Garment processing machine and garment processing system

Abstract

To provide a clothing treatment machine capable of achieving improvement in convenience, and to provide a clothing treatment system.SOLUTION: A clothing treatment machine includes a display part, a communication part, a storage part, and a control part. In the case of displaying display information regarding a special operation course on the display part, in the case where, out of a first step in which communication between the communication part and external equipment comes into a connection state after power is turned on and a second step in which second information is acquired from the external equipment as display information after the first step, at least one is not achieved, the control part displays first information stored in the storage part as the display information, and in the case where the first step and the second step are achieved after the power is turned on, the control part displays second information acquired from the external equipment as the display information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0002] ,

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a clothing treatment machine and a clothing treatment system.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a washing system including a washing machine and a terminal device configured to be communicable with the washing machine, in which an operation course pre-mounted in the washing machine and an original operation course created based on a user input to the terminal device are executable. By the way, further improvement in convenience is expected for such an information processing system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothing treatment machine and a clothing treatment system capable of improving convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The garment processing machine of the embodiment comprises a display unit, a communication unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The display unit is capable of displaying information related to the operating course. The communication unit is capable of communicating with an external device, such as a terminal device or a server. The storage unit is capable of storing control information related to special operating courses added by the user. When the control unit causes the display unit to display the display information related to the special operating course, if at least one of the following is not realized, the control unit will store the first information stored in the storage unit as the display information: a first step in which communication between the communication unit and the external device is established after the power is turned on, and a second step in which second information is obtained from the external device as the display information after the first step. The display unit If the first and second steps are realized after the power supply has been started, The above-mentioned first information is not displayed on the display unit. The second information obtained from the external device as the display information The display unit Display it. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the overall configuration of the garment processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view showing a washing machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device of the embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating the first configuration information of the embodiment. [Figure 5] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server in the embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating the second configuration information of the embodiment. [Figure 7] A sequence diagram showing the processing flow when creating an original course in the embodiment. [Figure 8] A sequence diagram showing the processing flow during execution of the original course of the embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of what is displayed on the selection screen when communication between the communication unit and the server of the embodiment is disconnected. [Figure 10]This figure shows an example of the content displayed on the selection screen when communication between the communication unit and the server of the embodiment is established. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of the contents of the detailed screen of the embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of what is displayed on the operating screen when communication between the communication unit and the server of the embodiment is disconnected. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the content displayed on the operating screen when communication between the communication unit and the server of the embodiment is established. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The garment processing machine and garment processing system of the embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplication of these components may be omitted. In this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX," and may also include cases where XX is based on other elements in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but may also include cases where XX has been processed or modified. In this application, "XX or YY" is not limited to cases where either XX or YY is used, but may also include cases where both XX and YY are used. This also applies when there are three or more optional elements. "XX" and "YY" are arbitrary elements (e.g., arbitrary information).

[0008] In this application, "to acquire" is not limited to actively acquiring information by sending a transmission request, but may also include acquiring information by passively receiving information transmitted from another device. Furthermore, "to acquire" is not limited to directly acquiring the target information (information to be acquired) from an external source, but may also include acquiring the target information by generating it through calculations or processing of information obtained from an external source. In this application, "washing machine" may also include a washer-dryer with a drying function.

[0009] (Embodiment) <1. Overall configuration of the garment processing system> Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the garment processing system 1 of the embodiment. The garment processing system 1 includes, for example, a washing machine 100, a server 200, and a home appliance management application APP on a terminal device 300. The garment processing system 1 may also include the entire terminal device 300. The garment processing system 1 may also be implemented using only the garment processing machine 100 and the home appliance management application APP on the terminal device 300 without including the server 200, or it may be implemented using only the garment processing machine 100 and the server 200 without including the terminal device 300. The network NW described later may be, for example, the Internet, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), or other public lines or dedicated lines, depending on the situation.

[0010] The washing machine 100 is installed in the residence of user U. The washing machine 100 is connected to the network NW via a wireless router WR and modem M installed in the residence of user U. The washing machine 100 can communicate with the server 200 or terminal device 300 via the network NW. Alternatively, the washing machine 100 may communicate directly with the terminal device 300 using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®.

[0011] Washing machine 100 is an example of a "garment processing machine." In this application, "garment processing machine" broadly refers to a device that performs some kind of processing on clothing (for example, washing, drying, wrinkle removal, crease strengthening, deodorization, pollen removal, dust removal, or disinfection, one or more of the above). A "garment processing machine" is not limited to washing machines, but also includes dryers and closet-type cleaning machines. The following explanation will use a washing machine as an example of a garment processing machine, but the content described below is also applicable to other garment processing devices such as dryers and closet-type cleaning machines.

[0012] Server 200 is a management server that manages washing machine 100. Server 200 is composed of one or more server devices (such as a cloud server). Server 200 can communicate with washing machine 100 or terminal device 300 via network NW. Server 200 may include an information processing unit that performs edge computing or fog computing, such as an information processing unit included in a router in network NW. Server 200 is not limited to a cloud server and may be a computer in user U's residence or a home router, etc. In the present embodiment, server 200 is an example of an "external device".

[0013] Terminal device 300 is a computer used by user U. Terminal device 300 is, for example, a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal device. However, terminal device 300 is not limited to a mobile terminal device and may be a personal computer or the like. Terminal device 300 has, for example, a display device 301, an input device 302, and a communication unit 303. Display device 301 has a display screen 301a capable of displaying various information. Input device 302 can receive input from user U. Input device 302 is, for example, a touch panel provided overlapping display screen 301a. Input device 302 may include a camera, a microphone, etc. provided in terminal device 300. Communication unit 303 is a communication module capable of wireless communication. Communication unit 303 is connected to network NW via wireless router WR and modem M or directly. Communication unit 303 can communicate with washing machine 100 and server 200 via network NW. Also, as described above, terminal device 300 may be able to communicate directly with washing machine 100 using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

[0014] An application program P is installed in the terminal device 300, and the functions described below are supported. The application program P is, for example, an application program for managing the washing machine 100. In the present embodiment, the application software that is activated when the application program P is executed is referred to as "home appliance management app APP". The application program P is an example of a "program". Each of the washing machine 100, the server 200, and the terminal device 300 is an example of a "computer".

[0015] <2. Washing Machine> Next, taking a drum-type washing machine as an example, the washing machine 100 will be described. Note that the following description does not limit the scope of the "clothes treatment machine" or "washing machine" of the present application. The clothes treatment machine is not limited to a drum-type washing machine and may be a vertical-type washing machine. Also, the clothes treatment machine may be a washing machine without a drying function.

[0016] <2.1 Configuration of Washing Machine> FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the washing machine 100. The washing machine 100 includes, for example, a housing (outer box) 101, an operation panel 110, a washing mechanism 120, a drying mechanism 130, a communication unit 140, and a control device 150.

[0017] The housing 101 is a member that forms the outer shell of the washing machine 100. The housing

[101] is formed in a rectangular box shape.

[0018] The control panel 110 is a device that receives user U's operations on the washing machine 100. The control panel 110 is provided, for example, at the front end of the top surface of the housing 101. In this embodiment, the control panel 110 includes a display device 111 and an input device 112 (see Figure 3). The display device 111 includes a display screen 111a capable of displaying various information (see Figure 9). The display device 111 can, for example, display information about each operating course performed by the washing machine 100 on the display screen 111a. The display device 111 is an example of a "display unit". The input device 112 receives user U's operations on the display screen 111a. The input device 112 is, for example, a touch panel provided on top of the display screen 111a.

[0019] The washing mechanism 120 includes, for example, a water tank 121, a drum (rotating tub) 122, a motor 123, a water supply device 124, and an automatic dispensing device 125. The water tank 121 is housed in a casing 101 and is elastically supported via a suspension (not shown). The drum 122 is rotatably housed within the water tank 121. The motor 123 is located behind the water tank 121 and is connected to the drum 122 via a rotating shaft. The motor 123 rotates the drum 122 via the rotating shaft. The water supply device 124 is located above the water tank 121. The automatic dispensing device 125 is a device that automatically dispenses laundry treatment agents into the drum 122.

[0020] The drying mechanism 130 includes, for example, a circulating air passage 131, a heat pump 132, and a blower 133. The circulating air passage 131 connects the water tank 121 and the heat pump 132, and circulates drying air between the water tank 121 and the heat pump 132. The heat pump 132 is a heating device provided in the circulating air passage 131. The heat pump 132 heats the drying air passing through the circulating air passage. The garment processing machine 100 may have a heater for heating the drying air instead of the heat pump 132. The blower 133 is provided in the circulating air passage 131 and circulates drying air between the water tank 121 and the heat pump 132 through the circulating air passage 131.

[0021] The communication unit 140 is, for example, a communication module capable of wireless communication. The communication unit 140 is connected to the network NW via a wireless router WR and a modem M, and communicates with the server 200 or terminal device 300 via the network NW. Alternatively, the communication unit 140 may also be able to communicate directly with the terminal device 300 using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth.

[0022] The control device 150 is a device that comprehensively controls the entire garment processing machine 100. The control device 150 is mainly composed of a computer consisting of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0023] <2.2 Functional Configuration of the Control Device> Next, the functional configuration of the control device 150 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device 150. The control device 150 includes, for example, an operation reception unit 151, an information acquisition unit 152, and a control unit 153. All or part of these functional units are realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU executing a program (software). However, all or part of these functional units may be realized by hardware (including circuitry) such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or discrete circuits, or by the cooperation of software and hardware.

[0024] (Operation reception desk) The operation reception unit 151 receives operations from user U to the input device 112 of the operation panel 110. For example, the operation reception unit 151 receives operations from user U to specify the operation content of the washing machine 100. For example, the operation reception unit 151 receives operations from user U to select the operation course to be used from among several operation courses.

[0025] (Information acquisition department) The information acquisition unit 152 acquires various information from the server 200 by communicating with the server 200 via the communication unit 140. In this embodiment, when the information acquisition unit 152 displays information related to the original course, which will be described later, on the display screen 111a of the operation panel 110, it acquires display information related to the original course from the server 200. This will be described in detail later.

[0026] (Control Unit) The control unit 153 comprehensively controls the entire washing machine 100. For example, based on user U's operations on the operation panel 110, the control unit 153 executes a washing operation including washing, rinsing, and spinning, and a drying operation that follows the washing operation. In this embodiment, the control unit 153 also controls the content displayed on the display screen 111a by controlling the display device 111 of the operation panel 110. In this embodiment, when the control unit 153 displays information related to the washing course on the display screen 111a, it displays display information related to the washing course on the display screen 111a. This content will be described in detail later.

[0027] (Storage part) The memory unit 159 stores various information necessary for the operation of the washing machine 100. The memory unit 159 includes, for example, a ROM 159a and a RAM 159b.

[0028] ROM 159a is a memory unit that retains information even when the power to the washing machine 100 is turned off. For example, ROM 159a stores first setting information 161. The washing machine 100 has a relatively small capacity ROM 159a, for example, in order to reduce costs.

[0029] RAM159b is a memory unit whose information is erased when the washing machine 100 is powered off. RAM159b also temporarily holds information obtained from the server 200 when the washing machine 100 communicates with the server 200.

[0030] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the first setting information 161 stored in ROM 159a. First, the various operating courses performed by the washing machine 100 will be described. In this application, "operating course" means, for example, the contents of each step of the washing operation (wash, rinse, spin, etc.) and / or the contents of the drying operation. In this embodiment, the washing machine 100 is capable of performing a "normal operating course" and an "original course (original operating course)".

[0031] The "Normal Operation Course" is a pre-installed operation course in the Washing Machine 100 (for example, the operation course that was installed as the initial setting when the Washing Machine 100 was sold). Examples of Normal Operation Courses include the most common "Standard Course," the "Quick Course" which has a shorter operation time than the Standard Course, and the "Delicate Course" which is suitable for delicate clothing.

[0032] An "original course" is a washing machine course that is not included in the washing machine 100 by default. An original course is a washing machine course that can be added by user U using the home appliance management app on terminal device 300 and made available to the washing machine 100. An original course is created, for example, by user U specifying the content of each step included in the washing machine course using the home appliance management app, or by user U downloading a desired washing machine course from server 200 or another website. Examples of original courses include a "sheets course" for sheets, a "washable suit course" for washable suits, and a "mom's course" with settings customized to the liking of user U, who is a mother.

[0033] The original course is an example of a "special driving course." Hereafter, the original course may be referred to as an "app course." The following explanation will describe an example where the sheet course is registered as "app course 1," the washable suit course as "app course 2," and the mom-only course as "app course 3."

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the first setting information 161 stores an "identifier," control information CI, and display information DI in association with each driving course. The "identifier" is identification information used to identify each driving course.

[0035] (Control information) Control information CI is information that defines the content of each process (washing, rinsing, spinning, etc.) included in each operating course. Control information CI is information that the control unit 153 uses to execute each operating course. In this embodiment, control information CI includes at least one of parameter information CIa and corresponding identifier CIb.

[0036] Parameter information CIa is information that indicates parameters (such as the time or number of times for each process) that define the content of each process (washing, rinsing, spinning, etc.) included in each operating course. For example, parameter information CIa may include the number of washing operations, the number of rinsing operations, and the number of spinning operations included in each operating course as the parameters. In addition, for washing, rinsing, or spinning operations, parameter information CIa may include the duration of the operation (e.g., "washing operation 10 minutes") instead of the number of operations. Furthermore, in addition to the above, parameter information CIa may also include parameters indicating the type of rinsing operation (soak rinse, shower rinse, etc.), whether or not bath water is used, or the content of the drying operation. In the example shown in Figure 4, parameter information CIa is associated with each of the normal operating course, application course 1, and application course 3. Therefore, the control unit 153 can execute operations for each of the normal operating course, application course 1, and application course 3 based on the parameter information CIa.

[0037] The corresponding identifier CIb is information that indicates the identifier of another driving course when the content of each step in a certain original course matches the content of each step in another driving course. In the example shown in Figure 4, the content of each step in app course 2 (washable suit course) is the same as the content of each step in the "delicate wear course" of the normal driving course. For this reason, app course 2 is associated with "N003", the identifier of the delicate wear course, instead of the parameter information CIa. Therefore, for app course 2, the control unit 153 can read the parameter information CIa of the driving course indicated by the corresponding identifier (in the above example, the parameter information CIa of the delicate wear course) based on the corresponding identifier associated with app course 2, and execute the operation based on the read parameter information CIa.

[0038] (Display information) The display information DI is information that indicates the content of each driving course. The display information DI is the information that is displayed on the display screen 111a when information related to the driving course is to be displayed. In this embodiment, the display information DI includes, for example, course name information DIa and course description information DIb.

[0039] Course name information DIa is information indicating the name (course name) of each driving course. In Figure 4, for the sake of explanation, course name information DIa is shown as text information. However, course name information DIa is, for example, an image (or video) that shows the course name (see Figures 9 and 10). Note that two or more pieces of course name information DIa (for example, two or more images with different characters or image sizes) may be associated and stored for a single driving course. These definitions are the same for the second setting information 291 which will be described later.

[0040] Course description information DIb is information that shows a description of the contents of each driving course (course description). "Description of the contents of the driving course" includes information that includes one or more of the following, for example, the characteristics of the driving course, the itinerary, the target clothing, the target weight, whether or not detergent is specified, whether or not bath water is used, or points to note when using the course. In Figure 4, for the sake of explanation, course description information DIb is shown as text information. However, course description information DIb can also be, for example, an image (or video) showing the course description (see Figures 9 and 10). Note that two or more course description information DIb (for example, two or more images such as one for a brief explanation and one for a detailed explanation) may be stored in association with a single driving course. These definitions are the same for the second setting information 291 which will be described later.

[0041] Next, we will explain the difference between the information DI for displaying the normal driving course and the information DI for displaying the original course, as these are included in the first setting information 161.

[0042] In this embodiment, the course name information DIa of each normal driving course (hereinafter referred to as "course name information DIa-1") includes a course name corresponding to the content of the driving course, such as "Standard Course," "Express Course," or "Stylish Dress Course." On the other hand, the course name information DIa of each original course (hereinafter referred to as "course name information DIa-2") includes a course name that can be used even if the content of the driving course (for example, the content of the original course) is different, such as "App Course 1," "App Course 2," or "App Course 3."

[0043] The course description information DIb for each standard driving course (hereinafter referred to as "course description information DIb-1") includes a course description corresponding to the content of the driving course. That is, course description information DIb-1 includes a specific course description corresponding to the content of, for example, the "standard course," the "quick course," or the "fashionable dress course." On the other hand, the course description information DIb for each original course (hereinafter referred to as "course description information DIb-2") includes a course description that can be used even if the content of the driving course (the content of the original course) is different, such as "This is the driving course registered as app course 1."

[0044] The course name information DIa-2 and course description information DIb-2 described above are examples of "first information." First information is general-purpose information. For example, first information indicates that it relates to the original course, but is general-purpose information that does not relate to the content of the original course. First information includes the name of the course or a course description that can be used even if the content of the original course is different.

[0045] <3. Server> Next, we will explain server 200. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of server 200. Server 200 includes, for example, a driving course registration reception unit 210, a request acquisition unit 220, an information transmission unit 230, and a storage unit 290. The driving course registration reception unit 210, the request acquisition unit 220, and the information transmission unit 230 are implemented by one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU installed in server 200, executing programs. However, some or all of these functional units may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC, PLD, or FPGA, or by the cooperation of software and hardware. These functional units may be provided in multiple server devices. One or more of these functional units may be provided in the home appliance management application APP of terminal device 300 instead of the equipment management server 200.

[0046] (Driving Course Registration Department) The driving course registration reception unit 210 accepts registration of original courses. The driving course registration reception unit 210 accepts registration of original driving courses based, for example, on user U's operation on the home appliance management application APP of terminal device 300. The above operation by user U includes, for example, one or more of the following: specifying the content of each step included in the original course, registering the course name of the original course, or registering a course description.

[0047] (Request acquisition part) The request acquisition unit 220 receives various requests transmitted from the washing machine 100 or the terminal device 300. In this embodiment, when displaying display information DI related to the original course on the display screen 111a of the washing machine 100, the request acquisition unit 220 receives a transmission request for display information DI transmitted from the washing machine 100.

[0048] (Information transmission department) The information transmission unit 230 transmits various information to the washing machine 100 or terminal device 300. In this embodiment, when the request acquisition unit 220 receives a request to transmit display information DI related to an original course, the information transmission unit 230 reads the display information DI related to the original course that is the subject of the transmission request from the storage unit 290 and transmits the read display information DI to the washing machine 100.

[0049] (Storage part) The memory unit 290 is implemented by a combination of, for example, RAM, ROM, SSD (Solid State Drive), or HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The memory unit 290 has a larger capacity than the memory unit 190 of the washing machine 100. The memory unit 290 stores, for example, second setting information 291.

[0050] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the second setting information 291. As shown in Figure 6, the second setting information 291 stores an "identifier," control information CI, and display information DI associated with each driving course. The "identifier" and control information CI of the second setting information 291 are the same as the "identifier" and control information CI of the first setting information 161 described above. Furthermore, the display information DI of the second setting information 291 is the same as the display information DI of the first setting information 161 described above, except for the points described below.

[0051] In this embodiment, the course name information DIa (hereinafter referred to as "course name information DIa-3") for each original course included in the second setting information 291 includes course names that correspond to the content of the driving course (content of the original course), such as "sheet course," "washable suit course," or "mom's course," instead of course names that can be used even when the content of the driving course (content of the original course) is different, such as "app course 1" and "app course 2" as described above.

[0052] Furthermore, the course description information DIb (hereinafter referred to as "course description information DIb-3") for each original course included in the second setting information 291 will include a specific course description corresponding to the content of, for example, the "sheets course," the "washable suit course," or the "mom's course," instead of a course description that can be used even if the content of the driving course (content of the original course) is different.

[0053] The course name information DIa-3 and course description information DIb-3 described above are examples of "secondary information." Secondary information is information about the content of the original course. Secondary information is more detailed than the first information regarding the content of the original course. Secondary information is specific to each original course. For example, secondary information may include the course name or course description corresponding to the content of the original course. Secondary information may include images or videos related to the content of the original course.

[0054] <4. Processing Flow> Next, we will explain the processing flow. Unless otherwise specified, the processing of the terminal device 300 described below is performed based on the control of the home appliance management application APP.

[0055] <4.1 Processing when creating an original course> Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow when creating an original course. It is assumed that the washing machine 100, server 200, and terminal device 300 are connected to a network NW. As a prerequisite, the ROM 159a of the storage unit 159 of the washing machine 100 stores course name information DIa-2 and course description information DIb-2, which are associated with the identifiers of pre-prepared original courses, as part of the initial setup of the washing machine 100. In other words, the course name information DIa-2 and course description information DIb-2 for "App Course 1", "App Course 2", and "App Course 3" are pre-stored in the ROM 159a when the washing machine 100 is sold.

[0056] First, an original course is created when a predetermined operation is performed on the home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300. When an original course is created, the terminal device 300 sends the original course identifier, control information CI (e.g., parameter information CIa or corresponding identifier CIb), and course name information DIa to the server 200 (S101). In addition, if a course description is set by user U, the terminal device 300 may also send course description information DIb in addition to the information described above.

[0057] When the server 200 receives the information transmitted from the terminal device 300 in the processing of S101, it registers the original course created based on the received information as part of the second configuration information 291 (S102). At this time, if the course description has not been set by user U, the server 200 registers the course description information DIb as part of the second configuration information 291 based on the information received from the terminal device 300.

[0058] Next, if the server 200 can communicate with the washing machine 100 (i.e., is connected), it sends the original course identifier, control information CI (e.g., parameter information CIa or corresponding identifier CIb), and display information DI (e.g., course name information DIa-3 and course description information DIb-3) to the washing machine 100 (S103). The data used for communication may be binary data or ASCII code (American Standard Code for Information Interchange).

[0059] When the control unit 153 of the washing machine 100 receives information transmitted from the server 200 in the processing of S103, it stores the received information in the RAM 159b of the storage unit 159. At this time, the control unit 153 of the washing machine 100 stores control information CI (e.g., parameter information CIa or corresponding identifier CIb) from the information transmitted from the server 200 in the processing of S103 as part of the first setting information 161 in the ROM 159a (S104). At this time, the received control information CI (e.g., parameter information CIa or corresponding identifier CIb) is associated with display information DI (e.g., course name information DIa-3 and course description information DIb-3) that is pre-stored in the ROM 159a and associated with the same identifier as the received original course identifier, and is stored in the ROM 159a.

[0060] On the other hand, the control unit 153 of the washing machine 100 does not store the display information DI (for example, course name information DIa-3 and course description information DIb-3) received from the server 200 in the ROM 159a.

[0061] Next, the control unit 153 of the washing machine 100 displays information about the original course on the display screen 111a based on the information stored in RAM 159b (for example, course name information DIa-3 and course description information DIb-3) (S105). When the power to the washing machine 100 is turned off, the information stored in RAM 159b is erased.

[0062] In the example described above, since the washing machine 100 is connected to the network NW, the flow is such that it receives information from the server 200 when the original course is created on the terminal device 300. On the other hand, if the washing machine 100 is disconnected (offline) when the original course is created on the terminal device 300, the washing machine 100 will receive information about the original course when it next becomes connected.

[0063] <4.2 When running the original course> Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow when the original course is executed. Figure 8 shows the flow when the washing machine 100 is powered on, with the original course identifier stored in the ROM 159a of the washing machine 100.

[0064] First, when the washing machine 100 is powered on, it connects to the network NW and goes online (S201). Next, the control unit 153 of the washing machine 100 sends the identifier of the original course to the server 200 (S202). The server 200 reads the information of the original course stored in the second configuration information 291 corresponding to the received identifier (S203).

[0065] Next, the server 200 transmits the control information CI (e.g., parameter information CIa or corresponding identifier CIb) and display information DI (e.g., course name information DIa-3 and course description information DIb-3) of the read original course to the washing machine 100 (S204). The washing machine 100 stores the original course information received from the server 200 in RAM 159b during the S204 process. Note that the server 200 may omit transmitting the control information CI (e.g., parameter information CIa or corresponding identifier CIb) to the washing machine 100.

[0066] When the control unit 153 of the washing machine 100 displays information about the original course on the display screen 111a, it reads the information about the original course stored in RAM 159b and displays it on the display screen 111a (S205). In this embodiment, the course name information DIa-3 and the course description information DIb-3 are received as character data from the server 200 each time the washing machine 100 is powered on and become available for display on the display screen 111a.

[0067] <5. Display on the washing machine's control panel> Next, we will explain in detail the display on the display panel 110 of the washing machine 100. In this embodiment, when the control unit 153 displays display information DI related to the original course on the display screen 111a, if communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is disconnected, it displays the first information stored in the storage unit 191 as display information DI (for example, course name information DIa-2 and course description information DIb-2). In this application, "disconnected state" means a case in which at least one of the following is not realized: the first step in which communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 becomes connected after the power of the washing machine 100 is started up, and the second step in which the second information is obtained from the server 200 as display information DI after the first step. "Disconnected state" may include, for example, cases in which the washing machine 100 is set to offline mode, the wireless router WR or modem M is malfunctioning, or there is a communication failure in the network NW.

[0068] On the other hand, when the control unit 153 displays display information DI related to the original course on the display screen 111a, if communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is established, it displays second information (for example, course name information DIa-3 and course description information DIb-3) obtained from the server 200 as display information DI. In this application, "established state" means the case in which the first step and the second step described above are achieved after the power of the washing machine 100 has been turned on.

[0069] For example, when communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is established, the control unit 153 sends an identifier (identification information) that identifies the original course to the server 200, obtains the second information sent from the server 200 according to the identifier, and displays the obtained second information as display information DI on the display screen 111a. Alternatively, the control unit 153 may obtain the second information of the original course to be displayed from the server 200 after the washing machine 100 has been powered on, for example, when it is time to display the information of the original course. For example, when it is time to display the information of application course 1, the control unit 153 obtains the second information of application course 1 from the server 200, and when it is time to display the information of application course 2, it obtains the second information of application course 2 from the server 200, obtaining only the second information necessary for display each time. With such a configuration, the amount of communication can be reduced. However, instead of the above example, the control unit 153 may obtain the second information of all original courses from the server 200 when the washing machine 100 is powered on and store it in RAM 159b.

[0070] <5.1 Example of display on the driving course selection screen> In this embodiment, the control unit 153 displays on the display screen 111a a selection screen (hereinafter referred to as "selection screen D11") for the user U to select a course, a selection screen that includes a normal course pre-installed in the washing machine 100 and an original course. At this time, if communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is disconnected, the control unit 153 displays the first information as display information DI displayed on the selection screen D11. On the other hand, if communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is connected, the control unit 153 displays the second information as display information DI displayed on the selection screen D11.

[0071] (Example of display when disconnected) Figure 8 shows an example of what is displayed on the selection screen D11 when communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is disconnected. In this case, the control unit 153 displays the course name information DIa-1 contained in the first setting information 161 stored in ROM 159a as the display for the operation unit B1 for selecting the operation course, for the "soaking course," which is one of the normal operation courses. As a result, an image containing the word "soaking" is superimposed on the operation unit B1.

[0072] On the other hand, the control unit 153 displays the course name information DIa-2 contained in the first setting information 161 stored in ROM 159a as the display for the operation unit B1 for selecting a driving course, for the original courses "App Course 1," "App Course 2," and "App Course 3." As a result, an image containing the words "App 1," "App 2," or "App 3" is superimposed on the operation unit B1. In other words, the display allows the user U to recognize that it is an original course, but does not reveal the content of the original course.

[0073] In this case, the control unit 153 displays a display E1 indicating the selected driving course in the upper right corner of the selection screen D11. For example, if the normal driving course is selected, the control unit 153 displays the course name information DIa-1 included in the first setting information 161 stored in the ROM 159a as display E1. On the other hand, if the original course is selected, the control unit 153 displays the course name information DIa-2 included in the first setting information 161 stored in the ROM 159a as display E1. In the example shown in Figure 9, the selected driving course is "App Course 1 (Sheet Course)," and an image containing the text "App 1" is displayed as display E1.

[0074] In this case, the control unit 153 displays a display E2 in the center of the selection screen D11, showing a description of the selected driving course. For example, if the normal driving course is selected, the control unit 153 displays the course description information DIb-1, which is included in the first setting information 161 stored in the ROM 159a, as display E2. On the other hand, if the original course is selected, the control unit 153 displays the course description information DIb-2, which is included in the first setting information 161 stored in the ROM 159a, as display E2. In the example shown in Figure 9, the selected driving course is "App Course 1 (Sheet Course)," and an image containing the text "Performing App Course 1" is displayed as display E2.

[0075] (Example of display when connected) Figure 10 shows an example of what is displayed on the selection screen D11 when communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is established. In this case, the control unit 153 displays the course name information DIa-1 contained in the first setting information 161 stored in ROM 159a as the display for the operation unit B1 for selecting the driving course, specifically for the "soaking course," which is one of the normal driving courses. As a result, an image containing the word "soaking" is superimposed on the operation unit B1.

[0076] On the other hand, the control unit 153 displays the course name information DIa-3, which is included in the information obtained from the server 200 and stored in RAM 159b, for the original courses "App Course 1," "App Course 2," and "App Course 3," as the display on the operation unit B1 for selecting a driving course. As a result, images containing the words "Sheets," "Washable Suit," or "For Mom Only" are superimposed on the operation unit B1. In other words, the display shows the content of the original course for the user U.

[0077] In this case, if a normal driving course is selected, the control unit 153 displays the course name information DIa-1 contained in the first setting information 161 stored in the ROM 159a as display E1. On the other hand, if an original course is selected, the control unit 153 displays the course name information DIa-3 contained in the information obtained from the server 200 and stored in the RAM 159b as display E1. In the example shown in Figure 10, the selected driving course is "App Course 1 (Sheets Course)", and an image containing the word "Sheets" is displayed as display E1.

[0078] In this case, if the normal operation course is selected, the control unit 153 displays the course description information DIb-1 contained in the first setting information 161 stored in the ROM 159a as display E2. On the other hand, if the original course is selected, the control unit 153 displays the course description information DIb-3 contained in the information obtained from the server 200 and stored in the RAM 159b as display E2. In the example shown in Figure 10, the selected operation course is "App Course 1 (Sheet Course)," and an image is displayed as display E2, which includes the words "Thoroughly washes away accumulated dirt" along with an explanation of the time (e.g., scheduled time) or number of times for each step included in the operation course.

[0079] In this embodiment, the control unit 153 displays the operation unit B2 as part of the display E2 when communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is established. The operation unit B2 is operated by user U when transitioning from the selection screen D11 to the detail screen D12, which provides a more detailed explanation of the original course than the selection screen D11. When communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is not established, the operation unit B2 is not displayed or is displayed in an unavailable manner on the selection screen D11 (see Figure 9). An "unavailable manner" means that the display color and text are different from when it is displayed, for example, it is grayed out.

[0080] Figure 11 shows an example of the contents of the details screen D12. The control unit 153 displays the course description information DIb-3, which is included in the information obtained from the server 200 and stored in RAM 159b, on the details screen D12. In the example shown in Figure 11, the selected operating course is "App Course 1 (Sheet Course)," and an image is displayed as a detailed course description for the Sheet Course, including explanations such as whether or not the detergent to be used is specified, the target weight, and precautions to take during use.

[0081] <5.2 Examples of displays on the driving screen> In this embodiment, the control unit 153 displays the progress of the running cycle or the remaining time on a screen (hereinafter referred to as the "operation screen D21") that is displayed while the washing machine 100 is in operation. At this time, if communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is disconnected, the control unit 153 displays the first information as the display information DI displayed on the operation screen D21. On the other hand, if communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is connected, the control unit 153 displays the second information as the display information DI displayed on the operation screen D21.

[0082] (Example of display when disconnected) Figure 12 shows an example of what is displayed on the operating screen D21 when communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is disconnected. In this case, the control unit 153 displays an indication E3 of the currently running driving course in the upper right corner of the operating screen D21. For example, if the normal driving course is selected, the control unit 153 displays the course name information DIa-1 contained in the first setting information 161 stored in the ROM 159a as indication E3. On the other hand, if the original course is selected, the control unit 153 displays the course name information DIa-2 contained in the first setting information 161 stored in the ROM 159a as indication E3. In the example shown in Figure 12, the selected driving course is "App Course 1 (Sheet Course)", and an image containing the text "App 1" is displayed as indication E3.

[0083] In this case, the control unit 153 displays a display E4 in the center of the operating screen D21, which shows a description of the currently running course. For example, if the original course is selected, the control unit 153 displays the course description information DIb-2 contained in the first setting information 161 stored in the ROM 159a as display E4. In the example shown in Figure 12, the selected running course is "App Course 1 (Sheets Course)," and the display E4 shows an image indicating that the time (e.g., scheduled time) or number of times for each step (washing, rinsing, spinning, etc.) included in the running course is "automatic." In other words, display E4 displays the first information (course description information DIb-2) which does not include numerical values ​​regarding the time or number of times for each step of the original course.

[0084] (Example of display when connected) Figure 13 shows an example of what is displayed on the operating screen D21 when communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is established. In this case, if a normal driving course is selected, the control unit 153 displays the course name information DIa-1 contained in the first setting information 161 stored in the ROM 159a as display E3. On the other hand, if an original course is selected, the control unit 153 displays the course name information DIa-3 contained in the information obtained from the server 200 and stored in the RAM 159b as display E3. In the example shown in Figure 13, the selected driving course is "App Course 1 (Sheets Course)", and an image containing the word "Sheets" is displayed as display E3.

[0085] In this case, if the original course is selected, the control unit 153 displays the course description information DIb-3, which is included in the information obtained from the server 200 and stored in RAM 159b, as display E4. In the example shown in Figure 13, the selected operating course is "App Course 1 (Sheets Course)," and display E4 shows an image in which the time (e.g., scheduled time) or number of times for each process (washing, rinsing, spinning, etc.) included in the operating course is shown in specific numerical values. In other words, display E4 displays the second piece of information (course description information DIb-3), which includes numerical values ​​related to the time or number of times for each process of the original course.

[0086] <6. Advantages> As a comparative example, consider a washing machine in which the ROM storage capacity is reduced, information indicating the course name and course description of the original course is not stored in the washing machine's ROM, and the original course information is not transmitted from the server to the washing machine. Instead, the washing machine only displays general information as the original course. With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the cost of the washing machine and reduce communication costs by suppressing the amount of data transmitted.

[0087] However, in this comparative example configuration, while the cost of the washing machine can be reduced by decreasing the ROM storage capacity, the amount of information provided to the user will also decrease. For example, the contents of the custom course may not be fully conveyed. It would be acceptable if only the name of the custom course were difficult to understand, but other important information such as the target clothing, target weight, and process details of the course will also become difficult to convey. Therefore, users may not receive benefits commensurate with the cost reduction of the washing machine. Furthermore, regarding the amount of data to be transmitted, since only the course name is transmitted once as ASCII data, the amount of data transmitted will not be enormous, and the benefit of reducing communication costs will be limited. In fact, there may be cases where it is more beneficial to display the information of the custom course. For example, if the information of the custom course is transmitted at appropriate times and with limited frequency, and this information is stored in RAM, it is possible to display the information of the custom course while reducing the ROM storage capacity.

[0088] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the control unit 153 displays display information DI related to the original course on the display screen 111a, if communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is disconnected (i.e., at least one of the first step and the second step is not realized), it displays the first information stored in the storage unit 159 of the washing machine 100 as display information DI. On the other hand, if communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is connected (i.e., both the first step and the second step are realized), it displays the second information obtained from the server 200 as display information DI.

[0089] This configuration allows for the storage of original course information in the washing machine 100's ROM 159a and information obtained from the server 200. This ensures that the original course can be executed as a running course even when communication between the washing machine 100 and the server 200 is disconnected, while also providing the benefit of displaying information about the original course when communication between the washing machine 100 and the server 200 is established. For example, information such as course names and course descriptions, whether in binary or ASCII data, is large in size and would strain the capacity of the ROM 159a if stored. Therefore, this information is not stored in the washing machine 100's ROM 159a, but is received as communication data and stored in the RAM 159b for processing. This reduces the storage capacity of the washing machine 100's ROM 159a, thereby lowering the cost of the washing machine 100. Furthermore, when communication between the washing machine 100 and the server 200 is established, detailed information about the original course can be provided to the user U, improving usability. This enhances convenience.

[0090] In this embodiment, when the control unit 153 displays a selection of multiple operating courses, including a normal operating course pre-installed in the washing machine 100 and an original course, on the display screen 111a, if communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is disconnected (i.e., at least one of the first step and the second step is not realized), it displays the first information as display information DI. On the other hand, if communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is connected (i.e., both the first step and the second step are realized), it displays the second information as display information DI. With this configuration, when multiple operating courses are selected and displayed on the display screen 111a, if communication between the washing machine 100 and the server 200 is connected, detailed information regarding the original course can be provided to the user U. This further improves convenience.

[0091] In this embodiment, the control unit 153 displays the first information as display information DI when communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is disconnected during the time the washing machine 100 is operating (i.e., at least one of the first and second steps is not realized). On the other hand, when communication between the communication unit 140 and the server 200 is connected (i.e., both the first and second steps are realized), the control unit 153 displays the second information as display information DI. With this configuration, when communication between the washing machine 100 and the server 200 is connected, detailed information about the original course can be notified to the user U on the washing machine 100's operating screen D21. This further improves convenience.

[0092] In this embodiment, the second information includes images or videos related to the content of the original course. With this configuration, it becomes unnecessary to store the large amount of second information, which is images or videos, in the ROM 159a of the washing machine 100, thus reducing the storage capacity of the ROM 159a. This contributes to reducing the cost of the washing machine 100.

[0093] <7. Variation> Next, a modified example of the clothing processing system 1 will be described. In the embodiment described above, the server 200 is an example of an "external device," and an example was described in which the operation course registration reception unit 210, the request acquisition unit 220, and the information acquisition unit 230 are provided on the server 200, and the second setting information 291 is stored in the storage unit 290 of the server 200. However, the embodiment is not limited to the above example. For example, the operation course registration reception unit 210, the request acquisition unit 220, and the information acquisition unit 230 may be provided on the home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300, and the second setting information 291 may be stored in the storage unit of the terminal device 300. In this case, the terminal device 300 is an example of an "external device." In this case, "server 200" in the description of the embodiment described above may be read as "terminal device 300." The washing machine 100 communicates with the terminal device 300 to acquire and display information related to the original course (course name information DIa-3 and course description information DIb-3, etc.) from the terminal device 300.

[0094] According to at least one embodiment described above, when the control unit of the garment processing machine displays information for a special operation course on the display unit, if communication between the communication unit and the external device is disconnected, it displays first information stored in the storage unit of the garment processing machine as the display information, and if communication between the communication unit and the external device is connected, it displays second information obtained from the external device as the display information. With such a configuration, convenience can be improved.

[0095] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1...Clothing processing system, 100...Washing machine (clothing processing machine), 111...Display device (display unit), 140...Communication unit, 150...Control device, 153...Control unit, 159...Storage unit, 200...Server (external device), 290...Storage unit, 300...Terminal device.

Claims

1. A display unit capable of displaying information about the driving course, A communication unit capable of communicating with an external device, such as a terminal device or server, A storage unit capable of storing control information related to special driving courses added by the user, A control unit capable of executing the special driving course based on the control information, Equipped with, The control unit, When displaying information relating to the special driving course on the display unit, If at least one of the following steps is not achieved: a first step in which communication between the communication unit and the external device is established after the power is turned on, and a second step in which second information is obtained from the external device as display information after the first step, the first information stored in the storage unit as display information is displayed on the display unit. If the first and second steps are performed after the power supply is started, the first information is not displayed on the display unit, and the second information, obtained from the external device, is displayed on the display unit as information that is displayed alternatively to the first information as display information. Garment processing machine.

2. A garment processing machine, A display unit capable of displaying information about the driving course, A communication unit capable of communicating with an external device, such as a terminal device or server, A storage unit capable of storing control information related to special driving courses added by the user, A control unit capable of executing the special driving course based on the control information, Equipped with, The control unit, When displaying information related to the special operation course on the display unit while the garment processing machine is in operation, If at least one of the following steps is not achieved: a first step in which communication between the communication unit and the external device is established after the power is turned on, and a second step in which second information is obtained from the external device as display information after the first step, the first information stored in the storage unit is displayed as display information. If the first and second steps are performed after the power supply is started, the second information obtained from the external device is displayed as the display information. Garment processing machine.

3. The second piece of information is more detailed than the first piece of information regarding the contents of the special driving course. A garment processing machine according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The second piece of information is information relating to the contents of the special driving course, The first piece of information indicates that it relates to the special driving course, but it is general-purpose information that does not relate to the content of the special driving course. A garment processing machine according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The second piece of information includes the name of the course or a description of the course that corresponds to the content of the special driving course. The first information includes the name or description of the course, which can be used even if the content of the special driving course differs. A garment processing machine according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The second information includes images or videos relating to the contents of the special driving course. A garment processing machine according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. When the control unit displays a selection of operation courses, including a normal operation course and a special operation course, pre-installed in the garment processing machine, on the display unit, if at least one of the first step and the second step is not realized after the power is started, the control unit displays the first information as the display information, and if both the first step and the second step are realized after the power is started, the control unit displays the second information as the display information. A garment processing machine according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The second piece of information includes numerical values ​​relating to the time or number of times for each stage of the special driving course. The first information described above does not include numerical values ​​regarding the time or number of times for each stage of the special driving course. A garment processing machine according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. The memory unit stores identification information that identifies the special driving course, As the second step, the control unit transmits the identification information that identifies the special driving course to the external device when communication between the communication unit and the external device is connected, and obtains the second information transmitted from the external device in accordance with the identification information. A garment processing machine according to claim 1 or claim 2.

10. A garment processing machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, The aforementioned external device, Equipped with, Garment processing system.

Images