Program and terminal device

Abstract

To cause a refrigerator 1 to execute a pre-cooling operation by a terminal device 2 regardless of a type of the refrigerator 1.SOLUTION: A refrigerator control application 213 causes a terminal control unit 20 of a terminal device 2 that can communicate with a refrigerator 1 to function as a first processing unit 2031 that transmits an inside temperature changing instruction for changing the temperature inside the refrigerator when causing the refrigerator to execute a pre-cooling operation accompanied by a change in the inside temperature for a first type refrigerator 1, and to function as a second processing unit 2032 that transmits a pre-cooling operation execution instruction for executing a pre-cooling operation that changes an inside temperature for a second type refrigerator 1 when causing the refrigerator to execute the pre-cooling operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technology in which a terminal device causes a refrigerator to perform an operation that changes the refrigerator temperature. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a user terminal, which is a terminal device carried by a user, instructs the refrigerator to perform a power-saving operation, and the refrigerator, upon receiving the instruction, performs the power-saving operation and raises the set temperature inside the refrigerator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-088987 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Refrigerators such as those described in Patent Document 1 include a type in which, when performing an operation that involves a change in the internal temperature, the controlled object performs the operation by receiving an instruction indicating the internal temperature, and a type in which the controlled object performs the operation by receiving an instruction indicating the operation. Therefore, if a terminal device is configured to be able to send instructions corresponding to only one of the types, it cannot send instructions corresponding to the other type to the refrigerator, and therefore cannot cause the other type of refrigerator to perform an operation that involves a change in the internal temperature.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to enable a terminal device to cause a refrigerator to perform an operation that involves changing the internal temperature, regardless of the type of refrigerator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a terminal device capable of communicating with a refrigerator, wherein a control unit of the terminal device functions as a first processing unit that, when causing the refrigerator to execute a predetermined operation involving a change in the refrigerator temperature, transmits a first instruction to the first type refrigerator instructing the refrigerator to change the refrigerator temperature, and a second processing unit that, when causing the refrigerator to execute the predetermined operation, transmits a second instruction to the second type refrigerator instructing the refrigerator to execute the predetermined operation, wherein the second type refrigerator finishes the predetermined operation when a predetermined time has elapsed after executing the predetermined operation and returns the refrigerator temperature to the temperature before the execution of the predetermined operation, and the first processing unit, after transmitting the first instruction, determining whether the predetermined time has elapsed; the predetermined time but Progress If it is determined that The program is characterized in that it sends a third instruction to return the internal temperature to the temperature before the first instruction was sent, and the second processing unit does not send an instruction to end the specified operation after sending the second instruction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to cause a refrigerator to perform an operation involving changing the internal temperature via a terminal device, regardless of the type of refrigerator. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator control system [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of a refrigerator, a terminal device, and a refrigerator control system. [Figure 3] A flowchart showing the operation of a refrigerator control system equipped with a first type refrigerator. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram for specifically explaining the operation of a refrigerator control system including a first type refrigerator. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing the operation of a refrigerator control system equipped with a second type refrigerator. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for specifically explaining the operation of a refrigerator control system including a second type refrigerator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A first invention is a program that causes a control unit of a terminal device that can communicate with a refrigerator to function as a first processing unit that, when causing the refrigerator to execute a predetermined operation that changes the internal temperature, sends a first instruction to a first type refrigerator that instructs the refrigerator to change the internal temperature, and a second processing unit that, when causing the refrigerator to execute the predetermined operation, sends a second instruction to a second type refrigerator that instructs the refrigerator to execute the predetermined operation. According to this, when causing the refrigerator to perform a predetermined operation that changes the internal temperature, the terminal device can send to the refrigerator instructions that control different targets depending on the type of refrigerator. Therefore, the terminal device can cause the refrigerator to perform an operation that changes the internal temperature regardless of the type of refrigerator.

[0010] A second invention is characterized in that the second type refrigerator terminates the predetermined operation when a predetermined time has elapsed after the predetermined operation has been performed, and returns the temperature inside the refrigerator to the temperature before the predetermined operation was performed, and the first processing unit, after transmitting the first instruction, transmits a third instruction to instruct the refrigerator to return the temperature inside the refrigerator to the temperature before the first instruction was transmitted, and the second processing unit, after transmitting the second instruction, does not transmit an instruction to terminate the predetermined operation. According to this, after the refrigerator changes the internal temperature by executing a predetermined operation, a process can be executed to return the internal temperature to the state before the change depending on the type of refrigerator. Therefore, the terminal device can cause the refrigerator to end the execution of an operation that involves changing the internal temperature, regardless of the type of refrigerator.

[0011] A third invention is characterized in that the specified operation is an operation of lowering the temperature inside the cabinet from the temperature before the specified operation is performed, and the first instruction is an instruction to lower the temperature inside the cabinet from the temperature before the first instruction is sent. This allows the internal temperature of the refrigerator to be lowered using the terminal device regardless of the type of refrigerator.

[0012] A fourth invention is characterized in that the specified operation is an operation of raising the temperature inside the cabinet from the temperature before the specified operation is performed, and the first instruction is an instruction to raise the temperature inside the cabinet from the temperature before the first instruction is sent. This allows the internal temperature of the refrigerator to be increased using the terminal device regardless of the type of refrigerator.

[0013] A fifth invention is characterized in that the first type refrigerator is an older model than the second type refrigerator, and the second type refrigerator is a newer model than the first type refrigerator. This allows the terminal device to cause the refrigerator to perform an operation that involves changing the internal temperature, regardless of whether the refrigerator is new or old.

[0014] A sixth invention is characterized in that the program is an application program that can be installed in the terminal device. This allows a terminal device that does not have a function for changing the refrigerator's internal temperature to become a terminal device with that function by installing an application program. Therefore, a general-purpose terminal device can be used as a terminal device that can cause a refrigerator to perform an operation that changes the internal temperature, regardless of the type of refrigerator.

[0015] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a terminal device capable of communicating with a refrigerator, comprising a control unit that transmits, to a first type refrigerator, a first instruction to instruct the refrigerator to change the internal temperature, and transmits, to a second type refrigerator, a second instruction to instruct the refrigerator to perform a specific operation to change the internal temperature. According to this, when causing the refrigerator to perform a predetermined operation that changes the internal temperature, the terminal device can send to the refrigerator instructions that control different targets depending on the type of refrigerator. Therefore, the terminal device can cause the refrigerator to perform an operation that changes the internal temperature regardless of the type of refrigerator.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigerator control system 1000.

[0017] The refrigerator control system 1000 is a system in which a terminal device 2 used by a user P of the refrigerator 1 controls the refrigerator 1 via a global network GN. The global network GN includes the Internet, a telephone network, and other communication networks.

[0018] Refrigerator control system 1000 includes refrigerator 1. In FIG. 1, refrigerator 1 is installed in home H of user P. Refrigerator 1 includes main box 10 with an open front, which has refrigerator compartment 11, ice making compartment 12, fresh freezing compartment 13, freezer compartment 14, and vegetable compartment 15 formed therein. Rotating left and right doors 11A and 11B are provided at the opening in the front of refrigerator compartment 11. Drawers 12A, 13A, 14A, and 15A for storing food are provided in ice making compartment 12, fresh freezing compartment 13, freezer compartment 14, and vegetable compartment 15, respectively.

[0019] The refrigerator 1 of this embodiment is connected to a communication device 4 installed in the home H of a user P, and communicates with the refrigerator control server 3 via the communication device 4.

[0020] Communication device 4 connects to the global network GN and communicates with refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN. Communication device 4 functions as an interface device for connecting refrigerator 1 to the global network GN. When terminal device 2 has established a communication connection with communication device 4, communication device 4 also functions as an interface device for connecting terminal device 2 to the global network GN. Communication device 4 has functions such as a modem function, a router function, and a NAT (Network Address Translation) function. Communication device 4 transfers data exchanged between refrigerator 1 and refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN. Communication device 4 also transfers data exchanged between terminal device 2 that has established a communication connection and refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN.

[0021] The refrigerator control system 1000 includes a terminal device 2 having a touch panel 22. The terminal device 2 is configured, for example, by a smartphone or a tablet terminal. An application program for controlling the refrigerator 1 is installed on the terminal device 2. In the following description, the application program for controlling the refrigerator 1 is referred to as a "refrigerator control app" and is assigned the reference number "213." The refrigerator control app 213 corresponds to the "program" and "application program" of the present invention.

[0022] In FIG. 1, a user P who is at home is indicated by a dotted line, and a user P who has left home H is indicated by a solid line. When used by user P who is at home, terminal device 2 controls refrigerator 1 by communicating with refrigerator control server 3 connected to global network GN via communication device 4 or without communication device 4 using the function of refrigerator control app 213. When used by user P who has left home H, terminal device 2 controls refrigerator 1 by communicating with refrigerator control server 3 connected to global network GN without via communication device 4 using the function of refrigerator control app 213.

[0023] Using the functions of the installed refrigerator control app 213, the terminal device 2 sends instructions to the refrigerator 1 for different control targets depending on the type of refrigerator 1 with which it communicates, causing the refrigerator 1 to perform pre-cooling operation, which involves changing the internal temperature. Pre-cooling operation corresponds to the "predetermined operation" of the present invention. Pre-cooling operation is an operation that lowers the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 below that during normal operation, power-saving operation, etc.

[0024] Here, we will explain the types of refrigerator 1. In this embodiment, there are a first type and a second type of refrigerator 1. The first type of refrigerator 1 is an older model than the second type of refrigerator 1, and the second type of refrigerator 1 is a newer model than the first type of refrigerator 1.

[0025] The first type refrigerator 1 is a refrigerator 1 that can change the internal temperature to a temperature corresponding to one of the three levels: "low," "medium," or "high." The internal temperatures of the first type refrigerator 1 decrease in the order of "low," "medium," and "high." When the first type refrigerator 1 receives an internal temperature change instruction HS from the terminal device 2, it changes the internal temperature based on the received internal temperature change instruction HS. The internal temperature change instruction HS is information instructing a change in the internal temperature of the first type refrigerator 1, where the control target indicates the internal temperature and the control content indicates the change in the internal temperature. For example, an internal temperature change instruction HS instructing a change in the internal temperature to a temperature corresponding to the "high" level indicates that the control target indicates the internal temperature and the control content indicates changing the internal temperature to a temperature corresponding to the "high" level. The internal temperature change instruction HS is information in a command system compatible with the first type refrigerator 1 and is not recognized by the second type refrigerator 1. When the first type refrigerator 1 receives from the terminal device 2 an internal temperature change instruction HS instructing to change the internal temperature to lower the current temperature, the refrigerator 1 lowers the internal temperature and performs pre-cooling operation. When the first type refrigerator 1 receives from the terminal device 2 an internal temperature change instruction HS instructing to return the internal temperature to the temperature before the change, the refrigerator 1 returns the internal temperature to the temperature before the pre-cooling operation was performed and ends the pre-cooling operation.

[0026] The second type refrigerator 1 is a refrigerator 1 that can perform pre-cooling operation and change the internal temperature to a temperature corresponding to the pre-cooling operation. The second type refrigerator 1 performs pre-cooling operation when it receives a pre-cooling operation execution instruction US from the terminal device 2. The pre-cooling operation execution instruction US corresponds to the "second instruction" of the present invention. The pre-cooling operation execution instruction US is information instructing the execution of pre-cooling operation, with the control object indicating pre-cooling operation and the control content indicating the execution of pre-cooling operation. The pre-cooling operation execution instruction US is information in a command system corresponding to the second type refrigerator 1 and is not recognized by the first type refrigerator 1. The second type refrigerator 1 automatically ends pre-cooling operation after a predetermined time (for example, two hours) has elapsed since the start of pre-cooling operation. Therefore, the terminal device 2 sends a pre-cooling operation execution instruction US to the second type refrigerator 1, but does not send an instruction to end pre-cooling operation.

[0027] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 1, refrigerator control system 1000 includes refrigerator control server 3. Refrigerator control server 3 is a server device that controls refrigerator 1 and is connected to global network GN. Note that in each diagram, refrigerator control server 3 is represented by a single block, but this does not necessarily mean that refrigerator control server 3 is composed of a single server device. For example, refrigerator control server 3 may be composed of multiple server devices with different processing contents.

[0028] Next, the functional configurations of the refrigerator 1, the terminal device 2, and the refrigerator control server 3 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1, the terminal device 2, and the refrigerator control server 3.

[0029] First, the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1 will be described. The refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator control unit 16, a refrigerator communication unit 17, and a cooling unit 18.

[0030] Refrigerator control unit 16 includes refrigerator processor 160, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU or an MPU, and refrigerator storage unit 161, and controls each unit of refrigerator 1. Refrigerator control unit 16 executes various processes through cooperation of hardware and software such that refrigerator processor 160 reads control program 1611 stored in refrigerator storage unit 161 and executes the processes.

[0031] Refrigerator storage unit 161 has a storage area for storing programs executed by refrigerator processor 160 and data processed by refrigerator processor 160. Refrigerator storage unit 161 stores control program 1611 executed by refrigerator processor 160, refrigerator setting data 1612 which is setting data related to settings of refrigerator 1, refrigerator ID 1613 which is identification information of refrigerator 1, and various other data. An example of refrigerator ID 1613 is the serial number of refrigerator 1. Refrigerator storage unit 161 has a nonvolatile storage area for nonvolatilely storing programs and data. Refrigerator storage unit 161 may also have a volatile storage area and may constitute a work area for temporarily storing programs executed by refrigerator processor 160 and data to be processed.

[0032] Refrigerator communication unit 17 includes communication hardware that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with devices connected to global network GN according to the predetermined communication standard as controlled by refrigerator control unit 16. In this embodiment, refrigerator communication unit 17 communicates with refrigerator control server 3 according to the predetermined communication standard. The communication standard used by refrigerator communication unit 17 may be a wireless communication standard or a wired communication standard.

[0033] Cooling unit 18 includes mechanisms for cooling each storage compartment of refrigerator 1, such as compressor 181, condenser 182, capillary tube 183, cooler 184, cooling fan 185 that sends the cold air generated by cooler 184 to each storage compartment, and damper 186 that divides the cold air sent by cooling fan 185, and cools each storage compartment of refrigerator 1 according to the control of refrigerator control unit 16.

[0034] When the refrigerator control unit 16 of the first type refrigerator 1 receives an internal temperature change instruction HS from the terminal device 2 via the refrigerator communication unit 17, the refrigerator control unit 16 controls the rotation speed of the compressor 181, the rotation speed of the cooling fan 185, etc. so that the internal temperature becomes a temperature corresponding to the stage indicated by the internal temperature change instruction HS. For example, when the internal temperature of refrigerator 1 is a temperature corresponding to the "medium" stage, refrigerator control unit 16 of first type refrigerator 1 receives an internal temperature change instruction HS to change the internal temperature to a temperature corresponding to the "strong" stage. In this case, refrigerator control unit 16 of first type refrigerator 1 increases the rotation speed of compressor 181 to increase the amount of cooling inside refrigerator 1, or increases the rotation speed of cooling fan 185 to increase the amount of cool air circulating in refrigerator 1 to increase the amount of cooling inside refrigerator 1, or increases the rotation speed of compressor 181 and the rotation speed of cooling fan 185 to increase the amount of cooling inside refrigerator 1. As a result, the internal temperature of first type refrigerator 1 is changed from a temperature corresponding to the "medium" stage to a temperature corresponding to the "strong" stage.

[0035] When refrigerator control unit 16 of second type refrigerator 2 receives a pre-cooling operation execution instruction US from terminal device 2 via refrigerator communication unit 17, refrigerator control unit 16 executes pre-cooling operation. In pre-cooling operation, for example, refrigerator control unit 16 increases the rotation speed of compressor 181 higher than the rotation speed during normal operation, power-saving operation, etc., to increase the amount of cooling inside refrigerator 1. Also, for example, refrigerator control unit 16 increases the rotation speed of cooling fan 185 higher than the rotation speed during normal operation, power-saving operation, etc., to increase the amount of cool air circulating in refrigerator 1 and increase the amount of cooling inside refrigerator 1. Also, for example, refrigerator control unit 16 increases the rotation speed of compressor 181 and the rotation speed of cooling fan 185 higher than the rotation speed during normal operation, power-saving operation, etc., to increase the amount of cooling inside refrigerator 1. As a result, in pre-cooling operation, the inside temperature drops below the temperature during normal operation, power-saving operation, etc.

[0036] Next, the functions of the refrigerator control server 3 will be described. The refrigerator control server 3 includes a server control unit 30 and a server communication unit 31.

[0037] Server control unit 30 includes server processor 300, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU or MPU, and server storage unit 310, and controls each unit of refrigerator control server 3. Server control unit 30 executes various processes through cooperation between hardware and software, such that server processor 300 reads control program 311 stored in server storage unit 310 and executes the processes.

[0038] Server storage unit 310 has a storage area for storing programs executed by server processor 300 and data processed by server processor 300. Server storage unit 310 stores control program 311 executed by server processor 300, server setting data 312 which is setting data related to the settings of refrigerator control server 3, refrigerator control database 313, and various other data. Server storage unit 310 has a nonvolatile storage area for nonvolatilely storing programs and data. Server storage unit 310 may also have a volatile storage area and may constitute a work area for temporarily storing programs executed by server processor 300 and data to be processed.

[0039] Refrigerator control database 313 is a database that stores various information related to the operation control of refrigerator 1. Each record R stored in refrigerator control database 313 includes user ID 3131, refrigerator ID 1613, and communication information 3132. Each record R stored in refrigerator control database 313 may further include one or more other types of information.

[0040] The user ID 3131 is identification information for identifying the user P who uses the refrigerator control application 213, and is appropriately assigned to the user P who uses the refrigerator control application 213.

[0041] As described above, the refrigerator ID 1613 is identification information of the refrigerator 1.

[0042] The communication information 3132 is information for communicating with the refrigerator 1 with the refrigerator ID 1613 associated with the same record R. The communication information 3132 includes, for example, address information and security information.

[0043] The server communication unit 31 includes communication hardware that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with devices connected to the global network GN in accordance with the predetermined communication standard under the control of the server control unit 30. In this embodiment, the server communication unit 31 communicates with the refrigerator 1 and the terminal device 2.

[0044] Next, the functional configuration of the terminal device 2 will be described. The terminal device 2 includes a terminal control unit 20, a terminal communication unit 21, a touch panel 22, and a GPS receiving unit 23. The terminal control unit 20 corresponds to the "control unit" of the present invention.

[0045] The terminal control unit 20 includes a terminal processor 200, which is a processor that executes programs such as a CPU or MPU, and a terminal storage unit 210, and controls each unit of the terminal device 2. The terminal control unit 20 executes various processes through cooperation of hardware and software, such that the terminal processor 200 reads a control program 211 stored in the terminal storage unit 210 and executes the process. A refrigerator control app 213 is pre-installed in the terminal device 2. The refrigerator control app 213 is a program that is read from the terminal storage unit 210 by the terminal processor 200 and executed, causing the terminal control unit 20 to function as a setting unit 201, a detection unit 202, and an operation control unit 203. Details of these functional units will be described later.

[0046] The terminal storage unit 210 has a storage area for storing programs executed by the terminal processor 200 and data processed by the terminal processor 200. The terminal storage unit 210 stores a control program 211 executed by the terminal processor 200, terminal setting data 212 which is setting data related to the settings of the terminal device 2, a refrigerator control app 213, app setting data 214 related to the settings of the refrigerator control app 213, and various other data. The terminal storage unit 210 has a non-volatile storage area for non-volatilely storing programs and data. The terminal storage unit 210 may also have a volatile storage area and may constitute a work area for temporarily storing programs executed by the terminal processor 200 and data to be processed.

[0047] App setting data 214 is data that describes the combination of setting items of refrigerator control app 213 and setting values ​​corresponding to the setting items. The setting items of refrigerator control app 213 include at least setting items related to user ID 3131 and the type of refrigerator 1. The user ID 3131 assigned to user P is set as the setting value for the setting item related to user ID 3131. Type information 2141 indicating the type of refrigerator is set as the setting value for the setting item related to the type of refrigerator 1.

[0048] In the application setting data 214, for the setting item relating to the type of refrigerator 1, either type information 2141 indicating the first type or type information 2141 indicating the second type is set as the setting value.

[0049] Terminal communication unit 21 includes communication hardware that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with devices connected to global network GN according to the predetermined communication standard under the control of terminal control unit 20. Terminal communication unit 21 communicates with refrigerator control server 3 according to the predetermined communication standard using the function of refrigerator control app 213. The communication standard used by terminal communication unit 21 is a wireless communication standard.

[0050] The touch panel 22 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel and a touch sensor that is overlaid on or integrated with the display panel. The display panel displays various images under the control of the terminal control unit 20. The touch sensor detects touch operations and outputs the detected operations to the terminal control unit 20. The terminal control unit 20 executes processing corresponding to the touch operations based on input from the touch sensor.

[0051] The GPS receiver 23 periodically receives GPS signals from GPS satellites using an antenna (not shown), and includes hardware that calculates, based on the received GPS signals, the position (e.g., latitude and longitude) of the terminal device 2. The GPS receiver 23 generates position data indicating the calculated position of the terminal device 2, and outputs the data to the terminal control unit 20.

[0052] As described above, the terminal control unit 20 functions as the setting unit 201, the detection unit 202, and the operation control unit 203.

[0053] The setting unit 201 performs various settings related to the functions of the refrigerator control application 213. The setting unit 201 sets setting values ​​for setting items included in the application setting data 214, thereby performing various settings for the refrigerator control application 213.

[0054] For example, when setting user ID 3131 as a setting value in a setting item related to user ID 3131, setting unit 201 receives user ID 3131 from refrigerator control server 3 and sets the received user ID 3131 in the setting item related to user ID 3131.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, when setting type information 2141 as a setting value for a setting item related to the type of refrigerator 1, setting unit 201 causes touch panel 22 to display a user interface for selecting whether the type of refrigerator 1 is the first type or the second type. When user P performs an operation to select either the first type or the second type on the displayed user interface, setting unit 201 sets type information 2141 indicating the selected type as a setting value for the setting item related to the type of refrigerator 1.

[0056] The detection unit 202 detects whether or not the user P is located in a store TP where food can be purchased. The detection unit 202 outputs the detection result to the operation control unit 203. For example, the detection unit 202 acquires the position of the terminal device 2 using the GPS receiving unit 23 at a predetermined cycle, and determines whether or not the distance between the acquired position of the terminal device 2 and a store TP that has been previously determined as a detection target is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. If the detection unit 202 determines that the distance between the position of the terminal device 2 and the store TP exceeds the predetermined distance, it detects that the user P is not located in the store TP. On the other hand, if the detection unit 202 determines that the distance between the current position of the terminal device 2 and the store TP is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance, it detects that the user P is located in the store TP.

[0057] Operation control unit 203 functions as first processing unit 2031 when type information 2141 indicating a first type is set in the setting item related to the type of refrigerator 1 in application setting data 214. On the other hand, operation control unit 203 functions as second processing unit 2032 when type information 2141 indicating a second type is set in the setting item related to the type of refrigerator 1 in application setting data 214.

[0058] When the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP, the first processing unit 2031 transmits an instruction HS to change the refrigerator temperature to the refrigerator 1 twice.

[0059] The first processing unit 2031 transmits an internal temperature change instruction HS to the refrigerator 1 to instruct the refrigerator 1 to change the internal temperature to lower the current temperature. In the following explanation, the internal temperature change instruction HS to instruct the refrigerator 1 to change the internal temperature to lower the current temperature is referred to as an "internal temperature lowering instruction" and is denoted by the symbol "HS1." The internal temperature lowering instruction HS1 corresponds to the "first instruction" of the present invention. For example, if the current internal temperature is a temperature corresponding to the "medium" stage, the first processing unit 2031 sends to the refrigerator 1 an internal temperature decrease instruction HS1 to change the internal temperature to a temperature corresponding to the "strong" stage. Furthermore, for example, when the current inside temperature is a temperature corresponding to the "low" stage, the first processing unit 2031 transmits an inside temperature decrease instruction HS1 to the refrigerator 1 to change the inside temperature to a temperature corresponding to the "medium" or "high" stage. Note that when the current inside temperature is a temperature corresponding to the "high" stage, the first processing unit 2031 may or may not transmit the inside temperature decrease instruction HS1 to the refrigerator 1.

[0060] After transmitting the inside temperature decrease instruction HS1, when a predetermined time (for example, two hours) has elapsed, the first processing unit 2031 transmits to the refrigerator 1 an inside temperature change instruction HS instructing the refrigerator 1 to return the inside temperature to the temperature before the inside temperature decrease instruction HS1 was transmitted. In the following explanation, the inside temperature change instruction HS instructing the refrigerator 1 to return the inside temperature to the temperature before the inside temperature decrease instruction HS1 was transmitted is referred to as an "inside temperature return instruction" and is denoted by the symbol "HS2." The inside temperature return instruction HS2 corresponds to the "third instruction" of the present invention. For example, if the internal temperature of refrigerator 1 is changed from a temperature corresponding to the "medium" stage to a temperature corresponding to the "strong" stage by transmitting an internal temperature decrease instruction HS1, first processing unit 2031 transmits an internal temperature return instruction HS2 to refrigerator 1 instructing it to return the internal temperature to a temperature corresponding to the "medium" stage.

[0061] When the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP, the second processing unit 2032 sends a pre-cooling operation execution instruction US to the refrigerator 1. As described above, the second type refrigerator 1 automatically ends pre-cooling operation when a predetermined time (e.g., two hours) has elapsed since the pre-cooling operation began. Therefore, the terminal device 2 sends the pre-cooling operation execution instruction US to the second type refrigerator 1, but does not send an instruction to end pre-cooling operation.

[0062] Next, the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of refrigerator control system 1000 including a first-type refrigerator 1. In Fig. 3, flowchart FA shows the operation of terminal device 2, flowchart FB shows the operation of refrigerator control server 3, and flowchart FC shows the operation of the first-type refrigerator 1.

[0063] The flowchart shown in Fig. 3 is based on the premise that type information 2141 indicating the first type is set in the setting item related to the type of refrigerator 1 in application setting data 214, and operation control unit 203 functions as first processing unit 2031. Also, at the start of the flowchart shown in Fig. 3, it is assumed that the internal temperature of refrigerator 1 is at a temperature corresponding to the "medium" stage.

[0064] The driving control unit 203 determines, based on the detection result from the detection unit 202, whether or not the detection unit 202 has detected that the user P is located in the store TP (step SA1).

[0065] If the driving control unit 203 determines that the detection unit 202 has not detected that the user P is located in the store TP (step SA1: NO), the driving control unit 203 performs the determination in step SA1 again.

[0066] On the other hand, if the operation control unit 203 determines that the detection unit 202 has detected that the user P is located in the store TP (step SA1: YES), the operation control unit 203 determines whether the type of refrigerator 1 with which the terminal device 2 is communicating is the first type or the second type (step SA2).

[0067] If type information 2141 indicating the first type is set in the setting item related to the type of refrigerator 1 in application setting data 214, operation control unit 203 determines in step SA2 that the type of refrigerator 1 is the first type. On the other hand, if type information 2141 indicating the second type is set in the setting item related to the type of refrigerator 1 in application setting data 214, operation control unit 203 determines in step SA2 that the type of refrigerator 1 is the second type.

[0068] If the operation control unit 203 determines that the refrigerator 1 with which the terminal device 2 is communicating is of the second type (step SA2: "second type"), it functions as the second processing unit 2032 and transitions the processing to step SD3 in FIG. 5.

[0069] On the other hand, if operation control unit 203 determines that the type of refrigerator 1 with which terminal device 2 communicates is the first type (step SA2: "first type"), it functions as first processing unit 2031. Then, first processing unit 2031 sends an instruction HS1 to lower the internal temperature to refrigerator control server 3 via terminal communication unit 21 (step SA3). In step SA3, first processing unit 2031 sends the instruction HS1 to lower the internal temperature, to which user ID 3131 stored in terminal storage unit 210 has been added, to refrigerator control server 3.

[0070] Referring to the flowchart FB, the server control unit 30 of the refrigerator control server 3 determines whether the server communication unit 31 has received an instruction HS1 to lower the refrigerator temperature from the terminal device 2 (step SB1).

[0071] If the server control unit 30 determines that the refrigerator temperature decrease instruction HS1 has been received (step SB1: YES), it refers to the refrigerator control database 313 to identify the record R including the user ID 3131 added to the refrigerator temperature decrease instruction HS1 (step SB2).

[0072] Based on the communication information 3132 included in the identified record R, the server control unit 30 sends the refrigerator temperature decrease instruction HS1 received from the terminal device 2 to the refrigerator 1 via the server communication unit 31 (step SB3). In step SB3, the server control unit 30 adds the refrigerator ID 1613 included in the record R identified in step SB2 to the refrigerator temperature decrease instruction HS1 and sends it.

[0073] Referring to the flowchart FC, the refrigerator control unit 16 of the refrigerator 1 determines whether the refrigerator communication unit 17 has received the instruction HS1 to lower the refrigerator temperature from the refrigerator control server 3 (step SC1).

[0074] When refrigerator control unit 16 determines that it has received internal temperature decrease instruction HS1 (step SC1: YES), it determines whether refrigerator ID 1613 added to the received internal temperature decrease instruction HS1 matches refrigerator ID 1613 stored in refrigerator storage unit 161 (step SC2).

[0075] If the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the refrigerator ID 1613 matches (step SC2: YES), it changes the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 to a temperature corresponding to the "high" level (step SC3).

[0076] On the other hand, if the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the refrigerator ID 1613 does not match (step SC2: NO), the refrigerator control unit 16 ends this process. That is, the refrigerator control unit 16 does not change the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 from the temperature corresponding to the "medium" stage.

[0077] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart FA, when the first processing unit 2031 transmits the in-compartment temperature decrease instruction HS1 via the terminal communication unit 21, it determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the in-compartment temperature decrease instruction HS1 was transmitted (step SA4).

[0078] When the first processing unit 2031 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the inside temperature lowering instruction HS1 was transmitted (step SA4: NO), it performs the determination in step SA4 again.

[0079] On the other hand, if first processing unit 2031 determines that the predetermined time has passed since sending inside temperature decrease instruction HS1 (step SA4: YES), first processing unit 2031 sends inside temperature return instruction HS2 to refrigerator control server 3 via terminal communication unit 21 (step SA5). In step SA5, first processing unit 2031 sends inside temperature return instruction HS2, to which user ID 3131 stored in terminal storage unit 210 has been added, to refrigerator control server 3.

[0080] Referring to the flowchart FB, the server control unit 30 of the refrigerator control server 3 determines whether the server communication unit 31 has received the internal temperature return instruction HS2 from the terminal device 2 (step SB4).

[0081] If the server control unit 30 determines that the internal temperature return instruction HS2 has been received (step SB4: YES), it refers to the refrigerator control database 313 and identifies the record R including the user ID 3131 added to the internal temperature return instruction HS2 (step SB5).

[0082] Based on the communication information 3132 included in the identified record R, the server control unit 30 sends the internal temperature return instruction HS2 received from the terminal device 2 to the refrigerator 1 via the server communication unit 31 (step SB6). In step SB6, the server control unit 30 adds the refrigerator ID 1613 included in the record R identified in step SB5 to the internal temperature return instruction HS2 and sends it.

[0083] Referring to the flowchart FC, the refrigerator control unit 16 of the refrigerator 1 determines whether the refrigerator communication unit 17 has received the internal temperature return instruction HS2 from the refrigerator control server 3 (step SC4).

[0084] When refrigerator control unit 16 determines that it has received internal temperature return instruction HS2 (step SC4: YES), it determines whether refrigerator ID 1613 added to the received internal temperature return instruction HS2 matches refrigerator ID 1613 stored in refrigerator storage unit 161 (step SC5).

[0085] If the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the refrigerator ID 1613 matches (step SC5: YES), it changes the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 to a temperature corresponding to the "medium" level (step SC6).

[0086] On the other hand, if the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the refrigerator ID 1613 does not match (step SC6: NO), it ends this process.

[0087] Fig. 4 is a diagram specifically illustrating the operation of the refrigerator control system 1000 including the first type refrigerator 1. The explanation of Fig. 4 illustrates an example in which the internal temperature of the first type refrigerator 1 is changed to temperatures corresponding to each stage in the order of "medium" → "high" → "medium."

[0088] In Figure 4, situation ST1 shows a case where detection unit 202 detects that user P is located in store TP, and terminal device 2 transmits an instruction HS1 to lower the refrigerator temperature to refrigerator 1 via global network GN using the function of refrigerator control app 213. Upon receiving instruction HS1 to lower the refrigerator temperature, refrigerator 1 performs pre-cooling operation by changing the refrigerator temperature to a temperature corresponding to the "high" setting.

[0089] In FIG. 4, situation ST2 shows a case where user P returns home H within a predetermined time after refrigerator 1 changes the internal temperature to a temperature corresponding to the "high" setting, i.e., after performing pre-cooling operation. As shown in situations ST1 and ST2, the first type refrigerator 1 can lower the internal temperature before user P stores food in refrigerator 1. Therefore, the first type refrigerator 1 prevents the internal temperature from temporarily rising due to user P storing food in refrigerator 1, and can quickly bring the temperature of newly stored food to an optimal storage temperature. Therefore, refrigerator control system 1000 equipped with the first type refrigerator 1 can prevent the freshness of already stored food and newly stored food from decreasing.

[0090] In FIG. 4, situation ST3 shows a case where, after user P returns home from home H, refrigerator 1 changes the internal temperature to a temperature corresponding to the "high" setting, a predetermined time has passed, and terminal device 2 transmits internal temperature return instruction HS2 to refrigerator 1 via global network GN. Upon receiving internal temperature return instruction HS2, refrigerator 1 ends pre-cooling operation by returning the internal temperature to a temperature corresponding to the "medium" setting. In situation ST3 in FIG. 4, user P has returned home H, so there is a high possibility that user P has stored food purchased at store TP in refrigerator 1, and there is no need to continue to set the internal temperature to a temperature corresponding to the "high" setting. Therefore, refrigerator 1 can return the internal temperature to a temperature corresponding to the "medium" setting at an appropriate time.

[0091] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of refrigerator control system 1000 including second-type refrigerator 1. In Fig. 5, flowchart FD shows the operation of terminal device 2, flowchart FE shows the operation of refrigerator control server 3, and flowchart FF shows the operation of second-type refrigerator 1.

[0092] The flowchart shown in Fig. 5 is based on the premise that type information 2141 indicating the second type is set in the setting item related to the type of refrigerator 1 in application setting data 214, and operation control unit 203 functions as second processing unit 2032. Also, at the start of the flowchart shown in Fig. 5, it is assumed that the second type refrigerator 1 is operating in normal operation, power saving operation, or other operation other than pre-cooling operation.

[0093] The driving control unit 203 determines, based on the detection result from the detection unit 202, whether or not the detection unit 202 has detected that the user P is located in the store TP (step SD1).

[0094] If the driving control unit 203 determines that the detection unit 202 has not detected that the user P is located in the store TP (step SD1: NO), the driving control unit 203 performs the determination in step SD1 again.

[0095] On the other hand, if the operation control unit 203 determines that the detection unit 202 has detected that the user P is located in the store TP (step SD1: YES), the operation control unit 203 determines whether the type of refrigerator 1 with which the terminal device 2 is communicating is the first type or the second type (step SD2).

[0096] If type information 2141 indicating the first type is set in the setting item related to the type of refrigerator 1 in application setting data 214, operation control unit 203 determines in step SD2 that the type of refrigerator 1 is the first type. On the other hand, if type information 2141 indicating the second type is set in the setting item related to the type of refrigerator 1 in application setting data 214, operation control unit 203 determines in step SD2 that the type of refrigerator 1 is the second type.

[0097] If the operation control unit 203 determines that the refrigerator 1 with which the terminal device 2 is communicating is of the first type (step SD2: "first type"), it functions as the first processing unit 2031 and transitions the processing to step SA3 in FIG. 3.

[0098] On the other hand, if operation control unit 203 determines that the type of refrigerator 1 with which terminal device 2 is communicating is the second type (step SD2: "second type"), it functions as second processing unit 2032. Then, second processing unit 2032 sends a pre-cooling operation execution instruction US to refrigerator control server 3 via terminal communication unit 21 (step SD3). In step SD3, second processing unit 2032 sends the pre-cooling operation execution instruction US, to which user ID 3131 stored in terminal storage unit 210 has been added, to refrigerator control server 3.

[0099] Referring to the flowchart FE, the server control unit 30 of the refrigerator control server 3 determines whether or not the server communication unit 31 has received a pre-cooling operation execution instruction US from the terminal device 2 (step SE1).

[0100] If server control unit 30 determines that it has received a pre-cooling operation execution instruction US (step SE1: YES), it refers to refrigerator control database 313 and identifies record R including user ID 3131 added to the pre-cooling operation execution instruction US (step SE2).

[0101] Based on the communication information 3132 included in the identified record R, the server control unit 30 sends the pre-cooling operation execution instruction US received from the terminal device 2 to the refrigerator 1 via the server communication unit 31 (step SE3). In step SE3, the server control unit 30 sends the pre-cooling operation execution instruction US together with the refrigerator ID 1613 included in the record R identified in step SE2.

[0102] Referring to flowchart FF, refrigerator control unit 16 of refrigerator 1 determines whether or not refrigerator communication unit 17 has received a pre-cooling operation execution instruction US from refrigerator control server 3 (step SF1).

[0103] When refrigerator control unit 16 determines that it has received a pre-cooling operation execution instruction US (step SF1: YES), it determines whether refrigerator ID 1613 added to the received pre-cooling operation execution instruction US matches refrigerator ID 1613 stored in refrigerator storage unit 161 (step SF2).

[0104] If the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the refrigerator ID 1613 matches (step SF2: YES), the refrigerator control unit 16 starts the pre-cooling operation (step SF3).

[0105] The refrigerator control unit 16 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the pre-cooling operation (step SF4).

[0106] When the refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of the pre-cooling operation (step SF4: NO), the refrigerator control unit 16 performs the determination of step SF4 again.

[0107] On the other hand, if refrigerator control unit 16 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the pre-cooling operation (step SF4: YES), it ends the pre-cooling operation (step SF5).

[0108] Fig. 6 is a diagram specifically illustrating the operation of refrigerator control system 1000 including second type refrigerator 1. At the start of the flowchart shown in Fig. 6, it is assumed that second type refrigerator 1 is performing an operation other than pre-cooling operation, such as normal operation or power saving operation.

[0109] 6, situation ST4 shows a case where the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP, and the terminal device 2 transmits a pre-cooling operation execution instruction US to the refrigerator 1 via the global network GN. Upon receiving the pre-cooling operation execution instruction US, the refrigerator 1 starts the pre-cooling operation.

[0110] In Fig. 6, situation ST5 shows a case where user P returns home to home H within a predetermined time after refrigerator 1 starts pre-cooling operation. As shown in situations ST4 and ST5, second-type refrigerator 1 can lower the temperature inside the refrigerator by pre-cooling operation before user P stores food in refrigerator 1. This provides the same effects as refrigerator control system 1000 equipped with first-type refrigerator 1 described with reference to Fig. 4.

[0111] 6, when a predetermined time has passed since refrigerator 1 started pre-cooling operation in situation ST5, refrigerator 1 ends pre-cooling operation. As in situation ST5, pre-cooling operation can be ended when user P returns home to house H within the predetermined time since starting pre-cooling operation, so refrigerator 1 can end pre-cooling operation at an appropriate timing.

[0112] As described above, the refrigerator control app 213 causes the terminal control unit 20 of the terminal device 2 capable of communicating with the refrigerator 1 to function as a first processing unit 2031 that sends an inside temperature decrease instruction HS1 to the first type refrigerator 1 to instruct the refrigerator 1 to change the inside temperature when the refrigerator 1 is to perform pre-cooling operation that changes the inside temperature, and a second processing unit 2032 that sends a pre-cooling operation execution instruction US to the second type refrigerator 1 to instruct the refrigerator 1 to perform pre-cooling operation that changes the inside temperature when the refrigerator 1 is to perform pre-cooling operation.

[0113] The terminal device 2 capable of communicating with the refrigerator 1 includes a terminal control unit 20 that, when performing pre-cooling operation, transmits to the first type refrigerator 1 an instruction to lower the internal temperature HS1 to instruct the refrigerator 1 to change the internal temperature, and, when performing pre-cooling operation, transmits to the second type refrigerator 1 a pre-cooling operation execution instruction US to instruct the refrigerator 1 to perform pre-cooling operation to change the internal temperature.

[0114] According to refrigerator control app 213 and terminal device 2, when pre-cooling operation is performed, terminal device 2 can send to refrigerator 1 instructions that vary the control target depending on the type of refrigerator 1. Therefore, according to refrigerator control app 213 and terminal device 2, regardless of the type of refrigerator 1, terminal device 2 can cause refrigerator 1 to perform pre-cooling operation that involves changing the internal temperature.

[0115] The second type refrigerator 1 is a refrigerator 1 that performs pre-cooling operation, then terminates the pre-cooling operation after a predetermined time has elapsed, and returns the inside temperature to the temperature before the pre-cooling operation was performed. After transmitting the inside temperature decrease instruction HS1, the first processing unit 2031 transmits an inside temperature return instruction HS2 to return the inside temperature to the temperature before the inside temperature decrease instruction HS1 was transmitted. After transmitting the pre-cooling operation execution instruction US, the second processing unit 2032 does not transmit an instruction to end the pre-cooling operation.

[0116] According to this, after the refrigerator 1 changes the internal temperature by performing pre-cooling operation, it can execute a process to return the internal temperature to the state before the change depending on the type of refrigerator 1. Therefore, the terminal device 2 can cause the refrigerator 1 to end the pre-cooling operation regardless of the type of refrigerator 1.

[0117] The pre-cooling operation is an operation to lower the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1. The internal temperature lowering instruction HS1 is an instruction to lower the internal temperature.

[0118] This allows the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 to be lowered by the terminal device 2 regardless of the type of refrigerator 1.

[0119] The first type refrigerator 1 is an older model than the second type refrigerator 1. The second type refrigerator 1 is a newer model than the first type refrigerator 1.

[0120] This allows the terminal device 2 to cause the refrigerator 1 to perform pre-cooling operation regardless of whether the model of the refrigerator 1 is new or old.

[0121] The refrigerator control application 213 is an application program that can be installed in the terminal device 2.

[0122] This allows a terminal device 2 that does not have a function to change the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 to have that function by installing the refrigerator control app 213. Therefore, a general-purpose terminal device 2 can be a terminal device 2 that can cause the refrigerator 1 to perform pre-cooling operation regardless of the type of refrigerator 1.

[0123] The above-described embodiment merely shows one aspect of the present invention, and any modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0124] For example, in the embodiment described above, when the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP, the terminal device 2 is configured to automatically transmit an instruction HS1 to lower the internal temperature to the first type refrigerator 1 and an instruction US to perform pre-cooling operation to the second type refrigerator 2. However, when the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP, the terminal device 2 may be configured to inquire of the user P as to whether or not to lower the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1. In this configuration, if the terminal device 2 receives an instruction from the user P to lower the internal temperature of the refrigerator 1 after the inquiry, the terminal device 2 transmits an instruction HS1 to lower the internal temperature to the first type refrigerator 1 and an instruction US to perform pre-cooling operation to the second type refrigerator 2.

[0125] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, pre-cooling operation is exemplified as the predetermined operation of the present invention. However, the predetermined operation of the present invention is not limited to pre-cooling operation and may be other operations such as power-saving operation, which consumes less power than other operations. Note that during power-saving operation, the inside temperature of the refrigerator increases, for example, compared to normal operation. Note that when the predetermined operation of the present invention is power-saving operation, the terminal device 2 uses the function of the refrigerator control app 213 to send an inside temperature change instruction HS to the refrigerator 1, instructing the refrigerator 1 to increase the inside temperature from the current temperature. For example, if the current inside temperature is a temperature corresponding to the "medium" setting, the first processing unit 2031 sends an inside temperature change instruction HS to the refrigerator 1 to change the inside temperature to a temperature corresponding to the "low" setting. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed since sending the inside temperature change instruction HS, the first processing unit 2031 sends an inside temperature change instruction HS to the refrigerator 1 to change the inside temperature to a temperature corresponding to the "medium" setting. In this example, the in-storage temperature change instruction HS sent first from the terminal device 2 corresponds to the "first instruction" of the present invention, and the in-storage temperature change instruction HS sent later from the terminal device 2 corresponds to the "third instruction" of the present invention.

[0126] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the refrigerator control server 3 adds the refrigerator ID 1613 when transmitting the refrigerator temperature decrease instruction HS1, the refrigerator temperature return instruction HS2, and the pre-cooling operation execution instruction US to the refrigerator 1. However, the refrigerator control server 3 may also be configured to transmit these instructions to the refrigerator 1 without adding the refrigerator ID 1613. In this configuration, the refrigerator 1 performs the pre-cooling operation without performing the processes of steps SC2 and SC5 in FIG. 3 and step SF2 in FIG. 5. In this configuration, the refrigerator storage unit 161 does not need to store the refrigerator ID 1613. In this configuration, one record R stored in the refrigerator control database 313 does not need to have the refrigerator ID 1613.

[0127] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, when the detection unit 202 detects that the user P is located in the store TP, the refrigerator 1 is configured to transmit the refrigerator temperature change instruction HS or the pre-cooling operation execution instruction US, but the trigger for transmitting the refrigerator temperature change instruction HS or the pre-cooling operation execution instruction US is not limited to detection by the detection unit 202. The trigger for transmitting the refrigerator temperature change instruction HS or the pre-cooling operation execution instruction US may be, for example, when the user P launches the refrigerator control app 213 and performs an operation in the refrigerator control app 213 that indicates transmission of the refrigerator temperature change instruction HS or the pre-cooling operation execution instruction US.

[0128] Also, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the terminal device 2 and refrigerator 1 communicate with each other via the refrigerator control server 3 connected to the global network GN, but the terminal device 2 and refrigerator 1 may communicate directly without going through the global network GN. In this configuration, the refrigerator ID 1613 of the refrigerator 1 with which the terminal device 2 and refrigerator 1 communicate directly is written as a setting value in the application setting data 214, and the terminal device 1 adds this refrigerator ID 1613 when sending various instructions.

[0129] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the first type refrigerator 1 is exemplified as a refrigerator 1 that is an older model than the second type refrigerator 1, and the second type refrigerator 1 is exemplified as a refrigerator 1 that is a newer model than the first type refrigerator 1. However, the first type refrigerator 1 and the second type refrigerator 1 are not limited to refrigerators 1 that are different in model, but may be refrigerators 1 that are manufactured in different places, for example.

[0130] Furthermore, for example, the detection unit 202 may detect whether or not the user P is located in the store TP in cooperation with an application program having a current location display function, a navigation function, and the like, a so-called map application.

[0131] Furthermore, for example, the types of compartments formed in main box body 10 of the refrigerator are not limited to refrigeration compartment 11, ice-making compartment 12, fresh freezing compartment 13, freezer compartment 14, and vegetable compartment 15, and there may be fewer or more types of compartments formed. Furthermore, the number of doors provided at the opening on the front of refrigeration compartment 11 may be one.

[0132] In addition, the functions of the refrigerator control unit 16, the terminal control unit 20, and the server control unit 30 may be realized by multiple processors or semiconductor chips.

[0133] The components shown in FIG. 2 are merely examples, and specific implementation forms are not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware that corresponds to each component individually; it is of course possible to configure the components so that the functions are implemented by a single processor executing a program. Also, in the above-described embodiment, some of the functions implemented by software may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions implemented by hardware may be implemented by software. The specific detailed configurations of the other components of refrigerator 1, terminal device 2, and refrigerator control server 3 may also be changed as desired without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0134] Furthermore, for example, the step units of the operation shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 are divided according to the main processing content to facilitate understanding of the operation of each part of refrigerator control system 1000, and the present invention is not limited by the way in which the processing units are divided or the names thereof. The processing units may be divided into more step units according to the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so as to include more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not impair the spirit of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0135] As described above, the program and terminal device according to the present invention can be used to change the internal temperature of a refrigerator using the terminal device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1 refrigerator 2. Terminal Device 20 Terminal control unit (control unit) 213 Refrigerator control app (program, application program) 2031 First Processing Section 2032 Second Processing Section HS1: Indoor temperature decrease command (first command) HS2 Internal temperature return indication (third indication) US Pre-cooling operation execution instruction (second instruction)

Claims

1. A control unit of a terminal device capable of communicating with the refrigerator, a first processing unit that, when causing the refrigerator to execute a predetermined operation involving a change in the refrigerator internal temperature, transmits a first instruction to the refrigerator of a first type, the first instruction instructing the refrigerator to change the refrigerator internal temperature; When causing the refrigerator to execute the predetermined operation, the second processing unit functions as a second processing unit that transmits a second instruction to the second type refrigerator to instruct the refrigerator to execute the predetermined operation, The second type refrigerator is the refrigerator that, after performing the predetermined operation, ends the predetermined operation when a predetermined time has elapsed, and returns the inside temperature to a temperature before the execution of the predetermined operation, The first processing unit determines whether the predetermined time has elapsed after transmitting the first instruction, and when it determines that the predetermined time has elapsed, transmits a third instruction to instruct the refrigerator to return the internal temperature to the temperature before transmitting the first instruction, the second processing unit does not transmit an instruction to end the predetermined operation after transmitting the second instruction; A program characterized by:

2. The predetermined operation is an operation of lowering the temperature inside the refrigerator from a temperature before the predetermined operation is performed, The first instruction is an instruction to lower the inside temperature from the temperature before transmitting the first instruction.

2. The program according to claim 1 .

3. The predetermined operation is an operation of raising the temperature inside the refrigerator from the temperature before the predetermined operation is performed, The first instruction is an instruction to increase the inside temperature from the temperature before the first instruction is transmitted.

2. The program according to claim 1 .

4. the first type refrigerator is an older model than the second type refrigerator, the second type refrigerator is a newer model than the first type refrigerator; 4. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is a program for executing a program for executing a program.

5. the program is an application program that can be installed on the terminal device; 5. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is a program for executing a program for executing a program.

6. The control unit: a detection unit that detects whether the user is located in a store where food can be purchased; When the detection unit detects that the user is located in the store and the type of the refrigerator with which the terminal device communicates is the first type, the first processing unit transmits the first instruction; When the detection unit detects that the user is located in the store and the type of the refrigerator with which the terminal device communicates is the second type, the second processing unit transmits the second instruction.

6. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program is a program for executing a program for executing a program.

7. A terminal device capable of communicating with a refrigerator, a control unit that, when causing the refrigerator to execute a predetermined operation involving a change in the refrigerator internal temperature, transmits a first instruction to the first type refrigerator to instruct the refrigerator to change the refrigerator internal temperature, and, when causing the refrigerator to execute the predetermined operation, transmits a second instruction to the second type refrigerator to instruct the refrigerator to execute the predetermined operation to change the refrigerator internal temperature; The second type refrigerator is the refrigerator that, after performing the predetermined operation, ends the predetermined operation when a predetermined time has elapsed, and returns the inside temperature to a temperature before the execution of the predetermined operation, The control unit After transmitting the first instruction, determine whether the predetermined time has elapsed, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, transmit a third instruction to instruct the refrigerator to return the internal temperature to the temperature before transmitting the first instruction; after transmitting the second instruction, not transmitting an instruction to end the predetermined operation; A terminal device characterized by:

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