Information processing system and refrigerator

Abstract

To provide an information processing system and a refrigerator capable of reducing a communication load of a server.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, an information processing system includes a server and a refrigerator. The refrigerator transmits information on the refrigerator to the server. At least one of the server and the refrigerator has a communication control unit for distributing communication processing between a plurality of refrigerators including the refrigerator and the server or suppressing the number of times of communication processing between the refrigerator and the server.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing system and a refrigerator. [Background technology]

[0002] Refrigerators that control their compressors and fans based on instructions from a server are known. However, as the number of refrigerators that communicate with the server increases, the communication load on the server may increase. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-143953 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system and a refrigerator that can reduce the communication load on a server. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing system of the embodiment includes a server and a refrigerator. The refrigerator is capable of communicating with the server when a user performs a user operation to connect the refrigerator and the server so that they can communicate with each other. The server receives learning status information related to the status of the refrigerator from the refrigerator and generates a control command related to the operation of the refrigerator based on the status of the refrigerator learned using the received learning status information. When a user performs a user operation to start a special function related to the refrigerator, the refrigerator acquires the control command from the server and controls the operation of the refrigerator. The refrigerator starts time management using the time when the refrigerator is powered on or the time when the user performs a user operation to connect the refrigerator and the server so that they can communicate with each other as a reference time point, regardless of when the user performs the user operation to start the special function, and transmits the learning status information to the server at predetermined intervals from the reference time point. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a refrigerator system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an operation plan according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an operation plan according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an operation plan according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a control flow in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining timing of a control command according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining timing of a control command according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a control flow according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a communication message according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a communication message according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining timing of a control command according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing a control flow according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication message according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An information processing system and a refrigerator according to embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be designated by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted. In this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and may include a case where the component is based on other elements in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to the direct use of XX, but may also include a case where the component is based on XX after calculation or processing. In this application, "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, "acquire" is not limited to active acquisition by transmitting a transmission request, but may also include acquisition by passively receiving information transmitted from another device.

[0008] (First embodiment) <1.1 Overall configuration of the refrigerator system> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a refrigerator system 1 according to the first embodiment. The refrigerator system 1 includes, for example, a refrigerator 100 and a server 200. The refrigerator system 1 is an example of an "information processing system." The refrigerator system 1 may also include a terminal device 300. The network NW, which will be described later, 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.

[0009] The refrigerator 100 is installed in the residence of the user U. The refrigerator 100 is connected to a network NW via, for example, a wireless router WR and a modem M installed in the residence of the user U. The refrigerator 100 can communicate with the server 200 or the terminal device 300 via the network NW.

[0010] Server 200 is a management server that manages refrigerator 100. Server 200 is composed of one or more server devices (for example, cloud servers). Server 200 may also be referred to as a "server system." Server 200 is capable of communicating with refrigerator 100 or terminal device 300 via network NW. 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 network NW. Server 200 is not limited to a cloud server and may be a computer in user U's residence or a home router.

[0011] The terminal device 300 is a terminal device used by a user U of the refrigerator 100. 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 a voice interaction device such as a smart speaker. The terminal device 300 has a display device 301 including a display screen 301a that can display various information, and an input device 302 that can accept input from the user U. The input device 302 is, for example, a touch panel that is provided on top of the display screen 301a of the display device 301. The input device 302 may include a camera, a microphone, etc. provided in the terminal device 300.

[0012] 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 an application program for managing the refrigerator 100. Hereinafter, the application software that is started by executing the application program P is referred to as the "home appliance management application APP."

[0013] <1.2 Refrigerator> First, the refrigerator 100 will be described in detail. 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the refrigerator 100. The refrigerator 100 includes, for example, a housing 10 and a plurality of doors 20.

[0014] The housing 10 is thermally insulated and formed in the shape of a rectangular box. A plurality of storage compartments 30 are provided inside the housing 10. The plurality of storage compartments 30 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 31, a vegetable compartment 32, an ice making compartment 33, a small freezer compartment 34, and a main freezer compartment 35. The refrigerator compartment 31 and the vegetable compartment 32 are storage compartments in the refrigerator temperature range (for example, a positive temperature range of 1 to 4°C). The ice making compartment 33, the small freezer compartment 34, and the main freezer compartment 35 are storage compartments in the freezer temperature range (for example, a negative temperature range of -10 to -20°C).

[0015] The openings of the multiple storage compartments 30 are openably and closably closed by multiple doors 20. The multiple doors 20 include left and right refrigerator compartment doors 21A, 21B that close the opening of refrigerator compartment 31, vegetable compartment door 22 that closes the opening of vegetable compartment 32, ice compartment door 23 that closes the opening of ice compartment 33, small freezer compartment door 24 that closes the opening of small freezer compartment 34, and main freezer compartment door 25 that closes the opening of main freezer compartment 35. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the left and right refrigerator compartment doors 21A, 21B, they will be referred to as "refrigerator compartment doors 21."

[0016] 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the refrigerator 100. The refrigerator 100 includes, for example, a door open / close detection sensor 110, a temperature sensor 120, a cooling unit 130, an operation unit 140, a communication unit 150, a control device 160, and a storage unit 190.

[0017] <1.2.1 Door opening / closing detection sensor> Door open / close detection sensor 110 is a sensor that detects the opening and closing of door 20. Door open / close detection sensor 110 includes, for example, refrigerator compartment door sensor 111 that detects the opening and closing of refrigerator compartment door 21, vegetable compartment door sensor 112 that detects the opening and closing of vegetable compartment door 22, ice compartment door sensor 113 that detects the opening and closing of ice compartment door 23, small freezer compartment door sensor 114 that detects the opening and closing of small freezer compartment door 24, and main freezer compartment door sensor 115 that detects the opening and closing of main freezer compartment door 25. The detection results of door open / close detection sensor 110 are output to control device 160.

[0018] <1.2.2 Temperature sensor> Temperature sensor 120 is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of storage compartment 30 (e.g., the air temperature inside storage compartment 30). Temperature sensor 120 includes, for example, refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 121 that detects the temperature of refrigerator compartment 31 (refrigerator compartment temperature), and main freezer compartment temperature sensor 122 that detects the temperature of main freezer compartment 35 (freezer compartment temperature). The detection result of temperature sensor 120 is output to control device 160.

[0019] <1.2.3 Cooling section> The cooling unit 130 is a device that cools the storage compartments 30. The cooling unit 130 includes, for example, a first cooler 131, a second cooler 132, a compressor 133, a first fan 134, and a second fan 135. The first cooler 131 is arranged corresponding to the storage compartments 30 (refrigerator compartment 31 and vegetable compartment 32) in the refrigeration temperature range. The second cooler 132 is arranged corresponding to the storage compartments 30 (ice making compartment 33, small freezer compartment 34, and main freezer compartment 35) in the freezer temperature range. The compressor 133 supplies refrigerant to the first cooler 131 and the second cooler 132. The first fan 134 supplies the cold air cooled by the first cooler 131 to the storage compartments 30 in the refrigeration temperature range. The second fan 135 supplies the cold air cooled by the second cooler 132 to the storage compartments 30 in the freezer temperature range.

[0020] <1.2.4 Control section> The operation unit 140 is an operation unit that accepts operations by the user U on the refrigerator 100. The operation unit 140 includes, for example, a plurality of buttons provided on the surface of the refrigerator compartment door 21 or the inner surface of the housing 10. The operation unit 140 includes a button for switching a learning control mode, which will be described later, on and off. The user U can start (turn on) the learning control mode as the control mode of the refrigerator 100 by operating the operation unit 140.

[0021] <1.2.5 Communications Department> The communication unit 150 is, for example, a wireless communication module. The communication unit 150 is capable of communicating with the server 200 via a wireless router WR and a modem M installed in the user U's residence.

[0022] 1.2.6 Control Device The control device 160 comprehensively controls the entire refrigerator 100. The control device 160 has a control command acquisition unit 161, an operation control unit 162, a status management unit 163, a transmission unit 164, and a communication control unit 165. These functional units are realized by one or more hardware processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted on the refrigerator 100 executing programs. However, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. In addition, The control device 160 includes a timer T therein.

[0023] When a learning control mode (described later) is set, the control command acquisition unit 161 acquires, from the server 200, a control command related to the operation of the refrigerator 100, which is generated by the server 200. For example, the control command acquisition unit 161 acquires information transmitted from the server 200 by receiving it via the communication unit 150. An example of a control command for the refrigerator 100 is an operation instruction for a special operation that reduces the power consumption of the refrigerator 100. In this embodiment, the operation of the refrigerator 100 includes a plurality of operation modes. The plurality of operation modes include, for example, normal operation, eco operation (first special operation), and pre-cooling operation (second special operation). Details of each of these operation modes will be described in the description of the server 200.

[0024] The operation control unit 162 controls the cooling unit 130, thereby cooling each storage compartment 30 using the cooling unit 130. For example, the operation control unit 162 controls the cooling unit 130 based on the set temperature (target temperature) of each storage compartment 30 and the detection result of the temperature sensor 120. For example, the operation control unit 162 controls the compressor 133, the first fan 134, and the second fan 135 included in the cooling unit 130 using PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) control based on the difference between the set temperature (target temperature) of each storage compartment 30 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 120.

[0025] In this embodiment, when the learning control mode is set, the operation control unit 162 controls the cooling unit 130 based on the control command acquired by the control command acquisition unit 161. That is, the operation control unit 162 executes normal operation, eco operation, or pre-cooling operation as instructed by the control command. However, if a predetermined condition is satisfied while the operation control unit 162 is executing the eco operation or pre-cooling operation, the operation control unit 162 may interrupt the eco operation or pre-cooling operation and execute the normal operation. The predetermined condition is, for example, when the conditions (the number of times the door is opened and closed or the temperature rise in the storage chamber 30) used to set the eco operation or pre-cooling operation, which will be described later, are not satisfied.

[0026] The status management unit 163 stores information indicating the status of the refrigerator 100 (hereinafter referred to as "status information") in the storage unit 190. The status information includes, for example, learning status information 191 used by the server 200 to generate a control command for the refrigerator 100, and execution result information 192 indicating the execution result of the operation of the refrigerator 100.

[0027] The learning state information 191 includes door open / close information 191a indicating the detection result of the door open / close detection sensor 110, and temperature information 191b indicating the detection result of the temperature sensor 120. The door open / close information 191a includes information regarding the door opening and closing for each predetermined unit time (e.g., one hour). For example, the door open / close information 191a includes information indicating the number of times the door is opened and closed for each predetermined unit time, or the door open time. The "door open time" is the total time the door is open. The temperature information 191b includes information regarding the temperature of the storage compartment 30 for each predetermined unit time (e.g., one hour). For example, the temperature information 191b includes information indicating the average value of the deviation of the temperature sensor 120 from the set temperature (target temperature) of the storage compartment 30.

[0028] The execution result information 192 is information indicating, for example, the type of operation mode actually executed by the refrigerator 100 at the time when the operation mode is instructed by a control command from the server 200. The execution result information 192 is information indicating the type of operation mode actually executed by the refrigerator 100 for each predetermined unit time.

[0029] The transmitting unit 164 communicates with the server 200 via the communication unit 150 and transmits the learning state information 191 and the execution result information 192 to the server 200. For example, the transmitting unit 164 transmits the learning state information 191 and the execution result information 192 to the server 200 at a predetermined interval. The timing of transmitting the learning state information 191 and the execution result information 192 by the transmitting unit 164 is controlled by the communication control unit 165, which will be described later.

[0030] The communication control unit 165 controls the communication of the refrigerators 100 so as to distribute the communication processing between the multiple refrigerators 100 and the server 200. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 165 controls the timing of transmission of the learning state information 191 and the execution result information 192 by the transmission unit 164 so as to distribute the communication processing between the multiple refrigerators 100 and the server 200. For example, the communication control unit 165 distributes the communication processing between the multiple refrigerators 100 and the server 200 compared to when communication processing occurs simultaneously between the multiple refrigerators 100 including this refrigerator 100 and the server 200 every predetermined unit time (for example, one hour). The communication control unit 165 will be described in detail later.

[0031] <1.2.7 Storage section> The storage unit 190 is a functional unit that stores various types of information. The storage unit 190 is realized by a combination of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage unit 190 stores learning state information 191 and execution result information 192.

[0032] <1.3 Server> Next, the server 200 will be described in detail. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 200. The server 200 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 210, an operation plan generation unit 220, a control command transmission unit 230, a display information transmission unit 240, a communication control unit 250, and a storage unit 290. Note that in this embodiment, the server 200 does not necessarily include the communication control unit 250. The communication control unit 250 will be described in detail in the modified examples and the second and subsequent embodiments described later.

[0033] The information acquisition unit 210, the operation plan generation unit 220, the control command transmission unit 230, the display information transmission unit 240, and the communication control unit 250 are realized by one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU, mounted on the server 200 executing programs. However, some or all of these functional units may be realized by hardware, such as an ASIC, a PLD, or an FPGA, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. These functional units may be provided separately in multiple server devices. Furthermore, one or more of these functional units may be provided in the refrigerator 100 or the terminal device 300 instead of the server 200.

[0034] <1.3.1 Information acquisition section> Information acquiring unit 210 acquires learning status information 191 and execution result information 192 transmitted from refrigerator 100. Information acquiring unit 210 accumulates acquired learning status information 191 as part of learning accumulated information 291, and accumulates acquired execution result information 192 as part of execution result accumulated information 292.

[0035] <1.3.2 Operation plan generation unit> The operation plan generating unit 220 analyzes the lifestyle pattern of the user U (the usage pattern of the refrigerator 100) based on the usage state of the refrigerator 100 for a predetermined period (for example, the past two weeks) obtained based on the accumulated information for learning 291, and generates an operation plan for the refrigerator 100 according to the lifestyle pattern of the user U. In other words, the operation plan generating unit 220 is a learning function unit that learns the usage pattern of the refrigerator 100 by the user U. In this application, "learning" broadly means updating past decisions based on new information.

[0036] In this embodiment, the operation plan generating unit 220 generates an operation plan for the next operation day of the week based on the learning accumulated information 291 related to the same day of the week for the past two weeks, as shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation plan of this embodiment. For example, the operation plan generating unit 220 generates an operation plan for the next Monday based on the learning status information for the previous and previous Mondays. The same applies to Tuesdays to Sundays.

[0037] In this embodiment, the operation plan for the refrigerator 100 is a plan that defines a time period during which the refrigerator 100 performs a normal operation and a time period during which the refrigerator 100 performs a special operation. The special operation is an operation that reduces the power consumption of the refrigerator 100. In this embodiment, the special operation includes an eco operation (first special operation) and a pre-cooling operation (second special operation). In the following, an example will be described in which the eco operation is performed based on the number of times the door is opened and closed. Alternatively or in addition to this, the eco operation may be performed based on the door open time.

[0038] (Normal operation) The normal operation is, for example, an operation set in the initial settings of the refrigerator 100. For example, the normal operation is an operation that is premised on the refrigerator 100 being used by the user U (for example, the door 20 being opened and closed). In other words, the normal operation is an operation in which a relatively low set temperature (target temperature) is set so that the temperature rise in the storage compartment 30 can be kept below a certain level even when the door 20 is opened and closed.

[0039] (Eco-driving) Eco operation is an operation in which the set temperature (target temperature) of storage compartment 30 is increased compared to normal operation during a time period when it is estimated that door 20 is opened and closed less frequently, and operation of cooling unit 130 is suppressed, thereby reducing power consumption of refrigerator 100. For example, eco operation increases the set temperature of storage compartment 30 by 1°C or 2°C compared to normal operation, thereby reducing the operating frequency of compressor 133, the rotation speed of first fan 134, or the rotation speed of second fan 135.

[0040] In this embodiment, if the number of times the door 20 is opened and closed in a predetermined unit time (for example, one hour) during the same time period on the same day of the week in the past two weeks is less than a predetermined number (for example, five times or less), the operation plan generating unit 220 performs eco-driving during the same time period on the next day of the week. On the other hand, if there is a day during the same time period on the same day of the week in the past two weeks when the number of times the door 20 is opened and closed in the predetermined unit time exceeds the predetermined number, the operation plan generating unit 220 does not perform eco-driving during the same time period on the next day of the week, and performs normal driving.

[0041] The number of times door 20 is opened and closed is, for example, the total number of times all doors 20 (refrigerator door 21, vegetable compartment door 22, ice maker door 23, small freezer door 24, and main freezer door 25) included in refrigerator 100 are opened and closed. Alternatively, the number of times door 20 is opened and closed may be the total number of times a representative specific door (for example, refrigerator door 21, vegetable compartment door 22, and main freezer door 25) is opened and closed.

[0042] (Pre-cooling operation) The pre-cooling operation is an operation in which, when a large temperature rise (a temperature rise exceeding a threshold) is predicted in the storage compartment 30, the temperature of the storage compartment 30 is lowered in advance (i.e., cooling is performed) to cut the peak of the temperature rise in the storage compartment 30, thereby suppressing a decrease in the cooling efficiency (COP: Coefficient of Performance) and reducing the power consumption of the refrigerator 100. For example, in the pre-cooling operation, for a predetermined unit time when a large temperature rise in a specific storage compartment 30 is predicted, the set temperature (target temperature) of the specific storage compartment 30 is set lower than in normal operation for the predetermined unit time and the predetermined unit time immediately before that, thereby lowering the temperature of the specific storage compartment 30 in advance. For example, the second special operation lowers the set temperature of the storage compartment 30 by 1°C or 2°C compared to normal operation, thereby increasing the operating frequency of the compressor 133, the rotation speed of the first fan 134, or the rotation speed of the second fan 135.

[0043] In this embodiment, if a large temperature rise is detected in storage compartment 30 during the same time period on the same day of the week in the past two weeks, operation plan generating unit 220 executes pre-cooling operation during the same time period on the next same day of the week and the time period immediately before that. On the other hand, if there is a day during the past two weeks on which no large temperature rise is detected in storage compartment 30 during the same time period on the same day of the week, operation plan generating unit 220 does not execute pre-cooling operation on the next same day of the week, and executes normal operation or first special operation instead.

[0044] In this embodiment, the operation plan of the refrigerator 100 is a plan that specifies whether to perform normal operation, eco operation, or pre-cooling operation for each predetermined unit time (for example, every hour). Note that, when a schedule for performing eco operation and a schedule for performing pre-cooling operation overlap in the same time period, the operation plan generating unit 220 sets the pre-cooling operation with priority.

[0045] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operation plan created by the operation plan creating unit 220. The example shown in Fig. 6 shows a case where an operation plan for the next Monday is created based on the usage information for the previous and previous Mondays.

[0046] In the example shown in Figure 6, (A) the time slots from midnight to 6:00 a.m. are assigned as the time slots for the first special operation in the operation plan for the next Monday because the number of door openings on the previous and previous Mondays was below a predetermined number and no significant temperature rise was detected. (B) The time slots from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. are assigned as the time slots for the second special operation in the operation plan for the next Monday because a significant temperature rise was detected between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on the previous and previous Mondays. (C) The time slots from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. are assigned as the time slots for the normal operation in the operation plan for the next Monday because no significant temperature rise was detected on the previous and previous Mondays, but there were days when the number of door openings was above a predetermined number. (D) The time slots from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. are assigned as the time slots for the first special operation in the operation plan for the next Monday because the number of door openings on the previous and previous Mondays was below a predetermined number and no significant temperature rise was detected.

[0047] An example of the pre-cooling operation determination process will now be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation plan according to the first embodiment. In the operation plan illustrated in FIG. 7, the unit time is one hour. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the correspondence between the time changes of the refrigerator compartment temperature and the main freezer compartment temperature for 24 hours one week ago, the difference information from each set temperature (ΔR_Ave and ΔF_Ave), the number of door openings and closings (Noc), and the operation mode. FIG. 7 also illustrates the transmission timing of the control command transmitted by the server 200 when the operation plan is executed. Note that the "time slots" illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIGS. 9, 10, and 14, which will be described later, correspond to the time from 0 minutes at the time indicated in the frame to just before 0 minutes at the next time. For example, a "time slot" of "0:00" (or "0") corresponds to the time from 0:00 to just before 1:00 (for example, 0:59). For example, each control command is issued at 0 minutes of each unit time. The refrigerator compartment temperature is the sensor value of refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 121. The main freezer compartment temperature is the sensor value of main freezer compartment temperature sensor 122. Difference information ΔR_Ave is the 60-minute average value of the difference between the sensor value of refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 121 and the set temperature of refrigerator compartment 31. Difference information ΔF_Ave is the 60-minute average value of the difference between the sensor value of main freezer compartment temperature sensor 122 and the set temperature of main freezer compartment 35. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment temperature is 4°C, and the set temperature of the main freezer compartment temperature is -17°C.

[0048] For temperature changes such as those shown in Fig. 7, the state management unit 163 in the refrigerator 100 adds up the difference values ​​between each sensor value and each set temperature every minute, and sets the average values ​​over 60 minutes as difference information ΔR_Ave and difference information ΔF_Ave. In this case, the difference information ΔR_Ave and difference information ΔF_Ave can be calculated as follows. Then, the state management unit 163 can include this difference information ΔR_Ave and difference information ΔF_Ave in the temperature information 191b. Note that the calculation of the difference information ΔR_Ave and difference information ΔF_Ave may be performed by the operation plan generation unit 220.

[0049] ΔR_Ave = Σ (refrigerator compartment 31 set temperature - refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 121 sensor value) / 60

[0050] ΔF_Ave = Σ (set temperature of main freezer 35 - sensor value of main freezer temperature sensor 122) / 60

[0051] Then, for example, when ΔR_Ave<−2° C. or ΔF_Ave<−2° C., the operation plan generating unit 220 of the server 200 determines that a large temperature rise (temperature rise exceeding a threshold) that is a target for pre-cooling operation has occurred.

[0052] In the example shown in Figure 7, a temperature rise is determined to occur at 22:00 in ΔR_Ave, so pre-cooling operation is scheduled one hour prior to that time. Eco operation is targeted for time periods when the door is opened and closed five times or less, while normal operation is targeted for other time periods. Note that, for ease of explanation, Figure 7 only shows data from the past week. If data from the past two weeks is also included in the determination, the temperature rise will occur during the same time period on both days, and eco operation will be implemented if the number of times is five or less during the same time period on both days.

[0053] <1.3.3 Control command transmitter> The control command transmitting unit 230 transmits a control command according to the operation plan generated by the operation plan generating unit 220 to the refrigerator 100. For example, the control command transmitting unit 230 transmits a control command for the next predetermined unit time to the refrigerator 100 every predetermined unit time (for example, every hour as shown in FIG. 7). In this embodiment, the control command includes any one of an instruction to perform normal operation (also referred to as a normal operation instruction), an instruction to perform eco-operation (also referred to as an eco-operation instruction), or an instruction to perform pre-cooling operation (also referred to as a pre-cooling operation instruction).

[0054] <1.3.4 Display information transmission unit> The display information transmitting unit 240 generates information to be displayed on the display screen 301a of the terminal device 300 (hereinafter referred to as "display information"), and transmits the generated display information to the terminal device 300. The display information includes information indicating the execution result of the operation of the refrigerator 100, which is generated based on the execution result information 192.

[0055] <1.3.5 Communication control section> In the second and subsequent embodiments, the communication control unit 250 controls the timing and number of transmissions of the control command transmitted by the control command transmission unit 230. The communication control unit 250 also transmits and receives various control signals, which are different from the control commands, such as the control signal used to set the reference time point, which will be described in a modified example below, between the refrigerator 100 and the terminal device 300. In the first embodiment, the control command transmission unit 230 transmits a control command related to the next predetermined unit time to the refrigerator 100 every predetermined unit time (for example, every hour). In this case, the control command transmission unit 230 can control the timing of transmitting the control command without relying on the control of the communication control unit 250, for example.

[0056] <1.3.6 Storage section> The storage unit 290 is realized by a combination of RAM, ROM, EEPROM, SSD, etc. The storage unit 290 stores learning accumulation information 291 and execution result accumulation information 292.

[0057] <1.4 Reducing communication load> Next, the reduction of the communication load in this embodiment will be described in detail. The communication control unit 165 of the refrigerator 100 determines the timing of transmitting status information (e.g., learning status information 191 and execution result information 192), which is information about the status of the refrigerator 100, to the server 200, starting from an operation by the user U. The transmission timing is an example of a "transmission time." For example, the communication control unit 165 transmits the status information at a predetermined cycle from a reference time point set starting from an operation by the user U.

[0058] For example, if the predetermined period is 60 minutes, the communication control unit 165 transmits the first piece of status information when 60 minutes have passed since the reference time point, and thereafter transmits status information every time 60 minutes have passed. The communication control unit 165 performs this time management by, for example, using the count of a timer T. In other words, the communication control unit 165 performs the time management without using time information.

[0059] When multiple refrigerators 100 transmit status information to server 200, each refrigerator 100 transmits the status information to server 200 at the same predetermined interval (for example, every 60 minutes). In this case, the reference point of the time at which each refrigerator 100 transmits status information often does not match among the multiple refrigerators 100. For example, the transmission time may be 15 minutes past the hour or 21 minutes past the hour. In other words, by using an operation by user U as the starting point, the time at which each refrigerator 100 transmits status information to server 200 is distributed.

[0060] The following three examples of "operations by user U" that serve as starting points for setting the reference time point are given below. However, "operations by user U" are not limited to the following examples, and may include various operations performed on operation unit 140 of refrigerator 100 or home appliance management application APP of terminal device 300.

[0061] (1) An operation of inserting the power plug of the refrigerator 100 into an outlet to turn on the power of the refrigerator 100. In this case, the time management is performed using the time when the power of the refrigerator 100 is turned on as the reference time.

[0062] (2) An operation to connect the refrigerator 100 to the network NW (for example, an operation to connect to a wireless router WR). For example, by pressing the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button on the wireless router WR, performing a predetermined operation on the operation unit 140 of the refrigerator 100 to switch the refrigerator 100 to access point mode, and transmitting the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and encryption key of the wireless router WR from the terminal device 300 to the refrigerator 100, the refrigerator 100 is connected to the wireless router WR. Note that the operation to connect the refrigerator 100 to the network NW is not limited to the above example. In these cases, the above-mentioned time management is performed with the point in time when the refrigerator 100 is connected to the network NW as the reference point. From a similar perspective, the point in time when the refrigerator 100 is connected to the network NW can also be considered as the point in time when the refrigerator 100 is registered with the server 200 (registered in a database managed by the server 200). In other words, the above-mentioned reference point in time may be the point in time when the refrigerator 100 is registered with the server 200.

[0063] (3) A predetermined control mode (e.g., learning control mode) of refrigerator 100 is turned on (or turned off). For example, the predetermined control mode may be turned on by operating operation unit 140 of refrigerator 100, or may be turned on based on an operation on terminal device 300. In this case, the time management is performed using the time when the predetermined control mode is turned on (or turned off) as the reference time.

[0064] <1.5 Processing flow> Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the control flow of the first embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 8, for convenience of explanation, learning status information 191 is transmitted as status information from refrigerator 100 to server 200 every 60 minutes. Also, the operation by user U is assumed to be a power-on operation.

[0065] In the example shown in FIG. 8, after the refrigerator 100 is powered on (step S1), the communication control unit 165 starts counting up the timer T inside the control device 160 (step S2). The communication control unit 165 waits for 60 minutes to elapse (step S3: N), and after 60 minutes have elapsed (step S3: Y), it instructs the transmission unit 164 to transmit the learning status information 191 (step S4). Upon receiving the transmission instruction, the transmission unit 164 executes a transmission process of the learning status information 191 (step S11). Meanwhile, after instructing the transmission (step S4), the communication control unit 165 resets the count of the timer T (step S5) and starts counting up the timer T again (step S2). Meanwhile, the server 200, which has received the learning status information 191 from the refrigerator 100, stores the received learning status information 191 in the storage unit 290 as part of the learning stored information 291 (step S21).

[0066] Since the power-on times by users U vary from household to household, the above process allows each refrigerator 100 to transmit learning status information 191 at random times.

[0067] <1.6 Advantages> In this embodiment, the refrigerator 100 has a communication control unit 165 that distributes communication processing between the server 200 and multiple refrigerators 100. This configuration can prevent communication from concentrating on the server 200 from multiple refrigerators 100. This reduces the communication load on the server 200.

[0068] In this embodiment, the refrigerator 100 determines the timing of transmitting status information based on an operation by the user U. With this configuration, it is possible to distribute communication timing without using a random number generator, for example. This allows the communication process between the server 200 and multiple refrigerators 100 to be distributed with a simple configuration.

[0069] In this embodiment, the refrigerator 100 determines a reference time point based on an operation by the user U, and transmits status information based on a predetermined cycle set for the reference time point. With this configuration, even when repeated transmissions are performed at predetermined cycles, the communication process between the server 200 and multiple refrigerators 100 can be distributed with a simple configuration.

[0070] <1.7 Variations> Note that the "reference time point may be set" by, for example, the communication control unit 250 of the server 200 instead of the communication control unit 165 of the refrigerator 100. For example, when the refrigerator 100 is registered with the server 200 or a predetermined operation by the user U on the terminal device 300 (for example, an operation to turn on the learning control mode), the communication control unit 250 can determine the reference time point using the device registration of the refrigerator 100 with the server 200 or the predetermined operation by the user U on the terminal device 300 as a starting point. The communication control unit 250 can then notify the refrigerator 100 of the determined reference time point, and the communication control unit 165 of the refrigerator 100 can control the transmission timing of the transmission unit 164 based on the notified reference time point. In this case, the communication control unit 250 of the server 200 has a function to distribute communication processing between the server 200 and multiple refrigerators 100.

[0071] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, instead of transmitting a control command from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100 every unit time, a control command is transmitted from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100 when the operation mode of the refrigerator 100 is switched. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0072] <2.1 Server> In this embodiment, the communication control unit 250 of the server 200 performs control to reduce the number of communication processes between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200. For example, similar to the first embodiment, the operation plan generation unit 220 determines, for each unit time, an operation mode to be executed by the refrigerator 100 from among a plurality of operation modes. In this embodiment, the communication control unit 250 transmits a control command when switching the operation mode currently being executed at the end of the unit time, and suppresses (for example, does not transmit) the transmission of the control command when continuing the operation mode currently being executed at the end of the unit time.

[0073] 9 is a diagram illustrating the timing of control commands in the second embodiment. When the operation plan shown in FIG. 9 is executed, the communication control unit 250 controls the control command transmission unit 230 to transmit an eco-driving instruction at time 0:00. Then, because eco-driving is continuously performed from time 0:00 to time 4:59, the communication control unit 250 does not cause the control command transmission unit 230 to transmit eco-driving instructions at the unit time divisions (time 1:00, time 2:00, time 3:00, and time 4:00) that exist between the time divisions. Next, the communication control unit 250 controls the control command transmission unit 230 to transmit a normal driving instruction at time 5:00, when the driving mode switches from eco-driving to normal driving.

[0074] Similarly, the communication control unit 250 controls the control command transmitting unit 230 to transmit an eco-driving instruction at 8:00, a normal operation instruction at 12:00, an eco-driving instruction at 13:00, a normal operation instruction at 19:00, a pre-cooling operation instruction at 20:00, and an eco-driving instruction at 23:00. The communication control unit 250 does not cause the control command transmitting unit 230 to transmit control commands at other unit time intervals.

[0075] In the present application, "transmitting a control command when switching the running operation mode at a unit time boundary" is not limited to transmitting a control command at the timing of the unit time boundary (0 minutes past the hour in the example shown in FIG. 9), but may also include transmitting a control command for the next unit time in advance. For example, it also includes transmitting a control command at a timing shifted by a predetermined time from the timing of the unit time boundary, which is 0 minutes past the hour, (for example, 30 minutes before the unit time boundary, or at a timing set with an operation by the user U as the starting point, as in the first embodiment).

[0076] <2.2 Refrigerator> In the refrigerator 100, the control command acquisition unit 161 acquires a control command related to the operation of the refrigerator 100 from the server 200, as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, if the control command acquisition unit 161 does not acquire a control command instructing switching of the operation mode currently being executed at the end of the unit time, the operation control unit 162 continues the operation mode currently being executed into the next unit time.

[0077] <2.3 Advantages> In this embodiment, server 200 determines, for each unit time, an operation mode to be executed by refrigerator 100 from among a plurality of operation modes. Furthermore, server 200 transmits a control command when switching the currently executed operation mode at the unit time boundary, and suppresses transmission of the control command when continuing the currently executed operation mode at the unit time boundary. With this configuration, transmission of the control command can be limited to only when the operation mode is changed. Therefore, the number of communications between server 200 and refrigerator 100 can be reduced compared to when a control command is transmitted at each unit time. This reduces the communication load on server 200.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the control command acquisition unit 161 does not acquire a control command instructing switching of the operation mode currently being executed at the end of the unit time, the operation control unit 162 of the refrigerator 100 continues the operation mode currently being executed in the next unit time. With this configuration, it is possible to limit the transmission and reception of control commands to only when switching the operation mode.

[0079] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that control commands for a predetermined period are transmitted collectively from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0080] <3.1 Server> Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the timing of control commands in the third embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 10, server 200 transmits an operation plan for 24 hours on the current day (October 27th) at a random time on the previous day (October 26th). That is, in this embodiment, control commands from server 200 to refrigerator 100 are transmitted in advance in a batch for a certain period of time.

[0081] In the third embodiment, the communication control unit 250 of the server 200 performs control to reduce the number of communication processes between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200. For example, the operation plan generation unit 220 of the server 200 determines, for each unit time, an operation mode to be executed by the refrigerator 100 from among a plurality of operation modes. Then, the communication control unit 250 of the server 200 controls the control command transmission unit 230 to transmit, in a lump, control commands indicating the operation modes for a predetermined period including a plurality of unit times. Note that there is no limitation on the timing of the lump-sum transmission, but it is also possible to decentralize communication concentration caused by transmitting at 00 minutes past the hour by setting the transmission timing to, for example, a random time as described above (for example, a timing set based on an operation by the user U as the starting point, as in the first embodiment).

[0082] <3.2 Refrigerator> In refrigerator 100, control command acquisition unit 161 acquires control commands indicating operation modes for a predetermined period including a plurality of unit times in a batch from server 200. Furthermore, based on the control commands acquired by control command acquisition unit 161, operation control unit 162 sequentially executes the operation modes indicated by the control commands for the predetermined period.

[0083] <3.3 Advantages> In this embodiment, server 200 determines, for each unit time, an operation mode to be executed by refrigerator 100 from among a plurality of operation modes. Server 200 also transmits, in a batch, control commands indicating operation modes for a predetermined period including a plurality of unit times. With this configuration, the number of communications between server 200 and refrigerator 100 can be reduced by transmitting the control commands in a batch, compared to when transmitting control commands for each unit time. This reduces the communication load on server 200.

[0084] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an acknowledgment to the reception of the status information and a control command are transmitted from the server 200 to the refrigerator 100 as a single communication message. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the second embodiment.

[0085] In the fourth embodiment, in response to the control command transmitting unit 230 receiving status information from the refrigerator 100, the communication control unit 250 of the server 200 controls the control command transmitting unit 230 to transmit a single communication message including an acknowledgment (ACK) for the reception of the status information and a control command. Note that in this application, "one communication message" means "a collection of consecutive signals in one header" or "a collection of signals corresponding to the same message ID (IDentification)." Furthermore, a communication message is, for example, a data unit of an application protocol, and may also be simply called a message.

[0086] Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of control in the fourth embodiment. Figs. 12 and 13 are diagrams showing configuration examples of communication messages in the fourth embodiment. Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining the timing of control commands in the fourth embodiment. Note that the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 11 is obtained by adding new processes of step S12 and step S21 to the sequence diagram shown in Fig. 8.

[0087] 11, the transmitting unit 164 transmits a communication message M1 including the learning state information 191 to the server 200. In addition, the server 200, having received the communication message M1, accumulates the received learning state information 191 in the memory unit 290 as part of the learning accumulation information 291 (step S21).

[0088] In response to receiving communication message M1 from refrigerator 100, communication control unit 250 of server 200 controls control command transmitting unit 230 to transmit communication message M2 including a control command (step S22). Next, control command acquiring unit 161 of refrigerator 100 receives communication message M2 from server 200 (step S12). In this case, communication message M2 is an example of a single communication message including an acknowledgment for receiving the status information and a control command.

[0089] FIG. 12 shows an example of the structure of a communication message M1. The communication message M1 shown in FIG. 12 includes header information M11, a message ID (M12), a message type M13, and a body M14. The header information M11 includes data indicating, for example, a synchronization header, a message length, a type of home appliance, and a checksum. The message ID (M12) is a code that identifies the communication message M1, and a different code is set for each communication message M1. If the communication message M1 is a reply to another communication message, the same code as the original communication message is set as the message ID (M12). The message type M13 is data that indicates the type of the communication message M1. In this example, the message type M13 is set with an identification code that indicates that the communication message M1 is a communication message M1 that is periodically transmitted from refrigerator 100 to server 200. The main body M14 includes an identification code M141 indicating that the message includes learning status information 191, refrigerator compartment temperature information M142 indicating information about the refrigerator compartment temperature (e.g., a history of refrigerator room temperature, an average value per unit time, or the above-mentioned difference information), freezer compartment temperature information M143 indicating information about the freezer compartment temperature (e.g., a history of freezer room temperature, an average value per unit time, or the above-mentioned difference information), and door open / close information M144. Here, the refrigerator compartment temperature information M142, the freezer compartment temperature information M143, and the door open / close information M144 correspond to the learning status information 191. Note that the configuration of the communication message M1 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 12. For example, data such as a checksum may be added after the main body M1.

[0090] FIG. 13 shows an example of the configuration of a communication message M2. The communication message M2 shown in FIG. 13 includes header information M21, a message ID (M22), a message type M23, and a body M24. The header information M21 includes data indicating, for example, a synchronization header, a message length, a type of home appliance, and a checksum. The message ID (M22) is a code that identifies the communication message M2. If the communication message M2 is a reply to the communication message M1, the message ID is set to be the same as the message ID of the communication message M1. In this example, the message ID (M12) of the communication message M1 sent in step S11 is set as the message ID (M22) of the communication message M2 sent in step S21. The message type M23 is data that indicates the type of the communication message M2. In this example, the message type M23 is set to an identification code that indicates that the message is a reply to the communication message M1 that is periodically sent from the refrigerator 100 to the server 200. The main body M24 includes an identification code M241 indicating that it is a control command, an operation mode M242, and a status information error presence / absence M243. The identification code M241 indicating that it is a control command indicates that the communication message includes a control command. The operation mode M242 is data indicating the type of operation mode instructed by the control command of the communication message M2. The status information error presence / absence M243 is data indicating whether the status information included in the communication message M1 has been received normally. If the status information error presence / absence M243 indicates normal, the communication message M2 becomes a positive response message. Note that the configuration of the communication message M2 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 13. For example, data such as a checksum may be added after the main body M2.

[0091] FIG. 14 shows an example for explaining the timing of a control command in the fourth embodiment. As described with reference to FIG. 11, in the fourth embodiment, the control command is transmitted from the server 200 in accordance with the transmission timing of the learning status information 191 from the refrigerator 100. From the perspective of the server 200, the control command only needs to be synchronized with the information transmission from the refrigerator 100, so there is no need to set a time. Transmission at the time of response reduces the processing load (management load). Furthermore, by determining the transmission timing of the learning status information 191 based on an operation by the user U as the starting point, communication can be performed at random timing. This allows the communication processing on the server 200 to be distributed, further improving efficiency. Regarding the relationship between the operation mode and time to be instructed, if the reception time on the server 200 side is between 7:00 PM and 7:59 PM, for example, the operation mode for the 7:00 PM time slot (normal operation) is transmitted. In the example shown in FIG. 14, if there is no change in the operation mode, transmission of the control command is suppressed (for example, not transmitted). In this case, in each refrigerator 100, the operation mode for the 19:00 time period is started between 19:00 and 19:59.

[0092] <Advantages> In this embodiment, in response to receiving predetermined information (for example, learning status information 191) from refrigerator 100, server 200 transmits a single communication message containing an acknowledgment for the reception of the predetermined information and a control command. This configuration reduces the number of communications between server 200 and refrigerator 100 compared to when the predetermined information and the control command are transmitted and received separately. This reduces the communication load on server 200.

[0093] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that learning status information 191 and execution result information 192 are transmitted as a single communication message from refrigerator 100 to server 200. Note that the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0094] In the fifth embodiment, the communication control unit 165 of the refrigerator 100 controls the transmission unit 164 to transmit one communication message M3 containing learning status information 191 used by the server 200 to generate a control command and execution result information 192 indicating the execution status of the operation of the refrigerator 100. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing the control flow of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication message M3 of the fifth embodiment. The sequence diagram shown in FIG. 15 is different from the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 8 in that step S11a is replaced with step S11a.

[0095] 15 , the transmitting unit 164 transmits a communication message M3 including the learning state information 191 and the execution result information 192 to the server 200. Furthermore, upon receiving the communication message M3, the server 200 accumulates the received learning state information 191 in the storage unit 290 as part of the learning accumulated information 291, and accumulates the received execution result information 192 in the storage unit 290 as part of the execution result accumulated information 292 (step S21). Note that the timing at which the transmitting unit 164 transmits the communication message M3 including the learning state information 191 and the execution result information 192 to the server 200 may be, for example, a timing set based on an operation by the user U as a starting point, as in the first embodiment.

[0096] FIG. 16 shows an example of the configuration of a communication message M3. The communication message M3 shown in FIG. 16 includes header information M31, a message ID (M32), a message type M33, and a body M34. The header information M31 includes data indicating, for example, a synchronization header, a message length, a type of home appliance, and a checksum. The message ID (M32) is a code that identifies the communication message M3, and a different code is set for each communication message M3. If the communication message M3 is a reply to another communication message, the same code as the original communication message is set for the message ID (M32). The message type M33 is data that indicates the type of the communication message M3. In this example, the message type M33 is set with an identification code that indicates that the communication message M3 is a communication message M3 that is periodically transmitted from refrigerator 100 to server 200. The main body M34 includes an identification code M341 indicating that the message M3 includes learning status information 191 and execution result information 192, execution result information M342, refrigerator compartment temperature information M343, freezer compartment temperature information M344, and door open / close information M345. In this case, the execution result information M342 corresponds to the execution result information 192. The refrigerator compartment temperature information M343, freezer compartment temperature information M344, and door open / close information M345 correspond to learning status information 191. The configuration of the communication message M3 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 16. For example, data such as a checksum may be added after the main body M3.

[0097] <Advantages> In this embodiment, refrigerator 100 transmits, as status information, one communication message M3 containing learning status information 191 used by server 200 to generate a control command and execution result information 192 indicating the execution result of the operation of refrigerator 100. This configuration reduces the number of communications between server 200 and refrigerator 100 compared to when learning status information 191 and execution result information 192 are transmitted in separate communication messages. This reduces the communication load on server 200.

[0098] (Effects of the above embodiments) In each of the above embodiments, the refrigerator system 1 includes a server 200 and a refrigerator 100. The server 200 transmits control commands related to the operation of the refrigerator 100 to the refrigerator 100. The refrigerator 100 transmits information (status information) related to the status of the refrigerator 100 to the server 200. At least one of the server 200 and the refrigerator 100 has a communication control unit (communication control unit 165 or communication control unit 250) that distributes communication processing between the server 200 and multiple refrigerators 100 including the refrigerator 100, or reduces the number of communication processes between the refrigerator 100 and the server 200. This configuration can reduce the communication load on the server 200.

[0099] Several embodiments have been described above. However, the embodiments are not limited to the examples described above. For example, multiple embodiments may be combined and realized. For example, the operation of refrigerator 100 instructed by a control command from server 200 is not limited to operation modes such as eco operation and pre-cooling operation, but may be an operation mode set by a home appliance management application APP. Furthermore, the operation of refrigerator 100 instructed by a control command from server 200 is not limited to various operation modes, but may be operation of compressor 133, first fan 134, or second fan 135 (for example, operation of compressor 133, first fan 134, or second fan 135 based on learning by server 200), etc.

[0100] Each of refrigerator 100, server 200, and terminal device 300 is an example of an "information processing system" from another perspective. Therefore, each of refrigerator 100, server 200, and terminal device 300 may be referred to as an "information processing system" from one perspective.

[0101] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, at least one of the server and the refrigerators has a communication control unit that distributes communication processing between a plurality of refrigerators and the server or reduces the number of communication processing operations between the refrigerators and the server. This configuration can reduce the communication load on the server.

[0102] 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]

[0103] 1...refrigerator system, 100...refrigerator, 160...control device, 161...control command acquisition unit, 162...operation control unit, 163...status management unit, 164...transmission unit, 165...communication control unit, 191...learning status information, 192...execution result information, 200...server, 210...information acquisition unit, 220...operation plan generation unit, 230...control command transmission unit, 240...display information transmission unit, 250...communication control unit, 300...terminal device.

Claims

1. An information processing system including a server and a refrigerator, the refrigerator is capable of communicating with the server when a user performs an operation to connect the refrigerator and the server so that they can communicate with each other; the server receives learning status information related to a status of the refrigerator from the refrigerator, and is capable of generating a control command related to an operation of the refrigerator based on the status of the refrigerator learned using the received learning status information; when a user performs an operation to start a special function related to the refrigerator, the refrigerator acquires the control command from the server and controls an operation of the refrigerator; The refrigerator starts time management using the time when the refrigerator is powered on or the time when the user performs an operation to connect the refrigerator and the server so that they can communicate with each other as a reference time, regardless of when the user performs an operation to start the special function, and transmits the learning status information to the server at predetermined intervals from the reference time. Information processing system.

2. An information processing system including a server and a refrigerator, the refrigerator transmits information about the state of the refrigerator to the server; The operation of the refrigerator includes a plurality of operation modes, the server determines an operation mode to be executed by the refrigerator for each unit time from among the plurality of operation modes, the server transmits a control command related to an operation of the refrigerator when switching an operation mode currently being executed at the division of the unit time, and suppresses transmission of the control command when continuing the operation mode currently being executed at the division of the unit time. Information processing system.

3. An information processing system including a server and a refrigerator, the refrigerator transmits information about the state of the refrigerator to the server; The operation of the refrigerator includes a plurality of operation modes, the server determines an operation mode to be executed by the refrigerator for each unit time from among the plurality of operation modes, the server collectively transmits, as a control command related to an operation of the refrigerator, a control command indicating the operation mode for a predetermined period including a plurality of the unit times; Information processing system.

4. The refrigerator transmits the learning status information and execution result information indicating an execution result of the operation of the refrigerator in one communication message. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

5. The learning status information includes door open / close information of the refrigerator or temperature information of a storage compartment of the refrigerator. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

6. A refrigerator capable of communicating with a server, the refrigerator is capable of communicating with the server when a user performs an operation to connect the refrigerator and the server so that they can communicate with each other; the server receives learning status information related to a status of the refrigerator from the refrigerator, and is capable of generating a control command related to an operation of the refrigerator based on the status of the refrigerator learned using the received learning status information; The refrigerator includes a control device, when a user performs an operation to start a special function related to the refrigerator, the control device acquires the control command from the server and controls an operation of the refrigerator; The control device starts time management using the time when the refrigerator is powered on or the time when the user performs an operation to connect the refrigerator and the server so that they can communicate with each other as a reference time, regardless of when the user performs an operation to start the special function, and transmits the learning status information to the server at predetermined intervals from the reference time. refrigerator.

7. a transmitting unit that transmits the learning status information and execution result information indicating an execution result of the operation of the refrigerator to the server, the control device controls the transmission unit to transmit the learning state information and the execution result information in a single communication message. The refrigerator according to claim 6.

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