Refrigerator, refrigerator status notification system and program

Abstract

To grasp a state of ice in an ice making chamber in advance, to prevent a malfunction resulting from the state of the ice, and to alleviate the occurrence of the malfunction.SOLUTION: A refrigerator of the present embodiment having an ice making chamber and a refrigeration chamber comprises: an opening / closing sensor for detecting the opening / closing of a door of the ice making chamber or a door of the refrigeration chamber; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature in the refrigeration chamber; a determination part for determining a state of ice in the ice making chamber on the basis of at least one of a lapse time after the door of the ice making chamber or the door of the refrigeration chamber is brought into an open state, the number of times of the opening / closing of the door of the ice making chamber or the door of the refrigeration chamber which is detected by the opening / closing sensor, and the temperature in the ice making chamber; and a notification control part for performing a notification related to the state of the ice in the ice making chamber by the determination part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a refrigerator, a refrigerator status notification system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In refrigerators, ice can become lumpy when stored in the ice-making compartment for a long period of time or when the freezer door is opened and closed, causing temperature changes and sublimation, resulting in ice sticking together and solidifying. When these ice lumps form, they can adhere to the ice-making compartment itself or freeze the rails of the ice-making compartment door. Various methods have been proposed to eliminate these lumps, including using ice frequently, melting the lumped ice with hot water, or scraping it with a sharp object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 01-5070 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-73353 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with this conventional method, users cannot grasp the condition of the ice until they use it. Also, if the ice has stuck together and formed clumps, it is easy to remove the ice chunks, but if the ice chunks have accumulated in the ice making compartment, removing them becomes a hassle.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a refrigerator, a refrigerator status notification system, and a program that can grasp the status of ice in an ice making compartment in advance, thereby preventing problems caused by the status of the ice and reducing the occurrence of problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A refrigerator according to an embodiment is a refrigerator having an ice making compartment and a freezing compartment, Room an opening / closing sensor for detecting the opening / closing of a door; Ice making room a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the ice maker; Room The time elapsed since the door was opened, the ice making time detected by the opening / closing sensor, Room The number of times the door is opened and closed and the Ice making room and a notification control unit that notifies the user of the state of the ice in the ice making compartment determined by the determination unit. The determination unit starts measuring the time the door is open after detecting that the door of the ice making compartment is opened by the opening / closing sensor, and when a first time period has elapsed with the door open, determines that there is a possibility that the ice in the ice making compartment will become lumpy, and the notification control unit issues a first notification that there is a possibility that the ice in the ice making compartment will become lumpy. .

[0008] In addition, the judgment unit may further determine that there is a possibility of frost forming inside the ice making chamber when a second time has elapsed since the opening / closing sensor detected that the door of the ice making chamber has closed and when specified conditions are met, and the notification control unit may be configured to issue a second notification that there is a possibility of frost forming inside the ice making chamber.

[0009] The judgment unit may also be configured to determine that there is a possibility of frost forming inside the ice making chamber when the number of times the opening / closing sensor has caused the door to be half-open is greater than a threshold number of times as the specified condition.

[0010] The judgment unit may also be configured to determine that there is a possibility of frost forming inside the ice making chamber when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is higher than a temperature threshold value as the specified condition.

[0011] A refrigerator according to an embodiment is a refrigerator having an ice making compartment and a freezer compartment, and includes an opening / closing sensor that detects opening / closing of a door of the ice making compartment, a temperature sensor that detects a temperature inside the ice making compartment, a determination unit that determines a state of ice in the ice making compartment based on at least one of the time elapsed since the door of the ice making compartment was opened, the number of times the door of the ice making compartment was opened and detected by the opening / closing sensor, and the temperature of the ice making compartment, and a notification control unit that notifies the determination unit of the state of ice in the ice making compartment. The determination unit estimates the amount of ice in the ice making compartment based on the time elapsed since the door of the ice making compartment was closed and the number of times the door of the ice making compartment was opened, and determines the state of the ice block based on the estimated amount of ice. do.

[0012] Also, The refrigerator according to the embodiment further includes a second temperature sensor that detects a temperature inside the refrigerator, The notification control unit further Second The refrigerator may be configured to notify the user of a change in temperature inside the refrigerator when the change is detected by the temperature sensor.

[0013] Also, The refrigerator according to the embodiment further includes a second temperature sensor that detects a temperature inside the refrigerator, The notification control unit further 2 When the temperature inside the refrigerator detected by the temperature sensor exceeds a second temperature threshold, the temperature inside the refrigerator is set to the second temperature Threshold It may be configured to notify the user that the limit has been exceeded.

[0014] The notification control unit may be configured to change the timing of the notification depending on the number of times the door is opened and closed and the time period.

[0015] The notification control unit may further be configured to notify of a remedy for avoiding the icy condition.

[0016] Further, a refrigerator status notification system according to an embodiment includes a server, a refrigerator having an ice-making compartment and a freezer compartment connected to the server via a network, and a program to be executed by a terminal computer connected to the network, wherein the refrigerator is Room an opening / closing sensor for detecting the opening / closing of a door; Ice making room a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the ice making machine and the ice making temperature detected by the opening / closing sensor; Room a timer that measures the time from the opening or closing of the door; Room The time elapsed since the door was opened, the ice making time detected by the opening / closing sensor, Room The number of times the door is opened and closed and the Ice making room a determination unit that determines the state of ice in the ice making compartment based on at least one of the temperatures of the ice in the ice making compartment, a notification control unit that notifies the determination unit about the state of ice in the ice making compartment, and a communication unit that transmits the notification to the server. The determination unit starts measuring the time the door is open after detecting that the door of the ice making compartment is opened by the opening / closing sensor, and when a first time period has elapsed with the door open, determines that there is a possibility that the ice in the ice making compartment will become lumpy, and the notification control unit issues a notification that there is a possibility that the ice in the ice making compartment will become lumpy,When the server receives the notification, it transmits the notification to a terminal of a user who uses the refrigerator, and the program causes the computer of the terminal to receive the notification from the server and display the received notification on a display unit of the terminal. Further, a refrigerator status notification system according to an embodiment is a refrigerator status notification system including a server, a refrigerator having an ice-making compartment and a freezer compartment connected to the server via a network, and a program to be executed by a terminal computer connected to the network, wherein the refrigerator includes an opening / closing sensor that detects opening / closing of the door of the ice-making compartment, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the ice-making compartment, and a timer that measures the time since the opening or closing of the door of the ice-making compartment detected by the opening / closing sensor, and based on at least one of the time elapsed since the door of the ice-making compartment was opened, the number of times the door of the ice-making compartment was opened and the temperature of the ice-making compartment detected by the opening / closing sensor, The refrigerator is equipped with a judgment unit that judges the state of the ice in the ice making compartment, a notification control unit that issues a notification regarding the state of the ice in the ice making compartment by the judgment unit, and a communication unit that sends the notification to the server, wherein the judgment unit estimates the amount of ice in the ice making compartment based on the ice production time based on the elapsed time since the door of the ice making compartment was closed and the number of times the door of the ice making compartment is opened and judges the state of the ice blocks based on the estimated amount of ice, and when the server receives the notification, it sends the notification to a terminal of a user who uses the refrigerator, and the program causes the computer of the terminal to receive the notification from the server and display the received notification on a display unit of the terminal.

[0017] In addition, the program according to the embodiment is a program to be executed by a computer of a refrigerator having an ice making compartment and a freezing compartment, Room an opening / closing sensor for detecting the opening / closing of a door; Ice making room a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the ice making machine; Room The time elapsed since the door was opened, the ice making time detected by the opening / closing sensor, Room The number of times the door is opened and closed and the Ice making room and the state of the ice in the ice making chamber is determined based on at least one of the temperature. a judgment process; Notification regarding the status of ice in the ice making compartment a notification step of causing the computer to execute The determining step starts measuring the time the door is open after the opening / closing sensor detects that the door of the ice making compartment is open, and when a first time period has elapsed with the door open, determines that there is a possibility that the ice in the ice making compartment will become lumpy, and the notifying step notifies the user that there is a possibility that the ice in the ice making compartment will become lumpy. . In addition, the program of the embodiment is a program to be executed by a computer of a refrigerator having an ice making compartment and a freezer compartment, the refrigerator having an opening / closing sensor that detects the opening and closing of the door of the ice making compartment and a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the ice making compartment, and causes the computer to execute a judgment process of judging the state of ice in the ice making compartment based on at least one of the elapsed time since the door of the ice making compartment was opened, the number of times the door of the ice making compartment has been opened and detected by the opening / closing sensor, and the temperature of the ice making compartment, and a notification process of notifying the computer regarding the state of ice in the ice making compartment, wherein the judgment process estimates the amount of ice in the ice making compartment based on the ice production time based on the elapsed time since the door of the ice making compartment was closed and the number of times the door of the ice making compartment has been opened, and judges the state of the ice blocks based on the estimated amount of ice.

[0018] According to the above-described refrigerator, refrigerator status notification system, and program, the status of the ice in the ice making compartment can be known in advance, thereby preventing problems caused by the status of the ice and reducing the occurrence of such problems. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a refrigerator status display system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a part of the internal structure of the refrigerator according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the refrigerator according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the main control device of the refrigerator according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a status display process performed by the refrigerator according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a state display process performed by the refrigerator according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification message displayed on the terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification according to the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of a refrigerator, a refrigerator status notification system, and a program according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, components according to the embodiments and descriptions of the components may be expressed in multiple ways. The components and their descriptions are merely examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may also be identified by names different from those in this specification. Furthermore, the components may also be described using expressions different from those in this specification.

[0021] (Embodiment) 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a refrigerator status display system 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator status display system 10 according to this embodiment includes at least a refrigerator 11, a server 16, and a terminal 12.

[0022] Refrigerator 11 and terminal 12 are also connected to an external server 16 via a wide area network 15 such as the Internet so that they can communicate with each other. Refrigerator 11 and terminal 12 may be connected to each other so that they can communicate wirelessly via a communication adapter (not shown). Refrigerator 11 and terminal 12 may also be connected to each other so that they can communicate wired via a communication cable such as a USB cable.

[0023] Refrigerator 11 is an example of a home appliance and includes at least freezer compartment 112 and ice-making compartment 111 as storage compartments. Refrigerator 11 may also include a refrigerator compartment, vegetable compartment, etc. Figure 1 also shows drawer door 43 of freezer compartment 112 and drawer door 57 of ice-making compartment 111.

[0024] The terminal 12 is configured as a so-called smartphone, a high-function mobile phone such as a tablet, or the like, and has at least a communication function for communicating with various external devices. As shown in Fig. 1, the terminal 12 has at least a display unit 32 and an operation unit 33.

[0025] Server 16 is configured as a well-known computer system. Server 16 stores various information, such as information for accessing refrigerator 11 and terminal 12, and various computer programs including application software, and is configured to be able to distribute this information and programs. Information for accessing refrigerator 11 and terminal 12 may include, for example, the IP addresses of refrigerator 11 and terminal 12.

[0026] Next, the refrigerator 11 will be described in detail. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a portion of the internal structure of refrigerator 11 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a cross section of only the portion of refrigerator 11 that includes freezer compartment 112 and ice-making compartment 111. Refrigerator 11 according to this embodiment is configured such that ice-making compartment 111 is placed above freezer compartment 112, as shown in Fig. 1. However, this is not limiting, and freezer compartment 112 may also be placed above ice-making compartment 111.

[0027] Freezer space 40 is a space that is cooled to a freezing temperature (for example, -18°C or below). In the upper part of freezer space 40, ice-making compartment 111 equipped with ice-making device 50 and a small freezer compartment are arranged side by side on the left and right when viewed from the front (see Figure 1). Freezer compartment 112 is provided in the lower part of freezer space 40. The opening of freezer compartment 112 is closed by drawer door 43. A storage container 44 is held on the back side of drawer door 43. This storage container 44 is configured to be pulled out together with drawer door 43. Another storage container may be provided above storage container 44.

[0028] A freezer compartment door open / close sensor 201b is provided near the drawer door 43 of the freezer compartment 112. The freezer compartment door open / close sensor 201b detects whether the drawer door 43 of the freezer compartment 112 is open, closed, or half-open (also referred to as a half-door).

[0029] Ice making device 50 makes ice from water stored in an ice storage tank (not shown). Ice making device 50 is equipped with drive device 51 fixed to the upper wall of ice making chamber 111, ice making tray 52 that is inverted by drive device 51, and ice storage amount detection lever 53 that is provided facing diagonally downward from drive device 51. Ice making tray 52 is equipped with temperature sensor 203 (see FIG. 3). Ice storage container 55 is located below ice making tray 52. ​​Ice making water is supplied to ice making tray 52 through a water supply pipe (not shown) and turns into ice in ice making tray 52. ​​When the ice is complete, ice making tray 52 is inverted and the ice falls into ice storage container 55. This process is repeated until ice is stored in ice storage container 55.

[0030] The front opening of ice making chamber 41 is closed by a drawer door 57. Ice storage container 55 is configured to be pulled out together with drawer door 57.

[0031] Ice making compartment door open / close sensor 201a is provided near drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111. Ice making compartment door open / close sensor 201a detects whether drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 is open, closed, or half-open (also referred to as a half-door).

[0032] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of refrigerator 11 according to this embodiment. Refrigerator 11 has main control device 30 therein. Main control device 30 includes CPU 301, RAM 302, ROM 303, timer 304, etc. Refrigerator 11 also includes ice-making compartment door open / close sensor 201a, freezer compartment door open / close sensor 201b, refrigerator compartment door open / close sensor 201c, and temperature sensor 203. Ice-making compartment door open / close sensor 201a, freezer compartment door open / close sensor 201b, refrigerator compartment door open / close sensor 201c, and temperature sensor 203 are connected to main control device 30.

[0033] Ice making compartment door opening / closing sensor 201a, freezer compartment door opening / closing sensor 201b, and refrigerator compartment door opening / closing sensor 201c detect the opening and closing of each drawer door when a user opens or closes drawer door 43 of freezer 112, drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111, or the drawer door of the refrigerator, and send a detection signal to main control device 30. Also, ice making compartment door opening / closing sensor 201a, freezer compartment door opening / closing sensor 201b, and refrigerator compartment door opening / closing sensor 201c detect the half-open (half-open) state of each drawer door when a user leaves drawer door 43 of freezer 112, drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111, or the drawer door of the refrigerator half-open, and send a half-open door detection signal to main control device 30.

[0034] The CPU 301 of the main control device 30 executes a program stored in the ROM 303, for example, to perform various controls of the refrigerator 11.

[0035] Timer 304 starts timing at a predetermined timing. In this embodiment, it measures the elapsed time from the opening or closing of drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 or the opening or closing of drawer door 43 of freezer compartment 112. More specifically, it measures the elapsed time from the time it receives an open state detection signal from ice making compartment door open / close sensor 201a or the time it receives an open state detection signal from freezer compartment door open / close sensor 201b. Timer 304 then stops timing at a predetermined timing. Starting this kind of timing is referred to as timer on, and stopping the timing is referred to as timer off.

[0036] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the main control device 30 of the refrigerator 11 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the main control device 30 mainly includes an acquisition unit 311, a determination unit 312, a notification control unit 313, and a communication unit 314.

[0037] Acquisition unit 311 acquires open / closed and ajar door detection signals from ice-making compartment door open / close sensor 201 a, freezer door open / close sensor 201 b, and refrigerator door open / close sensor 201 c, as well as the temperature detected by temperature sensor 203.

[0038] Determination unit 312 determines the state of the ice in ice making compartment 111 based on at least one of the time elapsed since drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 or drawer door 43 of freezer compartment 112 was opened, the number of times drawer door 57, 43 of ice making compartment 111 or freezer compartment 112 has been opened and closed as detected by each opening / closing sensor 201a, 201b, 201c, and the refrigerator temperature. Here, the state of the ice refers to the state in which the ice pieces have stuck together and solidified, i.e., the state of the ice blocks, and the extent to which the ice has changed from its molded shape.

[0039] Specifically, after ice making compartment door open / close sensor 201a detects that drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 has been opened, determination unit 312 turns on timer 304 to begin measuring the time that drawer door 57 is open. Then, if a first time period has elapsed with drawer door 57 open, determination unit 312 determines that there is a possibility that the ice in ice making compartment 111 will become lumpy, that is, that the ice pieces will stick together and harden.

[0040] In addition, when judgment unit 312 detects that drawer door 57 of ice making chamber 111 has been closed by ice making chamber door opening / closing sensor 201a, it turns on timer 304 and determines that there is a possibility of frost forming (i.e., frost occurring) inside ice making chamber 111, for example, on rails that guide drawer door 57 of ice making chamber 111, if a second time has elapsed since drawer door 57 was closed and specified conditions are met.

[0041] Specifically, determination unit 312 counts the number of times that ice making compartment door open / close sensor 201a detects that drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 is half-open after ice making compartment door open / close sensor 201a detects that drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 is closed. Then, determination unit 312 determines that there is a possibility of frost forming inside ice making compartment 111 when a second time has elapsed since ice making compartment door open / close sensor 201a detected that drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 was closed, and the number of times that ice making compartment door open / close sensor 201a detected that drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 was half-open is greater than a predetermined number threshold, as the above-mentioned predetermined condition.

[0042] In addition, judgment unit 312 determines that there is a possibility of frost forming inside ice making chamber 111 when a second time has elapsed since ice making chamber door opening / closing sensor 201a detected that drawer door 57 of ice making chamber 111 has been closed, and when the temperature detected by temperature sensor 203 is higher than a predetermined temperature threshold, as the above-mentioned specified condition.

[0043] This is because in refrigerator 11 of this embodiment, ice-making compartment 111 is located above freezer compartment 112, and therefore even if drawer door 57 of ice-making compartment 111 is kept closed, opening drawer door 43 of freezer 112 causes warm air to enter freezer compartment 112 from the outside, rising up to ice-making compartment 111 and causing the temperature inside ice-making compartment 111 to rise.

[0044] Notification control unit 313 outputs a notification regarding the state of the ice in ice making chamber 111 determined by determination unit 312. Specifically, when determination unit 312 determines that the state of the ice in the ice making chamber is likely to be in the form of chunks, notification control unit 312 outputs a first notification to that effect. Furthermore, when determination unit 312 determines that there is a possibility of frost forming inside ice making chamber 111, such as on the rails of ice making chamber 111, notification control unit 313 outputs a second notification to that effect.

[0045] Notification control unit 313 also notifies of remedial measures to avoid icy conditions. For example, notification control unit 313 can notify not to leave drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 open to prevent ice blocks from forming. Also, for example, notification control unit 313 can notify not to leave drawer door 57 half-open or to close the freezer compartment to lower the temperature of the ice making compartment to prevent frost from forming inside ice making compartment 111.

[0046] Communication unit 314 transmits the notification output from notification control unit 313 to server 16. Server 16 transmits the notification to terminal 12 of the user of refrigerator 11. The notification is then displayed as a message on display unit 32 of terminal 12 so that the user can understand it.

[0047] The status display program executed in the refrigerator 11 of this embodiment is provided in advance in the ROM 303 or the like.

[0048] The status display program executed in refrigerator 11 of this embodiment may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a USB memory.

[0049] Furthermore, the status display program executed by refrigerator 11 of this embodiment may be stored on a computer such as server 16 connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, the status display program executed by refrigerator 11 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0050] The status display program executed in refrigerator 11 of this embodiment has a modular configuration including the above-mentioned units (acquisition unit 311, judgment unit 312, notification control unit 313, and communication unit 314). In actual hardware, CPU 301 reads out the status display program from ROM 303 and executes it, whereby the above-mentioned units are loaded onto a main storage device such as RAM 302, and acquisition unit 311, judgment unit 312, notification control unit 313, and communication unit 314 are generated on the main storage device such as RAM 302.

[0051] The functions of the acquisition unit 311, the determination unit 312, the notification control unit 313, and the communication unit 314 may be realized by hardware.

[0052] Next, the server 16 will be described. The server 16 is equipped with a control device such as a CPU, a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM, an external storage device such as a HDD or CD drive, a display device such as a display unit, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and has a hardware configuration that utilizes a normal computer.

[0053] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 16 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the server 16 according to this embodiment mainly includes a receiving unit 61, an identifying unit 62, a transmitting unit 63, and a user database (sometimes referred to as a user DB) 65.

[0054] The receiving unit 61 receives the notification from the communication unit 314 of the refrigerator 11 together with the refrigerator ID for identifying the refrigerator 11.

[0055] The user DB 65 is a database for managing users of the refrigerator 11, and is stored in an external storage device, etc. The user DB 65 stores a refrigerator ID and a user ID, such as an email address, that identifies the user who uses the refrigerator 11, in association with each other.

[0056] The identifying unit 62 searches the user DB 65 using the refrigerator ID received by the receiving unit together with the notification as a key, and identifies the user ID of the refrigerator corresponding to the refrigerator ID. The transmitting unit 63 transmits the notification received from the refrigerator 11 to the terminal 12 of the user ID identified by the identifying unit 62.

[0057] Next, the terminal 12 will be described. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal 12 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the terminal 12 according to this embodiment mainly includes a control unit 31, a display unit 32, an input / output control unit 35, an operation unit 33, and a communication unit 34. The display unit 32, the input / output control unit 35, the operation unit 33, and the communication unit 34 are connected to the control unit 31.

[0058] The control unit 31 is a CPU that controls the overall operation of the terminal 12. The display unit 32 is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal panel. The operation unit 33 is composed of touch panel switches formed on the display screen of the display unit 32, mechanical switches provided around the display unit 32, and the like.

[0059] The input / output control unit 35 controls the display on the display unit 32 and controls input from the operation unit 33 . Communication unit 34 is an element that realizes a communication function for communicating with external devices. In terminal 12 of this embodiment, communication unit 34 establishes communication with server 16. Note that a communication line may be established between terminal 12 and refrigerator 11, connecting terminal 12 and refrigerator 11 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0060] The terminal 12 also has an application program installed therein for remotely setting various functions of the refrigerator 11. This application program is installed on the terminal 12 by, for example, downloading it from the server 16 to the terminal 12. In addition, the application program executed on the terminal 12 may be configured to be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a USB memory.

[0061] The application program may also be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0062] The terminal 12 then executes this application program using the control unit 31, thereby virtually realizing the communication unit 34 and input / output control unit 35 using software. Note that the terminal 12 may also be configured to realize the functions of the communication unit 34 and input / output control unit 35 using hardware.

[0063] In the terminal 12 according to this embodiment, the communication unit 34 receives the notification from the server 16. Then, the input / output control unit 35 displays the notification received by the communication unit 34 on the display unit 32.

[0064] Next, a status display process performed by the refrigerator status display system according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing an example of the status display process performed by the refrigerator 11 according to this embodiment.

[0065] Acquisition unit 311 is in a state of waiting to receive an open state detection signal from ice making compartment door open / close sensor 201a (S11, S11: No). Then, when acquisition unit 311 receives an open state detection signal from ice making compartment door open / close sensor 201a, determination unit 312 determines that drawer-type door 57 of ice making compartment 111 has opened (S11: Yes), and turns on timer 304 (S12).

[0066] Then, determination unit 312 determines whether a first time period has elapsed since drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 was opened (S13). If the first time period has not elapsed (S13: No), acquisition unit 311 determines whether a closed state detection signal has been received from ice making compartment door open / close sensor 201a (S14). If acquisition unit 311 has received a closed state detection signal (S14: Yes), determination unit 312 determines that drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 is closed, turns off timer 304, and ends timing (S15), and the process returns to S11.

[0067] On the other hand, in S14, if the acquisition unit 311 has not received a detection signal indicating the closed state (S14: No), the process returns to S13, and the determination unit 312 waits until the first time period has elapsed.

[0068] If the first time period has elapsed in S13 (S13: Yes), determination unit 312 turns off timer 304 and ends timing (S16). Then, determination unit 312 determines that there is a possibility that the ice in ice making compartment 111 will become lumpy, that is, that there is a possibility that the ice will stick together. Then, notification control unit 313 sends a first notification to server 16 indicating the possibility of ice sticking together, together with a remedial measure to not leave drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 open (S17). Server 16 receives the first notification including the remedial measure, and sends it to terminal 12 of the user of refrigerator 11, and the first notification is displayed on display unit 32 of user terminal 12.

[0069] 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of notification messages displayed on the terminal 12 according to this embodiment. Fig. 9A shows an example of a first notification, and when the OK button is pressed on this display, a message about a remedy is displayed.

[0070] Next, acquisition unit 311 waits for a detection signal indicating a closed state from ice making compartment door open / close sensor 201a (S18, S18: No). If acquisition unit 311 receives a detection signal indicating a closed state (S18: Yes), determination unit 312 determines that drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 has been closed, and turns on timer 304 to start timing (S19).

[0071] During this time, if a detection signal from ice making compartment door opening / closing sensor 201a indicates that drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 is half-open (half-open), acquisition unit 311 receives the half-open door detection signal, and judgment unit 312 counts the number of times the door is half-open (S20).

[0072] Next, determination unit 312 determines whether or not a second time has elapsed since drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 was closed (S21). If the second time has not yet elapsed, the process returns to S20.

[0073] If the second time period has elapsed (S21: Yes), acquisition unit 311 acquires the temperature from temperature sensor 203 of ice making compartment 111 (S24). Then, judgment unit 312 determines whether the number of times drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 has been ajar, counted in S20, is greater than a predetermined number threshold n, or whether the temperature of ice making compartment 111 acquired in S24 is greater than a predetermined temperature threshold k (S25).

[0074] If the number of times drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 is ajar is greater than predetermined threshold n, or if the temperature of ice making compartment 111 is higher than predetermined temperature threshold k (S25: Yes), determination unit 312 determines that there is a possibility of frost forming inside ice making compartment 111. Notification control unit 313 then sends a second notification to server 16 indicating the possibility of frost forming inside ice making compartment 111, along with a remedial measure to lower the temperature of the ice making compartment by either stopping drawer door 57 from being ajar or closing the freezer compartment (S26). Server 16 receives the second notification including the remedial measure, and sends it to terminal 12 of the user of refrigerator 11, and the second notification is displayed on display unit 32 of user terminal 12.

[0075] FIG. 9(b) is an example of the second notification, and when the OK button is pressed in this display, a message about the remedial measures is displayed.

[0076] On the other hand, in S25, if the number of times that drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 has been left ajar is equal to or less than predetermined threshold number n, and the temperature of ice making compartment 111 is equal to or less than predetermined temperature threshold k (S25: No), the processing ends.

[0077] As described above, in this embodiment, determination unit 312 of refrigerator 11 determines the state of ice in ice making compartment 111 based on at least one of the time elapsed since drawer door 57, 43 of ice making compartment 111 or freezer compartment 112 was opened, the number of times drawer door 57, 43 of ice making compartment 111 or freezer compartment 112 has been opened as detected by door opening / closing sensors 201a, 201b, and the temperature of refrigerator 11, and notification control unit 312 notifies user terminal 12 via server 16 of the state of ice in ice making compartment 111 determined by determination unit 312. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the state of ice in the ice making compartment can be known in advance, thereby preventing problems caused by the state of the ice and reducing the occurrence of such problems.

[0078] More specifically, when a first time period has elapsed since detection that drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 has been opened, determination unit 312 determines that the ice in ice making compartment 111 may become lumpy, and notification control unit 313 issues a first notification to the effect that the ice in ice making compartment 111 may become lumpy. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the state of the ice chunks in the ice making compartment can be known in advance, thereby preventing problems caused by ice chunks and reducing the occurrence of such problems.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, judgment unit 312 of refrigerator 11 further determines that there is a possibility of frost forming inside ice making compartment 111 when a second time has elapsed since detecting that drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 has been closed and when specified conditions are met, and notification control unit 312 issues a second notification that there is a possibility of frost forming inside the ice making compartment.

[0080] More specifically, when the number of times that drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 has been left half-open is greater than a frequency threshold, as a predetermined condition, judgment unit 312 determines that there is a possibility of frost forming inside ice making compartment 111. Furthermore, when the temperature detected by temperature sensor 203 is greater than a temperature threshold, as a predetermined condition, judgment unit 312 determines that there is a possibility of frost forming inside ice making compartment 111.

[0081] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to grasp in advance the state in which frost has formed due to ice blocks inside the ice making chamber 111, thereby preventing the formation of frost due to ice blocks and reducing the formation of frost.

[0082] (Variation) The above embodiment is an example, and various modifications can be made. For example, determination unit 312 may be configured to determine the state of ice blocks based on the amount of ice in the ice making compartment. Specifically, determination unit 312 may be configured as follows.

[0083] Determination unit 312 estimates the ice production time based on the time elapsed since ice making compartment door sensor 201a detected that the door of ice making compartment 111 was closed. Determination unit 312 then estimates the amount of ice in ice making compartment 111 based on the estimated ice production time and the number of times drawer door 57 of ice making compartment 111 is opened and closed, based on the detection signal from ice making compartment door sensor 201a. Determination unit 312 then determines the state of the ice blocks, i.e., the likelihood that the ice pieces will stick together, based on the estimated amount of ice. For example, if the amount of ice is greater than a predetermined amount, determination unit 312 determines that the ice is likely to be in a block state.

[0084] Therefore, according to this modified example, the condition of the ice blocks can be grasped more accurately in advance based on the amount of ice in the ice making chamber, thereby preventing problems caused by ice blocks and reducing the occurrence of problems.

[0085] Furthermore, for example, if there is a change in the temperature inside the refrigerator, a notification of the temperature change inside the refrigerator is made. In this case, a temperature sensor may be provided in the refrigerator compartment, and notification control unit 313 may be configured to detect the temperature inside the refrigerator using the temperature sensor.

[0086] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a notification according to a modified example. As shown in Fig. 10A, when there is a change in the temperature inside the refrigerator, a notification of the temperature change inside the refrigerator is displayed on the display unit 32 of the terminal 12.

[0087] Therefore, according to this modified example, the state of the ice blocks in the ice making compartment can be grasped more accurately in advance based on temperature changes inside the refrigerator, thereby preventing problems caused by ice blocks and reducing the occurrence of problems.

[0088] Furthermore, the notification control unit 313 can be configured to notify the user that the temperature inside the refrigerator has exceeded the second temperature threshold when the temperature inside the refrigerator detected by the temperature sensor exceeds the second temperature threshold.

[0089] Therefore, according to this modified example, the condition of the ice blocks in the ice making compartment can be grasped more accurately in advance based on the temperature inside the refrigerator, thereby preventing problems caused by ice blocks and reducing the occurrence of problems.

[0090] Furthermore, a temperature sensor may be provided on the exterior surface of the refrigerator, and notification control unit 313 may be configured to notify the user that the temperature around the refrigerator has exceeded the third temperature threshold when the temperature around the refrigerator detected by the temperature sensor exceeds a third temperature threshold. For example, if the third temperature threshold is set to 30°C, as shown in Fig. 10(b), when the temperature around the refrigerator exceeds 30°C, a notification to that effect is displayed on display unit 32 of terminal 12.

[0091] Therefore, according to this modified example, the condition of the ice blocks in the ice making compartment can be grasped more accurately in advance based on the temperature around the refrigerator, thereby preventing problems caused by ice blocks and reducing the occurrence of problems.

[0092] The notification control unit 313 can also be configured to change the timing of notification depending on the number of times the door is opened and closed or the time of day. For example, the notification control unit 313 can be configured to issue a notification when the number of times the door is opened and closed exceeds a predetermined number, or to issue or not issue a notification depending on the time of day.

[0093] Therefore, according to this modified example, the condition of the ice blocks in the ice making chamber can be grasped more accurately in advance at a more appropriate timing, thereby preventing problems caused by the ice blocks and reducing the occurrence of problems.

[0094] 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 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 scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10...refrigerator status display system, 11...refrigerator, 12...terminal, 15...network, 16...server, 111...ice making compartment, 112...freezer compartment, 43, 57...drawer door, 201a...ice making compartment door opening / closing sensor, 201b...freezer compartment door opening / closing sensor, 203...temperature sensor, 30...main control device, 311...acquisition unit, 312...determination unit, 313...notification control unit, 314...communication unit, 61...receiving unit, 62...identification unit, 63...transmission unit, 65...user database, 31...control unit, 32...display unit, 33...operation unit, 34...communication unit, 35...input / output control unit.

Claims

1. A refrigerator having an ice-making compartment and a freezer compartment, an opening / closing sensor that detects the opening / closing of the door of the ice making compartment; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the ice making chamber; a determination unit that determines the state of ice in the ice making compartment based on at least one of the elapsed time since the door of the ice making compartment was opened, the number of times the door of the ice making compartment was opened and closed detected by the opening / closing sensor, and the temperature of the ice making compartment; a notification control unit that notifies the determination unit regarding the state of ice in the ice making compartment; the determination unit starts measuring the time the door is open after detecting that the door of the ice making compartment is opened by the opening / closing sensor, and determines that there is a possibility that the ice in the ice making compartment will become lumpy when a first time has elapsed with the door open; The notification control unit issues a first notification that the ice in the ice making compartment may become lumpy. refrigerator.

2. The determination unit further determines that there is a possibility of frost forming inside the ice making compartment when a second time period has elapsed since the opening / closing sensor detected that the door of the ice making compartment has been closed and when a predetermined condition is met, The notification control unit issues a second notification that frost may form inside the ice making compartment. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

3. The determination unit determines that there is a possibility of frost forming inside the ice making compartment when the number of times the door of the ice making compartment is half-open as detected by the opening / closing sensor is greater than a threshold number of times, as the predetermined condition. The refrigerator according to claim 2.

4. The determination unit determines that there is a possibility of frost forming inside the ice making compartment when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is higher than a temperature threshold value as the predetermined condition. The refrigerator according to claim 2 or 3.

5. A refrigerator having an ice-making compartment and a freezer compartment, an opening / closing sensor that detects the opening / closing of the door of the ice making compartment; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the ice making chamber; a determination unit that determines the state of ice in the ice making compartment based on at least one of the elapsed time since the door of the ice making compartment was opened, the number of times the door of the ice making compartment was opened and closed detected by the opening / closing sensor, and the temperature of the ice making compartment; a notification control unit that notifies the determination unit regarding the state of ice in the ice making compartment; The determination unit estimates the amount of ice in the ice making compartment based on the ice production time, which is based on the elapsed time since the door of the ice making compartment was closed, and the number of times the door of the ice making compartment was opened and closed, and determines the state of the ice blocks based on the estimated amount of ice. refrigerator.

6. Further comprising a second temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the refrigerator; The notification control unit further notifies the user of a change in the temperature inside the refrigerator when the change in the temperature inside the refrigerator detected by the second temperature sensor occurs. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 5.

7. Further comprising a second temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the refrigerator; The notification control unit is further configured to, when the temperature inside the refrigerator detected by the second temperature sensor exceeds a second temperature threshold, notify the user that the temperature inside the refrigerator has exceeded the second temperature threshold. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 5.

8. The notification control unit changes the timing of the notification depending on the number of times the door is opened and closed and the time period. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 5.

9. The notification control unit further notifies the user of a remedy to avoid the ice condition. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 5.

10. A refrigerator status notification system including: a server; a refrigerator having an ice making compartment and a freezer compartment connected to the server via a network; and a program to be executed by a terminal computer connected to the network, The refrigerator is an opening / closing sensor that detects the opening / closing of the door of the ice making compartment; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the ice making chamber; a timer that measures the time from the opening or closing of the door of the ice making compartment detected by the opening / closing sensor; a determination unit that determines the state of ice in the ice making compartment based on at least one of the elapsed time since the door of the ice making compartment was opened, the number of times the door of the ice making compartment was opened and closed detected by the opening / closing sensor, and the temperature of the ice making compartment; a notification control unit that notifies the determination unit regarding the state of ice in the ice making compartment; a communication unit that transmits the notification to the server, the determination unit starts measuring the time the door is open after detecting that the door of the ice making compartment is opened by the opening / closing sensor, and determines that there is a possibility that the ice in the ice making compartment will become lumpy when a first time has elapsed with the door open; the notification control unit notifies the user that the ice in the ice making compartment may become lumpy; The server When the notification is received, the notification is transmitted to a terminal of a user who uses the refrigerator; The program receiving the notification from the server and displaying the received notification on a display unit of the terminal; causing the computer of the terminal to execute the steps of: Refrigerator status notification system.

11. A refrigerator status notification system comprising: a server; a refrigerator having an ice-making compartment and a freezer compartment connected to the server via a network; and a program to be executed by a terminal computer connected to the network, The refrigerator is an opening / closing sensor that detects the opening / closing of the door of the ice making compartment; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the ice making chamber; a timer that measures the time from the opening or closing of the door of the ice making compartment detected by the opening / closing sensor; a determination unit that determines the state of ice in the ice making compartment based on at least one of the elapsed time since the door of the ice making compartment was opened, the number of times the door of the ice making compartment was opened and closed detected by the opening / closing sensor, and the temperature of the ice making compartment; a notification control unit that notifies the determination unit regarding the state of ice in the ice making compartment; a communication unit that transmits the notification to the server, The determination unit estimates the amount of ice in the ice making compartment based on the elapsed time since the door of the ice making compartment was closed and the number of times the door of the ice making compartment was opened, and determines the state of the ice blocks based on the estimated amount of ice; The server When the notification is received, the notification is transmitted to a terminal of a user who uses the refrigerator; The program receiving the notification from the server and displaying the received notification on a display unit of the terminal; causing the computer of the terminal to execute the steps of: Refrigerator status notification system.

12. A program to be executed by a computer of a refrigerator having an ice-making compartment and a freezer compartment, The refrigerator is an opening / closing sensor that detects the opening / closing of the door of the ice making compartment; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the ice making chamber; a determining step of determining the state of ice in the ice making compartment based on at least one of the elapsed time since the door of the ice making compartment was opened, the number of times the door of the ice making compartment was opened and the temperature of the ice making compartment detected by the opening / closing sensor; a notification step of notifying the computer of the state of ice in the ice making compartment; The determination step starts measuring the time the door is open after the opening / closing sensor detects that the door of the ice making compartment is open, and determines that there is a possibility that the ice in the ice making compartment will become lumpy if a first time period has elapsed with the door open; The notification step notifies the user that the ice in the ice making compartment may become lumpy. program.

13. A program to be executed by a computer of a refrigerator having an ice-making compartment and a freezer compartment, The refrigerator is an opening / closing sensor that detects the opening / closing of the door of the ice making compartment; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the ice making chamber; a determining step of determining the state of ice in the ice making compartment based on at least one of the elapsed time since the door of the ice making compartment was opened, the number of times the door of the ice making compartment was opened and the temperature of the ice making compartment detected by the opening / closing sensor; a notification step of notifying the computer of the state of ice in the ice making compartment; The determining step estimates the amount of ice in the ice making compartment based on the ice production time, which is based on the elapsed time since the door of the ice making compartment was closed, and the number of times the door of the ice making compartment was opened and closed, and determines the state of the ice blocks based on the estimated amount of ice. program.

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