Control device, control program, control method, washing machine, and laundry system

Abstract

To adequately control an operation of a washing machine.SOLUTION: A washing machine 100 has a rotary drum for storing an article to be washed and a control device 81 for controlling washing of the article to be washed stored in the rotary drum. The control device has a reception part to receive specification of type of the article to be washed, an operation course acquisition part to acquire an operation course corresponding to the specified type of the article to be washed and an operation course relating to the specified type of the article to be washed from a plurality of settable operation courses, an operation course presentation part to present the operation course corresponding to the specified type of the article to be washed and the operation course relating to the specified type of the article to be washed, which are acquired by the operation course acquisition part, and a setting part to set a specified operation course from the presented operation courses.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for controlling a washing machine, a control program, a control method, a washing machine, and a laundry system. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to automatically control the operation of a washing machine, an operation program that defines the operation mode is provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1). To meet the needs of users who want to care for various items to be washed in a way that suits them, washing machines that can be set to a number of operation programs are also provided. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-171513 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if there are too many operating modes, it becomes difficult for the user to understand the performance of each operating mode and the differences between them, and as a result, it becomes difficult to select an appropriate operating mode to suit the laundry item.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technique for appropriately controlling the operation of a washing machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control device of the present disclosure includes a reception unit that receives a designation of the type of object to be washed, an operation course acquisition unit that acquires an operation course corresponding to the designated type of object to be washed and an operation course related to the designated type of object to be washed from a plurality of settable operation courses, an operation course presentation unit that presents the operation course corresponding to the designated type of object to be washed and an operation course related to the designated type of object to be washed acquired by the operation course acquisition unit, and a setting unit that sets the designated operation course from the presented operation courses.

[0007] The washing machine according to the present disclosure includes a storage unit for storing items to be washed, and a control device for controlling the washing of the items stored in the storage unit. The control device includes: a reception unit for receiving a designation of the type of item to be washed, an operation program acquisition unit for acquiring an operation program corresponding to the designated type of item and an operation program related to the designated type of item from among a plurality of settable operation programs, an operation program presentation unit for presenting the operation program corresponding to the designated type of item and the operation program related to the designated type of item acquired by the operation program acquisition unit, and a setting unit for setting the designated operation program from the presented operation programs.

[0008] The control method of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute the steps of accepting a designation of the type of object to be washed, acquiring an operating course corresponding to the designated type of object to be washed and an operating course related to the designated type of object to be washed from among a plurality of settable operating courses, presenting the acquired operating course corresponding to the designated type of object to be washed and an operating course related to the designated type of object to be washed, and setting the designated operating course from among the presented operating courses.

[0009] The laundry system according to the present disclosure includes a washing machine and a control device for controlling the washing machine. The control device includes a reception unit for receiving a designation of a type of laundry object, an operation program acquisition unit for acquiring an operation program corresponding to the designated type of laundry object and an operation program related to the designated type of laundry object from among a plurality of settable operation programs, an operation program presentation unit for presenting the operation program corresponding to the designated type of laundry object and an operation program related to the designated type of laundry object acquired by the operation program acquisition unit, and a notification unit for notifying the washing machine of the designated operation program from the presented operation programs. The washing machine sets the operation program notified by the control device.

[0010] Any combination of the above components, and conversion of the present disclosure into a method, device, system, recording medium, computer program, etc., are also valid aspects of the present disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the technology of the present disclosure, the operation of the washing machine can be appropriately controlled. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a laundry system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on an operation display unit of the washing machine according to the first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on an operation display unit of the washing machine according to the first embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on an operation display unit of the washing machine according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on an operation display unit of the washing machine according to the first embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on an operation display unit of the washing machine according to the first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on an operation display unit of the washing machine according to the first embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on an operation display unit of the washing machine according to the first embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a control device of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart showing the steps of a method for controlling a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

[0014] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0015] As an embodiment of the present disclosure, a technology for allowing a user of a washing machine to appropriately select an operation program will be described. A control device of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure automatically selects an operation program suited to the type of laundry object, the type or degree of soiling of the laundry object (soiling condition), or the manner in which the laundry object is washed (washing method), and presents the operation program to the user. The user selects an operation program from the presented operation programs. This allows the user to appropriately set an operation program suited to the laundry object.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0017] [1-1.Configuration] 1 shows a configuration of laundry system 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Laundry system 1 includes washing machine 100, terminal device 200 capable of executing an application for setting an operation program for washing machine 100, laundry assistance server 300 that assists washing by washing machine 100, and Internet 2, which is an example of a communication network connecting these devices.

[0018] The washing machine 100 can be set to a plurality of operating programs for automatically controlling operations such as a washing process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, and a drying process. In each operating program, the operating mode of each process is defined by parameters such as time, laundry amount, water amount, standard detergent input amount, temperature, drum rotation speed, rotation torque, and rotation pattern. The washing machine 100 accepts a user's specification of an operating program via a user interface such as a touch panel. The washing machine 100 sets the operating program specified by the user and controls each process according to the parameters defined in the set operating program.

[0019] The terminal device 200 executes an application that functions as a user interface for setting an operation program of the washing machine 100, instead of or in addition to the user interface of the washing machine 100. The terminal device 200 notifies the washing machine 100 of an operation program designated by a user. The washing machine 100 sets the operation program notified from the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 may communicate with the washing machine 100 via the laundry assistance server 300. In this case, the terminal device 200 notifies the laundry assistance server 300 of the operation program designated by the user, and the laundry assistance server 300 notifies the washing machine 100 of the notified operation program. The terminal device 200 may communicate directly with the washing machine 100.

[0020] The control device of the present disclosure may be a control device 81 built into the washing machine 100, or may be an application executed on the terminal device 200. Alternatively, the control device may be realized by both the control device 81 and an application executed on the terminal device 200.

[0021] The laundry assistance server 300 provides information about operation courses to the washing machine 100 or the terminal device 200. The laundry assistance server 300 also provides data on operation courses that can be executed by the washing machine 100 to the washing machine 100. The laundry assistance server 300 may search for an operation course that suits the type of laundry item to be washed by the washing machine 100, the washing method or the degree of soiling of the laundry item, etc. from among a plurality of operation courses, and provide the search result to the washing machine 100. The laundry assistance server 300 may acquire setting histories of operation courses for a plurality of washing machines 100, and use the acquired setting histories as learning data to learn an algorithm for determining an operation course that suits the type of laundry item to be washed by the washing machine 100, the washing method or the degree of soiling of the laundry item, etc.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] In FIG. 2, washing machine 100 is provided with operation display unit 79 on the upper front portion, and washing machine communication unit 230 is provided near operation display unit 79. Operation display unit 79 is configured as a touch panel equipped with an input device that can set (select) modes such as operation courses and various functions, and a display device that displays information input to the input device. An input unit 104 such as a power button is also provided on the upper front portion of washing machine housing 41. A user can set modes such as operation courses and various functions via operation display unit 79 and input unit 104.

[0024] A control device 81 is provided in the upper part of washing machine housing 41. Control device 81 is configured with a microcomputer and the like.

[0025] A water tub unit 49 is provided inside washing machine housing 41 of washing machine 100. Water tub unit 49 includes a water tub 42, a rotating drum 43, and a first motor 101.

[0026] Water tub 42 is arranged inside washing machine housing 41 by a suspension structure that allows it to swing freely. The suspension structure is composed of a plurality of vibration-proof dampers 51 attached to the bottom of washing machine housing 41 and a plurality of springs 50 provided between the top of washing machine housing 41 and water tub 42, and supports water tub 42 in a vibration-proof manner that allows it to swing freely.

[0027] A cylindrical rotating drum 43 with a bottom is rotatably disposed inside water tub 42. A horizontally extending rotation shaft (rotation center shaft) 44 is provided at the rotation center of rotating drum 43. A first motor 101, located near the rear side of water tub 42, is connected to rotation shaft 44 via belt 46. Rotating drum 43 is driven to rotate forward or backward by first motor 101.

[0028] The inner wall surface of the rotary drum 43 is provided with several protruding plates 47 for agitating the laundry, and the outer wall of the rotary drum 43 is provided with a large number of water holes 48 .

[0029] Washing machine housing 41 is also provided with housing opening 45 at a position opposite clothing entrance 53 of rotating drum 43. Lid 52 is provided to open and close freely over housing opening 45. By opening lid 52, laundry can be put into and taken out of rotating drum 43 through clothing entrance 53.

[0030] In addition, inside washing machine housing 41, there are provided a water supply path 54 that supplies washing water (e.g., tap water) into water tub 42, and a drainage path 55 that discharges the washing water in water tub 42 to the outside of washing machine housing 41.

[0031] The water supply path 54 is made up of a first water supply hose 59, a second water supply hose 60, an automatic detergent dispenser 61, a water injection hose 62, and the like.

[0032] The first water supply hose 59 is provided with a first water supply valve 57. The second water supply hose 60 is provided with a second water supply valve 58. The automatic detergent dispenser 61 can store a predetermined amount of detergent.

[0033] By opening the first water supply valve 57, water is supplied from the first water supply hose 59 to the water tank 42 via a water inlet (not shown).

[0034] In addition, by opening the second water supply valve 58, water flows from the second water supply hose 60 into the automatic detergent dispenser 61, and is supplied into the water tank 42 from the water injection hose 62 together with a predetermined amount of detergent ejected from the detergent valve (not shown) of the automatic detergent dispenser 61.

[0035] The drainage path 55 is made up of a drainage pipe 64 , a filter 65 , a drainage pump 63 , and a drainage hose 66 .

[0036] Drain pipe 64 is connected to drain outlet 95 provided in recess 71 at the bottom of water tub 42 and to filter 65. Filter 65 collects lint in the wash water and is configured to be removable from the outside.

[0037] A heater 72 for heating the washing water is provided in the recess 71, and a temperature detector 73 for detecting the temperature of the washing water is provided near the heater 72.

[0038] Drain pump 63 is connected to filter 65 and drain hose 66. Drain hose 66 is provided to extend from inside washing machine housing 41 to above the outside of washing machine housing 41. When drain pump 63 is driven at a predetermined timing, such as at the end of a washing cycle or a rinsing cycle, the wash water in water tub 42 passes through drain pipe 64, filter 65, drain pump 63, and drain hose 66 in this order and is drained to the outside.

[0039] Additionally, air trap 74 is formed on the side wall at the rear of the bottom of water tub 42 so as to communicate with drain pipe 64. Air trap 74 is connected to air pipe 75, which is connected to water level detection unit 85 provided at the top inside washing machine housing 41. Water level detection unit 85 is composed of, for example, a pressure sensor, and detects the water level of the wash water in water tub 42 based on the water pressure of the wash water inside water tub 42, i.e., the pressure inside the corresponding air trap 74.

[0040] Furthermore, a vibration detection unit 78 that detects vibrations of aquarium unit 49 is disposed on the rear of the top surface of aquarium 42. In this embodiment, an acceleration sensor is used as vibration detection unit 78, which detects not only vibrations in one direction but also vibration components in three dimensions: the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction), the left-to-right direction (Y-axis direction), and the up-and-down direction (Z-axis direction).

[0041] Here, each axis in the three-dimensional directions detected by vibration detection unit 78 is referred to as a "detection axis." Since actual vibrations of aquarium unit 49 do not necessarily occur in only one direction, an acceleration sensor that detects vibrations in multiple directions is used as vibration detection unit 78, making it possible to detect vibrations of aquarium unit 49 with high accuracy. Control device 81 controls operation based on the detection results of vibration detection unit 78.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows an example of a display screen displayed on operation display unit 79 of washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment. The display screen shown in FIG. 3 is top screen 400, which is always displayed after the power button of washing machine 100 is turned on. Top screen 400 always displays header area 410, which includes menu button 401 for transitioning to a menu screen, top screen button 402 for transitioning to top screen 400 including a display of the setting history of the operation course of washing machine 100 when a screen other than top screen 400 is displayed, search button 403 for transitioning to an operation course search screen, and notification button 404 for displaying a notification to the user. When each button in header area 410 is pressed, content corresponding to the pressed button is displayed in display area 420. Note that header area 410 is not limited to top screen 400 and may be displayed on a screen other than top screen 400.

[0043] On top screen 400, which is displayed immediately after washing machine 100 is turned on, the setting history of the operation courses of washing machine 100 is displayed in display area 420. When the user specifies an operation course from the setting history displayed in display area 420, washing machine 100 sets the specified operation course. This allows the user to easily reset the most recently set operation course. In daily washing, the same operation course is often set continuously, so by making it possible to set an operation course from the setting history of the operation courses displayed on top screen 400, convenience for the user can be improved.

[0044] Washing machine 100 of the present embodiment can set an "automatic course" as an operation course for automatically setting a standard operation mode suited to the type of laundry to be washed. Since the "automatic course" is often set for daily washing, the "automatic course" is often included in the setting history displayed in display area 420. Even if the "automatic course" is not included in the setting history, the "automatic course" may be displayed on top screen 400. This allows the user to easily set the "automatic course" from top screen 400, thereby improving user convenience.

[0045] As the setting history of the operating course, only the type of operating course may be recorded and may be reconfigurable, or customizable optional settings in the operating course, such as the water level in each process, whether or not to automatically add detergent or fabric softener, and settings that have been changed in the operating course, such as the time and number of times for each process, may also be recorded and may be reconfigurable.

[0046] If the user wishes to set an operating course that is not included in the setting history, the user presses the search button 403 to display a search screen.

[0047] FIG. 4 shows an example of a display screen displayed on operation display unit 79 of washing machine 100 according to the first embodiment. The display screen shown in FIG. 4 is search screen 500 that is displayed when search button 403 is pressed. Search screen 500 displays wash object button 501 for specifying the type of object to be washed and washing method button 502 for specifying the washing method or the type or degree of dirt on the object to be washed. The type of object to be washed includes, for example, the type of clothing such as a shirt, skirt, or trousers, the type of use such as everyday wear, fashionable wear, or sportswear, and the type of material or fabric such as a blanket or towel. The washing method or the type of dirt includes, for example, "automatic," "removes yellowing," "food spills," "mud stains," and "sterilization."

[0048] On the search screen 500, until the type of laundry item is specified, the laundry item button 501 is displayed in a display mode indicating that input is possible, for example, in color, and the washing method button 502 is displayed in a display mode indicating that input is not possible, for example, grayed out. This visually guides the user to first specify the type of laundry item.

[0049] When the laundry object button 501 is pressed, a list 510 of laundry object types is displayed as shown in FIG. 5, and the designation of the laundry object type is accepted. The list 510 of laundry object types may be designed to fit on a single page of the display screen. This can eliminate the need to scroll the display screen to designate the laundry object type, thereby improving user convenience. Furthermore, since the options for the laundry object type are narrowed down, the burden on the user to select the laundry object type can be reduced.

[0050] When the type of object to be washed is specified, an operation program that matches the specified type of object to be washed is displayed, as shown in Fig. 6. At this time, the specified type of object to be washed is displayed on the Wash Object button 501, and the Washing Method button 502 is displayed in a display mode that indicates that input is possible. If the object to be washed does not require a special washing method, an appropriate operation program can be specified simply by specifying the type of object to be washed, thereby improving user convenience.

[0051] When the washing method button 502 is pressed, a list 520 of types of washing methods or staining degrees is displayed as shown in FIG. 7, and the type of washing method or staining degree is accepted. The display order of the types of washing methods or staining degrees may be changed according to the type of the specified laundry object. For example, for the specified type of laundry object, the types of washing methods or staining degrees may be displayed in descending order of frequency of specification of each washing method or staining degree type. The display order may be statically set in advance in the washing machine 100, or may be dynamically changed while the washing machine 100 is in use. The frequency of specification of the type of washing method or staining degree type may be acquired by referring to the specification history in the washing machine 100, or may be acquired from the laundry support server 300 as a result of the laundry support server 300 aggregating the specification history of multiple washing machines 100. This allows the types of washing methods or staining degrees to be displayed in a display order appropriate for the type of laundry object, thereby improving user convenience.

[0052] The list of types of washing methods or soiling 520 may also be designed to fit on a single page of the display screen. This eliminates the need to scroll the display screen to select a type of washing method or soiling, improving user convenience. Furthermore, narrowing down the options for types of washing methods or soiling reduces the burden on the user when selecting a type of washing method or soiling.

[0053] When the type of washing method or soiling is specified, the specified type of object to be washed and the operation program that matches the specified type of washing method or soiling are displayed, as shown in Fig. 8. At this time, the specified type of object to be washed is displayed on washing object button 501, and the specified type of washing method or soiling is displayed on washing method button 502.

[0054] The information about the driving course includes the name, summary, required time, and capacity of the driving course. When multiple driving courses are displayed, card-type display areas summarizing the information about the driving courses are displayed in a horizontal row. This allows the information necessary for the user to select a driving course to be displayed in a visually easy-to-understand manner, thereby improving user convenience. When displaying information about a number of driving courses that do not fit on the screen, information about driving courses with high display priority is displayed on the screen first, and information about driving courses with low priority that were not displayed on the screen can be displayed by scrolling the screen. This allows the user to quickly find the desired driving course, thereby improving user convenience.

[0055] The display order of multiple operating programs may be statically set in advance or may be dynamically changed according to a predetermined standard. A priority may be set for displaying multiple operating programs, and the multiple operating programs may be displayed in an order according to the priority. For example, a manufacturer or maintainer of the washing machine 100 may assign a recommendation level to each operating program, and the multiple operating programs may be displayed in the order of the assigned recommendation levels. Alternatively, the multiple operating programs may be displayed in order of the frequency with which the operating program has been set. The frequency with which the operating program has been set may be acquired by referring to the history of operating program settings in the washing machine 100, or by acquiring from the laundry assistance server 300 the results of the laundry assistance server 300 compiling the history of operating program settings in multiple washing machines 100. The frequency with which the operating program has been set may be compiled by type of laundry object, washing method, degree of soiling, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the multiple operating programs may be displayed in order of the time elapsed since the last operating program was set. This allows the operating programs to be displayed in order of the probability of being set by the user, thereby improving user convenience.

[0056] An operation program related to the specified type of laundry object or the specified washing method or type of soiling may also be displayed. For example, when towels are specified as the type of laundry object, an operation program for washing a blanket related to towels may be displayed. Furthermore, when washing a towel blanket, which has properties intermediate between towels and blankets, an operation program for washing the towel blanket may be displayed by specifying towels or blankets as the type of laundry object. This allows for a range of operation programs to be displayed, even if the user is unable to determine the appropriate option for specifying the type of laundry object, washing method, or type of soiling, so that appropriate operation programs can be displayed as well. Regular search results and related search results may be displayed together, or a separate display area may be provided for displaying related search results.

[0057] When one of the displayed operation courses is entered, the details of the selected operation course are displayed and changes or option settings are accepted, as shown in Fig. 9. On the display screen shown in Fig. 9, the user can set the time, number of times, water level, whether or not to automatically dispense detergent, fabric softener, etc. for each process.

[0058] When the change of settings and the setting of options are completed, the washing machine 100 sets the specified operation course and executes each process according to the set operation course.

[0059] As described above, in this embodiment, even if the washing method button 502 is pressed, the specification of the washing method or the type or degree of soiling is not accepted until the type of laundry object is specified. Since the type of laundry object is more likely to be changed on a regular basis than the washing method or type of soiling, allowing the type of laundry object to be specified first can provide a user-friendly user interface. Furthermore, by narrowing down the type of laundry object first rather than the type of washing method or type of soiling, the number of options in the search results can be reduced, thereby improving user convenience. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally setting an operating program that should not be set for the type of laundry object by displaying it as configurable, such as by displaying an operating program for washing casual clothes mixed in when washing fashionable clothes.

[0060] 10 shows a functional configuration of control device 81 of washing machine 100 according to embodiment 1. This diagram mainly shows a functional configuration for setting an operation course of washing machine 100. Control device 81 includes a processing device 120 and a storage device 160.

[0061] The storage device 160 stores data, programs, parameters, etc. used by the processing device 120. The storage device 160 includes an operating course information storage unit 161, an operating course data storage unit 162, and a setting history storage unit 163.

[0062] The operation program information storage unit 161 stores information about operation programs that can be set by the washing machine 100. The operation program information storage unit 161 stores information such as the name of the operation program, an outline, a required time, a volume of washable laundry items, a type of washable laundry items, a type or degree of soiling that can be washed, a display priority, and a set number of times.

[0063] The operating program data storage unit 162 stores the parameter values ​​and the like defined in the operating program.

[0064] The setting history storage unit 163 stores information related to the history of operation programs set in the washing machine 100. The setting history storage unit 163 stores information such as the name of the set operation program, the setting date and time, the changed setting contents, and the optional setting contents. The setting history storage unit 163 may further store information such as the quality of the washing and the user's satisfaction level. This information may be determined automatically by the washing machine 100 or may be input by the user.

[0065] The processing device 120 includes a display control unit 121, a condition receiving unit 122, a driving plan acquisition unit 123, a driving plan presentation unit 124, a driving plan setting unit 125, and a download control unit 126. These components can be realized in hardware by the CPU, memory, or other LSI of any computer, and in software by programs loaded into memory, but the functional blocks realized by the cooperation of these components are depicted here. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware alone or by a combination of hardware and software.

[0066] The display control unit 121 generates a display screen to be displayed on the operation display unit 79 and displays it on the operation display unit 79 .

[0067] The condition receiving unit 122 receives conditions for acquiring a suitable operation program, such as the type of laundry object, the washing method, or the type or degree of dirt.

[0068] The driving course acquisition unit 123 acquires a driving course that matches the conditions received by the condition receiving unit 122. The driving course acquisition unit 123 may search the driving course information storage unit 161 to acquire a driving course that matches the conditions. If the driving course information storage unit 161 stores suitable driving courses in association with each condition, the driving course acquisition unit 123 may acquire a driving course that matches the conditions received by the condition receiving unit 122 from the driving course information storage unit 161. If the driving course information storage unit 161 assigns a score that quantifies performance, characteristics, etc. to each driving course, the driving course acquisition unit 123 may calculate the degree of match with the conditions received by the condition receiving unit 122 for each driving course, and acquire a driving course that has a high degree of match.

[0069] The driving course presentation unit 124 displays the driving course acquired by the driving course acquisition unit 123 on the operation display unit 79 .

[0070] The operating course setting unit 125 reads and sets data of an operating course specified by the user from the operating course data storage unit 162. The operating course setting unit 125 records information about the set operating course in the setting history storage unit 163.

[0071] The download control unit 126 downloads data of operating courses that are not stored in the operating course data storage unit 162 from the laundry assistance server 300 and stores the data in the operating course data storage unit 162. The download control unit 126 may download data of operating courses from the laundry assistance server 300 and store the data in the operating course data storage unit 162 at a predetermined timing or when notified by the laundry assistance server 300 that a new operating course is available for download.

[0072] In order to enable setting of the downloaded operation program, an item for displaying the downloaded operation program may be added to list 510 of types of laundry objects or list 520 of types of washing methods or soiling methods on the search screen displayed on operation display unit 79 by display control unit 121. Download control unit 126 may download firmware for changing the search screen from laundry assistance server 300 and install it in washing machine 100.

[0073] The operation program acquisition unit 123 may acquire an operation program that meets the conditions received by the condition reception unit 122 from the laundry assistance server 300. In this case, the laundry assistance server 300 includes an operation program information storage unit 161, and upon receiving conditions from the washing machine 100, selects an operation program that meets the conditions and sends it to the washing machine 100. The laundry assistance server 300 may send back only an operation program whose data is stored in the operation program data storage unit 162 of the washing machine 100, or may send back an operation program whose data is not stored in the operation program data storage unit 162. In the latter case, when the user specifies an operation program whose data is not stored in the operation program data storage unit 162, the download control unit 126 downloads data of the specified operation program from the laundry assistance server 300 and stores it in the operation program data storage unit 162.

[0074] The laundry assistance server 300 may determine an operation program that matches the conditions received from the washing machine 100 or the terminal device 200 using a determination algorithm that inputs the type, washing method, degree of soiling, etc. of the laundry object and outputs a suitable operation program. This determination algorithm may be configured by a neural network or the like having an input layer that inputs the type, washing method, degree of soiling, etc. of the laundry object, and an output layer that outputs an operation program. The laundry assistance server 300 may learn the determination algorithm based on the setting history of operation programs for multiple washing machines 100. The laundry assistance server 300 may learn the determination algorithm by adjusting the intermediate layer of the neural network so that when the type, washing method, degree of soiling, etc. of the laundry object washed in the washing machine 100 are input to the input layer of the neural network, the operation program set in the washing machine 100 is output from the output layer of the neural network.

[0075] The driving course acquisition unit 123 may acquire a driving course selected based on meteorological information such as weather, rainfall, snowfall, snow accumulation, temperature, and humidity, as well as information such as the schedule, behavioral history, and whether the user or his / her roommates have gone out. The driving course presentation unit 124 may set the display order of the driving courses based on this information. For example, if the washing machine 100 is used the day after the user's child's athletic meet is held, a driving course suitable for muddy stains may be preferentially acquired and displayed. If the washing machine 100 is used the day after the user has dinner with an acquaintance, a driving course suitable for fashionable clothes may be preferentially acquired and displayed. The weather information may be acquired from a server that distributes weather information, etc. Information about the user or his / her roommates may be acquired from the terminal device 200, etc.

[0076] Terminal device 200 according to the first embodiment includes an operation program notifying unit that notifies washing machine 100 of an operation program designated by a user, instead of operation program setting unit 125 of control device 81 shown in Fig. 10. Terminal device 200 executes an application for realizing the functions of control device 81. Other configurations are the same as those described above. When washing machine 100 is operated by an application executed by terminal device 200, switches, LEDs (including mechanical and capacitive types), or the like may be provided as operation display unit 79 of washing machine 100, instead of a touch panel.

[0077] [1-2. Operation] The operation and function of the washing machine 100 configured as above will be described below.

[0078] 11 is a flowchart showing the steps of the method for controlling washing machine 100 according to embodiment 1. When washing machine 100 is powered on (S10), display control unit 121 displays top screen 400 including an operating course whose setting history is stored in setting history storage unit 163 and search button 403 on operation display unit 79 (S12). When an operating course is designated from the setting history (Y in S14), operating course setting unit 125 sets the designated operating course (S30).

[0079] If an operating course is not specified from the setting history (N in S14) and the search button 403 is pressed (Y in S16), the display control unit 121 displays the search screen 500 on the operation display unit 79 (S18). If the search button 403 is not pressed (N in S16), the process returns to S14.

[0080] When the laundry object button 501 is input on the search screen 500, the condition receiving unit 122 displays a list 510 of laundry object types on the operation display unit 79 and receives the designation of the laundry object type (S20). When the laundry object type is designated, the operation program acquisition unit 123 acquires an operation program that matches the designated type of laundry object, and the operation program presentation unit 124 displays the acquired operation program on the operation display unit 79 (S22). When an operation program is designated from the displayed operation programs (Y in S23), the operation program setting unit 125 sets the designated operation program (S30).

[0081] If an operating program is not specified (N in S23) and the washing method button 502 is input on the search screen 500, the condition receiving unit 122 displays a list 520 of types of washing methods or staining on the operation display unit 79 and receives the specification of the type of washing method or staining (S24). When the type of washing method or staining is specified, the operating program acquisition unit 123 acquires an operating program that matches the specified type of laundry object and the specified washing method or staining, and the operating program presentation unit 124 displays the acquired operating program on the operation display unit 79 (S26). When an operating program is specified (S28), the operating program setting unit 125 sets the specified operating program (S30).

[0082] When an operation program for washing machine 100 is specified from terminal device 200, the screen size and resolution of the display device are high, so that more information can be displayed at once. For example, when a search button for searching an operation program is pressed on a top screen displayed when an application is executed on terminal device 200, screens for searching operation programs such as wash only, wash and dry, dry only, and washing tub maintenance may be displayed as switchable tabs. Furthermore, each tab screen may not be provided with a wash object button or a washing method button, and a list of types of wash objects and a list of types of washing methods or soiling may be displayed from the beginning. In this case, too, the specification of the type of washing method or soiling method may not be accepted until the type of wash object is specified. Furthermore, when the type of wash object is specified, an operation program suitable for the specified type of wash object may be displayed.

[0083] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the control device 81 includes a condition receiving unit 122 that receives the specification of the type of laundry object, an operating program acquisition unit 123 that acquires an operating program corresponding to the specified type of laundry object from among a plurality of settable operating programs, an operating program presentation unit 124 that presents the acquired operating programs, and an operating program setting unit 125 that sets the specified operating program from the presented operating programs. This makes it possible to easily set an operating program that suits the type of laundry object, thereby improving user convenience.

[0084] In this embodiment, the condition receiving unit 122 further receives a designation of the type or degree of dirt on the laundry object or the manner in which the laundry object is to be washed, and the operating program acquisition unit 123 acquires an operating program according to the designated type of laundry object and the designated type or degree of dirt or washing manner. This makes it possible to easily set an operating program that suits the type of laundry object, the type or degree of dirt on the laundry object, or the manner in which the laundry object is to be washed, thereby improving user convenience.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the condition receiving unit 122 first receives a designation of the type of laundry object, the operating program acquisition unit 123 acquires an operating program corresponding to the designated type of laundry object, the operating program presentation unit 124 presents the acquired operating program, and when the condition receiving unit 122 further receives a designation of the type or degree of dirt on the laundry object or the washing mode, the operating program acquisition unit 123 acquires an operating program that further corresponds to the designated type or degree of dirt or the washing mode from the presented operating programs, and the operating program presentation unit 124 presents the acquired operating program. This makes it possible to prevent an operating program that is inappropriate for the type of laundry object from being erroneously set, thereby improving user convenience.

[0086] In this embodiment, the condition receiving unit 122 presents multiple types or levels of dirt or washing modes that can be specified according to the type of laundry object specified, in an order that corresponds to the type of laundry object specified, and receives the specification of the type or level of dirt or washing mode, thereby improving user convenience.

[0087] In this embodiment, the operating program presentation unit 124 maintains a priority when presenting a plurality of operating programs, and presents the plurality of operating programs in an order according to the priority, thereby improving user convenience.

[0088] In the present embodiment, control device 81 further includes setting history storage unit 163 that stores a history of operation programs executed by washing machine 100, and operation program presentation unit 124 presents a plurality of operation programs in an order according to the history stored in setting history storage unit 163. This can improve user convenience.

[0089] In this embodiment, the operating program presentation unit 124 presents a plurality of operating programs in an order according to the analysis result of the operating program setting history by a plurality of users, thereby improving user convenience.

[0090] In addition, in this embodiment, the operation program presentation unit 124 further presents operation programs related to the specified type of laundry object, the specified type or level of dirt, or the laundry mode, thereby improving user convenience.

[0091] In this embodiment, the operation program presentation unit 124 presents at least one of the name of the operation program, a summary, the required time, and the volume of laundry that can be washed, thereby improving user convenience.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operation program setting unit 125 acquires and sets data of the specified operation program from the laundry assistance server 300. This can improve user convenience.

[0093] In this embodiment, the washing machine includes a storage unit for storing items to be washed and a control device for controlling the washing of the items stored in the storage unit, and the control device includes a reception unit for receiving a designation of the type of item to be washed, an operation program acquisition unit for acquiring an operation program corresponding to the designated type of item from among a plurality of selectable operation programs, an operation program presentation unit for presenting the acquired operation programs, and a setting unit for setting the designated operation program from among the presented operation programs, thereby improving user convenience.

[0094] In this embodiment, the control program causes the computer to function as a reception unit that receives the designation of the type of laundry object, an operation program acquisition unit that acquires an operation program corresponding to the designated type of laundry object from among a plurality of selectable operation programs, an operation program presentation unit that presents the acquired operation programs, and a setting unit that sets the designated operation program from the presented operation programs, thereby improving user convenience.

[0095] In this embodiment, the control method causes a computer to execute the steps of accepting a designation of the type of laundry to be washed, selecting an operating program corresponding to the designated type of laundry from among a plurality of selectable operating programs, presenting the selected operating program, and setting the designated operating program from the presented operating programs, thereby improving user convenience.

[0096] Moreover, in the present embodiment, laundry system 1 includes washing machine 100 and control device 81 that controls washing machine 100, and control device 81 includes condition receiving unit 122 that receives a designation of the type of laundry object, operation program acquisition unit 123 that acquires an operation program corresponding to the designated type of laundry object from among a plurality of settable operation programs, operation program presentation unit 124 that presents the acquired operation program, and a notification unit that notifies washing machine 100 of the designated operation program from the presented operation programs, and washing machine 100 sets the operation program notified by control device 81. This improves user convenience.

[0097] [1-4. Supplementary Notes] Moreover, in the present embodiment, washing machine 100 includes operation display unit 79 and control device 81. Control device 81 includes display control unit 121 that displays, on operation display unit 79, a display screen that displays a history of operating programs set in washing machine 100 and a search button for displaying a search screen for searching for operating programs that can be set in washing machine 100, operation program setting unit 125 that sets the specified operating program when an operating program is specified on the display screen, and condition receiving unit 122 that receives search conditions on the search screen when the search button is pressed on the display screen. This improves user convenience.

[0098] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments. [Industrial Applicability]

[0099] The present disclosure is applicable to washing machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1. Laundry System 2. Internet 41 Washing machine housing 42 Aquarium 43 Rotating Drum 44 Rotation axis 45 Housing opening 46 Belt 47 Projection plate 48 Water Vent 49 Aquarium Unit 50 spring body 51 Vibration damper 52 Lid 53 Clothing entrance / exit 54 Water supply route 55 Drainage route 57 First water supply valve 58 Second water supply valve 59 First Water Supply Hose 60 Second water supply hose 61 Automatic detergent dispenser 62 Water injection hose 63 Drainage pump 64 Drain pipe 65 filters 66 Drain hose 71 Recess 72 Heater 73 Temperature detection unit 74 Air Trap 75 Air Pipe 78 Vibration detection unit 79 Operation display section 81 Control device 85 Water level detection unit 95 Drain port 100 washing machines 101 First Motor 104 Input section 120 Processing equipment 121 Display control unit 122 Conditions Reception Department 123 Driving Course Acquisition Department 124 Driving Course Presentation Section 125 Driving course setting section 126 Download control section 160 Storage device 161 Driving course information storage unit 162 Driving course data storage unit 163 Setting history storage unit 200 Terminal Device 230 Washing Machine Communication Unit 300 Laundry support server 400 Top screen 401 Menu button 402 Top screen button 403 Search button 404 notification button 410 Header Area 420 display area 500 Search screen 501 Washable buttons 502 Washing Instructions Button 510 List of types of laundry items 520 List of types of washing or soiling

Claims

1. a reception unit that receives a designation of a type of object to be washed; an operating program acquisition unit that acquires an operating program according to a specified type of laundry object and an operating program related to the specified type of laundry object from among a plurality of settable operating programs; an operating program presentation unit that presents an operating program according to the type of designated laundry object acquired by the operating program acquisition unit and an operating program according to another type of laundry object related to the designated type of laundry object; a setting unit for setting a designated driving course from among the presented driving courses; Equipped with Control device.

2. The operation course presentation unit displays an operation course for washing a blanket related to towels when towels are specified as the type of laundry object, or displays an operation course for washing a towel blanket related to towels or blankets when towels or blankets are specified as the type of laundry object. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. The receiving unit further receives a designation of the type or degree of dirt on the object to be washed or a manner of washing the object to be washed, The operation program acquisition unit acquires an operation program according to the type of the designated laundry object, the type or degree of dirt, or the mode of washing, and an operation program related to the type of the designated laundry object, the type or degree of dirt, or the mode of washing, The operation program presentation unit presents an operation program according to the designated type of laundry object and the designated type or degree of dirt or washing mode acquired by the operation program acquisition unit, and an operation program related to the designated type of laundry object and the designated type or degree of dirt or washing mode. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The receiving unit first receives a designation of a type of laundry object, the operating program acquisition unit acquires an operating program according to a specified type of laundry object and an operating program related to the specified type of laundry object, the operation program presentation unit presents an operation program according to the type of designated laundry object acquired by the operation program acquisition unit and an operation program related to the designated type of laundry object; When the receiving unit further receives a designation of the type or degree of dirt of the laundry object or the laundry mode, The operation program acquisition unit acquires, from the presented operation programs, an operation program that further corresponds to the specified type or degree of dirt or the washing mode, and an operation program that is further related to the specified type or degree of dirt or the washing mode, The driving course presentation unit presents the driving course acquired by the driving course acquisition unit. The control device according to claim 3 .

5. The receiving unit presents a plurality of types or degrees of dirt or washing modes that can be specified according to the type of the specified laundry object in an order according to the type of the specified laundry object, and receives a specification of the type or degree of dirt or washing mode. The control device according to claim 4.

6. The driving course presentation unit holds priorities when presenting a plurality of driving courses, and presents the plurality of driving courses in an order according to the priorities. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Further, a history storage unit is provided for storing a history of the executed operating course, The driving course presentation unit presents a plurality of driving courses in an order according to the history stored in the history storage unit. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The operating program presentation unit presents a plurality of operating programs in an order according to an analysis result of the operating program setting history of a plurality of users. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The operation program presentation unit presents at least one of the name, summary, required time, and volume of laundry that can be washed of the operation program. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The setting unit acquires data of the specified driving course from a server and sets it. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. a storage section for storing an object to be washed; a control device for controlling washing of the laundry objects accommodated in the accommodation unit; Equipped with The control device a reception unit that receives a designation of a type of object to be washed; an operating program acquisition unit that acquires an operating program according to a specified type of laundry object and an operating program related to the specified type of laundry object from among a plurality of settable operating programs; an operating program presentation unit that presents an operating program according to the type of designated laundry object acquired by the operating program acquisition unit and an operating program according to another type of laundry object related to the designated type of laundry object; a setting unit for setting a designated driving course from among the presented driving courses; Equipped with washing machine.

12. Computer, a reception unit that receives a designation of a type of object to be washed; an operating program acquisition unit that acquires an operating program according to a specified type of laundry object and an operating program related to the specified type of laundry object from among a plurality of settable operating programs; an operating program presentation unit that presents an operating program according to the type of designated laundry object acquired by the operating program acquisition unit and an operating program according to another type of laundry object related to the designated type of laundry object; a setting unit for setting a designated driving course from among the presented driving courses; A control program that functions as a

13. On the computer, A step of accepting a designation of a type of laundry object; A step of acquiring an operating program according to a specified type of laundry object and an operating program related to the specified type of laundry object from among a plurality of settable operating programs; a step of presenting the acquired operation program according to the specified type of laundry object and an operation program according to another type of laundry object related to the specified type of laundry object; A step of setting a designated driving course from the presented driving courses; A control method for executing the above.

14. A washing machine and A control device for controlling the washing machine; Equipped with The control device a reception unit that receives a designation of a type of object to be washed; an operating program acquisition unit that acquires an operating program according to a specified type of laundry object and an operating program related to the specified type of laundry object from among a plurality of settable operating programs; an operating program presentation unit that presents an operating program according to the type of designated laundry object acquired by the operating program acquisition unit and an operating program according to another type of laundry object related to the designated type of laundry object; a notification unit that notifies the washing machine of a designated operation course from among the presented operation courses; Equipped with The washing machine sets the operation course notified by the control device. Laundry system.

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