Washing system, control program, and control method

Abstract

To provide a washing system capable of improving convenience of a user of a washing machine, a control program, and a control method.SOLUTION: A terminal device or a control device built in a washing machine includes an operation course reception part, a history acquisition part, and a history presentation part. The operation course reception part receives the designation of the operation course which is executed by the washing machine from a user. The history acquisition part acquires history information including the history of the operation course executed by the washing machine. The history presentation part presents the operation course included in the history information acquired from the history acquisition part so that a user can designate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing system, a control program, and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to automatically control the operation of a washing machine, an operation course in which the mode of operation is defined has been provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine that changes the display mode according to the operation history of an operation course when displaying a course pattern that suggests the operation course on a display to receive designation of the operation course from a user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In such a washing machine, it is desired to further improve the convenience of the user interface for receiving designation of an operation course from the user.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a washing system, a control program, and a control method capable of improving the convenience of a user of a washing machine.

[0006] The washing system in the present disclosure includes a washing machine that controls each step according to a set operation course, a terminal device, Server and and a washing system comprising: an operation course setting unit that sets a designated operation course; a setting history holding unit that holds information regarding the history of the set and executed operation course; and a receiving unit that receives information regarding the operation course designated by the terminal device, and the terminal device holds the setting history holding unit of the washing machine history holds but hold The aboveA history acquisition unit that acquires history information; a history presentation unit that presents the driving course included in the history information in a way that allows the user to specify it; and an information transmission unit that transmits information regarding the driving course specified by the history presentation unit. An input receiving unit that receives input to cause the history display unit to display the execution history of the driving course, Equipped with When the terminal device receives input from the input receiving unit to cause the history display unit to display the execution history of the operating course, it obtains the history information held by the setting history holding unit from the washing machine via the server, and presents the operating course included in the history information to the history display unit so that the user can specify it. .

[0007] The control program in this disclosure is An input receiving unit receives input to display the execution history of a driving course, and when the input receiving unit receives the input, it sends it via the server, The washing machine retains In the past History information regarding the history of the driving course that was set and executed From the aforementioned washing machine The computer is configured to function as a history acquisition unit, a history presentation unit that presents the operating courses included in the history information in a way that allows the user to specify them, and an information transmission unit that transmits information about the specified operating course in order to set the operating course specified by the history presentation unit to the washing machine.

[0008] The control method described in this disclosure is The input receiving unit receives input to display the driving course execution history, and when the input receiving unit receives the input, the history acquisition unit, via the server, The washing machine retains historical information regarding the history of the aforementioned operating courses that have been set and executed in the past. From the aforementioned washing machine Steps to obtain, The history display section, The steps include: presenting the driving course included in the history information in a way that allows the user to specify it; The information transmission unit, The system transmits information regarding the specified operating course to set the washing machine to the specified operating course. Transmit information regarding the designated driving course for that purpose. The computer executes the steps.

[0009] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, as well as any conversion of the expressions of this disclosure between methods, apparatus, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also valid forms of this disclosure.

[0010] The washing system, control program, and control method of this disclosure can improve the convenience of the user of the washing machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a washing system according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of a washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an external view of a detergent automatic feeder of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram of a control device of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration and example of internal data of a setting history storage unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a functional configuration diagram of a terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on a display device of the terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a history screen displayed on a display device of the terminal device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of control processing of the washing system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on an operation display unit of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of control processing of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, a more detailed description may be omitted as necessary. For example, a detailed description of already well-known matters or a duplicate description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

[0013] The attached drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims thereby.

[0014] As an embodiment of the present disclosure, a technique for improving the convenience when a user of the washing machine 100 sets an operation course will be described. In the washing system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the control device according to the embodiment acquires the history of the operation courses executed in the washing machine 100, and presents the operation courses included in the acquired history information so that the user can specify them. Then, the control device according to the embodiment causes the washing machine 100 to set the operation course specified by the user. As a result, the user can easily reset the operation course that was set in the washing machine 100 in the past.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.

[0016] [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of Washing System] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the washing system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. The washing system 1 includes a washing machine 100, a terminal device 200, a washing support server 300, and the Internet 2 which is an example of a communication network connecting these devices. The terminal device 200 can execute an application for setting an operation course of the washing machine 100 and the like. The washing support server 300 is a server that supports washing by the washing machine 100.

[0017] The washing machine 100 can set a plurality of operation courses for automatically controlling operations such as a washing process, a rinsing process, a dehydration process, and a drying process. In each operation course, the operation mode of each process is defined by parameters such as time, fabric quantity, water quantity, detergent standard input amount, temperature, drum rotation speed, rotation torque, and rotation pattern. The washing machine 100 receives the designation of an operation course from the user via a user interface such as a touch panel. The washing machine 100 sets the operation course specified by the user and controls each process according to the parameters defined in the set operation course. The washing machine 100 stores the history information of the executed operation courses. The washing machine 100 stores the history information of the executed operation courses.

[0018] The terminal device 200 runs an application that functions as a user interface for specifying the washing machine 100's operating course, etc., in place of or in addition to the washing machine 100's user interface. The terminal device 200 acquires history information stored in the washing machine 100 and presents the operating courses included in the acquired history information so that the user can specify them. The terminal device 200 notifies the washing machine 100 of the operating course specified by the user. The washing machine 100 sets the operating course notified by the terminal device 200. In this way, the operating course specified by the user is set in the washing machine 100 by the terminal device 200. In other words, it can be said that the terminal device 200 also runs an application that functions as a user interface for setting the washing machine 100's operating course, etc. The terminal device 200 may also communicate with the washing machine 100 via the washing support server 300. In this case, the terminal device 200 requests the washing machine 100 to send history information via the washing support server 300, and the washing support server 300 sends the history information received from the washing machine 100 to the terminal device 200. Furthermore, the terminal device 200 notifies the washing support server 300 of the operating course specified by the user, and the washing support server 300 notifies the washing machine 100 of the notified operating course. The terminal device 200 may also communicate directly with the washing machine 100.

[0019] The control device of this disclosure may be built into the washing machine 100 (control device 81 described later), or it may be implemented by an application executed in the terminal device 200. Alternatively, the control device of this disclosure may be implemented by both the control device 81 built into the washing machine 100 and an application executed in the terminal device 200.

[0020] The washing support server 300 provides the washing machine 100 or terminal device 200 with information regarding the washing course. The washing support server 300 also provides the washing machine 100 with data on the washing courses that can be executed by the washing machine 100.

[0021] [1-1-2. Washing machine configuration] Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the washing machine 100 in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. In this embodiment, the vertical direction when the washing machine 100 is installed, as shown in Figure 2, may be described as the up and down direction. Also, the side where the lid 52 of the washing machine 100 is located (left side in Figure 2) may be described as the front side of the washing machine 100, and the opposite side (right side in Figure 2) may be described as the rear side of the washing machine 100.

[0022] In Figure 2, the washing machine 100 is provided with an operation display unit 79 on its upper front, and a washing machine communication unit 230 is provided near the operation display unit 79. The operation display unit 79 is configured as a touch panel with an input device that allows the user to specify (select) modes such as the operating course and various functions, and a display device that shows the information entered into the input device. An input unit 104, such as a power button, is also provided on the upper front of the washing machine housing 41. The user can specify modes such as the operating course and various functions via the operation display unit 79 and the input unit 104.

[0023] A control device 81 is provided in the upper part of the washing machine casing 41.

[0024] A water tank unit 49 is provided inside the washing machine casing 41 of the washing machine 100. The water tank unit 49 comprises a water tank 42, a rotating drum 43, and a first motor 101.

[0025] The water tank 42 is installed inside the washing machine casing 41 so as to be able to swing freely by a suspension structure. The suspension structure consists of a plurality of vibration-damping dampers 51 attached to the lower part of the washing machine casing 41 and a plurality of spring bodies 50 provided between the upper part of the washing machine casing 41 and the water tank 42, and supports the water tank 42 so as to be able to swing freely.

[0026] A cylindrical rotating drum 43 with a bottom is rotatably disposed inside the tank 42. A rotating shaft (rotating center axis) 44 extending horizontally is provided at the rotation center of the rotating drum 43. A first motor 101, located near the rear side of the tank 42, is connected to the rotating shaft 44 via a belt 46. The first motor 101 drives the rotating drum 43 to rotate in either the forward or reverse direction.

[0027] The inner wall surface of the rotating drum 43 is provided with several protruding plates 47 for agitating the laundry, and the outer wall surface of the rotating drum 43 is provided with numerous water passage holes 48.

[0028] Furthermore, the washing machine casing 41 is provided with a casing opening 45 located opposite the clothing inlet / outlet 53 of the rotating drum 43. A lid 52 is provided to cover the casing opening 45 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed. By opening the lid 52, laundry can be loaded into and unloaded from the rotating drum 43 through the clothing inlet / outlet 53.

[0029] Furthermore, the washing machine casing 41 is provided with a water supply path 54 for supplying washing water (for example, tap water) into the water tank 42, and a drainage path 55 for discharging the washing water from the water tank 42 to the outside of the washing machine casing 41.

[0030] The water supply route 54 consists of a first water supply hose 59, a second water supply hose 60, an automatic detergent dispenser 61, and a water inlet hose 62, among other components.

[0031] The first water supply hose 59 is provided with a first water supply valve 57. The second water supply hose 60 is provided with a second water supply valve 58. The automatic detergent dispenser 61 can store a predetermined amount of detergent.

[0032] By opening the first water supply valve 57, water is supplied to the water tank 42 from the first water supply hose 59 through a water inlet (not shown).

[0033] Furthermore, by opening the second water supply valve 58, water flows from the second water supply hose 60 into the automatic detergent dispenser 61, and is supplied into the water tank 42 from the water supply hose 62 along with a predetermined amount of detergent discharged from the detergent valve (not shown) of the automatic detergent dispenser 61.

[0034] The drainage route 55 consists of a drain pipe 64, a filter 65, a drain pump 63, and a drain hose 66.

[0035] The drain pipe 64 is connected to a drain port 95 located in a recess 71 at the bottom of the water tank 42 and to a filter 65. The filter 65 collects lint and other debris from the wash water and is designed to be removable from the outside.

[0036] A heater 72 for heating the wash water is provided in the recess 71, and a temperature detection unit 73 for detecting the temperature of the wash water is provided near the heater 72.

[0037] The drain pump 63 is connected to the filter 65 and the drain hose 66. The drain hose 66 is provided to extend from inside the washing machine casing 41 to the upper outside of the washing machine casing 41. At predetermined timings such as the end of the washing cycle and the end of the rinsing cycle, the drain pump 6 When the 3 is activated, the washing water in the water tank 42 is drained to the outside by passing through the drain pipe 64, filter 65, drain pump 63, and drain hose 66 in that order.

[0038] Furthermore, an air trap 74 is formed on the rear side wall of the bottom of the water tank 42 so as to communicate with the drain pipe 64. The air trap 74 is connected to an air pipe 75, which is connected to a water level detection unit 85 located in the upper part of the washing machine housing 41. The water level detection unit 85 is composed of, for example, a pressure sensor, and detects the water level of the washing water in the water tank 42 based on the water pressure of the washing water inside the water tank 42, that is, the pressure inside the corresponding air trap 74.

[0039] Furthermore, a vibration detection unit 78 is provided on the upper rear of the water tank 42 to detect vibrations of the water tank unit 49. In this embodiment, the vibration detection unit 78 uses an acceleration sensor that detects not only vibrations in one direction but also vibration components in three dimensions: front-to-back (X-axis direction), left-to-right (Y-axis direction), and up-and-down (Z-axis direction).

[0040] Here, each of the three-dimensional axes detected by the vibration detection unit 78 is referred to as a "detection axis." Since the vibration of the actual aquarium unit 49 does not necessarily occur in only one direction, an acceleration sensor that detects vibrations in multiple directions is used as the vibration detection unit 78, enabling high-precision detection of the vibration of the aquarium unit 49. The control device 81 controls the operation based on the detection results of the vibration detection unit 78.

[0041] Figure 3 shows the external appearance of the automatic detergent dispenser 61 of the washing machine 100 according to Embodiment 1. The automatic detergent dispenser 61 comprises three tanks (a first tank 86a, a second tank 86b, and a third tank 86c) capable of storing processing agents, and an automatic dispensing unit 87 that automatically dispenses the processing agents stored in each tank into the water tank 42. The automatic dispensing unit 87 is composed of a piston, cylinder, pump, motor, valve, etc. At least one of the three tanks 86 is capable of changing the type of processing agent stored in it. For example, processing agents such as detergent, neutral detergent, fabric softener, and bleach may be stored in one of the three tanks 86 in a changeable manner. The remaining two of the three tanks 86 may have a predetermined type of processing agent to store in them, or they may be capable of storing any type of processing agent. In the former case, for example, a tank dedicated to detergent and a tank dedicated to fabric softener may be provided.

[0042] Figure 4 shows the functional configuration of the control device 81 of the washing machine 100 according to Embodiment 1. This figure mainly shows the functional configuration for setting the operating course of the washing machine 100. The control device 81 comprises a processing unit 120 and a storage device 160. The storage device 160 may be a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, cloud storage, etc.

[0043] The storage device 160 stores data, programs, parameters, etc., used by the processing device 120. The storage device 160 includes a driving course information storage unit 161, a driving course data storage unit 162, and a setting history storage unit 163.

[0044] The operation course information storage unit 161 stores information about the operation courses that the washing machine 100 can set. For each operation course, the operation course information storage unit 161 stores information such as identification information to uniquely identify the operation course, the name of the operation course, a summary, the required time, the capacity of the items that can be washed, the types of items that can be washed, the types or degree of dirt that can be washed, the priority of the display, and the number of times it can be set.

[0045] The driving course data storage unit 162 stores values ​​of parameters defined in the driving course.

[0046] The setting history storage unit 163 stores information regarding the history of operating courses set in the washing machine 100. The setting history storage unit 163 stores information such as the name of the set operating course, whether or not automatic dispensing of each processing agent stored in the three tanks 86 was performed and the amount dispensed, the date and time of setting, the content of the changed settings, and the content of the optional settings.

[0047] Figure 5 shows the configuration and example of the internal data of the setting history storage unit 163. As shown in Figure 5, the setting history storage unit 163 stores, for each setting history, a number, an operating course name, and an automatic dispensing mode, which is the setting content of the automatic dispensing mode. The number is a history number used to identify each setting history, and in this embodiment, as an example, a series of natural numbers starting from 1 are assigned in the order of registration of the setting history (the execution order of the operating courses). In other words, the number indicates the order in which the operating courses related to each setting history are executed. The operating course name is the name of the set operating course. Identification information for the operating course may be stored in place of, or in addition to, the name of the operating course. The setting content of the automatic dispensing mode includes whether or not automatic dispensing is performed for each of the following: the first tank 86a where detergent is stored, the second tank 86b where fabric softener is stored, and the third tank 86c where neutral detergent is stored. If the type of processing agent stored in at least one of the three tanks 86 can be changed, the type of processing agent that was automatically dispensed may be stored as a setting history. Note that the setting history stored in the setting history storage unit 163 does not necessarily have to include the settings for the automatic filling mode. Figure 5 shows, for example, that in the setting history with the number "1", the operating course name is "Course A", the automatic filling mode is "Enabled" for the first and second tanks, and "Disabled" for the third tank, indicating that automatic filling was performed from the first tank 86a and the second tank 86b.

[0048] The processing unit 120 comprises a display control unit 121, a driving course setting unit 122, an option setting unit 123, a history presentation unit 124, a setting history recording unit 125, a history information transmission unit 126, and a setting information receiving unit 127. These configurations can be implemented hardware-wise using the CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and other LSIs (Large Scale Integration) of any computer. Furthermore, these configurations are implemented software-wise using programs loaded into memory. Figure 4 shows, as an example, the configuration of the processing unit 120 implemented through the cooperation of hardware and software, using functional blocks. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be implemented in various ways using hardware alone or a combination of hardware and software. Note that the program executed by the CPU is not limited to those pre-recorded in memory; it may also be recorded and provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, or provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet 2.

[0049] The display control unit 121 generates a display screen to be shown on the operation display unit 79 and displays it on the operation display unit 79.

[0050] The driving course setting unit 122 receives a driving course specification from the user via the operation display unit 79, reads the data for the specified driving course from the driving course data holding unit 162, and sets it.

[0051] The option setting unit 123 receives the user's specification of options that can be set in the operating course. The option setting unit 123 receives the user's request to set whether or not to automatically dispense the processing agent stored in the three tanks 86 and the amount to be dispensed. Furthermore, the option setting unit 123 receives the user's request to set the time, number of cycles, water level, water temperature, etc. for the washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying processes.

[0052] The history display unit 124 displays the operation code included in the history information stored in the setting history holding unit 163. The user can specify the desired driving course, which is displayed on the operation display unit 79. Although the history display unit 124 is shown here to display the history on the operation display unit 79, it may also be displayed on the operation display unit 79 via the display control unit 121. When the user selects one of the driving courses displayed on the operation display unit 79, the driving course setting unit 122 reads the data for the selected driving course from the driving course data holding unit 162 and sets it.

[0053] The setting history recording unit 125 records information regarding the set operating course and automatic dispensing of processing agents in the setting history holding unit 163. The setting history holding unit 163 may store the setting history of a predetermined number of operating courses. In this case, if the number of times the operating course has been set exceeds the predetermined number, the setting history recording unit 125 may overwrite the oldest setting history stored in the setting history holding unit 163 with the latest setting history. If the same operating course as an operating course already stored in the setting history holding unit 163 is set, the setting history recording unit 125 may record the duplicate operating course as a separate setting history in the setting history holding unit 163, or it may omit recording the duplicate operating course. The setting history recording unit 125 may further record relevant information such as the day of the week, weather conditions, and the user's schedule when the operating course was set in the setting history holding unit 163. The setting history recording unit 125 may further record information in the setting history holding unit 163 indicating whether the operating course was set by the operation display unit 79 of the washing machine 100 or by the terminal device 200.

[0054] The history information transmission unit 126 transmits history information, including the setting history of the operating course held in the setting history retention unit 163, to the terminal device 200 via the washing support server 300. The history information transmission unit 126 may transmit history information when requested by the terminal device 200 or the washing support server 300, or it may transmit history information periodically at predetermined timings, for example, at predetermined time intervals. As described above, the history information includes the setting history (see Figure 5), but it may also include other information, such as information related to time (for example, the date).

[0055] The setting information receiving unit 127 receives setting information transmitted from the terminal device 200, which includes information on the driving course and options specified by the user, and sets the driving course and options included in the setting information. The setting information receiving unit 127 may also receive driving course identification information as information indicating the specified driving course. In this case, the setting information receiving unit 127 refers to the driving course information holding unit 161 and identifies and sets the driving course from the received identification information.

[0056] [1-1-3. Terminal Device Configuration] Figure 6 shows the functional configuration of the terminal device 200 according to Embodiment 1. This figure mainly shows the functional configuration for setting the operating course of the washing machine 100 among the applications executed in the terminal device 200. The terminal device 200 includes a communication device 201, an input device 202, a display device 203, a processing device 220, and a storage device 260. The terminal device 200 may be a terminal device such as a personal computer, a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone terminal, smartphone, or tablet terminal, or a home terminal, television receiver, or in-vehicle equipment.

[0057] The communication device 201 controls communication with other devices. The communication device 201 may communicate using any communication method, such as wired or wireless. The input device 202 transmits instructions from the user of the terminal device 200 to the processing device 220. The input device 202 may be a mouse, keyboard, touchpad, etc. The display device 203 displays the screen generated by the processing device 220. The display device 203 may be a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, etc. The input device 202 and the display device 203 may be implemented as a touch panel.

[0058] The storage device 260 stores programs, data, etc., used by the processing device 220. The storage device 260 may be semiconductor memory, a hard disk, cloud storage, or the like.

[0059] The processing unit 220 comprises a display control unit 221, a driving course reception unit 222, a history acquisition unit 223, a history presentation unit 224, a setting information transmission unit 225, and a driving course registration unit 226. These configurations can be implemented hardware-wise using the CPU, memory, and other LSIs of any computer, and software-wise using programs loaded into memory. Figure 6 shows, as an example, the configuration of the processing unit 220 implemented through the cooperation of hardware and software, using functional blocks. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be implemented in various ways using hardware alone or a combination of hardware and software. The program executed by the CPU is not limited to those pre-recorded in memory; it may also be recorded and provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, or provided via a telecommunication line such as the Internet.

[0060] The display control unit 221 generates a display screen to be shown on the display device 203 and displays it on the display device 203.

[0061] The operation course reception unit 222 receives the user's specification of the operation course to be executed by the washing machine 100. The operation course reception unit 222 displays information on the configurable operation courses on the display device 203 and receives the specification from the user via the input device 202. Although it is stated here that the operation course reception unit 222 displays on the display device 203, it may also be displayed on the display device 203 via the display control unit 221.

[0062] The history acquisition unit 223 acquires history information, including the history of the operating courses executed in the washing machine 100. The history acquisition unit 223 requests the washing support server 300 to acquire history information, and acquires the history information from the washing support server 300, which has acquired the history information from the washing machine 100. The history acquisition unit 223 may also acquire history information directly from the washing machine 100. The history acquisition unit 223 may acquire history information when displaying the history information, or it may acquire history information at a predetermined timing. In the former case, the latest history information can be acquired, and the communication load can be reduced. In the latter case, the display speed can be improved.

[0063] The history display unit 224 displays the driving course included in the history information acquired by the history acquisition unit 223 on the display device 203 so that the user can select it. Although it is stated here that the history display unit 224 displays on the display device 203, it may also be displayed on the display device 203 via the display control unit 221. When the user selects one of the driving courses displayed on the display device 203, the driving course reception unit 222 accepts the user's selection of the driving course.

[0064] The operating courses may include terminal-operable courses that can be set on the washing machine 100 from the terminal device 200, and terminal-unoperable courses that cannot be set on the washing machine 100 from the terminal device 200. Terminal-unoperable courses include, for example, operating courses that use a treatment agent that is not currently stored in the three tanks 86, operating courses that require a specific treatment agent that needs to be manually added, operating courses that finish operating in less than a predetermined time, operating courses that require prior settings for the washing machine 100, courses that should not accept settings from the terminal device 200 due to functional or manufacturing reasons of the washing machine 100, and courses that require the washing machine 100 to download the operating course data. The history display unit 224 may display all operating courses included in the history information, regardless of whether they are terminal-operable or not. The history display unit 224 may present terminal-unoperable courses in a different manner than terminal-operable courses. Specifically, terminal-unoperable courses and terminal-operable courses may be displayed with at least one of the following differences, for example, the color, font, size, and background color of the text.

[0065] The setting information transmission unit 225 transmits setting information, including information about the specified operating course, to the washing machine 100 via the washing support server 300, in order to cause the washing course reception unit 222 to set the washing machine 100 to the operating course specified by the user.

[0066] Specifically, if the operating course specified by the user is a course that allows terminal operation, the setting information transmission unit 225 transmits setting information to the washing machine 100 via the washing support server 300, instructing the washing machine 100 to execute the operating course specified by the user. If the operating course specified by the user is a course that does not allow terminal operation, the setting information transmission unit 225 does not instruct the washing machine 100 to execute the operating course specified by the user. In other words, if it is a course that does not allow terminal operation, the setting information transmission unit 225 does not transmit setting information.

[0067] The configuration information transmission unit 225 may transmit identification information for a driving course as information indicating a specified driving course. In this case, the terminal device 200 maintains a correspondence between multiple driving courses and identification information for uniquely identifying each driving course. The configuration information transmission unit 225 refers to the correspondence between driving courses and identification information and transmits the identification information for the specified driving course.

[0068] The operating course registration unit 226 registers operating courses customized by the user. The operating course registration unit 226 receives the content and name of a new operating course from the user and transmits it to the washing machine 100 via the washing support server 300. The washing machine 100 registers the received operating course information in the operating course information holding unit 161 and the operating course data holding unit 162. Operating courses registered by the user can be set by the operating course setting unit 122 of the washing machine 100, just like existing operating courses, and can also be set by the operating course reception unit 222 of the terminal device 200. In addition, when an operating course registered by the user is executed, the setting history is recorded in the setting history holding unit 163 and displayed on the display device 203 so that the user can specify it by the history display unit 224. The washing machine 100 may also have an operating course registration function. In this case, the control device 81 of the washing machine 100 further includes an operating course registration unit that registers operating courses customized by the user.

[0069] Figure 7 shows an example of a display screen shown on the display device 203 of the terminal device 200 according to Embodiment 1. The display screen shown in Figure 7 is the top screen 400 that is displayed after the application for setting the operating course of the washing machine 100 is launched in the terminal device 200. The top screen 400 displays areas 401 to 403 and buttons 404 and 405. Area 401 is an area for receiving the specification of the type of operating course. Area 402 is an area for receiving settings related to the automatic dispensing of processing agents. Area 403 is an area for setting the execution time of the operating course. Button 404 is a button for displaying the execution history of the operating course. Button 405 is a button for starting the execution of the specified operating course.

[0070] Area 401 displays a scrolling display of different wash cycles: one for washing, one for washing and drying, and one for drying only. Area 402 displays the types of treatment agents stored in each of the three tanks 86, and allows the user to set whether or not to automatically dispense each agent. When button 405 is pressed, the wash cycle reception unit 222 accepts the specified wash cycle and the setting for automatic dispensing of treatment agents. The setting information transmission unit 225 transmits the setting information to the washing machine 100 via the wash support server 300.

[0071] When button 404 is pressed, the history acquisition unit 223 acquires history information. 224 transitions to the history screen, which displays the history information.

[0072] Figure 8 shows an example of a history screen 410 displayed on the display device 203 of the terminal device 200 according to Embodiment 1. The history screen 410 displays the history 411 of the operating courses executed by the washing machine 100. Each history 411a, 411b, 411c, and 411d displays the name of the operating course, the type of operating course (wash only, wash and dry, dry only), and the setting of the automatic dispensing mode. The setting of the automatic dispensing mode indicates whether automatic dispensing is performed for the first tank 86a where detergent is stored, the second tank 86b where fabric softener is stored, and the third tank 86c where neutral detergent is stored. Note that the operating course history 411 does not necessarily have to include the setting of the automatic dispensing mode. When button 405 is pressed with one of the multiple operating courses displayed on the history screen 410 selected, the operating course reception unit 222 accepts the type of operating course selected. The setting information transmission unit 225 transmits the setting information to the washing machine 100 via the washing support server 300. Furthermore, if one of the multiple operating courses displayed on the history screen 410 is selected, the top screen 400 shown in Figure 7 may be displayed with the settings of the selected operating course reflected. In that case, after the automatic dispensing of the processing agent, the execution time of the operating course, etc., are set or changed as necessary, the setting information may be transmitted when button 405 is pressed.

[0073] If the history information includes information on option settings in addition to the type of cycle performed by the washing machine 100, this information may be displayed on the history screen 410. Option setting information includes the amount of automatic processing agent dispensed, the time, number of cycles, water level, and water temperature for the washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying processes, as well as the settings information when the cycle was performed. In this case, the setting information transmission unit 225 may transmit setting information that includes these option settings when transmitting the setting information. Alternatively, the setting information transmission unit 225 may transmit setting information with the option settings returned to the default settings, or it may transmit setting information that includes the option settings received from the user.

[0074] If the same driving course is included multiple times in the history information, the history display unit 224 may display the same driving course multiple times or only once. In the former case, it is easier to find driving courses that have been executed multiple times. In the latter case, the number of different types of driving courses that can be displayed simultaneously can be increased.

[0075] The history display unit 224 may display driving courses in an order corresponding to the frequency of driving courses included in the history information. For example, the history display unit 224 may display driving courses in order of frequency of driving courses included in the history information. This makes it easier to set driving courses that are executed frequently.

[0076] The history display unit 224 may determine the display order of the driving courses included in the history information based on relevant information such as the date and time, day of the week, weather conditions, and the user's schedule when the driving course was executed. The history display unit 224 may also prioritize displaying driving courses executed under conditions similar to the current situation. For example, if the current weather is rainy, the history display unit 224 may prioritize displaying driving courses executed on rainy days among the driving courses included in the history information. Also, if the user was out the previous day, the history display unit may prioritize displaying driving courses executed after the user left the house among the driving courses included in the history information. This makes it possible to prioritize displaying driving courses that are likely to be set by the user.

[0077] The history display unit 224 may classify driving courses using machine learning based on relevant information when the driving courses included in the history information were executed, and may prioritize displaying driving courses that are appropriate to the situation. For example, if the trend in setting driving courses differs from day to day, the history information may be included The system may prioritize displaying driving routes that are suitable for the day of the week. This allows for the display of driving routes that are most likely to be selected by the user.

[0078] The history display unit 224 may display information indicating whether the operating course included in the history information was set by the operation display unit 79 of the washing machine 100 or by the terminal device 200. The history display unit 224 may display the operating courses set by the operation display unit 79 of the washing machine 100 and the operating courses set by the terminal device 200 separately. For example, there may be a button for displaying the operating course set by the operation display unit 79 of the washing machine 100 and a button for displaying the operating course set by the terminal device 200. Alternatively, the history display unit 224 may display the operating courses set by the operation display unit 79 of the washing machine 100 and the operating courses set by the terminal device 200 on separate tabs. The history information may include information indicating whether it was set by the operation display unit 79 of the washing machine 100 or by the terminal device 200, or the washing machine 100 and the terminal device 200 may each maintain history information separately. In the latter case, the terminal device 200 may further include a setting history recording unit and a setting history holding unit.

[0079] [1-2. Operation] The operation and function of the washing system 1, configured as described above, will be explained below.

[0080] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the control process of the washing system 1 according to Embodiment 1. When the application is started on the terminal device 200 (step S10), the display control unit 221 displays the top screen 400 on the display device 203 (step S12). When the button 404 for displaying the execution history of the washing course is pressed (step S14), the history acquisition unit 223 requests the washing support server 300 to acquire history information (step S16). The washing support server 300 requests the washing machine 100 to acquire history information (step S18). The history information transmission unit 126 of the washing machine 100 transmits history information, including the setting history stored in the setting history holding unit 163, to the washing support server 300 (step S20). The washing support server 300 transmits the history information received from the washing machine 100 to the terminal device 200 (step S22). The history display unit 224 of the terminal device 200 displays the operating course included in the history information received from the washing support server 300 on the display device 203 so that the user can specify it (step S24).

[0081] When the user selects one of the operating courses displayed on the display device 203, the operating course reception unit 222 accepts the user's selection of the operating course (step S30). The setting information transmission unit 225 transmits setting information, including the operating course information that the operating course reception unit 222 has received from the user, to the washing support server 300 (step S32). If the operating course is selected from the history information, the setting information transmission unit 225 may also transmit the history number or operating course identification information to the washing support server 300. The washing support server 300 transmits the setting information received from the terminal device 200 to the washing machine 100 (step S34). If the washing support server 300 has received the history number or operating course identification information from the terminal device 200, it may also transmit the history number or operating course identification information to the washing machine 100. Alternatively, the washing support server 300 may transmit to the washing machine 100 the name of the operating course corresponding to the history number or operating course identification information, and the settings for the automatic dispensing modes of each of the three tanks 86.

[0082] The above describes the case where the terminal device 200 accepts the selection of a driving course from the history information, but the same applies when the washing machine 100 accepts the selection of a driving course from the history information.

[0083] Figure 10 shows the display screen displayed on the operation display unit 79 of the washing machine 100 according to Embodiment 1. An example is shown. The display screen shown in Figure 10 is the top screen 500 that is displayed after the power button of the washing machine 100 is turned on. The top screen 500 always displays a header area 505. The header area 505 includes a menu button 501, a top screen button 502, a search button 503, and a notification button 504. The menu button 501 is a button for transitioning to the menu screen. The top screen button 502 is a button for transitioning to the top screen 500 when a screen other than the top screen 500 is displayed. The search button 503 is a button for transitioning to the operating course search screen. The notification button 504 is a button for displaying notifications to the user. When each button in the header area 505 is pressed, content corresponding to the pressed button is displayed. Note that the header area 505 is not limited to the top screen 500, but may also be displayed on screens other than the top screen 500.

[0084] The history display unit 124 displays the history 506 of the operating courses executed in the washing machine 100 on the top screen 500. Each history entry 506a, 506b, and 506c displays the name of the operating course, the type of operating course (wash only, wash and dry, dry only), and the setting of the automatic dispensing mode. The setting of the automatic dispensing mode indicates whether automatic dispensing is performed for the first tank 86a where detergent is stored, the second tank 86b where fabric softener is stored, and the third tank 86c where neutral detergent is stored. When one of the operating courses displayed in the history 506 is selected, the operating course setting unit 122 sets the selected operating course.

[0085] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the control process procedure for the washing machine 100 according to Embodiment 1. When the washing machine 100 is powered on (step S50), the display control unit 121 displays the top screen 500 on the operation display unit 79 (step S52). The history display unit 124 displays the history of operating courses 506 on the top screen 500 (step S54). When one of the operating courses displayed in the history 506 is selected, the operating course setting unit 122 accepts and sets the selected operating course (step S56). The setting history recording unit 125 records the set operating course and information regarding the automatic dispensing of processing agents in the setting history holding unit 163 (step S58).

[0086] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the terminal device 200 is an example of a control device in this disclosure and comprises a drive course reception unit 222, a history acquisition unit 223, and a history presentation unit 224. The drive course reception unit 222 receives a request from the user to specify a drive course to be executed by the washing machine 100. The history acquisition unit 223 acquires history information including the history of drive courses executed by the washing machine 100. The history presentation unit 224 presents the drive courses included in the history information acquired by the history acquisition unit 223 so that the user can specify them. In addition, in this embodiment, the control device 81 comprises a drive course setting unit 122 and a history presentation unit 124. The drive course setting unit 122 receives a request from the user to specify a drive course to be executed by the washing machine 100. The history presentation unit 124 acquires history information including the history of drive courses executed by the washing machine 100 and presents the drive courses included in the acquired history information so that the user can specify them. Here, the drive course setting unit 122 corresponds to an example of a drive course reception unit in this disclosure. Furthermore, the history display unit 124 corresponds to the history acquisition unit and the history display unit in this disclosure. As a result, the user can easily reset the operating course previously set on the washing machine 100, so that the terminal device 200 and the control device 81 can improve the convenience of the user of the washing machine 100.

[0087] In this embodiment, the terminal device 200 causes the washing machine 100 to set the operating course specified by the user, as requested by the operating course reception unit 222. In this embodiment, the operating course setting unit 122 sets the washing machine 100 to the operating course specified by the user. This allows the user to easily select an operating course previously set on the washing machine 100. Since it can be reset, the terminal device 200 and the control device 81 can improve the convenience of the user of the washing machine 100.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal device 200 and the washing machine 100 maintain a correspondence between multiple operating courses and identification information for uniquely identifying each operating course. The terminal device 200 notifies the washing machine 100 of the identification information of the operating course specified by the operating course reception unit 222 from the user. This allows the terminal device 200 to reduce the amount of communication between the terminal device 200 and the washing machine 100.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the washing machine 100 has a function to automatically dispense one or more processing agents into the water tank 42 during the execution of a cycle, and the history information includes information regarding the automatic dispensing of processing agents. As a result, the automatic dispensing of processing agents can be easily reset in conjunction with the cycle, thereby improving the convenience of the user of the washing machine 100.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information regarding the automatic dispensing of the treatment agent is setting information regarding whether or not the treatment agent is automatically dispensed. This allows for easy resetting of whether or not the treatment agent is automatically dispensed in conjunction with the operating course, thereby improving the convenience of the user of the washing machine 100.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the washing machine 100 is equipped with three tanks 86 for storing each of the three treatment agents, and the history information includes information regarding the automatic dispensing of each of the treatment agents stored in the three tanks 86. This makes it easy to reset the automatic dispensing of the treatment agents stored in the three tanks 86 in conjunction with the operating course, thereby improving the convenience of the user of the washing machine 100 through the terminal device 200 and the control device 81.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the history information includes the execution history of the operating courses registered by the user. This allows the operating courses registered by the user to be easily reset, thereby improving the convenience of the user of the washing machine 100.

[0093] In this embodiment, the control program also functions the terminal device 200 as an operation course reception unit 222, a history acquisition unit 223, and a history presentation unit 224. The operation course reception unit 222 receives a request from the user to specify an operation course to be executed by the washing machine 100. The history acquisition unit 223 acquires history information, including the history of operation courses executed by the washing machine 100. The history presentation unit 224 presents the operation courses included in the history information acquired by the history acquisition unit 223 so that the user can specify one. In this embodiment, the control program also functions the control device 81 as an operation course setting unit 122 and a history presentation unit 124. The operation course setting unit 122 receives a request from the user to specify an operation course to be executed by the washing machine 100. The history presentation unit 124 acquires history information, including the history of operation courses executed by the washing machine 100, and presents the operation courses included in the acquired history information so that the user can specify one. This allows the user to easily reset the operating course previously set on the washing machine 100. Thus, these control programs enable the terminal device 200 and the control device 81 to improve the user convenience of the washing machine 100.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control method causes the terminal device 200 or control device 81 to perform the step of acquiring history information, including the history of operating courses performed by the washing machine 100. Furthermore, the control method causes the terminal device 200 or control device 81 to perform the step of presenting the operating courses included in the acquired history information in a way that the user can specify. Furthermore, the control method The terminal device 200 or control device 81 is instructed to perform a step in which the user specifies the operating course to be executed by the washing machine 100. This allows the user to easily reset the operating course that was previously set on the washing machine 100, and these control methods allow the terminal device 200 or control device 81 to improve the convenience of the user of the washing machine 100.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the washing machine 100 includes a rotating drum 43, which is an example of a storage unit in this disclosure, a history information transmission unit 126, and a setting information receiving unit 127. The rotating drum 43 accommodates the items to be washed. The history information transmission unit 126 transmits history information, including the history of the operating courses, to a terminal device 200 that receives a user's specification of an operating course for washing the items to be washed stored in the rotating drum 43. The setting information receiving unit 127 receives setting information, including the operating course specified by the user, from the terminal device 200 and sets it. As a result, the user can easily reset the operating course that was previously set in the washing machine 100, thus improving the convenience of the user.

[0096] As described above, embodiments have been explained as examples of the technology in this disclosure. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in the above embodiments.

[0097] In this disclosure, an example of displaying operating course information by a control device has been described in the embodiments. This is just one example, and the display of operating courses in this disclosure is not limited to screen display; for example, it may also be done by audio output from a speaker or the like. In this case, operating courses that cannot be set on the washing machine in this disclosure may be output by audio in a different manner from the operating courses that can be set on the washing machine in this disclosure. Specifically, operating courses that cannot be set on the washing machine in this disclosure and operating courses that can be set on the washing machine in this disclosure may be output by audio with at least one of the following characteristics changed, for example, volume, frequency, etc. The user may be allowed to select whether the method of displaying operating courses is by screen display or by audio output.

[0098] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the user's selection of the driving course is described in the embodiment as being made by selecting from the operation display unit 79 or the input unit 104. This is just one example, and the user's selection of the driving course in this disclosure may also be made by voice input via a microphone or the like.

[0099] Furthermore, although the embodiments described in this disclosure describe three tanks 86 as the multiple tanks provided by the control device, the number of multiple tanks in this disclosure does not have to be three; it could be two, four or more. It should be noted that providing multiple tanks is not a mandatory requirement for the control device in this disclosure; the control device in this disclosure does not have to have tanks, or it may have only one tank instead of multiple tanks. [Industrial applicability]

[0100] This disclosure can be used to control various types of washing machines (e.g., top-loading washing machines, front-loading washing machines, twin-tub washing machines, etc.). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 1. Washing System 2. Internet 41 Washing machine casing 42 aquariums 43 RPM drum 44 Rotation axis 45 Enclosure opening 46 belts 47 Projection plate 48 Water passage holes 49 Aquarium Unit 50 spring body 51 Vibration damper 52 Lid 53 Clothing entrance 54 Water supply routes 55 Drainage routes 57 First water supply valve 58 Second water supply valve 59. First water supply hose 60 Second water supply hose 61 Automatic detergent dispenser 62 Water Injection Hose 63 Drainage pump 64 Drain pipe 65 filters 66 Drain hose 71 recess 72 Heater 73 Temperature detection unit 74 Air Trap 75 Air tube 78 Vibration detection unit 79 Operation display section 81 Control device 85 Water level detection unit 86 Three tanks 86a Tank No. 1 86b Second Tank 86c Third Tank 87 Automatic feeding unit 95 Drain port 100 Washing Machines 101 First motor 104 Input section 120 Processing Units 121 Display Control Unit 122 Driving course setting section 123 Option Settings Section 124 History Display Section 125 Setting History Recording Section 126 History Information Transmission Unit 127 Configuration Information Receiving Unit 160 Storage device 161 Driving course information storage unit 162 Driving course data storage unit 163 Setting history retention unit 200 terminal devices 201 Communication equipment 202 Input device 203 Display device 220 Processing Units 221 Display Control Unit 222 Driving Course Reception Desk 223 History Acquisition Section 224 History Display Section 225 Configuration Information Transmission Unit 226 Driving Course Registration Section 230 Washing Machine Communications Department 260 Storage device 300 Laundry Support Server 400 Top screen 401 area 402 area 403 area 404 button 405 button 410 History screen 411 History 411a History 411b History 411c History 411d History 500 Top screen 501 Menu button 502 Top screen button 503 Search button 504 Notification Button 505 Header area 506 History 506a History 506b History 506c History

Claims

1. A washing system comprising a washing machine that controls each process according to a set operating course, a terminal device, and a server, The aforementioned washing machine, A driving course setting unit that sets a specified driving course, A setting history holding unit that holds historical information regarding the history of the driving course that has been set and executed, A receiving unit that receives information regarding the driving course specified by the terminal device, Equipped with, The aforementioned terminal device is A history acquisition unit that acquires the history information held by the setting history holding unit of the washing machine, A history display unit that presents the driving course included in the history information in a way that allows the user to specify it, An information transmission unit that transmits information regarding the driving course specified by the history display unit, An input receiving unit that receives input to cause the history display unit to display the execution history of the driving course, Equipped with, When the terminal device receives input from the input receiving unit to cause the history display unit to display the execution history of the operating course, it obtains the history information held by the setting history holding unit from the washing machine via the server, and presents the operating course included in the history information to the history display unit so that the user can specify it. Laundry system.

2. The history display unit of the terminal device displays the operating course included in the history information of the washing machine acquired by the history acquisition unit. The washing machine's operation course setting unit sets the operation course specified in the history display unit. The washing machine controls the operation of each process according to the set operating course. The washing system according to claim 1.

3. When the terminal device receives input to display the execution history of the driving course, it requests the transmission of the history information. When the washing machine is requested to transmit the history information, it transmits the history information. The washing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The washing machine includes a history information transmission unit that transmits the history information, The history information transmission unit transmits the history information to the server at a predetermined timing. The washing system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. An input receiving unit that receives input for displaying the execution history of a driving course, When the input receiving unit receives the input, the history acquisition unit acquires from the washing machine, via the server, history information held by the washing machine regarding the history of the operation course that has been set and executed in the past. A history display unit that presents the driving course included in the history information in a way that allows the user to specify it, An information transmission unit transmits information regarding the specified operating course in order to set the operating course specified by the history display unit to the washing machine, A control program that enables a computer to function.

6. The steps include: an input receiving unit receiving input to indicate the execution history of the operating course; and when the input receiving unit receives the input, a history acquisition unit acquiring from the washing machine, via a server, history information held by the washing machine relating to the history of the operating course being set and executed in the past; The history display unit presents the driving course included in the history information in a way that allows the user to specify it, The information transmission unit transmits information regarding the specified operating course to set the washing machine to the specified operating course, A control method for making a computer execute something.

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