Home appliance management system
The home appliance management system addresses tracking phenomena by sending timely maintenance messages based on log data, ensuring users can act on them regardless of their location, thus preventing fires and reducing noise disturbances.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HITACHI GLOBAL LIFE SOLUTIONS INC
- Filing Date
- 2023-01-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-16
Smart Images
Figure 0007891429000001 
Figure 0007891429000002 
Figure 0007891429000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for managing household electrical appliances. In particular, it relates to a technology for notifying maintenance for preventing or suppressing the occurrence of dirt, tracking phenomenon, etc.
Background Art
[0002] Currently, various household electrical appliances are used in homes and the like. Such household electrical appliances may have problems such as deterioration and failure due to use and aging. In addition to problems with the household electrical appliances themselves, a tracking phenomenon may occur. The tracking phenomenon is a phenomenon in which dust accumulating in the gap between the socket and the power plug absorbs moisture and becomes in a state where it is easily energized, and finally short-circuits and catches fire.
[0003] Regarding countermeasures against such a tracking phenomenon, Patent Document 1 has been proposed. In Patent Document 1, in an electric washing machine 1 which is a type of household electrical appliance, "a power plug 3 is integrally formed at the tip of a power cord 2, and at the other end, when the power plug 3 is inserted into a power socket, a microcomputer 5 starts counting, and when a preset time elapses, the electric washing machine 1 is made inoperable or continues to emit an alarm sound, and when the power plug 3 is unplugged, a control for resetting can be performed, and it is connected to a control board 4" is disclosed. As a result, Patent Document 1 describes that "by the act of unplugging the power plug from the power socket, it is possible to prompt the user to clean the dust adhering to the power plug, and thus the tracking phenomenon can be prevented."
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] In Patent Document 1, the electric washing machine 1 itself emits an alarm sound, so if the user is not nearby, they cannot hear the alarm sound. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, it is necessary for the alarm sound to continue emitting until the user approaches the electric washing machine 1. In particular, if the electric washing machine 1 is used in an apartment building, the alarm sound will be a nuisance to the neighbors. Therefore, the present invention aims to make it easier for the user to check messages (notifications) regarding maintenance to prevent or suppress the occurrence of tracking phenomena, etc., even when they are away from the home appliance. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention enables a user terminal used by users of home appliances to output a message regarding the prevention or suppression of tracking phenomena, etc., according to time conditions related to the use of the home appliances. This message includes methods for preventing or suppressing tracking phenomena, etc.
[0007] More specifically, in a home appliance management system that includes a user terminal and a home appliance management device for managing home appliances, A storage unit that stores log data about the operation of the home appliance, time conditions that indicate the temporal conditions for creating and outputting messages for the home appliance, a first message condition that indicates a predetermined period common to multiple home appliances, time condition information having a predetermined starting point for the home appliance and a second message condition that includes a period from the predetermined starting point, a storage unit that stores equipment management information having type, timing and content for each home appliance, and the log data A log data collection unit that collects data on the use of the home appliances The aforementioned time condition information indicates If the time conditions are met, a message regarding the maintenance of the home appliance will be sent based on the log data. The first message is created at a common timing for each type of home appliance, and the second message is created at a timing specific to each individual home appliance. The message creation section to be created, The first message and the second message are sent at independent timings according to the timing of the device management information. It has an output unit that outputs. The log data collection unit matches the predetermined operating time indicated by the log data with the first message condition and the second message condition to update the timing of the equipment management information. The message creation unit checks for the presence of log data from the predetermined period prior if the first message condition is met. The output unit outputs an error notification indicating that the log data could not be acquired if there is no log data from the predetermined period prior. The message creation unit creates the first message if there is log data from the predetermined period prior. This is a home appliance management system.
[0008] Furthermore, the present invention also includes user terminals, home appliance management devices, and home appliances, or combinations thereof of each. Moreover, the present invention also includes programs for operating the user terminal and home appliance management device, which are computers. Furthermore, the home appliance management device may also include home appliances. [Effects of the Invention]
[0009] According to the present invention, users can more easily confirm messages regarding the prevention or suppression of tracking phenomena, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0010] [Figure 1] This is a system configuration diagram of a home appliance management system in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram of a home appliance in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a hardware configuration diagram of a user terminal in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a hardware configuration diagram of a home appliance management device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows user management information used in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows the log data used in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows the time condition information used in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows equipment management information used in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] This is a flowchart showing the configuration process in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] This is a flowchart showing the message notification process in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a display screen for displaying a periodic inspection message in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a display screen for displaying individual messages in one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a message regarding prevention or suppression of tracking phenomena or the like occurring between the power plug of a household electrical appliance and the outlet in the home is provided. Note that the message regarding prevention or suppression of tracking phenomena or the like includes at least either an explanation of the tracking phenomenon or a countermeasure for preventing or suppressing this phenomenon. And the countermeasures include at least one of inspection, maintenance, cleaning, replacement, etc.
[0012] <Configuration> First, the configuration of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of the household electrical appliance management system in this embodiment. In FIG. 1, the household electrical appliance management system has a user terminal 10 and a household electrical appliance management device 20, and these are connected via a household electrical appliance group 30 which is the management target, a router 40, and a network 50. Note that in this embodiment, the household electrical appliance groups 30-1 and 30-2 in a plurality of areas (for example, in the home) are targeted. For this reason, it is assumed that the user terminals 10-1 and 10-2 and the routers 40-1 and 40-2 are also used in each area. Also, the household electrical appliance group 30-2 includes a refrigerator 31-2 and the like.
[0013] Also, the user terminal 10 and the household electrical appliance group 30 may be directly connected using short-range wireless communication or the like. Further, the connection between the user terminal 10, the household electrical appliance group 30 and the router 40, the network 50 may be either a wired connection or a wireless connection. Note that since each of the user terminals 10-1 and 10-2, the household electrical appliance groups 30-1 and 30-2, and the routers 40-1 and 40-2 has the same kind of functions in this embodiment, the functions will be described using the user terminal 10-1, the household electrical appliance group 30-1, and the router 40-1 respectively. At this time, these reference numerals are described as 10, 30, and 40 respectively. Also, regarding the household electrical appliance groups 30-1 and 30-2, the number thereof may be different in each area, or different household electrical appliances may be used. Further, the number of household electrical appliances constituting the household electrical appliance group 30 may be one or more.
[0014] Hereinafter, each of these devices will be described. First, the home appliance group 30 that is the management target of this embodiment will be described. The home appliance group 30 is assumed to be used in one area. In addition, the home appliance group 30 of this embodiment includes a refrigerator 31, a microwave oven 32, an air conditioner 33, and a washing machine 34. However, these are examples, and some of them can be omitted, and the home appliances can also be added. Each of these home appliances has a communication function such as short-range wireless communication in addition to various functions such as a refrigeration function, a cooking function, an air conditioning function, and a washing / drying function.
[0015] Here, the configuration of the home appliance will be described. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the home appliance in this embodiment. This block diagram represents each home appliance. As shown in FIG. 2, the home appliance has a control unit 301, a communication unit 304, a display operation panel 305, an operating unit 306, and a sensor 307. And these are connected to each other via a communication path. Hereinafter, each configuration will be described.
[0016] First, the control unit 301 has a control signal creation unit 302 and a log data acquisition unit 303. That is, the control unit 301 creates and outputs a control signal for realizing the functions of the home appliance such as washing, controls the operation of the home appliance, and acquires log data regarding the operation of the home appliance. Here, the log data acquisition unit 303 acquires log data from at least one of the operating unit 306, the sensor 307, the control signal creation unit 302, and the communication unit 304. Note that the sensor 307 is not essential and can be omitted. Further, a message creation unit may be provided in the control unit 301 to create a message regarding maintenance based on the log data.
[0017] In addition, the control unit 301 can be realized by an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), and each of the control signal creation unit 302 and the log data acquisition unit 303 can be realized by software such as dedicated hardware or a program. Note that the log data is data regarding the operation of the corresponding home appliance. For example, the log data includes at least any of the events exemplified below. Operating data of home appliances (operating time, operating content), environment (temperature, etc.), start of use timing (i.e., the timing of initial log data acquisition), manufacturing timing, purchase timing, sales timing, timing of pairing with user terminal 10, and errors.
[0018] Furthermore, the communication unit 304 has communication and short-range wireless communication functions via the router 40 and network 50. The communication unit 304 also outputs acquired log data and receives control instructions and log data collection instructions from user terminals 10 and the like. If a message creation unit is provided in the control unit 301, it is desirable that the communication unit 304 outputs messages and receives message creation instructions.
[0019] Furthermore, the display and operation panel 305 accepts user commands for the home appliance and outputs messages regarding the operation status and maintenance of the home appliance. These commands for the home appliance include pairing instructions with the user terminal 10 using the aforementioned short-range wireless communication function.
[0020] Furthermore, the operating unit 306 performs various functions according to the control from the control unit 301. For this purpose, for example, control signals created by the control signal creation unit 302 are used. The functions to be performed include refrigeration, cooking, air conditioning, washing and drying, etc., and can be realized by compressors, electric blowers, motors, actuators, etc. In addition, the sensor 307 can be realized by thermometers, illuminometers, cameras, etc. This sensor 307 detects the plugging and unplugging of the power plug of the home appliance, the temperature inside the refrigerator 31, and the opening and closing of the door, etc.
[0021] In this embodiment, the creation and output of messages, including maintenance instructions for preventing or suppressing tracking phenomena in home appliances, are performed by the home appliance management system. However, at least a portion of these may be performed using the message creation unit provided in the control unit 301, as described above. In this case, the message creation unit of the control unit 301 will determine whether the time conditions related to the use of the home appliance are met and create a message based on the log data acquired by the log data acquisition unit 303. Furthermore, the display operation panel 305 may output the messages created by the home appliance management system.
[0022] This concludes the explanation of Figure 2, and we will now return to the explanation of Figure 1. The user terminal 10 is used for managing the group of home appliances 30 and can be implemented using a computer such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, or PC. For this purpose, the user terminal 10 has a communication unit 11, a log data collection unit 12, a message creation unit 13, an output unit 14, an input unit 15, and a storage unit 16.
[0023] The communication unit 11 has communication and short-range wireless communication functions via the router 40 and network 50. The log data collection unit 12 collects log data notified from the home appliance group 30. It is desirable for the log data collection unit 12 to collect log data periodically, especially at regular intervals (for example, periodically). Alternatively, the log data collection unit 12 may be omitted, and the home appliance group 30 may proactively notify log data. Furthermore, if the log data collection unit 12 is omitted, the log data collection unit 22 of the home appliance management device 20, which will be described later, may be configured to collect log data from the home appliances.
[0024] Furthermore, the message creation unit 13 creates a message, including maintenance instructions, to prevent or suppress tracking phenomena and other issues in the home appliance group 30, based on the collected log data. In this process, the message creation unit 13 determines whether the time conditions related to the use of the home appliances are met and creates a message based on the log data collected by the log data collection unit 12. Note that the message creation unit 13 is optional, and the message creation unit 23 of the home appliance management device 20, described later, may be configured to create maintenance messages based on the collected log data. As described above, at least one of the functions of the log data collection unit 12 and the message creation unit 23 can be provided in the home appliance management device 20, while at least one can be omitted.
[0025] Furthermore, the output unit 14 outputs various information such as the created message. The input unit 15 accepts various operations from the user. These operation instructions include pairing instructions with home appliances using the short-range wireless communication function described above. The output unit 14 and the input unit 15 can be configured as a single unit. In addition, the storage unit 16 stores collected log data and messages, as well as various information used in processing by the message creation unit 13. Note that this various information can be omitted if similar information is stored in the home appliance management device 20.
[0026] Here, we will describe one implementation example of the user terminal 10. Figure 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the user terminal 10 in this embodiment. In Figure 3, the user terminal 10 has a touch panel 101, a processing unit 102, a communication device 103, and a storage device 104, which are connected to each other via a communication path.
[0027] First, the touch panel 101 serves as both the output unit 14 and the input unit 15 in Figure 1, accepting user input and displaying various information. The touch panel 101 may also be configured as separate input and output devices. Furthermore, the processing unit 102 can be implemented using a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and performs calculations according to the home appliance management program 105 stored in the storage device 104, which will be described later.
[0028] The home appliance management program 105 is composed of a log data collection module 106 and a message creation module 107, each with its own function. These modules may be implemented as individual programs or in combinations thereof.
[0029] Here, the configuration shown in Figure 1, which performs the same function as each module, is as follows: Log data collection module 106: Log data collection unit 12 Message creation module 107: Message creation unit 13 Therefore, the processing unit 102 will execute the processes of the log data collection unit 12 and the message creation unit 13 in accordance with the home appliance management program 105.
[0030] Furthermore, the storage device 104 stores the home appliance management program 105, log data 108, time condition information 109, device management information 110, and message information 111. Here, the home appliance management program 105 may be a program for the integrated management of the home appliance group 30, or it may consist of multiple programs for each home appliance. In the latter case, separate management programs for the refrigerator 31, microwave oven 32, air conditioner 33, and washing machine 34 would be used.
[0031] Log data 108, time condition information 109, device management information 110, and message information 111 will be described later in the <Information> section. The storage device 104 may be implemented as a main memory such as memory and a secondary storage device (storage medium) which is a so-called storage device. The secondary storage device may be implemented as an external HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), memory card, etc. Furthermore, at least a portion of the home appliance management program 105, log data 108, time condition information 109, device management information 110, and message information 111 can be omitted. This is sufficient if it is maintained by the home appliance management device 20 described later. Moreover, at least a portion of the modules (functions) of the home appliance management program 105 may be provided in the home appliance management device 20.
[0032] This concludes the explanation of Figure 3, and we will now return to the explanation of Figure 1. The home appliance management device 20 is designed to diagnose the home appliance group 30 and can be implemented using a computer such as a server or cloud. For this purpose, the home appliance management device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a log data collection unit 22, a message creation unit 23, and a storage unit 24.
[0033] First, the communication unit 21 has communication and short-range wireless communication functions via the router 40 and network 50. The log data collection unit 22 performs the same functions as the log data collection unit 12, and at least one of the log data collection unit 22 or 12 is sufficient. Similarly, the message creation unit 23 performs the same functions as the message creation unit 13, and at least one of them is sufficient.
[0034] Furthermore, the storage unit 24 stores user management information 241, log data 242, time condition information 243, device management information 244, and message information 245. Note that the log data 242, time condition information 243, device management information 244, and message information 245 are substantially the same in content as the log data 108, time condition information 109, device management information 110, and message information 111 stored in the user terminal 10. For this reason, one of these may be omitted. Also, considering the resources of the user terminal 10, each of these pieces of information may be compressed or simplified. These pieces of information will be described later in the <Information> section.
[0035] Here, we will describe one implementation example of the home appliance management device 20. Figure 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the home appliance management device 20 in this embodiment. In Figure 4, the home appliance management device 20 has a processing unit 201, a communication device 202, a memory 203, and a sub-storage device 204, which are connected to each other via a communication path.
[0036] First, the processing unit 201 can be implemented using a processor such as a CPU, and it performs calculations according to the home appliance management program 205 stored in the secondary memory device 204, which will be described later. The home appliance management program 205 will be described later.
[0037] Furthermore, the communication device 202 corresponds to the communication unit 21 in Figure 1, connects to the network 50, and communicates with other devices.
[0038] Furthermore, the memory 203 and the secondary storage device 204 correspond to the storage unit 24 in Figure 1. The memory 203 is where the home appliance management program 205 and information used for processing by the processing unit 201, which are stored in the secondary storage device 204, are loaded. The secondary storage device 204 can be implemented as so-called storage and stores the home appliance management program 205, user management information 241, log data 242, time condition information 243, device management information 244, and message information 245. The secondary storage device 204 may also be implemented as an external storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or memory card, or as a separate device from the home appliance management device 20, such as a file server.
[0039] Here, the home appliance management program 205 consists of a log data collection module 206 and a message creation module 207. Note that each of these modules may be implemented as an individual program or in some combinations thereof.
[0040] Here, the configuration shown in Figure 1, which performs the same function as each module, is as follows: Log data collection module 206: Log data collection unit 22 Message creation module 207: Message creation section 23 Therefore, the processing unit 201 will execute the processes of the log data collection unit 22 and the message creation unit 23 in accordance with the program.
[0041] Furthermore, it is necessary for at least one of the following programs to exist, as it performs the same calculations as the home appliance management program 205 and the home appliance management program 105. In this case, it is also sufficient for at least one of the modules that make up these programs to exist.
[0042] This concludes the explanation of Figure 4, and we will now return to the explanation of Figure 1. The router 40 has the function of connecting each device, and it is desirable that it be installed in the same area as the group of home appliances 30. Note that the router 40 can be omitted or replaced with other communication devices. The network 50 is a communication network such as the Internet or a public telephone network. This concludes the explanation of the configuration of this embodiment.
[0043] <Information> Next, the various types of information used in this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 shows the user management information 241 used in this embodiment. This user management information 241 is information about the user of the home appliance group 30. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the user management information 241 has the following items: user name, address, contact information, and owned equipment. Here, the user name can be any information that identifies the user in question. The address and contact information are optional. Furthermore, owned equipment is information that identifies the home appliances owned or used by the user in question, i.e., the home appliance group 30, but this information is optional. Note that information similar to the user management information 241 may also be stored in the user terminal 10.
[0044] Next, Figure 6 shows the log data 242 used in this embodiment. Log data 242 is log data collected by the log data collection unit 12 or log data collection unit 22. Log data 242 is data related to the operation of home appliances, and in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, it is collected for each home appliance. More specifically, the time of occurrence or acquisition and collection of operation is recorded. For example, the refrigerator 31 was purchased on November 15, 2022 at 12:00, and subsequent log data is recorded chronologically. Note that the home appliance item in Figure 6 records the identification information of the home appliance. This is the same for the home appliance item in Figure 8.
[0045] Next, Figure 7 shows the time condition information 243 used in this embodiment. The time condition information 243 is information that indicates the time conditions (time conditions) related to the creation, output, and notification of maintenance messages. As shown in Figure 7, the time condition information 243 has items for home appliances, periodic inspection message conditions, and individual message conditions.
[0046] Here, the item for home appliances only needs to identify the type of home appliance in question.
[0047] The periodic inspection message conditions section indicates the conditions for creating, outputting, or notifying periodic inspection messages. Here, a periodic inspection message is a message created and notified at a common timing for each home appliance, and is output along with other information such as the operating status of the home appliance. In this embodiment, a fixed cycle of one month is used as the periodic inspection message condition. It is desirable that the timing of creation and notification be common for each type of home appliance (refrigerator, air conditioner, etc.), but it may also be common regardless of the type. In the example shown in Figure 7, the timing (periodic inspection message conditions) for the refrigerator and microwave oven are different. More specifically, the periodic inspection message conditions for the refrigerator are "Normal: 2-month cycle" and "Special: Every December", while the periodic inspection message conditions for the air conditioner are "Normal: 1-month cycle", "Special 1: Every June", and "Special 2: Every December".
[0048] Here, we will explain each of the above examples. In this embodiment, regular periodic inspection messages and special periodic inspection messages are used as periodic inspection messages. Regular periodic inspection messages are constant messages and are created and notified periodically according to the periodic inspection message condition of "regular". Special periodic inspection messages are special messages for specific times and are created and notified at times according to the periodic inspection message condition of "special". In the example in Figure 7, multiple special periodic inspection messages will be created and notified for the air conditioner, but this number can be changed, and multiple regular periodic inspection messages may be created and notified. In addition, either regular periodic inspection messages or special periodic inspection messages may be used. Furthermore, the periodic inspection message conditions may be the same for each home appliance. In addition, for periodic inspection messages, the presence or absence of log data for a predetermined period prior to the timing of creation and notification (for example, one month's worth) may be used as a condition for creation and notification. In other words, if log data exists, the periodic inspection message may be created and notified. If there is no log data, the creation and notification of the message itself may be omitted, or a message indicating that there is no log data may be created and notified.
[0049] Furthermore, individual message conditions indicate the conditions for creating, outputting, or notifying individual messages. Here, an individual message is a message created, notified, etc., at an individual timing for each individual appliance. Timing (start point) based on pairing, initial log data acquisition, power plugging, purchase, etc., can be used as individual message conditions. More specifically, the individual message condition for a refrigerator is every year after the initial log data acquisition, and the individual message condition for a microwave oven is every six months after the power plugging. It is preferable not to use the presence or absence of log data as a condition for creating or notifying individual messages, but it may be used as a condition, similar to periodic inspection messages. When using a period as a condition for periodic inspection messages, unlike individual message conditions, the start point of the period is not defined because a fixed period such as "monthly" is used. However, the start point may also be included as a condition for periodic inspection messages.
[0050] In this embodiment, periodic inspection messages and individual messages are used, but the types and number of messages are not limited to these. Therefore, periodic inspection messages can be understood as an example of the first type of message, and individual messages as an example of the second type of message. Furthermore, the time conditions for each message can be understood as being based on a predetermined cycle and predetermined timing, but variations of these will be explained below. Note that the number of times messages are created, notified, etc., at a predetermined cycle and predetermined timing is not limited to one or more.
[0051] (1) The predetermined period is the period (elapsed time) from the acquisition of the first log data. This is illustrated in the individual message conditions for the refrigerator in Figure 7.
[0052] (2) The designated time is December, which is the time for general cleaning. This is illustrated in the refrigerator periodic inspection message conditions in Figure 7.
[0053] (3) The predetermined period is the period elapsed since the purchase of the home appliance. The timing of the purchase may be determined using sales data from the home appliance management device 20 or a store device not shown in Figure 1, or it may be determined using the purchase history from the user terminal 10. The length of the period may be entered by the user via the user terminal 10, or it may be a predetermined length.
[0054] (4) The timing specified by the user to the user terminal 10 can be used as a predetermined time or predetermined cycle. In this case, the user may input the purchase timing as in (3) and use it. The length of the predetermined time or predetermined cycle may be input by the user via the user terminal 10, or it may be a predetermined length.
[0055] (5) A predetermined time and period may be used, which are identified by the message creation unit 13 or message creation unit 23 based on the log data. In this case, the predetermined time and period can be identified based on the number of times and frequency of operation of the home appliance, the operating period, the elapsed period, etc. For example, a period with a high number of operations or frequency can be identified as the predetermined time. Furthermore, the period during which the power plug is plugged into the outlet can be used as the operating period, and a time condition may be set when these exceed a certain amount. This example is illustrated as an individual message condition for the microwave oven in Figure 7.
[0056] Next, Figure 8 shows the device management information 244 used in this embodiment. The device management information 244 is information for managing messages of home appliances. In this embodiment, each home appliance has the following items: type, timing (next time), and content. The type indicates the type of message. In this embodiment, information distinguishing between periodic inspection messages and individual messages is recorded as the type. The timing (next time) indicates the timing at which the relevant message will be created, notified, etc., next time. Here, unlike the time condition information 243, a specific timing is recorded, but it may be substituted with the time condition information 243. The content records information that identifies the content of the relevant message. The content may be the message itself, or it may be identification information that identifies the content of the message. In this embodiment, it is desirable that the content of periodic inspection messages be common for each type of home appliance (refrigerator, air conditioner, etc.), but it may be set for each product or individual home appliance.
[0057] Message information 245 records the created message. The specific content of the message will be described later in the explanation of the output example (screen example). In this embodiment, periodic inspection messages and individual messages are created and notified, but there may be one type of message or three or more types of messages. This concludes the explanation of user management information 241, log data 242, time condition information 243, device management information 244, and message information 245. Furthermore, the log data 108, time condition information 109, device management information 110, and message information 111 of the user terminal 10 are the same information as user management information 241, log data 242, time condition information 243, device management information 244, and message information 245. For this reason, at least one of these can be omitted. In addition, information equivalent to user management information 241 may also be provided in the user terminal 10. It is desirable that the information provided in the user terminal 10 be information about the user terminal 10, its user, and the relevant home appliance.
[0058] <Processing Flow> Next, the processing flow of this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the processing of the user terminal 10 and the home appliance management device 20 will use the configuration shown in Figure 1. Also, in the following, the target home appliances will be referred to as home appliances 3n included in the home appliance group 30. In other words, home appliances 3n is a representative notation for the refrigerator 31, microwave oven 32, air conditioner 33, and washing machine 34.
[0059] The processing in this embodiment can be divided into a configuration process for notifying maintenance-related messages and a notification process. Each of these processes will be described below. Figure 9A is a flowchart of the configuration process in this embodiment.
[0060] First, in steps S31 and S11, the home appliance 3n and the user terminal 10 perform a pairing process. This can be achieved using the short-range wireless communication function of the home appliance 3n and the user terminal 10.
[0061] When pairing is performed, in step S32, the communication unit 304 of the home appliance 3n notifies the user terminal 10 of the device information of the home appliance 3n. This device information includes identification information that identifies the home appliance 3n. The device information may also include the manufacturing timing, purchase timing, and sales timing stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the home appliance 3n. The communication unit 11 of the user terminal 10 then receives this device information.
[0062] Furthermore, in step S12, the communication unit 11 of the user terminal 10 notifies the home appliance management device 20 of the received device information and related information including the user information of the user terminal 10. Here, the user information is stored in the storage unit 16 and includes at least the user name. Note that this user name can be any information that identifies the user as described above. For this reason, an ID such as a membership number can be used. In addition, the user information may also include items that constitute user management information 241, such as address and contact information. The communication unit 21 of the home appliance management device 20 then receives the related information.
[0063] Furthermore, in step S21, the log data collection unit 22 of the home appliance management device 20 registers the received related information in the storage unit 24. Specifically, the log data collection unit 22 records the identification information included in the device information, that is, the identification information of the home appliance 3n, for the owned device corresponding to the user name in the user information included in the related information of the user management information 241. If the user name is not found in the user management information 241, the log data collection unit 22 creates a record of the received user name and records the identification information of the home appliance 3n.
[0064] Furthermore, the log data collection unit 22 creates a record of the identification information of the home appliance 3n in the equipment management information 244. Here, if time conditions are to be determined using information included in the equipment information, such as the manufacturing timing, the log data collection unit 22 records the timing (next) item in the equipment management information 244 using the time condition information 243. For example, if the identification information of the home appliance 3n is "refrigerator 31", the log data collection unit 22 reads the periodic inspection message conditions and individual message conditions for "refrigerator" in the time condition information 243. Then, the log data collection unit 22 matches the information for determining the time conditions exemplified by the manufacturing timing with the periodic inspection message conditions and individual message conditions to determine the timing (next). Furthermore, the log data collection unit 22 may also identify and register the content of the equipment management information 244 according to predetermined rules. This can be determined by the type of message, timing, etc. Note that this registration to the equipment management information 244 can be performed in the message notification process described later (step S203), so it may be omitted here.
[0065] Furthermore, in step S22, the communication unit 21 sends a registration completion notification to the user terminal 10 indicating that registration has been completed. Then, in step S13, the output unit 14 of the user terminal 10 displays the registration completion notification received by the communication unit 11. Furthermore, in step S23, the communication unit 21 transmits notification destination information to the home appliance 3n indicating that the recipient of the log data is the home appliance management device 20. It is desirable that the notification destination information include the type of log data and the transmission timing. The transmission timing should include a transmission cycle, such as once a day. The home appliance 3n then stores the notification destination information received by the communication unit 304 in its own storage unit (not shown). In the message notification process, the home appliance 3n notifies the home appliance management device 20 of the log data according to this notification destination information. This concludes the explanation of Figure 9A.
[0066] Next, the message notification process in this embodiment will be described. Figure 9B is a flowchart showing the message notification process in this embodiment. First, in step S301, the communication unit 304 of the home appliance 3n transmits the log data of the home appliance 3n acquired by the log data acquisition unit 303 to the home appliance management device 20 according to the notification destination information.
[0067] Furthermore, in step S201, the communication unit 21 of the home appliance management device 20 receives the log data. Also, in step S202, the log data collection unit 22 stores the received log data in the storage unit 24. In other words, log data 242 is registered.
[0068] Furthermore, in step S203, the log data collection unit 22 registers the equipment management information 244 using the accumulated log data 242. Specifically, the log data collection unit 22 records the timing (next time) item of the equipment management information 244 using the time condition information 243. This is the same process as the registration process in step S21, but log data 242 is used instead of the information included in the equipment information. The following example will be explained using a refrigerator 31.
[0069] When the period from the initial log data is used as the "individual message condition," the log data collection unit 22 identifies "November 15, 2022, 12:00" from the log data 242, which is the time of the initial log data (initial pairing time) for the refrigerator 31. The log data collection unit 22 then matches the identified time with the periodic inspection message condition "every year after initial log data acquisition" recorded in the time condition information 243. As a result, the log data collection unit 22 identifies "November 15, 2023" as the timing (next) for the individual message in the equipment management information 244 and registers it.
[0070] Furthermore, when the power plug insertion time is used as an "individual message condition," the log data collection unit 22 similarly identifies the power plug insertion time of the relevant home appliance 3n from the log data 242. Then, it matches this with the time condition information 243 to determine the timing (next time).
[0071] Step S203 may be executed only when the log data is first received, or it may be executed every time data is received. Furthermore, for subsequent timings, step S203 may be executed repeatedly, or the processing of step S203 may be reused. For example, if the period from the first log data is used as the "individual message condition," the timing can be updated by adding one cycle period after the message notification. In addition, time conditions such as periodic inspection message conditions and individual message conditions may be specified in response to input from the user to the user terminal 10. For example, the timing of purchases from the user may be accepted and used. Furthermore, the timing of message creation, notification, etc. (predetermined cycle, predetermined time) accepted by the user terminal 10 may also be used.
[0072] Furthermore, in step S204, the message creation unit 23 determines whether each home appliance 3n meets the periodic inspection message conditions. To do this, the message creation unit 23 compares the timing (next) of the periodic inspection message conditions in the device management information 244 of each home appliance 3n with the current time. As a result, for home appliance 3n that meet the periodic inspection message conditions (Y), the process proceeds to step S207. For home appliance 3n that do not meet the conditions (N), the process proceeds to step S205. Note that in this step, it is not necessary to make a determination for each home appliance 3n. In other words, the periodic inspection message conditions may be common to all home appliances 3n, and the determination may be made collectively.
[0073] Furthermore, in step S205, the message creation unit 23 determines whether each home appliance 3n meets the conditions for a periodic inspection message. To do this, the message creation unit 23 compares the timing (next time) of the individual message condition in the device management information 244 for each home appliance 3n with the current time. As a result, for home appliance 3n that meet the individual message condition (Y), the process proceeds to step S206. For home appliance 3n that do not meet the condition (N), the process returns to step S202.
[0074] Furthermore, in step S206, the message creation unit 23 creates an individual message for the relevant home appliance 3n. To do this, the message creation unit 23 first identifies the content of the individual message. It is also desirable for the message creation unit 23 to register this in the device management information 244. For this purpose, the log data collection unit 22 can identify the content determined according to the type of home appliance (by type or product) and the type of message. The content may also be registered in advance. The message creation unit 23 then reads the registered content and creates an individual message that includes it. The content of this individual message will be explained later. It is also desirable for the message creation unit 23 to register the created individual message as message information 245 in the storage unit 24. The message information 245 can be used as history, but this may be omitted. Furthermore, it is desirable that the individual message (content) consists of images and text. The specific content of this individual message will be explained later.
[0075] Furthermore, in step S207, the message creation unit 23 checks whether there is log data for the previous month for the relevant home appliance 3n. To this end, the message creation unit 23 checks whether the log data for the previous month is stored in the log data 242 of the storage unit 24. If there is no log data for the previous month (N), the process proceeds to step S208. If there is log data for the previous month (Y), the process proceeds to step S209.
[0076] Furthermore, in step S208, the communication unit 21 sends an error notification indicating that there is no log data for the previous month. Then, in step S101, the user terminal 10 outputs an error notification indicating that it was not possible to obtain the log data. This output may be achieved by displaying it on the output unit 14, or it may be output as sound or voice. As a result, the user can understand that the relevant home appliance 3n is not in operation or that log data could not be collected due to a communication error. There is no problem if the user is not using the home appliance 3n of their own volition, but if an error notification is sent due to a malfunction or other reason, the user can take action such as repair.
[0077] Furthermore, in step S209, the message creation unit 23 creates a periodic inspection message for the relevant home appliance 3n. To this end, the message creation unit 23 identifies the content of the periodic inspection message, that is, the periodic inspection data indicating the details of the periodic inspection, similar to step S206. It is desirable that the content of the periodic inspection message consists of text.
[0078] Furthermore, it is desirable for the message creation unit 23 to create a message indicating the operating status of the home appliance 3n based on the log data from the previous month. In addition, the message creation unit 23 may create other information, such as analysis results obtained by analyzing the operating status.
[0079] Based on the above, the message creation unit 23 creates a periodic inspection message that includes periodic inspection data, operating status, and analysis results. The periodic inspection message only needs to include periodic inspection data. The periodic inspection message may also include operating status. It is desirable that the message creation unit 23 register the created periodic inspection message as message information 245 in the storage unit 24. As mentioned above, message information 245 can be used as history, but this may be omitted. Furthermore, it is desirable that the periodic inspection data in the periodic inspection message consists of images and text. The specific contents of the periodic inspection message will be explained later, along with the individual messages.
[0080] Furthermore, in step S210, the message creation unit 23 determines, similar to step S205, whether each home appliance 3n meets the periodic inspection message conditions. As a result, for home appliance 3n that meet the individual message conditions (Y), the process transitions to step S206. For home appliance 3n that do not meet the conditions (N), the process transitions to step S211. In steps S204, S205, and S210, the time conditions in the maintenance messages for preventing or suppressing tracking phenomena are determined. However, in this embodiment, it is sufficient to determine the periodic inspection message conditions and individual message conditions, and the number of steps is not limited to the example in Figure 9B. Furthermore, the order of these determinations is also not limited.
[0081] Furthermore, in step S211, the communication unit 21 sends the individual message and / or periodic inspection message created in step S206 or step S209, that is, a message including maintenance to prevent or suppress the occurrence of tracking phenomena, to the user terminal 10. The communication unit 11 of the user terminal 10 then receives the transmitted message. Then, in step S102, the output unit 14 outputs this message. This output may be achieved by the output unit 14 displaying it, or it may be output as sound or voice.
[0082] As a result of the above, the home appliance management device 20 will execute a message notification process to notify the user terminal 10 of a maintenance-related message. This notification process will be executed at the timing specified in the equipment management information 244, that is, at a predetermined cycle or time. More specifically, at the predetermined cycle or time, (1) the communication unit 21 will send a message, (2) the communication unit 11 will receive the message, and (3) the output unit 14 will output the message.
[0083] Furthermore, in the equipment management information 244, timing is set for both periodic inspection messages and individual messages. Therefore, periodic inspection messages and individual messages will be notified at independent timings. More specifically, the following (1) to (3) will be executed at independent timings for individual messages and periodic inspection messages: (1) The communication unit 21 sends the message, (2) The communication unit 11 receives the message, and (3) The output unit 14 outputs the message.
[0084] Furthermore, in the equipment management information 244 in a typical example of this embodiment, the periodic inspection message conditions are set as a common timing for each type of home appliance. Individual message conditions are set at individual timings for each individual home appliance. Therefore, in this notification process, the periodic inspection message is executed at a common timing for each model, and individual messages are executed at individual timings for each individual home appliance, performing the following (1) to (3): (1) The communication unit 21 sends a message, (2) The communication unit 11 receives a message, and (3) The output unit 14 outputs a message.
[0085] This concludes the explanation of the processing flow in this embodiment. Note that the processing entities in the processing flow are merely examples, and the processing of each step is not limited to those described above. For example, at least some of the steps of the home appliance management device 20 may be executed on the user terminal 10. When the processing of the home appliance management device 20 is executed on the user terminal 10 in this manner, it is desirable to use information stored on the user terminal 10, such as the time condition information 243.
[0086] Furthermore, log data collection may be performed via the user terminal 10. In addition, at least one of steps S101 and S102 may be performed on the home appliance 3n. Moreover, in this embodiment, periodic inspection messages and individual messages were used as messages including maintenance to prevent or suppress the occurrence of tracking phenomena, but the embodiment is not limited to these.
[0087] <Display screen / Message content> Next, Figures 10 and 11 will be used to explain an example of the output in step S102, specifically the display screen and the content of the maintenance message that is output. In these explanations, a refrigerator will be used as the home appliance 3n. In Figures 10 and 11, the example of displaying the periodic inspection message on the touch panel 101 is used, but it may also be displayed on the display operation panel 305.
[0088] Figure 10 shows an example of a display screen for displaying a periodic inspection message in this embodiment. In Figure 10, the touch panel 101 displays a periodic inspection message 1010. This periodic inspection message 1010 includes a title area 1011, a timing area 1012, an operating status area 1013, a periodic inspection data area 1014, and an analysis result area 1015.
[0089] First, the title area 1011 indicates the title of the periodic inspection message 1010, that is, the result of a periodic inspection. The timing area 1012 indicates the timing of the use of the refrigerator in question. In the example in Figure 10, it indicates that it is one year after purchase. This example also indicates that the periodic inspection message 1010 is executed using the home appliance management program. Note that "one year after purchase" may be determined by using the acquisition of the first log data as the purchase timing, by user input, or by using purchase / sale data from the user terminal 10 or sales equipment.
[0090] Furthermore, the operational status area 1013 displays the operational status created in step S209. The operational status is created from log data 242, and in this example, "Daily operational status" is composed of text (characters), with its content expressed in sentences. This operational status can include not only the status but also suggestions and advice appropriate to the situation. It is also desirable to distinguish important sections from other sections by underlining or using different colors. In addition, these sections may be made into hypertext that links to other data.
[0091] Furthermore, the periodic inspection data area 1014 displays the periodic inspection message data identified in step S209. In this example, the message, titled "Regarding Maintenance," contains suggestions and advice about cleaning.
[0092] Here, the periodic inspection message data corresponds to the content of the equipment management information 244, consists of text, and its content is expressed in sentences. It is also desirable to distinguish important parts from other parts by underlining, using different colors, etc. Furthermore, these parts may be hypertext that links to other data. The analysis results area 1015 shows the analysis results created in step S209. The analysis results analyze the operating status, and in this example, the content is shown with graphs and illustrations.
[0093] The periodic inspection message only needs to contain periodic inspection message data. In this example, the periodic inspection message is displayed on the touch panel 101 of a user terminal 10, such as a smartphone. For this reason, the operating status area 1013, the periodic inspection data area 1014, and the analysis results area 1015 are arranged vertically so that they can be scrolled. This allows the user to check the information (area) in the most important area first.
[0094] Next, Figure 11 shows an example of a display screen for displaying individual messages in this embodiment. In Figure 10, an individual message 1016 is displayed on the touch panel 101. This individual message 1016 includes a summary area 1017, a home appliance name area 1018, and a main body area 1019. Here, the individual message 1016 corresponds to the content of the device management information 244 and consists of text (characters) and images.
[0095] First, the summary area 1017 provides an overview of the maintenance message for the target home appliance 3n. In this example, the maintenance message includes a suggestion and advice to clean the power plug. The appliance name area 1018 shows the name of the target home appliance (refrigerator in Figure 10). The user can freely set this name using the user terminal 10. Therefore, if multiple refrigerators are used, they can be distinguished using notations such as "main refrigerator" and "sub-refrigerator." This area is optional and should preferably be created separately from the content described above.
[0096] Furthermore, the main text area 1019 displays detailed messages regarding maintenance for the target home appliance 3n, which is a refrigerator. In this example, it describes specific cleaning methods and precautions. In addition to text, images (illustrations at the bottom of Figure 11) are also included in this area. In addition, the text in the main text area 1019 in this example includes hypertext 1020 that links to other information. When the user makes a selection on the touch panel 101, detailed information 1021 is displayed. In this example, precautions regarding the handling of the power plug are displayed. Note that detailed information 1021 may be included in the content of the device management information 244, or link information may be included in the content and detailed information 1021 may be separate information.
[0097] As described above, individual messages provide information specific to the relevant home appliance 3n. In other words, in this example, it is possible to provide information focused specifically on the power plug, and especially on tracking phenomena.
[0098] This concludes the description of this embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, other home appliances such as televisions can be used as home appliance 3n. Furthermore, various modifications to the processing flow can be envisioned, such as the use of entities other than those exemplified or the use of different data. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0099] 10...User terminal, 11...Communication unit, 12...Log data collection unit, 13...Message creation unit, 14...Output unit, 15...Input unit, 16...Storage unit, 105...Home appliance management program, 106...Log data collection module, 107...Message creation module, 108...Log data, 109...Time condition information, 110...Device management information, 111...Message information, 20...Home appliance management device, 21...Communication unit, 22...Log data collection unit, 23...Message creation unit, 24...Storage unit, 241...User management information, 242...Log data, 243...Time condition information, 244...Device management information, 245...Message information, 30...Group of home appliances, 31...Refrigerator, 32...Microwave oven, 33...Air conditioner, 34...Washing machine, 40...Router, 50...Network
Claims
1. In a home appliance management system that includes a user terminal and a home appliance management device for managing home appliances, Log data regarding the operation of the aforementioned home appliance, The time conditions for creating and outputting messages for the aforementioned home appliances are indicated by a first message condition that indicates a predetermined period common to multiple home appliances, and time condition information having a predetermined starting point in the home appliances and a second message condition that includes a period from the predetermined starting point. A storage unit that stores device management information having type, timing and content for each of the aforementioned home appliances, A log data collection unit that collects the aforementioned log data, Regarding the use of the aforementioned home appliance, if the time conditions indicated by the time condition information are met, a message creation unit creates a first message at a common timing for each type of home appliance, and a second message at a timing specific to each individual home appliance, based on the log data, as a message regarding the maintenance of the aforementioned home appliance. The device has an output unit that outputs the first message and the second message at independent timings according to the timing of the device management information, The log data collection unit matches the predetermined operating time indicated by the log data with the first message condition and the second message condition, and updates the timing of the equipment management information. If the message generation unit satisfies the first message condition, it checks for the presence or absence of log data from the predetermined period prior to the message generation. The output unit outputs an error notification indicating that log data could not be obtained if there is no log data from the predetermined period prior. The message creation unit is a home appliance management system that creates the first message when log data from a predetermined period prior to the message creation unit is available.
2. In the home appliance management system according to claim 1, The first message includes content consisting of text and operational status based on the log data, The second message is a specific message for the home appliance, and includes an image and text, in a home appliance management system.
3. In the home appliance management system according to claim 2, The second message condition is a home appliance management system that indicates a timing after a predetermined period from the time the log data was first acquired.
4. In the home appliance management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned maintenance includes a home appliance management system that includes maintenance to prevent or suppress the occurrence of tracking phenomena in the aforementioned home appliances.