WASHING MACHINE SYSTEM

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to washing machine systems, in particular, to a washing machine system in which a washing machine and a server including an external database for providing various data related to an operation control of the washing machine are connected to each other via a communication network.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A conventional washing and drying machine controls to wash laundry and to make the laundry dry, according to an operation control program stored in a memory in the washing and drying machine itself. The operation control program is selected from a plurality of courses in accordance to user's needs or modified depending on conditions. The selection from a plurality of courses is performed by the user directly operating operation switches and the like of the washing and drying machine.

[0003] In a washing and drying machine as described above, diversification of laundries, diversification of detergent and softener, and diversification washing methods and drying methods are progressing. Accordingly, a significant memory capacity is required to store various washing conditions, operation control programs, practical knowledge, and the like in a memory of an operation controller of the washing and drying machine.

[0004] It can be a cause of raising price of the washing and drying machine to provide a large-capacity memory on the washing and drying machine itself. In addition, various washing conditions and practical knowledge often change with times, but it is practically impossible to frequently update the originally stored program data in the memory, and thus, it is difficult to deal with the changes.

[0005] On the other hand, a technique is conventionally known in which an electrical household appliance such as a washing machine is connected to a communication network so that operation conditions of the appliance can be checked via a network terminal device. A system is also known in which a washing machine is connected to a communication network so that operation control data corresponding to washing object items and other data can be obtained from an external database.

[0006] For example, PTL 1 and PTL 2 disclose laundry systems in which reduction of the storage capacity for the operation control program on a laundry device and simplification of an operation controller such as a microcomputer and a display can be realized, and the latest washing conditions and the latest practical knowledge can be dealt with.

[0007] The laundry systems disclosed in PTL 1 and PTL 2 are configured by a laundry device, a home terminal, and an external data providing device (database).

[0008] The laundry device is provided with an operation controller which washes laundry or dries the laundry according to an operation control program and, in addition, a communication unit for connection to the terminal.

[0009] In addition to a display unit, an input unit, a controller, and the like, the home terminal also has a communication unit for connection to the laundry device for communicating with the laundry device, and a communication unit for external communication for communicating with the external data providing device. The controller of the home terminal displays the washing object items on the display unit, and when the washing object item is selected by the input unit, the controller obtains the operation control data corresponding to the selected washing object item and other control data such as various data from the external data providing device, and transfers those data to the laundry device.

[0010] With a laundry system as described above, if the operation control information such as the control data and the practical knowledge are stored in the external data providing device, the operation control information corresponding to the washing object item can be obtained in the home terminal by selecting the washing object item from the home terminal, and the control data can be transferred to the laundry device when necessary. As a result, it is possible that the reduction of the storage capacity for the control data on the laundry device and the simplification of the operation controller such as a microcomputer and the display can be realized. In addition, it is easy to deal with the latest washing conditions and the latest practical knowledge.

[0011] On the other hand, there is also conventionally known a washing machine to which a function for performing an operation depending on a type of detergent is added. For example, PTL 3 discloses a washing machine in which a cleaning time and a rinsing time corresponding to the detergent to be used can be set.

[0012] The washing machine disclosed in PTL 3 is provided with a permeability detector for measuring permeabilities of the cleaning water and the rinsing water in a water tub to determine the type of the dosed detergent from the value of the permeability of the cleaning water before the dosage of the detergent and the value of the permeability after the dosage of the detergent and before the start of the washing operation. With this arrangement, a cleaning time and a rinsing time can be appropriately set depending on the determined type of the detergent.

[0013] The configuration disclosed in PTL 3 can deal with only the types of detergents prepared in advance but cannot deal with detergents newly put on the market. In addition, the type of the detergent is to be selected by a switch operation before the start of a cleaning operation. However, there is a problem in that operability is deteriorated if there are many types of detergents.

[0014] Further, in the laundry systems disclosed in PTL 1 and PTL 2, various kinds of information related to the operation control of the washing machine are provided from the external data providing device. However, there is no configuration disclosed to eliminate complication of the user's operation with respect to setting the working operation of the washing machine depending on the type of the detergent

Citation List

Patent Literatures

[0015] 

PTL 1: Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-85885

PTL 2: Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-210887

PTL 3: Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. H07-124374

[0016] US 2005/0109070 A1 discloses: A laundry system includes a home terminal device and laundry apparatus. The terminal device includes a first short-range communication device , a long-range communication device, and a terminal device controller transmitting information about laundry and information about a laundry constraint to a server connected to an Interne, thereby obtaining an operation control program for the laundry apparatus. The terminal device controller transfers the obtained operation control program via the first short-range communication device to the laundry apparatus and receives via the first short-range communication device information about an operating state of the laundry apparatus. The laundry apparatus includes a second short-range communication device, a laundry apparatus controller, and a laundry unit. The laundry apparatus controller receives the operation control program via the second short-range communication device from the terminal device to control the laundry unit and transfers the information about the operating state of the laundry apparatus via the second short-range communication device to the terminal device.

[0017] EP 1 186 694 A2 discloses: A control device for a laundry appliance storing an operation program inputs information about washing and adjusts the operation program of the laundry appliance on the basis of the input washing information.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The invention is defined by independent claim 1. The dependent claims describe advantageous embodiments.

[0019] Disclosed is a washing machine system in which an operation control program can be optimally adjusted depending on at least one of the detergent and the softener to be used, regardless of whether operation control information appropriate to a type of the detergent is held, without complicating an operation on the washing machine to set the working operation.

[0020] Disclosed is a washing machine system including at least a washing machine and a washing machine information server which are capable of communication via a communication network. The washing machine information server has a storage which stores washing operation sequence information and at least one of detergent information and softener information, and a communication unit which provides the information stored in the storage via the communication network. The washing machine has a washing unit which performs washing, a setting operation unit which sets an operation of the washing unit, a communication controller which communicates with the washing machine information server via the communication network and obtains the information provided from the washing machine information server, and a display unit which displays the information provided from the washing machine information server.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] 

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a washing machine system of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of processes in a washing operation of the washing machine of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the washing machine system of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing operation steps of the washing machine system of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing operation steps of the washing machine system of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing operation steps of the washing machine system of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing operation steps of the washing machine system of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing operation steps of the washing machine system of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing operation steps of the washing machine system of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing operation steps of the washing machine system of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a communication instruction screen displayed on an information terminal of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a user information database stored in a server of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a detergent and softener setting menu screen displayed on the information terminal of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a detergent database on the server of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a detergent setting screen displayed on the information terminal of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a detergent-related screen displayed on the information terminal of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a softener setting screen displayed on the information terminal of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a detergent and softener input amount display on the washing machine of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the detergent and softener input amount display on the washing machine of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the detergent and softener input amount display on the washing machine of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the detergent and softener input amount display on the washing machine of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

[0022] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that this exemplary embodiment does not limit the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of washing machine system 400 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Washing machine system 400 is provided with washing machine 1, information terminal 10, and server 300.

[0025] Information terminal 10 is a device capable of communication with a reader/writer via RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0026]  Washing machine 1 communicates with information terminal 10 via loop antenna 27 mounted on washing machine 1 by using the above-described near-field wireless communication. A washing operation of washing machine 1 includes at least one of a washing-off operation in which dirt is cleaned off by rotation of a washing tub with clothes being immersed in water with detergent, a rinsing operation in which the clothes immersed in the water with detergent is rinsed with water, a spin-drying operation in which the clothes containing water are spin-dried, and a drying operation in which the clothes are dried by application of hot air. These operations further include various processes. For example, the washing-off operation includes various processes such as a cloth amount detection process, a detergent amount display process, a water supply process, a beat-washing process, and a rubbing washing process.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the processes in the washing operation of washing machine 1 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the washing operation, a washing-off process, a rinsing process, a spin-drying process, and a drying process are performed.

[0028] Returning to FIG. 1, information terminal 10 is configured by a communication device such as a portable phone and is mounted with loop antenna 106. Information terminal 10 is configured to communicate with washing machine 1 via loop antenna 106 by using the near-field wireless communication and is configured to be able to communicate with server 300 (washing machine information server) via communication network 200. Any device can be used as information terminal 10 as long as the device is able to communicate with a reader/writer with RFID or NFC mounted on washing machine 1; however, a portable device is more preferable.

[0029] Server 300 is configured by a known server computer and the like and is able to communicate with information terminal 10 via communication network 200.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of washing machine system 400 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Information terminal 10 is provided with first communication unit 101, second communication unit 102, notification unit 103, operation unit 104, controller 105, and loop antenna 106.

[0032] First communication unit 101 communicates with washing machine 1 via loop antenna 106 by using the near-field wireless communication.

[0033] Loop antenna 106 is an antenna for performing the near-field wireless communication. In the present exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that RFID or NFC in the high frequency band using, for example, 13.56 MHz band is to be used as the near-field wireless communication. However, the frequency band to be used is not limited to this frequency band. The frequency band for the near-field wireless communication may be VHF (Very High Frequency) band or UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band of 90 MHz to 1 GHz or a frequency band higher than the 2 GHz band.

[0034] Because the communication range is short with the near-field wireless communication, the loop antennas of the two wireless communication devices communicating with each other need to be close to each other. On a surface of a wireless communication device on which the loop antenna is mounted, there is a mark indicating a position of the loop antenna, and a user brings the marks of two wireless communication devices close to each other to allow the two wireless communication devices to communicate with each other. For example, in the case of RFID embedded in a portable phone, an output of the loop antenna cannot be increased. Thus, the loop antennas need to be aligned with each other in units of millimeters, and the loop antennas of the two portable phones need to be precisely close to each other.

[0035] When first communication unit 101 of information terminal 10 supplies an electric current to loop antenna 106, a magnetic flux is generated through loop antenna 106. In the case where loop antenna 106 and loop antenna 27 of washing machine 1 are sufficiently close to each other, the magnetic flux passing through loop antenna 106 passes through loop antenna 27 of washing machine 1. Loop antenna 27 and loop antenna 106 are thus magnetically connected to each other. When the first communication unit of information terminal 10 changes the electric current of loop antenna 106, the magnetic flux passing through loop antenna 106 is changed, whereby the magnetic flux passing through loop antenna 27 is changed accordingly. Consequently, with the change in the magnetic flux passing through loop antenna 27 being detected by communication unit 22 of washing machine 1, information is transmitted from information terminal 10 to washing machine 1.

[0036]  To the contrary, with a load impedance of a feeding point of loop antenna 27 being changed by communication unit 22 of washing machine 1, the magnetic flux passing through loop antenna 27 is changed. This change in the magnetic flux causes an electric current flowing through loop antenna 106 to change, and this change in the electric current is detected by first communication unit 101 of information terminal 10, whereby information is transmitted from washing machine 1 to information terminal 10.

[0037] As described above, the transmission and reception of information between washing machine 1 and information terminal 10 is realized by the magnetic connection between loop antenna 106 and loop antenna 27. The magnetic flux for the magnetic connection is generated by the electric current supplied to loop antenna 106 of information terminal 10, but the output power of the supplied electric current cannot be increased, and thus, loop antenna 106 and loop antenna 27 need to be close to each other.

[0038] In the present exemplary embodiment, first communication unit 101 communicates with washing machine 1 by using the near-field wireless communication via loop antenna 106. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this example. For example, other than the near-field wireless communication, communication methods which use radio waves, light, or the like may be used.

[0039] Second communication unit 102 communicates with server 300 by using communication network 200. Communication network 200 is, for example, a mobile communication network.

[0040] Notification unit 103 displays a screen for allowing the user to select and set the detergent or the softener to be used on washing machine 1 and a communication instruction screen for instructing the user to transmit information about the set detergent or softener to washing machine 1.

[0041] Operation unit 104 is configured by, for example, a touch panel, operation keys, or the like to receive an input operation by the user, and is used for an input operation on a screen to select and set the detergent or the softener displayed on notification unit 103.

[0042] Controller 105 controls entire information terminal 10 and is provided with display controller 105a, first communication controller 105b, and second communication controller 105c.

[0043] Display controller 105a switches the screens displayed on notification unit 103. For example, display controller 105a switches the screen to the communication instruction screen after the selection and setting is finished on the screen for the selection and setting of the detergent or the softener. First communication controller 105b controls first communication unit 101. Second communication controller 105c controls second communication unit 102.

[0044] In the present exemplary embodiment, communication instruction screen is a screen for instructing the user to bring loop antenna 106 of information terminal 10 and loop antenna 27 of washing machine 1 close to each other to allow washing machine 1 and information terminal 10 to communicate with each other. First communication unit 101 transmits the information about the detergent or the softener to washing machine 1 after first communication unit 101 and washing machine 1 are brought close to each other at a distance at which communication is possible.

[0045] Second communication unit 102 receives from server 300 a statement which has been determined by server 300 and is to be displayed on notification unit 103. The statement to be displayed may be a statement to be output on the screen to allow the user to select and set the detergent or the softener to be used on washing machine 1, a statement for outputting on the screen the settings of the already selected detergent or softener, or a statement for instructing the user to bring washing machine 1 and information terminal 10 close to each other.

[0046] Second communication unit 102 further receives, from server 300, information which has been determined by server 300 and is to be transmitted to washing machine 1. The information to be transmitted to washing machine 1 is information which corresponds to the detergent or the softener selected by the user and is used for control and display of washing machine 1.

[0047] Next, washing machine 1 is provided with washing unit 21 which performs the washing machine's original functions, i.e., a washing-off function, a rinsing function, a spin-drying function, and a drying function, communication unit 22, controller 23, storage 24, operation unit 25, display unit 26, and loop antenna 27.

[0048]  Washing unit 21 realizes the washing-off function, the rinsing function, the spin-drying function, and the drying function, and is configured by a motor which turns a washing tub, a water supply valve which adjust a supply water amount of washing water (cleaning water, rinsing water), a drain valve used to drain the washing water, a circulating pump for circulating the washing water, a bath pump to be used to pump bathwater into washing machine 1, a heater which generates hot air to dry clothes, a fan which circulates the hot air, and the like.

[0049] Communication unit 22 (also referred to as a "communication controller") bilaterally transmits and receives various information to and from information terminal 10 by the near-field wireless communication via loop antenna 27. Loop antenna 27 is an antenna used to perform the near-field wireless communication. Communication unit 22 performs functions of a receiver and a transmitter. Washing machine 1 communicates with information terminal 10 through communication unit 22, and communicates with server 300 through information terminal 10 via communication network 200.

[0050] In the present exemplary embodiment, the communication between server 300 and washing machine 1 is performed via information terminal 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this exemplary embodiment, and a configuration may be made such that washing machine 1 and server 300 directly communicate with each other via the network.

[0051] Controller 23 is a microcomputer, and is provided with a memory for storing a program, data, and the like which are previously generated to make washing machine 1 function. Further, controller 23 is provided with a process management unit 23a, water level determination unit 23b, response content determination unit 23c, cloth amount detector 23d, and operation reservation controller 23e.

[0052] Process management unit 23a manages processes performed in the operations (the washing-off operation, the rinsing operation, the spin-drying operation, and the drying operation) and controls washing unit 21. To control washing unit 21 means, for example, to control the rotation of the motor while detecting vibration of the washing tub, to open and close the water supply valve by detecting the level of the water supplied in the washing tub, to open and close the drain valve, and to turn on and off the heater while detecting temperatures of the hot air.

[0053] Controller 23 controls washing unit 21, and is provided with a cloth amount detector 23d which detects the amount of clothes put into the washing machine. Cloth amount detector 23d detects the amount of the clothes put in the washing tub by monitoring a rotation speed of the washing tub while washing unit 21 is controlled to cause the motor for turning the washing tub containing clothes to rotate with a constant torque. Note that the method to detect the cloth amount is not limited to this method, and any method can be used as long as the amount of clothes in the washing machine can be detected. For example, a method can be used in which a speed of change in a water level is detected while water is being supplied in the washing tub, or a method may be used in which a weight scale provided on a mechanical element for supporting the washing tub is used.

[0054] Controller 23 is provided with water level determination unit 23b which determines the water level of water to be supplied into the washing tub at the time of the washing operation. Water level determination unit 23b determines the water level according to the amount of the clothes detected by cloth amount detector 23d. When the cloth amount is large, the water level is set relatively high; and when the cloth amount is small, the water level is set relatively low. With this arrangement, depending on the amount of the clothes put into washing machine 1, necessary cleaning performance and rinsing performance are obtained without consuming unnecessary amount of water. Further, in the case where water level setting is specified by the user by using operation unit 25 (also referred to as a "setting operation unit"), water level determination unit 23b determines the water level according to the water level setting.

[0055] Response content determination unit 23c determines, upon reception of a query about washing machine identification information (to be described later) from information terminal 10 via communication unit 22, a content of a response to the query. Further, response content determination unit 23c determines, upon reception of a signal to query the information of washing machine 1 such as current conditions of the washing machine body, a content of a response to the query signal.

[0056] Storage 24 is provided with washing machine identification information storage 24a, detergent amount display data storage 24b, softener amount display data storage 24c, and number-of-rinses settings storage 24d.

[0057] Washing machine identification information storage 24a stores washing machine identification information for identifying washing machine 1, for example, a model number and a serial number of washing machine 1, and the like. Note that the washing machine identification information is previously stored at the time of manufacture.

[0058] Detergent amount display data storage 24b stores information to determine, for the detergent which is specified on information terminal 10 by the user, the amount of the detergent to be put in (also referred to as "detergent information") at the time of washing on washing machine 1, based on the water level determined by water level determination unit 23b. Note that the detergent information is not limited to the amount of the detergent to be put in but may be a water amount or the like at the time of washing. The detergent information may be a parameter for determining different washing performances, depending on a type of detergent, and may be information which is not displayed on display unit 26.

[0059] Softener amount display data storage 24c stores information to determine, for the softener which is specified on information terminal 10 by the user, the amount of the softener to be put in (also referred to as "softener information") at the time of washing on washing machine 1, based on the water level determined by water level determination unit 23b. Note that the softener information is not limited to the amount of the softener to be put in but may be a water amount or the like at the time of washing. The softener information may be a parameter for determining different washing performances, depending on a type of softener, and can be information which is not displayed on display unit 26.

[0060] Number-of-rinses settings storage 24d stores the washing operation sequence information indicating how many times of rinsing washing machine 1 is to perform at the time of washing. Process management unit 23a determines, based on the information stored in number-of-rinses settings storage 24d, how many times to perform the rinsing in the rinsing operation shown in FIG. 2, and controls washing unit 21. Note that the washing operation sequence information is not limited to the number of rinses but may be a rotation speed of the motor at the time of washing. The washing operation sequence information only has to be a parameter related to a washing operation sequence which determines different washing performances, depending on the types of the detergent and the softener.

[0061] Operation unit 25 is configured by, for example, an operation button and the like, and receives an input operation by the user.

[0062] Display unit 26 is configured by, for example, a seven segment LED, and digitally displays the water level setting, a washing time, the number of rinses, a spin-drying time, a detergent amount display, a softener amount display, a remaining time, a reservation time, and the like.

[0063] In the present exemplary embodiment, the description is made assuming that operation unit 25 is an operation button and display unit 26 is a seven segment LED. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For example, display unit 26 may be configured by a liquid crystal panel, and operation unit 25 may be configured by a touch panel. Display unit 26 can be configured by a dot-matrix liquid crystal panel, and a part or all of operation unit 25 can be configured by a touch panel combined with this liquid crystal panel. In this case, information is provided to the user by using texts, photographs, drawings, or the like, and buttons for indicating options are graphically displayed on the liquid crystal panel. Thus, the selection of the user in the button area is detected by the touch panel. Accordingly, intuitive and easy-to-follow configurations of display unit 26 and operation unit 25 can be realized.

[0064] Next, server 300 is provided with communication unit 301, storage 302, and controller 303.

[0065] Communication unit 301 communicates with information terminal 10 by using communication network 200.

[0066] Storage 302 stores a menu screen to be displayed on information terminal 10 for each product of washing machine 1. Further, storage 302 stores the types of the detergent and the softener to be displayed on information terminal 10, amounts of the detergent and the softener for each detergent and each softener to be put in for a standard cloth amount, information on a recommended number of rinses, for each detergent, depending on the type of the detergent, and the like.

[0067] Controller 303 is configured by a CPU and the like, controls an operation of communication unit 301, and generates information to be transmitted to information terminal 10 via communication unit 301 of server 300, based on information received via communication unit 301 and the information stored in storage 302.

[0068] Next, an operation of the washing machine system 400 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0069] FIG. 4 to FIG. 10 are flowcharts showing operation steps of the washing machine system 400 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] FIG. 4 to FIG. 9 describe the operation in which at least one of the detergent and the softener is selected and set by the user. In addition, FIG. 10 describes the operation of washing machine 1 corresponding to the settings corresponding to at least one of the detergent and the softener set by the user.

[0071] First, as shown in FIG. 4, controller 105 of information terminal 10 activates an application for displaying on notification unit 103 a screen for controlling washing machine 1 (S601). At this time, operation unit 104 receives an instruction of activation of an application by the user, and controller 105 activates the application, based on the received instruction of activation.

[0072] Next, display controller 105a displays a user information input screen on notification unit 103 for causing the user to input the user information (S602). Here, the user information is information including an ID number to identify the user and a password, and is the information set by the user prior to this step and stored in server 300. Notification unit 103 of information terminal 10 displays a screen on which an ID number and a password are input, and the user inputs the ID number and the password by using operation unit 104 of information terminal 10.

[0073] Next, information terminal 10 transmits the input ID number and the password which are input in server 300 (S603).

[0074] Server 300 receives the transmitted ID number and the password (S631). Then, controller 303 compares ID numbers and passwords previously stored in server 300 with those received in step S631, and verifies whether the user is a previously registered user, depending on whether there are an identical ID number and an identical password (S632). Then the verification result is transmitted to information terminal 10 (S633).

[0075] Information terminal 10 receives the verification result with respect to the user (S604). If the verification result is OK (S605, YES), the process goes to step S606, and if the verification is not successful (S605, NO), the process returns to step S602, and the user information input screen is displayed again, and then, the user is made to input the correct ID number and password.

[0076] In step S606, display controller 105a controls notification unit 103 to display the communication instruction screen to instruct the user to bring first communication unit 101 and washing machine 1 close to each other in order to cause first communication unit 101 and washing machine 1 to communicate each other. Then, notification unit 103 displays the communication instruction screen. The communication instruction screen is a screen for instructing the user to bring loop antenna 106 of information terminal 10 and loop antenna 27 washing machine 1 close to each other. The communication instruction screen is previously stored in a storage provided in information terminal 10, and display controller 105a reads out the communication instruction screen from the storage and displays the communication instruction screen on notification unit 103.

[0077] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the communication instruction screen displayed on information terminal 10 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Communication instruction screen G1 shown in FIG. 11 displays the message "Touch a compliant electrical appliance." Communication instruction screen G1 is a screen for guiding the user to bring information terminal 10 close to washing machine 1. When communication instruction screen G1 is displayed on notification unit 103 of information terminal 10, the user brings loop antenna 106 of information terminal 10 and loop antenna 27 of washing machine 1 close to each other so that information terminal 10 and washing machine 1 are in such a distance that information terminal 10 and washing machine 1 are able to communicate with each other by the near-field wireless communication.

[0079] In the present exemplary embodiment, the near-field wireless communication is used, in which the communication is made possible by the user bringing loop antenna 106 of information terminal 10 and loop antenna 27 of washing machine 1 close to each other. With this method, the operation of the user is required, but the user clearly identifies and selects a communication object. Thus, if the user has a plurality of devices as operation objects, an operation object device can be intuitively specified.

[0080] Returning to FIG. 4, first communication controller 105b controls first communication unit 101 to transmit to washing machine 1 request information for requesting washing machine identification information for identifying washing machine 1 after the communication instruction screen is displayed on notification unit 103. After the communication instruction screen is displayed on notification unit 103, first communication unit 101 transmits the request information to washing machine 1 (S607). First communication unit 101 starts, after the communication instruction screen is displayed on notification unit 103, to transmit the request information to washing machine 1.

[0081] Next, after first communication unit 101 and washing machine 1 are brought close to each other in such a distance that first communication unit 101 and washing machine 1 are able to communicate with each other, communication unit 22 of washing machine 1 receives the request information transmitted by first communication unit 101 of information terminal 10 (S671).

[0082] Response content determination unit 23c of washing machine 1 reads out the washing machine identification information from washing machine identification information storage 24a (S672).

[0083] Next, response content determination unit 23c controls communication unit 22 to transmit the washing machine identification information to information terminal 10. Communication unit 22 transmits the washing machine identification information to information terminal 10 (S673).

[0084] The above described request information contains address information for identifying information terminal 10, and communication unit 22 is able to transmit, based on the address information contained in the request information, the washing machine identification information to information terminal 10.

[0085] Note that response content determination unit 23c may transmit status information such as a history of use and error information of washing machine 1 together with the washing machine identification information to information terminal 10. The error information is detected by causing, for example, washing unit 21 to monitor the load of the motor, the heater, and the like, the sensing information of the water level sensor and the temperature sensor, and the like.

[0086] Next, first communication unit 101 of information terminal 10 receives the washing machine identification information transmitted from communication unit 22 of washing machine 1 (S608).

[0087] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, second communication controller 105c controls second communication unit 102 to transmit the washing machine identification information received by first communication unit 101 to server 300. Second communication unit 102 transmits the washing machine identification information received by first communication unit 101 to server 300 (S701). Because the washing machine identification information to be transmitted from washing machine 1 is transmitted together with the address information for specifying server 300, second communication unit 102 transmits, based on the address information transmitted together with the washing machine identification information, the washing machine identification information to server 300.

[0088] In the present exemplary embodiment, the description is made assuming that the address information for specifying server 300 is transmitted together with the washing machine identification information transmitted from washing machine 1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, information terminal 10 may already store the address information for specifying server 300.

[0089] Communication unit 301 of server 300 receives the washing machine identification information transmitted from second communication unit 102 of information terminal 10 (S711).

[0090] Controller 303 generates menu screen information corresponding to washing machine 1 specified by the washing machine identification information (S712). Specifically, controller 303 reads out from storage 302 the menu screen, depending on washing machine 1 specified by the washing machine identification information.

[0091] Communication unit 301 transmits menu screen information for displaying the menu screen specific to washing machine 1 to information terminal 10 (S713).

[0092] Second communication unit 102 of information terminal 10 receives the menu screen information transmitted from communication unit 301 of server 300 (S702).

[0093] Display controller 105a switches, based on the menu screen information received by second communication unit 102, the display screen to the menu screen. Notification unit 103 displays the menu screen, based on the menu screen information received by second communication unit 102 (S703).

[0094] In the present exemplary embodiment, regarding the display of the menu screen about washing machine 1, the method is described in which washing machine 1 is specified by transmitting the request information from information terminal 10 to washing machine 1 and by transmitting a response to the request back from washing machine 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this method. For example, information terminal 10 also can obtain, after the verification of the user is finished in step S605 of FIG. 4, list information of specific menu screens for each usable electrical appliance from server 300, and display the list on notification unit 103. Then, in response to the user selecting via operation unit 104 an electrical appliance (washing machine 1) being used, the list which has been selected is transmitted from information terminal 10 to server 300. Also by this method, second communication unit 102 of information terminal 10 is able to receive the menu screen information transmitted from communication unit 301 of server 300 (S702), and display controller 105a can switch the display screen to the menu screen (S703) based on the menu screen information received by second communication unit 102. By this method, the menu screen can be displayed without bringing information terminal 10 and washing machine 1 communicate with each other.

[0095] While the menu screen is displayed, operation unit 104 receives the selection, by the user, of the item displayed on the menu screen (S704), and the display of the screen corresponding to the selected item and the control of washing machine 1 corresponding to the selected item are performed subsequently.

[0096] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Menu screen G2 shown in FIG. 12 displays product name display 501 representing a product name and a production number of washing machine 1, ecology information display button 502 for displaying information about an energy-saving state of washing machine 1, and support information display button 503 for displaying support information of washing machine 1. In addition, menu screen G2 displays state confirmation display button 504 for asking the state of the current washing machine body and settings display button 505 for setting the information of the detergent and the softener for the washing machine.

[0098] Ecology information display button 502, support information display button 503, state confirmation display button 504, and settings display button 505 can be selected via operation unit 104. If ecology information display button 502 is selected, the screen for showing the information about energy saving such as power consumption and the like of washing machine 1 is displayed. If support information display button 503 is selected, the screen displaying information for supporting washing machine 1 is displayed. Alternatively, if state confirmation display button 504 is selected, the communication instruction screen is displayed to make information terminal 10 and washing machine 1 communicate with each other in order to query the current state of the washing machine body. Note that the items displayed on menu screen G2 are not limited to the items shown in FIG. 12, and various items can be displayed.

[0099] Returning to FIG. 5, if settings display button 505 is selected in menu screen G2 of FIG. 12 (S704, YES), the process goes to step S705, and a setting explanation screen is displayed on information terminal 10. The setting explanation screen is a screen showing a descriptive text about how to set the detergent and the softener for the user, and after the description content is confirmed, a button is displayed to receive an instruction, by the user, to go to the next step. On the other hand, if settings display button 505 is not selected, step S704 is repeated (S704, NO).

[0100] Then, if the user instructs to go to the next step (S706, YES), the process goes to step S707, and the request for the setting screen information is transmitted to server 300. On the other hand, if the user does not instruct to go to the next step, the process goes back to step S705 (S706, NO).

[0101] After server 300 receives a setting screen information request from information terminal 10 (S771), server 300 reads out the setting content which is related to the detergent and the softener and is stored in storage 302 for each user, and server 300 generates the setting screen information to be displayed on information terminal 10 (S772). Then, the setting screen information is transmitted from server 300 to information terminal 10 (S773).

[0102] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a user information database stored in server 300 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] The user information database shown in FIG. 13 is a database of settings related to the detergent and the softener stored in storage 302 for each user. The data is described by a line for each user, and, for example, for user A, the values "detergent A" for the detergent, "softener A" for the softener, and "twice" for the number of rinses are stored as setting values. The user is identified based on the ID number for identifying the user which has been input by the user in step S602 of FIG. 4.

[0104] Returning to FIG. 5, information terminal 10 displays the setting menu screen, based on the setting screen information transmitted from server 300 (S708).

[0105] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a detergent and softener setting menu screen displayed on information terminal 10 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0106]  On setting menu screen G4 shown in FIG. 14, there are displayed button 701 which displays the brand (type) of the detergent which the user has set in the past, wherein when button 701 is selected, the screen for selecting the brand of detergent is called up; and button 703 which displays the brand (type) of the softener, wherein when button 703 is selected, the screen for selecting the brand of softener is called up. Further, setting menu screen G4 is provided with a display 702 for displaying the setting of the number of rinses to be performed during the washing operation, and button 704 for performing the process of setting the information related to the detergent and the softener in washing machine 1.

[0107] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process when setting menu screen G4 is displayed on information terminal 10 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 6, when button 704 for setting the information related to the detergent and the softener in washing machine 1 is selected (S801, YES), the process goes to a process (step (C)) illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 7.

[0109] On the other hand, in step S801, if the instruction to transfer settings is not received (S801, NO), the process goes to step S802.

[0110] In step S802, if button 701 for selecting the brand of detergent is selected (S802, YES), the process goes to a process (step (D)) illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 8.

[0111]  On the other hand, in step S802, if the detergent setting is not changed (S802, NO), the process goes to step S803.

[0112] In step S803, if button 703 for selecting the brand of softener is selected (S803: YES), the process goes to a process (step (E)) for selecting the brand of softener. In the present exemplary embodiment, because step (E) is almost the same step as process step (D) for selecting the brand of detergent, a description of step (E) is omitted by invoking step (D). If the softener is not changed in step S803, the process goes back to step S801 (S803, NO).

[0113] With reference to FIG. 8, a description will be made on how to set the brand of detergent.

[0114] Information terminal 10 transmits a request for displaying the detergent setting screen to server 300 (S1001).

[0115] Server 300 receives the request for the detergent setting screen from information terminal 10 (S1011). Then, server 300 generates detergent setting screen information (S1012). The detergent setting screen information is generated from the information of the database of the detergent brand stored in storage 302 and the information of the database of the currently selected detergent brand settings for each user.

[0116] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a detergent database on server 300 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0117]  In FIG. 15, there are recorded, a detergent name, a coefficient of input amount to be put in for a standard water amount, and the number of rinses recommended for the detergent brand. Because this database is stored in server 300, if a detergent is newly put on the market, whole washing machine system 400 can easily deal with the new detergent by updating the database in server 300.

[0118] Here, a description will be made on how much detergent to be put in at the time of washing operation. If the amount of detergent to be put in at the time of washing is too much, a large amount of foam may be generated and may overflow from washing machine 1. In some cases, the foam may overflow from a drain outlet at the time of drainage. In addition, there is a problem that, if spin-drying is performed while a large amount of foam is generated, the load of the motor at the time of spin-drying is increased. To the contrary, if the detergent amount is too little, there is a problem that appropriate cleaning performance cannot be obtained.

[0119] In order to avoid the above problems, it is necessary to put an appropriate amount of detergent into washing machine 1, but the appropriate amount depends on a water amount in washing machine 1 when the detergent is put in. For example, if washing machine 1 is a drum type washing machine, a small amount of water is used; thus, if much detergent is put in, excessive form may be generated.

[0120] Many detergent packages have printed instructions on the packages to show appropriate input amounts, but the instruction shows, by weight, an appropriate amount of detergent for the standard water amount, based on an assumption that a standard water amount is to be used. When the amount is simply shown by weight, it is not easy to measure the weight every time when washing is performed. Therefore, a measuring instrument such as a spoon is usually included in the detergent, and the number of scoops with the measuring instrument is also shown. Here, because different sizes of measurement instruments are included in different types of detergent, the indication of the number of scoop depends on detergents even if the standard water amount is the same.

[0121] The detergent input amount coefficient for the standard water amount shown in FIG. 15 is a coefficient to appropriately display this number of scoops on washing machine 1 for each detergent, and indicates what number of scoops to put in with the measurement instrument included in the detergent is appropriate for the standard water amount. In the example of FIG. 15, the detergent input amount coefficient of detergent A for the standard water amount is "100". This shows that 100/100=1 scoop with the measurement instrument included in the detergent is appropriate for the standard water amount. In addition, because the coefficient of detergent C is "80", it is displayed that 80/100=0.8 scoops are appropriately put in.

[0122] FIG. 15 is an example of the database for detergent, and a similar database is also provided for softener. Note that, the database for softener does not need to have the information on the recommended number of rinses.

[0123] Returning to FIG. 8, server 300 transmits the detergent setting screen information generated in step S1012 to information terminal 10 (S1013).

[0124] Information terminal 10 receives the detergent setting screen information (S1002) and displays the detergent setting screen (S1003).

[0125] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the detergent setting screen displayed on information terminal 10 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] On detergent setting screen G5, there are displayed names of the detergent brand stored in server 300 and the buttons for selecting each detergent. For example, the user uses operation unit 104 of information terminal 10 to select "Detergent A" and "Detergent B" by selecting button 801 and button 802, respectively. Note that, on detergent setting screen G5, only button 801 is solid among the buttons for selecting detergent, and this indicates that the detergent currently selected by the user is "Detergent A".

[0127] Returning to FIG. 8, if the user selects other button different from the currently selected button (S1004, YES), the process goes to step S1005, and the detergent setting display is changed. For example, if the user selects button 802 on detergent setting screen G5, button 801 becomes the same display (void) as the displays of the other detergents, and button 802 becomes solid instead.

[0128] If the detergent used by the user is not displayed on detergent setting screen G5, button 803 ("None") is to be selected. Alternatively, button 804 ("Initial Settings") is used to return the information about detergent of the user stored in server 300 back to the initial settings.

[0129] If the user does not change the currently selected button (S1004, NO) and selects button 805 on detergent setting screen G5 in FIG. 16, the operation of detergent setting is finished on detergent setting screen G5, and the detergent is determined (S1006, YES). Then, the process goes to next step S1007. In the case where the operation of detergent determination is not specifically performed in step S1006 (S1006, NO), the process goes back to step S1004, and the display of the detergent setting screen and the process of receiving the operation of the user are continued.

[0130] Information terminal 10 transmits the information for identifying the detergent selected in step S1006 to server 300 (S1007), and the server 300 receives the information (S1071).

[0131] The server 300 stores the detergent information transmitted from information terminal 10 in a detergent and softener-related settings database (see FIG. 13) for each user in storage 302 (S1072), and the information (selected detergent-related screen information) to be displayed, in association with the selected detergent, on information terminal 10 is transmitted (S1073). Information terminal 10 receives the selected detergent-related screen information (S1008) and displays the information as the detergent-related screen (S1009).

[0132] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the detergent-related screen displayed on information terminal 10 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] On detergent-related screen G6 of FIG. 17, there are displayed display 901 indicating that the number of rinses recommended by the detergent manufacturer is "once", and display 902 asking the user whether the user sets the number of rinses to the recommended "once". There are further provided button 904 ("Set to Once") for the setting of single rinsing, and button 903 ("Set to Twice") for the setting of double rinsing as the buttons to be selected by the user.

[0134] Subsequently, a description will be made with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 shows an example that the recommended number of rinses for the detergent selected by the user is "once".

[0135] The detergent for which a recommended number of rinses is "once" is a detergent having a good foam-breaking property, and it is possible to rinse the cleaning liquid at the time of washing off by performing rinsing only once although a detergent for which two rinsing processes are necessary in an ordinary washing operation is usually used. A basic operation of washing machine 1 repeats a rinsing process twice to deal with most detergents which require two rinsing processes. In the case of the example of the washing process shown in FIG. 2, the part represented by "repeated the number-of-rinses times" is performed twice at the time of the rinsing operation. On the other hand, for a detergent for which the recommended number of rinses is "once", the part represented by "repeated the number-of-rinses times" is recommended to be performed once.

[0136]  For this reason, if the user selects the detergent for which the recommended number of rinses is "once", the recommended number of rinses is shown to the user on detergent-related screen G6, and a screen is displayed on information terminal 10 to let the user select how many times the rinsing will be performed.

[0137] After detergent-related screen G6 shown in FIG. 17 is displayed, information terminal 10 continues to wait for the user to select the number of rinses (S1101, NO).

[0138] If the number of rinses is selected by the user on information terminal 10, the information of the selected number of rinses is transmitted to server 300 (S1102).

[0139] After server 300 receives the information of the selected number of rinses (S1121), server 300 updates and stores the information of the number of rinses in the detergent and softener-related settings database for each user in storage 302 (S1122), and transmits information for informing that the information of the number of rinses has been received (S1123). After information terminal 10 receives the information of the number of rinses from server 300 (S1103), the process goes to step S707 of the flowchart of FIG. 5.

[0140] Next, a description will be made on the process in the case where the change of the setting of the softener is received in the flowchart of FIG. 6 (S803, YES, STEP (E)). As described above, because the basic process flow is the same as the flow of setting the detergent which has been described with reference to FIG. 8, a description of the flow is omitted.

[0141] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a softener setting screen displayed on information terminal 10 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] The softener setting screen is a screen which is for selecting the softener and for changing the setting, and is displayed on information terminal 10 after the change of the setting of the softener is received.

[0143] In a manner similar to the case of detergent setting screen G5 of FIG. 16 for selecting the detergent, names of the softener brands stored in server 300 and buttons for selecting the softener are displayed on softener setting screen G7. The user uses the operation unit of information terminal 10 to select softener A and softener B by selecting button 1001 and button 1002, respectively.

[0144] On softener setting screen G7 shown in FIG. 18, only button 1001 is solid among the buttons for selecting softener, and this indicates that the softener currently selected by the user is "Softener A". If the user selects the other button, a softener selection screen is changed. For example, if the user selects button 1002 on softener setting screen G7, button 1001 becomes the same display (void) as the displays of the other softeners, and button 1002 becomes solid instead.

[0145] If the softener used by the user is not displayed on softener setting screen G7, button 1003 ("None") is to be selected. Button 1004 ("Initial Settings") is used to return the information about softener of the user stored in server 300 back to the initial settings.

[0146] If button 1005 ("Set") is selected on softener setting screen G7 shown in FIG. 18, a softener setting operation on screen G7 is finished, and softener is determined.

[0147] Next, a description will be made with reference to FIG. 7 on a process of setting, on washing machine 1, the setting information of the detergent and the softener which have been set by the user, and the setting information of the number of rinses which have been determined in association with the detergent. This process is performed when information terminal 10 receives, in step S801 of FIG. 6, an instruction to transfer the settings related to the detergent and the softener to washing machine 1. In other words, the process is performed when button 704 is selected on setting menu screen G4 of FIG. 14.

[0148] First, information terminal 10 transmits to server 300 a request for generation of a setting command to be transmitted to washing machine 1 to perform setting (S901).

[0149] Server 300 receives the request for generation of the setting command (S911), and generates the setting command (S912). The setting command includes parameters which represent the coefficient of input amount of the detergent brand selected by the user, the setting of the number of rinses additionally selected at the time of detergent selection, and a coefficient of input amount for the softener brand selected by the user. Next, the setting command generated in step S912 is transmitted to information terminal 10 (S913).

[0150] Information terminal 10 receives the setting command (S902), and displays the screen to instruct the user to bring washing machine 1 and information terminal 10 close to each other so that the communication is possible (S903). Then, information terminal 10 transmits the setting command to washing machine 1 (S904).

[0151] Upon reception of the setting command (S941), washing machine 1 stores the information contained in the command in storage 24 of washing machine 1 (S942). The coefficient of input amount for the detergent brand selected by the user is stored in detergent amount display data storage 24b, the setting of the number of rinses additionally selected at the time of detergent selection is stored in number-of-rinses settings storage 24d, and the coefficient of input amount for the softener brand selected by the user is stored in softener amount display data storage 24c. Next, a signal for informing that the setting command has been received is transmitted to information terminal 10 (S943).

[0152] After information terminal 10 receives a notification of completion of command reception from washing machine 1 (S905), information terminal 10 displays a screen to inform the user that the setting has been completed (S906). Accordingly, the process, by the user, for setting the information about the detergent and the softener in washing machine 1 is finished.

[0153] In the above description, the timing of storing in the detergent and softener-related settings database for each user in storage 302 has been described to be just after the detergent or the softener is selected by the user or just after the communication from information terminal 10 to server 300 after the selection of the number of rinses. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the timing may be after the communication from information terminal 10 to server 300 is performed after the user completes the selection of the detergent and the softener and then chooses to set in washing machine 1. Alternatively, a flow may be added to transmit a notification from information terminal 10 to server 300 to inform that the setting in washing machine 1 has been completed, and the information may be stored in the detergent and softener-related settings database for each user in storage 302 on server 300 after server 300 is notified that the setting in washing machine 1 has been completed. Because the settings of the detergent and the softener are updated in response to the user setting in washing machine 1, the settings of the detergent and the softener for each user can be made identical between washing machine 1 and server 300.

[0154] Alternatively, it has been described that the update of the information in detergent amount display data storage 24b, softener amount display data storage 24c, and number-of-rinses settings storage 24d of washing machine 1 is performed after the completion of the communication from information terminal 10 to washing machine 1. However, it is possible for the user to update the information by using operation unit 25 and display unit 26 of washing machine 1. With this arrangement, even in the case where information terminal 10 cannot be used, information can be updated. For example, the data about the detergent and the softener can be updated back to the initial state at the time of shipment, such as, both of the detergent and the softener are "not selected", and the number of rinses is "twice".

[0155] Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a description will be made on a process in which the information related to the detergent and the softener set in washing machine 1 is used at the time of the washing operation.

[0156] The power of washing machine 1 is turned on by the user, and the process is started.

[0157] First, regarding the washing operation of washing machine 1, the process of receiving the setting performed by the user using display unit 26 and operation unit 25 is performed (S1201). Specific examples related to the washing operation include specifying a course to change the washing operation, specifying the washing-off time in the set course, specifying the number of rinses, specifying the spin-drying time, specifying performing or non-performing and the time of the drying process, and specifying the water level for determining the water amount to be used at the time of washing.

[0158] If the user instructs operation unit 25 to start the operation of washing machine 1 (S1202, YES), the process of determining the cloth amount is performed (S1203). If the operation is not instructed, the process goes back to step S1201 (S1202, NO). The operation of determining the cloth amount is performed by cloth amount detector 23d of controller 23 controlling washing unit 21.

[0159]  If the performance of the cloth amount detection process in step S1203 is finished, the process is branched depending on whether the water level has been specified. If the water level has been specified by the user in step S1201, which is before the reception of the start of operation (S1204, YES), the process goes to step S1205 and the specified water level is set to be the water level setting during the washing operation. If the water level has not been specified (S1204, NO), the process goes to step S1206, and the water level is determined depending on the cloth amount determined in step S1203. Specifically, if the cloth amount is small, the water level is made low, and if the cloth amount is large, the water level is made high. Thus, the water level is determined so that the water amount to be used is controlled to be minimum while the necessary cleaning and the rinsing performances are secured.

[0160] Next, the process is branched depending on whether the detergent amount information for the detergent specified by the user is stored in detergent amount display data storage 24b. In the case where the detergent amount information is stored (S1207, YES) and also in the case where the detergent amount information is not stored (S1207, NO), the process is further branched depending on whether the softener amount information for the softener specified by the user is stored in softener amount display data storage 24c (S1208 and S1209).

[0161] If the detergent amount information and the softener amount information are both stored (S1207 and S1208, YES), the process goes to step S1211, and display D1, which shows the input amounts of the detergent and the softener, is displayed on display unit 26 of washing machine 1. If the detergent amount information is stored but the softener information is not stored (S1207, YES and S1208, NO), display D2 is displayed on display unit 26 of washing machine 1 in step S1210. If the detergent amount information is not stored and the softener amount information is stored (S1207, NO and S1208, YES), display D3 is displayed on display unit 26 of washing machine 1 in step S1212. If none of the detergent amount information and the softener amount information is stored (S1207 and S1208, NO), display D4 is displayed on display unit 26 of washing machine 1 in step S1213.

[0162] After the input amount display (S1210 to S1213) is performed for a predetermined time, the actual washing operation such as washing off and rinsing is performed in step S1214. When all the processes are completed, the operation is finished.

[0163] The above-described input amount displays in step S1210 to step S1213 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0164] FIG. 19 to FIG. 22 are diagrams showing examples of detergent and softener input amount displays on washing machine 1 of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] These displays are performed on display unit 26 of washing machine 1.

[0166] An example of display D1 in step S1211 is shown in FIG. 19. In this case, because the detergent is specified by the user, the amount of detergent to be put in is shown by display 1302 together with display 1301, which indicates that this display is the display for the specified detergent. The amount of detergent to be put in can be obtained by the following calculations: calculating the water amount to be used at the time of washing from the water level setting determined in step S1205 or step S1206 to obtain the ratio of the water amount to the standard water amount; and then multiplying the ratio by the detergent input amount coefficient for the standard water amount stored in detergent amount display data storage 24b.

[0167] As for the softener, in a similar manner, the amount of softener to be put in is shown on display 1304 together with display 1303, which indicates that the display is for the specified softener. The amount of softener to be put in is calculated similarly to the case of the detergent amount.

[0168] Next, FIG. 20 shows an example of display D2 in step S1210. The detergent has been specified by the user, and thus, similarly to the case of FIG. 19, the amount of detergent to be put in is shown together with the display which indicates that the display is for the specified detergent. Because the softener is not specified by the user and the softener does not need to be put in for washing, a display about the input amount of softener is not performed in this example.

[0169] Next, FIG. 21 shows an example of input amount display D3 in step S1212. The detergent is not specified by the user, but it is assumed that normally the detergent always needs to be put in for washing. Therefore, the detergent input amount effective for many types of detergent is displayed, but a display about specified detergent which corresponds to display 1301 of FIG. 19 is not shown. The display about the softener is similar to the case of FIG. 19.

[0170] Next, FIG. 22 shows an example of input amount display D4 in step S1213. Similarly to the case of FIG. 21, the detergent is not specified by the user, but it is assumed that normally the detergent always needs to be put in for washing. Therefore, the detergent input amount effective for many types of detergent is displayed, but a display about the specified detergent which corresponds to display 1301 of FIG. 19 is not shown. As for the softener, similarly to the display in FIG. 20, an input amount is not displayed.

[0171] In the present exemplary embodiment, it is described that the communication between information terminal 10 and washing machine 1 is performed by the near-field wireless communication via loop antennas. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. The communication between information terminal 10 and washing machine 1 can be performed by using a method capable of communication between a plurality of terminals by a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi, or a one-to-one communication method such as infrared communication may be used.

[0172] For the communication to connect information terminal 10 and communication network 200, a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi may be used.

[0173] As described above, washing machine system 400 of the present exemplary embodiment is washing machine system 400 including at least washing machine 1 and server 300 as a washing machine information server which are capable of communication via a communication network. Server 300 includes storage 302 which stores the washing operation sequence information and at least one of the detergent information and the softener information, and communication unit 301 which provides the information stored in storage 302 via the communication network. Washing machine 1 includes washing unit 21 which performs washing, operation unit 25 as the setting operation unit which sets the operation of washing unit 21, communication unit 22 as the communication controller which communicates with server 300 via the communication network and obtains the information provided from server 300, and display unit 26 which displays the information provided from server 300.

[0174] With such a configuration, it is easy to perform washing, depending on a brand (type) of any one of the detergent and the softener. Specifically, it is possible to put in appropriate amount of any one of the detergent and the softener, depending on a brand, to perform washing.

[0175] Further, it is possible to set different operation sequences, depending on detergent, to washing machine 1 and to display different input amounts, depending on the types of the detergent and the softener. Thus, the user does not have to change the operation sequences for each washing, whereby convenience can be improved. In addition, an input amount appropriate to the detergent or the softener is displayed, whereby inconvenience can be reduced. Further, because an appropriate detergent amount or softener amount is displayed, it is possible to prevent the user from putting in inappropriate amount of detergent or softener, whereby an appropriate washing performance can be obtained with an appropriate concentration.

[0176] In the present exemplary embodiment, the washing operation sequence information stored in server 300 includes at least the number of rinse to be performed at the time of washing.

[0177] With such a configuration, it is possible to set as default values, to washing machine 1, different numbers of rinses for different detergents. Thus, the inconvenience that the user sets the number of rinses for each washing can be reduced, and convenience can be improved. Further, by setting an appropriate number of rinses depending on detergent, an appropriate rinsing performance can be obtained for an appropriate time with an appropriate consumption of water. Further, it is easy to perform washing with the number of rinses depending on a brand of detergent.

[0178] Washing machine system 400 is further provided with information terminal 10. Information terminal 10 includes operation unit 104 which allows the user set at least one of the detergent and the softener to be used for washing, and second communication unit 102 as the communication controller for performing communication via communication network 200. In addition, the configuration is made such that, depending on at least one of the detergent and the softener set by operation unit 104, the washing operation sequence information and at least one of the detergent information and the softener information stored in server 300 are provided to washing machine 1.

[0179]  With this arrangement, at least one of the detergent and the softener is selected by information terminal 10, and with respect to the result of the selection, the information to be reflected to washing machine 1 can be easily provided to washing machine 1 by information terminal 10.

[0180] Washing machine 1 also includes cloth amount detector 23d for detecting an amount of cloth which is put into washing machine 1. Depending on at least one of the detergent information and the softener information provided from server 300 and the cloth amount detected by cloth amount detector 23d, at least one of the amount of detergent and the amount of softener to be put in is displayed on display unit 26.

[0181] With this arrangement, it is possible to appropriately display the appropriate amount of at least any one of the detergent and the softener, depending on the amount of the clothes which is put in and depending on at least any one of the types of the detergent and the softener being used. Thus, an appropriate input amount of at least any one of the detergent and the softener is displayed, depending on the amount of laundry. Thus, the inconvenience that the user confirms how much the user should put in the detergent and the softener can be reduced. Further, because at least one of the appropriate amount of detergent and the appropriate amount of softener is displayed, it is possible to prevent the detergent or the softener of inappropriate amount from being put in, whereby an appropriate washing performance can be obtained with an appropriate concentration depending on the cloth amount.

[0182] Further, the amount of water to be used at the time of washing is set by operation unit 25 as the setting operation unit of washing machine 1, and depending on at least one of the detergent information and the softener information provided from server 300 and depending on the set water amount, the amount of at least one of the detergent and the softener is displayed on display unit 26.

[0183] With this arrangement, it is possible to appropriately display the appropriate amount of at least any one of the detergent and the softener, depending on the amount of the water used at the time of washing which is specified by the user and will be used for washing, and depending on at least any one of the types of the detergent and the softener being used. Thus, an appropriate input amount of at least any one of the detergent and the softener is displayed, depending on the water amount, and the inconvenience that the user confirms how much detergent and softener to put in can be reduced. Further, because at least one of the appropriate amount of detergent and the appropriate amount of softener is displayed, it is possible to prevent the detergent or the softener of inappropriate amount from being put in, whereby an appropriate washing performance can be obtained with an appropriate concentration depending on the water amount.

[0184] In addition, when display unit 26 of washing machine 1 displays the amount of at least one of the detergent and the softener to be put in at the time of washing, display unit 26 also displays whether the amount of at least one of the detergent and the softener set on information terminal 10 is displayed.

[0185] With this arrangement, when the user confirms the input amount of at least any one of the detergent and the softener, it is easy to determine whether it is the display for at least any one of the specified detergent and softener or a rough indication in the state where the detergent or the softener is not specified.

[0186] As described above, in washing machine system 400 of the present exemplary embodiment, it is possible to easily set at least any one of the detergent and the softener used by the user, and it is possible to appropriately and easily change, depending on the setting of the at least any one of the detergent and the softener, the washing sequence such as the number of rinses. Further, the input amount of at least any one of the detergent and the softener can be appropriately and easily displayed.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0187] As described above, the present invention can provide a special effect that the operation control program can be appropriately adjusted, depending on the type of at least one of the detergent and the softener to be used without complicating the setting operation of the working operation on the washing machine, regardless of whether or not the operation control information depending on the type of the detergent is held. Thus, the present invention is useful as a washing machine system, in particular, as a washing machine system and the like in which a washing machine is connected via a communication network to a server which includes an external database for providing various data related to an operation control of the washing machine. Further, other than the washing machine systems, the present invention can be applied to various washing devices which use detergent, for example, a dish washing and drying machine system, a vehicle washing machine system, and the like.

REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS

[0188] 

1

washing machine

10

information terminal

21

washing unit

22, 301

communication unit

23, 105, 303

controller

23a

process management unit

23b

water level determination unit

23c

response content determination unit

23d

cloth amount detector

23e

operation reservation controller

24, 302

storage

24a

washing machine identification information storage

24b

detergent amount display data storage

24c

softener amount display data storage

24d

number-of-rinses settings storage

25

operation unit

26

display unit

27, 106

loop antenna

101

first communication unit

102

second communication unit

103

notification unit

104

operation unit

105a

display controller

105b

first communication controller

105c

second communication controller

200

communication network

300

server

400

washing machine system

501

product name display

502

ecology information display button

503

support information display button

504

state confirmation display button

505

settings display button

701, 703, 704, 801-805, 903, 904, 1001-1005

button

702, 901, 902, 1301-1304

display

Claims

1. A washing machine system comprising at least:

a washing machine (1); and

a washing machine information server (300), the washing machine (1) and the washing machine information server (300) being capable of communication via a communication network (200),

wherein the washing machine information server (300) includes

a storage (302) configured to store washing operation sequence information and at least one of detergent information representing a parameter for determining different washing performances depending on a type of detergent and softener information representing a parameter for determining different washing performances depending on a type of softener, and

a communication unit (301) of the washing machine information server (300) configured to provide the information stored in the storage via the communication network (200),

the washing machine (1) includes

a washing unit (21) configured to perform washing,

an operation unit (25) of the washing machine (1) configured to receive an input operation by a user,

a communication unit (22) of the washing machine (1) configured to obtain information provided from the washing machine information server (300), and

a display unit (26) configured to display the information provided from the washing machine information server (300),

wherein the washing machine system further comprises:

an information terminal (10),

wherein the information terminal (10) includes

an operation unit (104) of the information terminal (10) configured to allow the user to set at least one of detergent and softener to be used for washing, and

a first communication unit (101) configured to communicate with the washing machine (1), and

a second communication unit (102) configured to communicate with the washing machine information server (300) via the communication network (200), and

depending on at least one of the detergent and the softener set on the operation unit (104) of the information terminal (10), the washing operation sequence information stored in the washing machine information server (300) and at least one of the detergent information and the softener information are provided to the washing machine (1) from the washing machine information server (300) via the information terminal (10)

characterized in that

depending on at least one of the detergent information and the softener information provided from the washing machine information server (300) and on an amount of cloth detected by a cloth amount detector (23d) included in the washing machine (1) and configured to detect the amount of cloth put into the washing machine (1), or

depending on at least one of the detergent information and the softener information provided from the washing machine information server (300) and on an amount of water input by the user to the operation unit (25) of the washing machine (1),

an amount of at least one of detergent and softener to be put in is displayed on the display unit (26).

2. The washing machine system according to claim 1, wherein the washing operation sequence information stored in the washing machine information server (300) includes at least a number of rinses to be performed during washing.

3. The washing machine system according to claim 1, wherein when the display unit (26) of the washing machine (1) is configured to display an amount of at least one of detergent and softener to be put in during washing, the display unit (26) is also configured to display whether an amount of at least one of the detergent and the softener set on the information terminal (10) is displayed.

Ansprüche

1. Waschmaschinensystem, das wenigstens umfasst:

eine Waschmaschine (1) und

einen Waschmaschinen-Informationsserver (300), wobei die Waschmaschine (1) und der Waschmaschinen-Informationsserver (300) über ein Kommunikationsnetzwerk (200) kommunizieren können,

wobei der Waschmaschinen-Informationsserver (300) umfasst:

einen Speicher (302), der konfiguriert ist, um Waschvorgangssequenzinformationen und wenigstens Waschmittelinformationen, die einen Parameter zum Bestimmen unterschiedlicher Waschleistungen abhängig von einem Typ des Waschmittels darstellen, oder Weichspülerinformationen zu speichern, die einen Parameter zum Bestimmen unterschiedlicher Waschleistungen abhängig von einem Typ des Weichspülers darstellen, und

eine Kommunikationseinheit (301) des Waschmaschinen-Informationsservers (300), die konfiguriert ist, um die in dem Speicher gespeicherten Informationen über das Kommunikationsnetzwerk (200) bereitzustellen,

die Waschmaschine (1) umfasst:

eine Wascheinheit (21), die konfiguriert ist, um das Waschen durchzuführen,

eine Bedienungseinheit (25) der Waschmaschine (1), die konfiguriert ist, um eine Eingabebedienung durch einen Anwender zu empfangen,

eine Kommunikationseinheit (22) der Waschmaschine (1), die konfiguriert ist, um Informationen zu erhalten, die von dem Waschmaschinen-Informationsserver (300) bereitgestellt werden, und

eine Anzeigeeinheit (26), die konfiguriert ist, um die von dem Waschmaschinen-Informationsserver (300) bereitgestellten Informationen anzuzeigen,

wobei das Waschmaschinensystem des Weiteren umfasst:

ein Informationsendgerät (10),

wobei das Informationsendgerät (10) umfasst:

eine Bedienungseinheit (104) des Informationsendgeräts (10), die konfiguriert ist, um es dem Anwender zu ermöglichen, wenigstens zum Waschen zu verwendende Waschmittel oder Weichspüler einzustellen, und

eine erste Kommunikationseinheit (101), die konfiguriert ist, um mit der Waschmaschine (1) zu kommunizieren, und

eine zweite Kommunikationseinheit (102), die konfiguriert ist, um mit dem Waschmaschinen-Informationsserver (300) über das Kommunikationsnetzwerk (200) zu kommunizieren, und

abhängig von wenigstens dem Waschmittel oder dem Weichspüler, die an der Bedienungseinheit (104) des Informationsendgeräts (10) eingestellt werden, die in dem Waschmaschinen-Informationsserver (300) gespeicherten Waschvorgangssequenzinformationen und wenigstens die Waschmittelinformationen oder die Weichspülerinformationen der Waschmaschine (1) vom Waschmaschinen-Informationsserver (300) über das Kommunikationsnetzwerk (200) bereitgestellt werden,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass

abhängig von wenigstens den vom Waschmaschinen-Informationsserver (300) bereitgestellten Waschmittelinformationen oder Weichspülerinformationen und der Menge an Kleidung, die von der Kleidungsmengen-Erfassungsvorrichtung (23d) erfasst wird, die in der Waschmaschine (1) enthalten und konfiguriert ist, um die Menge an Kleidung zu erfassen, die in die Waschmaschine (1) getan wird, oder

abhängig von wenigstens den von dem Waschmaschinen-Informationsserver (300) bereitgestellten Waschmittelinformationen oder Weichspülerinformationen und einer Menge an Wasser, die durch den Anwender in die Bedienungseinheit (25) der Waschmaschine (1) eingegeben wird,

eine Menge von wenigstens dem einzufüllenden Waschmittel oder Weichspüler an der Anzeigeeinheit (26) angezeigt wird.

2. Waschmaschinensystem nach Anspruch 1, wobei die in dem Waschmaschinen-Informationsserver (300) gespeicherten Waschvorgangssequenzinformationen wenigstens eine Anzahl von Spülgängen aufweist, die während des Waschens durchzuführen sind.

3. Waschmaschinensystem nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Anzeigeeinheit (26) der Waschmaschine (1) konfiguriert ist, um eine Menge von wenigstens dem Waschmittel oder dem Weichspüler anzuzeigen, die während des Waschens einzufüllen sind, wobei die Anzeigeeinheit (26) außerdem konfiguriert ist, um anzuzeigen, ob die Menge von wenigstens dem Waschmittel oder dem Weichspüler, die auf dem Informationsendgerät (10) eingestellt wird, angezeigt wird.

Revendications

1. Système de machine à laver comprenant au moins :

une machine à laver (1) ; et

un serveur d'informations de machine à laver (300), la machine à laver (1) et le serveur d'informations de machine à laver (300) étant capables de communiquer par le biais d'un réseau de communication (200),

le serveur d'informations de machine à laver (300) comprenant

une mémoire (302) conçue pour conserver les informations de séquence d'opération de lavage et au moins une des informations de détergent représentant un paramètre permettant de déterminer différentes performances de lavage en fonction d'un type d'informations de détergent et d'adoucissant représentant un paramètre permettant de déterminer différentes performances de lavage en fonction d'un type d'adoucissant, et

une unité de communication (301) du serveur d'informations de machine à laver (300) conçue pour fournir les informations conservées dans la mémoire par le biais du réseau de communication (200),

la machine à laver (1) comprenant

une unité de lavage (21) conçue pour mettre en oeuvre le lavage,

une unité d'opération (25) de la machine à laver (1) conçue pour recevoir une opération entrée par un utilisateur,

une unité de communication (22) de la machine à laver (1) conçue pour obtenir des informations fournies par le serveur d'informations de machine à laver (300),

une unité d'affichage (26) conçue pour afficher les informations fournies à partir du serveur d'informations de machine à laver (300),

le système de machine à laver comprenant en outre :

un terminal d'informations (10),

le terminal d'informations (10) comprenant

une unité d'opération (104) du terminal d'informations (10) conçue pour permettre à l'utilisateur de définir le détergent et/ou l'adoucissant à utiliser pour le lavage, et

une première unité de communication (101) conçue pour communiquer avec la machine à laver (1) et

une deuxième unité de communication (102) conçue pour communiquer avec le serveur d'informations de machine à laver (300) par le biais du réseau de communication (200), et

en fonction du détergent et/ou de l'adoucissant définis sur l'unité d'opération (104) du terminal d'informations (10), les informations de séquence d'opération de lavage conservées dans le serveur d'informations de machine à laver (300) et les informations de détergent et/ou les informations d'adoucissant sont fournies à la machine à laver (1) depuis le serveur d'informations de machine à laver (300) par le biais du terminal d'informations (10)

caractérisé en ce que

en fonction des informations de détergent et/ou des informations d'adoucissant fournies depuis le serveur d'informations de machine à laver (300) et d'une quantité de tissu détectée par un détecteur de quantité de tissu (23d) compris dans la machine à laver (1) et conçu pour détecter la quantité de tissu mis dans la machine à laver (1), ou

en fonction des informations de détergent et/ou des informations d'adoucissant fournies depuis le serveur d'informations de machine à laver (300) et d'une quantité d'eau entrée par l'utilisateur dans l'unité d'opération (25) de la machine à laver (1),

une quantité de détergent et/ou d'adoucissant devant être versée est affichée sur l'unité d'affichage (26).

2. Système de machine à laver selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les informations de séquence d'opération de lavage conservées dans le serveur d'informations de machine à laver (300) comprennent au moins un nombre de rinçages devant être exécutés au cours du lavage.

3. Système de machine à laver selon la revendication 1, dans lequel lorsque l'unité d'affichage (26) de la machine à laver (1) est conçue pour afficher une quantité de détergent et/ou d'adoucissant devant être versée au cours du lavage, l'unité d'affichage (26) est également conçue pour afficher si une quantité de détergent et/ou d'adoucissant définie sur le terminal d'informations (10) est affichée, ou non.

Drawing