Program, information processing system, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a program, an electric home appliance, an information processing system, and an information processing method that can improve convenience.SOLUTION: A program of an embodiment is a program that can be installed in a terminal device that can communicate with an external information processing system. The information processing system determines when to order a second article different from a first article based on information about a usage status of the first article used in an electric home appliance. The program causes the terminal device to implement an operation reception unit capable of accepting a user's operation regarding registration of an article set as the second article or ordering conditions for the second article.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a program, an information processing system, and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a washing machine that measures the amount of a washing treatment agent used during a washing operation and determines the timing to order the washing treatment agent based on the measured amount of the washing treatment agent used. By the way, systems that place an order or propose an order for an article are expected to further improve convenience.

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 program, an information processing system, and an information processing method capable of improving convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The program of the embodiment is a program that can be installed on a terminal device capable of communicating with an external information processing system. The information processing system places an order for the article when the total value of the value related to the amount of the article used in the first device and the value related to the amount of the article used in the second device satisfies an ordering condition. The program realizes an operation reception unit on the terminal device that can receive an operation of the user related to the registration of the article. of performs. The program causes the terminal device to Work an operation reception unit capable of receiving and a display control unit that controls the content displayed on the display screen of the terminal device. be realized The operation reception unit accepts the registration of an item on a registration screen for registering the brand name of the item for purposes other than ordering or proposing an order, and transmits information indicating the accepted item to the information processing system as information indicating the item to be ordered. The display control unit displays an operation unit on the registration screen for registering the brand name of an item used in one of the first or second devices, which can accept user operations to indicate that the brand name of the item used in the other of the first or second device is the same. When a predetermined operation is performed, including the operation unit being operated, the operation reception unit accepts that the brand name of the item used in the first device and the brand name of the item used in the second device are the same, and transmits information indicating that the brand name of the item used in the first device and the brand name of the item used in the second device are the same to the information processing system. .

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the overall configuration of the home appliance-related system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view showing a drum-type washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing an automatic dispensing device for clothing treatment agents according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the washing machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the registration screen of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the database of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing the main processing flow in the information processing system of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] A diagram showing the database of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The following describes the program, information processing system, and information processing method of the embodiment with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are 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 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 is also true when there are three or more optional elements. XX and YY are arbitrary elements (e.g., arbitrary information). In this application, "acquisition" is not limited to cases where information is actively acquired by sending a transmission request, but may also include cases where information is acquired by passively receiving information transmitted from another device.

[0008] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the home appliance-related system 1 of the first embodiment. The home appliance-related system 1 includes, for example, a plurality of home appliances 100 (first washing machine 100A, second washing machine 100B), a server 200, and a terminal device 300. In this embodiment, the server 200 is an example of an "information processing system". Alternatively, an example of an "information processing system" may be realized by one or more home appliances 100, or by the terminal device 300, or by any two or more of the home appliances 100, server 200, and 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.

[0009] The home appliance 100 is an electrical appliance primarily used in the home. The home appliance 100 is located within the dwelling of user U. The home appliance 100 is connected to the network NW via a wireless router WR and modem M installed within the dwelling of user U. The home appliance 100 can communicate with a server 200 or a terminal device 300 via the network NW.

[0010] Home appliances 100 include, but are not limited to, clothing processing devices, refrigerators, cooking appliances, rice cookers, air conditioners, heaters, or vacuum cleaners. "Clothing processing device" broadly refers to a device that performs some kind of processing on clothing (for example, washing, drying, wrinkle removal, crease strengthening, deodorizing, pollen removal, dust removal, or disinfection, one or more of the above). "Clothing processing device" is a washing machine, but also includes closet-type dry cleaning machines.

[0011] In this embodiment, a first washing machine 100A and a second washing machine 100B are set up as multiple home appliances 100 in the residence of user U. Each of the first washing machine 100A and the second washing machine 100B is an example of a "clothing processing device". The first washing machine 100A is an example of a "first device". The second washing machine 100B is an example of a "second device". When the first washing machine 100A and the second washing machine 100B are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as "home appliance 100".

[0012] Server 200 is a management server that manages the home appliance 100. Server 200 consists of one or more server devices (e.g., cloud servers). Server 200 may also be referred to as a "server system". Server 200 can communicate with the home appliance 100 or terminal devices 300 via a 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 the network NW. Server 200 is not limited to a cloud server; it may be a computer in the user U's residence, or a home router (e.g., a wireless router WR), etc.

[0013] The terminal device 300 is a terminal device used by user U. The terminal device 300 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal device. However, the terminal device 300 is not limited to a portable terminal device and may be a personal computer or the like. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, a display device 301, an input device 302, and a communication unit 303. The display device 301 has a display screen 301a capable of displaying various information. The input device 302 is capable of receiving input from user U. The input device 302 is, for example, a touch panel provided on top of the display screen 301a of the display device 301. The input device 302 may include a camera, microphone, etc., provided in the terminal device 300. The communication unit 303 is a communication module capable of wireless communication. The communication unit 303 is connected to the network NW via or directly through a wireless router WR and a modem M. The communication unit 303 can communicate with home appliances 100 or a server 200 via the network NW.

[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 home appliance 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".

[0015] <2. Washing machine> Next, the washing machine 100A as an example of the home appliance 100 will be described in detail. Note that the washing machine 100B also has the same configuration. However, the washing machine 100A and the washing machine 100B do not have to be of the same type and may be of different models.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the drum-type washing machine 100A. The washing machine 100A includes, for example, a housing (outer box) 111, a washing mechanism 120, and a drying mechanism 130. The washing mechanism 120 includes, for example, a water tank 121, a drum (rotating tank) 123, a motor 124, a water supply device 126, and an automatic clothing treatment agent input device 127. Note that the washing machine 100A is not limited to the drum type and may be a vertical washing machine.

[0017] The housing 111 is formed in a rectangular box shape. The water tank 121 is provided inside the housing 111 and is elastically supported via a suspension (not shown). The drum 123 is rotatably provided inside the water tank 121. The motor 124 is provided behind the water tank 121 and is connected to the drum 123 via a rotating shaft. The motor 124 rotationally drives the drum 123 via the rotating shaft. The water supply device 126 is provided above the water tank 121.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the automatic clothing treatment agent input device 127. The automatic input device 127 is provided above the water tank 121. The automatic input device 127 includes a remaining amount sensor 171a, a remaining amount sensor 171b, a first tank 172a, a second tank 172b, and an input pump 174.

[0019] The first tank 172a contains, for example, a first garment treatment agent. The second tank 172b contains a second garment treatment agent. "Garment treatment agent" broadly refers to treatment agents used for treating clothes, including detergents, fabric softeners, bleaches, deodorizers, and fragrances. In this embodiment, the first tank 172a contains, for example, "detergent" as the first garment treatment agent. The second tank 172b contains, for example, "fabric softener" as the second garment treatment agent. The dispensing pump 174, based on control by the control unit 154, automatically dispenses the garment treatment agents contained in the multiple tanks 172a and 172b into the drum 123 individually. The amount and timing of the automatic dispensing of the laundry treatment agent are preset according to the operating course. The automatic dispensing device 127 may have, for example, three or more tanks.

[0020] The remaining amount sensor 171a detects the remaining amount of the first garment treatment agent contained in the first tank 172a. The remaining amount sensor 171b detects the remaining amount of the second garment treatment agent contained in the second tank 172b.

[0021] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the washing machine 100A. The washing machine 100A includes an actuator unit 151, a sensor unit 152, a main unit operation unit 153, a control unit 154, a communication unit 155, and a storage unit 160.

[0022] The actuator unit 151 is a drive unit that operates the main functions of the washing machine 100A. The actuator unit 151 includes, for example, a motor 124, a water supply device 126, an automatic dispensing device 127, and a drying mechanism 130.

[0023] The sensor unit 152 includes a plurality of sensors (not shown), such as a door opening / closing sensor, a temperature sensor, a current sensor, and a voltage sensor. In this embodiment, the sensor unit 152 includes remaining amount sensors 171a and 171b provided in the first tank 172a of the automatic dispensing device 127. The remaining amount sensors 171a and 171b are, for example, float sensors and have a rotating shaft (not shown) and a float connected to the rotating shaft that floats on the surface of the laundry treatment agent. The remaining amount sensor 171a can detect the remaining amount of the first laundry treatment agent contained in the first tank 172a based on the height position of the float floating on the surface of the first laundry treatment agent. The remaining amount sensor 171b can detect the remaining amount of the second laundry treatment agent contained in the second tank 172b based on the height position of the float floating on the surface of the second laundry treatment agent.

[0024] The main unit control panel 153 receives user U operations related to the washing machine 100A. For example, the main unit control panel 153 receives user U operations to specify or change the settings of the washing machine 100A.

[0025] The control unit 154 is implemented by one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted on the washing machine 100A, executing a program. However, each part or all of the control unit 154 may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or by the cooperation of software and hardware.

[0026] The control unit 154 comprehensively controls the entire washing machine 100A. For example, the control unit 154 receives user U's operations (e.g., setting a washing course) on the main unit's operation unit 153. Based on the contents of the washing course set by user U, the control unit 154 controls the washing mechanism 120 and the drying mechanism 130 to execute each washing process (washing, rinsing, spinning, and drying).

[0027] In this embodiment, for example, each time the washing machine 100A is operated, the control unit 154 calculates the amount of the first garment treatment agent stored in the first tank 172a and the amount of the second garment treatment agent stored in the second tank 172b based on the changes in the detection results of the remaining amount sensors 171a and 171b. The control unit 154 stores the calculated usage amount information 161a, which shows the amount of the first garment treatment agent and the amount of the second garment treatment agent, as usage status information 161 in the storage unit 160. Alternatively, the control unit 154 may store the remaining amount information 161b, which shows the remaining amount of the first garment treatment agent and the remaining amount of the second garment treatment agent detected by the remaining amount sensors 171a and 171b, as part or all of the usage status information 161 in the storage unit 160, instead of / in addition to the usage amount information 161a. Each of the usage amount information 161a and the remaining amount information 161b is an example of "information related to usage status". In the following, when usage information 161a and remaining amount information 161b are not distinguished, they will be referred to as "usage status information 161".

[0028] In the following explanation, it is assumed that the first tank 172a contains "detergent" as the first garment treatment agent. The remaining amount sensor 171a detects the amount of "detergent" used in the first tank 172a, and the control unit 154 calculates the "amount of detergent used" as "usage status information 161." The content of "amount of detergent used" in the following explanation is the same for the amount of the second garment treatment agent used in the second tank 172b.

[0029] The communication unit 155 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. For example, the communication unit 155 transmits the usage status information 161 of the first garment processing agent, stored in the storage unit 160, to the server 200 at predetermined intervals.

[0030] The memory unit 160 is a functional unit that stores various types of information. The memory unit 160 is implemented by a combination of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), or SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory unit 160 stores usage information 161.

[0031] <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, an information acquisition unit 210, a registration unit 220, an order target management unit 230, a determination unit 240, an order processing unit 250, and a storage unit 260.

[0032] The information acquisition unit 210, registration unit 220, order target management unit 230, determination unit 240, and order processing unit 250 are implemented by one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU mounted on the server 200, executing programs. However, some or all of these functional units may be implemented by hardware such as ASICs, PLDs, or FPGAs, or by the cooperation of software and hardware. Furthermore, one or more of these functional units may be provided in the home appliance management application APP of the home appliance 100 or terminal device 300 instead of the server 200.

[0033] <3.1 Information acquisition section> The information acquisition unit 210 acquires information by receiving usage status information 161 that is periodically transmitted from the home appliance 100. For example, if there are two washing machines 100A and 100B as home appliance 100, the information acquisition unit 210 acquires usage status information 161 that is periodically sent from washing machine 100A and washing machine 100B, respectively. The usage status information 161 is, for example, information on the amount of detergent used by washing machine 100A and washing machine 100B.

[0034] <3.2 Registration Section> The registration unit 220 registers items that will be ordered or proposed for ordering by the order processing unit 250, which will be described later. For example, if the home appliance 100 consists of two washing machines 100A and 100B, the registration unit 220 registers detergents to be used in washing machines 100A and 100B as items that will be ordered or proposed for ordering.

[0035] The registration of items subject to ordering or ordering proposals is performed by user U operating the terminal device 300. Specifically, during registration, a registration screen for setting the items subject to ordering or ordering proposals is displayed on the display device 301 of the terminal device 300. User U registers "detergent" used in washing machines 100A and 100B as an item subject to ordering or ordering proposals by operating the input device 302 of the terminal device 300.

[0036] Note that the registration of items subject to ordering or ordering proposals may be performed without displaying the registration screen for setting up ordering or ordering proposals. For example, user U may register the brands of items (laundry agents) to be used in the automatic dispensing device 127 of the first washing machine 100A and the second washing machine 100B, not for the purpose of ordering or ordering proposals, but for the purpose of registering the brands of items to be used in the automatic dispensing device 127. In other words, in the automatic dispensing device 127 of washing machines 100A and 100B, the amount of detergent to be dispensed per unit volume of water differs depending on the type of detergent. Therefore, by registering the brand of detergent, the amount of detergent to be dispensed per unit volume of water contained in the automatic dispensing device 127 is determined.

[0037] In this embodiment, when a user U inputs the brand name of an item into the terminal device 300 for the purpose of registering the brand name of an item to be stored in the automatic loading device 127, the operation reception unit 320 of the terminal device 300 transmits information indicating the input brand name of the item to the server 200 as information indicating the item to be ordered or proposed for ordering. The registration unit 220 then registers the brand name of the item to be ordered or proposed for ordering based on the information indicating the brand name of the item received from the terminal device 300.

[0038] Furthermore, if user U owns multiple home appliances 100, the registration settings for items subject to ordering or ordering proposals may be done for each appliance individually, or they may be registered all at once. For example, if user U owns a first washing machine 100A and a second washing machine 100B, user U can configure the settings for the first washing machine 100A and the second washing machine 100B individually. Also, once user U has configured one appliance, for example the first washing machine 100A, the second washing machine 100B can be set to the same settings.

[0039] In other words, the registration unit 220 can register "Detergent A (First Item)" as an item subject to ordering or ordering proposal in the first washing machine 100A, and register "Detergent B (Second Item)" as an item subject to ordering or ordering proposal in the second washing machine 100B. Furthermore, the registration unit 220 can register the same item in both the first washing machine 100A and the second washing machine 100B. That is, the registration unit 220 can register "Detergent A (First Item)" as an item subject to ordering or ordering proposal in the first washing machine 100A, and register the same "Detergent A (First Item)" as an item subject to ordering or ordering proposal in the second washing machine 100B by duplicating the information without requiring the user U to perform the same input operation again.

[0040] Furthermore, if user U wishes to change to a new item that is different from the items they have previously registered, they can do so after they have finished using the previously registered items.

[0041] Furthermore, if user U purchases a new item that is different from the items previously registered, the newly purchased item can be registered as an item subject to ordering or ordering proposal. For example, suppose the item used in the first washing machine 100A and the second washing machine 100B was previously "Detergent A," but user U orders "Detergent B" using the ordering processing unit 250 of the server 200. When the ordering processing unit 250 places an order for "Detergent B (Second Item)," which is different from "Detergent A (First Item)" currently used in the first washing machine 100A and the second washing machine 100B, the registration unit 220 registers "Detergent B" (Second Item) as the next item to be used in washing machines 100A and 100B. In other words, the registration unit 220 registers "Detergent B" (Second Item) as the next item to be placed in the automatic dispensing device 127 of washing machines 100A and 100B.

[0042] <3.2 Order Management Department> The Order Target Management Unit 230 manages the items to be ordered. Note that "items to be ordered" is not limited to items that are actually ordered, but may also include items for which ordering is proposed. Furthermore, "managing items to be ordered" means, for example, registering, deleting, or modifying items to be ordered in the database 500 of the storage unit 260. The Order Target Management Unit 230 registers items to be set as items to be ordered based on user U's operations on the home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300.

[0043] The Order Target Management Unit 230 sets items registered by the Registration Unit 220 as items to be ordered by the Order Processing Unit 250. Furthermore, if the Order Target Management Unit 230 has a function to set the detergent brand for automatic dispensing during washing, it reuses this information as information for automatically ordered items. Also, if a service has an automatic dispensing function but lacks an automatic ordering function, and this function is added through a version upgrade, the Order Target Management Unit 230 reuses this information as information for automatically ordered items.

[0044] Furthermore, the order management unit 230 can set items different from those currently in use in the first washing machine 100A and the second washing machine 100B as items to be ordered or proposed for ordering by the order processing unit 250. For example, suppose user U owns the first washing machine 100A and the second washing machine 100B, and the item currently in use in washing machines 100A and 100B is "detergent A". Then, user U decides that once "detergent A" is used up, they will switch to "detergent B" for use in washing machines 100A and 100B. In this case, user U can set "detergent B" as an item to be ordered. It is also possible, for example, that if "detergent A" is currently in use in washing machines 100A and 100B, once "detergent A" is used up, washing machine 100A will switch to "detergent C" and washing machine 100B will switch to "detergent D". It can also handle cases where the detergent used in washing machines 100A and 100B is discontinued and a new brand needs to be switched to.

[0045] Furthermore, the order management unit 230 can accept registration of items to be ordered or changes to order conditions for washing machines 100A and 100B all at once. In other words, if the same user U owns multiple washing machines 100A and 100B, the order management unit 230 can change the settings of multiple washing machines 100A and 100B all at once (for example, with a single operation).

[0046] Furthermore, the Order Management Unit 230 can register the registration or ordering conditions of items previously associated with the appliance 100 when other appliances are registered in addition to, or in place of, washing machine 100A and washing machine 100B, or at least one of washing machine 100A and washing machine 100B. For example, when user U purchases a second washing machine or replaces a washing machine, it is troublesome to reconfigure the settings. Therefore, the registration or ordering conditions of items associated with washing machine 100A or washing machine 100B can be carried over to the newly purchased or replaced washing machine.

[0047] <3.3 Judgment section> The determination unit 240 determines whether it is time to place an order or propose an order for items registered in washing machine 100A and washing machine 100B. At this time, if the items used in washing machine 100A and the items used in washing machine 100B are the same, the determination unit 240 determines whether the sum of the values ​​related to the amount of use of the items satisfies the ordering conditions, and determines whether it is time to place an order or propose an order for the items. "Value related to the amount of use of the items" means, for example, the amount used or the remaining amount. "The sum of the values ​​related to the amount of use satisfies the ordering conditions" means, for example, that the sum of the amount used is above a certain threshold, or that the sum of the remaining amount is below a certain threshold. Here, "amount used" means, for example, the cumulative amount used.

[0048] For example, suppose user U owns a first washing machine 100A and a second washing machine 100B, and the item being used in both washing machines 100A and 100B is the same "detergent A". In this case, the determination unit 240 determines whether the sum of the amount of "detergent A" used in washing machine 100A and the amount of "detergent A" used in washing machine 100B meets the ordering conditions, and determines whether it is time to purchase the item or propose the item.

[0049] Furthermore, if the information obtained as usage status from the first washing machine 100A and the second washing machine 100B is usage amount information, the ordering condition will be whether or not the usage amount information has reached a threshold. The threshold can be set by user U or left as a default. The setting of the threshold will be explained later. Also, if there are three or more washing machines, the items from only two washing machines may be added together, and it may be determined whether or not the total value meets the ordering condition.

[0050] Furthermore, if the items used in washing machine 100A and washing machine 100B are different, the determination unit 240 makes a decision regarding ordering based on an index different from the above total value. That is, if the items used in washing machine 100A and washing machine 100B are different, the determination unit 240 compares the individual usage amount of each item in washing machine 100A and washing machine 100B with a threshold. For example, suppose user U uses "detergent A" in washing machine 100A and "detergent B" in washing machine 100B. In this case, the determination unit 240 compares the usage amount (or remaining amount) of "detergent A" with the threshold for washing machine 100A, and compares the usage amount (or remaining amount) of "detergent B" with the threshold for washing machine 100B, and individually determines whether it is time to purchase or propose items for washing machine 100A and washing machine 100B.

[0051] <3.4 Order Processing Section> The order processing unit 250 places an order for goods or proposes an order if the determination unit 240 determines that the order conditions are met.

[0052] <3.5 Storage section> The memory unit 260 is a functional unit that stores various types of information. The memory unit 260 can be implemented using a combination of, for example, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, HDD (hard disk drive), or SSD. The memory unit 260 stores a database 500 for managing order targets.

[0053] <4. Terminal Devices> Next, we will describe the terminal device 300. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 300. The terminal device 300 includes, for example, an information acquisition unit 310, an operation reception unit 320, a display control unit 330, and a storage unit 350.

[0054] The information acquisition unit 310, the operation reception unit 320, and the display control unit 330 are realized by one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU mounted on the terminal device 300, executing the application program P. In other words, the information acquisition unit 310, the operation reception unit 320, and the display control unit 330 are software functions included in the home appliance management application APP.

[0055] The information acquisition unit 310 acquires various information or notifications from the server 200 or the washing machines 100A and 100B. For example, the information acquisition unit 310 acquires order proposals from the server 200.

[0056] The operation reception unit 320 can receive operations performed by user U on the input device 302 in relation to the home appliance management application APP. For example, the operation reception unit 320 can receive registration of items used in washing machines 100A and 100B. In other words, in washing machines 100A and 110B, the amount of laundry treatment agent used or remaining in the first tank 172a and the second tank 172b is measured as usage information 161. The operation reception unit 320 accepts the measured laundry treatment agent as an item.

[0057] The display control unit 330 controls the content displayed on the display screen 301a of the display device 301 by controlling the display device 301 of the terminal device 300. For example, the display control unit 330 causes the display device 301 to display a screen for registering an order or an order proposal.

[0058] The memory unit 350 is implemented by a combination of, for example, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, or SSD, and stores various types of information. The memory unit 350 stores the home appliance management application APP.

[0059] <5. Home appliance management app> Next, I will explain the home appliance management app installed on the terminal device 300. The home appliance management app is used to register washing machines 100A and 100B, register items that are subject to ordering or ordering suggestions, and register ordering conditions.

[0060] Figure 7 shows examples of registration screens 351A and 351B. Registration screen 351a shows the screen displayed when registering the first washing machine 100A, and registration screen 351b shows the screen displayed when registering the second washing machine 100B. Registration screens 351a and 351b are displayed by the display control unit 330. User U can then perform various registrations by operating the input device 302 while viewing registration screens 351a and 351b.

[0061] As shown in Figure 7, the device ID 352 is displayed on the registration screens 351a and 351b. The device ID is unique information used to identify the device. The device ID is transmitted from washing machines 100A and 100B to the terminal device 300, for example, when communication between the terminal device 300 and washing machines 100A and 100B is established.

[0062] Registration screens 351a and 351b display input fields for the equipment name 353, product name (brand name of the item) 354, and threshold 355. In addition, input fields 356 and 357 are displayed on registration screen 351a. Furthermore, an automatic order button 365 and an automatic notification button 366 are displayed on registration screens 351a and 351b.

[0063] In the input field 353 for the equipment name, for example, the installation location is entered. In this example, "Washing machine on the first floor" is entered as the equipment name for washing machine 100A, and "Washing machine on the second floor" is entered as the equipment name for washing machine 100B. User U can easily distinguish between washing machine 100A and washing machine 100B by referring to the equipment name.

[0064] The input field 354 for the product name is where the product name of the item to be automatically ordered or notified is entered. "Automatic notification" refers to a suggestion to place an order. In this example, the input field 354 for the same product, "ABC Detergent," is entered in both the registration screens 351a and 351b. Note that the products to be automatically ordered may be linked to a product purchase website, for example, and can be selected from the product purchase website.

[0065] The threshold input field 355 is where you enter the threshold value that will be used as the condition for automatic ordering or automatic notification. Note that the threshold value for the amount of goods used when automatic ordering or automatic notification is set to the default value.

[0066] Input field 356 is used to register the same settings for washing machines 100A and 100B owned by the same user U. In other words, the operation reception unit 320 accepts the registration of items to be ordered or changes to the ordering conditions for washing machines 100A and 100B all at once. For example, if the registration of the first washing machine 100A is set on the registration screen 351a and a check is placed in input field 356, the registration process for the second washing machine 100B becomes unnecessary, and the registration of items to be ordered or the ordering conditions for the second washing machine 100B will be the same as those for the first washing machine 100A.

[0067] Furthermore, the input field 357 is used to register the same settings as the previously used equipment when replacing a washing machine. In other words, when a new washing machine different from the first washing machine 100A and the second washing machine 100B is to be registered, the operation reception unit 320 receives a response from user U indicating whether or not to register the items or ordering conditions associated with the first washing machine 100A or the second washing machine 100B in association with the new washing machine.

[0068] The automatic order button 365 is a button to confirm an automatic order. The automatic notification button 366 is a button to confirm an automatic notification. When user U presses the automatic order button 365, the information entered on registration screens 351A and 351B is sent to server 200, and the automatic order service is confirmed. Also, when user U presses the automatic notification button 366, the information entered on registration screens 351A and 351B is sent to server 200, and the order proposal service is confirmed.

[0069] Note that the registration of washing machines 100A and 100B may also be entered from washing machine 100A or washing machine 100B, rather than through terminal device 300. For example, washing machines that can automatically dispense detergent may have a device that allows the user to input the brand name of the detergent to set the amount of detergent to be used. In such devices, the items to be ordered or suggested to be ordered can be set based on the set detergent brand. Also, even if a service has an automatic dispensing function but no automatic ordering function, and this function is added through a version upgrade, the brand names of the items to be ordered or suggested can be reused.

[0070] <6. Database> Figure 8 shows an example of a database 500 stored in the server's storage unit 350. The database 500 shown in Figure 8 is constructed based on the information set by the user U's operation on the terminal device 300 described above. As shown in Figure 8, the database 500 includes a customer management table 501 and equipment management tables 502a and 502b. The customer management table 501 and the equipment management tables 502a and 502b are, for example, relational databases.

[0071] The customer management table 501 contains the equipment IDs of the devices owned by user U, associated with the user ID. The equipment ID is a unique identifier for each device. In this example, user U owns two washing machines, 100A and 100B, and the equipment ID column will contain the equipment IDs for washing machines 100A and 100B.

[0072] The equipment management tables 502a and 502b contain information to be managed for each piece of equipment. For example, the number of equipment owned by user U may vary. In this example, user U owns two washing machines, 100A and 100B, so two equipment management tables, 502a and 502b, are provided.

[0073] Each equipment management table 502a and 502b contains the "equipment name," "product name," "ordering conditions," and "usage amount," associated with the equipment ID.

[0074] The "Device Name" field displays the device name based on the information entered in the input field 353 of the registration screens 351a and 351b of the terminal device 300 shown in Figure 7. In the example in Figure 7, the registration screen 351a for washing machine 100A has "Washing machine on the 1st floor" entered as the device name, and the registration screen 351b for washing machine 100B has "Washing machine on the 2nd floor" entered as the device name. Accordingly, the device name field in the device management table 502a displays "Washing machine on the 1st floor," and the device name field in the device management table 502b displays "Washing machine on the 2nd floor."

[0075] The "Product Name" field displays the brand names of the items used in washing machines 100A and 100B, based on the information entered in the input fields 354 of the registration screens 351a and 351b of the terminal device 300 shown in Figure 7. In the example in Figure 7, "ABC Detergent" is entered as the product name in the input field 354 of the registration screen 351a for washing machine 100A, and similarly, "ABC Detergent" is entered as the product name in the input field 354 of the registration screen 351b for washing machine 100B. Accordingly, "ABC Detergent" is written in the product name field of the equipment management table 502a, and "ABC Detergent" is written in the product name field of the equipment management table 502b.

[0076] The "Ordering Conditions" field further includes a "Threshold" field and a "Determination Method" field. The "Threshold" field contains the threshold value that will be used as the order condition, based on the information entered in the input field 355 of the registration screens 351a and 351b of the terminal device 300 shown in Figure 7. In the example in Figure 7, "900ml" is entered as the threshold value in the registration screen 351a of washing machine 100A, and "900ml" is entered as the threshold value in the registration screen 351b of washing machine 100B. Accordingly, "900ml" is entered in the threshold field of the equipment management table 502a, and "900ml" is entered in the threshold field of the equipment management table 502b. The "Determination Method" field contains the determination method for determining the timing of ordering or proposing an order. If the usage information 161 sent from washing machines 100A and 100B is the amount of usage, the "Determination Method" will be greater than or equal to the threshold value.

[0077] The "Usage" field contains usage information 161 for items that are periodically sent from washing machines 100A and 100B as a status update. This usage information is updated as items are consumed by washing machines 100A and 100B.

[0078] <7. Processing Flow> Next, we will explain the main processing flow in the home appliance-related system 1. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the main processing flow in home appliance-related system 1.

[0079] (Step S1) The determination unit 240 of the server 200 determines the equipment ID used by user U based on the customer management table 501, and uses the equipment ID as a key to obtain the equipment management tables 502a and 502b of the equipment used by user U. The determination unit 240 then determines whether the items used in multiple pieces of equipment (first equipment and second equipment) owned by user U are the same, based on the product name field in the equipment management tables 502a and 502b. If the items used in the first equipment and second equipment are the same (Step S1: Yes), the determination unit 240 proceeds to step S2; otherwise, if they are not the same (Step S1: No), the process proceeds to step S7. Specifically, the equipment owned by user U is the first washing machine 100A (first equipment) and the second washing machine 100B (second equipment), and the items are the product names of the detergents used in the first washing machine 100A and the second washing machine 100B.

[0080] (Step S2) The determination unit 240 obtains usage information 161 for the first equipment based on the usage field of the equipment management table 502a. Specifically, the first equipment is the first washing machine 100A, and the usage information 161 is the amount of detergent used in the first washing machine 100A.

[0081] (Step S3) The determination unit 240 obtains usage information 161 for the second equipment based on the usage field of the equipment management table 502b. Specifically, the second equipment is the second washing machine 100B, and the usage information 161 is the amount of detergent used in the second washing machine 100B.

[0082] (Step S4) The determination unit 240 adds up the value related to the amount of detergent used in the first machine and the value related to the amount of detergent used in the second machine. For example, the determination unit 240 adds up the cumulative amount of detergent used in the first washing machine 100A and the cumulative amount of detergent used in the second washing machine 100B.

[0083] (Step S5) The determination unit 240 determines whether the sum of the value for the amount of detergent used in the first machine and the value for the amount of detergent used in the second machine, which was obtained in step S4, satisfies a predetermined ordering condition. The ordering condition is whether the sum has reached a predetermined threshold or higher. If the sum of the value for the amount of detergent used in the first machine and the value for the amount of detergent used in the second machine satisfies the predetermined ordering condition (Step S5: Yes), the determination unit 240 proceeds to step S6; if the sum does not satisfy the predetermined ordering condition (Step S5: No), the process returns to step S2.

[0084] The threshold can be obtained from the threshold field in the equipment management tables 502a and 502b. When comparing the total amount of detergent used by the first washing machine 100A and the second washing machine 100B, the threshold used is the sum of the threshold for the first washing machine 100A and the threshold for the second washing machine 100B.

[0085] (Step S6) The determination unit 240 requests the order processing unit 250 to place an order or propose an order for items to be used in the first and second equipment, from another external server.

[0086] If, in step S1, the items used in the first and second devices are not the same (step S1: No), the process proceeds to step S7.

[0087] (Step S7): The determination unit 240 obtains the usage information 161 for the first equipment from the usage field of the equipment management table 502a. Specifically, the first equipment is the first washing machine 100A, and the usage information 161 is the amount of detergent used in the first washing machine 100A.

[0088] (Step S8): The determination unit 240 determines whether the amount of detergent used in the first equipment meets the predetermined ordering conditions. If the amount of detergent used in the first equipment meets the predetermined ordering conditions (Step S8: Yes), the process proceeds to Step S9. If the amount of detergent used in the first equipment does not meet the predetermined ordering conditions (Step S8: No), the process proceeds to Step S10.

[0089] (Step S9) The determination unit 240 requests the ordering processing unit 250 to place an order or propose an order for items to be used in the first machine. Specifically, the determination unit 240 requests the ordering processing unit 250 to place an order or propose an order for items to be used in the first washing machine 100A.

[0090] (Step S10) The determination unit 240 obtains the usage status information 161 for the second equipment from the usage status field of the equipment management table 502b. Specifically, the second equipment is the second washing machine 100B, and the usage status information 161 is the amount of detergent used in the second washing machine 100B.

[0091] (Step S11) The determination unit 240 determines whether the amount of detergent used in the second machine meets the predetermined ordering conditions. If the amount of detergent used in the second machine meets the predetermined ordering conditions (Step S11: Yes), the process proceeds to Step S12. If the amount of detergent used in the second machine does not meet the predetermined ordering conditions (Step S11: No), the process returns to Step S7.

[0092] (Step S12) The determination unit 240 requests the ordering processing unit 250 to place an order or propose an order for items to be used in the second machine. Specifically, the determination unit 240 requests the ordering processing unit 250 to place an order or propose an order for items to be used in the second washing machine 100B.

[0093] As described above, in the home appliance-related system 1 of the first embodiment, if the items used in the first washing machine 100A (first equipment) and the items used in the second washing machine 100B (second equipment) are the same, it is determined whether the total value satisfies the ordering conditions. If the items used in the first washing machine 100A (first equipment) and the items used in the second washing machine 100B (second equipment) are different, the ordering decision is made based on an index different from the total value.

[0094] For example, let's explain the processing flow when the customer management table 501 and the equipment management tables 502a and 502b are described as shown in Figure 8.

[0095] In step S1, the determination unit 240 determines whether the items used in the equipment owned by user U are identical, based on the product name fields in the equipment management tables 502a and 502b. As shown in Figure 8, the product name fields in equipment management tables 502a and 502b are identical, both being "ABC detergent". In this case, step S1 determines that the items used in the equipment owned by user U are identical.

[0096] In step S2, the determination unit 240 obtains usage information 161 for the first washing machine 100A (first equipment) based on the usage field of the equipment management table 502a, and in step S3, it obtains usage information 161 for the second washing machine 100B (second equipment) from the usage field of the equipment management table 502b. As shown in Figure 8, from the equipment management tables 502a and 502b, the amount of items used by the first washing machine 100A is "250 ml", and the amount of items used by the second washing machine 100B is "150 ml".

[0097] In step S4, the determination unit 240 adds up the amount of detergent used in the first washing machine 100A (first machine) and the amount of detergent used in the second washing machine 100B (second machine). From the usage fields of the machine management tables 502a and 502b, the amount of detergent used in the first washing machine 100A is "250 ml" and the amount of detergent used in the second washing machine 100B is "150 ml". Therefore, when these are added together in step S4, the total value is "250 + 150 = 400 ml".

[0098] In step S5, the determination unit 240 determines whether the sum of the amount of detergent used in the first washing machine 100A (first machine) and the amount of detergent used in the second washing machine 100B (second machine), which was determined in step S4, satisfies the predetermined ordering conditions. Here, the ordering conditions are that the amount is greater than or equal to a threshold, and the threshold is the sum of the threshold for the first washing machine 100A (first machine) and the threshold for the second washing machine 100B (second machine). From the threshold fields of the machine management tables 502a and 502b, the threshold for the first washing machine 100A (first machine) is "900ml", and the threshold for the first washing machine 100A (second machine) is "900ml", so the threshold in this case is "900 + 900 = 1800ml". The sum of the amount of detergent used in the first washing machine 100A (first machine) and the amount of detergent used in the second washing machine 100B (second machine) is "400 ml," and the threshold is "1800 ml." Since this is below the threshold, the determination unit 240 determines that the order conditions are not met.

[0099] If, in step S5, the total value does not meet the specified order conditions (step S5: No), the process returns to step S2. Therefore, the process from step S2 to step S5 is repeated.

[0100] As time passes, user U uses either the first washing machine 100A or the second washing machine 100B and consumes goods. Accordingly, the value of the "Usage" field in the equipment management tables 502a and 502b increases. When the sum of the detergent usage in the first washing machine 100A (first equipment) and the detergent usage in the second washing machine 100B (second equipment) exceeds a threshold, step S5 determines that the total value meets the predetermined ordering conditions.

[0101] If, in step S5, it is determined that the total value meets the specified ordering conditions (step S5: Yes), then in step S6, an order or suggestion for an order is made for the products described in the product name field of the equipment management tables 502a and 502b.

[0102] <8. Threshold> As described above, the timing of ordering items is determined by comparing the amount of items used with a threshold. Here, the threshold is set to ensure that items are delivered to user U before they are completely consumed.

[0103] For example, if a user is using a 1000ml bottle of detergent, ordering a new bottle when the amount used reaches 1000ml may result in the detergent being completely consumed before the new bottle arrives at user U's home. Conversely, if a user is using a 1000ml bottle of detergent and orders a new bottle when the amount used reaches 500ml, a new bottle will arrive at user U's home even though there is still plenty of detergent left. Therefore, it is desirable to set the threshold so that a new bottle of detergent arrives at user U's home just as the current bottle is being consumed. In this embodiment, the threshold can be arbitrarily set by user U, allowing each user U to set the optimal threshold.

[0104] Furthermore, by calculating the amount of detergent used per predetermined period, the amount of detergent used per day by user U can be calculated. This allows us to predict the number of days user U will consume detergent. A threshold can be set considering this predicted value and the delivery time from ordering to delivery to user U's home.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the detergent used is the same, the amount used by the first washing machine 100A and the amount used by the second washing machine 100B are added together and compared with a threshold. The threshold in this case is the sum of the threshold set for the first washing machine 100A and the threshold set for the second washing machine 100B. That is, if the threshold set for the first washing machine 100A and the threshold set for the second washing machine 100B are both set to "900ml" as shown in Figure 8, the threshold used as an order condition in step S5 will be (900 + 900 = 1800ml). Note that the threshold used as an order condition in steps S8 and S11 is (900ml).

[0106] <9. Advantages> In this embodiment, the server 200 places an order for items or proposes an order if the sum of the values ​​related to the amount of items used by the first washing machine 100A (first machine) and the amount related to the amount of items used by the second washing machine 100B (second machine) satisfies the ordering conditions. The home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300 has an operation reception unit 320 that can receive operations from user U regarding the registration of the above items or operations from user U regarding the ordering conditions. With this configuration, if the items used by the first washing machine 100A (first machine) and the items used by the second washing machine 100B (second machine) are the same, the items used by the first washing machine 100A (first machine) and the second washing machine 100B (second machine) are combined and ordered together. As a result, separate orders are not placed for the first and second machines, reducing the number of orders and improving convenience.

[0107] In this embodiment, the operation reception unit 320 accepts registration of items for purposes other than ordering or proposing an order, and transmits information indicating the accepted items to the server 200 as information indicating the items to be ordered. With this configuration, for example, registration of the brands of items to be stored in the automatic input device 127, or other items accepted for purposes other than ordering or proposing an order, can be treated as information on items that are the subject of an order or order proposal. This eliminates the need for user U to repeatedly input item information.

[0108] In this embodiment, the operation reception unit 320 accepts the registration of items to be ordered or changes to the ordering conditions for both the first washing machine 100A (first equipment) and the second washing machine 100B (second equipment) at once. With this configuration, the registration of items to be ordered or changes to the ordering conditions for all equipment owned by the same user U can be made at once, thereby improving operability.

[0109] In this embodiment, when a third machine different from the first washing machine 100A (first machine) and the second washing machine 100B (second machine) is to be registered, the operation reception unit 320 receives a response from user U indicating whether or not to register the registration or ordering conditions of the items associated with the first washing machine 100A (first machine) or the second washing machine 100B (second machine) in association with the third machine. With this configuration, when replacing with a new machine, the registration contents of the previous machine can be carried over, improving operability.

[0110] In this embodiment, the home appliance management application APP of the terminal device 300 has an operation reception unit 320 that receives an operation from user U indicating whether or not to register the registration or ordering conditions of items associated with the first washing machine 100A (first device) in association with the second washing machine 100B (second device) when a second washing machine 100B (second device), which is different from the first washing machine 100A (first device), is registered in the terminal device 300. With this configuration, user U can easily configure settings for multiple devices they own.

[0111] In this embodiment, the system includes a determination unit 240 that determines whether the sum of the values ​​related to the amount of items used in the first washing machine 100A (first machine) and the values ​​related to the amount of items used in the second washing machine 100B (second machine) meets the ordering conditions, and an ordering processing unit 250 that places an order for items or proposes an order if the determination unit 240 determines that the ordering conditions are met. With this configuration, when a user U owns multiple machines, an order for items or a proposal for an order can be made when the sum of the items used in the multiple machines meets the ordering conditions. As a result, separate orders are not placed for the first and second machines, reducing the number of orders and improving convenience.

[0112] In this embodiment, the determination unit 240 determines whether the total value meets the ordering conditions if the items used in the first washing machine 100A (first machine) and the items used in the second washing machine 100B (second machine) are the same, and makes an ordering decision based on an index different from the total value if the items used in the first washing machine 100A (first machine) and the items used in the second washing machine 100B (second machine) are different. With this configuration, if the items used in each of the multiple machines owned by user U are different, the items can be managed for each machine and orders or ordering proposals can be made.

[0113] In this embodiment, the server 200 includes an order target management unit 230 that manages the items to be ordered. The order target management unit 230 can set items different from those currently being used in the first washing machine 100A (first machine) and the second washing machine 100B (second machine) as items to be ordered by the order processing unit 250. With this configuration, it is possible to set items different from those previously used as items to be ordered.

[0114] In this embodiment, the server 200 includes a registration unit 220 for registering items to be used in the first washing machine 100A (first machine) or the second washing machine 100B (second machine). When the order processing unit 250 places an order for a second item different from the first item currently in use in the first washing machine 100A (first machine) and the second washing machine 100B (second machine), the registration unit 220 registers the second item as the item to be used next in the first washing machine 100A (first machine) and the second washing machine 100B (second machine). With this configuration, if an item different from the item that has been used is ordered, the newly ordered item can be registered as the item to be ordered.

[0115] In this embodiment, the server 200 includes an order target management unit 230 that, when a third device different from the first washing machine 100A (first device) and the second washing machine 100B (second device) is registered, registers the registration or ordering conditions of items associated with the first washing machine 100A (first device) or the second washing machine 100B (second device) in association with the third device. With this configuration, when replacing equipment, the registration or ordering conditions of items from the previous equipment can be easily transferred to the new equipment.

[0116] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Figure 10 shows the database in the server 200 according to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment described above, the amount used in the usage status of an item is obtained to order the item and suggest the timing of ordering the item, but in the second embodiment, the remaining amount included in the usage status of an item is obtained. In this case, the equipment tables 502a and 502b obtain "remaining amount" information as the usage status, and the determination method is "below the threshold". The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment described above.

[0117] (Modifications, application examples) In the example above, detergent was described as an item used in a washing machine, but the same method can be used for fabric softeners and bleaches as well. Furthermore, if two or more garment treatment agents used in a washing machine can be measured, the same treatment can be performed for each garment treatment agent.

[0118] Furthermore, in the example above, "equipment" refers to home appliances, and the example of a washing machine was explained in particular, but "equipment" is not limited to home appliances. It can also refer to equipment used in offices or factories. Also, the first, second, and third pieces of equipment could be weight sensors that measure the weight of items. The weight sensors load items such as drinking water or printing paper, measure their weight, and transmit the data to a server to calculate the consumption of drinking water or printing paper. Also, the first, second, and third pieces of equipment could be beverage dispensers. The items could be coffee beans, tea leaves, coffee or tea capsules, etc.

[0119] According to at least one embodiment described above, convenience can be improved by ordering or proposing an order for goods when the sum of the amount of goods used in the first device and the amount of goods used in the second device satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0120] 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]

[0121] 100... Home appliances, 100A, 100B... Washing machines, 200... Servers, 210... Information acquisition unit, 220... Registration unit, 230... Order target management unit, 240... Judgment unit, 250... Order processing unit, 300... Terminal device, 320... Operation reception unit.

Claims

1. A program that can be installed on a terminal device capable of communicating with an external information processing system, The information processing system places an order for the items if the sum of the values ​​relating to the quantity of items used in the first equipment and the values ​​relating to the quantity of items used in the second equipment satisfies the ordering conditions. The program is installed on the terminal device. An operation reception unit capable of receiving user operations related to the registration of the aforementioned items, A display control unit that controls the content displayed on the display screen of the terminal device, To make it happen, The aforementioned operation reception unit accepts registration of items on a registration screen for registering the brand name of the items for purposes other than placing an order or proposing an order, and transmits the information indicating the accepted items to the information processing system as information indicating the items to be ordered. The display control unit displays an operation unit on the registration screen for registering the brand names of articles used in one of the first or second devices, which can accept user operations to indicate that the brand names of articles used in the other of the first or second device are the same. The operation reception unit, when a predetermined operation including the operation of the operation unit is performed, receives confirmation that the brand names of articles used in the first device and the second device are the same, and transmits information indicating that the brand names of articles used in the first device and the second device are the same to the information processing system. program.

2. A program that can be installed on a terminal device capable of communicating with an external information processing system, The information processing system proposes ordering the items if the sum of the values ​​relating to the quantity of items used in the first equipment and the values ​​relating to the quantity of items used in the second equipment satisfies the ordering conditions. The program is installed on the terminal device. An operation reception unit capable of receiving user operations related to the registration of the aforementioned items, A display control unit that controls the content displayed on the display screen of the terminal device, To make it happen, The operation reception unit accepts registration of items on a registration screen for registering the brand name of the items for purposes other than placing an order or proposing an order, and transmits the information indicating the accepted items to the information processing system as information indicating items subject to order proposals. The display control unit displays an operation unit on the registration screen for registering the brand names of articles used in one of the first or second devices, which can accept user operations to indicate that the brand names of articles used in the other of the first or second device are the same. The operation reception unit, when a predetermined operation including the operation of the operation unit is performed, receives confirmation that the brand names of articles used in the first device and the second device are the same, and transmits information indicating that the brand names of articles used in the first device and the second device are the same to the information processing system. program.

3. The operation reception unit accepts registration of the items or changes to the order conditions for the first and second devices collectively. The program according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. When a third device different from the first and second devices is to be registered, the operation reception unit receives a response from the user indicating whether or not to register the item associated with the first or second device, or the order conditions, in association with the third device. The program according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The first and second devices are garment processing devices, The aforementioned article is a clothing treatment agent. The program according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. An information processing system comprising: an operation reception unit capable of receiving user operations related to the registration of articles; a display control unit that controls the content displayed on the display screen of a terminal device; a registration unit; a determination unit; and an order processing unit, The aforementioned operation reception unit accepts registration of items on a registration screen for registering the brand name of the items for purposes other than placing an order or proposing an order. The registration unit registers the information indicating the item received by the operation reception unit as information indicating the item to be ordered. The display control unit displays an operation unit on the registration screen for registering the brand names of articles used in one of the first or second devices, which can accept user input to indicate that the brand names of articles used in the other of the first or second device are the same. When a predetermined operation is performed, including the operation of the operation unit, the operation reception unit receives confirmation that the brand name of the article used in the first device and the brand name of the article used in the second device are the same. When the operation reception unit receives confirmation that the brand names of the items used in the first device and the brand names of the items used in the second device are the same, the determination unit determines whether the sum of the values ​​relating to the quantity of items used in the first device and the values ​​relating to the quantity of items used in the second device satisfies the order conditions. The ordering processing unit places an order for the goods when the determination unit determines that the ordering conditions are met. Information processing system.

7. An information processing system comprising: an operation reception unit capable of receiving user operations related to the registration of articles; a display control unit that controls the content displayed on the display screen of a terminal device; a registration unit; a determination unit; and an order processing unit, The aforementioned operation reception unit accepts registration of items on a registration screen for registering the brand name of the items for purposes other than placing an order or proposing an order. The registration unit registers the information indicating the item received by the operation reception unit as information indicating the item to be ordered. The display control unit displays an operation unit on the registration screen for registering the brand names of articles used in one of the first or second devices, which can accept user input to indicate that the brand names of articles used in the other of the first or second device are the same. When a predetermined operation is performed, including the operation of the operation unit, the operation reception unit receives confirmation that the brand name of the article used in the first device and the brand name of the article used in the second device are the same. When the operation reception unit receives confirmation that the brand names of the items used in the first device and the brand names of the items used in the second device are the same, the determination unit determines whether the sum of the values ​​relating to the quantity of items used in the first device and the values ​​relating to the quantity of items used in the second device satisfies the order conditions. The order processing unit makes a proposal to order the goods when the determination unit determines that the order conditions are met. Information processing system.

8. The determination unit determines whether the total value satisfies the ordering conditions if the item used in the first device and the item used in the second device are the same, and makes an ordering decision based on an index different from the total value if the item used in the first device and the item used in the second device are different. The information processing system according to claim 6 or claim 7.

9. Furthermore, we have a dedicated department for managing the items to be ordered, The order target management unit can set items different from the items currently in use by the first and second devices as items to be ordered by the order processing unit. The information processing system according to claim 6 or claim 7.

10. The system further comprises a registration unit for registering articles used in the first or second device, When the ordering processing unit places an order for a second item different from the first item currently in use in the first and second devices, the registration unit registers the second item as the next item to be used in the first and second devices. The information processing system according to claim 6 or claim 7.

11. Furthermore, we have a dedicated department for managing the items to be ordered, The aforementioned ordering management unit accepts registration of the items or changes to the ordering conditions for the first and second pieces of equipment collectively. The information processing system according to claim 6 or claim 7.

12. When a third device different from the first and second devices is registered, the system includes an order target management unit that registers the registration of the article associated with the first or second device, or the order conditions, in association with the third device. The information processing system according to claim 6 or claim 7.

13. Computers In a registration screen for registering the brand names of goods for purposes other than placing orders or proposing orders, the registration of goods is accepted, and the information indicating the accepted goods is registered as information indicating the goods subject to ordering. The registration screen for registering the brand names of articles used in one of the first or second devices displays an operation unit that can accept user input to indicate that the brand names of articles used in the other of the first or second device are the same. When a predetermined operation is performed, including the operation of the aforementioned operating unit, it is confirmed that the brand name of the article used in the first device and the brand name of the article used in the second device are the same. If it is confirmed that the brand names of the items used in the first equipment and the second equipment are the same, it is determined whether the sum of the values ​​for the quantity of items used in the first equipment and the quantity of items used in the second equipment satisfies the order conditions. If it is determined that the aforementioned ordering conditions are met, an order for the aforementioned goods will be placed. Information processing methods.

14. Computers In a registration screen for registering the brand names of goods for purposes other than placing orders or proposing orders, the registration of goods is accepted, and the information indicating the accepted goods is registered as information indicating the goods subject to the order proposal. The registration screen for registering the brand names of articles used in one of the first or second devices displays an operation unit that can accept user input to indicate that the brand names of articles used in the other of the first or second device are the same. When a predetermined operation is performed, including the operation of the aforementioned operating unit, it is confirmed that the brand name of the article used in the first device and the brand name of the article used in the second device are the same. If it is confirmed that the brand names of the items used in the first equipment and the second equipment are the same, it is determined whether the sum of the values ​​for the quantity of items used in the first equipment and the quantity of items used in the second equipment satisfies the order conditions. If it is determined that the aforementioned ordering conditions are met, a proposal to order the aforementioned goods will be made. Information processing methods.

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