Household electrical appliance

Abstract

A household electrical appliance according to the present disclosure comprises a first substrate and a second substrate. The household electrical appliance has, on the first substrate, a first storage device for storing a first identifier for identifying the model of the household electrical appliance and a control parameter identifier for realizing an operation system corresponding to the model of the household electrical appliance. The household electrical appliance has, on the second substrate, a second storage device for storing a second identifier for identifying the model of the household electrical appliance. At all times or at a prescribed timing, the first substrate is provided with: a reception means for receiving the second identifier from the second substrate; an identification means for identifying the model of the household electrical appliance on the basis of the second identifier; and a determination means for determining an operation system corresponding to the model of the household electrical appliance identified by the identification means.

Description

home appliances

[0001] The present disclosure relates to consumer electronic devices.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator including a control board, a main board on which a first storage device is provided, and a sub-board on which a second storage device is provided. When an event occurs in which power supply is temporarily cut off and then restored to at least one of the main board and the sub-board, the refrigerator compares the timing data in the first storage device with the timing data in the second storage device and overwrites the timing data with the larger value.

[0003] JP 2015-45435 A

[0004] The present disclosure provides a technology that contributes to the execution of control appropriate for the model of a home appliance, such as a refrigerator, when a control board needs to be replaced, without requiring a model-specific board.

[0005] A home appliance according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate includes a first storage device that stores a first identifier for identifying a model of the home appliance and a control parameter identifier for implementing an operating system corresponding to the model of the home appliance. The second substrate includes a second storage device that stores a second identifier for identifying the model of the home appliance. The first substrate includes, either continuously or at a predetermined timing, a receiving means that receives the second identifier from the second substrate, an identifying means that identifies the model of the home appliance based on the second identifier, and a determining means that determines an operating system corresponding to the model of the home appliance identified by the identifying means.

[0006] A home appliance according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a first storage device that stores first control parameters for realizing an operation system of the home appliance, and a receiving means that receives second control parameters from a second storage device different from the first storage device. The home appliance according to another aspect of the present disclosure also includes an updating means that updates the first control parameters based on the second control parameters.

[0007] The present disclosure can provide a technology that contributes to the execution of control appropriate for the model of a home appliance when a control board needs to be replaced in the home appliance, without requiring a model-specific board.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a front of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a block configuration of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an update process of the first identifier according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a determination process of whether or not the first identifier needs to be updated according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an update process of the control parameter identifier according to the first embodiment;

[0009] (Knowledge, etc. that forms the basis of the present disclosure) At the time the inventors came up with the idea of ​​the present disclosure, there was technology that allowed correct timekeeping to continue even if an event such as replacing the control board of a refrigerator occurred.

[0010] However, the inventors discovered a problem that when an event such as replacing the control board of a refrigerator occurs, there is a risk that control appropriate for the refrigerator model may not be executed, and in order to solve this problem, the subject matter of the present disclosure has been formed.

[0011] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a technology that, when a control board in a home appliance such as a refrigerator is replaced, can identify the model of the appliance based on model data of the appliance carried over from the other board, and determine the operation system of the corresponding home appliance, without requiring a model-specific board. The present disclosure also provides a technology that, when a control board in a home appliance is replaced, can set control parameters for the replaced board based on control parameter information stored in a storage device installed in a location other than the replaced board, without requiring a model-specific board. In other words, the present disclosure provides a technology that, when a control board in a home appliance is replaced, can contribute to the execution of control appropriate for the model, without requiring a model-specific board.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

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

[0014] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0015] [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Refrigerator Configuration] Fig. 1 is a front view showing the front of refrigerator 100 in embodiment 1. Refrigerator 100 has storage compartments: a refrigerator compartment, an ice-making compartment, a switchable compartment, a freezer compartment, and a vegetable compartment. The front of refrigerator 100 is covered with six doors. At the top are double-door refrigerator compartment doors 101 and 102, and behind them is the refrigerator compartment. Below refrigerator compartment doors 101 and 102 are provided ice-making compartment door 103, switchable compartment door 104, freezer compartment door 105, and vegetable compartment door 106. Ice making compartment door 103, selectable compartment door 104, freezer compartment door 105, and vegetable compartment door 106 are each equipped with a drawer-type container (not shown), and when ice making compartment door 103, selectable compartment door 104, freezer compartment door 105, or vegetable compartment door 106 is pulled out, the container behind it is also pulled out. Refrigerator 100 is an example of a "home electric appliance."

[0016] The area behind ice-making compartment door 103 is used as an ice-making compartment, the area behind switchable compartment door 104 is used as a switchable compartment, the area behind freezer compartment door 105 is used as a freezer compartment, and the area behind vegetable compartment door 106 is used as a vegetable compartment. Note that the internal divisions of refrigerator 100 described here are examples and do not limit the technology of the present disclosure.

[0017] A board 107 for controlling the refrigerator 100 is attached to the top of the refrigerator 100, and a board 108 for storing data is attached to the back of the lower part of the refrigerator compartment door 102. Note that the board 108 may be attached to another location, such as the top surface, instead of the back of the lower part of the refrigerator compartment door 102. Hereinafter, the board 107 in FIG. 1 will be referred to as the first board 201, and the board 108 will be referred to as the second board 202.

[0018] [1-1-2. Block Configuration of Refrigerator] FIG. 2 is a block configuration diagram showing the block configuration of refrigerator 100 according to the first embodiment. The control unit of refrigerator 100 includes first board 201 and second board 202. First board 201 is equipped with microcomputer 203. Hereinafter, a microcomputer will be referred to as a microcomputer. First board 201 is an example of a "first board." Second board 202 is an example of a "second board."

[0019] The microcomputer 203 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 204, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 213, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 214, a power supply unit 215, an input unit 216, an output unit 217, and a communication unit 212. The microcomputer 203 is an example of a "microcomputer."

[0020] CPU 204 is a processor that reads the control program stored in ROM 213 and executes processing to control the operation of refrigerator 100. CPU 204 reads the control program from ROM 213 and functions as notification means 205, update means 206, determination means 207, reception means 208, execution means 209, comparison means 210, and specification means 211 to control refrigerator 100.

[0021] The following elements are connected to microcomputer 203. First storage device 225 is connected to CPU 204. First storage device 225 is configured with a non-volatile memory that can retain data even when power is not supplied to first board 201. First storage device 225 stores data including a control parameter identifier for realizing a cooling system corresponding to the model of refrigerator 100 and a first identifier for identifying the model of refrigerator 100. The identifier for identifying the model of refrigerator 100 may be information that can identify the model from outside, such as a signal from input load 222, which will be described later.

[0022] The notification means 205 notifies the user of the refrigerator 100 of the error information. The notification means 205 may display the error information on a display unit of the refrigerator 100. The notification means 205 may also notify the user of the refrigerator 100 of the error information by voice. The notification means 205 is an example of a "notification means".

[0023] The update means 206 updates the first identifier based on the second identifier. The update means 206 also updates the control parameter identifier from the first identifier. The update means 206 is an example of an "update means."

[0024] The determining unit 207 determines a cooling system corresponding to the model of the refrigerator 100 based on the control parameter identifier. The determining unit 207 is an example of a "determining unit." The cooling system is an example of an "operating system."

[0025] The receiving means 208 receives the second identifier from the second board 202. The receiving means 208 is an example of a "receiving means."

[0026] The execution unit 209 executes a cooling system corresponding to the model of the refrigerator 100. The execution unit 209 is an example of an "execution unit."

[0027] The comparison means 210 compares the first identifier with the second identifier. The comparison means 210 is an example of a "comparison means."

[0028] Identification unit 211 identifies the model of refrigerator 100 based on the second identifier. Identification unit 211 may also identify the model of refrigerator 100 based on the first identifier or the control parameter identifier. Identification unit 211 is an example of an "identification unit."

[0029] The power supply unit 215 is connected to a power supply circuit 218 provided on the first board 201 and is supplied with power from an external power supply 221 .

[0030] The input unit 216 is connected to an input circuit 219 provided on the first board 201, and receives signals from an input load 222 including, for example, a temperature sensor in each storage compartment and a switch that detects the opening and closing of the door of each storage compartment.

[0031] The output unit 217 is connected to an output circuit 220 provided on the first board 201, and outputs a signal to drive an output load 223 including, for example, a compressor for realizing the cooling system of the refrigerator 100, a blower fan for supplying cool air to each compartment, a damper for adjusting the amount of cool air, an LED for indicating the operating status of the refrigerator 100, and the like.

[0032] The communication unit 212 is connected to a communication circuit 224 provided on the first board 201 and communicates with the second board 202 .

[0033] Second board 202 includes second storage device 226 and communication circuit 227. Like first storage device 225, second storage device 226 is configured by a non-volatile memory that can retain data even when power is not supplied to second board 202. Data including a second identifier for identifying the model of refrigerator 100 is stored in second storage device 226. Note that second storage device 226 may receive data from first board 201 and store the data in second storage device 226. Communication circuit 227 communicates with first board 201.

[0034] [1-2. Operation] [1-2-1. Overall Operation] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of refrigerator 100. Based on Fig. 3, the operation from when first board 201 is replaced with a new board and power is supplied to refrigerator 100 (first board 201) until a cooling system is determined and executed will be described.

[0035] First, it is determined whether power is supplied to the first substrate 201 (step S301). If it is determined that power is supplied to the first substrate 201 (step S301: Yes), the first substrate 201 receives the second identifier from the second substrate 202 via the communication unit 212 based on the program stored in the ROM 213, and the first identifier update process is started (step S302). If it is determined that power is not supplied to the first substrate 201 (step S301: No), the program is not executed, and the power supply determination of step S301 is performed again.

[0036] Next, when the first identifier update process (step S302) is completed, a control parameter identifier update process (step S303) stored in the first storage device 225 is started.

[0037] Next, the cooling system execution process (step S304) is started based on the control parameter identifier finally determined in the control parameter identifier update process (step S303).

[0038] 4 is a flowchart showing the first identifier update process. The operation from when the first board 201 is powered to when the first identifier is updated will be described with reference to FIG.

[0039] First, when power is supplied to the first substrate 201, the first substrate 201 transmits a request to transmit data stored in the second storage device 226 to the second substrate 202 via the communication unit 212 of the first substrate 201 (step S401). The second substrate 202 determines whether or not a request has been received from the first substrate 201 (step S402). If it is determined that a request has been received from the first substrate 201 (step S402: Yes), the second substrate 202 starts request type determination (step S403). On the other hand, if it is determined that nothing has been received from the first substrate 201 (step S402: No), the second substrate 202 again performs the request reception determination of step S402, and waits until a request is transmitted from the first substrate 201.

[0040] Next, if the received request is determined to be a data transmission request in the request type determination (step S403) (step S403: Yes), the second board 202 transmits data including the second identifier stored in the second storage device 226 to the first board 201 (step S404). On the other hand, if the received request is determined to be other than a data transmission request in the request type determination (step S403) (step S403: No), the process returns to the reception determination process in step S402 again and waits until a request is transmitted from the first board 201.

[0041] Next, after transmitting a data transmission request to the second substrate 202, the first substrate 201 determines whether or not data has been received from the second substrate 202 (step S405). If it is determined that data has been received from the second substrate 202 (step S405: Yes), the first substrate 201 compares the first identifier stored in the first storage device 225 with the received second identifier and starts processing (step S406) to determine whether or not the first identifier needs to be updated. On the other hand, if it is determined that data has not yet been received from the second substrate 202 (step S405: No), the first substrate 201 again performs the data reception determination of step S405 and waits until data is transmitted from the second substrate 202.

[0042] Next, based on the determination result of the first identifier update necessity determination process (step S406), the first substrate 201 determines whether or not to execute first identifier update process (step S407). If it is determined that the first identifier needs to be updated (step S407: Yes), the first substrate 201 executes process (step S408) to overwrite the first identifier stored in the first storage device 225 with the second identifier. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first identifier does not need to be updated (step S407: No), the first identifier update process (step S302) ends without updating the first identifier.

[0043] 5 is a flowchart showing the process of determining whether the first identifier needs to be updated. The operation of determining whether the first identifier needs to be updated (step S406) after receiving the second identifier from the second board 202 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0044] First, the first substrate 201 determines whether the first identifier stored in the first storage device 225 matches the second identifier received from the second substrate 202 (step S501). If it is determined that the first identifier and the second identifier do not match (step S501: Yes), the first substrate 201 starts determining whether the second identifier is a normal value (step S502). On the other hand, if it is determined that they match (step S501: No), it is determined that updating the first identifier is not necessary, and the process of determining whether or not the first identifier needs to be updated (step S406) ends.

[0045] Next, in determining whether the second identifier is a normal value (step S502), if it is determined that the second identifier is normal (step S502: Yes), it is determined that the first identifier needs to be updated (step S503), and the process for determining whether the first identifier needs to be updated (step S406) is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second identifier is abnormal (step S502: No), it is determined that the first identifier does not need to be updated, and the process for determining whether the first identifier needs to be updated (step S406) is terminated. Here, an abnormality in the second identifier refers to an identifier other than that of the refrigerator, fraudulent data, etc.

[0046] 6 is a flowchart showing the process of updating the control parameter identifier. The operation from the completion of the first identifier update process (step S302) to the control parameter identifier update process based on the first identifier (step S303) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0047] First, after the first identifier update process (step S302) is completed, it is determined whether or not the second mode has been set by a specific operation while the first mode is being executed (step S601) (step S602). If it is determined that the second mode has been set (step S602: Yes), the first board 201 starts a process of determining whether or not the control parameter identifier needs to be updated (step S603). On the other hand, if it is determined that the second mode has not been set (step S602: No), the first board 201 continues to execute the first mode (step S601). The first mode is a mode in which the refrigerator 100 is normally controlled. The second mode may be any mode different from the first mode. For example, the second mode is a service mode used when performing maintenance on the refrigerator 100.

[0048] Next, based on the determination result of the process for determining whether or not the control parameter identifier needs to be updated (step S603), the first substrate 201 determines whether or not to execute the process for updating the control parameter identifier (step S604). If it is determined that the control parameter identifier needs to be updated (step S604: Yes), the first substrate 201 starts the process for updating the control parameter identifier stored in the first storage device 225 based on the result of identifying the model (step S605). Here, the result of identifying the model is to identify the model of the refrigerator 100 from the first identifier. On the other hand, if it is determined that the control parameter identifier does not need to be updated (step S604: No), the first substrate 201 ends the second mode and transitions to the first mode (step S601). When the update of the control parameter identifier is completed, the first substrate 201 resets the CPU 204 of the microcomputer 203 (step S606) and ends the process for updating the control parameter identifier (step S303).

[0049] 7 is a flowchart showing the process of determining whether the control parameter identifier needs to be updated. The operation of determining whether the control parameter identifier stored in the first storage device 225 needs to be updated (step S603) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0050] First, the first substrate 201 determines whether or not a first identifier is stored in the first storage device 225 (step S701). If it is determined that the first identifier is stored (step S701: Yes), the first substrate 201 starts a process of identifying the model of the refrigerator 100 from the character string of the first identifier (step S702). On the other hand, if it is determined that the first identifier is not stored (step S701: No), the first substrate 201 executes an error information notification process (step S705).

[0051] Next, once the model identification from the first identifier (step S702) is completed, it is determined from the identification result whether or not there is a model that corresponds to the control parameters for realizing the multiple cooling systems stored in ROM 213 (step S703). If it is determined that there is a corresponding control parameter (step S703: Yes), it is determined that an update of the control parameter identifier is necessary (step S704), and the process of determining whether or not the control parameter identifier needs to be updated (step S603) is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no corresponding control parameter (step S703: No), the first board 201 executes error information notification process (step S705).

[0052] When the notification of the error information to the user is completed, the first board 201 determines that updating of the control parameter identifier is not necessary (step S706), and the process of determining whether or not updating of the control parameter identifier is necessary (step S603) ends.

[0053] 8 is a flowchart showing the execution process of the cooling system. Based on FIG. 8, the operation of executing the cooling system of the corresponding model (step S304) after the control parameter identifier update process (step S303) is completed will be described.

[0054] First, since the CPU 204 of the microcomputer 203 was reset in step S606, it is determined whether the CPU 204 of the microcomputer 203 has completed restarting (step S801). If it is determined that the CPU 204 has completed starting up (step S801: Yes), the first board 201 starts processing (step S802) to read a control parameter identifier from the first storage device 225. On the other hand, if it is determined that the CPU 204 is starting up or waiting to start up (step S802: No), the first board 201 executes the restart completion determination of step S801 again and waits until the CPU 204 has completed starting up.

[0055] Next, when the reading of the control parameter identifier is completed, the first substrate 201 determines the control parameter (cooling system) to be used for cooling control from the multiple control parameters stored in ROM 213 based on the control parameter identifier (step S803).

[0056] Based on the finally determined control parameters, the first substrate 201 switches to the cooling system for the newly relevant model and executes control (step S804).

[0057] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the present embodiment, refrigerator 100 includes first board 201 and second board 202. First board 201 of refrigerator 100 includes first storage device 225 that stores a first identifier for identifying the model of refrigerator 100 and a control parameter identifier for implementing a cooling system corresponding to the model of refrigerator 100. Second board 202 of refrigerator 100 includes second storage device 226 that stores a second identifier for identifying the model of refrigerator 100. When power supply to first board 201 is temporarily cut off and then restored, first board 201 includes receiving means 208 that receives the second identifier from second board 202, identification means 211 that identifies the model of refrigerator 100 based on the second identifier, and determination means 207 that determines a cooling system corresponding to the model of refrigerator 100 identified by identification means 211.

[0058] As a result, when a control board needs to be replaced, a model-specific board is not required, and the model of refrigerator 100 can be identified based on the model data of refrigerator 100 taken over from the other board, and the cooling system of the corresponding refrigerator 100 can be determined. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to secure an inventory of boards for each model, and inventory loss of boards can be reduced.

[0059] As in the present embodiment, the first substrate 201 may further include a comparison means 210 that compares the first identifier with the second identifier received by the reception means 208. The first substrate 201 may further include an update means 206 that updates the first identifier based on the second identifier when the comparison means 210 determines that the first identifier and the second identifier are different.

[0060] This allows the model information (identifier) ​​to be taken over from the other board even if the board is replaced.

[0061] In the present embodiment, refrigerator 100 may have a first mode for performing normal control of refrigerator 100 and a second mode different from the first mode. Update means 206 may update the control parameter identifier from the first identifier while refrigerator 100 is operating in the second mode.

[0062] This allows control to be switched based on model-specific information (identifier and load input).

[0063] In the present embodiment, first substrate 201 may include microcomputer 203. Microcomputer 203 may store a plurality of control parameters for realizing a cooling system corresponding to the model of refrigerator 100. Then, determining unit 207 may determine the cooling system based on the control parameter identifier.

[0064] This allows the cooling system to be switched to suit the model to which the board is attached.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first substrate 201 may further include an execution unit 209 that executes the cooling system after the determination unit 207 determines the cooling system.

[0066] This allows the model to be identified from the inherited model data, and the determined cooling system to be implemented.

[0067] In addition, in this embodiment, first board 201 may further include notification means 205 that notifies the user of refrigerator 100 of error information when the first identifier is not stored in first storage device 225 or when the model of refrigerator 100 cannot be identified from the first identifier.

[0068] This allows the user to be notified that the control parameter identifier cannot be updated if the model of the refrigerator 100 cannot be identified.

[0069] Moreover, in this embodiment, the home appliance includes a first substrate 201 and a second substrate 202. The first substrate 201 of the home appliance includes a first storage device 225 that stores a first identifier for identifying the model of the home appliance and a control parameter identifier for realizing an operating system corresponding to the model of the home appliance. The second substrate 202 of the home appliance includes a second storage device 226 that stores a second identifier for identifying the model of the home appliance. First substrate 201 includes receiving means 208 that receives the second identifier from second substrate 202, either constantly or at a predetermined timing, identification means 211 that identifies the model of the home appliance based on the second identifier, and determination means 207 that determines an operating system corresponding to the model of the home appliance identified by identification means 211.

[0070] This means that when a control board needs to be replaced, there is no need for a dedicated board for that model, and the model of the home appliance can be identified based on the model data of the home appliance inherited from the other board, and the operating system of the corresponding home appliance can be determined.As a result, there is no need to keep an inventory of boards for each model, and inventory loss of boards can be reduced.

[0071] The first substrate 201 may further include a comparison means 210 that compares the first identifier with the second identifier received by the receiving means 208. The first substrate 201 may further include an update means 206 that updates the first identifier based on the second identifier when the comparison means 210 determines that the first identifier and the second identifier are different.

[0072] This allows the model information (identifier) ​​to be taken over from the other board even if the board is replaced.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the home appliance may have a first mode for normal control of the home appliance and a second mode different from the first mode. Furthermore, the update means 206 may update the control parameter identifier from the first identifier while the home appliance is in the second mode.

[0074] This allows control to be switched based on model-specific information (identifier and load input).

[0075] In the present embodiment, the first substrate 201 may include a microcomputer 203. The microcomputer 203 may store a plurality of control parameters for realizing an operation system corresponding to the model of the home appliance. The determining unit 207 may then determine the operation system based on the control parameter identifier.

[0076] This allows the cooling system to be switched to suit the model to which the board is attached.

[0077] The first board 201 may further include an execution unit 209 that executes the operating system after the operating system is determined by the determination unit 207 .

[0078] This allows the model to be identified from the inherited model data, and the determined operating system to be executed.

[0079] In addition, the first substrate 201 may further include a notification means 205 that notifies error information when the first identifier is not stored in the first storage device 225 or when the model of the home appliance cannot be identified from the first identifier.

[0080] This makes it possible to notify the user that the control parameter identifier cannot be updated if the model of the home appliance cannot be identified.

[0081] In this embodiment, the predetermined timing may be the timing when power supply to the first substrate 201 is temporarily cut off and then restored.

[0082] This allows the user to set up the operating system on the new board after replacement of the home appliance board.

[0083] In addition, in this embodiment, the home appliance may be equipped with an output means for outputting at least one of the model of the home appliance identified from the first identifier and the model of the home appliance identified from the second identifier to a display means for displaying information to a user.

[0084] This allows the user to check the model of the home appliance before setting up the operating system.

[0085] In the present embodiment, the display means may be provided in a home appliance.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the display means may be an information terminal separate from the home appliance.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the home appliance may be a refrigerator 100 and the operating system may be a cooling system of the refrigerator 100.

[0088] This allows the cooling system to be configured to match the model of the refrigerator 100 when the control board of the refrigerator 100 is replaced, on the new control board.

[0089] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technology in the present disclosure. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first embodiment above to create new embodiments.

[0090] Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0091] In the first embodiment, the configuration has been described in which identification unit 211 identifies the model of refrigerator 100 based on the second identifier when power supply to first board 201 is temporarily cut off and then restored, but the timing at which identification unit 211 identifies the model of refrigerator 100 is not limited to this. Identification unit 211 may be configured to identify the model of refrigerator 100 constantly or at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be the timing when power supply is cut off and restored as described above, or may be the timing when a user performs a predetermined operation or a timing determined based on the time of day (for example, midnight every day).

[0092] In the first embodiment, first board 201 compares the first identifier with the second identifier to determine whether the control parameters need to be updated. However, the update process may be started by a user operation. That is, a configuration may be adopted in which the refrigerator model identified from the first identifier and the refrigerator model identified from the second identifier are displayed on the display means, and the user starts the update by checking the display. Furthermore, after the update of the control parameters is completed, the refrigerator model identified from the first identifier and the refrigerator model identified from the second identifier may be displayed on the display means to allow the user to check whether the update has been completed successfully. Alternatively, instead of displaying both the refrigerator model identified from the first identifier and the refrigerator model identified from the second identifier, only one of them may be displayed.

[0093] In the first embodiment, the display unit is described as being provided in refrigerator 100, but error notifications, identifier information, and model information identified from the identifier may be displayed on an information terminal such as a tablet or smartphone that is separate from refrigerator 100. In this case, refrigerator 100 may be configured to communicate with the information terminal, transmit identifier information, and receive user operations on the information terminal.

[0094] In the first embodiment, the refrigerator 100 is described as including the first board 201 and the second board 202, but the home appliance of the present disclosure is not limited to the refrigerator 100. The present disclosure may be applied to other appliances, such as a washing machine or an air conditioner.

[0095] The configuration of the first substrate 201 and the second substrate 202 shown in Figure 2 is an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is also possible to implement a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each unit. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software.

[0096] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 3 to 8 are divided according to the main processing content to make the operations easier to understand, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The step units of the operations shown in Figures 3 to 8 may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it includes more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not interfere with the intent of this disclosure.

[0097] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0098] (Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present disclosure is an operation control system for refrigerator 400. The operation control system for refrigerator 400 updates control parameters of refrigerator 400 using information terminal 500 and controls the operation of refrigerator 400 based on the control parameters.

[0099] By updating the control parameters of the refrigerator 400 using the information terminal 500, it becomes possible to set the control parameters according to the user's preferences.

[0100] [2-1. Configuration] FIG. 9 is a block configuration diagram of a refrigerator operation control system 300 according to the second embodiment.

[0101] The refrigerator operation control system 300 according to the second embodiment includes a refrigerator 400 and an information terminal 500. The refrigerator 400 is an example of a "home electric appliance," and the information terminal 500 is an example of a "second storage device."

[0102] Refrigerator 400 includes control unit 401 that controls the operation of refrigerator 400, operation unit 402 that accepts operations by the user, display unit 403 that displays information, storage unit 404 that stores information, and communication unit 405 that communicates with an information terminal. Operation unit 402 is an example of an "operation means."

[0103] Control unit 401 includes first board 410 for controlling the operation of refrigerator 400, and executes processing for controlling the operation of refrigerator 400 based on a control program. Control unit 401 may also function as a notification means, an update means, a determination means, a receiving means, a transmission means, an execution means, a comparison means, a specification means, etc., and control refrigerator 400.

[0104] First board 410 includes board storage unit 411 that stores first control parameters that define the operation of refrigerator 400, and CPU 412 that executes processing to control the operation of refrigerator 400 based on a control program. Board storage unit 411 is an example of a "first storage device."

[0105] The storage unit 404 stores at least a first identifier that can identify the model of the refrigerator 400.

[0106] It should be noted that some or all of the processing for realizing the functions of the control unit 401 , operation unit 402 , display unit 403 , storage unit 404 , and communication unit 405 may be executed by the first substrate 410 .

[0107] The information terminal 500 includes a terminal control unit 501 that controls the operation of the information terminal 500, a terminal operation unit 502 that accepts operations by the user, a terminal display unit 503 that displays information, a terminal memory unit 506 that stores information, and a terminal communication unit 505 that communicates with the refrigerator 400.

[0108] The terminal control unit 501 executes processing based on a control program to control the operation of the information terminal 500. The terminal control unit 501 may also function as a notification unit, an update unit, a determination unit, a reception unit, a transmission unit, an execution unit, a comparison unit, an identification unit, etc., and control the information terminal 500.

[0109] Terminal storage unit 506 stores second control parameters that can be used to control refrigerator 400 and second identifiers that can identify the model of refrigerator 400 to which the second control parameters correspond.

[0110] The information terminal 500 may be a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

[0111] 2-2. Operation Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the first control parameter update process. The control parameter update process operation will be described with reference to Fig. 10.

[0112] When the update process of the first control parameter is started based on a user's operation on terminal operation unit 502 of information terminal 500, first, in step S901, communication is performed between information terminal 500 and refrigerator 400 via terminal communication unit 505 and communication unit 405, and a data transmission request is sent from information terminal 500 to refrigerator 400.

[0113] When communication starts, control unit 401 or terminal control unit 501 may be configured to compare the first identifier stored in memory unit 404 from refrigerator 400 with the second identifier stored in terminal memory unit 506, determine whether the two match, and display an error message if they do not match.

[0114] Alternatively, the first identifier and the second identifier, or a model identified from the first identifier and the second identifier, may be displayed on terminal display unit 503, and the user may confirm the displayed identifier or model and perform an operation to start execution, whereby a data transmission request is sent from information terminal 500 to refrigerator 400.

[0115] Next, upon receiving the data transmission request from the information terminal 500, the refrigerator 400 transmits the first control parameters currently being used for the operation of the refrigerator 400 to the information terminal 500 in step S902.

[0116] Next, when the information terminal 500 receives the first control parameters from the refrigerator 400, the information terminal 500 displays the received first control parameters on the terminal display unit 503 in step S903.

[0117] Alternatively, information terminal 500 may communicate with refrigerator 400 at a predetermined timing and receive the first control parameters as needed. In this case, there is no need to receive the first control parameters through a user operation during the second control parameter update process.

[0118] Alternatively, when the update process for the first control parameters is executed, information terminal 500 may be configured to store the second control parameters transmitted to refrigerator 400 in terminal storage unit 506, and may display the second control parameters stored when the update process was executed the previous time on terminal display unit 503.

[0119] Alternatively, predetermined parameters stored in the terminal storage unit 506 may be displayed on the terminal display unit 503 as default parameters.

[0120] Next, when the first control parameter is displayed on the terminal display unit 503, the second control parameter is set in step S904. Specifically, the user can change the value of each item (temperature, etc.) of the control parameter displayed on the terminal display unit 503 by operating the terminal operation unit 502, and when the user performs a confirm operation, the changed control parameter is stored in the terminal storage unit 506 as the second control parameter.

[0121] Note that the control parameters may be changed in a manner such that the user individually changes the value of each control parameter, as described above, or alternatively, a plurality of control parameters may be stored in the device storage unit 506, and one of the plurality of stored control parameters may be set as the second control parameter by the user's operation. In this manner, the user can easily change the control parameters by selecting a preferred control parameter from a plurality of options.

[0122] Next, when the setting of the second control parameters is completed, in step S905, the information terminal 500 transmits the set second control parameters to the refrigerator 400.

[0123] Next, when refrigerator 400 receives the second control parameters, refrigerator 400 updates the first control parameters in step S906. Specifically, refrigerator 400 rewrites the first control parameters stored in board storage unit 411 with the received second control parameters.

[0124] Note that the first control parameters do not have to be updated immediately after receiving the second control parameters. That is, the received second control parameters may be temporarily stored in storage unit 404, and the update may be performed at a predetermined timing (for example, when control unit 401 determines that update processing can be performed based on the operating conditions of refrigerator 400, such as the internal temperature, or when the user operates operation unit 402 to execute an update mode).

[0125] Next, when the updating of the first control parameters is completed, the cooling system is executed in step S907. Specifically, the CPU 412 reads the updated first control parameters stored in the board storage unit 411, and executes cooling operation based on the read first control parameters. The cooling system is an example of an "operating system."

[0126] [2-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the present embodiment, the home electric appliance includes a first storage device that stores first control parameters for realizing an operation system of the home electric appliance, a receiving means that receives second control parameters from a second storage device different from the first storage device, and a determining means that determines the first control parameters based on the second control parameters.

[0127] This allows, when a board needs to be replaced, the control parameters for the replaced board to be set based on the information on the second control parameters stored in a second storage device provided in a location other than the board to be replaced. This reduces the effort required for the user to reset the control parameters. Furthermore, because the first control parameters stored in the board can be updated, there is no need to secure an inventory of boards for each model, which reduces board inventory loss.

[0128] The home electric appliance may further include a transmitting unit that transmits the first control parameter to the second storage device.

[0129] This allows the update of the first control parameter to be reflected in the second control parameter even when the first control parameter is updated directly, thereby reducing the effort required for the user to reset the control parameters when the board is replaced.

[0130] The home electric appliance may also be configured to include an operation means for accepting an operation by a user, and to update at least one of the first control parameter and the second control parameter based on an input accepted by the operation means.

[0131] This allows the user to set control parameters for the home appliances, and customize the operation control to suit the user's preferences.

[0132] The second storage device may also be provided in a home appliance.

[0133] This eliminates the need to prepare a device separate from the home appliance, and even if the home appliance is not connected to a network, control parameters can be easily set when replacing the board.

[0134] The second storage device may be provided in an information terminal separate from the home appliance.

[0135] This makes it possible to set and update control parameters for a home appliance using a device external to the home appliance, making it easier to perform more detailed settings than by performing setting operations on the home appliance itself.

[0136] In the present embodiment, the home appliance may be a refrigerator 400, and the operating system may be a cooling system of the refrigerator 400.

[0137] This allows the cooling system to be configured on the new control board after the control board of the refrigerator 400 is replaced, taking over the settings from before the replacement.

[0138] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the second embodiment has been described as an example of the technology in the present disclosure. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the second embodiment above to create new embodiments.

[0139] Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0140] In the second embodiment, the case where operation control system 300 includes refrigerator 400 and information terminal 500 has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use a board different from first board 410 included in refrigerator 400 instead of information terminal 500.

[0141] In this case, refrigerator 400 includes a second board (not shown) in addition to first board 410, and the second control parameters are stored on the second board, thereby realizing operation control system 300 of the present embodiment. In this case, terminal operation unit 502 and terminal display unit 503 may be substituted by operation unit 402 and display unit 403.

[0142] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, it has been described that the first control parameters are updated based on the second control parameters stored in the terminal storage unit 506, but the configuration may be such that the user can directly update the first control parameters by operating the operation unit 402 or the terminal operation unit 502.

[0143] In this case, when the first control parameter is directly updated, the updated first control parameter may be stored in terminal storage unit 506. To achieve this, refrigerator 400 may be configured to transmit the updated first control parameter to information terminal 500.

[0144] In the second embodiment, information terminal 500 transmits all of the second control parameters to refrigerator 400. However, the second control parameters may be configured to transmit only those items that the user has changed to refrigerator 400.

[0145] Alternatively, when the user selects one of the stored control parameters to set the second control parameter, an identifier capable of identifying the selected control parameter may be transmitted. In this configuration, by storing multiple control parameters and identifiers capable of identifying them in the board memory unit 411 or the memory unit 404, similar to the terminal memory unit 506, it becomes possible to determine and update the control parameter to be used as the first control parameter based on the identifier transmitted from the information terminal 500.

[0146] The step units of the operation shown in Figure 10 are divided according to the main processing content to make the operation easier to understand, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The step units of the operation shown in Figure 10 may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it includes more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not interfere with the intent of the present disclosure.

[0147] In the second embodiment, the configuration for changing the first control parameters of refrigerator 400 has been described, but the target home appliance is not limited to refrigerator 400. The present disclosure may be applied to other appliances, such as a washing machine or an air conditioner.

[0148] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. Furthermore, the configurations of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 may be used in combination in part or in whole.

[0149] The present disclosure can be applied to home or commercial electrical appliances, specifically, to electrical appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners.

[0150] REFRIGERATOR SYMBOLS 100 Refrigerator 101 Refrigerator compartment door 102 Refrigerator compartment door 103 Ice making compartment door 104 Switching compartment door 105 Freezer compartment door 106 Vegetable compartment door 107 Circuit board 108 Circuit board 201 First circuit board 202 Second circuit board 203 Microcomputer 204 CPU 205 Notification means 206 Update means 207 Decision means 208 Reception means 209 Execution means 210 Comparison means 211 Identification means 212 Communication unit 213 ROM 214 RAM 215 Power supply unit 216 Input unit 217 Output unit 218 Power supply circuit 219 Input circuit 220 Output circuit 221 Power supply 222 Input load 223 Output load 224 Communication circuit 225 First storage device 226 Second storage device 227 Communication circuit 300 Operation control system 400 Refrigerator 401 Control unit 402 Operation unit 403 Display unit 404 Storage unit 405 Communication unit 410 First board 411 Board storage unit 412 CPU 500 Information terminal 501 Terminal control unit 502 Terminal operation unit 503 Terminal display unit 505 Terminal communication unit 506 Terminal storage unit

Claims

1. A home appliance comprising a first substrate and a second substrate, wherein the first substrate has a first storage device that stores a first identifier for identifying the model of the home appliance and a control parameter identifier for realizing an operating system corresponding to the model of the home appliance, and the second substrate has a second storage device that stores a second identifier for identifying the model of the home appliance, and the first substrate is equipped with: a receiving means that receives the second identifier from the second substrate, either constantly or at a predetermined timing; an identifying means that identifies the model of the home appliance based on the second identifier; and a determining means that determines the operating system corresponding to the model of the home appliance identified by the identifying means.

2. The home appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the first board further comprises: a comparison means for comparing the first identifier with the second identifier received by the receiving means; and an update means for updating the first identifier based on the second identifier when the comparison means determines that the first identifier and the second identifier are different.

3. The home appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that it has a first mode for normal control of the home appliance and a second mode different from the first mode, and the updating means updates the control parameter identifier from the first identifier while the second mode is being executed.

4. The home appliance described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first board is equipped with a microcomputer, the microcomputer stores a plurality of control parameters for realizing the operating system corresponding to the model of the home appliance, and the determination means determines the operating system based on the control parameter identifier.

5. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the first board further comprises an execution means for executing the operating system after the operating system is determined by the determination means.

6. The home appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the first board further comprises a notification means for notifying error information when the first identifier is not stored in the first storage device or when the model of the home appliance cannot be identified from the first identifier.

7. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined timing is a timing when power supply to the first board is temporarily cut off and then restored.

8. The home appliance according to claim 1, wherein the home appliance is a refrigerator, and the operating system is a cooling system of the refrigerator.

9. The home appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the home appliance comprises an output means for outputting at least one of the model of the home appliance identified from the first identifier and the model of the home appliance identified from the second identifier to a display means for displaying information to a user.

10. The home appliance according to claim 9, wherein the display means is provided in the home appliance.

11. The home appliance according to claim 9, wherein the display means is an information terminal separate from the home appliance.

12. A home appliance comprising: a first storage device that stores first control parameters for realizing an operating system of the home appliance; a receiving means that receives second control parameters from a second storage device different from the first storage device; and an updating means that updates the first control parameters based on the second control parameters.

13. The home appliance according to claim 12, further comprising a transmitting means for transmitting the first control parameters to the second storage device.

14. The home appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that the home appliance is provided with an operation means for accepting operations by a user, and at least one of the first control parameter and the second control parameter is updated based on the input accepted by the operation means.

15. The home appliance according to claim 12, wherein the second storage device is provided in the home appliance.

16. The home appliance according to claim 12, wherein the second storage device is an information terminal separate from the home appliance.

17. The home appliance according to claim 12, wherein the home appliance is a refrigerator, and the operating system is a cooling system of the refrigerator.

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