Program and computer system

Abstract

To provide a program, a computer system, and a clothing treatment machine, which can improve usability in treating clothing using a clothing treatment agent.SOLUTION: A program makes a computer related to a clothing treatment machine for treating clothing using a clothing treatment agent execute a step to obtain identification information allowing the clothing treatment agent to be identified from a container for storing the clothing treatment agent or an attached member attached to the container, and a step to output the identification information to an information function part at a subsequent stage in order to control the clothing treatment machine corresponding to the clothing treatment agent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention is a program and Computer System Mu Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] A computer system including a clothes treating machine for treating clothes and a clothes treating machine application on a terminal device is known. Meanwhile, the clothes treating machine or the computer system related to the clothes treating machine is expected to be more user-friendly when treating clothes using a clothes treating agent. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-85886 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a program that can improve the ease of use when treating clothes using a clothes treating agent. and Computer System M The purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The program of the embodiment causes a computer associated with a clothing treatment machine that treats clothing using a clothing treatment agent to acquire identification information that can identify the clothing treatment agent from a container that holds the clothing treatment agent or an accessory component attached to the container, and to output the identification information to a downstream information function unit in order to control the clothing treatment machine in accordance with the clothing treatment agent. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a clothing processing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a laundry treatment machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation panel according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining clothing treatment agent data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8A] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic dispensing amount setting process for a clothing treatment agent according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8B] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic dispensing amount setting process for a clothing treatment agent according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the terminal device of the first embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the terminal device of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 4 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of a process for setting the amount of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed into the laundry treatment machine from the terminal device of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the terminal device of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 4 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of a process for setting the amount of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed into the laundry treatment machine from the terminal device of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13A] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the terminal device of the first embodiment. [Figure 13B] 4 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of a process for setting the amount of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed into the laundry treatment machine from the terminal device of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14A] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the terminal device of the first embodiment. [Figure 14B]FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of a process for confirming information about a found clothing treatment agent before registering it according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a terminal device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a laundry processing machine according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The program, computer system, and laundry processing machine according to the embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are designated by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of these components may be omitted. "Based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and may include other elements in addition to XX. "Based on XX" is not limited to the direct use of XX, but may also include XX that has been calculated or processed. "XX or YY" is not limited to either XX or YY, but may include both XX and YY. This also applies when there are three or more selective elements. "XX" and "YY" are any elements (e.g., any information). In this application, "acquisition" is not limited to active acquisition by sending a transmission request, but may also include passive acquisition by receiving information transmitted from another device. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, operation units may be referred to as "buttons." The term "clothing product" in this application includes products used to efficiently treat clothes when a clothes treating machine treats clothes in some way. The "clothing product" is, for example, a clothes treating agent. Therefore, the term "clothing product" in the following description may be appropriately interpreted as a "clothing treating agent" or a "clothing treating agent product."

[0008] (First embodiment) As a first embodiment, we will describe a clothing processing system 1 in which the content displayed on the display device 301 of the terminal device 300 is changed in synchronization with the clothing processing machine 100 accepting the operation of the user U to set or select the operating content of the clothing processing machine 100.

[0009] <1. Clothes disposal system> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a clothing processing system 1 of the first embodiment. The clothing processing system 1 includes, for example, a clothing processing machine 100, a server 200, and a home appliance management application APP of a terminal device 300. Note that the clothing processing system 1 may be realized by the clothing processing machine 100 and the home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300 without including the server 200. This will be described later. The clothing processing system 1 may also be realized by the server 200 alone, or by the server 200 and the home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300. The clothing processing system 1 is an example of a "computer system."

[0010] The clothing processing machine 100 is an electrical appliance primarily used at home. The term "clothing processing machine" broadly refers to a device that performs some kind of processing on clothing (e.g., one or more of washing, drying, wrinkle removal, crease strengthening, deodorization, pollen removal, dust removal, or sterilization). The clothing processing machine 100 is, for example, a washing machine, but it can also be a closet-type dry cleaner. The clothing processing machine 100 is installed in the residence of a user U and connected to a network NW via a wireless router WR and a modem M installed in the residence of the user U. The clothing processing machine 100 can communicate with a server 200 or a terminal device 300 via the network NW. The network NW may be, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a low-power wide area network (LPWA), a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or other public or dedicated lines, depending on the situation.

[0011] The server 200 is a management server that manages the clothing processing machine 100. The server 200 is composed of one or more server devices (e.g., cloud servers). The server 200 may also be referred to as a "server system." The server 200 is capable of communicating with the clothing processing machine 100 or the terminal device 300 via the network NW. The server 200 may include an information processing unit that performs edge computing or fog computing, such as an information processing unit included in a router in the network NW. The server 200 is not limited to a cloud server, and may be a computer in the user U's residence or a home router (e.g., a wireless router WR).

[0012] The terminal device 300 is a terminal device used by a user U. The terminal device 300 is, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal device. However, the terminal device 300 is not limited to a mobile terminal device and may be a personal computer or the like. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, a display device 301, an input device 302, and a communication unit 303. The display device 301 has a display screen 301a capable of displaying various information. The input device 302 is capable of receiving input from the user U. The input device 302 is, for example, a touch panel superimposed on the display screen 301a of the display device 301. The input device 302 may include a camera 380 (see FIG. 6 ) and a microphone provided on the terminal device 300. For example, the camera 380 is provided on the side of the main body of the terminal device 300 opposite the display device 301. The communication unit 303 is a communication module capable of wireless communication. The communication unit 303 is connected to the network NW via a wireless router WR and a modem M or directly. The communication unit 303 is capable of communicating with the laundry processing machine 100 or the server 200 via the network NW. The modem M transmits electrical signals or optical signals to the network NW and receives electrical signals or optical signals from the network NW.

[0013] An application program P is installed in the terminal device 300, and the terminal device 300 supports the functions described below. The application program P is, for example, an application program for managing the clothing processing machine 100. In this embodiment, application software that is started by executing the application program P is referred to as a "home appliance management application APP." The terminal device 300 is an example of a "computer." The application program P is an example of a "program."

[0014] <2. Clothes processing machine> Next, the clothing treatment machine 100 will be described using a drum-type washing machine as an example. Note that the following description does not limit the scope of the "clothing treatment machine" or "washing machine" of this application. The clothing treatment machine is not limited to a drum-type washing machine, but may also be a vertical washing machine. Furthermore, the clothing treatment machine may be a washing machine without a drying function, or may also be a dryer.

[0015] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the clothes treating machine 100. The clothes treating machine 100 includes, for example, a housing (outer box) 111, an operation panel 112, a washing mechanism 120, a drying mechanism 130, a communication unit 140, and a control device 150.

[0016] The housing 111 is a member that forms the outer shell of the laundry treating machine 100. The housing 111 is formed in the shape of a rectangular box.

[0017] The operation panel 112 is a panel through which the user U operates the laundry disposal machine 100. The operation panel 112 is provided, for example, at the front end of the top surface of the housing 111. The operation panel 112 has, for example, a plurality of operation units and a plurality of light-emitting units. Details of the operation panel 112 will be described later.

[0018] Washing mechanism 120 includes, for example, water tub 121, drum (rotary tub) 122, motor 123, water supply device 124, and automatic dispenser 125. Water tub 121 is provided in housing 111 and is elastically supported via a suspension (not shown). Drum 122 is rotatably provided within water tub 121. Motor 123 is provided behind water tub 121 and connected to drum 122 via a rotating shaft. Motor 123 drives drum 122 to rotate via the rotating shaft. Water supply device 124 is provided above water tub 121.

[0019] The automatic dispenser 125 is a device that automatically dispenses a laundry treatment agent into the drum 122. "Laundry treatment agent" broadly refers to a treatment agent used to treat laundry, and includes detergent, fabric softener, bleach, deodorizer, air freshener, antibacterial agent, etc. The automatic dispenser 125 has tanks 125T, such as a tank for automatically dispensing detergent and a tank for automatically dispensing fabric softener. The automatic dispenser 125 may have three or more tanks 125T. The tank 125T is an example of a "storage container."

[0020] Tank 125T stores therein the clothing treatment agent (clothing product) added by user U. Clothing treatment machine 100 detects changes in the liquid amount of clothing treatment agent (clothing product) stored in tank 125T. When the liquid amount of clothing treatment agent (clothing product) stored in tank 125T changes beyond a predetermined condition, clothing treatment machine 100 may execute a process to identify a new clothing treatment agent (clothing product) to be used.

[0021] For example, the clothing treating machine 100 may detect that a clothing treating agent (clothing product) has been added to the tank 125T and that the amount of liquid (remaining amount) in the tank has changed (increased) beyond a predetermined condition, thereby detecting that the clothing treating agent (clothing product) has been added. Alternatively, the clothing treating machine 100 may detect that the amount of liquid (remaining amount) of the clothing treating agent (clothing product) in the tank 125T has decreased and the amount of liquid in the tank 125T has decreased beyond a predetermined condition, thereby detecting (estimating) that the clothing treating agent (clothing product) is ready to be added to the tank 125T.

[0022] The clothes treating machine 100 can detect the presence of a clothes treating agent (clothing product) that has been or will be added to the tank 125T by any of the above methods.

[0023] As a more specific method of this detection, a liquid level sensor or the like may be provided in the tank 125T and used to detect the liquid level, or alternatively, the liquid level may be detected based on the information declared by the user U.

[0024] The amount and timing of automatic dispensing of the laundry treatment agent may be preset according to the operation course.

[0025] Drying mechanism 130 includes, for example, circulation air duct 131, heat pump 132, and blower 133. Circulation air duct 131 connects water tub 121 and heat pump 132, and circulates dry air between water tub 121 and heat pump 132. Heat pump 132 is a heating device provided in circulation air duct 131. Heat pump 132 heats the dry air passing through the circulation air duct. Note that laundry treating machine 100 may have a heater that heats the dry air instead of heat pump 132. Blower 133 is provided in circulation air duct 131, and circulates dry air between water tub 121 and heat pump 132 through circulation air duct 131.

[0026] The communication unit 140 is, for example, a communication module capable of wireless communication. The communication unit 140 is connected to the network NW via a wireless router WR and a modem M, and communicates with the server 200 or the terminal device 300 via the network NW.

[0027] The control device 150 comprehensively controls the entire laundry treating machine 100. The control device 150 will be described in detail later.

[0028] Next, the operation panel 112 will be described. 3 is a plan view showing operation panel 112. Operation panel 112 has a plurality of buttons B1 to B14 and a plurality of light emitting units 112a and 112b. Each of buttons B1 to B14 is an example of an "operation unit." Note that hatched portions in the drawings described below indicate that light emitting unit 112a or light emitting unit 112b is in a light emitting state.

[0029] The multiple buttons B1 to B14 accept operations by the user U to set the operation details of the laundry processing machine 100. "Operation details of the laundry processing machine" refers to, for example, operation courses and various options available in association with the operation courses. An "operation course" refers to an operation that differs from the basic operation in one or more of washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying. Examples of operation courses include a sterilization course that blows warm air onto the laundry, a fine course for delicate laundry, and an energy-saving course that operates for a shorter time or rotates the drum 122 at a slower speed than normal. On the other hand, "options" refer to additional functions available in each operation course. Examples of options include whether or not to use bath water, whether or not to use a hot water function, and whether or not to automatically dispense detergent.

[0030] Button B1 is a button for setting whether or not to use bath water. Button B2 is a button for setting whether or not to use warm water. Button B3 is a button for setting the amount of detergent and fabric softener (more, normal, less) to be dispensed by the automatic dispenser 125. Button B4 is a button for setting the amount of fabric softener (more, normal, less) to be dispensed by the automatic dispenser 125. Button B5 is a button for making settings related to reservations. Button B6 is a button for setting the length of the wash time. Button B7 is a button for setting the length of the rinsing time. Button B8 is a button for setting the length of the spin time. Button B9 is a button for setting the length of the drying time. Button B10 is a button for setting the wash operation. A "wash operation" is an operation that includes the wash, rinse, and spin operations, but does not include the dry operation.

[0031] Similarly, button B11 is a button for setting the washing and drying operation. "Washing and drying operation" is an operation that includes a washing operation and a drying operation. Button B12 is a button for setting the drying operation. Button B13 is a button for setting the maintenance operation. Button B14 is a button for instructing the start or pause of an operation. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between buttons B1 to B14, they will be simply referred to as "button B."

[0032] Note that the buttons B1 to B14 may accept an operation to select the operation content of the clothing processing machine 100 instead of / in addition to the operation of the user U to set the operation content of the clothing processing machine 100. In this application, "setting" means that the operation content is designated (i.e., reflected in the operation that is actually performed) without operating an operation unit other than the operation unit for selecting the operation content. On the other hand, in this application, "selecting" means that the selected operation content is not reflected in the operation that is actually performed simply by operating the operation unit for selecting the operation content, but is designated (i.e., reflected in the operation that is actually performed) by operating an operation unit other than the operation unit for selecting the operation content (for example, an operation unit for setting such as button B22 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B).

[0033] The plurality of light-emitting units 112a, 112b include, for example, a plurality of light-emitting units 112a superimposed on the buttons B1 to B14, and a plurality of light-emitting units 112b respectively corresponding to the various explanatory displays N provided on the operation panel 112. The light-emitting unit 112a notifies the user U of the operation being set (or selected) by, for example, illuminating the light-emitting unit of a button among the buttons B1 to B14 corresponding to the operation being set (or selected). The light-emitting unit 112b notifies the user U of the operation content being set by, for example, illuminating the light-emitting unit of an explanatory display N corresponding to the content being set (or selected) among the various explanatory displays N provided on the operation panel 112. The various explanatory displays N are displays indicating the currently set operation course or option, such as whether or not bath water is used and the timing of use, whether or not hot water is used, the temperature of the hot water, the amount of detergent, the amount of fabric softener, and the operation course (standard course, quick course, energy saving course, etc.).

[0034] For example, in the example shown in Figure 3, the standard course is set for the wash operation. In addition, automatic detergent and fabric softener dispensing is set, and the amount of detergent and fabric softener dispensed can be set to "more," "standard," or "less." In the example shown in Figure 3, both detergent and fabric softener are set to "standard."

[0035] Note that operation panel 112 is not limited to the above-described example. For example, operation panel 112 may include a display device and an input device instead of the above configuration. The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) device, and has a display screen. The input device is, for example, a touch panel provided over the display screen.

[0036] Next, a description will be given of the control device 150. The control device 150 is mainly configured as a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

[0037] 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device 150. The control device 150 has, for example, a control unit 151, a display control unit 152, an operation reception unit 153, and an information transmission unit 154. All or part of these functional units are realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). However, all or part of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a discrete circuit, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0038] (Control unit) The control unit 151 controls the washing mechanism 120, the drying mechanism 130, etc., to cause the laundry treating machine 100 to perform a washing operation, a rinsing operation, a spin-drying operation, a drying operation, etc.

[0039] (Display control unit) The display control unit 152 controls the plurality of light emitting units 112a, 112b of the operation panel 112. For example, the display control unit 152 causes the light emitting unit corresponding to the operation content of the laundry processing machine 100, the setting or selection of which has been accepted by the operation accepting unit 153, to emit light among the plurality of light emitting units 112a, 112b.

[0040] (Operation reception section) The operation receiving unit 153 receives operations of the user U input to the clothes treating machine 100 through the operation panel 112. For example, the operation receiving unit 153 receives operations of the user U to set or select the operation details of the clothes treating machine 100 through the operation panel 112 (hereinafter, may be referred to as "setting-related operations"). The setting-related operations are, for example, operations of pressing one or more of the buttons B1 to B15 on the operation panel 112 one or more times.

[0041] (Information transmission section) The information transmitting unit 154 transmits various types of information to the server 200 via the communication unit 140. When a setting-related operation for setting or selecting the operation content of the laundry processing machine 100 is accepted by the operation accepting unit 153, the information transmitting unit 154 transmits to the server 200 information indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation (hereinafter, this may be referred to as "status information C1").

[0042] Here, in the present application, "a setting or selecting operation is accepted" is not limited to the case where both "a setting operation is accepted" and "a selecting operation is accepted" are realized in the clothes processing machine 100 (or the terminal device 300), but may also include the case where only one of "a setting operation is accepted" or "a selecting operation is accepted" is realized. In other words, in the present application, "when a setting-related operation for setting or selecting operation contents is accepted" may include the case where an operation for setting operation contents is accepted in a clothes processing machine (or a terminal device) that only accepts an operation for setting operation contents and does not have the function of accepting an operation for selecting operation contents.

[0043] In this embodiment, when multiple setting-related operations are accepted before one operation course or option of the clothes processing machine 100 is finalized, the information sending unit 154 sends status information C1 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation to the server 200 each time a setting-related operation is accepted. In this application, "until one operation course or option is finalized" means, for example, "in the process of selecting one operation course" or "in the process of selecting one option."

[0044] For example, the clothes treating machine 100 automatically dispenses detergent to be stored in the tank 125T in accordance with one of the operation courses or option settings of the clothes treating machine 100. The clothes treating machine 100 also automatically dispenses fabric softener to be stored in the tank 125T in accordance with one of the operation courses or option settings of the clothes treating machine 100. In this case, the amount of detergent or fabric softener dispensed by automatic dispensing can be adjusted by settings. For example, the "amount of detergent or fabric softener" to be dispensed when the "standard" setting is selected (this is referred to as the standard value of the "amount of detergent or fabric softener") may be determined according to the type (e.g., brand) of the clothing treatment agent (clothing product). The standard value of the "amount of detergent or fabric softener" in this embodiment is notified, for example, from the server 200. The clothing treatment machine 100 registers the standard value of the "amount of detergent or fabric softener" in accordance with the notification. Furthermore, the laundry treating machine 100 can notify the server 200 of information on the "amount of detergent or fabric softener" set for automatic dispensing. Furthermore, when the clothing treatment machine 100 detects that there is a shortage of clothing treatment agent (clothing product), or when it detects that detergent or fabric softener for the clothing treatment agent has been added to the tank 125T and the amount of clothing treatment agent in the tank 125T has increased, the clothing treatment machine 100 transmits the detection result to the server 200 in response to this detection.

[0045] In this embodiment, the home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300 acquires identification information for identifying a laundry treatment agent from a container containing the laundry treatment agent or an accessory attached to the container. The term "container containing the laundry treatment agent" is not limited to a hard plastic container, but may also include a soft film container (e.g., a refill pack). The term "accessory attached to the container" broadly refers to a component distributed together with the container, such as a sticker attached to the container, a packaging box containing the container, or a barcode label attached to the container by a string-like member or the like. The "identification information" may be an image of a barcode (first image) itself, a barcode readout (e.g., numerical data) obtained by performing image recognition on the first image, an image of the laundry treatment agent container (second image) itself, or information obtained by performing image recognition on the second image (such as the brand or product information of the laundry treatment agent). The "identification information" may be, for example, identification information for identifying the type or product of the laundry treatment agent. "Able to identify the type of clothing treatment agent" means, for example, being able to identify the brand of clothing treatment agent. "Able to identify the product of clothing treatment agent" means, for example, being able to identify product information including the brand and dosage of the clothing treatment agent.

[0046] In this embodiment, for the laundry treating machine 100, information (identification information) capable of identifying a laundry treating agent (clothing product) based on the results of optically reading the laundry treating agent is acquired by a home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300 (described later). Settings for controlling the laundry treating machine 100 in accordance with the laundry treating agent are made by the control device 150 of the laundry treating machine 100 based on the information capable of identifying the laundry treating agent. Note that settings for controlling the laundry treating machine 100 in accordance with the laundry treating agent may be made by the server 200 or the terminal device 300 (second computer), and the setting information may be transmitted from the server 200 or the terminal device 300 to the laundry treating machine 100. The control device 150 of the laundry treating machine 100 controls the laundry treating machine 100 using settings based on the information capable of identifying the laundry treating agent.

[0047] The information transmitting unit 154 may transmit the status information C1 directly to the terminal device 300 instead of transmitting the status information C1 to the server 200. In this case, the communication unit 140 may communicate directly with the communication unit 303 of the terminal device 300 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), as will be described later.

[0048] <3. Server 200> Next, the server 200 will be described. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 200. The server 200 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 210, an information transmission unit 220, an information function unit 230, and a storage unit 290.

[0049] When the operation acceptance unit 153 of the clothing processing machine 100 accepts a setting-related operation for setting or selecting the operation content of the clothing processing machine 100, the information acquisition unit 210 acquires status information C1 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation from the clothing processing machine 100. In this embodiment, each time the operation acceptance unit 153 of the clothing processing machine 100 accepts a setting-related operation, the information acquisition unit 210 acquires status information C1 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation from the clothing processing machine 100.

[0050] Furthermore, when a setting-related operation for setting or selecting the operation content of the clothes processing machine 100 is accepted by the operation acceptance unit 330 of the terminal device 300, which will be described later, the information acquisition unit 210 acquires status information C2 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation from the terminal device 300. In this embodiment, every time a setting-related operation is accepted by the operation acceptance unit 330 of the terminal device 300, the information acquisition unit 210 acquires status information C2 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation from the terminal device 300.

[0051] Each time the information acquisition unit 210 acquires status information C1 from the clothing processing machine 100, the information transmission unit 220 transfers the acquired status information C1 to the terminal device 300. Furthermore, each time the information acquisition unit 210 acquires status information C2 from the terminal device 300, the information transmission unit 220 transfers the acquired status information C2 to the clothing processing machine 100.

[0052] The information function unit 230 of the embodiment is associated with the clothing processing machine 100 and the terminal device 300 of each user U, for example. The information function unit 230 acquires information that can identify a clothing product from the terminal device 300. The information function unit 230 performs settings for controlling the clothing treatment machine 100 in accordance with the clothing treatment agent (clothing product) based on the identifiable information. Information that can identify a clothing product (identification information) includes information read from the surface of the clothing treatment container or the associated component. "Information read from the surface" refers to identification information such as a barcode printed on the surface (e.g., a product sales barcode). Alternatively, information that can identify a clothing product (identification information) includes information related to an image captured of the clothing treatment container or the associated component. "Information related to the image" may be the captured image itself, or information obtained by performing image processing such as image recognition on the captured image. "Information related to the image" is not limited to an image captured of identification information such as a barcode, but may also include an image captured of information that appears on the product's appearance (one or more of the shape, color, pattern, or product name logo, etc.). In this embodiment, the information (identification information) that can identify the clothing product includes either identification information (barcode) geometrically displayed on the container or ancillary components of the clothing treatment agent (clothing product) or information based on an image of the clothing product. The image of the clothing treatment agent (clothing product) is captured, for example, by a camera 380 (image capture unit). The information function unit 230 may determine settings related to the control of the clothing treatment machine 100 based on the identifiable information. The processing by the information function unit 230 and the information based on the image of the clothing product will be described later.

[0053] The information function unit 230 may acquire an image of the clothing product based on the image capturing result of capturing an image of the clothing product by the camera 380 (image capturing unit).

[0054] As described above, the program SVP is installed on the server 200, and the following functions are supported. The program SVP is, for example, an application program for managing the laundry treatment machine 100. The functions provided by this program SVP include a function for automatically managing the amount of laundry treatment agent (clothing product) dispensed into the laundry treatment machine 100. In this embodiment, the application software that is started by executing the program SVP is referred to as the "home appliance management program SVAPP." In this embodiment, the server 200 executes the program SVP to provide the functions of the "home appliance management program SVAPP."

[0055] <4. Terminal Device> Next, the terminal device 300 will be described. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 300. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 310, a display control unit 320, an operation reception unit 330, an information transmission unit 340, an image conversion processing unit 350, a camera 380, and a storage unit 390.

[0056] The information acquisition unit 310, the display control unit 320, the operation reception unit 330, the information transmission unit 340, and the image conversion processing unit 350 are realized by one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU, mounted on the terminal device 300 executing the application program P. In other words, the information acquisition unit 310, the display control unit 320, the operation reception unit 330, the information transmission unit 340, and the image conversion processing unit 350 are software function units included in the home appliance management application APP or software function units that function under control from the home appliance management application APP. The home appliance management application APP is an example of an information function unit related to the clothing processing machine 100.

[0057] The information acquisition unit 310 acquires the status information C1 directly from the clothes treating machine 100 or via the server 200. In this embodiment, the information acquisition unit 310 acquires the status information C1 indicating the operation content set or selected by the setting-related operation each time a setting-related operation is accepted by the operation acceptance unit 153 of the clothes treating machine 100. In addition, each time the clothes treating machine 100 detects a change in the amount of detergent and fabric softener used by the user U, the information acquisition unit 310 acquires the status information C1 for setting or selecting the detergent or fabric softener.

[0058] The display control unit 320 controls the content displayed on the display screen 301a of the display device 301 by controlling the display device 301 of the terminal device 300. For example, when the information acquisition unit 310 receives status information C1 from the clothes treating machine 100 directly or via the server 200, the display control unit 320 changes the information displayed on the display device 301 of the terminal device 300 in accordance with the received status information C1. In this embodiment, each time the information acquisition unit 310 receives status information C1 from the clothes treating machine 100 directly or via the server 200, the display control unit 320 changes the information displayed on the display device 301 of the terminal device 300 in accordance with the received status information C1. For example, when the display control unit 320 receives status information C1 indicating a set operating program from the clothes treating machine 100 directly or via the server 200, the display control unit 320 changes the information displayed on the display device 301 in accordance with the received information indicating the operating program.

[0059] Camera 380 optically reads the clothing product and outputs a signal capable of generating information that identifies the clothing treatment agent (clothing product). Camera 380 may generate a signal that identifies the clothing treatment agent's (clothing product's) barcode, or an image that identifies the characters, patterns, or other elements printed on the clothing treatment agent's (clothing product's) container or associated components. For example, camera 380 may be equipped with an imaging element capable of generating a two-dimensional image, and may capture an image of the surface of the clothing treatment agent's container or associated components to generate an image of the clothing treatment agent's container or associated components. Note that when reading the clothing treatment agent's (clothing product's) barcode, it is sufficient that the light intensity from the detection direction can be identified along a specific straight line within the detection range. In this case, camera 380 may be equipped with an imaging element capable of generating a one-dimensional image.

[0060] The image conversion processing unit 350 generates information (identification information) that can identify the clothing product based on the results of optically reading the clothing treatment agent (clothing product). For example, the image conversion processing unit 350 generates data (code, name data, etc.) for identifying the clothing treatment agent (clothing product) from the image of the clothing product captured by the camera 380.

[0061] The clothing product data DB of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the clothing product data DB of the embodiment. The clothing product data DB stores data listing clothing products (clothing product list). The clothing product data shown in Figure 7 includes items such as identification number (No), code, country / manufacturer, identification information (ID), name (brand), classification, bottle, contents, application, standard amount to be added, and guidance information.

[0062] The "identification number (No)" item includes data of an identification number that identifies data relating to a clothing treatment agent (clothing product) for each record. The "Code" item includes data indicated by a barcode attached to a clothing treatment agent (clothing product). The "Country / Manufacturer" and "Identification Information (ID)" items contain data converted in accordance with predetermined rules based on the data of the barcode. The "Name" item includes data indicating the trade name given to the clothing treatment agent (clothing product). The "Classification" item includes data on the classification results when clothing treatment agents (clothing products) are broadly divided into multiple groups. For example, this classification includes detergents, fabric softeners, antibacterial agents, etc. The bottle item includes data indicating whether the container of the clothing treatment agent (clothing product) is bottle-shaped or not. Containers other than bottle-shaped include bag-shaped (pouch-shaped) containers. The "Contents" item includes data indicating the ingredients of the clothing treatment agent (clothing product). For example, liquid clothing products (e.g., "Liquid Type A" and "Liquid Type B") are subject to automatic dispensing. In contrast, powder clothing products (e.g., "Powder Type") are not subject to automatic dispensing. Note that data on powder clothing products can be included in clothing product data records, but are excluded from the subjects of automatic dispensing control. The "Application" section includes data indicating the type of laundry treatment machine that is recommended. The ingredients of some laundry treatment agents (clothing products) are adjusted to suit the type of laundry treatment machine (for example, vertical spinning tub, drum-type spinning tub, etc.). This application section includes data indicating that the product is applicable to vertical spinning tubs, drum-type spinning tubs, etc., as well as standard types that do not care about whether they are vertical spinning tubs or drum-type spinning tubs, and data indicating that products that are not suitable for automatic disposal, such as the "powder type" mentioned above, are "not applicable." The "standard dosage" item includes data indicating the standard amount of liquid (dosage) applied to a clothing treatment agent (clothing product). The "Statistical Information" field contains data indicating the amount of liquid statistically analyzed based on historical data on the amount of liquid dispensed set by each user of the laundry treatment agent (clothing product). For example, as shown in the record with identification number No. 21, even if the above-mentioned "standard amount of dispensed" is not defined for a laundry product, data indicating the amount of liquid statistically analyzed may be set.

[0063] The automatic dispensing amount setting process for a clothing treatment agent (clothing product) according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8A, which is a flowchart showing the automatic dispensing amount setting process for a clothing treatment agent (clothing product) according to the embodiment.

[0064] Regarding the automatic clothing product feed amount setting process described below, the user U acquires image information of the clothing product using the terminal device 300. A process using barcode information of the clothing product as the clothing product image information will be described.

[0065] The user U performs an operation to transmit the acquired barcode information of the clothing product to the server 200 using the terminal device 300. The terminal device 300 transmits the barcode information of the clothing product to the server 200.

[0066] After the barcode of the clothing product is read by the terminal device 300, the server 200 acquires information corresponding to the barcode of the clothing product from the terminal device 300 (S201).

[0067] The server 200 determines whether there is anything in the clothing product data DB that shows the same value as the barcode of the acquired clothing product (S202), and if there is anything in the clothing product data DB that shows the same value as the barcode of the acquired clothing product, the server 200 proceeds to step S205.

[0068] If the clothing product data DB does not contain a clothing product with the same value as the barcode of the acquired clothing product, the server 200 determines whether a clothing product (similar product) with the same or similar contents as the acquired clothing product exists in the clothing product data DB (S203), and if a similar product exists in the clothing product data DB, the process proceeds to step S205. Clothing products with the same or similar contents (similar products) will be described later.

[0069] Furthermore, if no similar products exist in the clothing product data DB, the server 200 notifies the terminal device 300 of statistical information (usage information) based on the usage status of each user (another user) (S204). The statistical information (usage information) includes, for example, information indicating the amount of clothing products automatically dispensed by the other user. The server 200 then displays the statistical information (usage information) on the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300 and accepts a setting for the amount of clothing products automatically dispensed. Alternatively, the server 200 may determine the amount of clothing products automatically dispensed based on the statistical information (usage information) without displaying the statistical information (usage information) on the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300.

[0070] The server 200 determines the amount of “detergent and fabric softener” to be automatically dispensed as determined by the above processes (S205), and transmits this data to the laundry treating machine 100.

[0071] By this process, the laundry processing machine 100 can obtain the data of the automatic input amount transmitted from the server 200 and set the automatic input amount using this data.

[0072] (Regarding clothing treatment products with the same or similar contents) The above-mentioned "clothing treatment agent (clothing product) with the same contents" will now be explained. A typical example of "clothing treatment agents (clothing products) with the same contents" is a clothing treatment agent with the same contents but different container shapes or container volumes (container capacity). For example, a clothing treatment agent container may be bottle-shaped while a refill product container is bag-shaped (pouch-shaped), or containers of different sizes (capacities) may be used. A typical example of a "clothing treatment agent with similar contents" is a new product of the same brand that has slightly different contents but adds functionality to the conventional product, or a product that has the same basic ingredients as the standard product but is suitable for specific clothing. Note that "clothing treatment agents with similar contents" are not limited to the above-mentioned "new products of the same brand," and may also be products of different brands with different names that contain the same basic ingredients.

[0073] (In the case where the barcode of the acquired clothing product does not exist in the clothing product data database) The above "the same barcode of the acquired clothing product does not exist in the clothing product data DB" includes the following cases. - When the "barcode value of the acquired clothing product" does not match any of the "code" values ​​in the clothing product data database. - The "barcode value of the acquired clothing product" matches the "code" value in the clothing product data DB, but the "standard input amount" corresponding to this in the clothing product data DB is undefined.

[0074] In particular, in the former case, since there is no "code" value in the clothing product data DB to be used for searching or matching, searching or matching using this as a key cannot be performed. In contrast, in the latter case, even if there is a "code" value in the clothing product data DB to be used for searching or matching, since there is no registration of the "standard input amount" or the like, it is not possible to obtain the "standard input amount" that should be obtained from the "code" value.

[0075] To avoid the latter case, it is recommended that at least one of the "standard input amount" and "statistical information" be registered in the clothing product data database for the main clothing products registered in the clothing product data database.

[0076] (Regarding the timing of setting the "standard input amount") The timing for setting the "standard input amount" can be selected by settings, etc. An example of the timing for setting the "standard input amount" will be described below. Examples of the timing for setting the "standard input amount" include the first case, in which the user U "voluntarily" sets it ("the operation screen is actively displayed in response to the user U's operation"), and the second case, in which the user U is notified (alert) of the timing for setting it and is prompted to set it ("the user is notified (alert) with instructions to register the setting when it is time to replenish clothing products").

[0077] Case 1: User U sets it "voluntarily." 9A and 9B, an example of a display screen of the terminal device 300 applicable to the "voluntary" setting by the user U will be described. Fig. 9A is a diagram showing screens D1 to D3 displayed on the terminal device 300. Fig. 9B is a diagram showing screens D3A to D3C displayed on the terminal device 300.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 9A, the display screen 301a of the display device 301 switches between screens D1 to D3. The screen D1 shown in (a) of FIG. 9A is generated in response to a user's operation and shows the operation details of the laundry processing machine 100 that are currently being set. "Operation details that are currently being set" means "operation details that are currently set." The screen D1 is displayed on the display screen 301a by the display control unit 320. The screen D1 includes a first region R11 and a second region R12.

[0079] The first area R11 is an area where it is displayed that the "setting" operation selected in response to a user operation is ready to be accepted. The second area R12 is an area where a list of "setting" operations that the user can select is displayed. The second area R12 includes, for example, a display I121 of "Detergent / Fabric Softener Settings," a display I122 of "Purchase Detergent / Fabric Softener Online," and a display I123 of "Notification Settings." The "Settings" operations that the user can select include, for example, "Detergent / Fabric Softener Settings" corresponding to the display I121, "Purchase Detergent / Fabric Softener Online" corresponding to the display I122, and "Notification Settings" corresponding to the display I123.

[0080] When the information acquisition unit 310 detects an operation for "detergent and fabric softener settings" by the user U, it selects a process for requesting "detergent and fabric softener settings" from the laundry processing machine 100. When the information acquisition unit 310 detects an operation for "purchase detergent and fabric softener online" by the user U, it selects a process for guiding the user to "purchase detergent and fabric softener online." When the information acquisition unit 310 detects an operation for "notification settings" by the user U, it selects a process setting for when a notification is received from the laundry processing machine 100 or the server 200.

[0081] For example, when the information acquisition unit 310 detects a "detergent / fabric softener setting" operation, the display control unit 320 of the terminal device 300 displays a detergent / fabric softener setting screen D2 on the display screen 301a in synchronization with the detection of the "detergent / fabric softener setting" operation. The detergent / fabric softener setting screen D2 shown in (b) of FIG. 9A is an example of a screen that is displayed in response to the detection of this operation. The detergent / fabric softener setting screen D2 includes a first region R21, a second region R22, a third region R23, and a fourth region R24.

[0082] The first area R21 is an area where it is displayed that the "detergent and fabric softener settings" are ready to be accepted in response to the user U's operation or the like. The second area R22 displays a list of "manual setting" operations related to "detergent and fabric softener settings," allowing the user U to individually select setting contents. The second area R22 includes, for example, an indicator I221 indicating that a request for manual setting of "detergent information" is accepted, an indicator I222 indicating that a request for manual setting of "fabric softener information" is accepted, and the like. The number of indicators displayed here corresponds to the number of tanks 125T. The fourth area R24 displays a list of setting states for selecting "Automatic Setting" for "Detergent and Fabric Softener Settings." For example, by selecting "Automatic Setting," the user U can avoid having to individually adjust or select the settings for "Detergent and Fabric Softener Settings." The fourth region R24 includes, for example, an indicator I241 indicating that automatic setting of "detergent information" is permitted, an indicator I242 indicating that automatic setting of "fabric softener information" is permitted, etc. The number of indicators shown here corresponds to the number of tanks 125T.

[0083] For example, display I241 indicates that the "Auto Setting" process is enabled, which allows automatic setting of "Detergent." In addition, the third area R23 displays an explanation regarding the start of the above-mentioned "automatic setting" process.

[0084] When the display control unit 320 of the terminal device 300 receives a notification from the clothing processing machine 100 in this state, the display control unit 320 synchronizes with the notification and causes the display screen 301a to display a barcode reading screen D3. As shown in (c) of FIG. 9A, the barcode reading screen D3 includes a first region R31 and a second region R32. The second region R32 includes a third region R33 and a fourth region R34.

[0085] The first area R31 is an area where it is displayed that the barcode is ready to be read. In the second area R32, an image captured by the camera 380 is displayed as a through image (live view image). If a barcode is present within the viewing angle of the camera 380, an image of the barcode is displayed in the through image. The third area R33 indicates the range in which the barcode can be read. In the fourth area R34, guidance suggesting reading the barcode is displayed.

[0086] For example, while checking the through image displayed on the terminal device 300, the user U may adjust the way in which the terminal device 300 is held so that the position of the barcode in the through image is included in the third region R33. When the barcode falls within the third region R33, the image conversion processing unit 350 detects the barcode. In synchronization with this, the image conversion processing unit 350 converts the information indicated by the barcode into corresponding numerical data and outputs it.

[0087] Next, manual setting will be described with reference to FIG. 9B. When an operation on the second area R22 in (b) of Fig. 9A described above is detected, the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300 not only displays the setting contents related to the automatic dispensing device 125, but also enables the setting contents related to the automatic dispensing device 125 on the display screen 301a. For example, pressing button B41 or B42 on the automatic dispensing device setting screen D3A shown in (a) of Fig. 9B transitions to screen D3B ((b) of Fig. 9B) on which the amount of laundry treatment agent to be dispensed can be selected from "standard," "none," "less," or "more," and pressing the "set" button B22 at the bottom allows the selected content to be set. In synchronization with the operation of the "Settings" button B22, the screen transitions to screen D3C ((c) in Figure 9B) for setting the characteristics of the clothing treatment agent, and the selected content can be set by pressing the "Settings" button B22 at the bottom. As described above, when the "Settings" button B22 is pressed, status information C2 reflecting the selected content is transmitted from the information transmitting unit 340 of the terminal device 300 to the clothing processing machine 100. The display control unit 152 of the clothing processing machine 100 changes the display state of the operation panel 112 of the clothing processing machine 100 based on the status information C2 received from the terminal device 300.

[0088] Furthermore, when setting the automatic dispensing of detergent and fabric softener, various information can be displayed on the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300. Therefore, the display control unit 320 and the operation reception unit 330 of the terminal device 300 may have a function to set the contents that cannot be set on the laundry processing machine 100. For example, this includes specifying the brand of detergent and fabric softener to be used and adjusting the standard dispensing amount.

[0089] For example, the "Type" button B42 is pressed on the screen in (a) of FIG. 9B. This displays the screen D9 shown in (c) of FIG. 9B. The user U selects the desired brand of laundry treatment agent from the list of laundry treatment agents (e.g., a list of fabric softeners) shown in (c) of FIG. 9B, and by setting the selected brand, the user can set the standard amount appropriate for the brand. The "standard amount" is the specified amount, i.e., how much detergent or fabric softener to add relative to the amount of water used. For example, adding 20 ml of laundry treatment agent to 30 liters of water is an example.

[0090] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of a process for setting the input amount of clothing products to the clothing processing machine 100 from the terminal device 300. The operation receiving unit 330 of the terminal device 300 monitors whether an operation requesting "detergent and fabric softener setting" of the laundry treating machine 100 has been performed before starting operation of the laundry treating machine 100 (S301).

[0091] When the above operation is performed and accepted by the operation accepting unit 330, the display control unit 320 of the terminal device 300 causes the terminal device 300 to display the above-mentioned screens D1 to D3. The operation accepting unit 330 accepts an operation requesting reading information (a barcode) for identifying a clothing product, and acquires the information for identifying the clothing product. For example, the image conversion processing unit 350 generates an image of the clothing product using the camera 380 in response to the operation, and generates data for identifying the clothing product (such as a code or name data) from the image of the clothing product taken by the camera 380. The terminal device 300 acquires the information for identifying the clothing product. The information transmitting unit 340 of the terminal device 300 then transmits the status information C2 containing numerical data corresponding to the barcode to the server 200 (S302).

[0092] When the server 200 receives status information C2 (including numerical data corresponding to the barcode) from the terminal device 300, the server 200 (information function unit 230) uses the numerical data corresponding to the barcode in the received status information C2 to search for the corresponding "standard input amount" in the clothing product data DB (S303), and notifies the clothing processing machine 100 of the result by including it in the status information C2 (S304).

[0093] The control device 150 of the clothing processing machine 100 receives the status information C2, extracts the "standard input amount" from the status information C2, and uses this data to register the setting information. The display control unit 152 of the clothing processing machine 100 changes the display state of the operation panel 112 of the clothing processing machine 100 based on the status information C2 received from the terminal device 300 (S305).

[0094] As described above, for the first case, the amount of clothing products to be put into the clothing processing machine 100 can be set based on the information about the clothing products read by the terminal device 300.

[0095] Second case: The user U is notified of the timing of the setting and is asked to make the setting. Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, a case where the user U is notified of the timing of setting and is made to perform the setting will be described.

[0096] 11 shows screens D4 and D3 displayed on the terminal device 300. On the display screen 301a of the display device 301, screens D4 and D3 are displayed in sequence.

[0097] 11(a) is generated upon receiving a notification, without any operation by the user U. Screen D4 is a screen that displays a message asking the user U whether the type of detergent / fabric softener has been changed. Screen D4 is displayed on the display screen 301a by the display control unit 320.

[0098] The screen D4 includes, for example, a first region R41 and a second region R42. The first area R41 is an area where it is displayed that a specific application program is currently running. In the second area R42, operation buttons for using services based on various processes provided by the application program are displayed.

[0099] A pop-up display is generated in a third area R43 in the second area R42 in synchronization with the receipt of a notification. This pop-up display includes a question asking the user U whether or not the "type of detergent" has been changed, such as "Have you changed the type of detergent?", and an area for selecting an answer to the question ("Yes" or "No"). For example, the user U operates the "Yes" area to select "Yes." When the terminal device 300 detects the operation on the "Yes" area, it synchronizes with this and displays the image D3.

[0100] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of a process for setting the input amount of clothing products to the clothing processing machine 100 from the terminal device 300. For example, the clothes treating machine 100 detects that "detergent / fabric softener" has been added (S311) and notifies the server 200 of status information C1 including data relating to this (S312). When the server 200 receives the status information C1 from the clothes treating machine 100 (S313), it notifies the terminal device 300 of the received status information C1 (S314).

[0101] At this time, if the liquid amount of the clothing product stored in the tank 125T changes beyond a predetermined condition, the terminal device 300 may output a notification (alert) from the display screen 301a (output unit) of the terminal device 300 to allow the user to obtain information that can identify the clothing product. For example, the operation reception unit 330 of the terminal device 300 receives a notification of status information C1 from the server 200 and detects that "detergent and fabric softener" have been added. In synchronization with this, the display control unit 320 of the terminal device 300 displays an image D4 (FIG. 11) inquiring whether or not "detergent and fabric softener settings" are required in the laundry treatment machine 100 (S321). When an operation requesting "detergent and fabric softener settings" is performed and accepted by the operation acceptance unit 330, the information transmission unit 340 of the terminal device 300 displays the image D4 on the terminal device 300, acquires information (barcode) for identifying the laundry treatment agent (clothing product), and transmits numerical data corresponding to the barcode to the server 200 (S322). The processing of steps S323 to S325 shown below corresponds to steps S303 to S305 shown in FIG.

[0102] As described above, in the second case, the amount of clothing products to be put into the clothing processing machine 100 can be set based on the information about the clothing products read by the terminal device 300.

[0103] Case 3: Barcode reading fails and manual configuration is required. 13A and 13B, a process to be performed when the terminal device 300 fails to read the barcode will be described. 13A is a diagram showing a screen D5 displayed on the terminal device 300. On the display screen 301a of the display device 301, the screen D5 is displayed.

[0104] Image D5 is related to the aforementioned image D3. The first region R51, second region R52, and third region R33 in image D5 correspond to the first region R31, second region R32, and third region R33, respectively, in image D3. In image D5, a fifth region R55 is displayed instead of the fourth region R34 in image D3. For example, the fifth region R55 is displayed within the second region R52.

[0105] The fifth area R55 displays information indicating that the barcode was not successfully read as a result of an attempt to read the barcode, and a message suggesting that the user retry the settings.

[0106] For example, the user U attempts to read a barcode while checking a through image (live view image) displayed on the terminal device 300. However, if the image conversion processing unit 350 cannot detect the barcode within a predetermined time, the application program of the terminal device 300 displays a message suggesting that the user retry the setting. In addition, the guidance suggesting retrying the setting may include predetermined countermeasures such as using the camera 380 again to "take a new barcode" or proceeding to a "manual setting" operation in which the setting is made by accepting the operation of the user U.

[0107] FIG. 13B is a sequence diagram showing the flow of a process for setting the input amount of clothing products to the clothing processing machine 100 from the terminal device 300. The procedure shown in FIG. 13B is for cases where a barcode cannot be detected and manual configuration is performed instead. The operation reception unit 330 of the terminal device 300 monitors whether an operation to request "detergent and fabric softener settings" of the laundry processing machine 100 has been performed before starting operation of the laundry processing machine 100 (S301). When an operation to request "detergent and fabric softener settings" of the laundry processing machine 100 has been performed and received by the operation reception unit 330, the terminal device 300 displays the above-mentioned screens D1 to D3, and attempts to obtain information (barcode) for identifying the laundry product. However, the terminal device 300 may fail to read the barcode within a predetermined time. In this case, the display control unit 320 of the terminal device 300 displays an image D5 (FIG. 13A) asking whether or not the "detergent and fabric softener settings" of the laundry treating machine 100 need to be re-registered. For example, the user U selects the operation "manual setting." The operation receiving unit 330 detects the operation "manual setting" (S301M) and transmits the result to the server 200 (S302M). When the server 200 receives status information C2 (numeric data specified by the "manual setting" operation) from the terminal device 300, it notifies the clothing processing machine 100 of this status information C2 (S304M). The control device 150 of the clothing processing machine 100 that has received the status information C2 extracts the "standard input amount" based on the "manual setting" operation from the status information C2 and uses this data to register the setting information. The display control unit 152 of the clothing processing machine 100 changes the display state of the operation panel 112 of the clothing processing machine 100 based on the status information C2 received from the terminal device 300 (S305). In the case of such a "manual setting" operation, the server 200 does not perform a search based on a barcode or the like.

[0108] As described above, in the third case, the clothing processing machine 100 can set the amount of clothing products to be put in based on the information on the amount of clothing products specified by the "manual setting" operation of the terminal device 300.

[0109] Case 4: Check the information about clothing products retrieved from the barcode reading results before registering them. 14A and 14B, a process for checking information about searched clothing products before registering them will be described. 14A is a diagram showing a screen D6 displayed on the terminal device 300. On the display screen 301a of the display device 301, the screen D6 is displayed.

[0110] A first region R61 in image D6 corresponds to a first region R31 in image D3. In the second area R62, "Automatic Setting" is selected for "Detergent / Fabric Softener Settings," and the search results for "Detergent / Fabric Softener" and a confirmation button (OK) for the search results are displayed. For example, the search results for "Detergent / Fabric Softener" display the name of "Detergent / Fabric Softener" (ATK). In the fourth area R64, a selection button is displayed to select whether to proceed with "automatic setting" to "retake" the barcode for "detergent and fabric softener setting" or to proceed with "manual setting." The third region R63 is used as a field for displaying related explanations.

[0111] FIG. 14B is a sequence diagram showing the flow of a process for checking information about searched clothing products before registering them.

[0112] The procedure shown in Fig. 14B is related to the procedure shown in Fig. 10. Steps S301 and S302 shown in Fig. 14B are the same as those shown in Fig. 10. Steps S303V and subsequent steps shown in FIG. 14B will be described. In the process of step S303V, the server 200 performs a search using the digitized data of the barcode detection result, similar to the above-mentioned step S303, and as a result, it is assumed that the desired type of clothing product and the "standard dosage amount" to be applied to the "detergent and fabric softener setting" are extracted. The desired type of clothing product is the same as the clothing product with the barcode attached, or a similar product corresponding to it.

[0113] In this case, the server 200 notifies the terminal device 300 of the status information including response information indicating that the desired type of clothing product and the "standard input amount" have been extracted (S302Ack).

[0114] The terminal device 300 receives the status information and extracts response information indicating that the desired type of clothing product and the "standard input amount" have been extracted. This allows the terminal device 300 to recognize that the desired type of clothing product and the "standard input amount" have been extracted. In this case, the display control unit 320 of the terminal device 300 displays an image D6 (FIG. 14A) for confirming information about the searched clothing product. This allows the user U to recognize that a clothing product named ATK has been searched for, for example, from the search results for "detergent / fabric softener" displayed in area R62 of image D6.

[0115] If the user U determines that the search results are valid, the user U selects the operation to accept the search results. The operation accepting unit 330 detects the operation to accept, and transmits the result to the server 200 (S302AL). When the server 200 receives the status information C2 (detection of the consent operation) from the terminal device 300, it notifies the status information C2, including the above-mentioned "standard input amount," to the clothing processing machine 100 (S304AL). The control device 150 of the clothing processing machine 100 that has received the status information C2 extracts the "standard input amount" from the status information C2 and uses this data to register the setting information. The display control unit 152 of the clothing processing machine 100 changes the display state of the operation panel 112 of the clothing processing machine 100 based on the status information C2 received from the terminal device 300 (S305).

[0116] As described above, in the fourth case, after checking the search results of the terminal device 300 before registering them, the clothing processing machine 100 can set the input amount of clothing products based on the information of the search results.

[0117] <6. Advantages> According to this embodiment, the clothing processing system 1 is an example of a computer system related to a clothing processing machine that processes clothing using clothing products. The clothing processing system 1 includes an information function unit (230). For example, to control the clothing processing machine 100 in accordance with the clothing products, identifiable information is output to the information function unit 230 located downstream of the terminal device 300 (computer). The information function unit 230 acquires information that can identify the clothing products based on the results of optically reading the clothing products, and causes the clothing processing machine 100 to perform settings for controlling the clothing processing machine 100 in accordance with the clothing products based on the identifiable information. With this configuration, the clothing treating machine 100 can improve the ease of use when using clothing products.

[0118] In this embodiment, the information function unit 230 uses information that can identify a clothing product to identify that clothing product in the clothing product list. The clothing product list may be stored in the storage unit 290 that the information function unit 230 can refer to. In this embodiment, if there is information in the clothing product list that matches the identifiable information of the clothing product, the information function unit 230 may set the settings associated with the matching information. This makes it possible to use the settings associated with the matching information, improving usability when using the clothing product.

[0119] In this embodiment, if there is no information in the clothing product list that matches the identifiable information of the clothing product, the information function unit 230 may identify clothing products related to contents identical or similar to the contents of the clothing product and set the settings based on the identification results of the clothing product. Even if there is no information in the clothing product list that matches the identifiable information of the clothing product, it is possible to identify clothing products related to contents identical or similar to the contents of the clothing product, thereby improving usability when using the clothing products.

[0120] In this embodiment, the information function unit 230 may perform a setting according to a predetermined standard if the clothing product list does not contain information matching the identifiable information of the clothing product and if there are no clothing products related to the same or similar contents as the clothing product. Even in such a case, the setting by the information function unit 230 may be performed based on the usage history of another user who uses the same or similar clothing product (e.g., the average usage history of multiple users). That is, the automatic dispensing amount of the identified clothing product may be set based on the automatic dispensing amount of the clothing product when another user uses the same or similar clothing product. This can improve usability when using the clothing product. The information function unit 230 may obtain usage trends of users who use the same type of clothing product from the usage history of users who use the same type of clothing product. In this case, the information function unit 230 may use the usage amount as the usage history. The information function unit 230 may also obtain and use a representative value statistically generated based on the usage history.

[0121] Alternatively, the information function unit 230 may set the automatic dispensing amount of the identified clothing product based on information about clothing products with names similar to the name of the identified clothing product. This can improve usability when using the clothing product. That is, the automatic dispensing amount of the identified clothing product may be set based on the automatic dispensing amount of the clothing product with the similar name. Typical examples of "clothing products with similar names" include new products of the same brand that have additional functions added to conventional products, and products that have the same basic ingredients as standard products but are suitable for specific clothing.

[0122] (Second embodiment) An example in which the device in which the information function unit is arranged is changed will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0123] 15 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 200 A. The server 200 A does not include the information function unit 230 of the server 200 . 16 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 300A. The terminal device 300A includes an information function unit 360 in the home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300. The information function unit 360 includes a function corresponding to the information function unit 230 described above.

[0124] A clothing product data DB is stored in the memory unit 390. The clothing product data DB in the memory unit 390 may be a copy of the clothing product data DB in the memory unit 290 of the server 200A. The server 200A sends the clothing product data DB in the memory unit 290 to the terminal device 300A periodically or when necessary, and updates the clothing product data DB in the memory unit 390.

[0125] The terminal device 300A configured in this manner not only digitizes the barcodes it detects, but also allows the information function unit 360 to use the digitized data from the barcodes to extract a "standard input amount" for controlling the clothing processing machine 100.

[0126] The server 200A may transfer the data of the "standard input amount" for controlling the clothing processing machine 100, which is notified by the terminal device 300A, to the clothing processing machine 100. Note that in this embodiment, the terminal device 300A may send the "standard input amount" for controlling the clothing processing machine 100 directly to the clothing processing machine 100 without relaying it through the server 200A.

[0127] The clothing treatment system 1 of this embodiment configured as described above can improve the ease of use when using clothing products in the clothing treatment machine 100, similar to the first embodiment.

[0128] (Third embodiment) An example in which the device in which the information function unit is arranged is changed will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0129] 17 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the clothing processing machine 100B. The control device 150B of the clothing processing machine 100B includes an information function unit 156 in addition to the control device 150 of the clothing processing machine 100. The information function unit 156 includes functions corresponding to the information function unit 230 described above. 18 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 200 B. The server 200 B does not include the information function unit 230 of the server 200 .

[0130] The control device 150B of the clothing processing machine 100B has a storage unit (not shown) in which a clothing product data DB is stored. The clothing product data DB in the control device 150B may be a copy of the clothing product data DB in the storage unit 290 of the server 200B. The server 200B sends the clothing product data DB in the storage unit 290 to the clothing processing machine 100B, updating the clothing product data DB in the storage unit 390.

[0131] The thus configured clothing processing machine 100B does not acquire the "standard input amount" for controlling the clothing processing machine 100 generated by the server 200, but instead acquires digitized data of the barcode detected by the terminal device 300. Furthermore, the clothing processing machine 100B uses the acquired digitized data of the barcode to extract the "standard input amount" for controlling the clothing processing machine 100B. The clothing processing machine 100B may use this to determine the input amount of clothing products during clothing processing.

[0132] The clothing treatment system 1 of this embodiment configured as described above can improve the ease of use when using clothing products in the clothing treatment machine 100B, similar to the first embodiment.

[0133] (Fourth embodiment) A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8B. In the above first to third embodiments, examples have been described in which identification information (barcode) displayed on a clothing product is used as information for identifying the clothing product. In this embodiment, instead of or in addition to this, visual features of the clothing product identified from the clothing product image are used as identification information, such as the name of the clothing product, the design on the clothing product container or label, the shape of the container, etc.

[0134] FIG. 8B is a flowchart illustrating the automatic clothing product dispensing amount setting process according to the embodiment.

[0135] Regarding the process for setting the automatic clothing product dispensing amount described below, the user U uses the terminal device 300 to obtain image information of the clothing products.

[0136] The user U performs an operation to transmit information extracted from an image of a clothing product acquired using the terminal device 300 to the server 200. For example, the terminal device 300 extracts information that can identify the clothing product from the image of the clothing product and transmits the extracted information to the server 200.

[0137] After the information capable of identifying a clothing product is extracted by the terminal device 300, the server 200 acquires the information capable of identifying a clothing product from the terminal device 300 (S201A).

[0138] The server 200 determines whether the same information that can identify the acquired clothing product exists in the clothing product data DB (S202), and if the same information that can identify the acquired clothing product exists in the clothing product data DB, the server 200 proceeds to step S205.

[0139] If the clothing product data DB does not contain information that can identify the acquired clothing product, the server 200 determines whether the clothing product data DB contains a clothing product (similar product) with the same contents as the acquired clothing product (S203). The subsequent processing is the same as in the example of FIG. In this way, even if the identification information (barcode) displayed on the clothing product cannot be used, by identifying the clothing product using an image of the clothing product, it is possible to improve usability when using the clothing product, as in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0140] According to at least one embodiment described above, a computer associated with a laundry treatment machine that treats laundry using a laundry treatment agent executes the steps of acquiring identification information for identifying the laundry treatment agent from a container that contains the laundry treatment agent or an accessory attached to the container, and outputting the identification information to a downstream information function unit in order to control the laundry treatment machine in accordance with the laundry treatment agent. This configuration improves the ease of use when treating laundry using the laundry treatment agent.

[0141] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1...clothing processing system, 100, 100B...clothing processing machine, 112...operation panel, 150, 150B...control device, 151...control unit, 152...display control unit, 153...operation reception unit, 154...information transmission unit, 200, 200A, 200B...server, 300, 300A...terminal device, 310...information acquisition unit, 320...display control unit, 330...operation reception unit, 340...information transmission unit, 156, 230, 360...information function unit, APP...home appliance management application.

Claims

1. A computer associated with a clothes treating machine that has a storage container for storing a clothes treating agent and treats clothes using the clothes treating agent, A step of acquiring identification information that can identify the laundry treatment agent from a container that contains the laundry treatment agent or an accessory attached to the container; outputting the identification information to a downstream information function unit in order to control the laundry treatment machine in accordance with the laundry treatment agent; a step of outputting a notification for acquiring the identification information when the amount of the laundry treatment agent in the storage container changes beyond a predetermined condition; A program to execute.

2. A computer system related to a clothes treating machine that treats clothes using a clothes treating agent, an information function unit that performs settings for controlling the clothing treatment machine in accordance with the clothing treatment agent based on identification information that is acquired from a container that contains the clothing treatment agent or an accessory attached to the container and that can identify the clothing treatment agent, or that causes the clothing treatment machine to perform the settings; Equipped with The information function unit determining whether or not the laundry treatment agent identified based on the identification information is included in a list of laundry treatment agents stored in a storage unit that can be referenced by the information function unit; If there is no clothing treatment agent in the list of clothing treatment agents that matches the identified clothing treatment agent, identify a clothing treatment agent from the list of clothing treatment agents that has the same or similar contents as the identified clothing treatment agent, and implement the setting or have the clothing treatment machine implement the setting based on information associated with the clothing treatment agent that has the same or similar contents. Computer system.

3. A computer system related to a clothes treating machine that treats clothes using a clothes treating agent, an information function unit that performs settings for controlling the clothing treatment machine in accordance with the clothing treatment agent based on identification information that is acquired from a container that contains the clothing treatment agent or an accessory attached to the container and that can identify the clothing treatment agent, or that causes the clothing treatment machine to perform the settings; Equipped with The information function unit determining whether or not the laundry treatment agent identified based on the identification information is included in a list of laundry treatment agents stored in a storage unit that can be referenced by the information function unit; If there is no clothing treatment agent in the list of clothing treatment agents that matches the identified clothing treatment agent and there is no clothing treatment agent in the list of clothing treatment agents that has the same or similar contents as the identified clothing treatment agent, implement the setting according to a predetermined standard or have the clothing treatment machine implement the setting. Computer system.

4. A computer system related to a clothes treating machine that treats clothes using a clothes treating agent, an information function unit that performs settings for controlling the clothing treatment machine in accordance with the clothing treatment agent based on identification information that is acquired from a container that contains the clothing treatment agent or an accessory attached to the container and that can identify the clothing treatment agent, or that causes the clothing treatment machine to perform the settings; Equipped with The information function unit determining whether or not the laundry treatment agent identified based on the identification information is included in a list of laundry treatment agents stored in a storage unit that can be referenced by the information function unit; If there is another user who uses a clothing treatment agent that is the same as or similar to the identified clothing treatment agent, the setting is implemented or the clothing treatment machine is made to implement the setting based on the usage history of the same or similar clothing treatment agent used by the other user. Computer system.

5. A computer system related to a clothes treating machine that treats clothes using a clothes treating agent, an information function unit that performs settings for controlling the clothing treatment machine in accordance with the clothing treatment agent based on identification information that is acquired from a container that contains the clothing treatment agent or an accessory attached to the container and that can identify the clothing treatment agent, or that causes the clothing treatment machine to perform the settings; Equipped with The information function unit determining whether or not the laundry treatment agent identified based on the identification information is included in a list of laundry treatment agents stored in a storage unit that can be referenced by the information function unit; If a clothing treatment agent with a name similar to the identified clothing treatment agent exists, the setting is implemented or the clothing treatment machine is caused to implement the setting based on information associated with the clothing treatment agent with the similar name. Computer system.

6. The information function unit If a clothing treatment agent matching the identified clothing treatment agent is present in the list of clothing treatment agents, implementing the setting or causing the clothing treatment machine to implement the setting based on information associated with the matching clothing treatment agent.

6. A computer system according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

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