program

Abstract

To provide a program to be executed in terminals capable of communicating with refrigerators that have advancing multifunctional capabilities.SOLUTION: A program according to an embodiment enables a terminal, which can communicate with a refrigerator having a setting unit for configuring a predetermined function and includes a display unit, to display information on the predetermined function on the display unit; to display information on functions excluding the predetermined function on the display unit; to accept setting changes for functions excluding the predetermined function; and, if any setting was changed for the predetermined function through the setting unit, to display the changed content on the display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This embodiment relates to a program executed on a terminal capable of communicating with a refrigerator. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, home appliances such as refrigerators have become increasingly multifunctional. However, as refrigerator functions increase, it becomes necessary to add setting buttons for setting the functions and LEDs for indicating that the functions are set. Therefore, the more multifunctional a refrigerator becomes, the more complex its setting section becomes and the higher its manufacturing costs become. Furthermore, even if refrigerator functions are increased, some users never use those functions. Furthermore, the more multifunctional a refrigerator becomes, the more complicated its settings become. Against this background, there is a demand for technology that can realize increasingly multifunctional refrigerators at lower manufacturing costs and make them easier to use. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-040939 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This embodiment provides a program executed on a terminal capable of communicating with refrigerators that are becoming increasingly multifunctional. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005]

[0006]

[0007] The program according to this embodiment enables a terminal that is capable of communicating with a refrigerator having a setting unit for setting predetermined functions and that has a display unit to display information about the predetermined functions on the display unit, to display information about functions other than the predetermined functions on the display unit, to accept setting changes for functions other than the predetermined functions, and, when a setting change is made to the predetermined function by the setting unit, to reflect the changed content and display it on the display unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a home appliance setting system according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] Diagram showing an example of the operation panel configuration [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of a terminal configuration [Figure 4] Example of the configuration of the settings screen (part 1) [Figure 5] Example of the configuration of the settings screen (part 2) [Figure 6] Example of the configuration of the settings screen (part 3) [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of control content when various functions of a home appliance are set from a terminal. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of setting information [Figure 9] FIG. 1 according to the second embodiment [Figure 10] Figure 6 equivalent [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of part of the operation panel DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, a number of embodiments of a home appliance setting system will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that substantially the same elements in the respective embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. (First embodiment) Refrigerator setting system 10 shown in Fig. 1 is an example of a home appliance setting system and is configured to include at least refrigerator 11 and terminal 12. Refrigerator 11 is an example of a home appliance and includes operation panel 13 and communication adapter 14. Refrigerator 11 includes storage compartments such as a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, a vegetable compartment, and an ice maker compartment. Terminal 12 is configured by a high-function mobile phone such as a smartphone and includes at least a communication function for communicating with various external devices.

[0010] Operation panel 13 is an example of a home appliance setting means, and includes operation buttons for setting various functions of refrigerator 11. Note that the functions of refrigerator 11 that can be set via operation panel 13 are limited to predetermined functions, as will be described in detail later. Communication adapter 14 is detachably attached to a communication connector (not shown) of refrigerator 11. In other words, communication adapter 14 is an element that can be retrofitted to refrigerator 11. Note that communication adapter 14 may be configured to be built into refrigerator 11, for example, when refrigerator 11 is manufactured.

[0011] Refrigerator 11 and terminal 12 are connected to each other via communication adapter 14 so that they can communicate wirelessly, thereby establishing refrigerator setting system 10. Note that refrigerator setting system 10 may also be established by connecting refrigerator 11 and terminal 12 so that they can communicate via a wired connection using a communication cable such as a USB cable. Refrigerator 11 and terminal 12 are also connected to external server 16 so that they can communicate via wide area network 15 such as the Internet. Server 16 is configured as a well-known computer system and stores various information such as information for accessing refrigerator 11 and terminal 12, as well as various computer programs including application software, which will be described in detail later, and is configured to be able to distribute this information and programs. Possible information for accessing refrigerator 11 and terminal 12 is the IP address of refrigerator 11 and terminal 12, for example.

[0012] Next, an example of the configuration of operation panel 13 of refrigerator 11 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, operation panel 13 has essential function setting section 21 and additional function setting section 22. Essential function setting section 21 is an element for setting functions defined as "essential functions" among the various functions provided in refrigerator 11. In this case, a "temperature adjustment function" that adjusts the set temperature of each storage compartment of refrigerator 11 is defined as the essential function. Therefore, essential function setting section 21 is configured as a set temperature adjustment section that adjusts the set temperature of each storage compartment of refrigerator 11.

[0013] Specifically, essential function setting unit 21 includes a refrigerator compartment set temperature adjustment button 21a for adjusting the set temperature of a refrigerator compartment (not shown) of refrigerator 11, and a freezer compartment set temperature adjustment button 21b for adjusting the set temperature of a freezer compartment (not shown) of refrigerator 11. Essential function setting unit 21 also includes a refrigerator compartment set temperature level display unit 21c for displaying the set temperature level of the refrigerator compartment of refrigerator 11, and a freezer compartment set temperature level display unit 21d for displaying the set temperature level of the freezer compartment of refrigerator 11.

[0014] The set temperature of the refrigerator compartment of the refrigerator 11 can be adjusted in multiple steps, in this case three steps: high, medium, and low, depending on the number of times the refrigerator compartment set temperature adjustment button 21a is operated. When the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment is adjusted by operating the refrigerator compartment set temperature adjustment button 21a, the refrigerator 11 lights up the LED of the refrigerator compartment set temperature level display unit 21c corresponding to the set temperature level. Similarly, the set temperature of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11 can be adjusted in multiple steps, in this case three steps: high, medium, and low, depending on the number of times the freezer compartment set temperature adjustment button 21b is operated. When the set temperature of the freezer compartment is adjusted by operating the freezer compartment set temperature adjustment button 21b, the refrigerator 11 lights up the LED of the freezer compartment set temperature level display unit 21d corresponding to the set temperature level.

[0015] Additional function setting unit 22 is an element for setting functions other than the above-mentioned essential functions among the various functions provided in refrigerator 11. In this case, a "quick freezing function" and a "quick ice making function" are defined as additional functions. Therefore, in this case, additional function setting unit 22 is configured as a setting unit for setting the quick freezing function and a setting unit for setting the quick ice making function.

[0016] Specifically, additional function setting unit 22 includes a quick-freeze button 22a for setting the "quick-freeze function," a quick-ice-making button 22b for setting the "quick-ice-making function," a default button 22c for canceling various functions set in refrigerator 11, a quick-freeze setting display unit 22d that indicates that the quick-freeze function is set, a quick-ice-making setting display unit 22e that indicates that the quick-freeze function is set, and an external setting display unit 22f that indicates that the functions of refrigerator 11 have been remotely set from the outside. The quick-freeze function is a function that cools the freezer compartment of refrigerator 11 more rapidly than usual, thereby freezing items stored in the freezer compartment in a shorter time than usual. The quick-ice-making function is a function that cools the ice-making compartment (not shown) of refrigerator 11 more rapidly than usual, thereby making ice in a shorter time than usual.

[0017] When the blast-freeze button 22a is operated to set the blast-freeze function, the refrigerator 11 lights up the LED of the blast-freeze setting display 22d, which indicates that the blast-freeze function is being executed, while the blast-freeze function is being executed. If the blast-freeze button 22a is pressed continuously for a predetermined period of time, for example, for three seconds or more, the blast-freeze function is executed in a so-called power-saving mode. This allows the blast-freeze function to be executed with lower power consumption. In this case, the refrigerator 11 lights up the LED of the power-saving display 22g, which indicates that the blast-freeze function is being executed in the power-saving mode.

[0018] When the simultaneous ice making button 22b is operated to set the simultaneous ice making function, refrigerator 11 lights up the LED of simultaneous ice making setting display 22e, which indicates that the simultaneous ice making function is being executed, while the simultaneous ice making function is being executed. Note that when simultaneous ice making button 22b is pressed continuously for a predetermined time, for example, for three seconds or more, the simultaneous ice making function is executed in a so-called power saving mode. This allows the simultaneous ice making function to be executed with lower power consumption. In this case, refrigerator 11 lights up the LED of power saving display 22h, which indicates that the simultaneous ice making function is being executed in the power saving mode.

[0019] Default button 22c is an example of a canceling means. When default button 22c is operated, refrigerator 11 is configured to cancel only the functions set by terminal 12, as will be described in detail later. As a result, refrigerator 11 is configured to return the functions set by terminal 12 to their initial states. Note that refrigerator 11 may also be configured to cancel all of its functions, including those set by terminal 12, when default button 22c is operated. With this configuration, by operating default button 22c, the user can reset all of the functions of refrigerator 11 to their initial states, i.e., to the settings at the time of manufacture of refrigerator 11.

[0020] The external setting display unit 22f is an example of a display means. When each function is set by the terminal 12 as described in detail below, the refrigerator 11 turns on the LED of the external setting display unit 22f. This allows the user to know that each function of the refrigerator 11 is being remotely set from the terminal 12.

[0021] According to refrigerator 11 configured as described above, among the multiple functions provided by refrigerator 11, predetermined functions, in this case, the functions for adjusting the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment and the functions for adjusting the set temperature of the freezer compartment, which are defined as essential functions, and the quick freezing function and quick ice making function, which are defined as additional functions, can be set via operation panel 13 provided on refrigerator 11.

[0022] In addition to the above-mentioned predetermined functions that can be set via the operation panel 13, the refrigerator 11 has various other functions such as a vegetable freezing function, a dry freezing function, a hot food freezing function, a power saving mode function, a timer power saving function, an outing function, and a peak shift function. The vegetable freezing function is a function that freezes vegetables in the vegetable compartment (not shown) by cooling the vegetable compartment (not shown) of the refrigerator 11 to a temperature lower than normal. The dry freezing function is a function that freezes vegetables in the vegetable compartment while removing moisture by cooling the vegetable compartment while supplying air into the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator 11 using a blower fan (not shown). The hot item freezing function is a function that freezes hot items stored in the freezer compartment by cooling the freezer compartment more rapidly than normal.

[0023] The power saving mode function operates the refrigerator 11 at a lower power consumption than normal. The timer power saving function operates the refrigerator 11 at a lower power consumption than normal from a set start time to a set end time. The refrigerator 11 is configured to be able to measure time using a timing device such as a timer (not shown). The away function automatically switches the refrigerator 11 to operate at a lower power consumption than normal when the opening or closing of the refrigerator 11 door is not detected for a predetermined period of time or longer. The refrigerator 11 is configured to detect the opening or closing of the door using a door opening / closing detection sensor (not shown). The peak shift function is a function that prevents operations that would result in high power consumption during peak power demand, such as defrosting operations that remove frost from a cooler (not shown).

[0024] Refrigerator 11 is configured so that functions other than these predetermined functions can be set remotely via external terminal 12. Therefore, refrigerator 11 is configured so that functions other than the predetermined functions cannot be set directly via operation panel 13.

[0025] Next, an example of the configuration of terminal 12 will be described. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, terminal 12 is mainly configured with control unit 31 that controls the overall operation of terminal 12. This control unit 31 is connected to display unit 32, operation unit 33, communication function unit 34, etc. Display unit 32 is configured with a display device such as a liquid crystal panel. Operation unit 33 is configured with touch panel switches formed on the display screen of display unit 32 and mechanical switches provided around display unit 32, etc. Communication function unit 34 is an element that realizes a communication function for communicating with external devices. In this case, communication function unit 34 establishes a communication line with communication adapter 14 of refrigerator 11, connecting terminal 12 and refrigerator 11 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0026] Terminal 12 also has installed therein application software for remotely setting various functions of an external home appliance, in this case, refrigerator 11. This application software is installed in terminal 12 in advance by, for example, downloading it from server 16 to terminal 12. Terminal 12 then executes this application software using control unit 31, thereby virtually realizing a terminal-side setting function unit 36 ​​and a setting screen selection function unit 37 using software. Note that terminal 12 may also be configured to realize these function units 36 and 37 using hardware.

[0027] Terminal-side setting function unit 36 ​​is an example of a terminal-side setting means, and has a function of remotely setting at least the functions of refrigerator 11, excluding the predetermined functions described above, via a communication line established between terminal-side setting function unit 36 ​​and refrigerator 11. In this case, terminal-side setting function unit 36 ​​is configured to be able to remotely set the predetermined functions of refrigerator 11 via the communication line established between terminal-side setting function unit 36 ​​and refrigerator 11. In other words, terminal-side setting function unit 36 ​​is configured to be able to remotely set all the functions of refrigerator 11 via the communication line established between terminal-side setting function unit 36 ​​and refrigerator 11.

[0028] The setting screen selection function unit 37 is an example of a setting screen selection means, and has a function of selecting a setting screen that the terminal-side setting function unit 36 ​​displays on the display unit 32. Here, an example of the configuration of a setting screen that the terminal-side setting function unit 36 ​​displays on the display unit 32 will be described. That is, the terminal 12 is configured to be able to display a plurality of setting screens, in this case, a setting screen G1 exemplified in FIG. 4, a setting screen G2 exemplified in FIG. 5, and a setting screen G3 exemplified in FIG. 6. The setting screen selection function unit 37 selects one of the plurality of setting screens G1 to G3 in response to a selection operation by the user via a selection screen (not shown). Then, the terminal 12 is configured to display the setting screen selected via the setting screen selection function unit 37 on the display unit 32.

[0029] Next, configuration examples of the setting screens G1 to S3 will be described in more detail. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, setting screen G1 is a setting screen simulating an operation panel designed to be installed in a refrigerator. This setting screen G1 has an operation area 41 and a display area 42. In operation area 41, a refrigeration operation section 41a with the word "refrigeration" written on it, a freezing operation section 41b with the word "freezing" written on it, a freezing function operation section 41c with the word "freezing function" written on it, an ice-making operation section 41d with the word "ice-making" written on it, a power-saving operation section 41e with the word "power-saving" written on it, and a key lock operation section 41f with a substantially pentagonal mark written on it are arranged in a vertical row. The various operation sections 41a to 41f provided in operation area 41 are provided so that the user can touch them.

[0030] In the display area 42, an indicator 43 consisting of multiple arc-shaped segments and multiple marks 44 are arranged in a vertical line. Below the indicator 43, character marks marked "strong" and "weak" are arranged horizontally. Specifically, the marks 44 include a character mark 44a marked "hot food freezing," a character mark 44b marked "vegetable freezing," a character mark 44c marked "dry," a character mark 44d marked "instant freezing," a character mark 44e marked "instant ice making," a character mark 44f marked "ice making off," a character mark 44g marked "power saving," a character mark 44h marked "going out," a character mark 44i marked "peak shift," a character mark 44j marked "eco," and a key mark 44k marked with a key shape.

[0031] Refrigeration operation unit 41a is an operation unit for adjusting the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment of refrigerator 11 by remote operation from terminal 12. Terminal 12 can adjust the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment of refrigerator 11 in multiple stages, in this case three stages: high, medium, and low, depending on the number of times the user operates refrigeration operation unit 41a. Terminal 12 also varies the number of lit segments of indicator 43 depending on the set temperature stage of the refrigerator compartment set by operating refrigeration operation unit 41a.

[0032] In this case, terminal 12 lights one of the five segments of indicator 43 when the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment is adjusted to the "low" level by operating refrigeration operation unit 41a, lights three segments when the set temperature is adjusted to the "medium" level, and lights five segments when the set temperature is adjusted to the "high" level. The user can visually grasp the level of the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment adjusted by operating refrigeration operation unit 41a based on the number of lit segments. Terminal 12 also transmits information indicating the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment adjusted by operating refrigeration operation unit 41a to refrigerator 11. Refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment based on the information obtained from terminal 12.

[0033] The freezer operation unit 41b is an operation unit for adjusting the set temperature of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11 by remote operation from the terminal 12. The terminal 12 can adjust the set temperature of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11 in multiple stages, in this case, three stages: high, medium, and low, depending on the number of times the user operates the freezer operation unit 41b. The terminal 12 also changes the number of lit segments of the indicator 43 depending on the set temperature of the freezer compartment set by operating the freezer operation unit 41b. The user can visually grasp the level of the set temperature of the freezer compartment adjusted by operating the freezer operation unit 41b based on the number of lit segments. The terminal 12 also transmits information indicating the set temperature of the freezer compartment adjusted by operating the freezer operation unit 41b to the refrigerator 11. The refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of the freezer compartment based on the information obtained from the terminal 12.

[0034] Freezing function operation unit 41c is an operation unit for remotely operating refrigerator 11 to execute various freezing functions provided in refrigerator 11. Terminal 12 sequentially selects a hot food freezing function, a vegetable freezing function, a dry freezing function, and a rapid freezing function depending on the number of times the user operates freezing function operation unit 41c. Terminal 12 then lights up character marks 44a to 44d corresponding to the freezing function selected by operating freezing function operation unit 41c. Terminal 12 also transmits information indicating the freezing function selected by operating freezing function operation unit 41c to refrigerator 11. Refrigerator 11 executes the selected freezing function based on the information received from terminal 12.

[0035] Ice-making operation unit 41d is an operation unit for remotely operating terminal 12 to execute the rapid ice-making function of refrigerator 11. Terminal 12 sequentially switches the rapid ice-making function on / off depending on the number of times the user operates ice-making operation unit 41d. When the rapid ice-making function is set to on, terminal 12 lights up character mark 44e that reads "Rapid Ice Making." When the rapid ice-making function is set to off, terminal 12 lights up character mark 44f that reads "Ice Making Off."

[0036] When the rapid ice-making function is turned on by operating ice-making operation unit 41d, terminal 12 transmits a setting signal to refrigerator 11 to turn on the rapid ice-making function. When refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from terminal 12, it turns on the rapid ice-making function and executes the function. On the other hand, when the rapid ice-making function is turned off by operating ice-making operation unit 41d, terminal 12 transmits a setting signal to refrigerator 11 to turn off the rapid ice-making function. When refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from terminal 12, it turns off the rapid ice-making function and cancels the on setting of the rapid ice-making function. This stops the rapid ice-making function.

[0037] Power-saving operation unit 41e is an operation unit for remotely operating terminal 12 to execute various power-saving functions of refrigerator 11. Terminal 12 sequentially selects the power-saving mode function, the outing function, and the peak shift function depending on the number of times the user operates power-saving operation unit 41e. Terminal 12 then lights up character marks 44g to 44i corresponding to the power-saving function selected by operating power-saving operation unit 41e. Terminal 12 also transmits information indicating the power-saving function selected by operating power-saving operation unit 41e to refrigerator 11. Refrigerator 11 executes the selected power-saving function based on the information provided by terminal 12.

[0038] The key lock operation unit 41f is an operation unit for disabling setting operations of the refrigerator 11 via the setting screen G1. The terminal 12 sequentially switches between a setting operation disabled state and a setting operation enabled state depending on the number of times the user operates the key lock operation unit 41f. In the setting operation disabled state, operation inputs to the various operation units 41a to 41e on the setting screen G1 except for the key lock operation unit 41f are disabled, thereby disabling setting operations of the refrigerator 11 via the setting screen G1. When the terminal 12 is switched to the setting operation disabled state, it turns on the key mark 44k. On the other hand, in the setting operation enabled state, operation inputs to the various operation units 41a to 41f on the setting screen G1 are enabled, thereby enabling setting operations of the refrigerator 11 via the setting screen G1. When the terminal 12 is switched to the setting operation enabled state, it turns off the key mark 44k.

[0039] Furthermore, the terminal 12 lights up the "eco" character mark 44j when the operating state of the refrigerator 11 is the eco-operation state. That is, the refrigerator 11 determines that the operating state of the refrigerator 11 is the eco-operation state when the operating state of the refrigerator 11 satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition may be that the number of times the door is opened and closed within a predetermined time is less than a predetermined number, that the temperature change in each storage compartment within a predetermined time is within a predetermined range, and that the operating time of a compressor (not shown) of a refrigeration cycle within a predetermined time is within a predetermined time. When the refrigerator 11 determines that the operating state of the refrigerator 11 is the eco-operation state, it transmits information indicating that the refrigerator 11 is in the eco-operation state to the terminal 12. When the terminal 12 receives this information, it lights up the "eco" character mark 44j. When the refrigerator 11 determines that the operating state of the refrigerator 11 is not the eco-operation state, it transmits information indicating that the refrigerator 11 is not in the eco-operation state to the terminal 12. When the terminal 12 receives this information, it turns off the "eco" character mark 44j.

[0040] Next, setting screen G2 will be described. As shown in Fig. 5, setting screen G2 is a setting screen realized by a hierarchical structure. That is, setting screen G2 has a refrigerator mark 51 that simply shows the entire refrigerator 11, and a setting button 52. In addition, around refrigerator mark 51, there are setting status display sections 53a to 53e that show the current setting status of each storage compartment of refrigerator 11, and a power consumption display section 54 that shows the current power consumption of refrigerator 11.

[0041] Refrigerator 11 transmits information indicating the current setting status of each storage compartment, such as set temperature information indicating the set temperature of each storage compartment and information indicating the setting status of each function, to terminal 12. Terminal 12 displays the current setting status of each storage compartment of refrigerator 11 on setting status display units 53a to 53e based on the information received from refrigerator 11. Refrigerator 11 also transmits power consumption information indicating the current power consumption of refrigerator 11 to terminal 12. Terminal 12 displays the current power consumption of refrigerator 11 on power consumption display unit 54 based on the power consumption information received from refrigerator 11.

[0042] Furthermore, when setting button 52 is operated, terminal 12 transitions the screen displayed on display unit 32 to a setting operation screen (not shown). This setting operation screen is provided with an input operation unit for inputting the set temperature of each storage compartment of refrigerator 11, an input operation unit for inputting the ON / OFF settings of various functions of refrigerator 11, and the like. When the user inputs setting operations via these various input operation units, terminal 12 transmits the input information to refrigerator 11. Based on the information received from terminal 12, refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of each storage compartment and sets the ON / OFF settings of each function.

[0043] Next, the setting screen G3 will be described. As shown in Fig. 6, the setting screen G3 is a setting screen realized by a text-based structure. That is, the setting screen G3 has a plurality of menu buttons 61 for setting various functions of the refrigerator 11. These menu buttons 61 are provided so as to be touch operable.

[0044] Specifically, the menu button 61a labeled "FREEZER TEMPERATURE SETTING" is a menu button for adjusting the set temperature of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11. The terminal 12 can adjust the set temperature of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator 11 in multiple stages, in this case, three stages: high, medium, and low, depending on the number of times the user operates the menu button 61a. The terminal 12 also changes the displayed characters on the touch button 61a to "high," "medium," or "low" depending on the set temperature of the freezer compartment set by operating the menu button 61a. The terminal 12 then transmits information indicating the set temperature of the freezer compartment adjusted by operating the menu button 61a to the refrigerator 11. The refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of the freezer compartment based on the information obtained from the terminal 12.

[0045] Menu button 61b, which has the words "Refrigerator compartment temperature setting," is a menu button for adjusting the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment of refrigerator 11. Terminal 12 can adjust the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment of refrigerator 11 in multiple stages, in this case, three stages: high, medium, and low, depending on the number of times the user operates menu button 61b. Terminal 12 also changes the displayed text on menu button 61b to "high," "medium," or "low" depending on the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment set by operating menu button 61b. Terminal 12 then transmits information indicating the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment adjusted by operating menu button 61b to refrigerator 11. Refrigerator 11 adjusts the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment based on the information obtained from terminal 12.

[0046] Menu button 61c, which has the words "IMMEDIATE ICE MAKE" written on it, is a menu button for switching the ON / OFF setting of refrigerator 11's immediate ice making function. Terminal 12 sequentially switches the ON / OFF setting of the immediate ice making function depending on the number of times the user operates menu button 61c. When the immediate ice making function is switched ON by operating menu button 61c, terminal 12 switches the display on menu button 61c from "OFF" to "ON" and sends a setting signal to refrigerator 11 to switch the immediate ice making function ON. When refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from terminal 12, it switches the immediate ice making function ON and executes the immediate ice making function. On the other hand, when the immediate ice making function is switched OFF by operating menu button 61c, terminal 12 switches the display on menu button 61c from "ON" to "OFF" and sends a setting signal to refrigerator 11 to switch the immediate ice making function OFF. When refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from terminal 12, it switches the rapid ice-making function off and cancels the on setting of the rapid ice-making function, thereby stopping the rapid ice-making function.

[0047] Menu button 61d, which has the words "Stop Ice Making," is a menu button for switching the ice-making function of refrigerator 11 on / off. Terminal 12 sequentially switches the ice-making function on / off depending on the number of times the user operates menu button 61d. When the ice-making function is switched on by operating menu button 61d, terminal 12 switches the display on menu button 61d from "OFF" to "ON" and sends a setting signal to refrigerator 11 to switch the ice-making function on. When refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from terminal 12, it switches the ice-making function on and executes the ice-making function. On the other hand, when the ice-making function is switched off by operating menu button 61d, terminal 12 switches the display on menu button 61d from "ON" to "OFF" and sends a setting signal to refrigerator 11 to switch the ice-making function off. When refrigerator 11 receives this setting signal from terminal 12, it switches the ice-making function off and cancels the on setting of the ice-making function, thereby stopping the ice-making function.

[0048] The other menu buttons 61e-61k are used to switch the on / off settings of refrigerator 11's rapid freezing function, vegetable freezing function, dry freezing function, hot food freezing function, power saving mode function, peak shift function, and outing function, respectively. Terminal 12 switches the on / off setting of each function in sequence depending on the number of times the user operates each menu button 61e-61k, and also switches the display text of each menu button 61e-61k to "ON" or "OFF." Terminal 12 then transmits a setting signal to refrigerator 11 to switch each function on or off, and refrigerator 11 sets the on / off setting of each function depending on the setting signal received from terminal 12.

[0049] The menu button 61t is a menu button for switching the timer power-saving function of the refrigerator 11 between on and off. The terminal 12 sequentially switches the timer power-saving function between on and off depending on the number of times the user operates the menu button 61t, and also switches the text displayed on the menu button 61t between "ON" and "OFF." The terminal 12 then sends a setting signal to the refrigerator 11 to switch the timer power-saving function between on and off, and the refrigerator 11 sets the timer power-saving function between on and off depending on the setting signal received from the terminal 12.

[0050] The button 61ts marked with the word "START" is a button for inputting the start time of the timer power saving function, and the button 61te marked with the word "END" is a button for inputting the end time of the timer power saving function. When the terminal 12 sends a setting signal to the refrigerator 11 to set the timer power saving function to ON, the terminal 12 also sends to the refrigerator 11 information indicating the start time and end time input via the buttons 61ts and 61te.

[0051] Next, an example of a communication mode when various functions of refrigerator 11 are set from terminal 12 will be described. That is, as shown in Fig. 7, when a communication line is established between a control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of refrigerator 11 and terminal 12, the control device transmits setting information indicating the current setting of refrigerator 11 to terminal 12 (A1). The setting information is stored, for example, in a register included in the control device of refrigerator 11, and the data at each address is rewritten depending on the current setting of refrigerator 11.

[0052] Here, an example of the configuration of this setting content information will be described. That is, as shown in Fig. 8, the data from the first to fourth digits of address "00" in the setting content information indicates the set temperature of the freezer compartment, and the data from the fifth to eighth digits of address "00" indicates the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment. Furthermore, the data from the first to eighth digits of address "01" respectively indicate the on / off setting state of the rapid ice-making function, the on / off setting state of the ice-making stop function, the on / off setting state of the rapid freezing function, the on / off setting state of the power-saving function, the on / off setting state of the peak shift function, the on / off setting state of the outing function, the on / off setting state of the timer power-saving function, and the on / off setting state of the vegetable freezing function.

[0053] The first digit of address "02" indicates the on / off setting of the dry freezing function, and the second digit of address "02" indicates the on / off setting of the hot freezing function. When each function is set to "off," the corresponding data is rewritten to "0," and when each function is set to "on," the corresponding data is rewritten to "1." The 8-bit data stored in address "03" indicates the start time of the timer power-saving function. The 8-bit data stored in address "04" indicates the end time of the timer power-saving function.

[0054] When the application program is started, terminal 12 displays a setting screen selected in advance from setting screens G1 to S3 (B1). At this time, terminal 12 reflects the current settings of refrigerator 11 in each item on the currently displayed setting screen based on the setting content information received from refrigerator 11. As a result, the current settings of refrigerator 11 are displayed on terminal 12. If the settings of refrigerator 11 are changed, refrigerator 11 transmits setting content information indicating the changed settings to terminal 12. Terminal 12 then reflects the newly received setting content information in each item on the currently displayed setting screen. As a result, the current settings of refrigerator 11 are displayed in real time on terminal 12.

[0055] If a setting is entered via the currently displayed setting screen, terminal 12 transmits setting change information to refrigerator 11 (B2). This setting change information indicates that an input has been made to terminal 12 to change the settings of refrigerator 11. When refrigerator 11 receives the setting change information from terminal 12, it transmits a setting change permission signal to terminal 12 (A2). When terminal 12 receives the setting change permission signal from refrigerator 11, it transmits change content information indicating the settings entered via the setting screen to refrigerator 11 (B3). When refrigerator 11 receives the change content information from terminal 12, it sets each function based on the change content information (A3). Then, refrigerator 11 transmits setting content information indicating the changed settings to terminal 12 (A4).

[0056] When terminal 12 receives setting information from refrigerator 11 that reflects the changed settings, it compares the setting information with the change information it sent to refrigerator 11. Terminal 12 then verifies whether the settings of each function of refrigerator 11 have been changed based on the change information (B4). If the settings of each function of refrigerator 11 have been changed based on the change information (B5: YES), terminal 12 sends a setting change confirmation signal to refrigerator 11 (B6). If the settings of each function of refrigerator 11 have not been changed based on the change information (B5: NO), terminal 12 returns to step B3 and repeats the process of changing the settings of each function of refrigerator 11.

[0057] According to the refrigerator setting system 10 of this embodiment, the refrigerator 11 is equipped with an operation panel 13 for setting predetermined functions of the refrigerator 11, while the terminal 12 is equipped with a terminal-side setting function unit 36 ​​for setting at least the functions of the refrigerator 11 excluding the predetermined functions. This configuration allows the refrigerator 11 operation panel 13 to be configured with only the minimum elements necessary to set the predetermined functions, thereby simplifying the configuration. Furthermore, even if the refrigerator 11 operation panel 13 has a simple configuration, a user who wants to use a function other than the predetermined functions can arbitrarily set that function via the external terminal 12. This prevents the operation panel 13 from becoming more complex or expensive even if the number of functions of the refrigerator 11 is increased. This allows the refrigerator 11 to be manufactured at a lower cost as more functions become available, and allows the various functions of the refrigerator 11 to be set in a simpler manner.

[0058] Furthermore, it is advisable to set the predetermined functions as functions that are considered essential or frequently used in refrigerator 11. This is because it is more convenient to set such functions directly from refrigerator 11 than indirectly from terminal 12.

[0059] Furthermore, refrigerator 11 is equipped with external setting display unit 22f, which displays when functions other than predetermined functions are set by terminal-side setting function unit 36 ​​on terminal 12. This configuration allows the user to easily understand that each function of refrigerator 11 has been set remotely from terminal 12. For example, when a certain function of refrigerator 11 is operating, the user can easily determine whether the operation is being performed due to a setting from terminal 12 or whether the operation is being performed due to some malfunction in refrigerator 11.

[0060] Refrigerator 11 also has default button 22c that cancels functions set by terminal-side setting function unit 36 ​​on terminal 12. With this configuration, functions set remotely from terminal 12 can be easily canceled on refrigerator 11.

[0061] Furthermore, refrigerator 11 may be configured so that when default button 22c is operated, all functions of refrigerator 11, including functions set by terminal 12, are cancelled. With this configuration, operating default button 22c resets the settings of refrigerator 11 to their initial states, allowing subsequent settings of each function to be reset from the initial states.

[0062] In this embodiment, the operation panel 13 on the refrigerator 11 is only equipped with operation buttons and displays related to predetermined functions. Therefore, even if the user checks the operation panel 13, they cannot ascertain the setting status of the refrigerator 11's various functions, especially the setting status of functions other than the predetermined functions. However, in this embodiment, the refrigerator 11 is provided with a default button 22c for canceling the settings of various functions. As a result, even if the user cannot ascertain the setting status of the refrigerator 11's various functions, the user can operate the default button 22c to return the refrigerator 11 to its initial state and then reset the settings of the refrigerator 11's various functions.

[0063] Furthermore, the terminal 12 is configured such that the setting screen displayed by the terminal-side setting function unit 36 ​​can be selected by the setting screen selection function unit 37. This makes it possible to provide a setting screen that meets the user's preferences, thereby improving operability and ease of use.

[0064] Terminal 12 can also set predetermined functions using terminal-side setting function unit 36. This configuration allows all functions of refrigerator 11 to be set remotely, enabling setting operations for all functions of refrigerator 11 even when the user is out or not present in the room where refrigerator 11 is installed. In this case, operation panel 13 on refrigerator 11 has a simple configuration with the minimum necessary for operating predetermined functions. For example, the set temperature can be adjusted to only three levels: "high," "medium," and "low." Therefore, the setting from terminal 12 may be configured to allow adjustment of the set temperature in multiple levels (three or more), or may be finely adjusted in increments of 1 degree or 0.1 degree. In other words, it is preferable that setting operations from terminal 12 be configured to allow more detailed setting operations than setting operations from operation panel 13, which has a simple configuration.

[0065] (Second embodiment) According to refrigerator setting system 20 illustrated in FIG. 9, refrigerator 11 further includes storage device 71. Storage device 71 is an example of storage means, and stores settings actually made in refrigerator 11 as needed. As a result, storage device 71 accumulates information indicating past settings made in refrigerator 11.

[0066] However, since the storage capacity of storage device 71 is limited, it is not preferable to store all information indicating past settings of refrigerator 11 in storage device 71. Therefore, refrigerator 11 is configured to store only information indicating specific settings from among the past settings of refrigerator 11.

[0067] That is, terminal 12 displays setting screen G4, as shown in FIG. 10. This setting screen G4 is the same as the setting screen G4 described above, except that check boxes 56a and 56b are added. Check boxes 56a and 56b are elements used to save the settings entered on setting screen G4. If check box 56a is checked, terminal 12 attaches save command information [Set1] that commands the refrigerator to save the setting information entered on setting screen G4 as setting [1] when sending the setting information to refrigerator 11. If check box 56b is checked, terminal 12 attaches save command information [Set2] that commands the refrigerator to save the setting information entered on setting screen G4 as setting [2] when sending the setting information to refrigerator 11.

[0068] When save command information [Set1] is attached to the setting content information received from terminal 12, refrigerator 11 sets each function based on the setting content information and stores the setting content information as setting [1] in storage device 71. When save command information [Set2] is attached to the setting content information received from terminal 12, refrigerator 11 sets each function based on the setting content information and stores the setting content information as setting [2] in storage device 71.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 11, refrigerator 11's operation panel 13 is provided with a setting button 81, which is an example of a setting means, a setting display section 82a marked with "Set1" meaning setting 1, a setting display section 82b marked with "Set2" meaning setting 2, a selection button 83, and selection display sections 84a and 84b. When refrigerator 11 stores the setting content information received from terminal 12 in storage device 71 as setting [1], it turns on the LED of setting display section 82a. Fig. 11 shows the state in which the LED of setting display section 82a is turned on.

[0070] Furthermore, when refrigerator 11 stores the setting information received from terminal 12 as setting [2] in storage device 71, it lights up the LED of setting display unit 82b. Based on the lighting status of setting display units 82a and 82b, the user can determine whether or not the previous settings of refrigerator 11 have been saved.

[0071] Refrigerator 11 sequentially lights up selection display section 84a corresponding to setting [1] or selection display section 84b corresponding to setting [2] depending on the number of times selection button 83 is pressed. When setting button 81 is pressed, refrigerator 11 reads setting content information corresponding to the setting for which selection display section 84 is lit from storage device 71. Refrigerator 11 then sets each function of refrigerator 11 based on the read setting content information.

[0072] With refrigerator setting system 20 according to this embodiment, increasing the functions of refrigerator 11 does not lead to increased complexity or cost of operation panel 13. Therefore, refrigerator 11 with an increasing number of functions can be manufactured at lower cost and can be set up in a simpler manner.

[0073] Furthermore, refrigerator setting system 20 includes storage device 71 that stores settings for refrigerator 11, and setting buttons 81 that set each function of refrigerator 11 based on the settings stored in storage device 71. This configuration makes it easy to reproduce past settings for refrigerator 11, allowing refrigerator 11 to operate with settings that meet the user's preferences. Storage device 71 may be provided in terminal 12 or server 16, for example, rather than in refrigerator 11.

[0074] Furthermore, the number of setting content information items that can be stored in the storage device 71 is not limited to two, and the number can be changed as appropriate. In this case, the number of check boxes 56 provided on the setting screen G4 and the number of setting display sections 82 and selection display sections 84 provided on the operation panel 13 can also be changed according to the number of setting content information items that can be stored.

[0075] (Other embodiments) This embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified or expanded as follows, for example. For a function that can be set via operation panel 13, when a setting operation is input from both operation panel 13 and terminal 12, refrigerator 11 may be configured to validate the setting operation from operation panel 13, or may be configured to validate the setting operation from terminal 12. Furthermore, for a function that can be set via operation panel 13, when a setting operation is input from both operation panel 13 and terminal 12, refrigerator 11 may be configured to validate the setting operation from operation panel 13 or the setting operation from terminal 12, whichever is input later.

[0076] Essential function setting unit 21 may include, as essential functions, at least a set temperature adjustment function for adjusting the set temperature of each storage compartment. Therefore, the refrigerator may be configured so that functions other than the temperature adjustment function can be further defined as essential functions and adjusted by essential function setting unit 21. The home appliances that constitute the home appliance setting system are not limited to the refrigerator 11, but may be other home appliances such as a washing machine, a cooking appliance, etc.

[0077] Furthermore, the terminals that constitute the home appliance setting system are not limited to smartphones, and may be, for example, televisions, tablets, personal computers, etc., or may be dedicated terminals provided for the home appliance setting system. That is, the terminals that constitute the home appliance setting system according to this embodiment can be various terminals as long as they are communicably connected to home appliances and have an input unit for inputting user operations.

[0078] Furthermore, the relationship between home appliances and terminals that configure the home appliance setting system does not have to be a one-to-one relationship, and for example, a single home appliance may be configured to be remotely operated and configured from multiple terminals, or multiple home appliances may be configured to be remotely operated and configured from one terminal, or multiple home appliances may be configured to be remotely operated and configured from multiple terminals.

[0079] The home appliance setting system according to this embodiment is a home appliance setting system including a home appliance and a terminal having a communication function for communicating with the home appliance. In this system, the home appliance includes a home appliance setting unit that sets a predetermined function of the home appliance. The terminal includes a terminal setting unit that sets functions of the home appliance excluding the predetermined function. This configuration avoids the risk of the home appliance setting unit becoming more complex or expensive even when the functions of the home appliance are increased. Therefore, home appliances with increasingly more functions can be realized at lower manufacturing costs, and various functions of the home appliance can be set in a simpler manner.

[0080] The home appliance according to this embodiment has a communication function for communicating with a terminal and constitutes a home appliance setting system together with the terminal. The home appliance includes a home appliance setting unit that sets predetermined functions of the home appliance. Functions of the home appliance, excluding the predetermined functions, are set by a terminal setting unit included in the terminal.

[0081] The terminal according to this embodiment has a communication function for communicating with a home appliance and is a terminal that, together with the home appliance, forms a home appliance setting system. The terminal also includes a terminal-side setting unit that sets functions of the home appliance, excluding predetermined functions.

[0082] By constructing a home appliance setting system using home appliances and terminals according to this embodiment, it is possible to realize increasingly multifunctional home appliances at lower manufacturing costs, and it is also possible to set the various functions of the home appliances in a simpler manner.

[0083] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied 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, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] In the drawings, 10 and 20 indicate a refrigerator setting system (home electric appliance setting system), 11 indicates a refrigerator (home electric appliance), 12 indicates a terminal, 13 indicates an operation panel (home electric appliance side setting means), 22c indicates a default button (cancellation means), 22f indicates an external setting display unit (display means), 36 indicates a terminal side setting function unit (terminal side setting means), 37 indicates a setting screen selection function unit (setting screen selection means), 71 indicates a storage device (storage means), and 81 indicates a setting button (setting means).

Claims

1. A terminal that can communicate with a refrigerator that has a setting unit that sets a predetermined function and that has a display unit, information relating to the predetermined function can be displayed on the display unit; information about functions other than the predetermined function can be displayed on the display unit; It is possible to accept setting changes for functions other than the predetermined function, a program that, when a setting change is made to the predetermined function by the setting unit, allows the changed content to be reflected and displayed on the display unit, the predetermined function is an adjustment function that can adjust the set temperature of a storage compartment of the refrigerator in a plurality of stages, The function other than the predetermined function is a function that cannot be directly set via the setting unit included in the refrigerator, and is a program that changes the operation of the refrigerator to an operation different from normal when selected by an operation from the terminal.

2. A program as described in claim 1, wherein the function other than the specified function is a function that changes the operation of the refrigerator to an operation different from normal based on the opening and closing of the door detected in the refrigerator.

3. The program described in Claim 1, wherein the terminal is capable of accepting input of start and end times for a function that changes the operation of the refrigerator to something other than normal.

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