Home appliance system

Abstract

To provide a household appliance system capable of correctly notifying only a user watching a person of the state of the person.SOLUTION: A household appliance system includes a server for providing a first notification to a terminal device of a user who watches a watching object person depending on a use state of a household appliance. The server includes a notification section. When a trouble occurs in communication in the household appliance or between the household appliance and the server, the notification section provides a second notification different from the first notification to the terminal device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a home appliance system.

Background Art

[0002] The number of people living alone, such as the elderly, is increasing, and it is desired to notify a user who is watching over that person of the person's condition, such as their safety.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a home appliance system capable of notifying a user who is watching over a person of the person's condition as accurately as possible.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The home appliance system of the embodiment is A home appliance system having a server that sends a first notification to a terminal device of a user who monitors a person to be monitored according to the usage status of a home appliance device, wherein the server includes a notification unit that sends a second notification different from the first notification to the terminal device when a malfunction occurs in the home appliance device or in the communication between the home appliance device and the server, and the notification unit notifies the terminal device of the operation content within a predetermined time each time there is an operation on the home appliance device by the person to be monitored .

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, the home appliance system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to configurations having the same or similar functions. And the overlapping descriptions of those configurations may be omitted. "Based on XX" means "based on at least XX", and may include cases based on other elements in addition to XX. "Based on XX" is not limited to the case where XX is directly used, and may include cases based on something obtained by performing operations or processing on XX. "XX or YY" is not limited to either XX or YY, and may include both XX and YY. This is the same for cases where there are three or more selectable elements. "XX" and "YY" are arbitrary elements (for example, arbitrary information).

[0008] <First Embodiment> (Overall Configuration of the Home Appliance System) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the home appliance system 1 according to the first embodiment. The home appliance system 1 includes, for example, a refrigerator 10 (an example of a home appliance), a server 20, and a terminal device 30 as shown in FIG. 1. The home appliance system 1 is a home appliance system having a server 20 that gives a first notification to the terminal device 30 according to the usage status of the refrigerator 10. When there is a possibility that a problem has occurred in the refrigerator 10 or when there is a possibility that a problem has occurred in the communication between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20, the server 20 gives a second notification different from the first notification to the terminal device 30. When there is no possibility that a problem has occurred in the refrigerator 10 and there is no possibility that a problem has occurred in the communication between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20, and the opening and closing of the door is set as an operation on the refrigerator 10, an example of the first notification is "There has been no opening or closing of the refrigerator door." when the operation of opening and closing the door of the refrigerator 10 has not been performed within a predetermined time (for example, within 24 hours). Also, when there is a possibility that a problem has occurred in the refrigerator 10 or when there is a possibility that a problem has occurred in the communication between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20, and the opening and closing of the door is set as an operation on the refrigerator 10, an example of the second notification is "There has been no opening or closing of the refrigerator door within the predetermined time. However, there is a possibility that the opening and closing of the refrigerator door has not been detected due to a problem with the refrigerator 10 or the communication." when the operation of opening and closing the door of the refrigerator 10 has not been performed within a predetermined time (for example, within 24 hours).

[0009] For example, the server 20 is a server operated by the company that manufactures the refrigerator 10. The home appliance system 1 is realized by the refrigerator 10 and the terminal device 30 installing a dedicated application program for monitoring the person to be monitored who lives in the residence where the refrigerator 10 is placed.

[0010] The refrigerator 10 is arranged in the residence H1 of the person to be monitored. The refrigerator 10 can communicate with the server 20 via the wireless router R and the network NW. The network NW may use, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) network, LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), or other public lines or dedicated lines according to the situation.

[0011] The server 20 manages the communication terminal devices between the refrigerator 10 and the terminal device 30. The server 20 is composed of one or more server devices (for example, a cloud server). The server 20 may be referred to as a "server system". The server 20 may include an information processing unit that performs edge computing or fog computing, such as an information processing unit included in a router in the network NW. Details of the server 20 will be described later.

[0012] The terminal device 30 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The terminal device 30 displays the information received from the server 20. The terminal device 30 is the terminal device of the user who is monitoring the person to be monitored. When it is determined that an operation has been performed on the refrigerator 10, the terminal device 30 notifies information indicating that the person to be monitored is living normally. Details of the terminal device 30 will be described later.

[0013] (Configuration of the refrigerator) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the refrigerator 10 according to the first embodiment. The refrigerator 10 includes, for example, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 101, a vegetable compartment temperature sensor 102, a freezer compartment temperature sensor 103, a refrigerator cooler temperature sensor 104, a freezer cooler temperature sensor 105, an ambient temperature sensor 106, an in-cabinet camera 107, a refrigerator compartment door switch 108, a vegetable compartment door switch 109, a freezer compartment door switch 110, a current detection unit 111, a compressor 121, a refrigerant switching valve 122, a refrigerator cooling fan 123, a freezer cooling fan 124, a damper 125, a heater 126, a display device 130, a wireless module (communication module) 140, a storage unit 150, and a control unit 160. In addition to the above-described configuration, the refrigerator 10 includes a general configuration of a refrigerator (such as a housing, a door, a cooler, etc.).

[0014] The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 101 is provided in the refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator 10 and detects the temperature of the refrigerator compartment. The vegetable compartment temperature sensor 102 is provided in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator 10 and detects the temperature of the vegetable compartment. The freezer compartment temperature sensor 103 is provided in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 10 and detects the temperature of the freezer compartment. Each of the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 101, the vegetable compartment temperature sensor 102, and the freezer compartment temperature sensor 103 is an example of an "in-cabinet temperature sensor" that detects the in-cabinet temperature of the refrigerator 10. Hereinafter, the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 101, the vegetable compartment temperature sensor 102, and the freezer compartment temperature sensor 103 are collectively referred to as the "in-cabinet temperature sensor RS".

[0015] The refrigerator cooler temperature sensor 104 is attached to the refrigerator cooler and detects the temperature of the refrigerator cooler. The refrigerator cooler is an evaporator that cools the air that cools the refrigerator compartment and the vegetable compartment by receiving refrigerant from the compressor 121. The freezer cooler temperature sensor 105 is attached to the freezer cooler and detects the temperature of the freezer cooler. The freezer cooler is an evaporator that cools the air that cools the freezer compartment by receiving refrigerant from the compressor 121. Hereinafter, the refrigerator cooler temperature sensor 104 and the freezer cooler temperature sensor 105 are collectively referred to as the "cooler temperature sensor ES". Also, the refrigerator cooler and the freezer cooler are collectively referred to as the "cooler".

[0016] 106 detects the temperature around the refrigerator 10 (i.e., the room temperature of the room where the refrigerator 10 is installed). The in-compartment camera 107 is, for example, a camera provided in the refrigerator compartment, the vegetable compartment, or the freezer compartment, and captures the state inside the refrigerator 10. The in-compartment camera 107 is a detection unit that detects the taking in and out of food with respect to the refrigerator compartment, the vegetable compartment, or the freezer compartment and / or the storage amount (cooling load) inside the compartment.

[0017] The refrigerator compartment door switch 108 detects the opening and closing of the refrigerator compartment door of the refrigerator 10. The vegetable compartment door switch 109 detects the opening and closing of the vegetable compartment door of the refrigerator 10. The freezer compartment door switch 110 detects the opening and closing of the freezer compartment door of the refrigerator 10. Hereinafter, the refrigerator compartment door switch 108, the vegetable compartment door switch 109, and the freezer compartment door switch 110 are collectively referred to as the "door switch DS".

[0018] The current detection unit 111 detects the current value of the current flowing through the electrical components of the refrigerator 10. The electrical components are, for example, the compressor 121, the refrigeration cooling fan 123, the freezer cooling fan 124, the ice-making tray motor, the water supply motor, or the heater 126, etc.

[0019] The compressor 121 compresses the refrigerant supplied to the refrigeration cooler and the freezer cooler. The refrigerant switching valve 122 selectively connects the flow path through which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 121 flows to the flow path supplied to the refrigeration cooler and the flow path supplied to the freezer cooler. The refrigeration cooling fan 123 circulates the cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler in the refrigerator compartment and the vegetable compartment. The freezer cooling fan 124 circulates the cold air cooled by the freezer cooler in the freezer compartment. Hereinafter, the refrigeration cooling fan 123 and the freezer cooling fan 124 are collectively referred to as the "cooling fan F". The damper 125 is provided in the middle of the air flow path inside the refrigerator 10 and opens and closes the air flow path. The heater 126 is, for example, a heater for defrosting. The heater 126 is provided on the cooler and is heated when the amount of frost adhering to the cooler increases, and melts the frost adhering to the cooler.

[0020] The display device 130 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. Based on the control by the control unit 160, the display device 130 displays information received by the wireless module 140 from another refrigerator 10, a terminal device 30, etc. via the network NW. For example, the display device 130 is equipped with a touch panel. When an operation to confirm information is performed on the touch panel, the control unit 160 transmits information indicating that the operation to confirm the information has been performed to the server 20 together with the identification information of the refrigerator 10 (for example, the account information through which the refrigerator 10 communicates). In the refrigerator 10, the position where the display device 130 is provided is, for example, the lower part of the uppermost door as shown in FIG. 1.

[0021] The wireless module 140 includes a high-frequency circuit and an antenna. The wireless module 140 communicates with the server 20 and the terminal device 30 via the wireless router R and the network NW.

[0022] The storage unit 150 is realized, for example, by a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or a combination of a plurality of these. The control amount information CI is stored in the storage unit 150.

[0023] The control amount information CI is, for example, information in which the basic control amounts of the compressor 121, the cooling fan F, the heater 126, etc. in each operation mode are registered. The basic control amount is the control amount initially set in the refrigerator 10 and is the control amount when the refrigerator 10 is normal. For example, in the control amount information CI, the operating frequency of the compressor 121 and the rotation speed of the cooling fan F (or the operating frequency of the compressor 121 and the rotation speed of the cooling fan F according to the difference between the cooling target temperature and the temperature inside the cabinet), the threshold temperature of the cooler at which defrosting of the cooler starts, and the energization amount of the heater 126, etc. are registered as basic control amounts in the cases where the intensity of the refrigeration operation is "weak", "medium", and "strong" respectively. The control unit 160 operates each component of the refrigerator 10 based on the control amounts of each component registered in the control amount information CI.

[0024] Further, the storage unit 150 stores the history of operations performed on the refrigerator 10 and the history of self-diagnosis results of malfunctions occurring in the refrigerator 10 itself. Examples of the operation history include information such as the operation of opening and closing the door detected by the "door switch DS" and the date and time when the operation was executed. Examples of the history of self-diagnosis results of malfunctions occurring in the refrigerator 10 itself include the history of malfunctions indicating inability to communicate, the history of malfunctions indicating that the temperature does not drop, and malfunctions indicating that the processing result when a predetermined process is executed by the control unit 160 does not become the desired processing result.

[0025] The control unit 160 is realized, for example, by a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted on the refrigerator 10 executing a program (software). However, all or part of the control unit 160 may be realized by hardware (including a circuit unit; circuitry) such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or may be realized by the cooperation of software and hardware.

[0026] The control unit 160 controls the refrigerator 10 based on the detection results of the internal temperature sensor RS, the cooler temperature sensor ES, the ambient temperature sensor 106, the internal camera 107, the door switch DS, and the current detection unit 111.

[0027] Further, the control unit 160 causes the display device 130 to display the information received by the wireless module 140 from the terminal device 30 via the network NW. Further, the control unit 160 notifies that the wireless module 140 has received information from the terminal device 30 via the server 20. The information is, for example, a message, an image, etc. The message and the image include, for example, an image and characters handwritten on the touch panel. For example, the refrigerator 10 and the terminal device 30 are set as one group for transmitting and receiving information. When the wireless module 140 receives information from the terminal device 30 via the server 20, the control unit 160 notifies by displaying on the display device 130 that the information has been received. Note that this notification is not limited to the display on the display device 130. In another embodiment, the refrigerator 10 may be provided with a speaker, and the control unit 160 may notify that information has been received from the terminal device 30 by outputting sound (including voice) from the speaker. Further, in another embodiment, the refrigerator 10 may be provided with a light emitting unit (for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode)), and the control unit 160 may notify that information has been received from the terminal device 30 by causing the light emitting unit to emit light.

[0028] Further, when the control unit 160 determines that an operation has been performed on the refrigerator 10, based on the operation performed on the refrigerator 10, the control unit 160 transmits information indicating that the person under care is living normally to the server 20.

[0029] (Configuration of Server) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 20 according to the first embodiment. The server 20 includes a wireless module 201, a control device 202, and a storage unit 203. The server 20 is, for example, a server operated by a company that provides the refrigerator 10 and provides a dedicated application program to the terminal device 30.

[0030] The wireless module 201 includes a high-frequency circuit and an antenna. The wireless module 201 communicates with the refrigerator 10 and the terminal device 30 via the wireless router R and the network NW.

[0031] The control device 202 includes a control unit 202a and a management device 202b. The control unit 202a is realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU mounted on the server 20 executing a program (software). However, all or part of the control unit 202a may be realized by hardware (including a circuit unit; circuitry) such as an ASIC, a PLD, or an FPGA, or may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware. The control unit 202a controls the server 20.

[0032] The management device 202b manages communications performed between the refrigerator 10 and the terminal device 30 and between the terminal devices 30 via the server 20. The management device 202b includes a notification unit 202b1 and a determination unit 202b2. These functional units are realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU mounted on the server 20 executing a program (software). However, all or part of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including a circuit unit; circuitry) such as an ASIC, a PLD, or an FPGA, or may be realized by cooperation between software and hardware. Also, the hardware processor that realizes the management device 202b may be the same hardware processor that realizes the control unit 202a.

[0033] When there is a possibility that a problem has occurred in the communication between the refrigerator 10 or between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20, the notification unit 202b1 gives a second notification different from the first notification to the terminal device 30. For example, the time at which the first notification is executed is predetermined, and when it is determined that there is a possibility that a problem has occurred within a predetermined time before the time at which the first notification is executed, the notification unit 202b1 gives a second notification different from the first notification to the terminal device 30. Also, for example, as a preparatory operation regarding the first notification, when it is determined that there is a possibility that a problem has occurred within the predetermined time, the notification unit 202b1 gives a second notification to the terminal device 30.

[0034] As a preparation operation for the first notification, the determination unit 202b2 determines whether there may be a problem in the communication between the refrigerator 10 or between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20. When the determination unit 202b2 determines that there may be a problem, if the time of occurrence is within a predetermined time before the time when the first notification is to be executed which is predetermined, it determines that there may be a problem in the communication occurring within that time.

[0035] The storage unit 203 stores various information necessary for the processing performed by the server 20. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the communication history in the home appliance system 1 of the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit 203 stores the identification information of the refrigerator 10 and the terminal device 30 that communicated with the server 20 in association with the date and time of the communication.

[0036] (Configuration of the terminal device) FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 30 of the first embodiment. The terminal device 30 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a display device 301, a wireless module 302, a storage unit 303, and a control device 304.

[0037] The display device 301 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display device 301 displays information received by the wireless module 302 from the refrigerator 10 or another terminal device 30 via the network NW based on the control by a control unit 304b (to be described later) provided in the control device 304. The display device 301 is equipped with a touch panel and accepts input of information.

[0038] The wireless module 302 includes a high-frequency circuit and an antenna. The wireless module 302 communicates with the terminal device 30 via the network NW (in some cases via a wireless router R). The storage unit 303 stores various information necessary for the processing performed by the terminal device 30. For example, the storage unit 303 stores a dedicated application program.

[0039] The control device 304 includes an execution device 304a and a control unit 304b. The execution device 304a includes an execution unit 304a1. The execution unit 304a1 executes a dedicated application program to make the terminal device 30 communicable with the refrigerator 10 via the server 20. When the wireless module 302 receives a first notification or a second notification different from the first notification from the server 20, the execution unit 304a1 displays the received first notification or the received second notification on the display device 301. For example, when there is no possibility of a malfunction in the refrigerator 10 and no possibility of a malfunction in the communication between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20, and the opening and closing of the door is set as an operation on the refrigerator 10, the display device 301 displays a first notification such as "There has been no opening or closing of the refrigerator door." when the door of the refrigerator 10 has not been opened or closed within a predetermined time (for example, within 24 hours). Also, when there is a possibility of a malfunction in the refrigerator 10 or a possibility of a malfunction in the communication between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20, and the opening and closing of the door is set as an operation on the refrigerator 10, the display device 301 displays a second notification such as "There has been no opening or closing of the refrigerator door. However, there is a possibility that the opening and closing of the refrigerator door has not been detected due to a malfunction in the refrigerator 10 or the communication." when the door of the refrigerator 10 has not been opened or closed within a predetermined time (for example, within 24 hours).

[0040] (Processing performed by the home appliance system) Next, the processing performed by the home appliance system 1 of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the processing flow of the home appliance system 1 of the first embodiment. Here, the processing flow of the home appliance system 1 when the opening and closing of the door is set as an operation on the refrigerator 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Note that the processing shown here is a process in which the refrigerator 10 and the terminal device 30 are set in one group, and a first notification or a second notification is notified from the server 20 to the terminal device 30 at a predetermined date and time (for example, 8:00 am on the dth day of the mth month) in response to an operation on the refrigerator 10 used by a single mother living alone. Also, it is assumed that the refrigerator 10 and the terminal device 30 are set in a state where they can notify the first notification and the second notification according to the identification information by a dedicated application program.

[0041] Attempt to detect an operation of opening and closing the door by the "door switch DS" (step S1). If the "door switch DS" does not detect an operation of opening and closing the door (NO in step S1), the process returns to the process of step S1. If the "door switch DS" detects an operation of opening and closing the door (YES in step S1), under the control of the control unit 160, information including the operation of opening and closing the door detected by the "door switch DS" and the date and time when the operation was executed is recorded in the storage unit 150 as an operation history (step S2).

[0042] The determination unit 202b2 determines whether or not a predetermined date and time (in this example, 8:00 am on the dth day of the mth month) has arrived (step S3). For example, the determination unit 202b2 has a timer and determines whether or not 8:00 am on the dth day of the mth month has arrived based on the timer. If the determination unit 202b2 determines that the predetermined date and time has not arrived (NO in step S3), the process returns to the process of step S3. Also, if the determination unit 202b2 determines that the predetermined date and time has arrived (YES in step S3), it is determined whether or not communication with the refrigerator 10 is possible by one attempt of communication (step S4).

[0043] When the determination unit 202b2 determines that communication is possible (YES in step S4), it determines that there has been no malfunction of the refrigerator 10 and no communication malfunction between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20 within a past predetermined time, acquires the operation history from the refrigerator 10, and determines whether there is an operation history (step S5). When the determination unit 202b2 determines that there is an operation history (YES in step S5), the notification unit 202b1 notifies the refrigerator 10 that an operation has been performed, that is, an operation indicating that the mother has taken action and is healthy, for example, "An operation of opening and closing the refrigerator door has been performed." (step S6).

[0044] When the determination unit 202b2 determines that there is no operation history (NO in step S5), the notification unit 202b1 notifies the terminal device 30 that no operation has been performed on the refrigerator 10, that is, the status such as the mother's safety cannot be confirmed, for example, "No operation of opening and closing the refrigerator door has been performed within the predetermined time." (step S7).

[0045] When the determination unit 202b2 determines that communication is not possible (NO in step S4), it determines that a malfunction of the refrigerator 10 or a communication malfunction between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20 has occurred within a past predetermined time, and the notification unit 202b1 notifies the terminal device 30 that it is not possible to confirm whether an operation has been performed, that is, the status such as the mother's safety cannot be confirmed, for example, "It was not possible to confirm an operation of opening and closing the refrigerator door within the predetermined time. However, there may have been a malfunction of the refrigerator or communication." (step S8).

[0046] Note that the determination of the occurrence of a malfunction by the above-mentioned determination unit 202b2 is an example of a preparatory operation for the first notification. Also, the notification when the determination unit 202b2 determines that there has been no malfunction of the refrigerator 10 and no communication malfunction between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20 is the first notification. Further, the notification when the determination unit 202b2 determines that there may have been a malfunction of the refrigerator 10 or a communication malfunction between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20 is the second notification.

[0047] The wireless module 302 receives a notification by the processing of step S6, S7, or S8. The display device 301 displays the received notification (for example, "The operation of opening and closing the refrigerator door within a predetermined time has not been performed.", "The operation of opening and closing the refrigerator door within a predetermined time could not be confirmed.", or "The operation of opening and closing the door has not been performed within a predetermined time. However, there may be a problem with the refrigerator or communication.") (step S9).

[0048] (Advantages) As described above, the home appliance system 1 of the first embodiment has been described. The home appliance system 1 is a home appliance system having a server 20 that sends a first notification to the terminal device 30 of a user who monitors a person to be monitored (for example, a mother) according to the usage status of the refrigerator 10 (an example of a home appliance). The server 20 has a notification unit 202b1. When there may be a problem with the communication between the refrigerator 10 or the refrigerator 10 and the server 20, the notification unit 202b1 sends a second notification different from the first notification to the terminal device 30.

[0049] With this home appliance system 1, the state of a person (person to be monitored) can be notified to the user who monitors the person as accurately as possible.

[0050] <First Modification of the First Embodiment> In the home appliance system 1 of the first embodiment, when the determination unit 202b2 determines that there is an operation history, the notification unit 202b1 notifies the terminal device 30 that an operation has been performed on the refrigerator 10, that is, an operation indicating that the mother has taken action and is healthy, for example, "The operation of opening and closing the refrigerator door has been performed." However, in the home appliance system 1 of the first modification of the first embodiment, the notification unit 202b1 may not notify the terminal device 30 when the determination unit 202b2 determines that there is an operation history, that is, under the idea that the mother is safe when there is no notification.

[0051] (Advantages) The above-described home appliance system 1 according to the first modification of the first embodiment has been explained. According to this home appliance system 1, even in a state where the communication volume is reduced, the state of the person to be monitored can be notified from the server 20 to the terminal device 30.

[0052] <Second Modification of the First Embodiment> In the home appliance system 1 of the first embodiment, the determination unit 202b2 determines whether communication with the refrigerator 10 is possible by one attempt of communication, and based on the determination result, determines whether there may be a malfunction of the refrigerator 10 or a communication malfunction between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20 within a predetermined past time. However, in the home appliance system 1 according to the second modification of the first embodiment, the determination unit 202b2 may determine whether there may be a malfunction of the refrigerator 10 or a communication malfunction between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20 at a plurality of times within a predetermined past time. In this case, when the determination unit 202b2 determines that there may be a malfunction at at least one of the plurality of times within the predetermined past time, the notification unit 202b1 issues a second notification to the terminal device 30. The plurality of times within the predetermined past time may be at regular intervals or irregular.

[0053] (Advantages) The above-described home appliance system 1 according to the second modification of the first embodiment has been explained. According to this home appliance system 1, compared with the home appliance system 1 of the first modification of the first embodiment, since more attempts are made to confirm the occurrence of malfunctions within a predetermined past time, the occurrence of malfunctions can be determined more accurately. <Third Modification of the First Embodiment> In the home appliance system 1 of the first embodiment, the determination unit 202b2 determines whether communication with the refrigerator 10 is possible by one attempt of communication, and based on the determination result, determines whether there may have been a malfunction of the refrigerator 10 or a communication malfunction between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20 within a predetermined past time. However, in the home appliance system 1 of the third modification of the first embodiment, the determination unit 202b2 may determine whether there may have been a malfunction of the refrigerator 10 or a communication malfunction between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20 at a plurality of times within a predetermined past time. In this case, the notification unit 202b1 may determine that the malfunction is not temporary and perform a second notification to the terminal device 30 when the determination unit 202b2 determines that there may have been a malfunction for a predetermined time or longer. The plurality of times within the predetermined past time may be at regular intervals or irregular.

[0054] (Advantages) As described above, the home appliance system 1 of the third modification of the first embodiment has been described. According to this home appliance system 1, it is possible to determine the occurrence of a non-temporary malfunction.

[0055] <The Fourth Modification of the First Embodiment> In the home appliance system 1 of the first embodiment, the determination unit 202b2 determines whether communication with the refrigerator 10 is possible by one communication attempt, and based on the determination result, determines whether there may have been a malfunction of the refrigerator 10 or a communication malfunction between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20 within a predetermined past time. However, in the home appliance system 1 of the fourth modification of the first embodiment, the determination unit 202b2 may determine whether there may have been a malfunction of the refrigerator 10 or a communication malfunction between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20 at a plurality of times within a predetermined past time. The determination is not limited to attempting to communicate from the server 20 to the refrigerator 10. For example, communication may be performed from the refrigerator 10 to the server 20 at a predetermined date and time, and based on whether the server 20 can receive a signal from the refrigerator 10, the occurrence of those malfunctions may be determined. In this case, when the determination unit 202b2 determines that there may have been a malfunction at at least one of a plurality of times within a predetermined past time, the notification unit 202b1 gives a second notification to the terminal device 30. The plurality of times within the predetermined past time may be at regular intervals or irregular.

[0056] (Advantages) As described above, the home appliance system 1 of the fourth modification of the first embodiment has been described. According to this home appliance system 1, compared with the home appliance system 1 of the first modification of the first embodiment, since more attempts are made to confirm the occurrence of malfunctions within a predetermined past time, the occurrence of malfunctions can be determined more accurately. Further, the determination unit 202b2 can determine the occurrence of malfunctions based not only on communication from the server 20 to the refrigerator 10 but also on communication from the refrigerator 10 to the server 20.

[0057] <Fifth Modification of the First Embodiment> In the home appliance system 1 of the first embodiment, the determination unit 202b2 determines whether communication with the refrigerator 10 is possible by one attempt of communication, and based on the determination result, determines whether there may have been a malfunction of the refrigerator 10 or a communication malfunction between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20 within a past predetermined time. However, in the home appliance system 1 of the fifth modification of the first embodiment, the determination unit 202b2 may determine whether there may have been a malfunction of the refrigerator 10 or a communication malfunction between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20 at a plurality of times within a past predetermined time. The determination is not limited to attempting communication from the server 20 to the refrigerator 10. For example, communication is performed from the refrigerator 10 to the server 20 at a predetermined date and time, and based on whether the server 20 can receive a signal from the refrigerator 10, it may be determined whether those malfunctions have occurred. In this case, when the determination unit 202b2 determines that there may have been a malfunction at at least one of a plurality of times within a past predetermined time, the notification unit 202b1 gives a second notification to the terminal device 30. Note that the plurality of times within the past predetermined time may be at regular intervals or may be irregular.

[0058] (Advantages) As described above, the home appliance system 1 of the fifth modification of the first embodiment has been described. According to this home appliance system 1, it is possible to determine the occurrence of a non-temporary malfunction.

[0059] <Sixth Modification of the First Embodiment> In the home appliance system 1 of the first embodiment, the notification unit 202b1 has been described as notifying that there may be a problem as a second notification. However, in the home appliance system 1 of the sixth modification of the first embodiment, the notification unit 202b1 may notify the terminal device 30 of the period during which there may be a problem when there is a possibility that a problem has occurred. For example, if there is a possibility that a problem has occurred between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm, the notification unit 202b1 may notify, for example, "The operation of opening and closing the door has not been performed within a predetermined time. However, there may be a problem with the refrigerator or communication between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm."

[0060] (Advantages) As described above, the home appliance system 1 of the sixth modification of the first embodiment has been described. According to this home appliance system 1, compared with the home appliance system 1 of the first embodiment and the home appliance systems 1 of the first to fifth modifications of the first embodiment, the time when a specific problem occurs can be known.

[0061] <The Seventh Modification of the First Embodiment> In the home appliance system 1 of the first embodiment, the notification unit 202b1 has been described as notifying that there may be a problem as a second notification. However, in the home appliance system 1 of the seventh modification of the first embodiment, the notification unit 202b1 may notify the terminal device 30 of the operation content within a predetermined time (for example, within the past 24 hours) each time there is an operation on the refrigerator 10 by the person being monitored.

[0062] (Advantages) As described above, the home appliance system 1 of the seventh modification of the first embodiment has been described. According to this home appliance system 1, compared with the home appliance system 1 of the first embodiment and the home appliance systems 1 of the first to sixth modifications of the first embodiment, the specific operation content can be known, and more specifically, the state of the person being monitored can be known.

[0063] <The Eighth Modification of the First Embodiment> In the home appliance system 1 of the first embodiment and the home appliance systems 1 of the first to sixth modification examples of the first embodiment, the refrigerator 10 is cited as an example of the home appliance device, and the operation of opening and closing the door is cited as an example of the operation. However, in the home appliance system 1 of the eighth modification example of the first embodiment, the home appliance device may be any home appliance device as long as it can receive an operation by the person being monitored. For example, examples of home appliance devices include, in addition to the refrigerator 10, an air conditioner, a television, and the like.

[0064] (Advantages) As described above, the home appliance system 1 of the eighth modification example of the first embodiment has been described. According to this home appliance system 1, even a person being monitored who does not own a refrigerator can monitor the person in the same way as a refrigerator.

[0065] <Second Embodiment> (Overall Configuration of Home Appliance System) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the home appliance system 1 of the second embodiment. The home appliance system 1 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, in addition to the refrigerator 10, the server 20, and the terminal device 30, an air conditioner 40. The refrigerator 10 is an example of the first home appliance device. The air conditioner 40 is an example of the second home appliance device.

[0066] In the home appliance system 1 of the second embodiment, the determination unit 202b2 determines whether there may be a malfunction of the refrigerator 10 or a communication malfunction between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20 based on the refrigerator 10. If it is determined that there may be a malfunction, it determines whether there may be a malfunction of the air conditioner 40 or a communication malfunction between the air conditioner 40 and the server 20 based on the air conditioner 40, which is a home appliance device different from the refrigerator 10.

[0067] When the determination unit 202b2 determines that there may be a malfunction in the refrigerator 10, the same processing as in the home appliance system 1 of the first embodiment may be performed using the air conditioner 40 instead of the refrigerator 10.

[0068] (Advantages) The above describes the home appliance system 1 of the second embodiment. In addition to the refrigerator 10, the server 20, and the terminal device 30, the home appliance system 1 further includes an air conditioner 40. With this home appliance system 1, even when there is a problem with the refrigerator 10 or there may be a problem with the communication between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20, by using another home appliance device such as the air conditioner 40 instead of the refrigerator 10, the same processing as that of the home appliance system 1 of the first embodiment is executed. When the person under watch is operating the second home appliance device, it is possible to confirm that the person under watch is safe. That is, even when the safety of the person under watch cannot be confirmed only by the first home appliance device, by using the second home appliance device instead of the first home appliance device, there is a possibility of confirming the safety of the person under watch. Note that the home appliance system 1 of the first to eighth modification examples of the first embodiment can be applied to the home appliance system 1 of the second embodiment.

[0069] <First Modification Example of the Second Embodiment> In the home appliance system 1 of the second embodiment described above, the air conditioner is taken as an example of the second home appliance device for explanation. However, in the home appliance system 1 of the first modification example of the second embodiment, the second home appliance device is not limited to the air conditioner 40. Also, the first home appliance device is not limited to the refrigerator 10. The first to second home appliance devices can be any home appliance devices as long as they can receive operations by the person under watch. For example, examples of the first to second home appliance devices include a television.

[0070] (Advantages) The above describes the home appliance system 1 of the first modification example of the second embodiment. According to this home appliance system 1, even a person under watch who does not own a refrigerator or an air conditioner can be watched over in the same way as a refrigerator or an air conditioner.

[0071] <Second Modification Example of the Second Embodiment> In the home appliance system 1 of the second embodiment described above, the home appliances were described as two home appliances, the first to the second home appliances. However, in the home appliance system 1 of the second modification of the second embodiment, the number of home appliances may be three or more. In this case, if there is a possibility that a problem has occurred in the first to second home appliances, the third home appliance may be used instead, and a home appliance with no possibility of a problem may be used instead of the home appliance in which a problem may have occurred.

[0072] (Advantages) As described above, the home appliance system 1 of the second modification of the second embodiment has been described. According to this home appliance system 1, by using a home appliance with no possibility of a problem instead of a home appliance in which a problem may have occurred, the same processing as the home appliance system 1 of the first embodiment can be realized.

[0073] <The Third Modification of the Second Embodiment> In the home appliance system 1 of the second embodiment described above, when the determination unit 202b2 determines that a malfunction has occurred in the refrigerator 10 (an example of the first home appliance device) or a communication malfunction has occurred between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20, the determination unit 202b2 determines whether a malfunction has occurred in the air conditioner 40 (an example of the second home appliance device) or a communication malfunction has occurred between the air conditioner 40 and the server 20 based on the air conditioner 40 different from the refrigerator 10. That is, even when it is not possible to confirm the safety of the person under surveillance using only the first home appliance device, it has been described that there is a possibility of confirming the safety of the person under surveillance by using the second home appliance device instead of the first home appliance device. However, the determination unit 202b2 may determine whether a malfunction has occurred in the refrigerator 10, a communication malfunction has occurred between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20, a malfunction has occurred in the air conditioner 40, or a communication malfunction has occurred between the air conditioner 40 and the server 20 based on the refrigerator 10 (an example of the first home appliance device) and the air conditioner 40 (an example of the second home appliance device). And when the determination unit 202b2 determines that a malfunction has occurred in the refrigerator 10, a communication malfunction has occurred between the refrigerator 10 and the server 20, a malfunction has occurred in the air conditioner 40, or a communication malfunction has occurred between the air conditioner 40 and the server 20 based on at least one of the refrigerator 10 or the air conditioner 40, the notification unit 202b1 may perform a second notification to the terminal device 30.

[0074] (Advantages) As described above, the home appliance system 1 of the fourth modification of the second embodiment has been described. According to this home appliance system 1, it is possible to more reliably determine the possibility that a malfunction has occurred and notify the determination result.

[0075] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0076] 1... Home appliance system, 10... Refrigerator, 20... Server, 30... Terminal device, 40... Air conditioner, 101... Refrigerator compartment temperature sensor, 102... Vegetable compartment temperature sensor, 103... Freezer compartment temperature sensor, 104... Refrigerator cooler temperature sensor, 105... Freezer cooler temperature sensor, 106... Ambient temperature sensor, 107... In-cabinet camera, 108... Refrigerator compartment door switch, 109... Vegetable compartment door switch, 110... Freezer compartment door switch, 111... Current detection unit, 121... Compressor, 122... Refrigerant switching valve, 123... Refrigerator cooling fan, 124... Freezer cooling fan, 125... Damper, 126... Heater, 130, 301... Display device, 140, 201, 302... Wireless module, 150, 203, 303... Memory unit, 160, 202a, 304b... Control unit, 170... Camera, 202, 304... Control device, 202b... Management device, 202b1... Notification unit, 202b2... Judgment unit, 304a... Execution device, 304a1... Execution unit.

Claims

1. A home appliance system having a server that sends a first notification to a terminal device of a user who is watching a person to be watched according to the usage status of a home appliance, wherein the server, when a malfunction occurs in the home appliance or in the communication between the home appliance and the server, a notification unit that sends a second notification different from the first notification to the terminal device, is provided, wherein the notification unit, notifies the terminal device of the operation content within a predetermined time each time there is an operation on the home appliance by the person to be watched, home appliance system.

2. The notification unit, the time for executing the first notification is predetermined, and when it is determined that the malfunction has occurred within a predetermined time before the time for executing the first notification, the second notification is sent to the terminal device, The home appliance system according to Claim 1.

3. As a preparatory operation for the first notification, a determination unit that determines whether or not the malfunction has occurred, and when it is determined that the malfunction has occurred, determines that the malfunction has occurred within the predetermined time, is provided, wherein the notification unit, as the preparatory operation, when determined by the determination unit, sends the second notification to the terminal device, The home appliance system according to Claim 2.

4. A determination unit that determines whether or not the malfunction has occurred at a plurality of times within the predetermined time, is provided, wherein the notification unit, when the determination unit determines that the malfunction has occurred at at least one of the plurality of times within the predetermined time, sends the second notification to the terminal device, The home appliance system according to Claim 2.

5. A determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined notification has been sent from the home appliance to the server at a plurality of times within the predetermined time, is provided, wherein the notification unit, when the determination unit determines that the predetermined notification has not been sent from the home appliance to the server at at least one of the plurality of times within the predetermined time, sends the second notification to the terminal device, The home appliance system according to Claim 2.

6. A home appliance system having a server that sends a first notification to a terminal device of a user who is watching a person to be watched according to the usage status of a home appliance, wherein the server, when a malfunction occurs in the home appliance or in the communication between the home appliance and the server, a notification unit that sends a second notification different from the first notification to the terminal device, As a preparation operation for the first notification, a determination unit determines whether or not the defect has occurred, and if it is determined that the defect has occurred, determines that the defect has occurred within a predetermined time before the time when the first notification is executed; comprising; the notification unit; the time for executing the first notification is predetermined, and if it is determined that the defect has occurred within the predetermined time, a second notification is sent to the terminal device; as the preparation operation, when determined by the determination unit, a second notification is sent to the terminal device; the determination unit; determines whether or not the defect has occurred based on the first household electrical appliance, and if it is determined that the defect has occurred, determines whether or not the defect has occurred based on a second household electrical appliance different from the first household electrical appliance; a household electrical appliance system.

7. A household electrical appliance system having a server that sends a first notification to a terminal device of a user who is watching a person to be watched according to the usage status of the household electrical appliance, the server; when a defect occurs in the household electrical appliance or in the communication between the household electrical appliance and the server, a notification unit that sends a second notification different from the first notification to the terminal device; As a preparation operation for the first notification, a determination unit determines whether or not the defect has occurred, and if it is determined that the defect has occurred, determines that the defect has occurred within a predetermined time before the time when the first notification is executed; comprising; the notification unit; the time for executing the first notification is predetermined, and if it is determined that the defect has occurred within the predetermined time, a second notification is sent to the terminal device; as the preparation operation, when determined by the determination unit, a second notification is sent to the terminal device; the determination unit; determines whether or not the defect has occurred based on the first household electrical appliance and the second household electrical appliance; the notification unit; when the determination unit determines that the defect has occurred based on at least one of the first household electrical appliance or the second household electrical appliance, the second notification is sent to the terminal device; a household electrical appliance system.

8. the notification unit; notifies the terminal device of the operation content within a predetermined time each time there is an operation on the household electrical appliance by the subject person; The household electrical appliance system according to claim 6 or claim 7.

9. the notification unit; when the defect occurs, notifies the terminal device of the period during which the defect has occurred The home appliance system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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