JP2002162149A - Refrigerator remote inspection system, refrigerator remote inspection device, refrigerator remote inspection method, refrigerator, refrigerator control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To provide a remote inspection system for a refrigerator capable of promptly and appropriately coping with the occurrence of an abnormal state. A home terminal (9) functioning as a home server is mounted on a door of a refrigerator (1), and a home LAN (8) is configured together with a washing machine (2), a microwave oven (3) and a rice cooker (4). The refrigerator 1 is connected to the Web server 5 via the home terminal 9, the home gateway 10, and the Internet 6, and the operation state information is automatically transmitted to the Web server 5 at regular intervals. The Web server 5 monitors the refrigerator 1 based on the operating state information and the diagnostic database 7, and when an abnormality appears, transmits a test program to the refrigerator 1 to check the electric circuit and the refrigeration cycle. Refrigerator 1
When it is determined that the failure itself is occurring, the emergency operation program is transmitted to the refrigerator 1, and when it is determined that the operation is inappropriate according to the user, a warning message is displayed on the home terminal 9.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a refrigerator remote inspection system, a refrigerator remote inspection device, a refrigerator remote inspection method, a refrigerator, a refrigerator control method, and a program for remotely confirming the operation state of a refrigerator.

[0002]

The refrigerator has a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside and outside the refrigerator, a driving circuit for the compressor, a driving circuit for the damper for controlling the supply of cool air to the switching chamber, and a cooling fan for the cooling fan inside the refrigerator. It has a drive circuit and the like. If such a temperature sensor or a drive circuit fails, cooling according to the set temperature cannot be performed. For this reason, conventional refrigerators have been provided with a self-diagnosis function such as the temperature sensor and the damper circuit in the control circuit. If the self-diagnosis result falls outside the normal range determined for each diagnosis item,
A display indicating that an abnormality has occurred is displayed on a display panel provided on a refrigerator door or the like. The user can recognize the occurrence of the abnormality by looking at the display panel, and inquires of the maker or the store or requests for repair.

[0003] However, the refrigerator having the above-mentioned conventional configuration has the following disadvantages. In other words, the user can recognize that an abnormality has occurred by the display on the display panel, but the abnormal state continues until a service person comes and repair or the like is completed. In some cases, the food cannot be used in a state, and damage may occur, such as a rise in the temperature of the stored food and a decrease in its freshness.

[0004] Further, even when an abnormal condition occurs due to improper use of the user (for example, when the temperature in the refrigerator rises because the door is not completely closed), the user is mistaken for a failure. In some cases, a request for repair that was recognized and unnecessary was made.

[0005] On the other hand, when a failure has actually occurred, the service technician visits the site because the details cannot be understood only from the description of the abnormal state and the display contents of the display panel, which were previously heard from the user by telephone or the like. For the first time, he started investigating the specific cause of the failure, and it took a long time to repair it. Also,
Because it is difficult to identify the failure part in advance, it may not be possible to prepare appropriate repair parts at the first visit, and it may take a long time to make repairs as a result of visiting many times and arranging repair parts. Sometimes it was necessary. If the refrigerator cannot be used in ordinary households, the food cannot be stored unless the refrigerator is used. Therefore, prolonged repairs force the user to have an extremely inconvenient life.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a remote inspection system for a refrigerator, a remote inspection device for a refrigerator, and a refrigerator, which can promptly and appropriately deal with the occurrence of an abnormal state. A remote inspection method, a refrigerator, a refrigerator control method, and a program.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, a remote inspection system for a refrigerator according to claim 1 is provided.
A refrigerator that transmits information about its own operating state at all times or every predetermined time via a communication network, and is accessible from the outside via the communication network, based on the information about the operating state transmitted from the refrigerator. And a remote inspection device for inspecting the operation state of the refrigerator.

[0008] Unlike other home electric appliances, a refrigerator is a device that must always be operated, and if an abnormal state (for example, a rise in the internal temperature) is prolonged, the stored food is damaged (for example, (Deterioration in freshness due to an increase in food temperature), and furthermore, food ingredients cannot be stored, which causes great inconvenience in cooking. According to the above configuration, a remote inspection device (for example, a server) installed in a maintenance service company or the like
Checks the operation status of the refrigerator based on the information on the operation status sent from the refrigerator installed at home, etc. constantly or at predetermined intervals, so that the occurrence of abnormal conditions without the intervention of the user of the refrigerator It can be found quickly, and appropriate measures can be taken for the abnormal condition. This allows
Damage and inconvenience on the user side can be minimized.

[0009] Further, the remote inspection device can preliminarily estimate or identify the cause of the abnormality based on the information on the operation state of the refrigerator, so that the serviceman can arrange repair parts in advance or make an initial decision. The appropriate repair parts can be taken at the time of the visit, and the repair time can be shortened. Further, the remote inspection device can collectively manage abnormal (failure) information generated in the market,
By using the information, the accuracy of remote inspection of the refrigerator can be further improved.

Further, according to the above configuration, the refrigerator installed in each home or the like can easily and remotely control a remote inspection device (for example, W) via a communication network such as a public communication network or the Internet.
(e.g., web server), users and manufacturers can construct and use the remote inspection system at relatively low cost.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote inspection system for a refrigerator, which is interposed between the refrigerator and the communication network, obtains information on an operation state from the refrigerator, and transmits the information to the remote controller via the communication network. To the inspection device,
A terminal device is provided which receives a program or information transmitted from the remote inspection device via the communication network and supplies the program or information to the refrigerator.

According to this configuration, the terminal device interposed between the refrigerator and the communication network receives the information on the operating state from the refrigerator and transmits it to the remote inspection device. Similar effects can be obtained. Also, since the terminal device is mainly responsible for communication with the remote inspection device, the refrigerator need only be provided with a communication means having a relatively simple configuration necessary for communicating with the terminal device. Up can be kept low.

In this case, the terminal device may be provided with a notifying means, and the information on the operation state of the refrigerator and the information transmitted from the remote inspection device may be output to the notifying means. Since the terminal device can be installed at a position away from the refrigerator, the user can quickly know the information via the terminal device even if the user is away from the refrigerator.

In each of these cases, the remote inspection device is configured to transmit an inspection program to the refrigerator when detecting an abnormality sign in the operation state of the refrigerator, and the refrigerator receives the inspection program. It is preferable that an inspection for the sign of the abnormality is performed according to the inspection program (claim 4).

[0015] According to this configuration, the remote inspection device transmits the inspection program to the refrigerator directly via a communication network or through a terminal device when a sign of abnormality appears in the operation state of the refrigerator. When the refrigerator executes the inspection program, the inspection for the sign of the abnormality is automatically performed. This allows the remote inspection device to automatically perform the optimal inspection according to the sign of the abnormality from a remote location without storing an inspection program for various signs of abnormality expected to occur in the refrigerator or the terminal device. I can do it.
The terminal device may execute the inspection program to inspect the refrigerator.

Further, the remote inspection device is configured to transmit a compensation operation program to the refrigerator when detecting an abnormality sign in an operation state of the refrigerator, and the refrigerator operates the received compensation operation program. It is preferable to execute a compensation operation for recovering the sign state of the abnormality in accordance with the following (claim 5).

According to this configuration, the refrigerator executes an emergency compensation operation (for example, forced cooling operation) for recovering the sign of abnormality (for example, temperature rise in the refrigerator) according to the compensation operation program sent from the remote inspection device. Therefore, the refrigerator can be kept in a normal state or a state close to the normal state until a specific countermeasure is taken by the remote inspection device, and the spread of damage to the stored food can be prevented. This compensation program also includes a version upgrade of the control program at the time of shipment, a change in parameters and operation modes, and the like, and automatic restoration can be performed so as not to cause any sign of abnormality.

In each of the above cases, the remote inspection device has a database relating to the operation state of each model of the refrigerator to be inspected, and by referring to the database, the remote inspection device appears in the operation state of the refrigerator. It is preferable that the apparatus is configured to determine whether the abnormal state is caused by a failure of the refrigerator itself or an inappropriate use mode of a user (claim 6).

According to this configuration, the remote inspection device can properly cope with two causes of occurrence of abnormalities having different characteristics between the failure of the refrigerator itself and the inappropriate use of the user. .

In this case, if the remote inspection device determines that the abnormal state that appears in the operation state of the refrigerator is due to an improper use mode of the user, the remote inspection device directly or through a terminal device through the communication network. The refrigerator is configured to transmit notification information indicating that the use mode is inappropriate, and the refrigerator includes a notification unit, and is configured to output the received notification information to the notification unit. (Claim 7).

According to this configuration, the user can recognize, via the notification means of the refrigerator or the terminal device, that an abnormal condition has appeared due to the improper use of the refrigerator. The inappropriate use can be stopped, and the abnormal state can be eliminated. Further, the user does not erroneously recognize the malfunction and request unnecessary repair.

On the other hand, when the remote inspection device determines that the abnormal state that appears in the operation state of the refrigerator is caused by a failure of the refrigerator itself, the remote inspection device is configured to specify the location of the failure by referring to the database. It is preferable that (claim 8).

According to this configuration, the service person who has obtained the information on the failure location from the remote inspection device itself or the remote inspection device can immediately pre-order repair parts related to the failure location. In addition, since the failure location is specified in advance, the serviceman can bring all the repair parts required for repairing the failure location at the time of the repair visit, and start the repair work immediately after the visit. be able to. This allows for quick repairs.

Further, the remote inspection device is configured to transmit an emergency operation program to the refrigerator when it is determined that the abnormal state that appears in the operation state of the refrigerator is due to a failure of the refrigerator itself, The refrigerator is
It is preferable that the emergency operation for the abnormal state is performed according to the received emergency operation program (claim 9).

According to this configuration, even if there is an abnormality in the refrigerator itself, the refrigerator operates the emergency operation according to the emergency operation program sent from the remote inspection device until the repair is completed by the service person. So you can keep the refrigerator in a normal or near-normal state,
Damage to the stored food and inconvenience to the user can be minimized.

Further, the remote inspection device is configured to transmit notification information indicating the occurrence of a failure to the refrigerator, and the refrigerator includes notification means, and the received notification information is transmitted to the notification means. Preferably, it is configured to output (claim 10).

According to this configuration, the user can reliably recognize that an abnormality has occurred in the refrigerator based on the notification information from the remote inspection device. Emergency measures can be taken voluntarily. Further, when the terminal device is provided, the user can recognize the occurrence of the failure through the terminal device.

[0028] In addition, the remote inspection device is configured to transmit notification information indicating an emergency use method to the refrigerator terminal device, and the refrigerator or the terminal device transmits the received notification information to the refrigerator terminal device. It is preferable that the information is output to the notifying means.

According to this configuration, even if a serious failure occurs such that the emergency operation does not work, the remote inspection device can provide the user with the appropriate emergency use directly or via the terminal device. Since the method is indicated, the user can minimize the damage to the stored food by following the emergency use method.

According to the remote inspection device and the remote inspection method for a refrigerator described in claims 12 to 23, the information on the operation state of the refrigerator transmitted from the refrigerator via the communication network at all times or every predetermined time is received. Since the operation state of the refrigerator is checked based on the received information, occurrence of an abnormal state of the refrigerator can be detected from a remote place, and quick and appropriate treatment for the refrigerator can be performed.

According to the refrigerator and the method for controlling the refrigerator described in claims 24 to 28, the refrigerator transmits information on its own operating state to the remote inspection device through a communication network at all times or at predetermined intervals. The processing is performed according to the operation command transmitted from the remote inspection device.
Accordingly, the remote inspection device can check the operation state of the refrigerator, and the refrigerator can perform a quick and appropriate treatment for the abnormal state by following the operation command from the remote inspection device.

The computer according to claim 29 is executed by a computer of a remote inspection device for a refrigerator, whereby a remote inspection of the refrigerator can be performed based on an operation state of the refrigerator transmitted from the refrigerator via a communication network. Become.
In addition, when the control computer provided in the refrigerator executes the program described in claim 30, the refrigerator can perform prompt and appropriate measures for an abnormal state.

[0033]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a remote inspection system for a refrigerator. In FIG. 1, a manufacturer of home electric appliances such as a refrigerator 1, a washing machine 2, a microwave oven 3, and a rice cooker 4 publishes a Web site on the Internet 6 through a Web server 5. This Web
The site is constantly updated to the latest contents, and by accessing the Web site, it is possible to know various kinds of information useful in using the home electric appliance.

The Web server 5 as a remote inspection device includes communication means for transmitting and receiving information via the Internet 6 and inspection means for remotely inspecting the above-mentioned home electric appliances in the home. Is connected to the diagnostic database 7. Among household appliances, refrigerator 1
Is a device that needs to be continuously operated day and night, and if an abnormality occurs in the operation state of the refrigerator 1, the temperature of the stored foods rises and the freshness decreases, and the foods are stored. The inconvenience of being unable to do so occurs. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the Web server 5 remotely checks the refrigerator 1 based on information on the operating state of the refrigerator 1 in the home (hereinafter, referred to as operating state information), such as inspection, failure diagnosis, and emergency operation. Is to be executed.

In this case, the diagnostic database 7 stores the cause of the failure based on the operation pattern of each type of the refrigerator 1, standard data on various operation states (for example, internal temperature), the actual operation pattern and the detected operation state. Data necessary for checking the refrigerator, such as inference data necessary for identification, is stored. A display 5a, a keyboard 5b, a mouse 5c, and the like are connected to the Web server 5 installed in a maker, a maintenance service company, or the like. Various programs and message data described later can be input and output.

The home appliances sold by the maker have a communication function, and a home LAN 8 can be constructed at home where the home appliances have been purchased as desired. The home LAN 8 is constructed mainly by a home terminal 9 (corresponding to a terminal device). The home terminal 9 functions as a home server, communicates with home electric appliances through the home gateway 10, accesses the manufacturer's Web server 5 through the home gateway 10 and the Internet 6 (corresponding to a communication network), and sends and receives mail. It is supposed to do. In the present embodiment, the refrigerator 1, the washing machine 2, the microwave oven 3, the rice cooker 4, and the home terminal 9 each communicate with the home gateway 10 by Bluetooth.

As shown in FIG. 2, the home terminal 9 can be mounted at a predetermined position on the front surface of the door of the refrigerator 1 by a magnet or mechanical connection, and power is supplied from the refrigerator 1 in the mounted state. It has become. In this power supply state, the battery can be used regardless of the charge state of the built-in battery, and when the power is off, the built-in battery is charged. Further, when the refrigerator 1 is detached from the refrigerator 1, the refrigerator 1 can be used by supplying power from the built-in battery. The home terminal 9 has a rectangular panel shape, and a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit 9a (corresponding to a notifying unit) is provided on the entire front surface thereof. The same electrical configuration as a personal computer is provided on the back side of the liquid crystal display unit 9a. , A ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, a battery, and the like. Also, the home terminal 9 is provided with a microphone and a speaker (corresponding to a notifying unit), and is capable of recording and reproducing voice (used for the function of the “message board” menu shown in FIG. 5).

The home terminal 9 functions as a server of the home LAN 8 formed by home electric appliances including the refrigerator 1, and accesses a Web site provided by the maker by touching various menus displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 9a. Then, various information is downloaded. In addition, the home terminal 9 receives the operating state information from the refrigerator 1, transmits the operating state information to the Web server 5, and receives various programs and message data transmitted from the Web server 5. I have.

The home gateway 10 is connected to the home terminal 9
As a router that converts protocols (Ethernet (registered trademark), Bluetooth, Echonet (network through a power line)) so that it can communicate with each home appliance, and connects the Internet 6 and the home LAN 8. Having. In this case, when functioning as a router, it also functions as a firewall that prevents unauthorized data input / output.

Now, the refrigerator 1 with the home terminal 9 mounted thereon has the appearance shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerator 1 has a refrigerator room 11, a vegetable room 12, an ice making room 13, a switching room 14, and a freezing room 15 which are arranged side by side as a storage room. It is opened and closed by 16-20. In this case, the refrigerator compartment 11 and the vegetable compartment 12 constitute a storage compartment in the refrigerated temperature zone, and the ice making compartment 13 and the freezing compartment 15 constitute a storage compartment in the frozen temperature zone.

The switching room 14 can switch its cooling temperature range in a wide range, and by switching, the freezing, partial, chilled, vegetable, soft frozen, refrigerated, wine,
The specification can be selected and used in any of the cool ranges. The door 16 of the refrigerator compartment 11 and the door 20 of the freezer compartment 15 have a refrigerator compartment door switch 21 and a freezer compartment door switch 22, respectively (see FIG. 3).
Is provided.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the refrigerator 1. In FIG. 3, the control circuit 23
(Corresponding to the control means) is mainly composed of a microcomputer, and has a volatile memory RA as a storage means.
M24 and a flash memory 25 which is a rewritable nonvolatile memory. The microcomputer has an A / D converter 26 for converting an analog signal input from various sensors described later into a digital signal.

The control circuit 23 has a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 27 for detecting the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 11, a vegetable compartment temperature sensor 28 for detecting the temperature in the vegetable compartment 12, and a switching compartment for detecting the temperature in the switching compartment 14. A temperature sensor 29, a freezer compartment temperature sensor 30 for detecting the temperature in the freezer compartment 15, an ice making machine temperature sensor 31 for detecting the completion of ice making, an outside air temperature sensor 32 for detecting the outside temperature of the refrigerator, and an evaporator (not shown) for a refrigerator. , R-eva), an R-eva defrost sensor 33 for detecting the completion of defrosting, and an F-eva defrost sensor 34 for detecting the completion of defrosting of a freezer evaporator (hereinafter, referred to as F-eva) not shown. An output signal is provided. Each of these sensors 27 to 34 is composed of, for example, a thermistor, and its signal is converted into a voltage signal by the control circuit 23 and then input to the microcomputer.

Further, the control circuit 23 controls the compressor 36 and the refrigerator compartment fan 37 (hereinafter referred to as R
Fan 37), freezer fan 38 (hereinafter referred to as F fan 38), compressor fan 39 (hereinafter referred to as F fan 38).
C fan 39), R eva defrost heater 40, F eva defrost heater 41, damper 42 for switching room, automatic ice maker 43
And the like. The switch room damper 42 is provided with a switch (not shown) for detecting its open / closed state.

Although not specifically shown, the automatic ice maker 43 is disposed above the ice maker 13, supplies water from the water supply unit to the ice tray by a water supply motor, and detects completion of ice maker by the ice maker temperature sensor 31. Then, the ice making tray is inverted by the ice separating motor to perform ice separation. The drive circuit 35 includes a current sensor for detecting a drive current of the water supply motor and the ice release motor, a motor drive current of the compressor 36, a motor drive current of the fans 37, 38, 39, and a motor drive current of the switching room damper 42. (Not shown).

Further, a communication means for connecting the refrigerator 1 to the home LAN 8, for example, a Bluetooth interface module 44 (hereinafter referred to as a Bt module 44) is connected to the control circuit 23. The Bt module 44 may be built in the control circuit 23, and may include an Ethernet module or an Echonet module instead of the Bt module 44 as communication means.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a schematic operation of the refrigerator 1 will be described. The flash memory 25 in the control circuit 23 stores a control program executed by the microcomputer. The control program includes a processing procedure for performing a cooling operation (including all operations of the refrigerator 1 such as a defrosting operation and an ice making operation of the automatic ice making machine 43), and a communication procedure between the home terminal 9 using the Bt module 44. And a processing procedure for transmitting and receiving operating state information and various programs. Also, a processing procedure for replacing a part of its own control program with the program transmitted from the Web server 5 and executing it is included.

The microcomputer continues to execute this control program as long as power is supplied to the refrigerator 1, and performs temperature control so that the temperature in the refrigerator matches the set temperature. Here, the set temperature range is, for example, a range of 1 ° C. to 5 ° C. for the refrigerator compartment 11 and −18 ° C. for the freezer compartment 15
-21 ° C, and can be set in units of 1 ° C in these temperature ranges.

The control circuit 23 mainly switches the circulation path of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle based on the set temperature, the temperature detected by the refrigerator temperature sensor 27, the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 30, and the like.
The cooling operation is executed while alternately repeating the refrigerator compartment cooling mode for cooling the vegetable compartment 12 and the freezer compartment cooling mode for cooling the ice making compartment 13 and the freezing compartment 15. In this case, the control circuit 23 controls the on / off driving state and the number of revolutions of the R fan 37 (motor thereof) and the F fan 38 (motor thereof) according to the cooling mode. When the R fan 37 is driven, the cool air cooled through the R evaporator is supplied to the refrigerator compartment 11 and the vegetable room 12. When the F fan 38 is driven, the cool air cooled through the F evaporator is cooled in the ice making chamber 13.
And supplied to the freezer compartment 15.

Further, in addition to the switching control of the cooling mode, the control circuit 23 controls the frequency of the compressor 36 according to the temperature detected by the refrigerator temperature sensor 27 and the temperature detected by the freezer temperature sensor 30 (that is, the load of each room). Control is also performed. Thus, for example, when the detected temperature is high, the frequency of the compressor 36 can be increased to increase the cooling capacity. The compressor 36 is driven by, for example, a DC brushless motor, and frequency control is performed by an inverter device.

On the other hand, the temperature control of the switching room 14 is mainly performed by controlling the opening and closing of the switching room damper 42 during the normal operation. That is, the control circuit 23 controls the switching room damper 42 based on the temperature detected by the switching room temperature sensor 29.
By driving (the motor), the supply amount of the cool air to the switching chamber 14 is adjusted, and the temperature of the switching chamber 14 is controlled so as to match the set temperature according to the specification selection.

The switching chamber 14 can execute a cooling cooking operation (cool range). This cooling cooking operation is to cool relatively high-temperature food without adversely affecting other foods contained therein, and the user can set a rough heat removal mode, Any of the hot refrigeration mode, the hot refrigeration mode, and the rapid cooling mode can be selected.

Further, the control circuit 23 includes, for example, the freezer 1
After the precool operation is performed every time the integrated cooling time of 5 reaches the predetermined time, the defrosting operation is performed on the R and F eva. This defrosting operation is executed by energizing the R-eva defrost heater 40 and the F-eva defrost heater 41 with the compressor 36 and the fans 37, 38, 39 stopped, and the R-eva defrost sensors 33 and F The process ends when the defrosting sensor 34 detects the completion of defrosting.

The temperature setting, the setting for selecting the specifications of the switching chamber 14, and the mode setting for the cooling cooking operation are performed by the refrigerator 1
It can be performed from both the main body and the home terminal 9,
The set contents are transmitted to each other.
These settings can also be made from the Web server 5.

The control circuit 23 operates for a certain period of time (for example, one minute).
Refrigeration room temperature sensor 27, vegetable room temperature sensor 28,
The detected temperatures of the switching room temperature sensor 29 and the freezing room temperature sensor 30 are transmitted to the home terminal 9 by the Bt module 44. Further, the control circuit 23 includes other operation state information such as the ON / OFF states of the refrigerator compartment door switch 21 and the freezer compartment door switch 22, the ice maker temperature sensor 31, and the outside air temperature sensor 3.
2, R-eva defrost sensor 33 and F-eva defrost sensor 34
Each detected temperature, the frequency of the compressor 36 and the motor drive current, the motor drive current of the fans 37, 38 and 39,
The motor drive current of the switch room damper 42, the open / close state of the switch room damper 42, the drive current of the water supply motor and the ice release motor and the like are also transmitted to the home terminal 9.

The home terminal 9 accumulates the operation state information of the refrigerator 1 sent from the refrigerator 1 via the home gateway 10 and collects the information for a certain period of time, for example, one day.
The data is transmitted to the Web server 5 through the home gateway 10 and the Internet 6 every time. In this case, the home terminal 9 also transmits various setting information of the refrigerator 1 such as temperature setting, setting of specification selection of the switching room 14, and setting of the mode of the cooling cooking operation of the switching room 14.

Next, the remote inspection performed by the Web server 5 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 showing a flowchart of a remote inspection processing program executed by the Web server 5 and FIGS. Will be explained.

The home page 9 of the home terminal 9 mounted on the refrigerator 1 normally displays a top page shown in FIG. In the upper corner of this display screen, the current date and time, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment, the temperature of the freezer compartment, the temperature of the switching compartment, and the temperature of the vegetable compartment (denoted by tilde in FIG. 5) are displayed in the horizontal direction. , The appearance of the refrigerator 1 is schematically displayed together with the refrigerator room temperature, the vegetable room temperature, the switching room temperature, and the freezing room temperature. On this top page, "Mail", "Message Board", "Housekeeper", "Album", and "Sponsor" are set as menus. can do. Note that the number of received mails is displayed together with the “mail” display, and the number of recorded messages is displayed together with the “message board” display.

When the "housework master" menu is selected, a "housework master" page shown in FIG. 6 is displayed.
Here, as menus for obtaining various information and services (for example, a remote inspection service of the refrigerator 1) useful for using the home electric appliances, “cooking”, “food management”, “various information”, “maintenance” are provided. , “Security” and “Washing” are set, and a desired menu can be shifted by touching these display units. In addition, when each menu is selected on this “housework master” page, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 13, “refrigerator monitor setting” for changing the set temperature of refrigerator 1 is provided at the right corner of each display screen. A button, a refrigerator room temperature, a freezing room temperature, a switching room setting, and four mode setting buttons related to the cooling cooking are displayed.

When the "maintenance" menu is selected on the "housework master" page, the "maintenance" page shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. Here, two menus are set: “24-hour remote inspection” for the refrigerator 1 and “failure service” for all home appliances including the refrigerator 1. When the “24-hour remote inspection” menu is selected, a “Refrigerator operation status automatic monitoring” page is displayed, and the contents of the remote inspection of the refrigerator 1 by the Web server 5 can be viewed. In addition, when the “failure service” menu is selected, W
A service person can be contacted via the eb server 5 to request inspection and service.

FIG. 8 shows a “Refrigerator operation status automatic monitor” page displayed when the “24-hour remote inspection” menu is selected. Here, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11, the temperature of the freezer compartment 15, and the time change of the frequency of the compressor 36 recognized by the Web server 5 are displayed in a graph. In addition, in this graph display, although the inclinations of the change of the refrigerator compartment temperature and the freezer compartment temperature are opposite to each other,
This is because, as described above, the refrigerator 1 executes the cooling operation while alternately repeating the refrigerator compartment cooling mode and the freezer compartment cooling mode.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, the Web server 5 receives the operating state information of the refrigerator 1 transmitted from the home terminal 9 at regular intervals (one hour) by the communication means (step S1). The operation state of the refrigerator 1 is recognized based on the information (step S
2). The processing after step S2 is mainly performed by Web
The checking means of the server 5 executes. The Web server 5 stores the operating state (including the outside temperature) in the diagnostic database 7.
By comparing and inferring with the standard data and the operation pattern stored in the refrigerator 1, it is determined whether or not any sign of abnormality has appeared in the operation state of the refrigerator 1 (step S3). Here, when it is determined that no sign of abnormality has appeared (NO),
The process returns to step S1 and waits for reception of the next operation state information.

On the other hand, for example, when the temperature of the freezing room 15 rises above the set temperature (−18 ° C.) and exceeds the set freezing temperature range, the Web server 5 shows a sign of abnormality. (YES), and operating state data indicating a sign of abnormality for the home terminal 9 (temperature change of the freezing compartment 15)
And message data for calling the user's attention. The home terminal 9 displays the received temperature change of the freezer compartment 15 as a graph as shown in FIG. 9 and also displays the received message “The freezer compartment temperature has become high”.

Subsequently, the Web server 5 sends the home terminal 9
The inspection program for inspecting the electric circuit and the refrigeration cycle is transmitted to the refrigerator 1 via the CPU (Step S)
4). This inspection program is executed by, for example, R
The program is stored in the AM 24 and is executed as a subroutine depending on the control program in a state incorporated in a part of the control program. When the execution of the inspection program is completed, the inspection result is transmitted from the refrigerator 1 to the Web server 5 via the home terminal 9.

The Web server 5 performs a normal / abnormal diagnosis on each of the inspection results, and transmits the diagnosis result to the home terminal 9. Home terminal 9 displays the diagnosis result on the screen as shown in FIG. Note that “self-diagnosis” in this screen display means an inspection by executing the above-described inspection program. Instead, the inspection program is stored in the flash memory 25 in advance as a part of the control program, The inspection program may be configured to be executed according to an instruction from the Web server 5.

Web server 5 transmits to refrigerator 1 an inspection program for executing a necessary and sufficient inspection to identify the cause of the sign of abnormality. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the following inspection items are specifically executed, but the number of inspection items increases or decreases according to the sign of abnormality. In addition, the following inspection items of-are each storage room 11-15
The inspection item is performed when the temperature of the switching room 14 exceeds the set temperature zone, and the inspection item is performed when the temperature of the switching room 14 exceeds the set temperature zone. It is implemented when ice is not made.

Sensor Check Based on the output value of the A / D converter 26, the freezing room temperature sensor 30 (F), the refrigerator room temperature sensor 27 (R), the switching room temperature sensor 29 (S), and the F-eva defrost sensor 34 (D
1) Each of the R-eva defrost sensor 33 (D2) and the ice making machine temperature sensor 31 (I) is inspected for disconnection failure. Damper check Based on the motor drive current of the switching room damper 42, a failure of the motor is inspected. DC fan check Based on the motor drive currents of the F fan 38, the R fan 37, and the C fan 39, defects of these motors are inspected.

Defrosting Circuit Check Malfunction of the defrosting circuit built in the control circuit 23 (for example, failure of relay, photocoupler, temperature fuse, etc.) and disconnection failure of the R-eva defrost heater 40 and the F-eva defrost heater 41 Are inspected. Comp Circuit Check Based on the motor driving current of the compressor 36, a defect of the motor, a defect of the inverter device, and the like are inspected. Ice maker check Based on the current of the water supply motor and the de-icing motor, defects are inspected.

Inspection of refrigeration cycle While increasing the frequency of the compressor 36 temporarily,
A forced cooling operation in which the cooling mode is switched to one of the refrigerator compartment cooling mode and the freezer compartment cooling mode in accordance with the sign of the abnormality is performed, and it is inspected whether the temperatures of the respective storage compartments 11 to 15 return to the set temperature zone. Is done.

Now, when the above inspection is performed in the refrigerator 1 and the Web server 5 obtains a diagnosis result for each inspection item, in FIG. 4, the Web server 5 compensates the refrigerator 1 to recover the sign of the abnormality. The operation program is transmitted (step S5). This compensation operation program is replaced with a control program stored in the flash memory 25. Then, for example, when the temperature of the freezing room 15 rises, the frequency of the compressor 36 is increased within a predetermined range, and the operation time in the freezing room cooling mode is increased within the predetermined range to perform the compensation operation. Has become.

Thereafter, the Web server 5 monitors the operation state of the refrigerator 1 and determines whether the operation state has returned to normal (Step S6). Here, it returned to normal (YE
If it is determined as S), the Web server 5 transmits message data notifying the recovery to the home terminal 9,
The home terminal 9 displays the received message “The freezing room temperature has been restored ....”. In addition, as a case where the operation state returns to normal by the compensation operation, for example, the refrigerator 1
It is conceivable that there is no failure in itself and the user puts a relatively hot food into the freezer 15.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the recovery is not to be made (NO), the Web server 5 further determines whether the abnormality that appears in the operation state is due to the failure of the refrigerator 1 itself, based on the data stored in the diagnostic database 7. It is determined whether or not this is due to an inappropriate use mode of the user (step S7).
For example, it is known that the temperature rise pattern of the freezer compartment 15 is different between the case where the refrigerator 1 itself has failed and the case where the freezer compartment door switch 22 is in a half-door state where it cannot be detected. Therefore, by referring to the temperature rise pattern stored in the diagnostic database 7, it can be determined which of the two is the cause.

If the Web server 5 determines that the cause of the abnormality is caused by the failure of the refrigerator 1 itself (YES), the Web server 5 identifies the failure part by referring to the inspection result and transmits an emergency operation program to the refrigerator 1. (Step S8). This emergency operation program is replaced with the compensation operation program stored in the flash memory 25. The refrigerator 1 continues the cooling operation as much as possible according to the emergency operation program until the service man visits and the repair is completed, and keeps the refrigerator temperature in the normal temperature range as much as possible.
For example, when the R-eva defrost sensor 33 or the F-eva defrost sensor 34 is abnormal and does not recover from the defrost operation, the defrost operation can be forcibly shifted to the cooling operation.

Further, the Web server 5 has a home terminal 9
In response to the message, the home terminal 9 transmits the message “freezing room temperature recovery” as shown in FIG. No. Gas leak failure .... A serviceman is dispatched immediately ... "is displayed (in the case where a gas leak of the compressor 36 is the cause of the failure). Although not shown, for example, when only the temperature of the switching room 14 is abnormal, the Web server 5 instructs the home terminal 9 to “not decrease the temperature of the switching room. Please move on to ". As another example, when the cooling capacity of the freezing compartment 15 is reduced, the Web
The server 5 causes the home terminal 9 to display a message of an emergency use method such as "The freezer compartment cannot be cooled sufficiently. Please reduce the number of doors of the freezer compartment."

At the same time, the Web server 5 displays, on its display 5a, that a service engineer's dispatch request is required, the location of the failure, the model of the refrigerator 1, the user's address, name, telephone number, fax number, and mail address. And so on. In accordance with the displayed contents, the service person arranges repair parts, contacts the user by telephone, facsimile, mail, etc., and sets a dispatch schedule.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that the cause of the abnormality is caused by the user's inappropriate use mode (NO), the Web server 5 sends a message data prompting the home terminal 9 to confirm the use mode. Is transmitted (step S11), and the home terminal 9 receives the message as shown in FIG. 12, "The freezing room temperature does not recover. Is the freezing room door half-closed? Check it." Is displayed. In this case, a confirmation button is displayed below the message, and the Web server 5 recognizes that the user has confirmed through the touch operation of the confirmation button.

When the use mode is corrected by the user completely closing the door 20 of the freezing room 15 and the operating state returns to normal, the Web server 5 transmits message data for notifying the home terminal 9 of the recovery. And the home terminal 9
As shown in FIG. 3, the received message "freezer compartment temperature has been restored ...." is displayed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment,
The refrigerator 1 connected to the home LAN 8 is connected to a Web server 5 via a home terminal 9 functioning as a home server and the Internet 6, and its operation state information is automatically transmitted to the Web server 5 at regular intervals. Since the inspection means of the Web server 5 constantly monitors the refrigerator 1 based on the operating state information sent from the refrigerator 1 and the diagnostic database 7, the inspection means has occurred in the refrigerator 1 without any intervention by the user. Abnormalities in operating conditions can be found quickly.

Since the refrigerator 1 is a device that operates all day (24 hours) unlike other home electric appliances, the Web server 5 always performs remote inspection on behalf of the user,
It is possible to deal with the stored food before it is damaged or while the damage is small, and the convenience for the user is improved. Further, the user can feel secure because the refrigerator 1 is automatically remotely inspected. On the other hand, manufacturers also
Abnormality information that has occurred in the market can be managed collectively, and the information can be used to improve the quality of the data in the diagnostic database 7 and to improve the remote inspection accuracy of the refrigerator 1.

When an abnormal condition appears in the operation state, the Web server 5 transmits an inspection program to the refrigerator 1 and
Since the refrigerator 1 performs the electrical inspection and the refrigeration cycle inspection, it is possible to obtain more detailed information on the cause of the occurrence of the abnormality sign based on the inspection result. In this case, there is no need to store in advance the self-diagnosis program for various signs of abnormality that are expected to occur in the control circuit 23 of the refrigerator 1, and accordingly, the flash memory 25
Memory capacity can be reduced. Web server 5
Can refer to the diagnostic database 7 and execute an optimal inspection program according to the sign of the abnormality, so that more accurate information can be obtained in identifying the cause.

In particular, in this embodiment, the drive circuit 35 of the refrigerator 1 includes a water supply motor, a de-icing motor, a compressor motor,
Since the current sensors for detecting the respective drive currents of the fan motor and the damper motor are provided, the Web server 5 can also refer to the current values, and it becomes easy to identify a specific failure location.

As described above, in the present system, the Web server 5 specifies not only the presence / absence of an abnormality but also the location of a failure, so that a serviceman can arrange repair parts related to the failure in advance. Further, the serviceman can bring all the repair parts necessary for repairing the faulty part at the time of the on-site repair, and can immediately start the repair work after the visit. As a result, the visit is not repeated, and the repair can be performed in a short time.

Further, the Web server 5 sends a compensation operation program to the refrigerator 1 to recover the abnormal state when an abnormality such as the internal temperature rises beyond the set temperature zone occurs, for example, so that the It is possible to minimize the rise in the temperature of the foodstuffs stored inside, and to minimize damage such as deterioration in freshness. Further, for example, when the refrigerator 1 is installed in a high-temperature environment or when the door 20 of the freezer compartment 15 is frequently opened and closed, the occurrence of an abnormal state depends not on the abnormality of the electric circuit or the refrigeration cycle but on the installation environment or usage mode. If it is caused, automatic restoration can be performed by using a control program in which parameters, operation modes, and the like are changed as the compensation operation program.

When the Web server 5 determines that the cause of the abnormality is caused by the user's inappropriate use mode, the Web server 5 causes the home terminal 9 to display a message urging the user to confirm the use mode and touches the screen for the user to confirm. Since the operation is performed, the user does not mistakenly think that the failure has occurred and does not needlessly request a repair or make a nonsense claim.

When the Web server 5 determines that the abnormality is caused by the failure of the refrigerator 1 itself, the Web server 5 transmits the emergency operation program to the refrigerator 1 to perform the emergency operation. For example, damage such as a decrease in freshness of food stored in the refrigerator or inconvenience such as the inability to use the refrigerator 1 can be minimized. Further, the Web server 5 displays the occurrence of the failure and the emergency use method on the home terminal 9, so that the occurrence of the damage and inconvenience can be further reduced.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be modified or expanded as follows. The refrigerator 1 itself may have a function (communication means) for connecting to the Web server 5 via the Internet 6. In this case, the refrigerator 1 is connected to the home LAN 8 at home.
Can be used alone without being connected to Further, the refrigerator 1 and the home terminal 9 described in the embodiment are integrally configured so that the refrigerator 1 has a function as a home server,
The refrigerator 1 may be provided with a display device as a notification unit.
Further, as a communication network for transmitting and receiving information between the home terminal 9 (or the refrigerator 1) and the remote inspection device, another communication network such as a public communication network or a dedicated line may be used. The home terminal 9 is usually used in a state where it is mounted on the door 16 of the refrigerator 1, but may be used in a state where it is mounted on a wall, mounted on another household electric appliance, or placed on a table.

The home terminal 9 transmits the operating state information of the refrigerator 1 to the home gateway 10 at regular intervals, for example, every hour.
Although the transmission is performed to the Web server 5 through the Internet 6, the transmission interval is not limited to one hour. Alternatively, the home terminal 9 may be constantly connected to the Internet, and the driving state information may be transmitted at shorter time intervals, for example, every minute. The home terminal 9 transmits a large number of operation state information to the Web server 5 at regular time intervals, but always transmits only a minimum amount of operation state information such as the temperature in the refrigerator, and furthermore, when a sign of abnormality appears, Detailed operation state information may be transmitted.

If the Web server 5 can immediately identify the cause of the abnormality based on the operating state information sent from the refrigerator 1, it is not always necessary to send the inspection program to the refrigerator 1. When the abnormality of the operation state is minor and can be dealt with only by changing the set temperature, the Web server 5 sets the refrigerator 1 or the home terminal 9 instead of transmitting the compensation operation program to the refrigerator 1. A change in temperature may be commanded. In this case, it is preferable to display a message to the effect that the set temperature has been automatically changed on the home terminal 9. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the refrigerator 1 executes the inspection program. Alternatively, the home terminal 9 may be configured to sequentially instruct the control circuit 23 of the refrigerator 1 to execute the inspection.

The Web server 5 causes the refrigerator 1 to perform an emergency operation when it is determined that the refrigerator 1 has a failure. However, if there is no effect on storing food, the cooling operation is difficult even by the emergency operation. In the case of such a serious failure, it is preferable that the emergency operation is not performed when there is a possibility that a secondary failure may occur if the operation is continued.

The control circuit 23 of the refrigerator 1 is provided with a simple self-diagnosis function. If the self-diagnosis shows any sign of abnormality, the refrigerator 1 accesses the Web server 5 to request a detailed remote inspection. Operation mode may be added.
The Web server 5 displays various messages on the liquid crystal display unit 9a of the home terminal 9 according to the operation state of the refrigerator 1 and the inspection result. A warning sound may be output.

A storage means (for example, a flash memory) having an external communication means and an electric circuit for detecting an operation state such as various sensors, and in which a control program can be rewritten.
The remote inspection system described in the above embodiment can also be applied to other home appliances written in the above, for example, an air conditioner, a microwave oven, a washing machine, a television, a video recorder, and the like.

[0092]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the remote inspection device and the refrigerator are connected via the communication network, and the operation of the remote inspection device is performed from the refrigerator to the remote inspection device constantly or at predetermined time intervals. Since information on the state is transmitted and the remote inspection device checks the operation state of the refrigerator based on the information on the operation state transmitted from the refrigerator,
The occurrence of an abnormal state can be quickly detected without the intervention of a refrigerator user, and appropriate measures can be taken for the abnormal state. Thereby, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of damage such as a decrease in the freshness of the stored food without noticing the rise in the internal temperature. In addition, since the remote inspection device can estimate or specify the cause of the abnormality in advance based on the information on the operation state of the refrigerator, the serviceman can arrange repair parts in advance or use the Appropriate repair parts can be brought and the repair time can be shortened.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a remote inspection system for a refrigerator showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a refrigerator with a home terminal attached.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the refrigerator.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing remote inspection processing of a Web server.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a top page displayed on a home terminal.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a “housework master” page displayed on the home terminal.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a “maintenance” page displayed on the home terminal.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a “Refrigerator operation status automatic monitor” page displayed on the home terminal.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a “refrigerator operation status automatic monitor” page displayed on the home terminal, showing a display screen when an abnormality occurs in the freezing room temperature.

FIG. 10 is a view showing a “refrigerator operation status automatic monitor” page displayed on the home terminal, showing a display screen when an inspection by an inspection program is executed.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a “refrigerator operation status automatic monitor” page displayed on the home terminal, showing a display screen when it is determined that the cause of the abnormality is a failure of the refrigerator itself.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a “refrigerator operation status automatic monitor” page displayed on the home terminal, showing a display screen in a case where it is determined that the cause of the abnormality is improper usage by the user.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a “refrigerator operation status automatic monitor” page displayed on the home terminal, showing a display screen when the operation state is restored to normal.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a refrigerator, 5 is a Web server (remote inspection device), 6 is the Internet (communication network), 7 is a diagnostic database (database), 9 is a home terminal (terminal device), 9a
Denotes a liquid crystal display (notifying means), 23 denotes a control circuit (control means), and 44 denotes a Bluetooth interface module (communication means).

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04Q 9/00 321 H04Q 9/00 321Z F term (Reference) 3L045 AA02 BA01 CA02 DA02 EA01 LA17 LA18 MA00 MA02 PA01 PA02 PA03 PA04 5K048 AA05 BA08 BA13 DC03 DC07 EB02 EB07 EB08 EB10 EB12 EB13 FB04 FB05 FB09 FB10 FC01 FC05 GC05 HA23

Claims (30)

[Claims] 1. A refrigerator that transmits information on its own operating state through a communication network at all times or at predetermined time intervals, and the operation that is made accessible from outside through the communication network and is transmitted from the refrigerator. A remote inspection device for inspecting an operation state of the refrigerator based on information on a state. 2. An intervening system between the refrigerator and the communication network, obtaining information on an operation state from the refrigerator, transmitting the information to the remote inspection device via the communication network, and transmitting the information to the remote inspection device. The remote inspection system for a refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a terminal device that receives a program or information transmitted from the communication device via the communication network and supplies the program or information to the refrigerator. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the terminal device includes an informing unit, and is configured to output information on an operation state of the refrigerator and information transmitted from the remote inspection device to the informing unit. Claim 2
A remote inspection system for a refrigerator as described in the above. 4. The remote inspection device is configured to transmit an inspection program to the refrigerator via the communication network when detecting an abnormality sign in an operation state of the refrigerator. The remote inspection system for a refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an inspection for the sign of the abnormality is performed in accordance with the inspection program. 5. The remote inspection device is configured to transmit a compensation operation program to the refrigerator via the communication network when detecting an abnormality sign in an operation state of the refrigerator, The remote inspection system for a refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the system is configured to execute a compensation operation for recovering the sign of the abnormality according to the received compensation operation program. 6. The remote inspection device includes a database relating to an operation state of each model of the refrigerator to be inspected, and by referring to the database, an abnormal state appearing in the operation state of the refrigerator is determined. The remote inspection system for a refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the system is configured to determine whether the failure is due to a failure of the refrigerator itself or an inappropriate use mode of a user. 7. The remote inspection device, when judging that the abnormal state that appears in the operation state of the refrigerator is due to an inappropriate usage mode of a user, changes the usage mode to the refrigerator via the communication network. The refrigerator is configured to transmit notification information indicating that it is inappropriate, and the refrigerator includes a notification unit, and is configured to output the received notification information to the notification unit. The remote inspection system for a refrigerator according to claim 6. 8. The remote inspection device is configured such that, when it is determined that an abnormal state that appears in the operation state of the refrigerator is due to a failure of the refrigerator itself, the failure location is specified by referring to the database. The remote inspection system for a refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein 9. The remote inspection device transmits an emergency operation program to the refrigerator via the communication network when the remote inspection device determines that the abnormal state that appears in the operation state of the refrigerator is due to a failure of the refrigerator itself. 9. The remote inspection system for a refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein the refrigerator is configured to execute an emergency operation for the abnormal state according to the received emergency operation program. 10. 10. The remote inspection device is configured to transmit notification information indicating occurrence of a failure to the refrigerator via the communication network, wherein the refrigerator includes a notification unit and receives the notification information. 10. The remote inspection system for a refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the system is configured to output the information to the notification means. 11. The remote inspection device is configured to transmit notification information indicating an emergency use method to the refrigerator via the communication network, and the refrigerator sends the received notification information to the notification unit. The remote inspection system for a refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein the system is configured to output. 12. A communication means for receiving information on the operation state of the refrigerator, which is transmitted from the refrigerator via a communication network at all times or at predetermined time intervals, and checks the operation state of the refrigerator based on the received information. A remote inspection device for a refrigerator, comprising: 13. For each type of refrigerator to be inspected, it is determined whether an abnormal state that appears in the operation state of the refrigerator is due to a failure of the refrigerator itself or an inappropriate use mode of a user. The remote inspection device for a refrigerator according to claim 12, further comprising a database relating to an operation state. 14. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein said communication means is configured to be able to transmit to a refrigerator connected via said communication network, and said inspection means is a refrigerator operation program required according to an inspection result of said refrigerator. 14. The refrigerator remote inspection device according to claim 12, wherein information is transmitted to the refrigerator subjected to the inspection using the communication means. 15. A step of receiving information on the operation state of the refrigerator, which is transmitted from the refrigerator through a communication network at all times or at predetermined intervals, and operating the refrigerator based on the received information on the operation state of the refrigerator. Checking the condition of the refrigerator. 16. The checking step includes, when detecting a sign of an abnormality in an operation state of the refrigerator, transmitting an inspection program for the sign of the abnormality to the refrigerator via the communication network and executing the program. The method for remotely inspecting a refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein: 17. The inspecting step comprises: transmitting a compensation operation program to the refrigerator through the communication network to recover the sign of the abnormality, when the sign of the abnormality is detected in the operation state of the refrigerator. 17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the method is executed. 18. The step of checking may be performed by referring to a database relating to an operating state of each type of refrigerator to be inspected to determine an abnormal state that appears in the operating state of the refrigerator due to a failure of the refrigerator itself. 18. The method for remotely inspecting a refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein it is determined whether the operation is due to inappropriate use of the user. 19. The step of checking, if it is determined that the abnormal state that appears in the operation state of the refrigerator is caused by an inappropriate usage mode of a user, the usage mode of the refrigerator is determined via the communication network. 19. The method for remotely inspecting a refrigerator according to claim 18, wherein notification information indicating inappropriateness is transmitted. 20. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the checking step, when it is determined that the abnormal state that appears in the operation state of the refrigerator is due to a failure of the refrigerator itself, the failure location is specified by referring to the database. The method for remotely inspecting a refrigerator according to claim 18, wherein 21. The checking step includes transmitting an emergency operation program to the refrigerator via the communication network when it is determined that the abnormal state that appears in the operation state of the refrigerator is due to a failure of the refrigerator itself. 21. The remote inspection method for a refrigerator according to claim 18, wherein the method is executed. 22. The refrigerator according to claim 20, wherein, in the checking step, notification information indicating occurrence of a failure is transmitted to the refrigerator via the communication network and output to a notification unit. Remote inspection method. 23. The refrigerator according to claim 22, wherein the checking includes transmitting notification information indicating an emergency use method to the refrigerator via the communication network and outputting the notification information to a notification unit. Remote inspection method. 24. Communication means capable of communicating via a communication network with a remote inspection device provided for checking the operation state of the user, and using the communication means at all times or at predetermined time intervals, for the operation state of the user. A refrigerator comprising: control means for transmitting information to the remote inspection device and executing processing in accordance with an operation command from the remote inspection device received by the communication means. 25. An informing means, wherein the control means is configured to output to the informing means information relating to its own driving state and informing information transmitted from the remote inspection device. 25. The refrigerator according to claim 24. 26. transmitting the information on the operation state of the refrigerator via a communication network to a remote inspection device provided for inspecting the operation state of the refrigerator at all times or at predetermined intervals; Executing a process according to an operation command transmitted from the communication network via the communication network. 27. The refrigerator control method according to claim 26, wherein the step of executing the process executes a program transmitted from the remote inspection device. 28. The refrigerator control method according to claim 27, wherein the step of executing the processing outputs the notification information transmitted from the remote inspection device to a notification unit. 29. A step of receiving information on the operation state of the refrigerator transmitted from the refrigerator through the communication network to the computer of the refrigerator remote inspection device at all times or at predetermined intervals, and the received operation of the refrigerator Checking the operation state of the refrigerator based on the information on the state. 30. A computer for controlling provided in the refrigerator, always or every predetermined time, information on the operating state of the refrigerator via a communication network to a remote inspection device provided for checking the operating state of the refrigerator. And a step of controlling execution of a process according to an operation command transmitted from the remote inspection device via the communication network.