumable product becomes so low that the device can no longer operate as intended, or information on the number of times the device can be operated until the amount of the consumable product becomes so low that the device can no longer operate as intended. In other words, it may be information itself (e.g., the weight of detergent) obtained from a consumable product remaining amount sensor (weight sensor, etc.), or information on predicted values ​​(including those classified into multiple categories based on criteria) calculated based on that information, such as the period during which the device can be operated or the number of times it can be operated, using an estimation formula or machine learning.

[0040] In the first embodiment, the "status information A" transmitted from the electric device 1 to the outside includes measurement data MD, which will be described later. For example, it includes at least "first measurement data" MD1, which will be described later. The measurement data includes a measurement value, such as "weight 300 g."

[0041] Furthermore, the "status information A" may be message information for conveying the remaining amount, remaining rate, grace period information, etc. indicated by the measurement data MD of the consumable product to the user US of the electrical appliance. For example, a message such as "One more use of detergent" or "There is little detergent left in the tank. We recommend refilling" is one example.

[0042] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the status information A transmitted from the cleaning apparatus 1E to the outside includes information indicating an operation mode, which will be described later. For example, it includes information on an "external control mode" in which command data CD, which will be described later, is acquired from the outside to determine the operation conditions of the cleaning apparatus 1E.

[0043] In other words, it also includes "control mode identification data" that can identify either a "normal control mode" in which the user US determines the operating conditions of the cleaning device 1E by performing touch input or the like on the input unit 4 that accepts touch operations and voice input, or an "external control mode" in which the device is operated based on external information selected by operating the communication terminal 200.

[0044] Furthermore, if the consumable products used by the cleaning device 1E are two types, namely, a first consumable product (liquid detergent) and a second consumable product (tablet detergent) that can be supplied manually and directly by the user US, the status information A also includes information that can distinguish between a "normal operation mode OP1" that uses the first consumable product (liquid detergent) and an "emergency operation mode OP2" (emergency mode OP2) that uses the second consumable product (tablet detergent).

[0045] In the first embodiment, the "status information A" is not limited to information transmitted only once from one electrical appliance 1. For example, when one electrical appliance 1 uses one consumable product (e.g., detergent AA) and another detergent (e.g., fabric softener BB), measurement data MD1A obtained by measuring the remaining amount (weight, etc.) of detergent AA once and measurement data MD1B obtained by measuring the remaining amount (weight, etc.) of fabric softener BB once may be transmitted together or may be transmitted in accordance with the respective measurement timings.

[0046] Furthermore, if the data (accumulated usage time information, etc.) of the "consumable parts" (for example, the filtration filter 16F) described below and the measurement data of consumable products such as detergents as described above have different characteristics or acquisition timings, they may be transmitted to an external device (such as a server) at different times.

[0047] The "operating information" of the electrical appliance 1 refers to various information indicating the operating state of the electrical appliance 1, including information such as the operating pattern, various operating times, power consumption, and rated capacity (including, for example, maximum heating capacity and maximum cooling capacity). It also includes information such as a start signal indicating that the main power has been turned on and the appliance is in the preparation stage to start operation, a stop signal indicating that the appliance has stopped, the number of times it has operated, and the cumulative operating time since it was first installed. For example, in the case of a dishwasher, information on the start and end of the washing process is one type of operating information.

[0048] (Part 2. Configuration of the First Embodiment) The first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1 to 33. FIG. Referring to FIG. Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram 1 of a consumable product remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. As is clear from Fig. 1, the consumable product remaining amount management system is composed of an electric appliance 1 such as a cleaning device 1E, an information processing terminal device (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "communication terminal") 200 such as a smartphone, a wide area public network (hereinafter referred to as a "network") NW such as the Internet, and a first server 20.

[0049] The first server 20 may be configured as multiple servers divided by function, such as information processing, determining remaining amounts of consumable goods, and data storage, but for simplicity of explanation, Figure 1 shows it as having various functions on a single piece of hardware.

[0050] The first server 20 is connected to one or more information providing servers 20N via a network NW in order to update the information held in the consumer goods database 28 and the electrical appliance information storage unit 23. The information providing server 20N is, for example, a dedicated server for the maintenance and inspection service department of a manufacturer of one electrical appliance 1, or a server operated by a company that manufactures and sells multiple types of detergents, and which transmits information such as the uses and functions of the detergents.

[0051] The first server 20 may also be what is generally called a "Web server" (hereinafter referred to as a "Web server"). A Web server refers to a service program that provides display information of HTML and objects (images, etc.) to a Web browser of software on the information processing device (client) side that is the "information receiving side," such as various communication terminals (information processing terminal 200) or home gateways (not shown), in accordance with HTTP (a protocol used to exchange data such as HTML documents and images between a Web server and a Web browser), and also refers to a server computer on which the service operates.

[0052] The electrical appliance 1 in this first embodiment is a cleaning device 1E. Specifically, it is a dishwasher 1E for home or commercial use. A plurality of electrical appliances 1 are installed in one home in addition to the dishwasher (dishwasher) 1E, and each is connected to the first server 20 via the network NW.

[0053] In the description of the first embodiment, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the electrical appliance 1 includes a dishwasher 1E for home or commercial use, and the following detailed description will be given.

[0054] Although not shown, electrical appliances 1 installed in other homes or offices are also connected to the first server 20 via the network NW. It should be noted that an EC site for electronic commerce, such as an online shop that provides online mail order services, is connected to the network NW, but is not shown in the figure.

[0055] 1 and 5 is only the dishwasher 1E, as mentioned above. Dishwasher 1E includes a housing 14 (see FIG. 5) that houses a washing tub 15 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) for storing dishes, a water supply pipe (not shown) connected to a water line, a drain pipe (not shown) connected to a drainage channel, and, as shown in FIG. 7, a washing (water supply) pump 49, a drain pump 52, etc. The water supply pump 49, drain pump 52, etc. referred to here are power generating parts that make up the function performing unit 9, which will be described later.

[0056] The cleaning tank 15 has a box-like shape with a bottom and an opening on the entire top surface. When the cleaning tank 15 is stored inside the housing 14, the opening is closed by an upper cover 64, which will be described later. That is, the inside of the cleaning tank 15 becomes a sealed space, that is, a cleaning space WS.

[0057] The control unit 2 uses a central processing unit (CPU: not shown) configured with, for example, a microcomputer, and may incorporate a memory means (not shown) such as a semiconductor memory device (flash memory, ROM, RAM) and a timekeeping means (clock circuit: not shown) for calculating the time, or these may be provided separately. In Figure 1, a timekeeping circuit 5 is provided separately.

[0058] 1 executes a control program stored in a storage unit 10 to control the entire electrical device 1 and perform various processes. Also, as will be described later, the control unit 2 is configured to transmit the status information A to the outside via the network NW.

[0059] As described above, the control unit 2 is provided with a timer unit 5 that corresponds to a timekeeping means (clock circuit) for calculating time, so that the control unit 2 can also obtain date and time data related to the dishwashing operation. The timer unit 5 also measures the elapsed time over a long period of time using a built-in battery, and stores in the memory unit 10 data on the number of days that have passed since the electrical appliance 1 was first turned on.

[0060] Reference numeral 3 denotes a notification unit having a voice notification function and a character and graphic display function. 3D denotes a display unit that constitutes a part of the notification unit 3, and is equipped with a liquid crystal display screen, a light emitting diode (LED), etc.

[0061] Reference numeral 4 denotes an input unit that includes various input keys, input buttons, and other operating parts that are touched or pressed by the user US, and is exposed on the front surface of the housing 14 of the dishwasher 1E. Note that the input unit 4 may be provided in two locations: a front operation unit 54 and an upper operation unit 54U provided on a top display unit 56U of the door 44, as shown in FIG. 3 .

[0062] The input unit 4 does not necessarily have to employ a touch input method, but may be a voice input device that receives speech from the user US and converts it into an electrical signal, or a combination of these may be used. Alternatively, a means may be employed that detects the fingertip movements of the user US in a non-contact manner, or that acquires the sound (knocking sound) produced when lightly tapping an object such as a door 44 with a fingertip, and converts this into an electrical input signal.

[0063] Reference numeral 6 denotes a device information storage unit that stores various information related to the electrical device 1. The "device information" referred to here includes the device identification information. It also stores basic information related to the consumption of consumable products for the consumption information acquisition unit 11, which will be described later. For example, the amount of liquid detergent 42 consumed when washing a standard amount of dishes using the normal wash course is stored as a weight value, such as "XX g." In this case, data on the available volume of the tank 16 (see FIG. 6) into which the detergent is poured is also stored, and therefore data on the maximum capacity (weight) of the liquid detergent 42 is also stored.

[0064] Reference numeral 7 denotes a power supply unit to which AC power, for example, at a voltage of 100V or 200V and a frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz, is supplied from a commercial power source (not shown). By operating the operation section of a main power switch (not shown) located in the input section 4, the supply of commercial power to the power supply unit 7 can be started or cut off. However, in the case of a built-in dishwasher 1E installed inside a kitchen piece of furniture or the like, the power cord (not shown) is always connected to the power supply section of the house HA, and is designed so that the user US cannot plug or unplug it each time.

[0065] Reference numeral 8 denotes a communication unit. This communication unit is composed of two units, communication unit A and communication unit B. Communication unit A is compatible with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication method, which is one of the short-range wireless communication standards, so as to be able to communicate with the communication terminal 200. On the other hand, communication unit B uses a wireless LAN communication method such as WiFi (registered trademark) so as to be able to communicate with a wireless router 251 (see FIG. 3) which serves as an access point of the network NW.

[0066] When the communication unit 8 transmits the status information A, the status information A is linked to the device identification information and transmitted so that the receiving side can identify the source of the status information A. Therefore, the first server 20 that receives the status information A can identify which user US and which electrical device 1 the status information comes from.

[0067] Reference numeral 9 denotes a function-performing unit. The function-performing unit 9 varies depending on the type and use of the electrical appliance 1. In the example of this first embodiment, the electrical appliance 1 will be mainly described as a dishwasher 1E, and therefore the function-performing unit 9 corresponds to a configuration for achieving the functions of washing and drying dishes. The function-performing unit 9 of the washing device 1E may be referred to as a washing unit 9W.

[0068] Details of the function-performing unit 9 will be explained in Figures 5 and 7, but when the electrical appliance 1 is a dishwasher (in the following explanation, this includes a dishwasher-dryer that also has a drying function) 1E, the function-performing unit 9 includes a shower nozzle 50 (see Figure 5) that sprays washing water such as hot water onto the dishes, and a washing pump (water supply pump) 49 that supplies the washing water. In a configuration in which washing water is sprayed from above the dishes, etc., the shower nozzle 50 is sometimes called a shower head 50, and it is also possible to provide both and employ a system in which washing water is sprayed alternately from above and below.

[0069] Furthermore, the functional part 9W includes an electric heater 51 for producing hot water for washing and drying the dishes 66 after washing, a drain pump 52 for discharging the water after washing, and a blower fan 53 for filling the internal space of the washing tank 15 with hot air. Also part of the function performing section 9W is a detergent supply section 43 that dispenses a dedicated liquid detergent 42 (see FIG. 5) stored in a dedicated tank 16 (see FIG. 5) outside and in front of the washing tub 15. The electric heater 51 is composed of a first heater 51A that heats the air and a second heater 51B that heats the stored washing water.

[0070] In the following description, the function-performing section 9 of the dishwasher (dishwasher-dryer) 1E will be referred to as a washing section 9W. When referring to electrical equipment that washes items other than dishes, it will be referred to as a "washing device" 1E in a comprehensive manner.

[0071] The control unit 2 controls the operation of the cleaning unit 9W by supplying various electric signals to the cleaning unit 9W for driving, speed control, or stopping. The control contents of the control unit 2 are transmitted as the "operation information" OS of the cleaning apparatus 1E from the communication unit 8 to the first server 20 described below. For example, when the main power is turned on before the start of operation, a start signal SS (operation information OS1), which is a type of operation signal OS, is transmitted to the first server 20.

[0072] Reference numeral 11 denotes a consumption information acquisition unit, which is one of the characteristic units of this electrical appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E). This consumption information acquisition unit 11, which will be described in detail in FIG. 6, receives data (first measurement data MD1) resulting from measuring the consumption amount of "dedicated liquid detergent 42," one of the consumable products used in dishwasher 1E, by measuring unit 12. The unit also has a function of retaining data indicating the measurement results.

[0073] In addition, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 has the function of chronologically accumulating the results of measurement by the measuring unit 12 (weight values ​​of liquid detergent 42), and also generating and storing data (second measurement data MD2) indicating the amount and rate of change.

[0074] The consumption information acquisition unit 11 calculates the amount of consumables (liquid detergent 42, etc.) consumed during each operation (main power ON - main power OFF). As a result, the average consumption amount over a certain period or a certain number of operations is also generated as needed, and the stored data is updated. In other words, the data is updated every time a washing operation is performed and kept as the latest data. Note that the first measurement data MD1 and the second measurement data MD2 are collectively referred to as "measurement data MD" in the following description.

[0075] The amount of the consumable product (in this case, liquid detergent 42) acquired by the consumption information acquisition unit 11 is ultimately transmitted to and stored in the device information storage unit 6. At that time, the "status information A" is generated according to the amount of the consumable product.

[0076] For example, if the amount of consumable goods (in this case, liquid detergent 42) is low and only the amount expected to be used in one normal dishwashing run remains, information such as a "recommended message" that encourages the user US to take action, such as "The detergent is running out. Please refill," or information for "alarm processing" that requests the control unit 2 to issue a specific "alarm" indicating that the detergent has run out, is generated as one type of "status information A."

[0077] There are two types of detergents (consumable products) that can be used in the dishwasher (cleaning device 1E) of this embodiment 1: a first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) supplied from a supply means (detergent supply unit) 43 described below, and a second consumable product (tablet detergent 42T) that can be manually supplied directly to the cleaning unit 9W by the user US.

[0078] The status information A is transmitted from the communication unit 8 to the outside in response to a command from the control unit 2. The control unit 2 also acquires the "status information A" as needed and notifies the remaining amount of consumables by the notification unit 3. In the worst case scenario where the consumables do not reach the specified amount, even if a command to start cleaning is received from the input unit 4, a command is issued to the cleaning unit 9W and the cleaning operation is not started.

[0079] Reference numeral 13 denotes a bus (bus-type network) that interconnects the control unit 2, the device information storage unit 6, the consumption information acquisition unit 11, the cleaning unit 9W, and the like.

[0080] In this embodiment 1, the device information storage unit 6 does not randomly generate "status information A" during the dishwashing operation. In other words, the timing when the measuring unit 12 measures the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 and the timing when the communication unit 8 transmits status information A to the outside are controlled by the control unit 2.

[0081] The functions of the control unit 2, the device information storage unit 6, and the consumption information acquisition unit 11 shown in Fig. 1 are realized by processing circuits. The processing circuits that realize the functions may be dedicated hardware or may be processors that execute programs stored in memory.

[0082] When the processing circuit is a processor, the functions of the control unit 2, the device information storage unit 6, and the consumption information acquisition unit 11 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the storage unit 10, which is memory. The processor realizes the functions of the control unit 2, the device information storage unit 6, and the consumption information acquisition unit 11 by reading and executing the programs stored in the storage unit 10.

[0083] These programs cause the microcomputer to execute the control procedures of the control unit 2, the device information storage unit 6, and the consumption information acquisition unit 11. The storage unit 10 is typically a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM.

[0084] Continuing with the explanation of FIG. 20 is the first server. The control unit 21 is responsible for overall control of the first server 20, and may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU: not shown) composed of a microcomputer or the like, a memory unit 22 such as a semiconductor memory device (flash memory, ROM, RAM, HDD), and a timing means (clock circuit: not shown) for calculating time, or these may be provided separately.

[0085] The control unit 20 shown in FIG. 1 controls each functional unit, such as the user identification unit 24, electrical equipment information storage unit 23, judgment criteria memory unit 25, consumer goods database 28, command data generation unit 31, and listing history unit 33, which will be described later, to realize the functions of the first server 20.

[0086] 1, the functions of the user identification unit 24, the electrical appliance information holding unit 23, the criterion storage unit 25, the consumable goods database 28, the command data generation unit 31, the list history unit 33, etc. may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit realizing each function may be dedicated hardware, or may be a processor that executes a program stored in the storage unit 22. For example, the functions of the user identification unit 24, the electrical appliance information holding unit 23, the criterion storage unit 25, the consumable goods database 28, the command data generation unit 31, etc. may be realized by software using a program stored in the storage unit 22.

[0087] The electric device information storage unit 23 stores various information relating to the electric devices 1 for each of the device identification information. For example, there are separate databases for dishwasher 1E model number A001 and dishwasher 1E model number A002, each holding information about the corresponding dishwasher 1E for each model number. In particular, the amount of detergent consumed when washing a standard amount of dishes using the normal wash cycle is stored as a weight value, such as "XX g." In this case, data on the available volume of tank 16 (see FIG. 5) into which liquid detergent 42 is poured is also stored, and therefore data on the maximum capacity (weight) of liquid detergent 42 is also stored.

[0088] 23R is an appliance consumable goods database that stores the "status information A" transmitted from various electrical appliances 1 according to the appliance identification information of the electrical appliances 1.

[0089] Various pieces of information about the consumer goods corresponding to the various electrical appliances 1 (for example, the detergent manufacturer name, detergent product name, detergent weight per unit, capacity, etc.) are stored in the consumer goods database . The consumer goods database 28 contains various information such as a "product category" indicating the type of electrical equipment in which the consumer goods (e.g., a specific liquid detergent 42) is used, a "manufacturer name" indicating the name of the manufacturer (business) that produces the consumer goods, a "product category" indicating the type of consumer goods, "product identification information" indicating an identifier that can identify the consumer goods, a "product name" indicating the official name of the consumer goods, and "volume or weight information" indicating the sales unit (number of bottles, number of pieces, etc.) and capacity of the consumer goods.

[0090] The information in the consumer goods database 28 is updated periodically in response to an update command from the schedule determination unit 26 (described later) or whenever necessary in response to a notification from the manufacturer indicated in the "manufacturer name" field. For example, the information held in the consumer goods database 28 can be updated and enriched whenever necessary by obtaining information from the information providing server 20N.

[0091] In FIG. 1, 24 is a user identification unit. The user identification unit 24 holds information (user information) about the user US who uses (registers) the electrical device 1. To uniquely identify the user US, the unit holds information corresponding to a "user ID" issued to each user US and a "family ID" indicating that the user US is a family member (constituent member) of the user US. Furthermore, since the user ID or family ID is linked to the device identification information, the correspondence between the specific electrical device 1 and the user US or family member can be ascertained.

[0092] Although not shown in Fig. 1 for the sake of simplicity, the first server 20 also issues a "facility ID" for each of the above-mentioned "facility identification information," and this "facility ID" is linked to the above-mentioned "user ID," and the facility ID information is stored in the user identification unit 24. Therefore, if one user US registers multiple IDs in the first server 20, corresponding to their home, office, etc., the status information A can be stored and retrieved separately for the office or home.

[0093] In FIG. 1, 25 is a criterion storage unit. The determination criterion storage unit 25 stores remaining amount determination criterion data ZD that serves as a criterion for determining the remaining amount of the consumable product. There are two types of remaining amount determination reference data ZD. One is remaining amount determination standard data A for voice input. This is stored by linking predetermined "keywords" and "remaining amount levels" so that they can be compared with text data provided by the voice recognition unit 32, which will be described later. The other is remaining amount determination reference data B for data transmitted from the electric appliance 1 and the communication terminal 200 via the transmitting / receiving unit 30.

[0094] In the following description, unless otherwise confused, the remaining amount determination reference data A and the remaining amount determination reference data B will be collectively referred to as "remaining amount determination reference data." The data structures and thresholds of the remaining amount determination reference data A and remaining amount determination reference data B cannot be changed by input operations from the user US.

[0095] The keywords for voice input include various words and phrases related to consumer goods. For example, if the electrical appliance 1 is classified as a cleaning device 1E such as a washing machine or dishwasher, keywords such as "detergent," "fabric softener," and "tank" are provided. For other types of electrical appliance 1, such as an electric vacuum cleaner, keywords such as "replacement parts," "filter," "paper pack," and "battery" are provided.

[0096] On the other hand, the "remaining amount level" indicates the remaining amount of a consumable product and the need for replenishment, replacement, etc. The remaining amount level is divided into multiple levels according to the type of consumable product and the need for replenishment or replacement. The "remaining amount level" is classified into, for example, "full," "sufficient level," "acceptable level," "low level," etc. "Full" and "sufficient level" indicate that there is a large amount remaining and no need to replenish yet. Furthermore, keywords associated with the "low level" level may include words that indicate the user US's wishes or expectations, such as "want to replenish" or "run out."

[0097] Furthermore, in addition to the remaining amount determination standard data ZD described above, this determination standard memory unit 25 also stores urgency determination standard data HD1 for determining the "urgency" described below in a list (table format) for each type of consumable product and each device identification information of the electrical device 1.

[0098] In the above-described dishwasher 1E as the electrical appliance 1, the appliance information storage unit 6 stores status information A, and the control unit 2 can determine whether or not the liquid detergent 42 needs to be refilled from measurement data MD, such as the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42, measured by the measuring unit 12. Therefore, the first server 20 does not essentially need a function to determine whether or not the liquid detergent 42 needs to be refilled. However, not only the dishwasher 1E but also various other electrical appliances 1 can be connected to the first server 20. Among these, there may be electrical appliances 1 that cannot determine whether or not a consumable product needs to be replenished by themselves. Therefore, in this first embodiment, the first server 20 also identifies the type and characteristics of the electrical appliance 1 from the appliance identification information, identifies the consumable product to be used, determines the remaining amount of the consumable product, and allows the control unit 21 to determine whether or not replenishment or replacement is necessary and the degree of urgency.

[0099] In FIG. 1, 26 is a schedule determination unit. The schedule determination unit 26 has a calendar function and can store event schedule information for at least one year (maximum 365 days).

[0100] The schedule management function itself has already been proposed in many patent documents. In this embodiment 1, the input unit 4 of the electric appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E) can register the scheduled date and scheduled start time (or time period) of an event (e.g., shopping, going out, starting cooking, etc.) for each user US at home, office, store, etc.

[0101] If event information is stored in the schedule determination unit 26, a notification will be issued from the schedule determination unit 26 at the stored date and time. In the case of the electrical device 1, the notification may be displayed on the display unit 3D or notified by voice from the notification unit 3. Alternatively, a method of issuing a notification to the communication terminal 200 carried by the user US (also called "push notification") may be used.

[0102] When the dishwasher 1E is running, a notification may be sent to the dishwasher 1E based on the event information registered by the schedule determination unit . Furthermore, at a certain time, a command may be issued to each of the dishwashers 1E registered in advance in a home, office, etc., requesting them to provide the "status information A" including information on the remaining amount of consumables. This is also true for other electrical appliances 1E.

[0103] The "command" in this case is a type of "command data (command command) CD" described later. In addition, since the command command can also be instructed to be sent via the communication terminal 200, the user US can simultaneously collect remaining amount information of consumable goods for multiple electrical appliances 1 in his / her home, such as the dishwasher 1E and the cooking appliance, using the communication terminal 200 when going out shopping, etc. However, not all electrical appliances 1 will receive and respond to the command data CD; an electrical appliance 1 whose main power is turned off cannot receive and therefore cannot respond. Furthermore, even if the electrical appliance 1 is turned on and operating, it may not immediately receive the command data CD from outside depending on its operation. Taking these circumstances into consideration, the first server 20 stores the status of the consumable goods from each electrical appliance 1 in the appliance consumable goods database 23R as soon as it receives status information A from each electrical appliance 1, so that it can respond to data inquiries (requests for the provision of a shopping list PL) from the communication terminal 200.

[0104] The "Shopping List PL" aggregates and displays information on consumables that need to be procured for the user US, so that the user US can know when the consumables used in the electrical appliance 1 owned or managed by the user US have run out of power or when the functionality of the electrical appliance 1 has deteriorated due to long-term use and the replacement of individual parts is necessary.

[0105] The schedule determination unit 26 also has a convenient function that, if the time for creating the shopping list PL is set, the latest shopping list PL will be updated and automatically sent to the communication terminal 200 at the set time (a type of push-type notification).

[0106] In FIG. 1, 27 is a judgment history recording unit. This determination history recording unit 27 is a database that stores the determination history of the process of creating a list (the shopping list PL) regarding the need to replenish or replace consumable products, generated by the control unit 21. Note that, as in the case of the dishwasher 1E described above, if the "status information A" includes a determination result indicating that a specific consumable product needs to be replenished, information about that consumable product is also recorded in the shopping list PL.

[0107] The shopping list PL is stored for each "device identification information" of at least one electrical device 1 in each home or office, and is stored in the device consumable goods database 23R described below so that it can be provided for each communication terminal 200, i.e., for each registered user US.

[0108] The urgency determination criteria data HD1 applied when the shopping list PL was created is saved in the determination history recording unit 27. On the other hand, old urgency determination criteria data HD1 used when creating past shopping lists PL is stored in the listing history unit 33 (described later) and the data is held for a certain period of time.

[0109] In FIG. 1, 28 is the consumer goods database as described above. The information in this consumer goods database 28 is automatically updated periodically in response to an update command signal from the schedule determination unit 26. For example, the information is acquired via the network NW from the information providing server 20N, which is provided by a consumer goods retailer or the like, and is updated as needed.

[0110] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 29 denotes a provider of application software (hereinafter referred to as an "application provider") that the communication terminal 200 and the electric device 1 can acquire by wireless communication via the network NW. By downloading the application software of this app providing unit 29, the electrical device 1 and the communication terminal 200 can smoothly exchange information with the first server 20, and can also request various processes (including the provision of data contained in the shopping list PL) from the first server 20.

[0111] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1E can receive from the first server 20 a control program that indicates effective operation of the dishwasher 1E, and data on consumable goods stored in the consumable goods database 28. Furthermore, the dishwasher 1E can receive command data CD requesting the provision of the status information A, and can return the latest status information A to the first server 20. This is the same for other electrical appliances 1.

[0112] In FIG. 1, 30 is a transmitting / receiving unit that performs wireless communication via the network NW. The transmitting / receiving unit 30 receives the status information A from the dishwasher 1E, and also transmits, upon request from the communication terminal 200, inventory information and the like of consumable goods stored in the appliance consumable goods database 23R.

[0113] That is, the transmitting / receiving unit 30 can transmit to the communication terminal 200 the shopping list PL related to the specified dishwasher 1E from the shopping lists PL held in the electric appliance information holding unit 23. The control unit 21 uses the "user ID" and device identification information (facility ID) included in the request signal from the communication terminal 200 to extract the shopping list PL of various electrical devices 1 related to the specific user US. The transceiver unit 30 can transmit this to the communication terminal 200. In other words, the shopping list PL related to the dishwasher 1E can be extracted.

[0114] Therefore, the user US can obtain comprehensive information about consumable products that need to be replenished or replaced via the communication terminal 200. In other words, for the dishwasher 1E described above, the information about the liquid detergent 42 as a consumable product includes the name of the detergent manufacturer or distributor, the product name, or a product ID that can identify the product. Note that this product ID is, for example, unique information such as two-dimensional information that can be searched for on a network NW such as the Internet.

[0115] In FIG. 1, 31 is a command data generating unit. For example, when dishwasher 1E performs a series of dish washing and drying operations from the washing process to the drying process, it is necessary to select one of a plurality of washing menus for each operation.

[0116] Therefore, this dishwasher 1E can be operated either by operating the "washing course selection" button (or input key) provided on the input unit 4 (the "normal control mode"), or by operating external information selected by operating the communication terminal 200 (the "external control mode").

[0117] The command data generation unit 31 can generate a command for determining the operating conditions (e.g., washing time) in the external control mode. This command is acquired by the dishwasher 1E via the communication unit 8 by operating the communication terminal 200. For example, the command data CD can be used to change the course from washing and drying dishes for four people to washing and drying dishes for six people.

[0118] In the first embodiment, the command data CD is a command from the first server 20 to set the operating conditions of the electric appliance 1. For example, if the electrical appliance 1 is a dishwasher 1E, the command data CD that defines the operation details includes instructions (command data) that specify a means for generating hot water (such as the electric heater 51) to be used as a cleaning liquid and operating conditions (including, but not limited to, at least one of washing time, hot water temperature, and drying time after washing) so that the items to be washed can be washed. This applies to both a series of operation programs for changing operating conditions and cases in which parameter setting values ​​for setting, calculation formulas for judgment, etc. are specified.

[0119] In the first embodiment, the command data CD is divided into the following types: (1) First command data CD1: Specifies the operation mode of the electrical appliance 1 (for example, the “normal washing” mode for the dishwasher 1E). Also, the first command data CD1 specifies the operation mode of the cooking appliance 1H (not shown), such as “cooking rice” or “warming” (microwave heating). (2) Second command data CD2: This specifies a "reservation mode" that starts the operation of the electrical appliance 1 after a specified time or at a specified time. For example, in the case of the dishwasher 1E, this specifies a "reservation course" to be described later. (3) Third command data CD3: Requests the provision of status information A of the electrical appliance 1. Requests the provision of at least the latest remaining amount (weight, etc.) of a consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) used in the electrical appliance 1. (4) Fourth command data CD4: Restricts or stops the operating conditions of the electrical appliance 1. For example, this refers to a command to reduce the maximum power consumption of a specific electrical appliance 1 (peak cut) in response to power reduction information or tightness information from the power company, or to cancel the reservation set in the reservation course, or to delay the operation start time to avoid a period of peak power consumption.

[0120] When the electric appliance 1 receives the first command data CD1 and completes the reception process of the first command data CD1, if it is to immediately start operation, it notifies the user 1 in advance from the notification unit 3 for safety reasons, and operation is not started until the user US inputs any confirmation or operation start input into the input unit 4 (54). Note that the confirmation input includes voice input.

[0121] In the following description, when the command data CD is simply mentioned, it refers to a case where at least one of the first to fourth command data CD1 to CD4 is included.

[0122] When the electric appliance 1 (including the dishwasher 1E) acquires command data CD from the outside, it receives a setting command (control command) signal requesting compliance with the above-mentioned operating conditions. After this, the electric device 1 further receives a status command (state confirmation) signal. In response to this, the electrical device 1 receives the setting command (control command) signal and returns the latest status indicating the state of the electrical device 1 as a "status command response (status confirmation response)" signal. By repeating such transmission and reply several times, the electric appliance 1 side is controlled by the command data CD from the first server 20 side. In the following description, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0123] When the first server 20 constantly monitors the operation of the electrical device 1, it does not send or receive the setting command (control command) signal, but instead repeatedly communicates two types of signals at a predetermined monitoring time interval (for example, 5 minutes): a status command (status check) signal and a "status command response (status check response)" signal in response to the status command. If the status of the electrical device 1 changes during the 5-minute monitoring period, the "status command response (status check response)" signal is immediately sent to the first server 20 at that time.

[0124] In FIG. 1, 32 is a voice recognition unit. The speech information of the user US received by the communication terminal 200 can be converted into a standard command prepared in advance in the first server 20. That is, the speech information uttered to the communication terminal 200 is converted into text data in the communication terminal 200, and then transmitted to the first server 20 in the form of text data (voice input signal).

[0125] The voice recognition unit 32 of the first server 20 receives the text data (voice input signal) via the transmitting / receiving unit 30 and determines whether it can be converted into a standard command stored in the storage unit 22.

[0126] The voice recognition unit 32 requests the command data generation unit 31 to convert the text data of the speech information (voice input signal) into various commands (command data) CD prepared as standard commands. Therefore, when the user US inputs a command content by voice to the communication terminal 200, the command data generation unit 31 generates command data CD of the corresponding command content.

[0127] Therefore, the user US can obtain status information A of the electrical appliances 1 (including the dishwasher 1E) at home (which have been registered in advance) from the first server 20 by voice input using the communication terminal 200 while away from home or from a remote location. Even if the main power of the electrical appliance 1 at home is turned off, the information on the consumable goods has been obtained by the first server 20, so the consumable goods data can be obtained without any problems.

[0128] In FIG. 1, 33 is a list history section. The listing history unit 33 stores previous object data that formed the basis of the shopping list PL generated by the control unit 20, measurement data MD for consumable products (liquid detergent 42), etc. In other words, every time the shopping list PL is updated, the data that was used when creating the old shopping list PL is stored and saved in the listing history unit 33 in order. Past data in the listing history section 33 is held for a certain period of time.

[0129] The basic data of past shopping lists PL stored in the listing history unit 33 is arranged in chronological order based on the time of storage and is also searchable, so that when a request is made by a specific user US via the communication terminal 200, the control unit 21 can provide information such as the remaining amount of consumables sorted by device identification information of the electrical appliance 1 and by type of consumables from among the past data. Note that when a specific key on the input unit 4 of the electrical appliance 1 is pressed, the first server 20 may send the shopping list PL data stored in the listing history unit 33 to the requesting electrical appliance 1.

[0130] Reference numeral 34 denotes a bus (bus-type network) that interconnects the control unit 21, the electrical device information storage unit 23, the judgment criteria storage unit 25, the command data generation unit 31, the listing history unit 33, the transmission / reception unit 30, and the like.

[0131] Next, FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication terminal (information processing terminal) 200 used in the consumable product remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. The electric appliance 1 can acquire various data through wireless communication with a communication terminal 200 such as a smartphone. As described above, within one home, the communication terminal 200 performs wireless communication with each of the electric appliances 1, including the dishwasher 1E, using a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0132] When communication terminal 200 is indoors, it is connected to network NW via a specific wireless router 251 (see FIG. 3) installed there, and can access first server 20 in an external space via network NW.

[0133] The communication terminal 200 can realize "remote control" of the electrical appliance 1 by downloading (loading) control application software from the application software provider 29. "Remote control" here refers to control using the external control mode described above. In other words, even if the user US is in a remote outdoor location, the user US can use the communication terminal 200 to send command data CD to the target electrical appliance 1 via the network NW.

[0134] The communication terminal 200 can be easily carried by the user US and can be used for making calls and transmitting data (including e-mail information) indoors, outdoors, or anywhere on the go. It is a device that can download information from an outdoor information site, send and receive e-mail, and transmit remote control signals, but it can also be a terminal device that cannot make calls. A small portable personal computer is also a type of communication terminal 200.

[0135] The communication terminal 200 in the first embodiment has a function of transmitting and receiving signals through short-range communication when the communication terminal 200 is placed within a few centimeters of (or may be in contact with) the input unit 4 of each electric device 1. This short-range communication is an international standard technology for wireless communication known as Near Field Communication (abbreviated as NFC).

[0136] In this NFC communication, a so-called wireless tag (NFC tag) is embedded in the electrical device 1 side. On the other hand, it is also possible to send control data (command data CD) from the communication terminal 200 to an NFC storage unit (not shown) of the electric appliance 1, and control the electric appliance 1 in accordance with the control command.

[0137] The communication terminal 200 shown in FIG. 2 will be described in detail below. A communication terminal 200 such as a smartphone has a communication unit 210, a communication control unit 211, a terminal control unit (central processing unit: CPU) 212, ROM and RAM 213, a speaker 214, a touch-type operation unit 215, a terminal side display unit 216 having a display screen (with touch-type input function), an electrical equipment database (memory unit) 217, an attitude detection unit 218, a remote operation information generation unit 219, a memory unit 220, a shopping list creation unit 231, and a mail order processing unit 234.

[0138] The communication unit 210 has an NFC input / output unit 221 for short-distance wireless communication. Therefore, two paths can be used: wireless communication via the network NW and short-distance wireless communication (NFC).

[0139] 222 is a voice input unit that converts the voice of the user US or the like into an input signal. The touch-type operation unit 215, terminal display unit 216, and voice input unit 222 are integrated in hardware to form a display operation unit 225. Note that a search unit that analyzes the voice signal from the voice input unit 222 and performs term search, information search, etc. is not shown. The search unit may be provided inside the communication terminal 200, or may be provided in the external first server 20, so that the search function is provided outside the communication terminal 200.

[0140] The attitude detection unit 218 is equipped with various sensors such as a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a gravity sensor, and can detect the tilt and orientation of the communication terminal 200. As a result, a signal that detects the up-down direction of the communication terminal 200 is output to the terminal control unit 212.

[0141] The terminal control unit 212 receives a detection signal from the orientation detection unit 218 and controls the display orientation of the terminal display unit 216 . The terminal control unit 212 inputs the signal received from the communication unit 8 of the electric appliance 1 to the remote operation information generation unit 219 .

[0142] The terminal control unit 212 has an audio processing unit 230, a video processing unit 232, an electrical device selection unit 232, a video processing unit 233, and a remote operation information generation unit 219. The remote operation information generation unit 219, the audio processing unit 230, the electrical device selection unit 232, and the video processing unit 233 may all be functionally realized by a single computer program, or may be configured by separate processing circuits.

[0143] The image processing unit 233 analyzes and processes images (including still images and videos) captured through a camera lens (not shown). For example, the image processing unit 233 generates information for identifying a consumable product from image data of a bottle or outer box of liquid detergent 42 captured by a user US at a retail store or the like. Alternatively, the captured image data may be converted into a predetermined format and transmitted to the first server 20, allowing the first server 20 to identify the consumable product from the image data.

[0144] The voice processing unit 230 converts the speech of the user US received by the voice input unit 222 into a voice signal in a predetermined format.

[0145] The electric appliance database 217 holds "notification data" 223 of the electric appliance 1 in order to generate notification information (including image information) for the display unit 3D and notification unit 3 of the electric appliance 1. The electric device database 217 also holds “remote control data” 224 for the control unit 2 of the electric device 1 .

[0146] Furthermore, the electric device database 217 can store status information A obtained from the electric device 1. Furthermore, the electrical appliance database 217 can store consumable goods data 227 acquired from the electrical appliance 1 and shopping list data 228 generated by the communication terminal 200.

[0147] The notification data 223 and remote control data 224 may be stored in this communication terminal 200 from the beginning, or may be connected to the first server 20, which is an information providing means, via the network NW and downloaded from the first server 20 (application software providing unit 29). In other words, the notification database 217 does not need to be constructed by storing data in a fixed manner, and may be in a form in which information is acquired as needed and temporarily stored in a volatile memory.

[0148] The remote operation information generation unit 219 processes the signal acquired from the electric appliance 1 via the terminal control unit 212 and the input signal from the display operation unit 225, and generates remote operation information (control information for the "external control mode") for the electric appliance 1. In other words, it can generate command data CD.

[0149] Furthermore, the remote control information generating unit 219 can generate the first command data CD1 to the fourth command data CD4.

[0150] The remote control information generation unit 219, which receives an input command from the operation unit 225 and transmits command data CD from the communication unit 210 to the electrical device 1, is controlled by the central processing unit 212 so that it cannot perform the operation of acquiring the status information A while the command data CD is being transmitted from the communication unit 210.

[0151] The terminal control unit 212 executes the processing of the entire communication terminal 200 in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM / RAM 213, and reads data required in the process of executing the processing from the ROM / RAM 213, and stores data generated in the process of executing the processing in the ROM / RAM 213.

[0152] The storage unit 220 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory that can store information about various electrical appliances 1 read from the communication unit 210. For example, it is used to temporarily store information about a shopping list PL for a specific electrical appliance 1 that is downloaded (read) from the first server 20. Note that the information about this shopping list PL may also be stored in the electrical appliance database 217 as data about extracted consumable goods. In other words, the data resulting from data processing by the terminal control unit 212 is basically stored in the electrical appliance database 217.

[0153] When the user US touches a specific portion of the terminal display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200, the remote operation information generating unit 219 generates remote operation information based on the touch signal. The remote operation information is transmitted from the communication unit 210 to the electric device 1.

[0154] If the electric appliance 1, for example, the dishwasher 1E, has already been powered by the power supply unit 7 and started up, the control unit 2 of the electric appliance 1 treats the received remote operation information as command data CD. It should be noted that not all electric appliances 1 operate in response to the remote operation information from the communication terminal 200. Even if they do operate, the range in which they can operate in accordance with the command data CD may be limited to a certain range. For example, in the case of a heater or cooking appliance 1H that generates heat, the range in which they can be remotely controlled is limited. For example, if the cooking appliance 1H (see FIG. 3) has a heat source that radiates heat to the outside from its main body (external case or top plate 170) (see FIG. 3), the power supply to the cooking appliance 1H cannot be started by a remote operation signal. In other words, the start of a heating operation cannot be commanded.

[0155] Meanwhile, on the side of the communication terminal 200 that transmitted the remote operation information, the display on the terminal display unit 216 changes based on the remote operation information. That is, the content on the display screen of the terminal display unit 216 on the display operation unit 225 of the communication terminal 200 and the content displayed on the display unit 3D of the electrical device 1 change in similar content and order, but the timing of the change does not necessarily have to be real time. Also, depending on the type of electrical device 1, the command data CD may be transmitted from the communication terminal 200 only once.

[0156] When the communication terminal 200 generates and transmits remote control information, the electric appliance 1 acquires only the information received within a reception period determined by the electric appliance 1 as a legitimate remote control signal (command data CD). This point will be explained with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. Furthermore, the remote operation information from the communication terminal 200 is transmitted all at once when a predetermined confirmation transmission key is pressed on the communication terminal 200.

[0157] 2, 226 is a terminal identification information storage unit. This terminal identification information storage unit 226 stores a unique number for identifying this communication terminal 200. The unique number is, for example, a telephone number or a manufacturing number (serial number) assigned by the manufacturer of the communication terminal.

[0158] 2, a user information storage unit 229 stores information about the user US (such as the name) for identifying the user US who uses the communication terminal 200.

[0159] 2, reference numeral 235 denotes an option setting unit. After a user US of this communication terminal 200 registers an electric appliance 1 in the first server 20 using his / her user ID, he / she can change the "urgency determination criteria data HD1" for the electric appliance 1, for example, to "high urgency of acquisition = must be acquired within two days," within a range determined by the first server.

[0160] In this case, the new data on the terminal side stored in the electric device database 217 is called urgency determination data HD2. This urgency determination data HD2 is the same as the urgency determination criterion data HD1 on the first server 20 side. However, the urgency determination criterion data HD1 for an electric device 1 that is not registered in the communication terminal 200 is not required for the communication terminal 200, and is therefore not acquired.

[0161] As described above, the urgency determination data HD1 is stored in the determination criterion storage unit 25, and is provided for one communication terminal 200 based on the user ID and device identification information. In the communication terminal 200, a determination criterion for each desired electric appliance 1 can be created based on the urgency determination criterion data HD1, and can be stored and saved in the electric appliance database 217 as urgency determination data HD2.

[0162] The "urgency" here can be freely set by the user US, taking into consideration the "number of days" until the user US acquires the consumable goods. Note that in the urgency determination criteria data HD1 on the first server 20, all consumable goods whose acquisition deadline is within three days are classified as "urgent" by default, but in cases where the user US needs a considerable amount of time to acquire the consumable goods due to their own circumstances, it would be better for the user US to receive an alert earlier, so for example, the "threshold" of within three days can be changed to within seven days, so that within seven days is determined to be "high urgency."

[0163] The difference between the "urgency" and the "slack" on the side of the electrical device 1 will be described. The margin is determined based on the number of days until the remaining amount of consumables becomes so low that operation of the electrical appliance 1 is impaired, with reference to the standard consumption amount per operation determined by the manufacturer of the electrical appliance 1 (such as the dishwasher 1E). In other words, the threshold for determining the margin is determined by the manufacturer, so it can be said to be a common indicator that applies to all users of the same electrical appliance 1. However, even for electrical appliances 1, the threshold for determining the margin may differ between a dishwasher 1E and a cooking appliance 1H, even if they are products of the same manufacturer. This is because the amount of consumables consumed per operation and the type of consumables themselves are different.

[0164] In contrast, the "urgency" can be freely set by the user US, taking into consideration the "number of days" required for the user US to acquire the consumable goods. For example, even if the default setting is for all items within three days to be classified as "urgent," the threshold (three days) can be changed to one day or even ten days depending on the circumstances of the user US. In other words, even if the same electrical appliance (dishwasher 1E) is used by different users US, the "urgency" allows the level and range of notifications to be flexibly selected to suit the circumstances of each individual user US. The data that can reflect the user US's intentions is the urgency determination criteria data HD2.

[0165] When the dishwasher 1E or other electrical appliance 1 is operated in the emergency operation mode OP2, among the consumables used by the electrical appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E), those whose remaining amounts, such as weight, are known are automatically designated as having the highest level of urgency.

[0166] That is, the status information A received by the first server 20 from one dishwasher 1E includes information that can identify either "normal operation mode OP1" or "emergency operation mode OP2" (emergency mode). Therefore, if the first server 20 determines that the dishwasher 1E is in emergency operation mode OP2, the first server 20 classifies the target consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) whose remaining amount is already being managed by the dishwasher 1E as having the highest level of urgency and records it in the appliance consumable product database 23R. Then, it transmits this to the communication terminal 200 as the latest version of the shopping list PL, which will be described later.

[0167] In this way, when an electrical appliance 1 (for example, a dishwasher 1E) is operated in emergency operation mode OP2, the first server 20 determines information about the dishwasher 1E without the user US having to do anything, and notifies the user US of the communication terminal 200 by push notification, which will be described later.

[0168] The margin can be displayed in three levels, for example. For example, a large margin can be displayed as "A" or "large," and a medium margin can be displayed as "B" or "medium." Note that instead of using letters or symbols, the margin can be displayed as a graphic such as a bar graph on the display unit 3D (see FIG. 1).

[0169] The electrical appliance 1 is not limited to one that always generates the margin data. The consumable product remaining amount management system of the first embodiment can be used even in the case of an electrical appliance 1 that cannot acquire such data.

[0170] Next, FIG. 3 will be described. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a network configuration to which the remaining amount management system for consumable goods shown in Fig. 1 is applied. The diagram shown in Fig. 1 shows kitchen furniture 121 in one home (house HA) and a network environment.

[0171] In FIG. 3, 251 denotes a wireless router installed in one house HA, which can wirelessly connect a network NW such as an Internet line to an electric device 1. Although not shown, the first server 20 cooperates with other servers to form a cloud server 300.

[0172] Reference numeral 200 denotes an information processing terminal (communication terminal) such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. The kitchen furniture 121 includes, for example, a sink and a water tap (faucet) 165 connected to a water supply. This kitchen furniture 121 is equipped with a built-in dishwasher 1E. Reference numeral 1H denotes a cooking appliance, which is one type of electric appliance 1, and in the example of FIG. 3, it is a built-in induction cooking appliance or a built-in gas cooking appliance.

[0173] Reference numeral 170 denotes the top plate of the cooking appliance 1H. Reference numeral 171 denotes a heating section using a gas burner or a heating section using an induction heating source. The example in Fig. 3 shows an example in which there are three heating sections. Reference numeral 250 denotes an exhaust port cover having a highly breathable structure such as wire mesh, which covers an exhaust port (not shown) that discharges high-temperature air, steam, etc. generated in a heating chamber (not shown) inside the cooking appliance 1H.

[0174] The dishwasher 1E is of a type in which the washing tub 15 can be pulled out toward the front of the kitchen furniture 121, and an operation unit 54 that allows the user US to input by touch operation is disposed horizontally at the top of the door 44 that forms the entire front. A handle 55 is formed in the center of the left and right of the operation unit 54, into which the user US can insert their fingertips. The operation unit 54 corresponds to the input unit 4 shown in FIG. 1.

[0175] Next, FIG. 4 will be described. 4 is a perspective view showing kitchen furniture 121 to which the consumable product remaining amount management system of FIG. 1 is applied. A front display unit 56F, which indicates whether a washing operation is in progress or whether the main power is on, is disposed on the front (front surface) of the operation unit 54. A top display unit 56U is also disposed on the top surface of the door 44. The top display unit 56U has a display screen that can display the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 as numbers, figures, etc. Furthermore, this top display unit 56U may also be provided with an upper operation unit 54U (not shown) equipped with touch-input type input keys as part of the operation unit 54.

[0176] The door 44 has a certain thickness in the front-rear direction, and this thickness is used to form a storage space 45 (see FIG. 6) inside. The storage space 45 is an enclosed space to prevent the infiltration of water vapor generated inside the cleaning tank 15 during cleaning, and only the opening for inserting the tank (container) 16 is connected to the outside.

[0177] In Figure 4, reference numeral 57 denotes a lid that can be opened and closed to close the entrance to the storage space 45. By opening this lid 57, a tank (container) 16 (see Figure 6) containing the liquid cleaning agent 42 can be installed in the storage space 45 of the door 44. That is, as shown by the thick arrow in Figure 4, the tank 16 can be detachably installed inside from the right side of the door 44. When the lid 57 is completely closed, the storage space 45 is isolated from the interior of the cleaning tank 15 and other spaces, preventing the intrusion of water vapor and the like from the cleaning tank 15 side. The lid 57 is rotatably supported on the door 44 by a hinge (not shown).

[0178] Reference numeral 170 denotes the top plate of the cooking appliance 1H. Reference numeral 171 denotes a heating portion using a gas burner or a heating portion using an induction heating source. The example of Fig. 3 shows an example in which three heating portions 171 exist. Reference numeral 171L denotes a heating port located on the left side of the center of the top plate 170, 171M denotes a central heating port, and 171R denotes a heating port located on the right side.

[0179] Next, FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 5 is a simplified vertical cross-sectional view of a dishwasher (dishwasher-dryer) 1E to which the consumable product remaining amount management system of FIG. 1 is applied, showing a state in which the door 44 is pulled out to the front as far as possible. Reference numeral 67 denotes the internal space of housing (main body case) 14 that forms the outer shell of dishwasher 1E. Reference numeral 58 denotes a fixed rail installed inside housing 14 in the front-to-rear direction, and reference numeral 59 denotes a movable rail supported by fixed rail 58 and moving in the front-to-rear direction together with washing tub 15.

[0180] As shown in FIG. 5, the bottom 14B of the housing 14 is provided with legs 61, which come into contact with the interior installation surface 60 of the kitchen furniture 121, at two locations on each of the front, rear, left and right sides. A restricting member 62 that restricts the position of the rear leg 61 is attached to the kitchen furniture 121 with a fastening member such as a screw near the rear of the housing 14. This prevents the dishwasher 1E from accidentally moving from its predetermined position inside the kitchen furniture 121. Reference numeral 64 denotes a flat upper cover that closes the top opening of the cleaning tank 15 when the cleaning tank 15 is stored inside the housing 14.

[0181] Reference numeral 65 denotes a mesh shelf or basket that is installed in the washing tub 15 so that it can be freely removed, and is installed to place tableware 66 on. The shelf 65 is installed in the washing tub 15 so that it can be freely attached and detached. Reference numeral 50 denotes a shower nozzle that sprays hot water mixed with liquid detergent 42 onto the tableware 66.

[0182] Reference numeral 121A denotes an installation opening formed on the front surface of kitchen furniture 121. When cleaning tank 15 is pushed together with door 44 to the correct position in housing 14, installation opening 121A faces closely to the top, bottom, left and right end surfaces of door 44. In other words, when door 44 is pushed in, the gaps (facing distances) between the four peripheral surfaces (top, bottom, right side, left side) of door 44 and installation opening 121A of kitchen furniture 121 are several millimeters or less.

[0183] Although not shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cleaning tank 15 and door 44 are pulled backward by a door drive device 86 having a drive motor 70 (see Figure 7). The door 44 is also pushed out by the power of this drive motor 70, but the door may be pulled forward by the user US rather than being pushed out by the power of the door drive device 86. Alternatively, only the initial small opening (for example, about 10 cm) may be performed by a spring or the power of the drive motor 70. The first embodiment employs this "initial pushing out to a certain extent" configuration, but at the same time, employs a configuration in which the door 44 is retracted to a predetermined position within the housing 14.

[0184] In this embodiment 1, the door 44, together with the cleaning tank 15, is pulled back from the pushed-out state to the inside of the housing 14 by a door drive device 86 having a drive motor 71. In other words, when the user US lightly touches the operation unit 54, the door 44 can be moved from the forward position to the storage position. Note that, instead of using a touch operation on the operation unit 54, a command to open or close the door 44, or both, may be given by the door drive device 86 using voice input or other methods.

[0185] Next, FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing, in partial vertical cross section, the entire measuring system for liquid detergent 42 in dishwasher 1E shown in FIGS. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of part of door 44, which covers the front side of washing tub 15 of dishwasher 1E and moves back and forth together with the washing tub. Fig. 6 is an enlarged schematic view of the circled X in Fig. 5.

[0186] 6, 44F is a front wall surface that constitutes the front surface (surface) of the door 44. 44B is a rear wall surface that forms a vertically long rectangular storage space 45 when viewed from the side between the front wall surface 44F and the rear wall surface 44B. Note that the storage space 45 may be formed between another member provided inside the rear wall surface 44B and that member.

[0187] Reference numeral 16 denotes a tank (container) whose external shape when viewed from the front (front) side is a long rectangle, and the entire tank is made of a transparent plastic material. A lid 16A provided on the ceiling surface that can be opened and closed freely can be opened to pour dedicated liquid detergent 42 into the inside of this tank 16. This tank 16 can be placed in the storage space 45 from the right side by opening the lid 57 shown in Figure 4.

[0188] The liquid detergent 42 may be referred to as a first consumable product. Furthermore, a tablet-type detergent, granular detergent, or powder detergent that is manually dispensed by the user US without using the detergent supply unit 43 may be referred to as a second consumable product 42A (not shown). The second consumable product 42A is not a target for weighing by the weighing unit 12. Furthermore, the first server 20 does not acquire data on the consumption amount or remaining amount of the second consumable product 42A.

[0189] The distance between the storage space 45 in the front-to-rear direction is slightly larger than the thickness of the tank 16 in the front-to-rear direction, so that the tank 16 can be easily inserted into the storage space 45 through the entrance thereof with the door 44 pulled forward from the housing 14 of the dishwasher 1E, as shown in Figure 5. When the tank 16 is inserted, it is kept horizontal inside the storage space 45.

[0190] Reference numeral 35 denotes a measuring circuit that constitutes a part of the measuring unit 12 shown in FIG. Reference numeral 36 denotes a light-emitting circuit that issues a command to emit a predetermined light upon receiving a signal from the measuring circuit 35. Reference numeral 39 denotes a light-emitting element that emits light for detecting the water level upon receiving a command from the light-emitting circuit 36. Reference numeral 40 denotes a light-receiving element that receives the light from the light-emitting element 39 and transmits a signal based on the received light to the light-receiving circuit 38.

[0191] The light emitting element 39 and the light receiving element 40 are disposed on the front wall surface 44F and the rear wall surface 44B at positions facing each other on a single horizontal line. In FIG. 6, the dashed arrows pointing from the light-emitting element 39 to the light-receiving element 40 are the light rays for detecting the water level.

[0192] For example, if the light-emitting element 39 is installed in the vertical center position of the tank 16, when more than half of the liquid detergent 42 remains inside the tank 16, the light transmittance will be low due to the inherent color of the liquid detergent 42. Therefore, the amount of light received by the light-receiving element 40 will be lower than the threshold value. Therefore, it can be detected that at least 50% or more of the liquid detergent 42 remains. On the other hand, when the surface of the liquid detergent 42 is below the horizontal line that intersects the light-emitting element 39 and the light-receiving element 40, the amount of light from the light-emitting element 39 does not decrease due to the liquid detergent 42, and the amount of light received by the light-receiving element 40 exceeds the threshold value. This causes the measuring circuit 35 to determine that the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is less than 50%.

[0193] In this way, the light-emitting element 39 and the light-receiving element 40 can detect whether there is a suitable liquid detergent 42 inside the tank 16 that has poor light transmittance (non-transparent), so if a detergent that is not suitable liquid detergent 42 is a transparent liquid, the quality of such a detergent can also be detected. The light-emitting element 39 and the light-receiving element 40 constitute a third sensor that can measure the mass of the liquid detergent 42. If multiple combinations of the light-emitting element 39 and the light-receiving element 40 are provided in the vertical direction, the amount of the liquid detergent (first consumable product) 42 can be detected more precisely.

[0194] A weight sensor 37 is located at the bottom of the storage space 45. It measures the total weight of the liquid detergent 42 and the tank 16 and inputs the measurement result to the weighing circuit 35. With this configuration, the weighing circuit 35 can estimate the amount of liquid detergent 42 inside the tank 16 from the weight measurement result. Since the weighing circuit 35 knows the weight of the tank 16 itself in advance, it can measure the net weight of the liquid detergent 42 inside the tank 16. Furthermore, when the tank 16 moves sideways over the weight sensor 37 and is stored in a predetermined position in the storage space 45, the measuring portion of the weight sensor 37 comes into contact with the tank 16 directly below its center of gravity, so that the weight sensor 37 can accurately measure the weight of the tank 16. Note that the number of weight sensors 37 is not limited to one, and multiple weight sensors 37 may be installed, and the total weight may be calculated by adding up the measured values.

[0195] Reference numeral 16M denotes a permanent magnet attached to the bottom of the tank 16. Reference numeral 46 denotes a reed switch (magnetically sensitive switch) that faces the permanent magnet 16M in close proximity when the tank 16 is inserted to the correct installation position. This reed switch 46 is inserted into the tank detection circuit 35S of the metering circuit 35, so when the tank 16 is installed in the correct position, the metering circuit 35 detects that the tank 16 has been installed. Reference numerals 93A and 93B denote signal lines connecting the reed switch 46 to the metering circuit 35.

[0196] In other words, the permanent magnet 16M and reed switch 46 are sometimes called the tank position detection means 72 because when the tank 16 is installed in the correct position, they send a signal to the weighing circuit 35 to detect that the tank 16 is installed correctly.

[0197] If the installation detection signal of the tank 16 does not reach the control unit 2 from the metering circuit 35 (metering unit 12), an alarm saying "tank installation forgotten" is issued at step S3 described in Fig. 8. Furthermore, if the installation detection signal of the tank 16 does not reach the control unit 2, the control unit 2 cannot issue an operation start command at step S6 described in Fig. 8.

[0198] Although not adopted in this embodiment 1, a float may be placed in the liquid detergent 42, and the vertical position of the float may be detected mechanically or optically to detect the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42. In this embodiment 1, the mechanical configuration is less than that of a configuration using such a float, and a light emitting element 39, a light receiving element 40, and a weight sensor 37 are adopted as a method for detecting the amount of liquid detergent 42 without contact.

[0199] Reference numeral 48 denotes an (electric) control valve (or a small pump) that dispenses liquid detergent 42 from tank 16 into washing tank 15. Liquid detergent 42 is dispensed at a predetermined timing in accordance with commands from control unit 2 shown in Fig. 1. If control valve 48 itself does not have a flow control function, a flow meter may be inserted midway in the detergent dispensing path (pipe) and control valve 48 may be opened and closed in accordance with data from the flow meter.

[0200] Reference numeral 43 denotes a detergent supply unit 43 for supplying liquid detergent (first consumable product) 42, and as shown in FIG. 6, includes the control valve 48 and a drive circuit 74 shown in FIG.

[0201] Next, FIG. 7 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the main components of the dishwasher 1E. 7, reference numeral 71 denotes a water volume detection unit. This water volume detection unit 71 is made up of, for example, a water level sensor, and detects whether a preset amount of cleaning water has been supplied to the bottom of the cleaning tank 15.

[0202] 17S is a water quality sensor that detects the quality of the cleaning water stored at the bottom of the cleaning tank 15. This water quality sensor may be, for example, a type already known as a "turbidity sensor" that can optically measure the turbidity of water. Sensors that analyze other physical properties, such as pH value or electrical conductivity, may also be used in combination or alone. The detection unit of water quality sensor 17S may be installed facing a pipe of a certain size, and measurements may be taken while cleaning water flows through the pipe.

[0203] Reference numeral 17 denotes a water quality determination unit constituting part of the control device MC described later, which acquires water quality detection data from a water quality sensor 17S at a predetermined timing, such as the initial stage of the cleaning process. Alternatively, when a user US requests water quality status data via the operation unit 54 or a communication terminal 200 described later, the water quality determination unit acquires the water quality detection data from the water quality sensor 17S, determines whether the water quality is good or bad, and notifies the notification unit 3 (display unit 3D). Alternatively, the determination result is transmitted to the communication terminal 200 via the communication unit 8. The "water quality" may be evaluated on a scale of several levels and presented according to a water quality determination standard data table prepared in advance.

[0204] The measurement data or judgment data of the water quality judgment unit 17 is input to the control unit 2 and is used to judge whether to add additional liquid detergent 42 or add more rinses during the washing process or rinsing process.

[0205] Reference numeral 51 denotes the electric heater, which is not shown but is composed of a first heater 51A and a second heater 51B. The first heater 51A is provided in the cleaning tank 15 and heats the cleaning water stored therein. The second heater 51B is provided in an air passage that connects the blower fan 53 and the cleaning tank 15, and heats the outside air that is supplied to the cleaning tank 15. The above-mentioned various components are electrically connected to the control unit 2.

[0206] The blower fan 53 supplies outside air into the washing tub 15, and exhausts the hot and humid air in the washing tub 15 to the outside of the housing 14 of the dishwasher 1E through an exhaust port (not shown) provided in the door 44.

[0207] Temperature detection unit 76 detects the temperature of the wash water. Drain pump 52 is provided in wash tub 15 and drains the wash water in wash tub 15 to the outside of dishwasher 1E.

[0208] The water supply valve 80 is provided between the rear of the cleaning tank 15 and the rear wall of the housing 14, and controls the supply of tap water to the cleaning tank 15. The cleaning pump 49 is provided in the cleaning tank 15, and pumps the cleaning water stored at the bottom of the cleaning tank 15 to the cleaning nozzle (shower nozzle) 50 (see Figure 6).

[0209] 81 is a drive circuit for the water supply valve 80 , 82 is a drive circuit for the electric heater 51 , 83 is a drive circuit for the wash pump 49 , 84 is a drive circuit for the drain pump 52 , and 85 is a drive circuit for the blower fan 53 .

[0210] As shown in FIG. 7, the detergent supply unit 43 described in FIG. 6 includes the control valve 48 and a drive circuit 74. The notification unit 3 has a display unit 3D such as a liquid crystal screen, a voice drive circuit (voice synthesizer) 78 for making voice notifications, and a display unit drive circuit 79 for controlling the display operation of the display unit 3D.

[0211] 7, the measuring unit 12 described in Fig. 1 includes the measuring circuit 35, the weight sensor 37, the control valve 48, and the drive circuit 74. In Fig. 7, the control valve 48 and the drive circuit 74 are included in the detergent supply unit 43. The weighing unit 12 further includes the light emitting circuit 36 ​​and the light receiving circuit 38 as optical detection units. 35T is an open detection circuit that detects the opening of the lid 16A that is provided on the ceiling surface of the tank 16 so as to be able to be opened and closed freely. 35R is a detection circuit that detects the state of a locking mechanism (not shown) that keeps the lid 57 in the closed position. For example, when the locking mechanism is released, it issues a signal (release signal) indicating that the lid 57 is in the open state. The release signal is input to the control unit 2. 72 is the tank position detection means.

[0212] The dishwasher 1E of this first embodiment has a door drive device 86 for driving the door 44 and the washing tub 15 forward and closing the door 44 by the power of the drive motor 70. The door drive device 86 is proposed, for example, in Japanese Patent No. 4874142 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-24678.

[0213] In this first embodiment, the door 44 includes a drive motor 70, a pinion gear (not shown), a slide shaft (not shown), and a closing detection switch 87. By rotating one drive motor 70 in the forward direction and the reverse direction, the door 44 can be opened and closed.

[0214] Furthermore, the door drive device 86 is provided with a drive circuit 89 that drives the motor 70, and an overcurrent detection device 90 that detects an overcurrent flowing through the motor 70. The overcurrent detection device 90 measures the current of the drive circuit 89, and if the measured current exceeds a preset current value, it detects it as an overcurrent and protects the drive motor 70.

[0215] The close detection switch 87 is made up of, for example, a limit switch, and when it detects that the door 44 is closed based on the position of the slide shaft (not shown), it inputs a detection signal to the control unit 2 and stops driving the drive motor 70. In other words, when the door 44 is pulled back to the innermost part of the housing 14, the drive of the door 44 is stopped. Note that, because the door 44 is not configured to be pushed forward to its maximum extent when it is opened, an "open detection switch" is not provided when the door is open, but one may be provided.

[0216] When the door 44 is opened by the door drive device 86, the door 44 does not easily move in the opening or closing direction due to the resistance provided by a combination of a pinion gear (not shown), a slide shaft (not shown), etc., but a latch mechanism may be provided to prevent the door 44 from moving once it has reached a predetermined open position. Also, a latch mechanism may be provided to mechanically hold the door 44 in the closed position, and the locked state of the latch mechanism may be automatically released when the motor 70 starts to drive.

[0217] 7, MC is a control device including the control unit 2, the device information storage unit 6, the memory unit 10, and the consumption information acquisition unit 11. This control device is configured, for example, by mounting various circuit components including a microcomputer on a single circuit board.

[0218] Next, FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart 1 showing the basic operation of the control unit 2, illustrating the operation of a dishwasher 1E as an electrical appliance to which a consumable product remaining amount management system is applied in the first embodiment.

[0219] 8, steps S1 to S7 are operation steps defined in a series of control operation programs from washing to drying stored in the control unit 2. Note that the steps after the start of the washing operation are not shown in the figure. First, when the operation button of the main power switch (not shown) in the input unit 54 is pressed (step S1), the control unit 2 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the next step S2. For example, the control unit 2 checks the signals from various sensors (such as the temperature detection unit 76 and the water volume detection unit 75) to determine whether or not there is an abnormality, such as whether there is an electrical abnormality in the washing pump 49 that constitutes the function performance unit 9 (washing unit 9W) or whether there is water leakage from the washing tank 15 containing the dishes.

[0220] If no abnormality is found, the display unit 3D is activated in step S2 to display the message "Since there is no abnormality, washing of dishes can be started." At this step S2, if the dishwasher 1E is set to send startup information to the communication terminal 200 or the first server 20, the startup information (initial operating status data OS1) is sent wirelessly from the communication unit 8 at this stage.

[0221] In the next step S3, the display unit 3D and the notification unit 3 provide notifications and audio guidance to prompt the user to make necessary inputs, such as selecting a "washing course," using the input unit 54. As will be described later, this dishwasher 1E uses liquid detergent 42 (consumable product), so if the remaining amount of liquid detergent is less than the specified amount, the display unit 3D will display a message recommending that the liquid detergent be replenished, and the notification unit 3 will also provide an audio notification.

[0222] The washing course indicates the basic form or type of washing operation, and is also called a "washing mode." In this first embodiment, the washing courses are, for example, a "normal course," a "thorough course," a "reserved course," and the like.

[0223] The "normal course" is convenient to select when washing dishes immediately after a meal, and is advantageous in terms of saving water, time, and energy. The "thorough course" is convenient to select when thoroughly washing heavily soiled or oily dishes, and the washing process takes longer than the normal course. Therefore, it is recommended to select this "thorough course" when washing dishes that have been left for a long time after eating.

[0224] The "reserved course" is a course in which operation starts a certain time (for example, four hours) after the setting, or conversely, an operation end time is set and the start of operation is left to the cleaning device 1E side. In this embodiment 1, the control program is set so that operation automatically starts four hours after the reservation setting. Note that the user US may be allowed to select one of several stages, such as two hours, four hours, etc. In addition to this, there is also a "drying course" that only dries hand-washed dishes, and courses that combine the courses mentioned above.

[0225] Furthermore, in this dishwasher 1, the user US can also set the "reserved course" to start the washing operation by command from the communication terminal 200 (this will be called "reserved course #2"). The reserved course #2 can also be set from the communication terminal 200 using the second command data CD2.

[0226] To ensure that the user does not forget to start operating reserved course #2, a push notification is sent to communication terminal 200 at regular intervals from the time reserved course #2 is set. For example, the notification is sent via first server 20 at a notification timing previously selected by user US, such as 3 hours, 3 hours and 30 minutes, or 4 hours.

[0227] When the user sees a notification on the terminal display unit 216 requesting a command to start operation of reserved course #2, the user performs a predetermined operation on the terminal display unit 216, which generates command data CD, allowing the user to command the start of the washing process via the first server 20. Therefore, even if the user is away from home, the user can command the washing of dishes from a remote location.

[0228] In the next step S4, a standby initial screen (not shown) indicating a standby state is displayed on the display unit 3D, and usage precautions for the user US are displayed on the standby initial screen. Furthermore, if the input unit 54 is a touch-type input unit using the display screen (display panel) of the display unit 3D, a touch key unit (icon) for selecting one of a plurality of cleaning courses is displayed on the initial standby screen. When the receiving operation of the command data CD begins, the initial standby screen automatically switches to a receiving operation screen indicating that the command data CD is being received.

[0229] In the next step S5, it is determined whether or not a required washing course (operating mode) has been selected using the input unit 54. If it has been input, the answer in step S5 becomes "Yes" and the process proceeds to step S6. If a washing course (operating mode) is not selected through the input unit 54, the determination in step S5 is repeated for a certain period of time (for example, 10 minutes) until an input is made. If the remaining amount of liquid detergent is less than the specified amount, the process does not proceed to step S6 until it is detected that the liquid detergent 42 has been refilled into the tank 16 to a specified amount or more, as described in Figure 12.

[0230] In step S6, it is determined whether the operation start key (button) on the input unit 4 has been pressed, and if it has been pressed, the determination is "Yes" and the process proceeds to step 7. In step S7, the washing pump 49 is operated to store a certain amount of washing water in the washing tank 15, and also the supply of electricity to the electric heater 51 (first heater 51A) that heats the washing water is started.

[0231] After this, the liquid detergent 42 is also added to the wash water in an amount determined by the control unit 2. Note that, in the reserved course, operation starts four hours after the course is set, so liquid detergent 42 is automatically added when operation actually starts.

[0232] The warmed washing water (mixed with the liquid detergent 42) is sprayed from the washing nozzle 50 toward the dishes 66 placed on the dish basket (shelf 65). The washing nozzle 50 rotates by itself in reaction to the spray of washing water, spraying the water evenly onto the multiple dishes. In this way, the washing process is carried out.

[0233] Next, FIG. 9 will be described. FIG. 9 is a time chart 1 showing the basic operation of the dishwasher 1E in the first embodiment.

[0234] In FIG. 9, S1 to S7 correspond to the operation steps of the control unit 2 explained in FIG. 8, so the explanation will be centered on the parts that differ from FIG. First, the control unit 2 detects that the main power switch (not shown) has been turned on (step S1), and transmits data indicating that the device has been started (initial operating state data OS1) to the outside from the communication unit 8. Note that the transmission of this operating state data OS1 may be omitted.

[0235] Next, the display unit 3D is activated to display the initial standby screen, and then a display prompting the user US to select a wash course (operation mode) is displayed, and similar voice guidance is given by the notification unit 3 (S4).

[0236] When such a display and voice notification are made, the user US can press a specific input key (operation button) on the input unit 54 to obtain a specific operation program stored in the external first server 20 as the command data CD. Note that the actual command data CD is obtained from the communication terminal 200. Therefore, when an initial communication state is established between the communication terminal 200 and the dishwasher 1E, data including the "device identification information" (the above-mentioned initial operation state data OS1) is provided to the communication terminal 200 from the communication unit 8.

[0237] Thereafter, communication unit 8 of dishwasher 1E compares the contents of the data, including the device identification information, transmitted immediately before with the contents of command data CD received from communication terminal 200. This data collection and comparison is performed multiple times within a certain time limit on the dishwasher 1E side (as will be explained in FIG. 10). If data comparison is not completed within the certain time limit, the communication is treated as having failed.

[0238] Then, if it is determined that there is no discrepancy between the content of the data sent from the communication unit 8 and the content of the received command data CD (in terms of device identification information, etc.), the command data CD is determined to be regular data, and the command data CD is stored in a specified storage area of ​​the storage unit 10.

[0239] 9, the period during which the command data CD can be acquired from outside (acquirable period TB1) is up until just before a command to start the cleaning operation is issued by the input unit 4. The period from step S4 to step S6 is called an initial standby period TA.

[0240] In other words, since the acquisition of the command data CD by the electric appliance 1 takes priority over the transmission of the status information A, it is possible to avoid causing a failure in the remote control (external control mode) of the dishwasher 1E. As mentioned above, in this dishwasher 1E, by operating the "washing course selection" button (or input key) provided on the input unit 4, it is possible to switch between the normal control mode and the external control mode, which operates based on external information selected by operating the communication terminal 200.

[0241] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1E actually acquires the command data CD when a specific input operation is performed on the dishwasher 1E side, which will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0242] In FIG. 9, step SX1 is a process for measuring the initial value of the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42, which will be explained in FIG. This step SX1 is set before step S5 in which the operation mode is selected, but it may be set after step S5.

[0243] As in the example shown in Figure 9, if step SX1 is set before step S5, at the stage of step S5, the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is checked before operating the "cleaning course selection" button (or input key) provided on the input unit 54 to select the "normal control mode" or the "external control mode," and if the "external control mode" is selected, the "result of remaining amount check" is notified to the communication terminal 200 at that time, thereby improving convenience for the user US.

[0244] That is, the dishwasher 1E compares the contents of the data (initial operating status data OS1) including the device identification information transmitted immediately before with the contents of the command data CD received from the communication terminal 200 using the communication unit 8. In addition, the control unit 2 can also confirm the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 measured by the measuring unit 12. If the remaining amount is such that it would be difficult to start operation, a warning such as "low detergent remaining" can be sent to the communication terminal 200. This makes it possible to prompt the user US to replenish the liquid detergent 42 as soon as possible. It is also possible to avoid a situation where a command to start operation is received when there is not enough detergent remaining.

[0245] Furthermore, in the dishwasher 1E of this embodiment 1, as will be described with reference to FIG. 12, the control unit 2 activates the notification unit after the main power is turned on, (1) When the measuring operation by the measuring unit 12 detects that the amount of the liquid detergent 42 (the amount of the first consumable product) present in the container 16 is equal to or greater than the allowable value, the acquisition of command data CD is permitted (i.e., the external control mode can be selected), (2) If the amount (weight measurement value) of the liquid detergent 42 is less than the allowable value, acquisition of the command data CD is not permitted, and input from the input unit is limited to manual control mode. It is a composition.

[0246] In FIG. 9, S6 indicates the stage at which the input unit 4 starts the cleaning operation. The period TB1 during which the command data CD can be acquired is limited from step S4 to step S6, and this period TB1 is set to, for example, 30 minutes based on step S4. This time is measured by the timer unit 5 and input to the control unit 2. Therefore, when the aforementioned 30 minutes (timeout period) has elapsed, the control unit 2 forcibly turns off the main power switch of the power supply unit 7, and all preparations for starting operation are terminated. After step S6, command data CD cannot be acquired from outside until step S10 is completed. Even if command data CD is sent from communication terminal 200, dishwasher 1E will reject the reception of the command data CD.

[0247] After step S6, a specified amount of washing water is supplied from the washing pump 49 of the function performing unit 9 to the washing tank 15. Also, a specified amount of liquid detergent 42 is supplied to the washing tank 15. Then, the washing process is started.

[0248] One of the features of this first embodiment is that liquid detergent 42 is additionally added (once or several times) after step S6.

[0249] That is, after the start of the cleaning process (step S6), the water quality determination unit 17 receives a command from the control unit 2 and checks the quality of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 15. The water quality determination unit 17 receives a detection signal from the water quality sensor 17S and determines the degree of contamination of the wash water. The determination result is sent to the control unit 2, which then controls the control valve 48. Note that additional washing water is not necessarily added during each washing process, but is instead determined based on the quality of the washing water. In Figure 9, this series of controls is called the "water quality detection (determination) process" SLP for the washing tank.

[0250] Step S8 indicates the end of the cleaning process, and step S9 indicates the start of the drying process. Between steps S8 and S9, although this differs depending on the washing course (operating mode), for example, the washing water after the washing process is once drained by drain pump 52, and then a "rinsing process" is carried out in which new washing water is sprayed on the dishes one or more times. After that, with the draining process completed and as much water as possible being drained from washing tub 15, power is started to be supplied to drying electric heater 51 (second heater 51B) and blower fan 53, filling washing tub 15 with high-temperature hot air, and the process proceeds to the drying process.

[0251] After the rinsing step is started (step S8), the water quality determining section 17 receives a command from the control section 2 and checks the quality of the cleaning water in the cleaning tank 15. The water quality determination unit 17 receives a detection signal from the water quality sensor 17S and determines the degree of contamination of the wash water inside the wash tank 15 during the rinsing process. The determination result is sent to the control unit 2, which then issues commands to add or delete (reduce) the number of rinses to the drive circuits 83 and 81 for the wash pump 49, the water supply valve 80, etc. Note that this water quality detection (determination) process SLP is not necessarily performed during every rinsing process, and depending on the settings of the user US, an operating mode that omits this water quality detection (determination) process SLP can also be selected. In order to distinguish between two or more water quality detection (determination) processes SLP, the water quality detection (determination) process for the washing process may be referred to as SLP1, and that for the rinsing process as SLP2, in the following description.

[0252] In the drying process from step S9, fresh air is introduced into the cleaning tank 15 from the outside, and the blower fan 53 is operated continuously to expel moisture from the cleaning tank 15 to the outside. The drying process from step 9 ends automatically when the time set by the control unit 2 has elapsed (step S10), and the notification unit 9 notifies the user that the operation has ended. The display unit 3D also displays a similar message that the operation has ended (step S11). After this, the power supply to the power supply unit 7 is automatically cut off, and the series of washing and drying operations ends (step S12).

[0253] During steps S7 to S10 in FIG. 9, the control unit 2 performs a process AP1 for estimating the remaining amount (amount used) of the liquid detergent 42, which will be described in FIG. 16, and a process AP2 for estimating the number of remaining operations based on the remaining amount estimation result. Furthermore, the information obtained by these processes is transmitted as one type of the status information A to the first server 20 from the communication unit 8 via the network NW.

[0254] Next, FIG. 10 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart 2 showing the basic operation of the dishwasher (dishwasher-dryer) 1E, and shows the relationship between the washing process and the operation of acquiring command data CD.

[0255] In FIG. 10, SP1 to SP14 indicate operation steps of the control unit 2 from when the main power is turned on until when a command to start the cleaning process is received. When the main power switch of the operation unit 54 is turned on (step SP1), the control unit 2 determines whether or not there is an abnormality (step SP2), similar to step S2 in Figures 8 and 9. If the dishwasher 1E is set to transmit startup information, the communication unit 8 wirelessly transmits the startup information (initial operating state data OS1) at this stage.

[0256] 8 and 9, in the next step SP3, the display unit 3D and the notification unit 3 provide notifications and voice guidance to prompt the user to make necessary inputs, such as selecting a "cleaning course," at the input unit 54. From this point on, the "initial standby state (initial standby period TA)" ​​(standby state) begins.

[0257] Next, the control unit 2 causes the measuring unit 12 to measure the inventory amount of liquid detergent 12 (step SP4). Based on the measurement result, it is determined whether or not to permit reception of command data CD (in this case, first recipe data CD1) from the outside, but this determination step is not shown in Fig. 10. This determination step will be described in Fig. 12.

[0258] The control unit 2 receives the measurement result of the inventory amount of liquid detergent 12 and determines that the cleaning operation is ready to be performed based on the external command data CD (in this case, the first recipe data CD1) (step SP5), and then the notification unit 3 notifies that the cleaning operation can be started based on the external command data CD (step SP6).

[0259] The step SP6 is an operation for requesting the user US to confirm in advance whether or not to transmit a signal requesting provision of first command data CD1 to the communication terminal 200 or the first server 20 that has been registered in advance. A "confirmation screen" is displayed on the display unit 3D and also notified by voice. This "confirmation screen" is a type of initial screen during standby.

[0260] In step SP6, the operating modes that the user US can select are limited depending on the result of step SP4. For example, if the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is low, the external control mode is not permitted, and if the amount of the consumable product is below the allowable value, acquisition of the command data is not permitted, and input from the input unit is limited to the "manual control mode" described below. This point will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13.

[0261] If the user US has set in advance using a function setting key (not shown) of the input section 54 that the external connection will be automatically executed at this step SP6, the external connection will be automatically executed at a specified timing.

[0262] That is, pairing between communication terminal 200 and dishwasher 1E can be automatically performed, and wireless communication between communication terminal 200 and dishwasher 1E can be established.

[0263] If the setting to automatically permit reception of the first command data CD1 has not been made, when the user US presses a specific input key or operation button in the input unit 4 (operation unit 54), this operation will cause a command to permit reception to be sent to the control unit 2. Therefore, in step SP7 shown in Fig. 10, it is determined that "the reception permission key has been turned ON," and the process proceeds to step SP8.

[0264] In step SP8, the display unit 3D and the notification unit 3 again notify by display and sound that the operation to obtain the first command data CD1 has started. Then, a reception permission signal RS is transmitted to the first server 20. The reception permission signal is transmitted, for example, by pressing a specific input key on the operation unit 54. For example, an input key displaying "External Control" may be displayed at all times, or may be displayed at the timing of step SP8, and the reception permission signal RS may be transmitted when the key is selected.

[0265] At the point when the reception permission signal RS is issued, the "waiting state" (standby state) from step SP3 is ended. That is, when the user US issues a command to start the cleaning process using the input key, the initial waiting period TA that has continued since step SP3 ends.

[0266] The process of acquiring command data CD from the outside involves repeated transmission and reception between dishwasher 1E and the external communication device (communication terminal 200 or first server 20). For example, when dishwasher 1E first transmits signal 1, communication terminal 200 receives signal 1 and transmits setting signal 1 containing setting information. In response to this, dishwasher 1E checks the internal restriction status (for example, whether another setting signal has put it in standby or operation prohibited state), and if there are no problems, transmits signal 2 to proceed to the next step. These setting signals 1 and 2 are the status command (status confirmation) signal and the status command response (status confirmation response) signal described above.

[0267] During such a reception operation, the display unit 3D displays a dedicated reception operation screen, which differs from the initial standby screen up to that point, indicating that a reception operation is in progress and the progress of the reception operation.

[0268] Then, finally, reception of the necessary setting information (including the first command data CD1) from the external communication device (communication terminal 200) is completed. In other words, on the dishwasher 1E side, after receiving the setting information once, it immediately returns a confirmation signal (the above-mentioned signal 1, signal 2, etc.), and performs alternating communication several times, and finally, reception of the necessary setting information is completed (step SP9).

[0269] If the target command data CD is successfully received (step SP9), the result is "Yes." However, if the reception is not successful within a certain time (including cases where the cause is a communication failure), an error process is performed and the notification unit 3 notifies the user.

[0270] The contents of the acquired command data CD are checked for formality, such as whether they are in a predetermined format as a command signal, and for any missing data (missing parameter setting values, etc.) (step SP10).

[0271] If there is no problem with the contents of the command data CD, the command data CD is finally stored in an external command data area prepared in the memory unit 10, and prepared for an operation start command (step SP11). If there is a problem with the contents, an error process is performed, and the notification unit 3 notifies the user.

[0272] Next, the control unit 2 determines whether all the condition settings, etc., via the input unit 4 have been completed (step SP12). If they have been completed, the control unit 2 drives the detergent supply unit 43 to dispense a specified amount of liquid detergent 42 (step SP13). Then, the control unit 2 waits for an operation start command from the input unit 4 (operation unit 54) (step SP14). This step corresponds to step S6 described in FIG. 9.

[0273] Next, FIG. 11 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart 3 showing the basic operation of the dishwasher (dishwasher-dryer) 1E, and shows the relationship of the water quality determination process SLP during the washing process.

[0274] When the user US presses the start switch (key) at step S14 in FIG. 10, the cleaning process starts, and the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG. First, the notification unit 3 notifies the user that the cleaning process is to start. Next, the function performing unit 9 (cleaning unit 9W) starts to operate. Also, the operating state data OS2 is transmitted from the communication unit 8 to the external first server or communication terminal 200. Furthermore, measurement of the elapsed time starts (step SP16).

[0275] In the next step SP17, it is determined whether a predetermined time T1 has elapsed. This time T1 is the time for checking the cleaning effect midway through the actual cleaning process. For example, the time T1 is programmed to be 10 minutes so that a check can be made 10 minutes after the start.

[0276] If step SP17 returns a "Yes" result, the first water quality determination process SLP1 is performed. The water quality determination unit 17 determines the detection data from the water quality sensor 17S (step SP18). Here, the quality of the wash water (mixed with liquid detergent 42) in the wash tub 15 is checked. The water quality sensor 17S acquires the turbidity and transparency of the wash water and other physical data, and based on this, the water quality determination unit 17 determines whether the dirt on the tableware 55 has been sufficiently removed. The water quality determination unit 17 stores and holds threshold values ​​for determination in advance.

[0277] If the judgment result is OK (step SP19), the judgment result data is stored in the memory unit (not shown) of the water quality judgment unit 17 (step SP20), but when the status information A is transmitted externally, it is absorbed into the status information and transmitted all at once.

[0278] In the next step SP21, it is determined whether a predetermined time T2 has elapsed. This time T2 is the time determined for the cleaning process. If this time T2 has elapsed, the process proceeds to step SP22, where the cleaning process ends, and the process proceeds to the "rinsing process."

[0279] If the determination result in step SP19 is "No," the process proceeds to step SP23. In step SP23, it is determined whether or not additional liquid detergent 42 needs to be added, and if it is determined that additional liquid detergent is needed, the amount of liquid detergent to be added is determined. For example, if it is determined that the cleaning effect would be improved by slightly extending the cleaning time, additional liquid detergent is not added, and the process extends the cleaning process time.

[0280] If it is determined that additional liquid detergent 42 is required, a supply command is issued to detergent supply unit 43 at this stage to add additional liquid detergent 42, and the washing process continues. After a certain period of time has elapsed, a second water quality determination process SLP2 is performed in step SP24.

[0281] Again, the water quality determination unit 17 determines the detection data from the water quality sensor 17S (step SP24). Here, the quality of the washing water (mixed with the liquid detergent 42) in the washing tank 15 is checked.

[0282] If it is determined in step SP25 that the addition of liquid detergent 42 is effective and no further addition is necessary, data on the determination result is stored in a memory unit (not shown) of the water quality determination unit 17 (step SP20). Due to time constraints in the washing process, the liquid detergent 42 can be added only twice in principle, but in the case of the above-mentioned "thorough washing" course for heavily soiled dishes 55, the program allows for further addition of the liquid detergent 42 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0283] Next, FIG. 12 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the basics of the liquid detergent 42 metering operation in the dishwasher 1E of the first embodiment. In FIG. 12, SA1 to SA14 indicate operation steps of the control unit 2, the weighing unit 12, the notification unit 3, and the like. The following description will be given on the assumption that the maximum allowable volume of the tank 16 is 310 cc. The weighing capacity of the weight sensor 37 is in the range of 60 g to 400 g, and the minimum unit is 1 g.

[0284] First, the control unit 2 detects that the main power switch (not shown) has been turned on (step S1), and issues a command to the weighing circuit 35 when activated. If the reed switch 46 is ON, the weighing circuit 35 determines that the tank 16 is in the predetermined storage position and issues a weighing (measurement) command to the weight sensor 37 to measure the weight. Then, data indicating the weight value of the measurement result (e.g., 350 g) is temporarily stored in the memory unit 12M (not shown) built into the weighing unit 12 (step SA1).

[0285] Below, three cases will be explained where the weight measured in step SA1 is 350 g, 250 g, and 90 g.

[0286] (A) If it is 350g In step SA1, the weighing unit 12 subtracts the weight of the tank 16 itself (e.g., 60 g), which is known in advance, from the measured value (weight value, e.g., 350 g), and calculates that the weight of the liquid detergent 42 is 290 g. Since the specific gravity of the liquid detergent 42 is approximately 1.0, it can be seen that approximately 290 cc of liquid detergent 42 is contained. In other words, the tank is full at this point.

[0287] The "threshold 1" used in the determination of step SA2 (condition 1 not being met) is "200 g or more." Therefore, if the weight is 290 g as described above, the determination of step SA2 will be a negative answer of "NO," and since there is sufficient liquid detergent 42, no further weight measurement will be performed.

[0288] (a) If it is 250g If the weight measured in step SA1 is 250 g, the weight of the liquid detergent 42 is calculated to be 190 g by subtracting the weight (60 g) of the tank 16 itself. Therefore, the determination in step SA2 is "Yes," and the process proceeds to step SA3.

[0289] Next, step SA3 will be described. At step SA2, the measuring circuit 35 has already activated the light emitting circuit 36, causing the light emitting element 39 to emit light in a predetermined wavelength range. As in the example described in step SA1, if the weight measurement result of tank 16 is 250 g, the net weight of liquid detergent 42 will be 190 g, and in this case the liquid level will be above the midpoint between the top and bottom of tank 16 (the 155 g position, half of the full 310 cc amount). Therefore, as indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 6, the light beam for detecting the water level passes through liquid detergent 42, and light receiving unit 40 will not receive the specified amount of light. Light receiving circuit 38 inputs this state to measuring circuit 35, and it is therefore determined that the liquid level of liquid detergent 42 is above light emitting element 39 and light receiving element 40.

[0290] In the next step SA4, it is determined that the liquid detergent 42 is at a level that blocks the progress of the light beam for detecting the water level, so the amount of liquid detergent 42 at this point is 155 cc (half of the full amount of 310 cc) or more. However, since the "threshold 2" for the judgment in this step SA4 is "150 g," the judgment in this step SA4 is "Yes," and the process proceeds to step SA5.

[0291] In the next step SA5, the display unit 3D displays, by means of text, a bar graph, or the like, that there is a sufficient amount of liquid detergent 42 remaining, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the same effect by voice. Then, the system transitions to a state where it waits for new input from the user.

[0292] (c) If it is 90g If the weight measured in step SA1 is 90 g, the net weight of the liquid detergent 42 is calculated to be 30 g, which does not satisfy the "threshold 2" (150 g) or more of the determination in step SA4, and the result in step SA4 is "No." Then, the process proceeds to step SA6.

[0293] In step SA6, the display unit 3D displays, by means of text, a bar graph, or the like, that the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is insufficient, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the user by voice to the same effect. The user is then prompted to refill the liquid detergent 42.

[0294] If the user US subsequently removes the tank 16 from the storage space 45, refills it with liquid detergent 42, and then sets it back in the storage space 45, the measurement circuit 35 will detect this removal and attachment of the tank 16. As described above, this is because the reed switch 46 is temporarily turned off when the tank 16 is removed. When the tank 16 is set back in the correct position, the process returns to step SA1 and the weight is measured (the previous measurement value is reset).

[0295] Furthermore, before removing the tank 16, the lid 57 is opened, and since there is a detection circuit 35R that detects the state of a locking mechanism (not shown) that keeps the lid 57 in the closed position, when the locking mechanism is released to open the lid 57, a signal (release signal) indicating that the lid 57 is in the open state is input to the control unit 2.

[0296] On the other hand, if the tank 16 is not removed from the storage space 45, the process proceeds to step SA8. In step SA8, the display unit 3D displays in text a message indicating that the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is insufficient and that operation cannot be started in the normal operation mode unless the liquid detergent 42 is replenished, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the same by voice.

[0297] As mentioned above, this dishwasher 1E can start operation in either the normal operation mode OP1 or the emergency operation mode OP2 (emergency mode), but when step SA8 is reached, the user US has no choice but to select the emergency operation mode (emergency mode), so the process proceeds to step SA14.

[0298] Then, after proceeding to step SA14, when a certain grace period (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed, the power supply to the power supply unit 7 is cut off. In other words, if a cleaning start command is not given, the power supply will be automatically cut off after a 10-minute timeout.

[0299] The contents of steps SA6 and SA8 are temporarily stored in the memory unit 12M (not shown) built into the weighing unit 12 each time. 1 acquires the most recent weight measurement data from the various data stored in the memory unit 12M (not shown) of the weighing unit 12. In this case, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 extracts and stores the calculated weight data of the liquid detergent 42, excluding the weight of the tank 16. The consumption information acquisition unit 11 then enters a state of waiting for a dishwashing operation start command.

[0300] On the other hand, if the weight measurement value in step SA1 is 250 g, the process proceeds to step SA5. In this step SA5, the display unit 3D displays, using text or a bar graph, that there is 190 g of liquid detergent 42 remaining, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the user of the same by voice. Furthermore, command data CD is acquired and it is notified in step SA11 that the external control mode can be selected.

[0301] If the user US transmits a reception permission signal RS by operating the input unit 4, the external control mode is selected (step SA12). On the other hand, if the user US operates an input key other than the input key that transmits the reception permission signal RS, the manual control mode is selected (step SA13).

[0302] The area enclosed by the dashed line frame in FIG. 12 is the normal operation mode OP1, and it can be seen that it includes the external control mode and the manual input mode.

[0303] Next, FIG. 13 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the basics of a modified example in which a part of the liquid detergent metering operation shown in FIG. 12 is improved. Steps SA8 to SA10 in FIG. 13 are different from the operation steps shown in FIG. In step SA8 of Fig. 13, it is determined whether the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is sufficient for one dishwashing. For example, if 40 g (minimum) of liquid detergent 42 is required for one dishwashing, and the weight value (including the weight of tank 16) measured in step SA1 is, for example, 120 g, and the weight of tank 16 is 60 g as described in Fig. 12, the weight to be determined in step SA8 is 120 g - 60 g = 60 g.

[0304] As described above, if 60 g of liquid detergent 42 remains, the determination in step SA8 is "Yes," and the process can proceed to step SA9. In other words, in step SA9, one-time dishwashing is permitted, and this is displayed on display unit 3D, and notification unit 3 can also make an audio announcement such as "There is enough detergent for one wash, so you can start operation."

[0305] On the other hand, as in the example (c) described in Figure 12, if the weight value (including the weight of tank 16) measured in step SA1 is 90 g, the weight of tank 16 is 60 g, so the amount of liquid detergent 42 is 30 g. Therefore, if the determination in step SA8 does not satisfy 40 g (threshold value 3), and it is determined that there is not enough liquid detergent 42 remaining for one wash run, the process proceeds to step SA10. In step SA10, the display unit 3D displays in text that there is not enough liquid detergent 42 remaining for one run, and that the run cannot be started unless it is replenished, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the same effect by voice.

[0306] As explained in Figure 12, this dishwasher 1E can start operation in either normal operation mode OP1 or emergency operation mode OP2 (emergency mode), but when step SA10 is reached, the user US has no choice but to select the emergency operation mode (emergency mode), so the process proceeds to step SA14.

[0307] Then, after proceeding to step SA14, when a certain grace period (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed, the power supply to the power supply unit 7 is cut off. In other words, if a cleaning start command is not given, the power supply will be automatically cut off after a 10-minute timeout.

[0308] On the other hand, as in the example (c) described in Figure 12, if the weight value (including the weight of tank 16) measured in step SA1 is 120 g, the weight of tank 16 is 60 g, so the amount of liquid detergent 42 is 60 g. Therefore, proceed to step SA9. In step SA9, the display unit 3D displays in text that the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is sufficient for one operation, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the same effect by voice. Then, the process proceeds to step SA11, which is the same as that described in FIG. 12.

[0309] In this way, the operation program in FIG. 13 is more flexible than the operation program in FIG. 12 in that it can perform a single wash even when there is little liquid detergent 42 remaining. It is also highly convenient because it can perform a single wash even if the user US accidentally forgets to refill the liquid detergent 42 and does not have any stock on hand to replenish it.

[0310] 12 and 13 do not explain the relationship with the amount of liquid detergent 42 added in the water quality detection (determination) process SLP1 of the washing process. However, for example, in steps SA4 and SA8 of Fig. 13, the threshold value is set taking into consideration the amount of liquid detergent 42 that will be required if additional detergent is to be added in the water quality detection (determination) process SLP1 of the washing process. For example, even if the weight of liquid detergent determined in step SA2 is 60 g, if the amount estimated to be required for additional addition is 10 to 15 g, then 40 g of liquid detergent will be added once at the beginning of the washing process, and the maximum amount to be added will be 15 g, for a total of 55 g, which can be accommodated within the 60 g range.

[0311] As is clear from the above description, in the dishwasher 1E shown in this embodiment 1 (FIGS. 12 and 13), the consumption information acquisition unit 11 is configured to generate the status information A regarding the remaining amount of the consumable product. Furthermore, the consumable products are of two types: a first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) supplied from the supply means 43, and a second consumable product (tablet detergent) that the user US can supply directly to the washing unit 9W. The control unit 2 is configured to switch between a normal operation mode OP1 in which the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is used and an emergency operation mode OP2 (emergency mode) in which the second consumable product (tablet detergent) is used. When the emergency operation mode OP2 is selected, the amount of the second consumable product (tablet detergent) that the user US actually manually puts into the washing space WS is left to the user US, and is therefore not reflected at all in the data for liquid detergent 42 in the status information A. However, as described above, the selection of the emergency operation mode OP2 is notified to the first server 20, and therefore the data for liquid detergent 42 is updated as a consumable product with a high degree of urgency, and is reflected in the shopping list PL.

[0312] Next, FIG. 14 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the determination operation of the control unit 2 accompanying the installation operation of the container (tank 16) of the liquid detergent 42 in the dishwasher 1E. The operation steps ST1 to ST11 shown in FIG. 14 are defined by the control program of the control unit 2 shown in FIG.

[0313] Before removing the tank 16, the user US opens the lid 57, and when the lid 57 is opened, a signal (release signal) indicating that the lid 57 is in an open state is input to the control unit 2. When the lid 57 is then closed, the release signal stops.

[0314] Furthermore, when the tank 16 is pulled out, the reed switch 46 is turned off once, and then the reed switch 46 is turned on, so that the control unit 2 detects that the tank 16 has been removed and is now being attached.

[0315] The control unit 2 can detect that the installation operation of the tank 16 has been performed by either or both of the opening and closing of the lid 57 and the change of the reed switch 46 from OFF to ON. In this embodiment 1, step ST1 is started when the opening and closing of the lid 57 is detected.

[0316] After step ST1, the next step ST2 determines whether the reed switch 46 is turned ON. As described above, the permanent magnet 16M and reed switch 46 constitute the tank position detection means 72, which detects that the tank 16 is correctly installed when the tank 16 is installed in the correct position. Therefore, if the tank 16 is installed in the correct position, the determination in step ST2 is "Yes."

[0317] If the tank 16 is not in the correct position, the process proceeds to step ST7, where the display unit 3D displays a message requesting the user US to confirm the position of the tank 16. At the same time, the notification unit 3 also audibly requests the user US to confirm the position of the tank 16.

[0318] At step ST2, the measuring circuit 35 has already activated the light emitting circuit 36, causing the light emitting element 39 to emit light in a predetermined wavelength range. As in the example described up to step SA2 in Figure 12, in the case of a liquid detergent weighing 290 g, the liquid level is close to the ceiling surface of the tank 16. Therefore, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 6, the light beam for detecting the liquid level is emitted toward inside the liquid detergent 42, and the light receiving unit 40 cannot receive the specified amount of light. The light receiving circuit 38 inputs this state to the measuring circuit 35.

[0319] In the next step ST4, if it is determined that the liquid detergent 42 has reached a level that blocks the progress of the light beam for water level detection, the amount of liquid detergent 42 at that point is 155 cc (155 g) or more. However, since the threshold for determination in this step ST4 is "150 g," the determination in this step ST4 is "Yes," and the process proceeds to step ST5.

[0320] In the next step ST5, the display unit 3D displays, by means of characters, a bar graph, etc., that there is a sufficient amount of liquid detergent 42 remaining. Thereafter, the notification unit 3 also notifies the same effect by voice. In step ST6, if a command to start operation is received from the user US, it is notified that the cleaning process can be started and the standby state is maintained. The history up to this point is temporarily stored in the memory unit 12M (not shown) built into the weighing unit 12, but it may also be recorded in the memory unit 10.

[0321] On the other hand, if the weight of the liquid detergent 42 is measured to be 90 g in step ST3 as described above, and the "Yes condition" for the determination in step ST4 is 150 g, the result in step ST4 will be "No." Then, the process proceeds to step ST8.

[0322] In step ST8, the display unit 3D displays, by means of text, a bar graph, or the like, that the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is insufficient, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the user by voice to the same effect. The user is then prompted to refill the liquid detergent 42.

[0323] If the user US subsequently removes the tank 16 from the storage space 45, refills it with liquid detergent 42, and then sets it back in the storage space 45, the measurement circuit 35 detects this removal and attachment of the tank 16. As described above, this is because the reed switch 46 is temporarily turned off when the tank 16 is removed. When the tank 16 is set back in the correct position, the process returns to step ST3 and the weight is measured again (the previous measurement value is reset).

[0324] Furthermore, before removing the tank 16, the lid 57 is opened, and because there is a detection circuit 35R that detects the state of a locking mechanism (not shown) that keeps the lid 57 in the closed position, the control unit 2 detects that the lid 57 has changed from an open state to a closed state. Therefore, when the tank 16 is pulled out, the reed switch 46 turns OFF temporarily, and the control unit 2 detects that the tank 16 has been attached or detached.

[0325] On the other hand, if the tank 16 is not removed from the storage space 45, the process proceeds to step ST11. In step ST11, the display unit 3D displays in text that the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is insufficient and that operation cannot be started unless it is replenished, and the notification unit 3 also notifies the same effect by voice. Thereafter, as described with reference to Figures 12 and 13, if a certain grace period (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed without selecting the emergency operation mode OP2 and issuing a command to start the washing operation, the power supply unit 7 will automatically shut off.

[0326] The details indicating the process leading up to step ST8 are also temporarily stored in the storage unit 12M (not shown) built into the weighing unit 12, but may also be recorded in the storage unit 10.

[0327] Next, FIG. 15 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 2 when the door is opened in the dishwasher 1E of the first embodiment. The operation steps SM1 to SM6 shown in FIG. 15 are defined by the control program of the control unit 2 shown in FIG.

[0328] When the door 44 is open, the user US can close the door 44 at any time. When the user places his / her finger on the handle (handle) 55 of the operation unit 54, an operation switch (not shown) located inside the handle 55 detects the operation and sends a signal to the control unit 2. The control unit 2 can issue a command to the drive circuit 89 to drive the drive motor 70 and move the door 44 in the closing direction.

[0329] Step SM1 shown in FIG. 15 is a step for determining whether or not a door operation signal has been received from the operation switch (not shown) on the handle 55, as described above. In the next step SM2, as explained in step ST1 of Figure 14, if the tank position detection means 72, which is composed of a permanent magnet 16M and a reed switch 46, detects that the tank 16 is correctly installed, the result is "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step SM3.

[0330] In the next step SM3, the notification unit 3 issues a voice message such as "The door will close." After this, the process proceeds to step SM4, where the process waits for a command to move (close) the door 44. If a movement command is received, step SM4 becomes "Yes," and the process proceeds to step SM5, where the control unit 2 issues a command to the drive circuit 89 (step SM5). This causes the drive motor 70 to rotate in a predetermined direction, and begins the operation of pulling the door 44 back into the housing 14.

[0331] On the other hand, if the determination in step SM2 is "No," the process proceeds to step SM6, where the notification unit 3 and the display unit 3D prompt the user US to confirm that the tank 16 is properly installed. For example, the user is prompted to check that the lid 57 of the door 44 is completely closed.

[0332] As is clear from the above explanation, unless the tank 16 refilled with liquid detergent 42 is placed in the correct position in the storage space 45 and the lid 57 is completely closed, the control unit 2 will not issue a command to move the door 44 even if the user operates the handle 55. Therefore, the door 44 will not move inadvertently with part of the tank 16 protruding outward from the right end face of the door 44, so that the tank 16 will not collide with the edge of the installation opening 121A of the kitchen furniture 121 and be damaged.

[0333] Although not described in detail, if the tank 16 is removed from the storage space 45 while the door 44 is open, for example, the top display section 56U of the door 44 (see Figure 4) may display the fact that the tank 16 is not installed, or a light-emitting element such as an LED (for notifying that the door is open) may be emitted from the top section toward the installation opening 121A of the kitchen furniture 121 to attract attention.

[0334] Furthermore, when the tank position detection means 72 determines that the tank 16 has been correctly stored in the door 44, it is even better to configure it so that the light-emitting element (shown) (for notifying that the door is open) stops emitting light at that stage.

[0335] 6, the storage space 45 that stores the tank 16 also stores the weight sensor 37 and other electrical components, so it is undesirable for moisture and water vapor generated inside the cleaning tank 15 to flow in. However, in this embodiment 1, unless it has been confirmed that the lid 57 is closed, the door 44 will not close from the open state and the cleaning process will not start, so safety is also high in this respect.

[0336] Next, FIG. 16 will be described. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the process from the start of the washing step to the end of operation of the dishwasher 1E shown in Fig. 5. Note that in Fig. 16, description of the water quality detection (determination) process SLP1 in the washing step described above will be omitted.

[0337] As shown in Figure 16, when the user US places the cleaning tank 15 in the housing 14 and then issues a command to start operation via the input unit 54 (step SB1), the cleaning pump 49 connected to the water pipe starts operating while the drain pump 52 is stopped, and the water supply process begins (step SB2).

[0338] When a specified amount of wash water (tap water) accumulates in the washing tub 15, a water volume detection unit 71 equipped with a water level sensor (not shown) sends a signal to the control unit 2 to stop the washing pump 49. Then, a control valve (or supply pump) 48 in a supply path connecting the tank 16 to the inside of the washing tub 15 opens in response to a command from the control unit 2, and the liquid detergent 42 required for one dish wash is injected into the washing tub 15 (step SB3). Note that the amount of liquid detergent 42 varies depending on the number of dishes to be washed and the selected washing course (for example, "thorough wash"), and is not always a constant amount.

[0339] After the liquid detergent 42 has been poured into the washing tub 15, the water stored in the washing tub 15 is heated by the electric heater 51 (first heater 51A) until it becomes hot water, which is then used for washing dishes. That is, the control unit 2 automatically starts the washing operation. Thereafter, the control unit 2 determines whether the specified washing time determined by the control unit 2 has elapsed (step SB4), and when the washing time has elapsed, the washing process ends (step SB4). The washing time is determined using the time data from the timer unit 5 described in FIG. 1.

[0340] Next, the drain pump 52 is started (step SB5), and the draining process begins. When draining is completed, the drain pump 52 is stopped, and the washing pump 49 is started again, and clean water is stored in the washing tank 15. The water stored in the washing tank 15 is heated by the electric heater 51 (51A) and becomes hot water, which is also used for rinsing (step SB6). When the specified rinsing process time has elapsed, the drain pump 52 is started, and the draining process begins (step SB7).

[0341] It is determined whether drainage is complete (step SB8), and if so, power is supplied to second electric heater 51B, which heats the air inside cleaning tank 15 and starts the drying process (step SB9). Note that blower fan 53 is operated to supply warm air heated by electric heater 51B toward cleaning tank 15, causing hot air to circulate throughout the interior of cleaning tank 15. As a result, humid air is continuously released from cleaning tank 15 to the outside, and is gradually replaced by dry air.

[0342] Steps SB9 to SB12 are characteristic operations of this electrical appliance (dishwasher 1E). In step SB9, the control unit 2 performs the process AP1 for estimating the remaining amount (amount used) of the liquid detergent 42 described with reference to FIG. 9, and the process AP2 for estimating the number of remaining operations based on the remaining amount estimation result.

[0343] First, in step SB9, the actual net remaining amount (weight value: for example, 290 g) of liquid detergent 42 measured in step SA1 of FIG. 11, excluding the weight value (for example, 60 g) of tank 16, is read from memory unit 12M (not shown) built into measuring unit 12. Then, a calculation is performed to subtract the amount (weight value: for example, 40 g) of liquid detergent 42 commanded and supplied in step SB3 of FIG. 14 from the remaining amount (weight value: for example, 290 g). As a result, it is found that the remaining amount value (weight) is 250 g. This is the process AP1 for estimating the remaining amount (amount used) of liquid detergent 42 shown in FIG. 9. In step SB9, if the amount of liquid detergent 42 additionally added in the water quality detection (determination) process SLP1 of the washing step is known, this additional amount is also taken into account when the process AP1 for estimating the remaining amount (amount used) of liquid detergent 42 is performed.

[0344] Next, in step SB9, the control unit 2 performs process AP2 to estimate the number of remaining operations based on the remaining amount estimation result (250 g). Specifically, the control unit 2 uses the average amount (average weight value WA) of liquid detergent 42 dispensed per wash in the past in step SB3 during the dishwashing process. For example, if the average value is 45g, then 250÷45=5.5 times, meaning that the washing cycle can be performed 5 times.

[0345] In the dishwasher 1E of this embodiment 1, the amount (weight) of liquid detergent 42 dispensed from the tank 16 for each dish wash is not constant, but if it is constant, the "average value (average weight value WA)" of the amount of liquid detergent 42 dispensed is a constant value.

[0346] On the other hand, if the amount (weight) of liquid detergent 42 dispensed from tank 16 for one dishwashing run is not constant, the "average value (average weight value WA)" of the amount of liquid detergent 42 dispensed can be determined from the weight measurement results (step SA1 in Figure 11) after one washing run is completed and before the next wash is performed.

[0347] That is, the difference between the weight measurement value of the tank 16 performed before the immediately preceding cleaning step (step SA1 in FIG. 11) and the weight value measured during the next cleaning operation (step SA1) indicates the actual amount of liquid detergent 42 used. Therefore, the measurements in step SA1 are sequentially added up, and the total weight value WT for, for example, five cleaning operations is divided by the number of cleaning operations (five).

[0348] In this embodiment 1, in the remaining operation count estimation process AP2, since it is desired to notify the user US of the remaining operation count with a margin of one operation, the above-mentioned "5 times" is corrected to "4 times" by the control unit 2.

[0349] In this way, "status information A" including the information "250 g of liquid detergent remaining" and "four possible runs" is generated by the control unit 2. This "status information A" is then acquired by the consumption information acquisition unit 11 (step SB10). Note that "status information A" may also include data on the dishwashing program selected by the user US before issuing the operation start command (step SB1 in FIG. 8) and the amount of dishes entered at that time (e.g., conversion data such as servings for four or six people).

[0350] In the next step SB11, this "status information A" is stored in chronological order in a predetermined area of ​​memory unit 10 (step SB10). In the next step SB12, the most recent "status information A" stored in memory unit 10 is sent from communication unit 8 via network NW to first server 20. When sent, this status information A is linked to the device identification information of dishwasher 1E, and is stored in appliance consumption database 23R of electrical appliance information storage unit 23 shown in FIG. 1, linked to the device identification information of dishwasher 1E.

[0351] The transmission process of step SB12 is executed at the latest by the end of the drying process (step S10), as explained in Fig. 9. Therefore, the main power switch is not turned off before the transmission, and step SB12 is executed every time dishes are washed. Note that the process of step SB12 may be executed at a timing prior to the end of the washing process (step S8) shown in Fig. 9.

[0352] 9, the drying process automatically ends when the time set by control unit 2 has elapsed, and notification unit 9 notifies the user that the operation has ended (step SB13). Display unit 3D also displays a similar message that the operation has ended (step SB13). Thereafter, the power supply to power supply unit 7 is automatically cut off, and the series of cleaning and drying operations ends (step SB14).

[0353] In step SB11, the status information A stored in a predetermined area of ​​the memory unit 10 includes data reflecting the amount of liquid detergent 42 added during the water quality detection (determination) process SLP1 in the washing step. Furthermore, if the user US has set this beforehand, the fact that liquid detergent 42 has been added during the washing step and the fact that the number of rinses in the rinsing step has been changed are also notified to the user US. In other words, these are included in the status information A sent to the first server 20.

[0354] Next, FIG. 17 will be described. Fig. 17 is a flowchart 1 showing the basic operation of the consumable goods remaining amount management system of the first server 20 in the first embodiment. Note that Fig. 17 omits the explanation of managing the remaining amount of consumable goods for each facility such as a home or an office by facility ID.

[0355] Steps SC1 to SC5 show the order of steps in the consumable product remaining amount management system in first server 20. Steps SC1 to SC5 shown in Fig. 17 show operations that first server 20 periodically and repeatedly executes.

[0356] The operation shown in Fig. 17 is started at a timing set by an input to the schedule determination unit 26 shown in Fig. 1. For example, the user US can set the schedule determination unit 26 so that the operation is executed only twice a day, at 8:01 in the morning and 5:01 in the evening. Note that if the user US does not desire fixed-time operation, the operation shown in Fig. 17 will not be executed.

[0357] First, when the time information of the built-in time circuit (not shown) reaches "17:01", the control unit 21 checks whether it matches the time setting data of the schedule determination unit 26 (step SC1).

[0358] In the next step SC2, state information A relating to a specific user ID is collected from the equipment consumable goods database 23R for each user ID (step SC2). For example, as explained in step SB12 of Fig. 16, "status information A" including information such as "remaining amount of liquid detergent: 250 g" and "number of times operation can be performed: 4" is transmitted from the communication unit 8 via the network NW to the first server 20. Therefore, this "status information A" is extracted from the appliance consumable goods database 23R.

[0359] The next step SC3 is a process of determining whether or not the consumables are at a level that requires immediate replenishment at least before the start of the next operation. The definition information of "urgency" in step SC3 of Figure 17 is the urgency determination criteria data HD1, which is stored in the determination criteria memory unit 25 (see Figure 1) in a list (table format) for each type of consumable product and each device identification information of the electrical device 1.

[0360] For example, in the case of the household dishwasher 1E shown in FIG. 1, the equipment consumable goods database 23R defines the dishwasher 1E using two parameters: "liquid detergent AA" and "number of times required to obtain it." This parameter information is stored. A commercial dishwasher 1E used in restaurants, for example, is significantly different from the household dishwasher 1E. For example, while the household liquid detergent AA can be obtained within three days, commercial detergents are specialized and require at least five days to obtain from a specialized supplier. This circumstance is reflected in the urgency determination criteria data. In other words, the default value (threshold value) of this urgency determination criteria data HD1 is uniformly determined in advance by the first server 20, regardless of the wishes or circumstances of individual users US.

[0361] Meanwhile, the criteria storage unit 25 has, for example, three levels of "urgency" for the liquid detergent 42. In the case of the domestic dishwasher 1E, "less than 150 g remaining" is set as "high urgency." This is a level at which the liquid detergent 42 will be consumed in about three washes for an average dishwashing scale (four servings of dishes, normal wash course). In other words, in a household where about four servings of dishes are washed every day, the tank 16 will run low on liquid detergent 42 unless the tank 16 is refilled with liquid detergent 42 within three days.

[0362] For example, if the remaining amount of liquid detergent for a 1E household dishwasher is 250g, this does not qualify as a "high urgency" level. However, if the remaining amount of liquid detergent is 110g, then of the two parameters, "remaining amount of liquid detergent" and "number of times the machine can be operated," at least it falls into the "less than 150g" category, so it falls into the "high urgency" level.

[0363] In this way, in step SC4, the "liquid detergent 42" is determined to be a consumable product of "high urgency" level, and is stored in the "list of consumable products with designated urgency" in the appliance consumable product database 23R.

[0364] As mentioned above, the criterion value of the urgency determination criterion data HD1 can be changed by input operations by the user US. In other words, the "threshold" for determining the urgency determination criterion data HD1 can be changed by the communication terminal 200. In the case of the above-mentioned domestic dishwasher 1E, "less than 150 g of liquid detergent 42 remaining" is set as "high urgency," but this can be changed to "low urgency" at the user's discretion by the registered user US of the dishwasher 1E. For example, a certain user US may use the domestic dishwasher 1E about once every 10 days and have ready access to liquid detergent 42 on the same day.

[0365] On the other hand, as described above, if the dishwasher 1E starts operation in emergency operation mode OP2, at the step SC4, the liquid detergent 42 whose remaining amount is being managed by the dishwasher 1E is classified as having the highest level of urgency and stored in the equipment consumable goods database 23R.

[0366] Step SC5 is an optional function of the control unit 21. In step SC5, when it is determined that there are consumable items with a "high level of urgency," the first server 20 transmits a list (shopping list PL) showing the consumable items with a high level of urgency to the communication terminal 200 designated in advance. For this reason, when operation is started in the emergency operation mode OP2, a list (shopping list PL) specifying the consumable products with high urgency (e.g., liquid detergent 42) is transmitted at that time to communication terminal 200. This provides the convenience that, even if the user US of dishwasher 1E is at home, if another user US carrying communication terminal 200 is out shopping, information on consumable products (e.g., liquid detergent 42) that the out-of-home user US needs to urgently obtain can be automatically provided.

[0367] As can be seen from the above explanation, every day at a set time, the first server 20 automatically extracts the remaining amount of consumables at that time from the appliance consumables database 23R, creates a list of only consumables with urgency level data (from high to low), and stores it in the "consumables list with urgency designation" in the appliance consumables database 23R. If an optional function is selected, the consumables list is promptly notified to the communication terminal 200 of the user US as soon as consumables with high urgency levels are identified.

[0368] Next, FIG. 18 will be described. Fig. 18 is a flowchart 2 showing the basic operation of the consumable goods remaining amount management system of the first server 20 in the embodiment 1. Note that Fig. 18 also explains how the remaining amount of consumable goods is managed for each facility, such as a home or an office, using a facility ID.

[0369] Steps SC11 to SC15 show the process sequence of the consumable product remaining amount management system in the first server 20. Steps SC11 to SC15 shown in FIG. 18 are not operations that first server 20 repeatedly executes periodically, but operations that first server 20 executes only when a predetermined request is received from communication terminal 200.

[0370] Step SC11 shows the operation when the first server 20 receives a request for providing predetermined data (hereinafter referred to as "terminal request 1") from the communication terminal 200. First, the received user ID is compared with the database of the user identification unit 24 to identify the user US. If a facility ID is also input in addition to the user ID, the corresponding facility is identified from the user identification unit 24. This identifies both the facility and the user US.

[0371] In the next step SC12, it is determined whether remaining amount data (status information A) of consumable goods is being requested for all registered electrical appliances 1 in the facility. When a terminal request 1 is received from the communication terminal 200 regarding an electrical appliance 1 belonging only to a specific user US (determined as "No" in step SC12), the control unit 21 extracts consumable items for which an urgency level has been determined from the data linked to the user ID of the specific user US (step SC14). That is, rather than searching for status information A for a single household, store, office, etc., the presence or absence of urgent consumable items is extracted only within the scope of the electrical appliances 1 linked to the user ID of a single user US (step SC14).

[0372] On the other hand, if the terminal request 1 is to extract urgency level data for a single household, store, office, etc., the presence or absence of consumable goods with the specified urgency level is extracted within the range of various electrical appliances 1 registered in the facility identified by the input ``facility ID'' (step SC13).

[0373] In step SC15, the data of the urgency designation (three levels) extracted in step SC13 or SC14 is stored in the "urgency designation consumable product list" of the appliance consumable product database 23R.

[0374] Then, a list showing the consumable products with the specified urgency level is transmitted to the communication terminal 200 that transmitted the terminal request 1.

[0375] As can be seen from the explanation of FIG. 18, the user US can use the communication terminal 200 to send a terminal request 1 to the first server 20 at any timing. Therefore, for example, when the user US goes shopping at a store such as a supermarket or a home improvement center, the user US can check the latest remaining amount data of consumable products at that time using the communication terminal 200 that he or she has brought with him or her. Moreover, the consumable product list in this case is data (shopping list PL) that specifies consumable products extracted using the remaining amount determination criterion data ZD in the determination criterion storage unit 25, so the user US can easily and quickly recognize consumable products with low remaining amounts.

[0376] Next, FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 will be described. Fig. 19 is a time chart 1 showing the cooperative operation between the electric appliance 1, the first server 20, and the communication terminal 200 in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 20 is a time chart 2 showing the cooperative operation between the electric appliance 1, the first server 20, and the communication terminal 200 in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. Note that Fig. 19 explains the operation from the point in time when the electric appliance 1 acquires the status information A.

[0377] The first step SD1 indicates a stage in which the electrical appliance 1, such as the dishwasher 1E, acquires status information A. This status information A is transmitted to the first server 20 (step SD2).

[0378] The following steps SD3 to SD8 show the operation of first server 20. First, when status information A is acquired (step SD3), the status information A is stored in the appliance consumable product database 23R for each user ID. Then, status information for determining "urgency" (three levels) is extracted from the status information A stored in the appliance consumable product database 23R (step SD4), and the extracted consumable product data is stored in the "consumable product list with specified urgency" in the appliance consumable product database 23R (step SD5).

[0379] The next step SD6 is to determine whether it is time to notify the list of consumable goods with the specified urgency level. If the user has previously input a timing instruction to the schedule determination unit 26, it is determined whether the notification timing is the notification timing set in the schedule determination unit 26. For example, if the rule is set such that when the first server 20 acquires the status information A from the electrical device 1, the first server 20 immediately notifies the communication terminal 200, the process proceeds directly from step SD6 to the next step SD7. However, if it is not the timing to notify the first server 20, the process ends.

[0380] In step SD7, the transceiver 30 acquires "status information A" including consumable product data with a specified urgency level from the first server 20 (step SD7), and transmits a message requesting a response to the communication terminal 200 (step SD8).

[0381] The following steps SD9 to SD14 show the operation of the communication terminal 200. When the communication terminal 200 receives the confirmation message (step SD9), it displays the message on the terminal display unit 216, which has a display screen (step SD10).

[0382] When the display operation unit 225 of the communication terminal 200 receives an input by touch operation or voice input (step SD11), a response information menu for displaying the entire response information is read from the electrical equipment database 217 (step SD12). The response information menu is then displayed on the terminal display unit 216 (step SD13). The response information menu will be described with reference to FIG. 21. When the user US selects one of the response information menus, the selected one of the response information menus is transmitted from the communication unit 210 (step SD14).

[0383] The first server 20 receives the transmitted response information menu (step SD15) and determines whether or not additional data processing is required for the response information menu (step SD16). Note that step SD13D1 described in the following Figure 21 is an example of a case where additional data processing is required.

[0384] If additional data processing is required, the process proceeds to step SD17, where the necessary data processing is performed, and the generated data is stored in the equipment consumable goods database 23R. The data obtained by the data processing is then transmitted to the communication terminal 200 (step SD18).

[0385] When the data transmitted to communication terminal 200 is again received by touching display operation unit 225 of communication terminal 200 or by voice input (step SD11), a response information menu for displaying the entire response information is read from electrical device database 217 (step SD12). In this way, in step SD14, one response information menu selected by the user is transmitted to first server 20 again.

[0386] On the other hand, if it is determined in step SD16 that additional data processing is not required, the series of operations ends unless step SD131 in FIG. 21 is selected. If step SD131 is selected, the next planned shopping date and the like are input to the schedule determination unit 26 (step SD19), and the series of operations ends.

[0387] Next, FIG. 21 will be described. FIG. 21 is a process explanatory diagram showing types of response menus and operation steps in the communication terminal 200 in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment.

[0388] In Fig. 21, displaying the initial screen for confirming user intentions (step SD13) means displaying a list of four options, namely steps SD13A1, SD13B1, SD13C1, and SD13D1 in Fig. 21. This display is also performed on the terminal display unit 216. The range of the display of the initial screen for confirming user intentions (step SD13) is indicated by a dashed frame in Fig. 21.

[0389] The scope of the display of the initial screen for confirming user intentions (step SD13) explained in this Figure 21 does not completely match the select screen 216D, list screen (input screen) 216P and individual screen (input screen) 216V explained in Figures 27(A)(B) and 28(A)(B), respectively, and some of the explanations in this Figure 21 have been simplified.

[0390] The four options are explained below in order. First, step SD13A1 is the case where the user selects to check the inventory information of individual consumable products. In this case, the terminal display unit 216 switches to an inventory information confirmation screen (SD13A2), and when the user US operates the display screen (or inputs by voice), the display screen switches to one showing detailed inventory information for the relevant consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42), as shown in SD13A3. In this way, information can be checked sequentially up to deeper levels. The option of step SD13A1 may be hereinafter referred to as a “second selection means.” This “second selection means” corresponds to the “second selection means (icon 274)” described in FIG. 28(A).

[0391] Next, step SD13B1 is the case where user US selects to purchase the relevant consumable product when going shopping. In this case, terminal display unit 216 then switches to a confirmation screen for inputting shopping plans (SD13B2). When user US operates the display screen to input their shopping plans (or inputs them by voice), the process proceeds to step SD13B3, which issues a command to schedule determination unit 26 to reflect data such as user US's planned shopping date and time of the planned date. In this way, information at deeper levels can be checked sequentially.

[0392] Next, step SD13C1 is the case when the user US chooses to purchase the consumable goods through mail order without going out shopping. In this case, the mail order processing unit 234 is started, and then the terminal display unit 216 switches to a display screen connecting to a pre-set mail order site (SD13C2).

[0393] Thereafter, the application (order) for mail order is completed on the communication terminal 200, and the screen switches to a confirmation screen indicating that a response signal indicating that the order has been received from the mail order site (SD13C3).

[0394] Next, the fourth response information menu, step SD13D1, is the case when the user selects to check the status of each consumable item corresponding to the electrical appliance 1 owned by the user US but pre-registered in the first server 20, and to consider obtaining any missing consumable items at the same time.

[0395] That is, it is convenient to collectively examine the status of consumables of all linked electrical appliances 1 on a user ID basis. In this case, the terminal display unit 216 then switches to a confirmation screen that instructs the user US to comprehensively aggregate and provide status information A about various electrical devices 1 linked to the user ID of the user US (SD13D2). The options in step SD13D1 may be hereinafter referred to as a “collective selection means.” This “collective selection means” corresponds to input means (icon) 100B for selecting “Consumable Goods Management” from the “individual menu” described in FIG. 27(A).

[0396] After completing the above-described steps SD13A3, SD13B3, SD13C3 and SD13D2, the process proceeds to step SD14 for transmitting the response information to the first server 20 by performing the operation input for confirming the response information.

[0397] Next, FIG. 22 will be described. Fig. 22 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of communication terminal 200 in the remaining amount management system according to embodiment 1. Fig. 22 shows an example in which users US, including an individual user US in a household who uses electrical appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E), and a manager (including store employees) of a store or office who uses other electrical appliances 1, use communication terminal 200.

[0398] When the display operation unit 225 of the communication terminal 200 receives an input by touch operation or voice input (step SE1), an input key (icon 100B, which will be explained in FIG. 27) for selecting the individual menu item "Consumable Goods Management" is displayed on the display screen displayed on the terminal side display unit 216. This display screen is called a select screen 216D (see FIG. 27).

[0399] Therefore, when the icon 100B (see FIG. 27) is touched, the individual menu (submenu) of "Consumable Goods Management" displayed on the selection screen 216D (see FIG. 27) is selected (step SE3).

[0400] As is clear from the above explanation, input screen 216D for selecting an individual menu, as will be described in FIG. 27 and subsequent figures, is displayed on terminal display unit 216 at any time based on display data from electrical equipment database 217.

[0401] The input screen 216D (selection screen; see Figure 27) at step SE3 does not provide a means for initially specifying the scope of the data search, by selecting whether to target only a specific electrical device 1 linked to one user ID, or to target all electrical devices 1 linked to that user US.

[0402] Therefore, in the next step SE4, data on all consumable products of all electrical appliances 1 is automatically displayed. That is, data on all consumable product lists corresponding to a specific user ID can be acquired in a list state and displayed on the terminal display unit 216 (list screen 216P, which will be described in FIG. 28).

[0403] Next, steps SE4 and SE5 are steps that are added when the user US has selected an optional function in advance. Step SE4 corresponds to the display screen of Fig. 28(A). When icon 100B of Fig. 27(A) is selected, the display screen of Fig. 28(A) is displayed, which is added as an option, so Fig. 28(B) may be displayed instead of the display screen of Fig. 28(A).

[0404] Step SE5 is a step that is displayed when there is a consumable product with a specified urgency level, and corresponds to the display screen of Figure 28(A) or (B). When the user US requests detailed information about a particular consumer product by touching or the like (step SE7), the process proceeds to step SE8.

[0405] It is also possible to notify the information at step SE6 at step SE4 and omit step SE5.

[0406] If the user US has not selected the optional function, the process proceeds directly from step SE3 to step SE6. Step SE6 is a step in which, as explained in step SD5 of Figure 19, if there is data on consumable goods to which ``alert level'' information has been added and which has been previously stored in the first server 20, information on the relevant consumable goods is displayed on the list screen 216P.

[0407] As another optional function, the degree of reduction in the consumable goods may be displayed in step SE5. This involves acquiring and displaying data such as the weight and volume of the consumable goods reduced in one operation of the electrical appliance 1 from changes in the status information A acquired by the first server 20. As a result, information is provided to the user US in the form of a display area 291 shown in FIG. 31(A).

[0408] As explained in Figure 19, if a search is conducted for consumable products associated with classification information of "alert level" from among the status information A stored in the equipment consumable product database 23R, and there is no status information A with a high "alert level," the series of display operations ends.

[0409] On the other hand, if the selection to display details of a consumable product with a high urgency is made in step SE7, the determination in step SE7 is "Yes" and the process proceeds to step SE8. In step SE8, detailed information about specific consumer goods that are "highly urgent" and that the user US wants to obtain early is displayed.

[0410] If the input screen 216D (described in FIG. 28 and subsequent figures) is further touched or voice-input is provided, the input screen 216D changes to a display requesting confirmation of whether to add to the shopping list PL, i.e., whether to change the shopping list (step SE9). For example, the input screen 216D displays the question "Do you want to change the shopping list?" together with two icons, "Change" and "Don't change," and asks the user to select one of the icons by touch.

[0411] If "Change" is selected in step SE9, the process proceeds to step SE10. In step SE10, the user US is asked to confirm whether there are any consumable items that should be displayed in more detail. If the user selects to display additional data about the consumable items (step SE12), the process returns to step SE8, where detailed data about the consumable items corresponding to the added items is displayed.

[0412] When the communication terminal 200 first acquires detailed information data on a consumable product determined to be of "high urgency" from the first server 20 in step SE8, the data is temporarily stored as "extracted consumable product data" in a specific storage area in the electrical equipment database 217. "Temporarily" here means that the data will be automatically deleted after, for example, 24 hours. Alternatively, the data may be automatically deleted as old data when the shopping list is changed (step SE11) as shown in FIG. 22.

[0413] If "Change shopping list" is selected in step SE9, then in step SE10, the terminal control unit 212 generates a shopping list (overwriting an existing shopping list if one already exists) and displays it on the terminal display unit 216. This shopping list is temporarily stored as "shopping list data" in the electrical equipment database 217. For example, the shopping list is retained for 48 hours after it is stored, and after that time has elapsed, it is either automatically deleted, or a confirmation message such as "Do you want to delete?" may be displayed on the terminal display unit 216 in advance, and the list may be deleted only if the user agrees to the deletion.

[0414] When the display of step SE11 is completed, the series of operations shown in Fig. 22 ends. Similarly, when "Do not change" is selected in step SE9, the series of operations shown in Fig. 22 ends. The operation of the shopping list creation unit 231 ends here.

[0415] In this way, the communication terminal 200 can collect information on consumable goods to be acquired from the state information A on the consumable goods of each electric appliance 1, and create a draft of the shopping list PL. Furthermore, as explained in FIG. 22, the communication terminal 200 can call up a past shopping list PL showing consumables of each electric appliance 1, and the user US can add items as desired.

[0416] At step SE11, past "shopping list data" (final version) stored in the electrical equipment database 217 is displayed. Looking at the list, the user can either say "add" by voice input, or when the "purchase" input key 285 (see FIG. 29) is displayed, touch the input key 285 to instruct the addition of the consumable goods. Upon receiving this additional input, the draft "shopping list" is stored in the electrical equipment database 217 as "shopping list data" (final version).

[0417] Next, FIG. 23 will be described. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of status information A acquired by first server 20 from dishwasher 1E by the remaining amount management system in embodiment 1. In FIG. 23, L1 is the user ID for registering with the first server 20 (by the communication terminal 200) that the user is a "user" of the dishwasher 1E.

[0418] If the dishwasher 1E is a commercial device used in a store or the like, the "user" may be the manager of the store or a specific employee.

[0419] L2 is device identification information 1, which is the model number or other information assigned by the manufacturer of dishwasher 1E. This device identification information 1 is displayed on the rating plate and external components (door, etc.) of dishwasher 1E, and is also specified in the warranty card provided at the time of purchase. The device identification information 1 (L2) of dishwasher 1E is stored in device information storage unit 6 described in FIG. 1.

[0420] L3 is the device identification information 2, which is the manufacturing number (also called the serial number) assigned by the manufacturer of the dishwasher 1E. This device identification information 2 (L2) is displayed on the rating plate and external components of the dishwasher 1E, and is also specified in the warranty card provided at the time of purchase. The device identification information 2 (L2) of the dishwasher 1E is stored in the device information storage unit 6 described in FIG. 1.

[0421] L4 is the name of the electrical appliance, and is the name determined by the manufacturer of the dishwasher 1E. The name of this electrical appliance is also specified in the warranty card at the time of purchase.

[0422] L5 to L9 are consumable goods information, and are important information that constitute the core of the status information A. L5 is the name of the consumer product, and indicates the product name of the consumer product recommended by the manufacturer of the dishwasher 1E. For example, it is a name with a description of its intended use, such as "liquid dishwashing detergent XX," and is always displayed on commercially available products.

[0423] The name L5 of the consumer goods may be the JAN code, which is a well-known product code. There are two types of JAN codes: a 13-digit type and an abbreviated 8-digit type. Either type may be used, or an identification method other than the JAN code may be used in combination.

[0424] L6 indicates the amount of consumables consumed per operation of the function performing unit 9, i.e., per operation for washing dishes. For example, in the case of liquid detergent, it is displayed as 40cc or 40g. In addition, in another dishwasher 1E, it is displayed as one or two tablet detergents (solid detergents). Note that the "another dishwasher" 1E here does not refer to a dishwasher 1E that supplies liquid detergent 42 by the detergent supply unit 43, but rather to a dishwasher 1E that supplies tablet detergents (solid detergents) one by one or multiple by the detergent supply unit 43.

[0425] As explained in Figure 1, the consumption information acquisition unit 11 extracts the calculated weight data of the liquid detergent 42, excluding the weight of the tank 16, from the various data stored in the memory unit 12M (not shown) of the weighing unit 12, and stores the data. In addition, when the "tablet-type detergent 42T," which is one type of second consumable product, is supplied by the detergent supply unit 43, the number of tablets of the detergent dispensed may be counted (using an optical sensor, etc.) to estimate the amount consumed, but detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0426] The consumption information acquisition unit 11 also holds data on the amount of detergent consumed per operation determined by the manufacturer of the dishwasher 1E, and therefore acquires remaining amount data L7 by subtracting the "amount consumed per operation" from the weight value of the detergent 42 measured by the measuring unit 12 (e.g., counting the number of solid detergents).Finally, the "margin" described below is determined and data indicating this margin is held.Note that if the first consumable product is not liquid detergent 42 but solid (tablet-type) detergent 42T with a fixed weight per unit, the "amount consumed per operation" may be the number of tablet-type detergent 42T.

[0427] L8 is information indicating the measurement date and time when the weight of the consumable product (liquid detergent 42) was actually measured, as described in FIG. L9 is information indicating the margin. The "margin" is determined according to the number of days until the remaining amount of the consumable material becomes so low that it interferes with the operation of the electrical appliance 1. For example, "1 day, 2 days" is the margin "A", which is the situation with the least margin, and it is necessary to obtain the consumable material with the highest priority.

[0428] The margin of safety "B" shown in Figure 23 means that there is a little margin of safety, and for example, this information indicates that the number of days until the remaining amount of consumable goods becomes so low that it will interfere with the operation of electrical equipment 1 is "3 to 5 days."

[0429] For example, as shown in Figure 23, if the remaining amount is 150g, it is estimated that 40g will be consumed with one wash per day, or 120g for three days, so operation will be possible for up to three days. Note that margin C is an indication of a state with even more margin than margin B.

[0430] The data indicating the margin may not be generated and transmitted by the electric appliance 1, but the results of the usage amount estimation process AP1 performed by the control unit 2 and the remaining number of operations estimation process AP2 based on the remaining amount estimation result may be acquired by the consumption information acquisition unit 11, and data indicating these processing results may be transmitted. Alternatively, the data of these processes may be classified into levels (e.g., three levels) according to the urgency of obtaining the consumable product, and transmitted as an index (e.g., three levels: A, B, and C).

[0431] Next, FIG. 24 will be described. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of data of the shopping list PL held in the first server 20 by the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. Note that the shopping list PL referred to here and the shopping list PL explained in Fig. 28 are different in format. Fig. 24 explains the shopping list PL in data format, while Fig. 28 is designed to allow the user US to easily and quickly find out about the availability of consumable goods that need to be purchased.

[0432] In other words, in Figure 24, the target consumable products are displayed in a horizontal list format, but when this data is actually displayed on the terminal display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200, the display format can be changed appropriately depending on the size and shape of the screen (as will be explained in Figure 28). Also, Figure 24 lists various data to explain the types of data, but not all of this data is displayed on the terminal display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200, and only appropriate data is selected and displayed according to the wishes of the user US.

[0433] In Fig. 24, L1, L3, and L5 are various pieces of information explained in Fig. 23, so a duplicate explanation will be omitted. However, L1 indicating the user ID is held by the user / facility identification unit 24 explained in Fig. 1.

[0434] 24, L10 is unique information such as an address when the location where dishwasher 1E is used is registered in first server 20 (by communication terminal 200). For example, if electrical appliance 1 is a home dishwasher 1E and user US registers it using communication terminal 200 linked to the user's user ID, L10 is unique information (e.g., address including the house number and installation location information) that indicates the single household where dishwasher 1E is installed. This information L10 is held by user / facility identification unit 24 described in FIG. 1.

[0435] If the dishwasher 1E is a commercial device used in a store or the like, the location of the store or the like is the subject of the facility ID, and therefore, the facility ID uses identification information for the location of the store or the like.

[0436] L11 is a category of appliances that classifies electrical appliances 1 such as the dishwasher 1E based on their intended use and main technical fields (cleaning, air inspection, cooking, refrigeration, etc.). This appliance category information L11 is useful when a user US searches for a keyword such as "cleaning."

[0437] L12 is a category of consumer goods that classifies consumer goods (liquid detergent, etc.) used in various electrical appliances 1 such as the dishwasher 1E according to their intended use (general commercial quantity, special industry use, etc.) and main technical characteristics (liquid, solid, replacement part, etc.). This consumer goods category information L12 is useful when a user US searches for keywords such as "commercial detergent" before or after going shopping at a general home improvement store. This consumer goods category information L12 is used to classify various consumer goods stored in the consumer goods database 28 described in FIG. 1.

[0438] L13 is unique information (consumable product ID) for identifying each of the consumable products (such as the liquid detergent 42). The first server 20 analyzes the status information A transmitted from the electrical appliance 1, extracts the corresponding consumable product from the consumable products held in the consumable product database 28, and assigns the ID to the corresponding consumable product.

[0439] Therefore, the status information A sent from the electric appliance 1 for the first time after the electric appliance 1 is installed does not include this consumable product ID data. After the first server 20 receives the status information A, it extracts the corresponding consumable product and includes the identification information attached to the extracted consumable product as the consumable product ID. The data can then be enriched and stored as shown in Figure 24.

[0440] The consumer goods ID (L13) may use the JAN code, which is a well-known product code. There are two types of JAN codes: a 13-digit type and a shortened 8-digit type. Either type may be used, or an identification method other than the JAN code may be used in combination.

[0441] L14 is data indicating the rated capacity of the sales unit of the consumable product. L15 is data indicating the sales unit of the consumable product. In the case of liquid detergent 42 for dishwasher 1E in Figure 24, this indicates that the capacity is 500 ml (milliliters) and that it is sold in single bottles. This information is also collated by control unit 21 with status information A from various data on consumable products held in consumable product database 28, and stored in appliance consumable product database 23R in the form of Figure 24.

[0442] L16 is data indicating the urgency. "High" indicates a high urgency, but in actual data processing, it is converted into, for example, a single-digit number. The urgency is classified into, for example, three levels, from high to low.

[0443] In the "ventilation equipment" category in Figure 24, the "filter" refers to a filter installed in polluted air such as oily smoke generated by exhaust from cooking appliances or cooked food. Such air purification filters capture the fine oil particles in the oily smoke and gradually become clogged, so after a certain period of use, ventilation equipment manufacturers recommend disposing of the filter and replacing it with a new one. In the example in Figure 24, we can see that filters (at this point) are usually sold in sets of three.

[0444] Next, FIG. 25 will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchart 2 showing the operation of communication terminal 200 in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment. Unlike the time chart for the "View Latest Shopping List" submenu explained in FIG. 22, FIG. 25 shows the operation of the "Consumable Goods Management (Remaining Amount / Replenishment)" submenu. This submenu is the individual menu explained in FIG. 28(A). The "Consumable Goods Management (Remaining Amount / Replenishment)" submenu can be selected using input key (icon) 100B explained in FIG. 28(A).

[0445] In FIG. 25, similarly to FIG. 22, for simplicity, both general individual users and managers who use electrical appliances 1 in facilities such as restaurants or offices are simply referred to as users US. First, step SE21 is the stage at which the user US starts inputting to the display operation unit 225 of the communication terminal 200, such as the touch operation unit 215.

[0446] When the display operation unit 225 of the communication terminal 200 receives input by touch operation or voice input (step SE21), the "Consumable Goods Management Menu" is displayed on the display screen (top page) displayed on the terminal side display unit 216 (step SE22).

[0447] The display screen of the top page also displays a number of "main menus" such as "mail," "internet," and "search." If the "Consumable Goods Management Menu" is selected from the main menu displayed, a submenu called "Consumable Goods Management (Remaining Amount / Refill)" will be displayed (step SE23). The display screen displayed in this state is the "Select Screen" 216D, which is shown in Figure 27(A) and will be explained later.

[0448] As is clear from the above description, the terminal display unit 216 displays the select screen (input screen) 216D at any time based on the display data from the electric device database 217.

[0449] The input screen 216D (see Figure 27) at the step SE23 stage does not provide a means for initially specifying the scope of the data search, by selecting whether to target only a specific electrical device 1 linked to one user ID or all electrical devices 1 linked to that user US.

[0450] Therefore, in the next step SE23, data on all consumable products of all electrical appliances 1 is automatically displayed. That is, data on all consumable product lists corresponding to a specific user ID can be obtained in a list format and displayed on the terminal display unit 216.

[0451] In particular, step SE23 is a step for determining whether or not there is data on consumable goods with "urgency" information attached that has been pre-stored in the first server 20, as described in step SD5 of Figure 19.

[0452] As explained in Figure 19, if a search is conducted for consumables linked to classification information of "urgency" from among the status information A stored in the equipment consumables database 23R and there is no status information A with a high "urgency," step SE23 returns "No" and the process proceeds to step SE33.

[0453] If the data on all consumable goods of all electrical appliances 1 (related to the specific user ID) held by the first server 20 has not been acquired in the electrical appliance database 217 of the communication terminal 200 by the time of step SE22, the communication terminal 200 acquires the data by wireless communication with the first server 20 in step SE23. Then, the terminal identification information held in the terminal identification information holding unit 226 and the information on the specific user ID are compared with the registered data held by the user / facility identification unit 24 of the first server 20, and the data on the consumable goods stored in the appliance consumable goods database 23R is provided to the communication terminal 200.

[0454] On the other hand, if there is state information A that identifies a consumable product with a high degree of urgency, the determination in step SE23 is "Yes," and the process proceeds to step SE24. In step SE24, detailed information about specific candidates for "high urgency" consumable items that the user US wants to acquire early is displayed in a list form.

[0455] If the user further touches or speaks to the input screen 216D (described in Figure 27 onwards) to request the display of detailed information about a specific consumer product (step SE25), detailed information about the specified consumer product will be displayed (Figure 25), and if a specific input key on the display screen 216D is operated, a message will appear indicating that additional reference information (advice) on purchasing, selection, etc. for the displayed consumer product will be displayed (step SE26).

[0456] When the input screen 216D is further touched or voice-input is given to request the display of reference information (advice) for a specific consumable product (step SE27), the reference information (advice) is displayed (step SE28).

[0457] The next step SE29 is a step for requesting confirmation of whether to add the item to the shopping list PL, i.e., whether to change the shopping list. In this step SE29, the input screen 216D changes to a display requesting confirmation of whether to add the item to the shopping list, i.e., whether to change the shopping list. For example, the input screen 216D may simultaneously display the question "Do you want to change the shopping list?" along with two icons, "Change" and "Don't change," prompting the user to select one of the icons by touch operation. Alternatively, as will be described in FIG. 28, an input key (icon) 285 may be displayed to instruct the user to make a purchase.

[0458] If "Add to shopping list" is selected in step SE29, the process proceeds to step SE30. In step SE30, the user US is asked to confirm whether there are any consumable items for which further details should be displayed. If the user selects to request additional display of data on consumable items (step SE32), the process returns to step SE28, where detailed data on the consumable items corresponding to the added items is displayed.

[0459] If "Add to shopping list" is selected in step SE29, then in step SE31 the terminal control unit 212 generates a shopping list (overwriting an existing shopping list if one exists) and displays it on the terminal display unit 216. This shopping list is temporarily stored as "shopping list data" in the electrical device database 217. For example, it is retained for 48 hours after it is stored, and after that time has elapsed it is either automatically deleted, or a confirmation message such as "Do you want to delete?" may be displayed on the terminal display unit 216 in advance, and the list may be deleted only if the user agrees to the deletion.

[0460] When the display of step SE31 is completed, the series of operations shown in Fig. 25 ends. Similarly, when "Do not change shopping list" is selected in step SE29, the series of operations shown in Fig. 25 ends. The operation of shopping list creation unit 231 ends here.

[0461] In this way, the communication terminal 200 can collect information on consumable goods that the user US should purchase with priority from the latest status information A on the consumable goods of each electric appliance 1, and create the shopping list PL. Furthermore, as explained in Fig. 25, reference information (advice) on the purchase and selection of urgent consumable items can also be selectively displayed at the user's request (step SE28). This reduces the chances that the user US will have to rely on past memories when making purchases, and helps the user acquire the correct consumable items.

[0462] In addition, at step SE31, the past "shopping list data" stored in the electrical equipment database 217 is changed to a new shopping list (final version) created by the shopping list creation unit 231 at step SE31 and stored in the electrical equipment database 217.

[0463] Next, FIG. 26 will be described. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing changes in information about consumable goods from the electric appliance to the communication terminal 200 via the first server in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment.

[0464] 26, in the electrical appliance 1, the status information A generated or acquired by the control unit 2 includes the user ID, the appliance identification information, an estimated remaining amount of liquid detergent 42, an estimated number of possible operations, and information indicating the margin of safety. It also includes information indicating that the emergency operation mode OP2 has been selected. Operation information of the electrical appliance 1 is not shown in this FIG.

[0465] 1 and 2, the status information A generated or acquired by the control unit 21 of the first server 20 includes the user ID, device identification information, consumable product information (including urgency information) including the consumable product ID, determination information 1, and determination information 2. It also includes information indicating that the emergency operation mode OP2 has been selected. Note that the determination information 1 and determination information 2 will be explained in detail later.

[0466] Furthermore, by the first server 20 receiving an estimated remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 from the electrical appliance 1 each time, it is possible to know the change from the previous reception. That is, since the estimated remaining amount can be received each time along with the operation information from the electrical appliance 1, the weight, volume, etc. of the consumables consumed in one operation can be calculated, and this data can be stored in the electrical appliance information storage unit 23 and provided to the communication terminal 200. This function makes it possible to notify the user US of the amount of consumables that has been reduced, for example, as shown in the display area 291 of Fig. 31(A).

[0467] An information providing server 20N connected to the first server 20 via a network NW holds consumer goods information and electrical appliance information, and transmits the information to the first server 20 as needed. The information providing server 20N is then used to update the data in the consumer goods database 28 and the electrical appliance information storage unit 23 to the latest information.

[0468] The consumable product data provided by communication terminal 200 includes consumable product information including a user ID, device identification information, and consumable product ID, as well as judgment information 1 and judgment information 2 (described later), and urgency information. It may also include information indicating that emergency operation mode OP2 has been selected. This is because communication terminal 200 can be used at a remote location to determine that dishwasher 1E being operated at home is operating in emergency operation mode. This means that a consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) that needs to be purchased can be identified at a remote location, such as a retail store.

[0469] Next, FIGS. 27 to 31 will be described. FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram 1 of the operation of the communication terminal 200, showing a scene where shopping list data is acquired from the first server in the remaining amount management system according to the first embodiment.

[0470] Figure 27 shows the display content of terminal display unit 216 of communication terminal 200. This display screen also serves as a touch-type input operation screen. (A) and (B) of Figure 27 are enlarged views of terminal display unit 216 of communication terminal 200 as seen from the front. The terminal display unit 216 is formed by covering the surface of a liquid crystal display screen or an organic EL display screen with a glass plate.

[0471] Although they do not appear as physical structures on the upper surface (surface) of the glass plate, various icons (input keys) 100A to 100E, 261R, 261L, 263, 264, etc., which will be described later, can be visually recognized by the display on the terminal display unit 216. Although specific parts of the glass plate itself do not emit light or generate images, in the following explanation, the expression "displayed on the display screen" is used from the perspective of a user US who sees the display of characters, figures, and other information.

[0472] The icons 100A to 100E, 261R, 261L, 263, 264, etc. can be used to perform desired input. That is, for example, capacitance sensing input keys (touch keys) are arranged in the portions of the individual icons. When the user US touches the icon with his / her fingertip FG, a command signal is generated in the touch operation unit 215 (see FIG. 2) for the terminal control unit 212.

[0473] To indicate the presence and function of an icon, a specific function is displayed in text or graphics (at least when it is ready to accept input). For example, as shown in the example of Figure 27(A), text information such as "Electrical Device Usage Guide" appears at the location of icon 100A.

[0474] 27(A), a selection screen 216D is displayed across the entire terminal display unit 216. The "selection screen 216D" here refers to a screen on which various functions relating to the management of remaining amounts, replenishment, procurement, etc. of consumables (corresponding to the "submenu" described above or the "individual menu" described below) can be individually selected using the corresponding icons 100A to 100E.

[0475] When communication terminal 200 is started up, a "Consumable Goods Management Menu" icon 99 (not shown) is displayed on the display screen (top page) that is first displayed on terminal display unit 216 (see step SE2 in FIG. 22). When icon 99 is touched, selection screen 216D in FIG. 27(A) is displayed. In other words, user US can display selection screen 216D with a single touch.

[0476] In FIG. 27(A), the five menus selected by the icons 100A to 100E are called individual menus. Reference numeral 100A denotes an individual menu icon that provides useful information to the user US when using various electrical appliances 1 connected to this communication terminal 200 via the network NW. When this icon 100A is touched, the display screen changes as shown in Fig. 27(B). Reference numeral 100AG denotes a menu display section that corresponds one-to-one to the icon 100A (electrical appliance usage guide).

[0477] In Figures 27(A) and (B), 260 is a display indicating that this is the selection screen for an individual menu, and 261R is a triangular icon; when this is touched, the selection screen changes to an image that appears to move to the right, and switches to another display screen. Icon 261L is a triangular icon similar to icon 261R, and when this icon is touched, the select screen 260D changes to an image that appears to move to the left, and switches to another display screen.

[0478] Terminal display unit 216 of communication terminal 200 shown in Figures 28 to 31 can switch its display screen without touching icons 261L, 261R. That is, when user US touches a part other than the individual icons with his / her fingertip FG and moves it left / right or up / down (also called a slide operation), touch-type operation unit 215 (see Figure 2) generates a command signal for terminal control unit 212. Then, a different display screen is displayed depending on the direction in which the fingertip FG is moved. This realizes a scroll function that switches screens by moving the display screen, so that screen switching icons 261L, 261R, etc. may be omitted.

[0479] In FIG. 27(A), 262 is a triangular icon, and when this is touched, the select screen 216D changes to an image that appears to move downward, and switches to another display screen. An icon 263 is used to return the display from the select screen 216D to the display screen of the top page. An icon 264 is used to advance to the next page (display screen).

[0480] In Fig. 27(A), 100B is an icon (of an individual menu) for selecting to obtain various information (including the status information A) related to consumable goods from the first server 20 in order to grasp the remaining amounts of various consumable goods used in various electrical appliances 1 connected to this communication terminal 200 via the network NW. When this icon 100B is touched, the display screen changes to one for "Consumable Goods Management (Remaining Amount / Refill)" as shown in Fig. 28(A).

[0481] In Figure 27(A), 100C is an icon (individual menu) that allows the user to select viewing and updating the "shopping list" that recommends the purchase of various items, including various consumables used in the various electrical appliances 1. The data of this shopping list PL is created by the shopping list creation unit 231 described in Figure 2 using data from the first server 20, and is stored in the electrical appliance database 217.

[0482] In Fig. 27(A), 100D is an icon (individual menu) for selecting the creation of a memo to electronically record easily the purchase of various consumable goods used in the electric appliance 1 and various consumable goods not used in the electric appliance 1 so that the user US does not forget. This simple shopping memo is created separately from the shopping list PL.

[0483] The simple shopping memo is created by decoding the speech of the user US using the speech input unit 222 and speech processing unit 230, and storing text data such as names of consumable products in the order of input. The shopping list creation unit 231 creates the memo. The simple shopping memo is then stored in the electrical appliance database 217.

[0484] In FIG. 27(A), 100E is an icon (for selecting an individual menu) that allows the history of creation and updating of the shopping list PL to be checked retroactively, but only within a certain period of time.

[0485] Next, FIG. 27(B) will be described. When one of the icons 100A in the individual menu on the selection screen 216D shown in Figure 27 (A) is touched, the terminal control unit 212 performs one of the following two processes (first process and second process) that the user has previously set.

[0486] (1) First process: The first server 20 displays a list of electrical appliances 1 that it knows are in operation on the terminal display unit 216D, and by touching an icon to select one of the appliances, the user proceeds to a display screen that displays information such as precautions regarding the target electrical appliance 1 and things the user should prepare while operating the appliance. This example is the example in Fig. 27(B).

[0487] (2) Second process: A list of electrical appliances 1 registered in advance by the user US is displayed, and the target electrical appliance 1 is selected by touching an icon to select any one of the appliances, and the refilling work of consumable products (e.g., liquid detergent 42, tablet detergent 42A, fabric softener, etc.) to be replenished in the electrical appliance 1 and the work process are displayed on the display screen. Alternatively, when replacing consumable parts such as the filter 16F described below, information such as the work process is displayed using text, illustrations, etc.

[0488] 269 ​​is an icon (input key) that returns the display from the state of Fig. 27(B) to the select screen 216D of Fig. 27(A), and pressing this returns to the display screen of Fig. 27(A) displaying the individual menu. In other words, it returns to the select screen 216D.

[0489] Next, FIG. 28(A) will be described. When one icon 100B in the individual menu on the select screen 216D shown in Fig. 27(A) is touched, the input screen of Fig. 28(A) is displayed by the terminal control unit 212. 100BG is a menu display unit corresponding to the icon 100B.

[0490] When the icon 100B is touched, the terminal control unit 212 acquires data on the consumable goods from the first server 20 as described in step SE4 of FIG. 22 or step SE23 of FIG. As shown in Figure 28(A), it can be seen that the remaining amounts of five consumables are low within the range of electrical appliances 1 previously registered under the name of a specific user US. 270 is a summary message (hereinafter referred to as "determination information 1") that briefly shows the latest determination status regarding the remaining amounts of consumables, etc.

[0491] 271 is a list of consumable goods displayed adjacent to the summary message 270 on the input screen, and in the example of Figure 28(A), it can be seen that there are three items of detergents, one item of food, and one item of consumable parts (replacement parts). 271A is information indicating the urgency in terms of the degree of influence on the operation of the electrical appliance 1. In this Fig. 28(A) and the next Fig. 28(B), for example, text information such as "urgency: urgent" is used, but a graphic may also be used.

[0492] Reference numeral 312 denotes a display area indicating that the dishwasher 1E is in emergency operation mode OP2, and in this case, indicates that the dishwasher 1E is operating in emergency operation mode OP2. This display continues to be displayed even if the target dishwasher 1E has finished operating, unless consumable products are subsequently replenished and the operation information A is updated. Reference numeral 312A denotes information identifying the consumable product (liquid detergent 42, which is the first consumable product) that is running low in the dishwasher 1E operated in emergency operation mode OP2.

[0493] An icon 272 allows the user to optionally set functions such as display, search, and input for this consumable goods management function, and the user can set optional functions by pressing this icon to display a function setting screen (not shown) on the terminal display unit 216. For example, steps SE4 and SE5 described in Figure 22 can be omitted.

[0494] The communication terminal 200 can acquire data of the "list of consumable items with specified urgency" extracted using the criteria in the criteria storage unit 25 of the first server 20. As shown in Fig. 28(A), a consumable item list including urgency information such as "urgency: urgent" can be displayed all at once for all electrical appliances 1 that a specific user US has registered in the first server 20 using his / her user ID.

[0495] When the icon 272 is touched, the option setting section 235 shown in FIG. 2 is activated, and a dedicated option setting screen is displayed on the terminal display section 216.

[0496] An icon 273 is used to return the display from the state of Fig. 28(A) to the select screen 216D shown in Fig. 27(A). An icon 274 is used to proceed to the next page (display screen) containing detailed information.

[0497] At the time of Figure 28 (A), the first server 20 is displaying a summary message (the judgment information 1) 270 on the terminal display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200, which briefly indicates that the remaining amounts of the five consumable products are low. Further, the display area 271 displays five consumable items, including three items of detergents, one item of food, and one item of replacement parts. Display area 271A displays in text that the urgency of replenishing or replacing these five consumable products is "urgent."

[0498] In this state of Figure 28(A), if you touch the "second selection means (icon 274)", detailed information about the five types of consumable goods shown in Figure 28(A) can be displayed as shown in Figure 28(B).

[0499] Furthermore, thereafter, when any one of the five types of consumable goods is selected by touching the name portion in Figure 28(B), the display format of the list state (list screen 216P) on the terminal side display unit 216 can be switched to the display format of the specific screen 216V shown in Figure 29(A).

[0500] Further, FIG. 28(B) will be explained. In FIG. 28(A), when the icon 274 is touched, the terminal control unit 212 notifies the user of consumable goods information as shown in FIG. 28(B) in response to the touch operation. In FIG. 28(B), 275 is an icon (input key) that also serves as a display unit, and displays the name of one consumer product, AA detergent, "XX detergent." Reference numeral 276 is an icon (input key) that also serves as a display, showing the name "DD" of a consumer product called BB fabric softener.

[0501] Reference numeral 277 is an icon (input key) that also serves as a display unit and displays the name of a consumer product, CC detergent. Reference numeral 278 denotes an icon (input key) that also serves as a display unit, and displays the name of a food product, "egg," which is one of the consumable goods. 279 is an icon (input key) that also serves as a display unit, and displays the name of one consumable item, "replacement filter," related to "kitchen ventilation fan 1F (not shown)," which is one type of electrical appliance 1. 280 is an icon for moving to the next page (display screen). Reference numeral 295 denotes an input key (icon) that can change the display data of the consumable goods display area 284 displayed on the input screen of this FIG. 28(B).

[0502] The five input keys (icons) 275 to 279 are the first selection means as described above. The input key (icon) 274 shown in the next FIGS. 29(A) and 29(B) is the second selection means as described above.

[0503] The input screen 216P on which the consumable goods display area 284 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 28(B), will be referred to as the "list screen" in the following description. This list screen 216P is a screen in which, from among the multiple data stored in the storage means (first server 20), judgment information 1 (described later) and judgment information 2 (described later) (e.g., urgency of acquisition is "high") regarding the remaining state of a specific consumer product (AA detergent) obtained from the electrical appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E), and judgment information 1 and judgment information 2 (e.g., urgency of acquisition is "high") regarding the remaining state of a specific consumer product (BB fabric softener) obtained from an electrical appliance 1 that is the same as or different from the electrical appliance 1 (e.g., a clothes washing machine), are simultaneously displayed on the terminal display unit 216D.

[0504] The judgment information 1 and judgment information 2 regarding a specific consumer product (for example, AA detergent) used in one electrical appliance (for example, dishwasher 1E) may be referred to as "judgment information A." Furthermore, the determination information 1 and determination information 2 regarding a specific consumable product (for example, BB fabric softener) used in an electrical appliance different from the electrical appliance 1 (for example, a clothes washing machine) may be referred to as "determination information B."

[0505] In this embodiment, the specific consumer product information acquired from the dishwasher 1E as one electrical appliance 1 is the AA detergent as described above. Also, the specific consumer product information acquired from the clothes washing machine (not shown) as another electrical appliance 1 is the BB fabric softener as described above. Not limited to this example, it is also possible that the first server 20 acquires determination information 1 and determination information 2 (described later) regarding the remaining status of two or more consumable items simultaneously from a single electrical device 1, and this information is acquired by the communication terminal 200.

[0506] When the icon 295 is pressed, the screen switches to a correction screen, and the consumable goods of the icons 275 to 279 can be deleted individually. Furthermore, by pressing the icon 295, the user US can add other consumable items by voice input. The history of such changes and the shopping list PL resulting from the changes are stored in the communication terminal 200 itself (shopping list data 228). Furthermore, the changes are sent to the first server 20 as a revised shopping list PL, and are saved as a new shopping list PL in the appliance consumable goods database 23R.

[0507] The list screen 216P in Figure 28(B) can be said to be the latest content of the shopping list PL, and therefore this list screen 216P can be displayed on the terminal display unit 216 of the communication terminal 200 in response to subsequent operational inputs by the user US.

[0508] Note that the scene in which the icon 295 is pressed to delete the consumable goods of the icons 275 to 279 individually is, for example, when the user US goes shopping without looking at the display contents of Figure 28(A) or Figure 28(B), purchases the consumable goods in question, and returns to his / her home or office, etc. Also, in such a scene of deletion, a screen for inputting the reason for deletion may be provided, and it is convenient to provide an option such as "already purchased" in the reason column by a pull-down menu or the like on the input screen, since this makes input easy.

[0509] Next, FIG. 29(A) will be described. In Figure 28(B), when the icon (input key) 275 displaying the name "XX detergent" of one consumable product called AA detergent is touched, the screen switches to the individual screen (input screen) 216V shown in Figure 29(A), which displays detailed remaining amount information about the one consumable product called AA detergent.

[0510] In the example of FIG. 29(A), important information (hereinafter referred to as "determination information 2") is displayed in display area 282, indicating that the remaining amount of a consumable product (e.g., liquid detergent 42) will be used up in the next run of dishwasher 1E, meaning that future runs will be affected. In this example, the text "Expected to be empty" is displayed, but an illustration or other appropriate symbol may also be displayed. This determination information 2 indicates the urgency of replenishing or replacing the consumable product.

[0511] Reference numeral 283 denotes a display area that displays cautions (also called "advice information A") about a specific consumer product (in this case, AA detergent). In this example, it is recommended to "use the dedicated XX detergent." In the case of dishwasher 1E, the use of general detergents (kitchen detergents) used when washing dishes by hand in the kitchen is prohibited. This is because such general kitchen detergents generate a lot of foam. If this detergent were to be used, a large amount of foam would be generated during the dishwashing operation, and the foam could leak out of washing tub 15 or penetrate into the electrical circuitry, causing a malfunction.

[0512] Also, the display area 283 may display that baking soda should not be used, as baking soda can harden and cause clogging of pipes, drains, etc. Reference numeral 285 denotes a selection section (icon) for selecting to connect to an external EC site (electronic commerce site) via the network NW. When this icon 285 is pressed, a dedicated input screen is displayed so that the consumable goods displayed in Fig. 29(A) can be purchased via the network NW. For this purpose, the mail order processing section 234 described in Fig. 2 is activated.

[0513] 274 is the icon also explained in Fig. 28(A), but in the case of Figs. 29(A) and (B), pressing this icon 274 makes it possible to obtain and display from the first server 20 the commentary information for the individual consumable product stored in the consumable product database 28 and the electrical appliance information storage unit 23 of the first server 20. In other words, in the state of Fig. 29(A), detailed information about the XX detergent can be displayed. As mentioned above, this icon 274 is the second selection means.

[0514] In the display areas 282 and 283, information is not necessarily displayed on the terminal display unit 216, and there are cases where no information is displayed if there is no corresponding consumable product, etc. Furthermore, the display area of ​​the displayed area changes automatically each time depending on the amount of information to be displayed, and is not a fixed area.

[0515] Next, FIG. 29(B) will be described. In FIG. 29(A), when an icon (input key) 261L is touched, the screen switches to an individual screen 216V in FIG. 29(B) on which detailed remaining amount information on one consumable product, BB fabric softener, is displayed. Alternatively, when the icon 276 is touched in FIG. 28(B), the screen also switches to the input screen (individual screen 216V) for the BB fabric softener in FIG. 29(B).

[0516] In the example of Fig. 29(B), information identifying fabric softener (product name "DD") is displayed in display area 286. Also, display area 287 displays that the inventory information for this fabric softener was also notified to the user by communication terminal 200 three weeks ago.

[0517] 29(B), if icon 274 is touched, more detailed information about the information in display area 287 is displayed on terminal display unit 216. As described above, icon 274 is the second selection means.

[0518] 29(B), reference numeral 288 denotes a reference image display section for a consumable product (BB fabric softener). The reference image may be something other than a photograph, such as an illustration 289 showing an image of the bottle or packaging box of a product in which the consumable product is actually sold.

[0519] Next, FIG. 30(A) will be described. In FIG. 28(B), when the icon (input key) 277 is touched, the screen switches to an individual screen 216V of FIG. 30(A) on which detailed remaining amount information on one consumable product, CC detergent, is displayed.

[0520] In the example of FIG. 30(A), the display unit 290 displays that CC detergent is a consumable product that is running low on remaining amount. Furthermore, important information (judgment information 2) that the remaining amount of consumable product (liquid detergent 42) will be used up in the next run of dishwasher 1E, i.e., that future runs will be affected, is displayed in display area 291. Here, the text "Expected to run out in one more run" is displayed as an example, but an illustration or other appropriate symbol may also be displayed. "One more run" here refers to the predicted result that if electrical appliance 1 (dishwasher 1E, etc.) is run one more time, the remaining amount of the consumable product used therein (in this case, CC detergent) will be zero (or less than the remaining amount required for running).

[0521] Reference numeral 292 denotes a display area that displays cautions about a specific consumer product (in this case, CC detergent). In this example, it is recommended to "use the dedicated YY detergent." In the case of the domestic dishwasher 1E, the use of general detergents (kitchen detergents) used for hand-washing dishes in the kitchen, etc., is prohibited. This is because such general kitchen detergents generate a lot of foam. If this detergent were to be used, a large amount of foam would be generated during the dishwashing operation, and the foam could leak out of the washing tub 15 or penetrate into the electrical circuitry, causing a malfunction.

[0522] Also, the display area 292 may display that baking soda should not be used, as baking soda can harden and cause clogging of pipes, drains, etc.

[0523] Next, FIG. 30(B) will be described. In Figure 28(B), when icon 279 is touched, the screen switches to the individual screen (input screen) of Figure 30(B), which displays detailed remaining information about one consumable item (consumable part), the ventilation fan filter.

[0524] In the example of Figure 30(B), the display unit 293 indicates that the exhaust fan filter is a consumable item that is due for replacement soon. The exhaust fan filter is a filter that can be attached and detached to the indoor intake port of an exhaust fan used in a kitchen, etc. It has the effect of capturing fine particles of vaporized oil contained in the airflow discharged outdoors, preventing the exhaust fan from becoming dirty. Vaporized oil accumulates on the surface and inside of the filter material, reducing its breathability, so exhaust fan and filter manufacturers recommend replacing the filter after a certain period of time has passed.

[0525] In the example of Figure 30(B), in addition to the ventilation fan filter, display area 294 displays that the time to replace a detachable filter with a deodorizing function for another electrical appliance 1, an air conditioner (not shown), is approaching. Furthermore, the display area 294 indicates that the ventilation fan filter and the air conditioner filter are products of the same manufacturer.

[0526] 30(B), the display information in this display area 294 is the result of extraction by the first server 20 from the perspective of "similarity of consumable goods," that is, consumable goods of the same manufacturer but different electrical appliances 1. In the following description, the information displayed in this display area 294 may be referred to as "advice information B" 294D regarding replacement and inspection of consumable parts.

[0527] That is, as explained in Figure 24, the control unit 21 of the first server 20 analyzes the information on the equipment category L11 and the consumer goods category L12, also referring to the information in the consumer goods database 28, and generates advice information B294D such as the example display in the display area 294 of Figure 30 (B), which can be acquired and displayed by the communication terminal 200.

[0528] In Fig. 30(B), when icon 274 (second selection means) is touched, the display screen can be changed to show detailed information such as the following: Furthermore, as described above, the changed display screen may be configured to connect to an EC site. (1) The product name, model name, specifications (external dimensions, etc.) and sales format (single unit, multiple units, etc.) of the genuine product (ventilation fan filter) (2) Standard usage period (3) Name of the genuine product (ventilation fan filter) by the manufacturer (4) Product name, model name, etc. of the compatible air conditioner

[0529] Next, FIG. 31 will be described. 31(A) and 31(B) are diagrams 5 for explaining the operation of the communication terminal 200, showing a scene where the data of the shopping list PL is acquired from the first server 20. FIG. Fig. 31(A) is an example of terminal display unit 216 showing a display example different from that of Fig. 30(A). In Fig. 31(A), the amount of liquid detergent 42 consumed by dishwasher 1E is displayed as "approximately 30 cc" in display area 291. Note that Fig. 31(A) shows a case where a consumable product called "CC detergent" has been used in electrical appliance 1, but the electrical appliance 1 may be a dishwasher 1E or a consumable product used in another electrical appliance 1 (for example, a clothes washing machine).

[0530] Figure 31(B) shows another example of the display content of Figure 30(B). In this Figure 31(B), the display area 294 displays advice information B (294D) indicating that the filtration filter 16F (not shown), which is a consumable part used in the tank 16, will soon need to be replaced. It also displays that the product is from the same manufacturer, and detailed information can be displayed on another individual screen 216V by touching icon 274.

[0531] Next, FIG. 32 will be described. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram 1 of the operation of the terminal display unit, showing a scene in which the reservation status of an electrical appliance is confirmed by a communication terminal in the remaining amount management system in the first embodiment. As mentioned above, the "reserved course" of the dishwasher 1 starts operation a certain time (for example, 4 hours) after it is set, or conversely, the end time of operation is set and the start of operation is left to the washing device 1E.

[0532] In this dishwasher 1, the user US can also set the "reserved course" to start the washing operation by command from the communication terminal 200 ("reserved course #2"). Therefore, the reserved course can be set by sending the second command data CD2 generated by the communication terminal 200 to the dishwasher 1E, or by directly operating the operation unit 54 of the dishwasher 1E.

[0533] 32(A) and 32(B) show scenes in which user US checks the operating status of such "reserved course #2" from a remote location. In other words, Fig. 32(A) shows the state in which user US operates communication terminal 200 from a remote location to operate a submenu (individual menu) and has list screen 216D open. Note that user US may also view and input information from a room in their home that is separate from dishwasher 1E.

[0534] In FIG. 32(A), 100Y is an icon in the individual menu, and touching this icon switches to a display screen for "Confirm / Cancel Operation Reservation." Note that if the user has not set "Reservation Course #2" in advance, this icon 100Y will not be displayed. This applies to all electrical appliances 1 except for the dishwasher 1E. In other words, when the user US looks at this list screen 216D, the display of this icon 100Y can remind him or her of the reservation for the electrical appliance 1.

[0535] When a reservation is set in this way, a push-type notification is sent to communication terminal 200 at regular intervals from the time the reserved course is set, and user US is prompted to view the screen shown in Fig. 32(A). Also, a push-type notification may be sent in the same manner a certain time (e.g., 30 minutes) before the start of the reserved course.

[0536] Next, FIG. 32(B) will be described. In FIG. 32(B), 100YG is a display section for the reservation setting screen. When icon 100Y in FIG. 32(A) is selected, the display screen switches to that in FIG. 32(B). Reference numeral 296 denotes a display area showing the current reservation setting status of this user US. In this example, it is shown that there is one reserved electrical device 1. Reference numeral 297 denotes a display area for information identifying the reserved electrical appliance 1. In this example, it indicates that it is dishwasher 1E. It can be seen that the dishwashing operation is scheduled to start at 15:30 and finish at 16:30.

[0537] 298 is an input key (icon), which can be touched to view more detailed information. Reference numeral 299 denotes an input key (icon) that is operated when changing or canceling the reservation settings. When this is operated, a different display screen is displayed and a confirmation signal for the change or cancellation can be sent. When the confirmation signal is received by the target electrical device 1, the reservation details are changed or canceled. Note that, depending on the status of the electrical device 1, the change or cancellation process may not be carried out immediately.

[0538] Next, FIG. 33 will be described. FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram 2 of the operation of the terminal display unit 216, showing a scene where the icon 298 shown in FIG. 32 is pressed to confirm the details of the reservation setting. 308 is a display area that displays information similar to that of display area 297 in Fig. 32(B). 309 is a display area that displays detailed operating conditions for the electrical appliance 1 for which a reservation has been made (in this case, dishwasher 1E). In this example, the information displayed in display area 309 indicates that a "normal wash" has been reserved for washing dishes for four people.

[0539] 33, the display area 309 indicates that the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 in the tank 16 is low. As described above, important information (determination information 2) may be displayed, indicating that the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 will run out in the next operation of the dishwasher 1E, i.e., that there will be a problem with subsequent operations.

[0540] Reference numeral 311 denotes an input key (icon) that is operated to change or cancel the reservation settings, similar to icon 299. Operating this key switches to another display screen, and a confirmation signal for the change or cancellation can be sent.

[0541] The above explanation has focused on the first command data CD1 among the command data CD, but the other command data CD2 to CD4 are also subject to similar restrictions on external acquisition to prevent them from being inadvertently acquired from the outside during the initial standby period TA immediately after the main power is turned on.

[0542] Summary of embodiment 1. As is clear from the above description, in this first embodiment, the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) according to the first disclosure is disclosed in the following form. That is, the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) disclosed in the first embodiment: a communication unit 8 that can be connected to a network NW or an information processing terminal 200; an input unit 4 (operation unit 54) that accepts input commands from a user US; a notification unit 3; a control unit 2 that receives an input command from the input unit 4 and controls the operation of the cleaning unit 9W; a measuring unit 12 that measures the amount of a first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) used when the cleaning unit 9W is operated; a consumption information acquisition unit 11 that generates status information A to be provided to the outside from the communication unit 8; a device information storage unit 6 that stores the status information A; a supply means 43 for supplying the first consumable product to the cleaning space WS; and the consumption information acquisition unit 11 generates the status information A regarding the remaining amount of the first consumable product; There are two types of consumable products that can be used when the washing unit 9W is operating: the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) and a second consumable product (tablet detergent 42T) that the user can supply directly to the washing unit. the control unit 2 switches between a normal operation mode OP1 in which the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is used and an emergency operation mode OP2 in which the second consumable product (tablet detergent 42T) is used; The configuration was characterized by the following.

[0543] Due to this configuration, with this washing device (including the dishwasher 1E), the remaining amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) that is normally used can be grasped externally, improving the convenience of remaining amount management.

[0544] Furthermore, if the remaining amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is low and operation in the normal operation mode OP1 is not possible, operation in the emergency operation mode OP2 using the second consumable product (tablet detergent 42T) is possible. Therefore, even in a situation where the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) is low, the user US can add the second consumable product and operate in the emergency operation mode OP2. In this way, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of situations where the vehicle cannot be operated even when the remaining amount of the first consumable product is insufficient, thereby improving convenience.

[0545] Furthermore, the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure has the control unit 2 has a function of acquiring command data CD via the communication unit 8, The control unit 2 is characterized in that after the main power is turned on, it does not perform at least one of the operation of receiving the command data CD or the operation of transmitting the status information A via the communication unit 8 before performing the operation of transmitting a receive permission signal RS by operating the input unit 4.

[0546] Due to this configuration, with this washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E), the operating conditions (including operating conditions such as operating course, operating mode, operating time, etc.) of the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) can be set using command data CD, thereby reducing the setting work of the user US.

[0547] Furthermore, since the acquisition of the command data CD and its timing can be restricted on the input unit 4 side, it is possible to prevent the user US from becoming confused during the initial waiting period TA.

[0548] Furthermore, in the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure, the control unit 2 determines whether the device has transitioned to a predetermined standby state since the main power was turned on, and if the device has transitioned to the standby state, the notification unit 3 notifies the user, and waits for an operation start command from the user US before starting to drive the function performing unit 9 (see Figure 10). This can prevent the user US from making erroneous operations during the initial standby period, and is expected to improve operability for the user US.

[0549] Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure, when the control unit 2 transitions to the initial standby state, it is configured to transmit the reception permission signal RS to the outside and start the operation of obtaining the command data CD by performing a specific input (using an input key or operation button) on the input unit 4. This can prevent the user US from accidentally acquiring command data CD due to an erroneous operation during initial standby, which is expected to improve operability for the user US.

[0550] Furthermore, in the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure, when a specific input is made in the input unit 4, the control unit 2 can send the reception permission signal RS to the communication terminal 200, so that when the communication terminal 200 sends the command data CD to the electrical appliance 1, there is no confusion and the task of obtaining the command data CD can be carried out smoothly in conjunction with the operation of the communication terminal 200.

[0551] Furthermore, in the cleaning device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure, the measuring unit 12 was configured to measure the amount of the consumable product (liquid detergent 42, etc.) from outside the container (tank) 16 that contains the consumable product. Therefore, the sensors of the weighing unit 12 do not come into contact with the consumables, and there is no concern about corrosion or deterioration of the sensors, so stable weighing can be expected over a long period of time.

[0552] Furthermore, in the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure, the first consumable product uses a liquid detergent 42, The measuring unit 12 was characterized by being equipped with a sensor (such as a weight sensor 37) that detects at least one of the weight or volume of the liquid detergent 42, and a measuring circuit 35 that receives detection data from the sensor and determines the amount of the consumable product. This makes it easy to know the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42.

[0553] Furthermore, in the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure, the command data CD is characterized by including an operating program for controlling at least one of the power source (washing pump 49) or the heating source (electric heater 51) included in the function performance unit 9 (washing unit 9W). Therefore, the operation of the control unit 2 can be determined by acquiring the command data CD, which reduces the troublesome input settings required by the user US and improves operability.

[0554] The washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure further includes a second sensor (reed switch) 46 that detects whether the container (tank) 16 is installed in a predetermined position, The configuration was characterized in that while the second sensor 46 detected that the tank 16 was installed in the correct position, the third sensors 39 and 40 optically grasped the mass of the first consumer product (liquid detergent 42).

[0555] With this configuration, the remaining amount of the first consumable product is measured while the tank 16 is actually in a predetermined position, so the amount of the first consumable product can be accurately determined. In other words, the latest amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) can be accurately determined and reflected in the status information A.

[0556] Furthermore, the control unit 2 of the cleaning device 1 (dishwasher 1E) according to the first disclosure is configured to perform a process AP1 to estimate the remaining amount (amount used) of the first consumable product and a process AP2 to estimate the number of times the product can be operated based on the result of the amount used, and to include the result of the process AP2 to estimate the number of times the product can be operated in the status information A and transmit it. Therefore, on the external device side, such as the first server 20, that receives the status information A, it is possible to know the number of times the vehicle can be operated from the data on the remaining amount of the first consumable product, without having to analyze and evaluate the status information A in detail.

[0557] In addition, in the cleaning device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure, the functional part 9 is formed inside the housing 14 and is characterized in that it includes at least one of a liquid supply means (cleaning pump) 49 that supplies cleaning liquid containing a first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) and a second consumable product (tablet-type detergent 42T) inside the cleaning space WS in which the items to be cleaned (dishes 55) are placed, and a cleaning head or cleaning nozzle 50 that sprays the cleaning liquid from the liquid supply means 49 onto the items to be cleaned. Therefore, the objects to be washed, such as the tableware 55, can be washed efficiently in the washing space WS.

[0558] Furthermore, the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure further includes a water quality determination unit 17 that receives detection data from a water quality sensor 17S that detects the water quality of the washing liquid used to wash the object 66, The control unit 2 is characterized by controlling at least one of the amount or number of times the liquid detergent 42 is supplied by the detergent supply means (control valve 48) 43 depending on the judgment result of the water quality judgment unit 17. Therefore, the water quality can be inspected to check the cleaning effect, and liquid detergent 42 can be automatically dispensed as needed, so the desired cleaning can be performed without the need for the user US to go through the trouble of checking the water quality, etc.

[0559] Furthermore, the control unit 2 is configured to include the determination result of the water quality determination unit 17 in the status information A. Therefore, in addition to managing consumables such as liquid detergent 42, the state of water quality during the washing process can also be known via the network NW, improving convenience.

[0560] Furthermore, the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure includes a door 44 for opening and closing the washing space WS, a door drive device 86 that generates a driving force for closing the door 44; and a position detection means (72) for detecting the position of the container (tank) (16) containing the liquid detergent (42). The control unit 2 is characterized in that, when the door 44 is in an open state, it does not drive the door drive device 86 while the position detection means 72 detects that the container 16 is not in the correct installation position.

[0561] Due to this configuration, with this cleaning device 1 (dishwasher 1E), when the container 16 is separated (removed) from the door 44 to refill or check the liquid detergent 42, and then reinstalled on the door 44, if it is not in the correct installation position, the door 44 will not be driven erroneously, so there is no risk of the container 16 protruding from the side of the door 44 and the door 44 moving and colliding with the housing 14.

[0562] Furthermore, the washing device 1 (dishwasher 1E) of the first disclosure is configured not to start operation when the remaining amount of liquid detergent 42 is less than a threshold value. Also, a warning is given in advance that the remaining amount is less than a specified amount. Therefore, there is no concern that the washing process will be carried out with insufficient detergent after the washing operation has started, resulting in a disappointing washing result.

[0563] Furthermore, in this first embodiment, the washing device (dishwasher) 1E according to the second disclosure is disclosed in the following form. That is, the washing device 1E such as a dishwasher according to the second disclosure includes: an input unit 4 (operation unit 54) that accepts input commands from a user US; a control unit 2 that receives an input command from the input unit 4 and controls the operation of the cleaning unit 9W; a measuring unit 12 that measures the amount of a first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) used when the cleaning unit 9W is operated; a container 16 containing the first consumable product; a supply means 43 for supplying the first consumable product to the cleaning space WS; a notification unit 3; and The control unit 2 activates the notification unit 3 after the main power is turned on, (1) When the amount of the first consumable product (liquid detergent 42) present in the container 16 is detected to be equal to or greater than the allowable value (150 g in the example of FIG. 12, 40 g in the example of FIG. 13) by the measuring operation of the measuring unit 12, operation in the normal operation mode is permitted (see FIGS. 12 and 13). (2) l...

Claims

1. A communication unit that can be connected to a network or an information processing terminal; an input unit for receiving input commands from a user; A notification section; A control unit that receives an input command from the input unit and controls an operation of the cleaning unit; a measuring unit configured to measure an amount of a first consumable product to be used during operation of the cleaning unit; a consumption information acquisition unit that generates status information A to be provided to an external device from the communication unit; A device information storage unit for storing the status information A; A supply means for supplying the first consumable product to the cleaning space; a water quality determination unit for determining the water quality of the cleaning liquid containing the first consumable product for cleaning the object to be cleaned in the cleaning unit; having the consumption information acquisition unit generates the status information A regarding a remaining amount of the first consumable product; The control unit switches between a normal operation mode in which the first consumable product is used and an emergency operation mode in which the supply means is not used, The cleaning unit receives the judgment data from the water quality judgment unit and controls the supply means, A cleaning device characterized in that, even when the control unit executes the emergency operation mode, the consumption information acquisition unit generates the status information A regarding the remaining amount of the first consumable product, and the control unit updates a list regarding the need to replenish consumable products including the first consumable product and to replace the consumable product based on the generated status information A, and transmits the updated list to the information processing terminal.

2. the control unit has a function of acquiring command data via the communication unit, The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, after the main power is turned on, the control unit does not perform at least one of the operation of receiving the command data or the operation of transmitting the status information A via the communication unit before a reception permission signal is sent by operating the input unit.

3. A sterilization device for sterilizing the air in the cleaning space; A door for opening and closing the cleaning space, The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit drives the sterilization device in a state where the door is closed.

4. A sterilization device for sterilizing the air in the cleaning space; A door for opening and closing the cleaning space, The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit activates the sterilization device when a time during which the door is continuously closed from the stage at which the cleaning process is completed exceeds a threshold value.

5. A sterilization device for sterilizing the air in the cleaning space; A door for opening and closing the cleaning space, The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit transmits notification data from the communication unit to the information processing terminal every time a certain amount of time has elapsed since the cleaning process was completed or when the time during which the door is continuously closed exceeds a threshold value.

6. the measuring unit measures an amount of the first consumable product, The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit notifies the notification unit that the operation mode will be switched from the normal operation mode to the emergency operation mode depending on the remaining amount of the first consumable product measured by the measuring unit.

7. the measuring unit measures an amount of the first consumable product, The cleaning device described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit automatically switches from the normal operation mode to the emergency operation mode depending on the remaining amount of the first consumable product measured by the measuring unit, and notifies this switching by the alarm unit.

8. 3. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit is configured to measure an amount of the first consumable product from outside a container that contains the first consumable product.

9. the first consumable product is a liquid; Further comprising a container for containing the liquid, the measuring unit measures the first consumable product in the container by a sensor that detects at least one of a weight or a volume of the liquid; The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit performs a remaining amount estimation process of the first consumable product consumed by operation of the cleaning unit, and a possible number of operations estimation process based on the result of the remaining amount estimation process.

10. The cleaning device described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit causes the notification unit to notify that it is possible to switch to the emergency operation mode when the remaining amount of the first consumable product measured by the measuring unit is less than a threshold value that allows the normal operation mode.

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