Clothes processing system, clothes processing machine and program

Abstract

To improve usability of a clothing treatment machine which can change setting information regarding an operation content of the clothing treatment machine.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment system includes a clothing treatment machine, and an outside information processing part with respect to the clothing treatment machine. The clothing treatment machine includes: a first storage part for storing first setting information showing a specific operation content of the clothing treatment machine; and a clothing treatment machine control part capable of operating the clothing treatment machine on the basis of the first setting information stored in the first storage part. The information processing part can refer to a second storage part in which second setting information is stored showing the specific operation content. In the case where the second setting information stored in the second storage part is nullified, the information processing part or the clothing treatment machine control part executes predetermined processing for nullifying the first setting information stored in the first storage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothing processing system, a clothing processing machine, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A clothing processing system is known in which a specific operation of a clothing processing machine for processing clothing can be changed by setting desired setting information in the clothing processing machine using an application program on a terminal device. However, when changing the setting information related to the operation of the clothing processing machine, the usability of the clothing processing system can be reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-046418 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a clothing processing system, a clothing processing machine, and a program that can improve the usability of a clothing processing machine that allows setting information regarding the operation of the clothing processing machine to be changed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The clothing processing system of the embodiment includes a clothing processing machine and an information processing unit external to the clothing processing machine. The clothing processing machine includes a first memory unit that stores first setting information indicating specific operation details of the clothing processing machine, and a clothing processing machine control unit that can operate the clothing processing machine based on the first setting information stored in the first memory unit. The information processing unit Clothes processing machine A second storage unit is capable of referencing second setting information that indicates specific driving content, The clothing processing machine control unit stores the second setting information received from the information processing unit as the first setting information in the first storage unit, thereby making the first setting information the same as the second setting information, The information processing The department , When it is determined that the second setting information has been invalidated, for invalidating the first setting information stored in the first storage unit Send the invalidation information , The clothing processing machine control unit, based on the received invalidation information, A predetermined process is carried out to invalidate the first setting information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1A] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a clothing processing system according to an embodiment; [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a server according to the embodiment. [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the laundry processing machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an operation panel of a clothing processing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel of the clothing processing machine of the embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a process related to setting an application course according to the embodiment. [Figure 4B] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining a process for creating an original course for each purpose according to an embodiment. [Figure 4C] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining a process for creating an original course for each purpose according to an embodiment. [Figure 4D] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining a process for creating an original course for each purpose according to an embodiment. [Figure 5A] 10 is a flowchart showing processing of original course setting information according to an embodiment. [Figure 5B] 10 is a flowchart showing processing of original course setting information according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a process of deleting an original course from an application according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of an update process of original course information according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the display of an operation panel of the laundry processing machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining a screen displayed on an operation panel of the laundry processing machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining an initialization procedure of a memory unit of the laundry processing machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process of deleting registered washing machine information from the home appliance management application APP according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process of deleting account information from the home appliance management application APP according to the embodiment. [Figure 13A] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a process for sharing a clothing processing machine according to an embodiment among a plurality of users. [Figure 13B] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a process for sharing a clothing processing machine according to an embodiment among a plurality of users. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, a clothing processing system, a clothing processing machine, and a program according to an embodiment will be described 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 the following explanation, a course that allows a user to specify the control details related to the operation of the clothes processing machine is called an "original course," and the operation of sending the course information (course information) from a terminal device to the clothes processing machine and setting it is called a "download." The subject of "download" in the following explanation includes control variables for control, but does not necessarily include programs.

[0008] 1A is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a clothing processing system 1 according to an embodiment. The clothing processing system 1 includes, for example, a clothing processing machine 2, a server 5, and a home appliance management application APP for a terminal device 3. Note that the clothing processing system 1 may be realized by the clothing processing machine 2 and the home appliance management application APP for the terminal device 3 without including the server 5. The home appliance management application APP may include a program for managing setting information for the clothing processing machine. This will be described later.

[0009] The clothing processing machine 2 is an electrical appliance primarily used at home. The term "clothing processing machine" broadly refers to a device that performs some kind of processing on clothing (for example, one or more of washing, drying, wrinkle removal, crease strengthening, deodorization, pollen removal, dust removal, or sterilization). The clothing processing machine 2 is, for example, a washing machine, but it can also be a closet-type dry cleaner. The clothing processing machine 2 is installed in the residence of a user U and connected to a network NW via a wireless router 4 installed in the residence of the user U. The clothing processing machine 2 can communicate with a server 5 or a terminal device 3 via the network NW. The network NW may be, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a low-power wide area network (LPWA), a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or other public or dedicated lines, depending on the situation.

[0010] FIG. 1B is a functional block diagram of the server 5 according to the embodiment. The server 5 is a management server that manages various home appliances such as the laundry treatment machine 2. The server 5 is composed of one or more server devices (e.g., cloud servers). The server 5 may also be referred to as a "server 5 system." The server 5 includes, for example, an input / output device 51, a control unit 52, a storage unit 53, and a communication unit 54. The input / output device 51 includes an output unit capable of displaying various types of information and an input unit for various types of information. The communication unit 54 includes a communication module and is connected to the network NW. The control unit 52 executes a server program deployed in the storage unit 53 to communicate with the laundry treatment machine 2 or the terminal device 3 via the network NW. The control unit 52 writes and stores various types of information acquired from the laundry treatment machine 2 or the terminal device 3 in the storage unit 6. The configuration of the server 5 is not limited to the above, and a general configuration may be applied as appropriate. In the following description, processing by the control unit 52 may be described as processing by the server 5. The server 5 may also include an information processing unit that performs edge computing or fog computing, such as an information processing unit included in a router in the network NW. The server 5 is not limited to a cloud server, but may be a computer in the user U's residence, a home router (for example, the wireless router 4), or the like.

[0011] FIG. 1C is a functional block diagram of the terminal device 3 according to the embodiment. The terminal device 3 is a terminal device used by the user U. The terminal device 3 is, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal device. However, the terminal device 3 is not limited to a mobile terminal device and may be a personal computer or the like. The terminal device 3 includes, for example, an input / output device 31, a control unit 32, a memory unit 33, and a communication unit 34. The input / output device 31 includes a display screen 31a, which is an output unit capable of displaying various information, and an input unit 31b. The input unit 31b can accept input from the user U. The input unit 31b is, for example, provided on top of the display screen 31a of the input / output device 31 to form a touch panel. The input unit 31b may include a camera, a microphone, and the like provided in the terminal device 3. The communication unit 34 is a communication module capable of wireless communication. The communication unit 34 is connected to the network NW via the wireless router 4 or directly. The communication unit 34 can communicate with the laundry processing machine 2 or the server 5 via the network NW.

[0012] An application program P is installed on the terminal device 3, and supports the functions described below. The application program P includes, for example, an application program for managing home appliances such as the clothes treating machine 2. In this embodiment, application software related to the application program P is referred to as a "home appliance management app APP." The application program P is an example of a "program." For example, application software launched by execution of this application program P includes application software for managing the clothes treating machine 2. This application software is referred to as a "washing machine app." This will be described later. For example, the memory unit 33 (second memory unit) is configured to store second memory unit setting information including second setting information. This will be described later.

[0013] Next, the clothes treating machine 2 will be described using a drum-type washing machine as an example. Note that the following description does not limit the scope of the "clothing treating machine" or "washing machine" of this application. The clothes treating machine 2 is not limited to a drum-type washing machine, and may also be a vertical washing machine.

[0014] On the "home appliance management application APP" installed on the terminal device 3, the user U can create an application course, which is an operation course for the clothes processing machine 2. Furthermore, on the "home appliance management application APP", the user U can customize an operation course registered in the server 5 to create an application course. Course information of the application course created by the user U is stored in the storage unit 6 of the server 5. The application course is an example of an operation course.

[0015] 2 is a functional block diagram of the laundry treating machine 2 according to the embodiment. The laundry treating machine 2 includes an operation panel 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, a communication unit 24, and a drive unit 25.

[0016] 1, the operation panel 21 is provided on the front side of the top surface of the main body of the clothes treating machine 2. The operation panel 21 has a display unit made of, for example, a TFT (Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid-Crystal Display) liquid crystal display, and displays images including a plurality of display screens related to the operation programs of the clothes treating machine 2 on the display surface. This allows the user U to check the operation program settings and the current operating status of the clothes treating machine 2.

[0017] The operation panel 21 also includes a course selection unit that accepts user operations to set and switch the operation course of the clothes treating machine 2. The course selection unit is formed, for example, as a so-called touch-type operation panel, and includes a touch sensor configured with a capacitance switch. With this configuration, the user U operates the clothes treating machine 2 using the screen displayed on the operation panel 21. The operation panel 21 accepts various operations related to the operation of the clothes treating machine 2.

[0018] The control unit 22 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Each process of the control unit 22 is realized by the processor executing a program. Note that some or all of the processes of the control unit 22 may be executed by hardware such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 22 controls the operation of the laundry treating machine 2, controls input / output to the memory unit 23, controls display on the operation panel 21, and controls the detection and processing of operations input to the operation panel 21.

[0019] The storage unit 23 has semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable ROM). EEPROM is an example of electrically erasable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and is used as a nonvolatile storage area. For example, the storage unit 23 can store application program information acquired via the server 5 in the nonvolatile storage area. The storage unit 23 can also store operation programs operated by the clothes treating machine 2 and the operation history of the application programs in the storage area. In other words, the storage unit 23 (first storage unit) is configured to store first storage unit setting information including first setting information. This will be described later.

[0020] The communication unit 24 is configured to be connectable to the network NW, for example, via the wireless router 4. The communication unit 24 is connected to the server 5 via the network NW. For example, the communication unit 24 transmits course information of an application course to the terminal device 3. For example, the communication unit 24 transmits and receives driving history information to and from the server 5. The communication unit 24 may communicate with the terminal device 3 via the network NW. The communication unit 24 may also be able to transmit and receive data to and from the terminal device 3 via the wireless router 4 or directly, without via the network NW.

[0021] The drive unit 25 includes a mechanism for realizing the processing of clothes by the clothes processing machine 2. For example, if the clothes processing machine 2 is a "washing machine" or a "dryer," it includes a rotating layer and its drive unit, a water supply mechanism, etc. The configuration of the drive unit 25 is not limited to this, and may be added or removed as appropriate.

[0022] The clothes treating machine 2 is set up so that operation courses other than the application course can be used as standard operation courses. Therefore, the clothes treating machine 2 can control its operation using the standard operation course without obtaining course information from the server 5. On the other hand, the application course can be selected by the user U obtaining course information of a desired operation course from the server 5 and registering it in the clothes treating machine 2. Note that the server 5 has pre-registered various operation courses that can be selected as application courses. The user U can use the terminal device 3 to select a desired operation course from the operation courses registered in the server 5 and apply it to the operation control of the clothes treating machine 2.

[0023] 3A and 3B, a description will be given of screens displayed on operation panel 21. The screen examples shown below are created and displayed by control unit 22.

[0024] FIG. 3A is a first diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel 21 of the laundry processing machine 2 according to the embodiment. The example screen shown in FIG. 3A(a) is a top screen P31 that is displayed when the laundry processing machine 2 is turned on. The example screen shown in FIG. 3A(b) is an operation program selection screen P32 that is displayed in place of the top screen P31 of FIG. 3A(a), and displays multiple operation programs that are originally set in the washing machine. The example screen shown in FIG. 3A(c) is an operation program selection screen P33 that is displayed in place of the operation program selection screen P32 of FIG. 3A(b), and displays application programs. These will be explained in order below.

[0025] On the top screen P31 shown in (a) of FIG. 3A, icons indicating operation types such as a washing operation ("washing: standard course"), a washing and drying operation ("washing and drying"), and a drying operation ("drying") are displayed in the middle row, and a course button, a start button, etc. are displayed in the lower row. When the control unit 22 detects an operation on an icon indicating an operation type displayed on the top screen P31, the control unit 22 selects an operation type according to the detection result. For example, when the user U operates the "washing operation" icon on the top screen P31 and the operation is detected by the operation panel 21, the control unit 22 determines the operation type to be "washing operation" ("washing: standard course").

[0026] With the driving type selected, the user presses and selects the "COURSE" button displayed on the top screen P31 of FIG. 3A(a). When the control unit 22 detects that the button has been pressed by the user, the control unit 22 proceeds to a step of selecting a driving course and transitions the display of the operation panel 21 to, for example, a driving course selection screen P32 shown in FIG. 3A(b). A desired driving course selection screen is displayed on the operation panel 21 in response to a user operation. In this manner, the user U can select a desired driving course from multiple application courses displayed on the driving course selection screen. For example, in the example of the driving course selection screen P33 shown in FIG. 3A(c), up to three application courses can be set as selectable driving courses. Each application course is displayed with an icon labeled "APP 1," "APP 2," or "APP 3." Each application course can be designated as a driving course. The user U selects one of the "APP 1," "APP 2," or "APP 3" courses by tapping.

[0027] A course confirmation button 26 labeled "Confirm Course" is located at the bottom of the operation course selection screen P33 shown in (c) of FIG. 3A. When the user U presses the course confirmation button 26, the control unit 22 detects this and notifies the external terminal device 3 linked to the clothes processing machine 2 of the course information of the currently selected application course. Note that the course confirmation button 26 does not have to be located on the operation panel 21, and may be, for example, a physical push button switch.

[0028] By operating any of the above "operation course selection screens," the control unit 22 executes the desired operation course in response to the operation, and records the operation history information of the executed operation course in the storage unit 23. The operation history information includes, for example, the name and identification information of the operation course, the operation content, the start time, the end time, whether or not it was interrupted, etc.

[0029] For example, the program body for operating each application course is registered in advance in the storage unit 23. In order for the control unit 22 to operate the clothes processing machine 2 under the conditions set as the application course, it is necessary to register individual setting information for each application course in the storage unit 23. Note that, without being limited to this, in addition, the control unit 22 may download a program for a desired operation course designated by the user U from the server 5, implement it in the storage unit 23, and install it.

[0030] FIG. 3B is a second diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel 21 of the clothing treating machine 2 according to the embodiment. A case where the clothing treating machine 2 is operated under conditions specified by the "washing machine app" will be described with reference to screen P33A shown in FIG. 3B. By setting an original course for each of the icons "app 1," "app 2," and "app 3," the corresponding "washing machine app" is set to a selectable state. As mentioned above, setting information for this "washing machine app" may be downloaded and set.

[0031] However, since the setting information for the "washing machine app" is not registered in the storage unit 23, there are cases where operations for the icons of "app 1," "app 2," and "app 3" cannot be used. For example, if the setting information is not set, the control contents according to the operation course remain undefined. Therefore, the icons of the operation courses for which setting information is not set cannot be used.

[0032] For example, even if an icon for a course for which no setting information is set is selected, the control unit 22 cannot perform the associated clothing processing. To indicate the registration status of such setting information, the control unit 22 displays the "Start" button on the screen P33A shown in FIG. 3B(a) as grayed out. When this display is in progress, the control unit 22 does not accept pressing of the "Start" button. The control unit 22 displays a warning in the description of the operation course that reads, "The course has not been sent from the smartphone."

[0033] A screen P33B shown in FIG. 3B(b) is an example of a screen that the control unit 22 displays on the operation panel 21 when information about the original course is received from the server 5. When the control unit 22 receives the information about the original course, it displays "Application course accepted" on the operation panel 21. The user U recognizes that the information about the original course has been downloaded. Once the original course information has been downloaded and the original course is available, the grayed-out "Start" button display changes to one that indicates it is ready to accept operations. In response, the message "Course not sent from smartphone" that was in the description of the operation course disappears. When the "Start" button is detected to be pressed in this state, the clothing processing operation begins.

[0034] Next, with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4D, an operation performed by the user U to create an original program to be applied to the operation of the clothes treating machine 2 and the process thereof will be described.

[0035] Fig. 4A is a diagram for explaining the process for setting an application course in an embodiment. Figs. 4B to 4D are diagrams for explaining the process for creating an original course for each purpose in an embodiment. Fig. 4B shows the process for "selecting a course for each type of clothing," Fig. 4C shows the process for "selecting a washing method for each purpose," and Fig. 4D shows the process for "customizing to your preferences."

[0036] Furthermore, the screens illustrated in (a), (b), (f) of Figure 4A and the screens illustrated in Figures 4B to 4D are examples of screens that the control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 displays on the display screen 31a of the terminal device 3 when the control unit 32 executes the "laundry app" in the "home appliance management app APP."

[0037] For example, on the terminal device 3, the user U presses the "washing machine xp1" icon (see FIG. 11(a)) displayed on the top screen of the "home appliance management application APP." In response to detecting this press, the control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 starts up the "laundry application" corresponding to the "washing machine xp1" icon, and the "laundry application" enters an execution state. The main body information display screen P41 of FIG. 4A(a) is displayed on the display screen 31a of the terminal device 3 so that an operation program can be created using this "laundry application."

[0038] 4A(a) is displayed on the terminal device 3, the user may tap the "Application Course" tab, for example. When the "Application Course" tab is tapped, the user may register, change, or delete the desired "Original Course" process.

[0039] The control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 detects the tap operation on the "Application course" tab and causes the application course selection screen P42 of (b) in Fig. 4A to be displayed on the display screen 31a of the terminal device 3. The application course selection screen P42 displayed on the display screen 31a includes buttons for selecting courses such as "Select a course by type of clothing," "Select a washing method by purpose," and "Customize to your liking," as well as a "Main unit storage information" button. Based on the detection result, the control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 proceeds to a process of creating an original course for each purpose. For example, the original courses for each purpose include the original courses "select a course for each type of clothing," "select a washing method for each purpose," and "customize to your liking," which are associated with the course selection buttons. These original courses are prepared to suit each purpose. An overview of each course will be explained below.

[0040] "Select a course by clothing" (Figure 4B): When "selecting a course by clothing item," the control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 causes the display screen 31a to display, for example, operation screens P43A (c1), (d1), and (e1) of Fig. 4B in the order shown. As shown in Fig. 4B (c1), the courses by clothing item, such as "washable suits and school uniforms," ​​"sheets," "skirts and slacks," "towels," "bed pads," "caps," "jeans," "down jackets," "fleece," and "lace curtains," are assigned to their respective divided areas. Any of these courses can be selected and used.

[0041] For example, the user U taps on the area of ​​the "Washable Suits and School Uniforms" course. The control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 detects the tap operation on the area of ​​the "Washable Suits and School Uniforms" course, and based on the detection result, proceeds to a process of creating an original course for each purpose.

[0042] The control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 displays the screen illustrated in (d1) of FIG. 4B on the display screen 31a. This screen displays an explanation of the "Washable Suit / School Uniform" course, including the course content. When the user U taps the area of ​​the "Next" button at the bottom, the control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 detects this and displays the screen illustrated in (e1) of FIG. 4B on the display screen 31a. The screen illustrated in (e1) of FIG. 4B displays various information, such as information regarding the combination of the content of the original course to be set in the clothing processing machine 2 and the number of the course to which it will be set, and information regarding the combination of the content of the original course already set in the clothing processing machine 2 and the number of the course to which it will be set. For example, "Laundry App Course 1," "Laundry App Course 2," and "Laundry App Course 3" are shown as examples of locations to which the laundry application may be registered.

[0043] The user U taps within the area of ​​the "Laundry App First Course" button. The control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 detects the tap operation on the "Laundry App First Course" button and, based on the detection result, associates the information of the previously selected "Washable Suit / School Uniform" course with the "Laundry App First Course." In response to this, the control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 displays a check mark within the "Laundry App First Course" button, indicating that it has been selected.

[0044] Furthermore, the user U taps the area of ​​the "Settings" button at the bottom of the screen of (e1) in Fig. 4B. The control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 detects the tapping of the "Settings" button, associates the information of the "Washable Suits / School Uniforms" course with the "Laundry App First Course" of the clothing processing machine 2, and sets this as the "Laundry App First Course" of the clothing processing machine 2.

[0045] For example, as illustrated in (f) of Fig. 4A, the control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 downloads information about the "washable school uniform" course to the clothing processing machine 2, and when the download is complete, displays a confirmation message such as "Your application course has been accepted." This confirmation message may be displayed as a pop-up.

[0046] "Select a washing method according to purpose" (Fig. 4C): When selecting a course by purpose, the control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 displays, for example, operation screens P43B (c2), (d2), and (e2) of FIG. 4C on the display screen 31a in the order shown. As shown in FIG. 4C (c2), the courses by purpose, such as "removing light stains quickly," "thoroughly washing and rinsing," "quickly washing and drying school uniforms and gym clothes," "removing yellowing," "sterilizing red clothing," "maintaining water temperature even in winter," and "reducing the hassle of hand washing," are assigned to separate areas. A user can select any of these courses and use them.

[0047] For example, the user U taps on the area of ​​the course "I want to remove light stains in a short time." The control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 detects the tap operation on the area of ​​the course "I want to remove light stains in a short time," and based on the detection result, proceeds to a process of creating an original course for each purpose.

[0048] Then, the control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 displays the screen illustrated in (d2) of FIG. 4C on the display screen 31a. This screen displays an explanation of the content of the "remove light stains in a short time" course, etc. When the user U taps the "Next" button at the bottom, the control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 detects this and displays the screen illustrated in (e2) of FIG. 4C on the display screen 31a. The screen in (e2) of FIG. 4C displays information such as a combination of the content of the original course to be set in the laundry processing machine 2 and the number of the course to which it is to be set, and a combination of the content of the original course already set in the laundry processing machine 2 and the number of the course to which it is to be set. For example, "laundry app course 1," "laundry app course 2," and "laundry app course 3" are displayed as examples of locations to which the laundry processing machine 2 can be registered.

[0049] The user U taps within the area of ​​the "Laundry App Second Course" button. The control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 detects the tap operation on the "Laundry App Second Course" button and, based on the detection result, associates the information of the previously selected "Washable Suit / School Uniform" course with the "Laundry App Second Course." In response to this, the control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 displays a check mark within the "Laundry App Second Course" button, indicating that it has been selected.

[0050] In this state, the user U further taps the "Settings" button at the bottom of the screen of (e2) in FIG. 4C. The control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 detects the tapping of the "Settings" button and displays the screen shown in (e2) in FIG. 4C. The screen of (e2) in FIG. 4C may display information such as a combination of the content of the original course to be set in the clothes processing machine 2 and the number of the course to which it is to be set, and a combination of the content of the original course already set in the clothes processing machine 2 and the number of the course to which it is to be set.

[0051] "Customize to your liking" (Fig. 4D): In the case of "customizing to preferences," the control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 displays, for example, operation screens P43C shown in (c3), (d3), and (e3) of FIG. 4D on the display screen 31a in the order shown. As shown in (c3) of FIG. 4D, various preference-based courses are assigned to separate areas, including a course for "removing light stains quickly," a course for "thoroughly washing and rinsing," a course for "swiftly cleaning and drying school uniforms and gym clothes," a course for "removing yellowing," a course for "sterilizing red clothing," a course for "maintaining water temperature even in winter," and a course for "reducing the hassle of hand washing." A user can select any of these courses and use them.

[0052] For example, the user U taps on the area of ​​the course "I want to remove light stains in a short time." The control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 detects the tap operation on the area of ​​the course "I want to remove light stains in a short time," and based on the detection result, proceeds to a process of creating an original course for each purpose.

[0053] Then, the terminal device 3 displays a screen as shown in (d3) of FIG. 4D. This screen displays the content of the "remove light stains in a short time" course. When the user U taps the "Next" button at the bottom, the screen as shown in (e3) of FIG. 4D is displayed. The screen in (e3) of FIG. 4D displays information such as a combination of the content of the original course to be set in the clothes processing machine 2 and the number of the course to which it will be set, and a combination of the content of the original course already set in the clothes processing machine 2 and the number of the course to which it will be set. For example, "laundry app course 1," "laundry app course 2," and "laundry app course 3" are displayed as examples of locations to which the original course can be registered.

[0054] The user U taps on the "Laundry App Third Course" button. The control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 detects the tap operation on the "Laundry App Third Course" button, and based on the detection result, updates the information of the previously selected "Yellowing Removal" course to the "Customized Selection" course and associates it with the "Laundry App Third Course." In response to this, the control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 displays a check mark on the "Laundry App Third Course" button, indicating that it has been selected.

[0055] In this state, the user U further taps the "Settings" button at the bottom of the screen of (e3) in Fig. 4D. The control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 detects the tapping of the "Settings" button and displays the screen shown in (e3) in Fig. 4D. The screen of (e3) in Fig. 4D may display information such as a combination of the content of the original course to be set in the clothing processing machine 2 and the number of the course to which it is to be set, and a combination of the content of the original course already set in the clothing processing machine 2 and the number of the course to which it is to be set.

[0056] 5A and 5B are flowcharts illustrating processing of original course setting information according to an embodiment. The processing related to the original course setting information when a user U performs the screen operation shown in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0057] First, referring to Fig. 5A, a case will be described in which setting information for an original program designated by a user U (original program setting information) is registered in a clothes treating machine 2 ("washing machine"). The clothes treating machine 2 illustrated here is in a powered state. When the user U performs a series of operations for registering original course setting information using the terminal device 3, the terminal device 3 notifies the server 5 of an original course setting command for the clothes processing machine 2 (step S601).

[0058] When the server 5 receives the original course setting command for the clothes processing machine 2, it adds the original course setting command for the clothes processing machine 2 to the storage unit 6. The server 5 also transmits original course setting storage information to the clothes processing machine 2 (step S603).

[0059] The clothes treating machine 2 acquires the original course setting storage information from the control unit 22 via the communication unit 24. The clothes treating machine 2 records the operation history information acquired from the server 5 in a specified storage area of ​​the storage unit 23, for example, in an area in the storage unit of the clothes treating machine 2 where the first original course setting storage information is recorded (step S605).

[0060] Next, a case where the original course setting information designated by the user U for the clothes processing machine 2 is deleted (changed) will be described with reference to FIG. 5B. When the user U performs a series of operations to delete (change) the registration of the original course setting information using the terminal device 3, the terminal device 3 notifies the server 5 of a command to delete the original course of the clothes processing machine 2 (step S602). This operation requests the discontinuation of the use of the original course (specific operating course), and when this operation is detected, the processing of the above step S602 is preferably performed.

[0061] When the server 5 receives the command to delete the original course of the clothes processing machine 2, it deletes the original course setting information from the memory unit 6 based on the command to delete the original course of the clothes processing machine 2. The server 5 also transmits the command to delete the original course to the clothes processing machine 2 (step S604).

[0062] The clothes processing machine 2 acquires original course setting information related to the original course deletion command from the control unit 22 via the communication unit 24. The clothes processing machine 2 deletes the related original course setting information from the specified storage area of ​​the storage unit 23c, for example, the area in which the first original course setting storage information is recorded in the storage unit of the clothes processing machine 2 (step S606).

[0063] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the process of deleting an original course from the application according to the embodiment. The screen P61 shown in (a) of FIG. 6 is the same as (b) of FIG. 4A described above. Similarly, a "Main Unit Storage Information" button is provided below the image in (a) of FIG. 6. The user U taps on the area of ​​the "Main Unit Storage Information" button. The control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 detects the tap on the "Main Unit Storage Information" button and, based on the detection result, displays a screen P62 listing the currently registered original courses ((b) of FIG. 6). By tapping on the area of ​​one of the "Original Course" buttons, a screen P63 showing detailed settings for the original course that was the target of the tap operation can be displayed ((c) of FIG. 6).

[0064] In addition, an "Edit" button and a "Delete" button are arranged at the bottom of screen P63 shown in FIG. 6(c). The user U taps within the area of ​​the "Edit" button. The control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 detects the tap operation on the "Edit" button and, based on the detection result, displays screen P64 shown in FIG. 6(d). At this time, as shown in FIG. 5B above, an original course deletion command is notified from the application executed by the control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 via the server 5.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 7, updating of the original course setting information in the clothes processing machine 2 will be described. 7 is a sequence diagram of the process of updating information on the original course in the embodiment. The range shown in this Fig. 7 is from when the power of the clothes treating machine 2 (washing machine) is turned on (power ON) to when the original course information in the storage unit 23 of the clothes treating machine 2 is updated.

[0066] The clothes processing machine 2 is a home appliance that generally turns itself off when it has finished operating. This shuts off power to the communication unit 24 (Wi-Fi module), which controls the communication function, and thus communication is not possible until the next time the machine is turned on. Therefore, even if updated original course information is notified to the server 5 while the machine is turned off, the clothes processing machine 2 cannot update the information in real time. Therefore, it is desirable for the clothes processing machine 2 to inquire about the original course information stored in the memory unit 33 of the terminal device 3 or the memory unit 6 associated with the server 5, obtain the latest information, and reflect it in the settings.

[0067] 7, when the power supply to the clothes treating machine 2 is turned on (S701), power is supplied to the circuitry within the clothes treating machine 2. The control unit 22 activates and starts up the communication unit 24 (communication module) (S702).

[0068] The control unit 22 sends a communication link inquiry from the communication unit 24 (communication module) to the server 5 via the wireless router 4, and attempts to establish a communication connection with the server 5 (S703). The server 5 receives the communication link inquiry and replies with a communication link response (S704). For example, the control unit 22 determines that the communication state has been established if a communication cooperation response is returned within a predetermined time after sending the communication cooperation inquiry to the server 5, and determines that the communication state has not been established if a communication cooperation response is not returned within the predetermined time. The control unit 22 determines that the communication state has been established based on the result of the return of the communication cooperation response using the above method (S705).

[0069] When communication with the server 5 is established, the control unit 22 inquires of the server 5 about information on the original course (S706). The server 5 identifies the inquiry about the information on the original course and responds to this identification (original course response) (S707).

[0070] If a communication link response is received within a predetermined time after sending an inquiry about the original course information to the server 5, the control unit 22 determines that a communication state has been established. For example, the control unit 22 determines whether the original course has been updated based on the result of the original course response (S708). If the original course has been updated, the control unit 22 updates the original course information based on the result of the received original course response (S709) and ends the series of processes. On the other hand, if the original course has not been updated, the control unit 22 ends the series of processes. If a communication link response is not received within a predetermined time after sending an inquiry about the original course information to the server 5, it is recommended to initialize communication with the server 5 and try again.

[0071] If the original course information has been updated by the above process, the control unit 22 of the clothes processing machine 2 updates the original course stored in the memory unit 23. According to this embodiment, the process from turning on the clothes processing machine 2 to receiving the original course is automatically carried out under the control of the control unit 22.

[0072] Referring to Fig. 8, the updating of the original course setting information in the memory unit 23 of the clothes processing machine 2 will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining the display of the operation panel 21 of the clothes processing machine 2 of the embodiment. As in Fig. 3B described above, the user U selects either the "App 1" course, the "App 2" course, or the "App 3" course by tapping.

[0073] 7, the example described above is one in which the control unit 22 automatically inquires of the server 5 after the power of the clothes processing machine 2 is turned on. In contrast, the example shown in FIG. 8 is one in which the user U manually inquires of the server 5 about the update status of the original course setting information.

[0074] A screen P81 shown in FIG. 8(a) is an example of a screen in which information about an original course is registered in the server 5. The control unit 22 detects tap operations on the areas of the buttons for the "App 1" course, the "App 2" course, and the "App 3" course, retains the detection results, changes the display of the areas, and displays an "Update" button below the "Check Course" button on the screen.

[0075] The control unit 22 may detect a tap operation on the "Update" button and use the detection as a trigger to inquire about the latest original course information from the server 5. This allows the control unit 22 to inquire about the latest original course information from the server 5, and may identify the response from the server 5 as the information about the latest original course.

[0076] A screen P82 shown in FIG. 8(b) is an example of a case where information on an original course is not registered in the server 5 for the application course specified by the user U. As in (a) of Figure 8 described above, the control unit 22 detects tap operations on the areas of the buttons for the "App 1" course, the "App 2" course, and the "App 3" course, retains the detection results, changes the display of the areas, and displays an "Update" button below the "Check Course" button on the screen.

[0077] The control unit 22 detects the tap operation on the "Update" button and uses this detection as a trigger to inquire about the latest original course information from the server 5. The control unit 22 receives a response to this from the server 5. The control unit 22 identifies a situation in which the original course information is not registered in the response from the server 5 and displays the result on the screen. In this way, information on the original course can be obtained from the clothing processing machine 2 in response to the operation of the operation panel 21. At that time, information on the latest registration status of the original course information can be obtained from the server 5.

[0078] With reference to Fig. 9, a screen P91 that is displayed on the operation panel 21 of the clothing processing machine 2 when the download is complete will be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the screen P91 that is displayed on the operation panel 21 of the clothing processing machine 2 according to the embodiment. When the download of the information about the new application course from the server 5 to the clothing processing machine 2 is complete, the screen P91 shown in Fig. 9 is displayed on the operation panel 21. As shown in the figure, from the display of this screen P91, it can be confirmed that the information about the new application course has been downloaded and updated.

[0079] For example, if the clothing processing machine 2 deletes the information of the original course due to this download, the information "The application course has been updated" is displayed. This allows the user U to know that the information of the original course set in the clothing processing machine 2 has been deleted.

[0080] An example of deleting information about an original course stored in the storage unit 23 of the clothes processing machine 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the initialization procedure of the storage unit 23 of the clothes processing machine 2 of the embodiment.

[0081] Fig. 10(a) shows an example of a TOP screen P101 that the control unit 22 causes the operation panel 21 to display after the power is turned on to the laundry processing machine 2. When the control unit 22 detects that the "Settings and Other" button located at the bottom left of the TOP screen P101 of Fig. 10(a) is pressed, the control unit 22 transitions the display of the operation panel 21 to screen P102 shown in Fig. 10(b). When the control unit 22 detects that the "Main Unit Settings" button displayed on screen P102 of Fig. 10(b) is pressed, the control unit 22 transitions the display of the operation panel 21 to screen P103 shown in Fig. 10(c).

[0082] When the control unit 22 detects the pressing of the "Initialize" button displayed on screen P103 of Figure 10 (c), it executes an initialization process on the memory unit 23 of the clothing processing machine 2, thereby deleting the information stored in the memory unit 23 of the clothing processing machine 2, including the original course information. Subsequently, the control unit 22 transmits the same original course setting information as that shown in Fig. 8 to the terminal device 3 or the server 5. When the terminal device 3 or the server 5 receives the original course setting storage information of the clothes processing machine 2 from the clothes processing machine 2, it updates the original course information stored in the storage unit 33 of the terminal device 3 or the storage unit 6 of the server 5. This synchronizes the original course information of the clothes processing machine 2 and the terminal device 3, or synchronizes the original course information of the clothes processing machine 2 and the server 5.

[0083] According to the above, the control unit 22 updates the first storage unit setting information (original course information) stored in the storage unit 23 to new first storage unit setting information through initialization processing, and transmits the new first storage unit setting information to the external device. This external device can receive the new first storage unit setting information and update the first storage unit setting information stored in the external device in response to the reception.

[0084] Next, management of home appliances related to the "home appliance management application APP" will be described. As described above, after the "Home Appliance Management Application APP" is installed on the terminal device 3, the function of managing each home appliance is enabled. By setting information about the home appliances to be managed in this "Home Appliance Management Application APP," it becomes possible to manage the home appliances to be managed. The information (setting information) about the home appliances to be managed that is set here is called registered home appliance information or registered washing machine information.

[0085] First case: Referring to FIG. 11, a process for deleting registered washing machine information related to the "home appliance management application APP" installed on the terminal device 3 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of deleting registered washing machine information from the home appliance management application APP according to the embodiment. Figure 11 (a) to (e) explain the process for deleting registered washing machine information set in the "Home Appliance Management App" by sequentially showing images related to this process displayed on the operation panel 21 of the clothing processing machine 2.

[0086] The top screen P111 shown in (a) of FIG. 11 is used to show a state in which seven home appliances have already been registered in the home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 3. As an example of this registration state, seven icons corresponding to the home appliances and one icon ("Add Home Appliance") for adding a further home appliance are displayed. For example, a home appliance that has become capable of communicating with an external device via a communication means is associated with an icon in the "Home Appliance Control" area and is displayed so that it can be individually identified as an icon. The number of registered home appliances is arbitrary, and one or more home appliances can be registered. If a home appliance is not yet registered, the number of registered home appliances will be zero.

[0087] A menu bar is arranged at the bottom of the top screen P111 shown in (a) of Figure 11. Within this menu bar, a "Home" button, a "Service List" button, and a "Menu" button are arranged.

[0088] When the control unit 32 detects that the "Menu" button has been pressed, it transitions the screen display to that shown in FIG. 11(b). 11(b) shows an "Edit Account" button, an "Edit Home Appliance Settings" button, a "Share Registered Home Appliances" button, etc. When the control unit 32 detects that the "Edit Home Appliance Settings" button on this screen has been pressed, the control unit 32 transitions the display of the screen P112 to a screen P113 shown in FIG. 11(c).

[0089] A screen P113 shown in (c) of Fig. 11 displays selection buttons associated with a plurality of registered home appliances, and selection buttons associated with a plurality of shared home appliances. When the control unit 32 detects that one of the buttons for the plurality of registered home appliances on the screen P113 has been pressed, the control unit 32 transitions the display of the screen to a screen P114 shown in (d) of Fig. 11.

[0090] Screen P114 shown in (d) of Fig. 11 displays various information about the home appliance selected by the above operation, a "Scan two-dimensional code" button, and a "Delete this home appliance" button. An example of the "two-dimensional code" is a QR code (registered trademark). When the control unit 32 detects that the "Delete this home appliance" button has been pressed, it displays a pop-up as shown in (e) of Fig. 11.

[0091] 11(e), a pop-up message appears on screen P115, indicating that the washing machine selected by the above operation will be deleted from its registration. When control unit 32 detects that the "OK" button in the pop-up message has been pressed, control unit 32 deletes the setting information of the home appliance selected by the above operation.

[0092] By performing the above operation to remove the relevant clothing processing machine 2 (washing machine) from the management targets, the external devices, the server 5 and the terminal device 3, lose the means to communicate with the relevant clothing processing machine 2. If you want to communicate with the relevant clothing processing machine 2 again, you need to re-register the relevant clothing processing machine 2 in the "Home Appliance Management App" of the terminal device 3.

[0093] Here, a case where users who share the clothes processing machine 2 (washing machine) are set will be described. As shown in (b) and (c) of Figure 11, it is possible to register a clothes treating machine 2 (washing machine) for sharing. By registering a clothes treating machine 2 (washing machine) for sharing, it becomes possible for multiple users to share and use the clothes treating machine 2 (washing machine).

[0094] However, when deleting this shared registered clothing processing machine 2 (washing machine) from the "home appliance management application APP" of the terminal device 3, different situations arise depending on the authority of the user who deletes it. The user who registered the clothing processing machine 2 (washing machine) on the server 5 using the "home appliance management application APP" is called the owner user OU, and the user who shares the clothing processing machine 2 (washing machine) is called the sub-user SU.

[0095] When the owner user OU deletes a specific clothing processor from the "Home Appliance Management App": When an owner user OU deletes a clothing treatment machine 2 (washing machine) that the owner user OU registered, the clothing treatment machine 2 (washing machine) is deleted without leaving any information about the clothing treatment machine 2 (washing machine) in the server 5. As a result, not only the owner user OU but also the sub-users SU lose the means of communication via the server 5.

[0096] For example, an owner user OU deletes information about a clothes processing machine 2 (washing machine) from the "home appliance management application APP" of the terminal device 3 that the owner user OU uses. The control unit 32 ("home appliance management application APP") of the terminal device 3 detects that the owner user OU has deleted information about the clothes processing machine 2 (washing machine), and notifies the server 5 of a request to delete information about the clothes processing machine 2 (washing machine). Upon receiving this notification, the server 5 deletes information about the original program for the clothes processing machine 2 (washing machine) stored in its storage unit 6. In the above case, information about the original program stored in the storage unit 6 of the terminal device 3 or the server 5 linked to the clothes processing machine 2 (washing machine) is deleted. This terminates the link between the clothes processing machine 2 (washing machine) and information about the original program stored in the storage unit 6 of the terminal device 3 or the server 5.

[0097] In other words, even if the owner user OU deletes the clothing processing machine 2 (washing machine) once and the deleted clothing processing machine 2 (washing machine) is registered again on the server 5, the setting information before deletion, etc. has already been deleted, and therefore the setting information before deletion, etc. cannot be referenced after re-registration.

[0098] When sub-user SU deletes a specific clothing processor from the "Home Appliance Management App APP": When a sub-user U deletes a clothing processing machine 2 (washing machine) that has been registered as shared, the information on the shared registration of the clothing processing machine 2 (washing machine) is deleted from the server 5, but the information on the clothing processing machine 2 (washing machine) other than this remains. Therefore, the means for communication from the terminal device used by the sub-user U via the server 5 is lost, but the means for communication from the terminal device 3 used by the owner user OU via the server 5 is maintained.

[0099] As described above, depending on the user's authority, the items of information that can be used after deleting the information on the clothes treating machine 2 (washing machine) will differ.

[0100] The "home appliance management application APP" is configured to use account information related to a user to determine which information to invalidate from the original course information (external device setting information) stored in the storage unit 6 and the original course information (first setting information) stored in the storage unit 23. The account information related to a user is an example of identification information that can identify the user of the clothes processing machine 2. In this case, the "appliance management application APP" installed on the terminal device 3 activates processing related to an original course (specific operating course) using account information (identification information) related to the user. When the "appliance management application APP" is executed, the control unit 32 detects either a request to delete and invalidate the first setting information related to the original course stored in the memory unit 23, or a request to delete and invalidate the account information. Using the account information of the user who notified the request, the control unit 23 performs the invalidation process in response to the detection of the request, thereby invalidating the specific operating course related to processing clothes in the clothes processing machine 2.

[0101] Second case: Referring to FIG. 12, a process for deleting account information in the "home appliance management application APP" installed in the terminal device 3 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a process of deleting account information from the "appliance management application APP" installed in the terminal device 3 of the embodiment. 12(a) to (d) show the processing procedure for deleting account information (identification information) set in the "appliance management application APP," and the related images displayed on the operation panel 21 of the clothing processing machine 2 are sequentially shown and explained. FIG. 12(a) and (b) correspond to FIG. 11(a) and (b) above.

[0102] When it is detected that the "Edit Account" button on the screen shown in FIG. 12(b) is pressed, the screen display is changed to that shown in FIG. 12(c).

[0103] The screen shown in (c) of Fig. 12 displays a "Change login ID" button, a "Change password" button, a "End service use (cancel membership)" button, a "Delete smartphone registration information" button, a "User information" button, and a "Logout" button. When the control unit 32 detects that the "End service use (cancel membership)" button on this screen has been pressed, it transitions the screen display to that shown in (d) of Fig. 12.

[0104] The screen for "Ending Service Use (Withdrawal)" shown in (d) of Fig. 12 includes input fields for accepting a login ID (identification information) and a password, and a "End Service Use" button. When the control unit 32 detects that the "End Service Use" button on this screen has been pressed, it deletes the registered account.

[0105] When deleting an account, the means for communication from the terminal device 3 to the clothes treating machine 2 (washing machine) and the means for communication from the server 5 to the clothes treating machine 2 (washing machine) will be lost accordingly. Before these communication means are lost, it is recommended to use the communication means to rewrite the information on the clothes treating machine 2 (washing machine).

[0106] For example, the control unit 32 may use this communication to delete the original course information that has been registered in the storage unit 23 of the clothes treating machine 2 (washing machine) using the account. In this way, the original course information that has been registered in the storage unit 23 of the clothes treating machine 2 (washing machine) may be deleted before deleting the account.

[0107] As described above, the original course information remaining after deleting the account is unnecessary and will not be used, so it is a good idea to rewrite the information on the clothes processing machine 2 (washing machine) in conjunction with deleting the account.

[0108] Third case: With reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B, a procedure for sharing a specific laundry treating machine 2 (washing machine) among multiple users will be described. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the process for sharing the laundry treating machine 2 (washing machine) of the embodiment among a plurality of users. (a) to (e) of Fig. 13A and (f) and (i) of Fig. 13B show examples of screens displayed on user A's terminal device 3a, and (g) and (h) of Fig. 13B show examples of screens displayed on user B's terminal device 3b. The processing procedure for sharing a clothes treating machine 2 (washing machine) among multiple users will be described below. (a) and (b) of Fig. 13A correspond to (a) and (b) of Fig. 11 described above.

[0109] When it is detected that the "Share registered home appliances" button on the screen shown in (b) of FIG. 13A is pressed, the screen display is transitioned to that shown in (c) of FIG. 13A.

[0110] 13A(c), a list of buttons corresponding to registered home appliances is displayed in relation to "selection of home appliance to share," and a "Next" button is also displayed. When the control unit 32 detects that a button corresponding to any registered home appliance on this screen has been pressed, the control unit 32 transitions the display of the screen to that shown in FIG. 13A(d).

[0111] The screen for "Confirming Shared Home Appliances" shown in (d) of Fig. 13A displays various information about the registered home appliances and a "Next" button. When the control unit 32 detects that the "Next" button on this screen has been pressed, the control unit 32 transitions to the screen shown in (e) of Fig. 13A.

[0112] The screen shown in (e) of Fig. 13A displays a field for inputting the account name of a family member who will newly share the home appliance, and further displays a "Send confirmation message" button. When the control unit 32 detects that the "Send confirmation message" button on this screen has been pressed, it returns the screen display to the screen shown in (a) of Fig. 13A, as shown in (f) of Fig. 13B, and further displays a pop-up.

[0113] 13B(f) shows a pop-up display notifying the user that a message has been sent as a result of the above operation. The control unit 32 detects that the OK button in the pop-up display has been pressed, and closes the pop-up display.

[0114] Meanwhile, the "home appliance management application APP" is installed on terminal device 3B of user B, who is a sharer, just like terminal device 3 of user A. Terminal device 3B may be the same as terminal device 3 described above. For example, a top screen P137 shown in (g) of FIG. 13B is displayed on terminal device 3B. The top screen P137 shown in (g) of FIG. 13B is configured in the same manner as top screen P111 shown in (a) of FIG. 11. The top screen P137 shown in (g) of FIG. 13B shows a situation in which three home appliances have already been registered. As an example of this registration situation, three icons corresponding to the home appliances and one icon ("Add home appliance") for adding another home appliance are displayed.

[0115] The screen shown in (g) of Fig. 13B displays a notification that "a message has been received." Terminal device 3B detects that the "OK" button in the pop-up display has been pressed and closes the pop-up display. As a result, the screen shown in (h) of Fig. 13B is displayed on the screen of terminal device 3B.

[0116] 13B(i) is displayed on the terminal device 3A as described above. The terminal device 3B that has been newly set as a sharer receives the message from the terminal device 3A, and displays a pop-up indicating that the user U of the terminal device 3B has approved the sharing.

[0117] According to this embodiment, the clothing processing system 1 includes a clothing processing machine 2 and an external information processing unit for the clothing processing machine 2. The clothing processing machine 2 includes a memory unit 23 (first memory unit) that stores first setting information indicating specific operation details of the clothing processing machine 2, and a control unit 22 (clothing processing machine control unit) that can operate the clothing processing machine 2 based on the first setting information stored in the memory unit 23. The information processing unit can refer to a second memory unit (memory unit 33, memory unit 6) that stores second setting information indicating specific operation details. When the second setting information stored in the second memory unit is invalidated, the information processing unit or control unit 22 performs a predetermined process to invalidate the first setting information stored in the memory unit 23. Note that a computer that executes the "home appliance management application APP" is an example of an external information processing unit. An example of the information processing unit is the server 5 or a specific function unit of the terminal device 3. For example, the control unit 32 of the terminal device 3 that executes the "home appliance management application APP" is applied. This improves the usability of the clothing processing machine 2 that processes clothing using an operation program with changeable setting information. The first setting information and the second setting information include information about an "original program" that defines the control content of the clothes treating machine 2. This enables the control unit 22 to control the clothes treating machine 2 according to the content of the "original program."

[0118] Note that invalidating the second setting information described above includes deleting the second setting information from the second storage unit (storage unit 33, storage unit 6). Invalidating the first setting information includes deleting the first setting information from storage unit 23. If the first setting information and the second setting information are invalidated, this will hinder control based on the "original course" of the related content. If the first setting information and the second setting information become mismatched for some reason, it is advisable to perform a predetermined process to invalidate the first setting information stored in storage unit 23, for example, using the procedure described above. However, without being limited to this, the predetermined process described below may also be performed.

[0119] Furthermore, if the information processing unit is a server 5 or a specific function unit of a terminal device 3, the information processing unit may perform the above-mentioned specified processing when a specified operation for invalidating the second setting information is detected on the terminal device 3. In this way, the clothing processing system 1 is configured to be able to carry out a predetermined process when the second setting information stored in the second storage unit is invalidated.

[0120] The memory unit 23 can store, in addition to the first setting information indicating a first operation content, which is a specific operation content, third setting information indicating a second operation content, which is another specific operation content. In other words, a plurality of different types of operation content can be registered in the memory unit 23 of the clothes treating machine 2. In this case, the above-mentioned predetermined processing may include processing for invalidating the first setting information while leaving the third setting information valid in the first memory unit. In this way, the setting information of a specific operation content among the plurality of types of operation content can be invalidated on a setting information basis.

[0121] The information processing unit or control unit 22 performs processing for comparing the second setting information with the first setting information at a predetermined time. The information processing unit or control unit 22 may determine that the predetermined time is when the comparison result between the second setting information and the first setting information satisfies a predetermined condition. In this case, the information processing unit or control unit 22 may perform processing for invalidating or changing the first setting information stored in the storage unit 23 at the predetermined time in accordance with the comparison result.

[0122] The control unit 22 may perform a process to compare the second setting information with the first setting information after the start of powering on the clothes treating machine 2 or when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation panel 21 (operation unit) of the clothes treating machine 2. When the control unit 22 receives the second setting information stored in the second memory unit, it may update the first setting information stored in the memory unit 23 based on the received second setting information.

[0123] The operation panel 21 (display unit) of the clothing treating machine 2 can display information related to the operating status of the clothing treating machine 2. When it is determined that the second setting information stored in the second memory unit has been invalidated, the control unit 22 displays on the operation panel 21 that the first setting information stored in the memory unit 23 will be invalidated.

[0124] As described above, the memory unit 23 stores first memory unit setting information including the first setting information. The second memory unit described above stores second memory unit setting information including the second setting information. The initialization process for the laundry processing machine 2 deletes the first memory unit setting information including the first setting information from the memory unit 23. In this case, when new first memory unit setting information that does not include the first setting information is generated, the control unit 22 may transmit the new first memory unit setting information to the information processing unit.

[0125] According to at least one embodiment described above, a clothing processing system includes a clothing processing machine and an information processing unit external to the clothing processing machine. The clothing processing machine includes a first memory unit that stores first setting information indicating specific operation details of the clothing processing machine, and a clothing processing machine control unit that can operate the clothing processing machine based on the first setting information stored in the first memory unit. The information processing unit can refer to a second memory unit that stores second setting information indicating the specific operation details. When the second setting information stored in the second memory unit is invalidated, the information processing unit or the clothing processing machine control unit performs a predetermined process to invalidate the first setting information stored in the first memory unit. This improves the usability of a clothing processing machine that processes clothing using an operation program with adjustable setting information.

[0126] 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]

[0127] 1...washing machine system, 2...clothes processing machine (washing machine), 3...terminal device, 4...wireless router, 5...server, 6...memory unit.

Claims

1. A clothing processing system including a clothing processing machine and an external information processing unit for the clothing processing machine, The laundry treatment machine includes: a first storage unit that stores first setting information indicating specific operation details of the laundry processing machine; a clothes treating machine control unit that can operate the clothes treating machine based on the first setting information stored in the first memory unit; Equipped with The information processing unit can refer to a second storage unit in which second setting information indicating specific operation details of the laundry processing machine is stored, The clothing processing machine control unit The second setting information received from the information processing unit is stored in the first storage unit as the first setting information, thereby making the first setting information the same as the second setting information, when the information processing unit determines that the second setting information has been invalidated, transmitting the invalidation information for invalidating the first setting information stored in the first storage unit, The clothing processing machine control unit performs a predetermined process to invalidate the first setting information based on the received invalidation information. Clothing processing system.

2. invalidating the second setting information includes deleting the second setting information from the second storage unit; invalidating the first setting information includes deleting the first setting information from the first storage unit. The clothing processing system of claim 1 .

3. The information processing unit A specific function unit of a server or terminal device, When a predetermined operation for invalidating the second setting information is detected in the terminal device, the predetermined process is performed. The clothing processing system of claim 1 .

4. the first storage unit is capable of storing, in addition to the first setting information indicating a first driving content that is the specific driving content, third setting information indicating a second driving content that is another specific driving content, the predetermined processing is processing for invalidating the first setting information while leaving the third setting information in the first storage unit in a valid state. The clothing processing system of claim 1 .

5. The information processing unit or the clothing processing machine control unit performs a process for comparing the second setting information with the first setting information at a predetermined time, When a comparison result between the second setting information and the first setting information satisfies a predetermined condition, the information processing unit or the clothing processing machine control unit performs a process to invalidate or change the first setting information stored in the first storage unit in accordance with the comparison result. The clothing processing system of claim 1 .

6. The clothing processing machine control unit After the laundry processing machine is turned on or when a predetermined operation is performed on an operation unit of the laundry processing machine, a process for comparing the second setting information with the first setting information is performed. The clothing processing system of claim 5.

7. When receiving the second setting information stored in the second storage unit, the clothing processing machine control unit updates the first setting information stored in the first storage unit based on the received second setting information. The clothing processing system of claim 1 .

8. The laundry treatment machine includes: a display unit capable of displaying information relating to the operating status of the laundry processing machine; Equipped with The clothing processing machine control unit When it is determined that the second setting information stored in the second storage unit has been invalidated, a display is displayed indicating that the first setting information stored in the first storage unit has been invalidated. The clothing processing system of claim 1 .

9. the first storage unit stores first storage unit setting information including the first setting information; the second storage unit stores second storage unit setting information including the second setting information; The clothing processing machine control unit When the initialization process for the laundry processing machine deletes the first storage unit setting information including the first setting information from the first storage unit and generates new first storage unit setting information not including the first setting information, transmits the new first storage unit setting information to the information processing unit; the information processing unit updates the second storage unit setting information stored in the second storage unit based on the received new first storage unit setting information. The clothing processing system of claim 1 .

10. When the clothing processing machine control unit identifies that the second setting information has been invalidated, it transmits the invalidation information for invalidating the second setting information stored in the second storage unit, The information processing unit performs a predetermined process to invalidate the second setting information based on the received invalidation information. The clothing processing system of claim 1 .

11. A clothing processing machine included in a clothing processing system together with an external information processing unit, a first storage unit that stores first setting information indicating specific operation details of the laundry processing machine; a clothes treating machine control unit that can operate the clothes treating machine based on the first setting information stored in the first memory unit; Equipped with The information processing unit can refer to a second storage unit in which second setting information indicating specific operation details of the laundry processing machine is stored, The clothing processing machine control unit stores the second setting information received from the information processing unit as the first setting information in the first storage unit, thereby making the first setting information the same as the second setting information, When the information processing unit identifies that the second setting information indicating a specific operation content of the laundry processing machine and stored in a second storage unit that can be referenced by the information processing unit has been invalidated, the invalidation information for invalidating the first setting information stored in the first storage unit is transmitted, The clothing processing machine control unit performs a predetermined process to invalidate the first setting information stored in the first storage unit based on the received invalidation information. Clothes processing machine.

12. A clothing processing machine includes a first storage unit that stores first setting information indicating specific operation details of the clothing processing machine, and a clothing processing machine control unit that can operate the clothing processing machine based on the first setting information stored in the first storage unit, a computer of a terminal device for operating the laundry processing machine can refer to a second storage unit in which second setting information indicating specific operation details of the laundry processing machine is stored; The computer of the terminal device a step of causing the laundry processing machine to receive second setting information indicating specific operation details of the laundry processing machine and storing the second setting information as the first setting information in the first storage unit, thereby making the first setting information the same as the second setting information; transmitting information on the invalidation for invalidating the first setting information stored in the first storage unit when it is determined that the second setting information stored in the second storage unit has been invalidated; a step of causing the laundry processing machine to execute a predetermined process for invalidating the first setting information stored in the first storage unit based on the invalidation information received from the computer of the terminal device; A program to execute.

13. The computer of the terminal device detecting a predetermined operation for invalidating the second setting information; The program according to claim 12 for executing the above.

14. The computer of the terminal device a step of invalidating the second setting information stored in the second storage unit when an operation for deleting identification information capable of identifying a user of the laundry processing machine or an operation for deleting a predetermined program from the terminal device is detected; The program according to claim 12 for executing the above.

15. The computer of the terminal device making the process related to the specific operation content available for each user of the laundry processing machine using the identification information; determining information to be invalidated from the first setting information and the second setting information using the identification information; The program according to claim 14 for executing the above.

Images