JP2024107308A - Clothing treatment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To further improve operability of operation setting.

SOLUTION: A clothing treatment apparatus includes: an operation display which has a display section for displaying various kinds of screens including operation keys for receiving various kinds of operations of various kinds of information and operations related to operations; and a control section which controls display on the display section and performs prescribed control according to the operation to the operation key. The control section causes the display section to display a course information display region where information on a course selected according to an operation of a plurality of courses corresponding to the operations is displayed. A course outline indicating the outlines of the courses and a stroke information display region indicating stroke information on the courses are displayed in the course information display region.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothing processing device.

For example, in a laundry processing device such as a washing machine, a configuration has been proposed in which a touch-panel type liquid crystal operation panel is provided to improve the operability of the operation settings. However, in such a conventional configuration, the operation keys using mechanical switches that were provided on the conventional operation panel were simply replaced with touch-operable operation keys displayed on the liquid crystal operation panel, and it is difficult to say that the operability has been sufficiently improved.

Patent No. 5938806

Therefore, we provide a clothing processing device that can further improve the operability of the operation settings.

The clothing processing device of the embodiment is a clothing processing device that executes an operation to perform a predetermined process on clothing, and is equipped with an operation display having a display unit that displays various screens including various information related to the operation and operation keys for receiving various operations related to the operation, and a control unit that controls the display on the display unit and performs predetermined control in response to operations on the operation keys.

The control unit is configured to cause the display unit to display a course information display area in which information about the course selected in response to the operation from among a plurality of courses corresponding to the driving is displayed, and the course information display area displays a course overview that shows an overview of the course, and a journey information display area that shows journey information for the course.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of a washing machine according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a top screen according to an embodiment, in which a washing operation is selected; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a top screen according to an embodiment, in which a washing and drying operation is selected; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a course selection screen corresponding to a washing operation according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a course selection screen corresponding to a washing and drying operation according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a course detail screen corresponding to a standard course of a washing operation according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a course details screen corresponding to a standard course of a washing and drying operation according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a course details screen corresponding to the standard course of the washing and drying operation according to an embodiment, showing a state in which the washing step is not performed. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a course details screen corresponding to a standard course of a washing and drying operation according to an embodiment, in which the washing time has been changed from the initial setting. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a drying setting screen according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a bath water setting screen according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a main body setting screen according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a hot water setting screen according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a reservation setting screen according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a top screen according to an embodiment, showing a state in which the hot water setting has been changed from the initial setting. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed when a reservation is set according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen during operation according to an embodiment, showing a state in which a washing step is being performed; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen according to an embodiment, showing a state in which a rinsing step is being executed; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen during operation according to an embodiment, showing a state in which a dehydration step is being performed; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen during operation according to an embodiment, showing a state in which a drying step is being performed; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a paused screen according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a course details screen during a temporary stop of driving according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first modified example of a top screen. FIG. 2 shows a second modified example of the top screen. FIG. 3 shows a third modified example of the top screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the course selection screen, which shows an example of the course selection screen corresponding to the washing and drying operation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example 2 of the course selection screen, which shows an example of the course selection screen corresponding to the washing and drying operation. FIG. 13 shows a first modified example of a course details screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example 2 of the course details screen, which shows an example of the course details screen corresponding to the standard course of the washing and drying operation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example 3 of the course details screen, which shows an example of the course details screen corresponding to the standard course of the washing and drying operation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the course details screen, illustrating an example of a wash setting screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the course details screen, illustrating an example of a rinse setting screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the course details screen, and is a diagram showing an example of a spin-dry setting screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the operation screen, in which the operation is being performed in the standard course of the washing and drying operation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the operation screen, showing a state in which the operation is being performed in the standard course of the washing and drying operation.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of a clothing processing device will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in Fig. 1, the washing machine 1 of the present embodiment is an example of a clothes processing device that can perform operations such as washing, rinsing, spin-drying, and drying of clothes. Specifically, the washing machine 1 can perform a washing operation, a drying operation, and a washing and drying operation.

The washing machine 1 is a drum-type washer-dryer with a drying function, and includes a housing 2, a door 3, a control device indicated by reference numeral 4 in FIG. 2, and an operation panel 5. In this case, the door 3 side of the housing 2 is the front side of the washing machine 1, and the side opposite the door 3 is the rear side of the washing machine 1. The horizontal direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction is the left-to-right direction. The direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions is the up-to-down direction.

The housing 2 that constitutes the main body of the washing machine 1 is formed in the shape of a rectangular box with a smoothly sloping front. An opening 6 is provided in the center of the front of the housing 2. The opening 6 is connected to a rotating tub (not shown) that is provided inside the housing 2. Laundry is loaded and unloaded from the rotating tub through this opening 6.

The door 3 is provided so that the opening 6 can be opened and closed. The door 3 is opened by operating a door button (not shown). A water inlet 7 is provided on the top surface of the housing 2. The water inlet 7 is connected to a water faucet, which serves as a water source, by a water supply hose (not shown). Water from the water faucet is supplied through the water supply hose and the water inlet 7 to a water tank (not shown) provided inside the housing 2.

The control device 4 is mainly composed of, for example, a microcomputer, and controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1 by executing a computer program stored in a storage device such as a ROM. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 4 is connected to a motor 11, a drain valve 12, a water supply valve 13, a compressor 14, and a blower 15. Although detailed explanations of each are omitted, the motor 11 is used to rotate a rotating tub (not shown) provided inside the housing 2.

The drain valve 12 is for draining water from the water tank (not shown) outside the machine. The water supply valve 13 is for opening and closing the communication between the water supply port 7 and the water tank (not shown) to supply water to the water tank. The compressor 14 constitutes a heat pump unit for the drying function. The blower 15 is for supplying warm air generated by the heat pump unit into the rotating tank (not shown).

The control device 4 is also connected to input devices such as a temperature sensor 16, a water level sensor 17, a rotation sensor 18, and a door switch 19, as well as the operation panel 5. Although detailed explanations of each will be omitted, the temperature sensor 16 detects the temperature in the water tank (not shown). The water level sensor 17 detects the water level in the water tank. The rotation sensor 18 detects the rotation position and rotation speed of the rotating tank (not shown). The door switch 19 detects whether the door 3 is open or closed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 5 is provided on the front side of the top surface of the housing 2. The operation panel 5 has a rectangular display unit 20, for example, a liquid crystal display. In this case, the direction along the front-to-rear direction of the washing machine 1 is defined as the up-down direction of the display unit 20, and the direction along the left-to-right direction of the washing machine 1 is defined as the left-to-right direction of the display unit 20.

The display unit 20 displays various screens including various information related to the operation of the washing machine 1. The display surface of the display unit 20 also functions as a touch panel that allows the user to perform touch operations. The display unit 20 displays various screens including operation keys for receiving various operations related to the operation of the washing machine 1. The user can perform various operations related to the operation of the washing machine 1 by touching the operation keys.

In this way, the operation panel 5 is used to display various screens including various information related to driving and operation keys for receiving various operations related to driving, and corresponds to an operation display device. In this embodiment, a capacitance type touch panel that uses a sensor to detect changes in capacitance that occur when touched with a finger is used as the touch panel of the display unit 20. Note that various types of touch panel, such as a resistive film type, can be used for the display unit 20. Also, the display unit 20 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and various display devices, such as an organic EL display, can be used.

The control device 4 controls the display on the display unit 20 of the operation panel 5 by executing a display control program. The control device 4 also executes various controls such as selecting the type of operation, selecting a course, setting the content of the course, and starting or pausing operation in response to operations on the operation keys displayed on the display unit 20. In this way, the control device 4 controls the display on the display unit 20 and also performs predetermined controls in response to operations on the operation keys, and corresponds to a control unit.

Next, the contents of control relating to the display on the display unit 20 in the above configuration will be described.
[1] Top screen When a user operates a power switch (not shown), the power supply to the washing machine 1 is turned on. After the power supply is turned on, a top screen such as that shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is displayed on the display unit 20. In the following, the display unit 20 will also be referred to as the screen.

This top screen is the display screen before the first input operation is performed after the power is turned on, and corresponds to the operation type selection screen for selecting the type of operation. The top end of the top screen and the various screens described below share a common header section 21. The header section 21 constantly displays various statuses, such as the name of the currently selected operation, the time, whether the doors are locked or not, and the radio wave status for wireless communication with external devices.

In the center of the top screen, there are a washing operation icon 22, which is an operation key for selecting a washing operation, a washing/drying operation icon 23, which is an operation key for selecting a washing/drying operation, and a drying operation icon 24, which is an operation key for selecting a drying operation.

In this case, the washing operation icon 22, the washing/drying operation icon 23, and the drying operation icon 24 are arranged in parallel in this order from the left of the screen. The order of these three icons can be changed as appropriate. The order of the three icons may also be changed depending on the operation selection state. For example, the arrangement of each icon may be changed as needed so that the icon currently selected is always arranged in the center.

The washing operation icon 22, the washing/drying operation icon 23, and the drying operation icon 24 correspond to a number of operation type icons provided corresponding to each type of operation. By performing an operation on one of the multiple operation type icons, the operation corresponding to that operation type icon is selected, that is, the type of operation is determined.

Specifically, when an operation is performed on the washing operation icon 22, the washing operation is selected, when an operation is performed on the washing and drying operation icon 23, the washing and drying operation is selected, and when an operation is performed on the drying operation icon 24, the drying operation is selected. Note that such selection and determination of the type of operation can be performed any number of times during the period before the operation is started.

When an operation is performed on a specific driving type icon, the control device 4 displays the operated driving type icon relatively larger than the non-operated driving type icons. In addition, when an operation is performed on a specific driving type icon, the control device 4 displays an operable area in which the operated driving type icon can be operated relatively larger than an operable area in which the non-operated driving type icons can be operated.

Therefore, when an operation is performed on the washing operation icon 22, as shown in FIG. 3, the washing operation icon 22 is displayed larger than the washing/drying operation icon 23 and the drying operation icon 24, which are not being operated. Also, at this time, the operable area 22a corresponding to the washing operation icon 22 is larger than the operable area 23a corresponding to the washing/drying operation icon 23 and the operable area 24a corresponding to the drying operation icon 24, which are not being operated.

When an operation is performed on the wash/dry operation icon 23, as shown in FIG. 4, the wash/dry operation icon 23 is displayed larger than the unoperated wash operation icon 22 and dry operation icon 24. At this time, the operable area 23a corresponding to the wash/dry operation icon 23 is larger than the operable area 22a corresponding to the unoperated wash operation icon 22 and the operable area 24a corresponding to the dry operation icon 24.

When an operation is performed on a specific operation type icon, the control device 4 displays the name of the course selected for the operation corresponding to the operated operation type icon and an icon corresponding to that course. Specifically, when an operation is performed on the washing operation icon 22, as shown in FIG. 3, the washing operation icon 22 changes to a display that includes the name of the course currently selected for the washing operation (in this case, the standard course) and an icon corresponding to that course (in this case, an icon that diagrammatically represents a T-shirt).

In addition, when an operation is performed on the wash/dry operation icon 23, as shown in FIG. 4, the wash/dry operation icon 23 changes to a display that includes the name of the course currently selected for the wash/dry operation (in this case, the standard course) and an icon corresponding to that course (in this case, an icon that diagrammatically represents a T-shirt).

When an operation is performed once on a specific driving type icon, the control device 4 selects a driving operation corresponding to the specific driving type icon, and when an operation is performed again on the specific driving type icon that has already been operated once, the control device 4 displays a course selection screen for selecting a course corresponding to that driving operation.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, when an operation has been performed once on the washing operation icon 22, if another operation is performed on the washing operation icon 22, a course selection screen (see FIG. 5) for selecting a course corresponding to the washing operation is displayed, that is, the screen transitions to the course selection screen shown in FIG. 5.

Also, as shown in FIG. 4, when an operation has been performed once on the wash/dry operation icon 23, if another operation is performed on the wash/dry operation icon 23, a course selection screen (see FIG. 6) for selecting a course corresponding to the wash/dry operation is displayed, that is, the screen transitions to the course selection screen shown in FIG. 6.

The bottom edge of the top screen and the various screens described below share a common footer section 25. In the footer section 25, a setting key 26, a lighting on/off key 27, a hot water setting key 28, a reservation setting key 29, a course selection key 30, and a start key 31 are arranged in a row horizontally from the left in that order.

The area 32 in which these four operation keys are arranged is an area provided at the end of the display unit 20 in which at least one operation key is arranged, and corresponds to the end area. When displaying the four operation keys (setting key 26, lighting on/off key 27, hot water setting key 28, and reservation setting key 29) arranged in area 32, the control device 4 always displays them in the same position. Details regarding these four operation keys will be described later.

The course selection key 30 is an operation key for transitioning to a course selection screen. In this case, when the course selection key 30 is operated, the screen transitions to a course selection screen for selecting a course corresponding to the operation selected at that time. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, when the course selection key 30 is operated with the washing operation selected, the screen transitions to a course selection screen (see FIG. 5) for selecting a course corresponding to the washing operation. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, when the course selection key 30 is operated with the washing and drying operation selected, the screen transitions to a course selection screen (see FIG. 6) for selecting a course corresponding to the washing and drying operation.

The start key 31 is an operation key for starting driving, and is displayed at the edge of the screen, more specifically, at the bottom right corner of the screen. When displaying the start key 31, the control device 4 is configured to always display it in the same position. Note that it is sufficient that the control device 4 is configured to display the start key 31 in a common position at least on the top screen, which is a driving type selection screen, the course selection screen, and the course details screen described below.

In this case, a different color is associated with each type of operation. For example, blue is associated with the washing operation, green is associated with the washing and drying operation, and orange is associated with the drying operation. These associated colors can be set to match the image of each operation, for example, a blue-based color (e.g., blue, light blue) that evokes water for the washing operation, and a red-based color (e.g., orange, red) that evokes warm air for the drying operation.

When an operation is performed on a specific driving type icon and a driving operation corresponding to the operated driving type icon is selected, the control device 4 displays a background color similar to the color associated with the selected driving operation in any area on the screen currently displayed (in this case, the top screen) and on any screen subsequently displayed (e.g., a course selection screen, etc.).

On the top screen, the header section 21, the area where the operation type icons are arranged, and the footer section 25, i.e., all areas of the top screen, are displayed with a background color similar to the color associated with the selected operation. However, in this case, the background color of the header section 21 and the area where the operation type icons are arranged is darker than the background color of the footer section 25.

The control device 4 selects the operation type icon corresponding to the operation that was performed (the previous operation) on the top screen displayed after the power to the washing machine 1 is turned back on after an operation has been performed. However, if the previous operation was a drying operation, the control device 4 does not need to perform such control. This is because the drying operation is used less frequently than the washing operation and the washing and drying operation.

The control device 4 also displays the top screen after the power to the washing machine 1 is turned back on after an operation has been performed, with the previous operation courses selected for each of the washing operation, washing and drying operation, and drying operation. When a specific operation type icon is selected, the control device 4 changes the display of the selected operation type icon to include the name of the course from the previous operation and an icon corresponding to that course.

For example, if the previously performed wash operation was the memory course and the previously performed wash/dry operation was the standard course, when the wash operation icon 22 is selected on the top screen after the power is turned back on, the control device 4 changes the display of the wash operation icon 22 to include the name of the memory course and an icon corresponding to the memory course. Also, in this case, when the wash/dry operation icon 23 is selected on the top screen after the power is turned back on, the control device 4 changes the display of the wash/dry operation icon 23 to include the name of the standard course and an icon corresponding to the standard course.

However, the control device 4 may not need to implement such control if the previous driving course was a course other than the standard course or the memory course. This is because courses other than the standard course and the memory course are used less frequently than the standard course and the memory course. For example, if the previous driving course was a course other than the standard course or the memory course, the control device 4 may set the standard course to a selected state, and change the display of the driving type icon in the selected state to include the name of the standard course and an icon corresponding to the standard course.

The type of operation, course, etc. performed previously may be stored in a non-volatile memory provided within the microcomputer constituting the control device 4. Also, if a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM is provided external to the microcomputer, the type of operation, course, etc. may be stored in the external EEPROM. In this case, the microcomputer may write and read data such as the type of operation, course, etc. to the EEPROM via various serial communications.

[2] Course Selection Screen As described above, when a specific operation type icon is operated twice on the top screen, or when the course selection key 30 is operated, the screen transitions to a course selection screen for selecting a course corresponding to the operation selected at that time. Note that, here, the contents of the course selection screen will be described using the course selection screen corresponding to the washing operation and the course selection screen corresponding to the washing and drying operation as examples, but the contents of the other course selection screens are similar.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the course selection screen has a header section 21 and a footer section 25 similar to those of the top screen. However, the footer section 25 of the course selection screen has a close key 33 instead of the course selection key 30. The close key 33 is an operation key for closing the course selection screen and returning to the top screen. Therefore, when the close key 33 is operated, the course selection screen transitions to the top screen.

The course selection screen is displayed so that the user can select a course while referring to the course overview and itinerary details. Specifically, the course selection screen has a course list display area 35 at the top center of the screen, where a plurality of course icons 34 corresponding to each course are displayed lined up horizontally across the screen.

In the course selection screen for the washing operation shown in FIG. 5, course icons 34 corresponding to the standard course, soak course, speed course, memory course, and very gentle course are displayed. In addition, in the course selection screen for the washing and drying operation shown in FIG. 6, course icons 34 corresponding to the standard course, soak course, speed course, memory course, and small amount 60 minutes course are displayed.

Each course icon 34 is displayed in a manner that can be associated with the respective course. For example, the course icon 34 for the standard course is displayed in a manner that shows a schematic representation of a T-shirt, which is an example of laundry. The course icon 34 for the soaking course is displayed in a manner that shows a T-shirt soaked in a container filled with water.

Note that there are actually other types of courses that can be set on the course selection screen, and course icons corresponding to other courses can be displayed by operating the arrow icon 36 located at the right end of the course list display area 35.

In addition, on the course selection screen, a course information display area 37 where information about the course is displayed is provided below the center of the screen. In other words, the course information display area 37 is provided in an area of the course selection screen excluding the course list display area 35. The course information display area 37 includes a journey information display area 38 where journey displays showing all journeys are displayed in chronological order across the screen.

Specifically, in the process information display area 38 on the course selection screen corresponding to the washing operation shown in FIG. 5, a wash icon 39, which is a process display indicating the washing process, a rinse icon 40, which is a process display indicating the rinsing process, and a spin-dry icon 41, which is a process display indicating the spin-dry process, are arranged in this order from the left, that is, in chronological order.

In addition, in the process information display area 38 in the course selection screen corresponding to the washing and drying operation shown in FIG. 6, a wash icon 39, a rinse icon 40, a spin icon 41, and a drying icon 42, which is a process display showing the drying process, are arranged in a row in this order from the left. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the process information display area 38 also includes an indication for showing the bath water setting status.

A different color is associated with each of the above-mentioned process displays (wash icon 39, rinse icon 40, spin icon 41, and dry icon 42). Specifically, dark blue is associated with wash icon 39, light blue is associated with rinse icon 40, light blue is associated with spin icon 41, and orange is associated with dry icon 42. The control device 4 displays the wash icon 39, rinse icon 40, spin icon 41, and dry icon 42 in the color associated with each icon.

On the course selection screen, the header section 21, the course list display area 35, and the footer section 25 are displayed with a background color similar to the color associated with the selected operation. However, in this case, the background color of the header section 21 and the course list display area 35 is darker than the background color of the footer section 25.

When an operation is performed on a specific course icon 34, the control device 4 selects the course corresponding to the operated course icon 34 and inverts the display color of the operated course icon 34. This allows the user to easily recognize which course is currently selected.

When an operation is performed on a specific course icon 34, the control device 4 displays information about the course corresponding to the operated course icon 34 in the course information display area 37. Therefore, when an operation is performed on the course icon 34 corresponding to the standard course, as shown in FIG. 5, the display color of the course icon 34 corresponding to the standard course is inverted, and various information about the standard course is displayed in the course information display area 37.

As mentioned above, the start key 31 is also displayed on the course selection screen. Furthermore, on the course selection screen, above the start key 31, that is, at the lower right edge of the screen, the setting change key 43 is displayed. The setting change key 43 is an operation key for transitioning to a course details screen for setting the contents of the course.

In this case, when the setting change key 43 is operated, the screen transitions to a course details screen for setting the content of the course selected at that time. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the setting change key 43 is operated with the standard course selected on the course selection screen corresponding to the wash operation, the screen transitions to a course details screen corresponding to the standard course of the wash operation (see FIG. 7). Also, as shown in FIG. 6, when the setting change key 43 is operated with the standard course selected on the course selection screen corresponding to the wash and dry operation, the screen transitions to a course details screen corresponding to the standard course of the wash and dry operation (see FIG. 8).

In this case, the control device 4 functions as an operation key for transitioning the journey information display area 38 to a course details screen, i.e., an operation key equivalent to the setting change key 43. Therefore, when an operation is performed on the journey information display area 38, the screen transitions to a course details screen for setting the contents of the course selected at that time.

[3] Course Detail Screen As described above, when the setting change key 43 or the process information display area 38 is operated on the course selection screen, the screen transitions to a course detail screen for setting the content of the course selected at that time. Note that the contents of the course detail screen will be explained here using the course detail screen corresponding to the standard course of the washing operation and the course detail screen corresponding to the standard course of the washing and drying operation as examples, but the contents of the other course detail screens are similar.

As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the course details screen has a header section 21 and a footer section 25 similar to those in the course selection screen. In the course details screen, the header section 21 and the footer section 25 are displayed with a background color similar to the color associated with the selected operation. However, in this case, the background color of the header section 21 is darker than the background color of the footer section 25.

The course details screen is displayed so that the user can check the detailed contents of the selected course and set (change) those contents. Specifically, the course selection screen has an area 44 in the center of the screen that displays the detailed contents of the course and various operation keys for setting the course.

The control device 4 displays in area 44 the name of the course, a journey display showing all journeys, a journey condition display showing the conditions of each journey, a journey condition change key which is an operation key for changing the conditions of each journey, and the like. Specifically, in area 44 on the course details screen shown in Figures 7 to 10, a back key 45 is displayed on the right edge of the upper part of the screen. The back key 45 is an operation key for closing the course details screen and returning to the previous screen, that is, the course selection screen. Therefore, when the back key 45 is operated, the course details screen transitions to the course selection screen.

In area 44 on the course details screen shown in FIG. 7, a wash icon 46, which is a process display indicating the washing process, a rinse icon 47, which is a process display indicating the rinsing process, and a spin-dry icon 48, which is a process display indicating the spin-dry process, are arranged horizontally in this order from the left of the screen, that is, arranged in chronological order. In area 44 on the course details screen shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, a wash icon 46, a rinse icon 47, a spin-dry icon 48, and a dry icon 49, which is a process display indicating the drying process, are arranged horizontally in this order from the left, that is, arranged in chronological order.

Each of the above-mentioned process indicators (wash icon 46, rinse icon 47, spin-dry icon 48, and dry icon 49) is assigned a different color, similar to the process indicators on the course selection screen. The control device 4 displays the wash icon 46, rinse icon 47, spin-dry icon 48, and dry icon 49 in the color assigned to each of them.

In area 44 of the course details screen shown in FIG. 7, the process condition display "Automatic (14 minutes)" indicating the conditions for the wash process is displayed below the wash icon 46, the process condition display "Automatic (2 times)" indicating the conditions for the rinse process is displayed below the rinse icon 47, and the process condition display "Automatic (3 times)" indicating the conditions for the spin process is displayed below the spin icon 48.

In area 44 of the course details screen shown in Figures 8 to 10, a process condition display "Automatic (14 minutes)" indicating the conditions of the wash process is displayed below the wash icon 46, a process condition display "Automatic (twice)" indicating the conditions of the rinse process is displayed below the rinse icon 47, a process condition display "Automatic" indicating the conditions of the spin process is displayed below the spin icon 48, and a process condition display "Energy saving" indicating the conditions of the drying process is displayed below the drying icon 49. In this way, the control device 4 displays the process displays in chronological order horizontally on the screen, and displays the process condition displays juxtaposed to the process displays.

Below the wash icon 46, an addition key 50 and a subtraction key 51, which correspond to the process condition change keys, are located above and below the process condition display. The addition key 50, located above the process condition display, is an operation key for increasing the wash time, and each time the addition key 50 is operated, the wash time increases by one minute.

The subtraction key 51 located below the process condition display is an operation key for decreasing the washing time, and each time the subtraction key 51 is operated, the washing time decreases by one minute. On the course details screen shown in Figures 7 and 8, the user can set (change) the washing time in the washing process to a desired time by operating the addition key 50 and subtraction key 51.

Below the rinse icon 47, an addition key 52 and a subtraction key 53, which correspond to the process condition change keys, are arranged above and below the process condition display. The addition key 52, located above the process condition display, is an operation key for increasing the number of rinses, and each time the addition key 52 is operated, the number of rinses increases by one.

The subtraction key 53 located below the process condition display is an operation key for decreasing the number of rinses, and each time the subtraction key 53 is operated, the number of rinses decreases by one. On the course details screen shown in Figures 7 and 8, the user can set (change) the number of rinses in the rinse process to a desired number by operating the addition key 52 and subtraction key 53.

Below the spin icon 48, an addition key 54 and a subtraction key 55, which correspond to the process condition change keys, are located above and below the process condition display. The addition key 54, located above the process condition display, is an operation key for increasing the spin time, and each time the addition key 54 is operated, the spin time increases by one minute.

The subtraction key 55 located below the process condition display is an operation key for decreasing the spin-drying time, and each time the subtraction key 55 is operated, the spin-drying time decreases by one minute. On the course details screen shown in FIG. 7, the user can set (change) the spin-drying time in the spin-drying process to a desired time by operating the addition key 54 and subtraction key 55.

The addition key 54 and subtraction key 55 are not displayed on the course details screens corresponding to the standard course of the wash/dry operation shown in Figures 8 to 10. This is due to the specifications of the washing machine 1, which do not allow the user to change the spin-dry time during the wash/dry operation. Therefore, on the course details screens shown in Figures 8 to 10, the user cannot set (change) the spin-dry time during the spin cycle.

The process condition display 56 displayed below the drying icon 49 also functions as an operation key (process condition change key) for setting (changing) the conditions of the drying process. In this case, when an operation is performed on the process condition display 56, a drying setting screen for setting the conditions of the drying process is displayed. The contents of the drying setting screen will be described later.

The control device 4 is configured to display in area 44 a trip on/off key, which is an operation key for setting whether or not each trip is to be performed. Specifically, in area 44 on the course details screen shown in FIG. 7, trip on/off keys 57, 58, and 59 are located below subtraction keys 51, 53, and 55, respectively. Also, in area 44 on the course details screen shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, trip on/off keys 57 and 58 are located below subtraction keys 51 and 53, respectively.

The cycle on/off keys 57, 58, and 59 are operation keys for setting whether or not to perform the wash cycle, rinse cycle, and spin cycle, respectively. By operating the cycle on/off key 57, the user can switch between a setting for performing the wash cycle and a setting for not performing it. By operating the cycle on/off key 58, the user can switch between a setting for performing the rinse cycle and a setting for not performing it. By operating the cycle on/off key 59, the user can switch between a setting for performing the spin cycle and a setting for not performing it.

When the operation of the process on/off keys 57-59 has set the corresponding process to be performed, the process on/off keys 57-59 are displayed in a manner that indicates that the process will be performed. For example, when the operation of the process on/off key 57 has set the wash process to be performed, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, "ON" is displayed on the process on/off key 57, indicating that the corresponding process will be performed.

When the operation of the step on/off keys 57-59 has resulted in a setting that the corresponding step will not be performed, the step on/off keys 57-59 will display in a manner that indicates that the step will not be performed. For example, when the operation of the step on/off key 57 has resulted in a setting that the wash step will not be performed, as shown in FIG. 9, "OFF" will be displayed on the step on/off key 57, indicating that the corresponding step will not be performed.

At this time, the process condition display showing the conditions of the wash process, the addition key 50 and the subtraction key 51 are displayed in a light gray, i.e., grayed out, and the settings related to the conditions of the wash process are not accepted. In other words, when a process on/off key 57-59 is operated to set the corresponding process not to be performed, the control device 4 disables the acceptance of operations using the process condition change keys to change the conditions of that process.

In addition, when a process condition change key is operated to change the process conditions corresponding to that process condition change key, and then a process on/off key is operated to set the process not to be carried out, the control device 4 initializes the process conditions that were set in response to the operation of the process condition change key.

For example, suppose that the wash time in the wash step is changed from the initial setting of "Auto (14 minutes)" to "5 minutes" as shown in FIG. 10 by operating one or both of the addition key 50 and subtraction key 51. From this state, when the step on/off key 57 is operated to set the wash step not to be performed (the state shown in FIG. 9), the wash time in the wash step is automatically changed to the initial setting of "Auto (14 minutes)", that is, initialized. Therefore, when the step on/off key 57 is subsequently operated again to set the wash step to be performed, the step condition display showing the conditions of the wash step will show the initial setting of "Auto (14 minutes)" as shown in FIG. 8.

At the right end of the center of area 44, a bath water setting key 60 is located, which is an operation key for changing the bath water setting as a water supply method. The bath water setting key 60 displays the bath water setting status at that time ("none" in Figure 7, etc.). In this case, when the bath water setting key 60 is operated, a bath water setting screen for setting the bath water is displayed. The contents of the bath water setting screen will be described later.

In area 44, to the left of the back key 45, a clear setting key 61 is located. The clear setting key 61 is an operation key for initializing the conditions of all steps. However, if none of the conditions of each step have been changed and all remain at the initial settings, the clear setting key 61 will be grayed out as shown in Figures 7 to 9, and the control device 4 will not accept its operation.

When at least one of the conditions for each step has been changed, the setting clear key 61 goes into the normal display state as shown in FIG. 10, and the control device 4 is ready to accept the operation. Therefore, when the setting clear key 61 is operated in this state, the conditions for all steps are automatically changed to the initial settings, that is, initialized.

[4] Regarding the Drying Setting Screen As described above, when an operation is performed on the course details screen with respect to the journey condition display 56, the drying setting screen is displayed. For example, when an operation is performed on the course details screen shown in Fig. 8 with respect to the journey condition display 56, the drying setting screen is displayed so as to overlap the course details screen, as shown in Fig. 11. The size of the drying setting screen is smaller than the course details screen, and only a portion of the course details screen is displayed. In this case, at least a portion of the start key 31 displayed on the course details screen is covered by the drying setting screen.

In this case, however, the course details screen is shaded, i.e., grayed out, and does not accept any operation using any of the operation keys, including the start key 31. In other words, when the control device 4 displays the drying settings screen, which is a separate screen, on top of the course details screen, which is the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed, it disables the acceptance of operations using the start key 31.

The drying settings screen has icons 62 corresponding to a number of drying finish settings (in this case, energy saving, quick, fine drying, thorough, and timer). The user can set the desired conditions for the drying process by operating one of these icons 62 that corresponds to the desired setting.

In addition, two operation keys for increasing or decreasing the drying time are located above and below the icon 62 corresponding to the timer. By operating these operation keys, the user can set the drying time to the desired time when the drying finish setting is set to the timer.

The drying setting screen is provided with a setting information display area 63 in which information related to the drying finish setting is displayed. When an operation is performed on a specific icon 62, the control device 4 highlights the operated icon 62 and displays information related to the drying finish setting corresponding to the operated icon 62 in the setting information display area 63.

Specifically, when an operation is performed on the icon 62 corresponding to "energy saving", as shown in FIG. 11, the outer frame of the icon 62 corresponding to "energy saving" is displayed with a thicker line compared to the outer frames of the other icons 62. At this time, the setting information display area 63 also displays general details about the drying finish setting "energy saving". This allows the user to easily recognize the currently selected drying finish setting and to grasp the outline of that setting.

A close key 64 is located at the bottom left of the drying settings screen, and a decision key 65 is located at the bottom right. The close key 64 is an operation key for closing the drying settings screen without reflecting the setting change operations on the drying settings screen. The decision key 65 is an operation key for closing the drying settings screen after reflecting the setting change operations on the drying settings screen.

[5] Bath Water Setting Screen As described above, when the bath water setting key 60 is operated on the course details screen, the bath water setting screen is displayed. For example, when the bath water setting key 60 is operated on the course details screen shown in Fig. 8, the bath water setting screen is displayed overlapping the course details screen, as shown in Fig. 12. The size of the bath water setting screen is smaller than the course details screen, and only a portion of the course details screen is displayed. In this case, at least a portion of the start key 31 displayed on the course details screen is covered by the bath water setting screen.

In this case, however, the course details screen is shaded, i.e., grayed out, and does not accept any operation using any of the operation keys, including the start key 31. In other words, when the control device 4 displays a separate screen, the bath water settings screen, superimposed on the course details screen on which the start key 31 is displayed, it disables the acceptance of operations using the start key 31.

The bath water setting screen has icons 67 arranged corresponding to a number of bath water settings (in this case, none, wash, wash and rinse 1, rinse 1). The user can set the bath water setting to the desired setting by operating one of these icons 67 that corresponds to the desired setting.

The bath water setting screen is provided with a setting information display area 68 in which information regarding the bath water settings is displayed. When an operation is performed on a specific icon 67, the control device 4 highlights the operated icon 67 and displays information regarding the bath water settings corresponding to the operated icon 67 in the setting information display area 68.

Specifically, when an operation is performed on the icon 67 corresponding to "None," as shown in FIG. 12, the outer frame of the icon 67 corresponding to "None" is displayed with a thicker line compared to the outer frames of the other icons 67. At this time, the setting information display area 68 also displays a general overview of the bath water setting "None." This allows the user to easily recognize the currently selected bath water setting and to grasp the outline of that setting.

A close key 69 is located at the bottom left of the bath water settings screen, and a decision key 70 is located at the bottom right. The close key 69 is an operation key for closing the bath water settings screen without reflecting the setting change operations on the bath water settings screen. The decision key 70 is an operation key for closing the bath water settings screen after reflecting the setting change operations on the bath water settings screen.

[6] Four Operation Keys in the Footer Section As described above, the top screen, the course selection screen, and the course details screen are provided with a similar footer section 25, and in the area 32 of the footer section 25, four operation keys (setting key 26, light on/off key 27, hot water setting key 28, and reservation setting key 29) different from the course selection key 30 and the start key 31 are arranged. In other words, these four operation keys are always fixedly displayed on various display screens before operation is started. Note that these four operation keys are operation keys for setting the operation of the washing machine 1, and are operation keys that are used relatively frequently.

The setting key 26 is an operation key for making various settings related to the washing machine 1. When the setting key 26 is operated, the display transitions to a main body setting screen as shown in FIG. 13. On the main body setting screen, it is possible to execute "display brightness setting" for setting the brightness of the liquid crystal display, "time setting" for setting the clock time of the washing machine 1, "child lock" for forcibly locking the door, etc.

The lighting on/off key 27 is an operation key for turning on (lighting) or off (extinguishing) lighting (e.g., an LED) for illuminating the inside of the tub of the washing machine 1. By turning on the lighting in response to the operation of the lighting on/off key 27, the inside of the tub of the washing machine 1 is illuminated by the light of the LED, brightening the dim tub interior and helping the user to put laundry (clothes) in and take them out.

The hot water setting key 28 is an operation key for setting the temperature of the water used during operation. When the hot water setting key 28 is operated, a hot water setting screen is displayed for setting the temperature to which the water is heated during the wash step of the wash operation or the wash and dry operation.

For example, when the hot water setting key 28 is operated on the course details screen shown in FIG. 8, the hot water setting screen is displayed overlapping the course details screen as shown in FIG. 14. The size of the hot water setting screen is smaller than the course details screen, and only a portion of the course details screen is displayed. In this case, at least a portion of the start key 31 displayed on the course details screen is covered by the hot water setting screen.

In this case, however, the course details screen is shaded, i.e., grayed out, and does not accept any operation using any of the operation keys, including the start key 31. In other words, when the control device 4 displays the hot water settings screen, which is another screen, superimposed on the course details screen on which the start key 31 is displayed, it disables the acceptance of operations using the start key 31.

The hot water setting screen has icons 71 arranged corresponding to a number of hot water settings (in this case, none, 15°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C sterilization). The user can set the hot water setting to the desired one by operating one of these icons 71 that corresponds to the desired setting.

The hot water setting screen is provided with a setting information display area 72 in which information about the hot water setting is displayed. When an operation is performed on a specific icon 71, the control device 4 highlights the operated icon 71 and displays information about the hot water setting corresponding to the operated icon 71 in the setting information display area 72.

Specifically, when an operation is performed on the icon 71 corresponding to "none," the outer frame of the icon 71 corresponding to "none" is displayed with a thicker line compared to the outer frames of the other icons 71, as shown in FIG. 14. At this time, the setting information display area 72 also displays a general overview of the hot water setting "none." This allows the user to easily recognize the currently selected hot water setting and to grasp the outline of that setting.

A close key 73 is located at the bottom left of the hot water settings screen, and a decision key 74 is located at the bottom right. The close key 73 is an operation key for closing the hot water settings screen without reflecting the setting change operation on the hot water settings screen. The decision key 74 is an operation key for closing the hot water settings screen after reflecting the setting change operation on the hot water settings screen.

The reservation setting key 29 is an operation key for making settings related to driving reservations. When the reservation setting key 29 is operated, a reservation setting screen such as that shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. The reservation setting screen for setting the end time of driving, etc. is displayed. The size of the reservation setting screen is smaller than the top screen, course selection screen, and course details screen. However, in this case, almost the entire top screen, course selection screen, and course details screen are covered by the reservation setting screen.

The reservation setting screen has icons 75 arranged corresponding to each of a number of reservation settings (in this case, none, good morning reservation, welcome home reservation, and reservation from outside). The user can set the reservation setting to the desired one by operating one of these icons 75 that corresponds to the desired setting.

The reservation setting screen also has four operation keys 76-79 for setting the end time of the drive, as well as a time display area 80 that displays the set end time. The reservation setting screen also has a settable time display area 81 that shows the end time that can currently be set for the currently selected drive and course. The user can set the end time of the drive to the desired time by operating the four operation keys 76 while checking the time displayed in the time display area 77 and the settable end time displayed in the settable time display area 81.

The reservation setting screen is provided with a setting information display area 82 in which information related to reservation settings is displayed. When an operation is performed on a specific icon 75, the control device 4 highlights the operated icon 75 and displays information related to the reservation setting corresponding to the operated icon 75 in the setting information display area 82.

Specifically, when an operation is performed on the icon 75 corresponding to "Good morning reservation", as shown in FIG. 15, the outer frame of the icon 75 corresponding to "Good morning reservation" is displayed with a thicker line compared to the outer frames of the other icons 75. At this time, the setting information display area 82 also displays the outline of the reservation setting "Good morning reservation". This allows the user to easily recognize the currently selected reservation setting and to grasp the outline of that setting.

A close key 83 is located at the bottom left of the reservation setting screen, and a decision key 84 is located at the bottom right. The close key 83 is an operation key for closing the reservation setting screen without reflecting the setting change operation on the reservation setting screen. The decision key 84 is an operation key for closing the reservation setting screen after reflecting the setting change operation on the reservation setting screen. In this case, the reservation operation is started by operating the decision key 84. The reason for this is as follows.

In other words, if the screen transitions to various pre-driving screens when the decision key 84 is operated, there is a possibility that changes will be made to the course content, etc. afterwards. If changes are made to the course content, etc. after a reservation has been set, there is a risk that the drive will not be able to finish by the set end time. Therefore, in this embodiment, to prevent such a situation, that is, a situation in which changes are made to the course content, etc. after the reservation has been set and the drive cannot be finished by the reserved end time, the reserved drive is started when the decision key 84 is operated.

When a setting different from the initial setting is executed in response to the operation of the light on/off key 27, the hot water setting key 28, and the reservation setting key 29 among the four operation keys described above, the control device 4 changes the display mode of the operated operation key. Normally, the background color of the four operation keys is dark gray. For example, when the lighting setting is changed from the initial setting of "off" to "on" in response to the operation of the light on/off key 27, the display mode of the light on/off key 27 is changed. Specifically, in this case, the background color of the light on/off key 27 is changed from dark gray to a color (e.g., yellow) that can be associated with the lighting being turned on.

In addition, when the hot water setting is changed from the initial setting of "none" to "50°C" in response to the operation of the hot water setting key 28, the display mode of the hot water setting key 28 is changed. Specifically, in this case, as shown in FIG. 16, the background color of the hot water setting key 28 is changed from dark gray to a color that is reminiscent of hot water (e.g., red), and the display "50°C" is added to the hot water setting key 28.

In addition, when the reservation setting is changed from the initial setting of "none" to "return reservation" in response to the operation of the reservation setting key 29, and the end time is set to "19:00", the display mode of the reservation setting key 29 is changed. Specifically, in this case, as shown in FIG. 17, the background color of the reservation setting key 29 is changed from dark gray to light gray, and the display "19:00" is added to the reservation setting key 29.

FIG. 17 shows the display screen that is displayed when a reservation is set for the standard course of the wash/dry operation. In this way, when a setting different from the initial setting is executed in response to the operation of the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29, the control device 4 changes the display mode of the operation keys to show the state (status) of the executed setting.

[7] Screens during operation As described above, the top screen, which is a screen before operation, the course selection screen, and the course details screen all display the start key 31. When the start key 31 is operated on these screens before operation, operation is started in the operation type and course selected at that time.

When operation begins, an operation screen with the contents described below is displayed. In this case, the contents of the operation screen corresponding to the standard course of the wash and dry operation are explained as an example, but the contents of the other operation screens are similar. As shown in Figures 18 to 21, the operation screen displayed while the operation is being performed has a header section 21 and a footer section 25 similar to the various screens before operation (top screen, course selection screen, and course details screen). However, the footer section 25 of the operation screen has a pause key 85 instead of the course selection key 30 and start key 31.

The pause key 85 is an operation key for temporarily stopping driving. In this case, the pause key 85 is located in an area corresponding to the area in which the course selection key 30 and the start key 31 were located on the various screens before driving. Note that the location of the pause key 85 is not limited to this, and it may be located in an area that includes at least a part of the area in which the start key 31 was located on the various screens before driving. When the pause key 85 is operated, driving is temporarily stopped and a paused screen described below is displayed.

On the driving screen, an area 86 is provided at the top center of the screen to display the remaining driving time, which is the time required until the driving is completed. Also, on the driving screen, a process status display section 87 is provided at the bottom center of the screen to display the setting status of each process and the progress of the current driving (progress of the process). In the process status display section 87, process displays showing all processes in the driving including the process currently in progress are displayed in chronological order across the horizontal direction of the screen.

Specifically, in the operation screens shown in Figures 18 to 21, the process status display section 87 displays a wash icon 88, which is a process display indicating the wash process, a rinse icon 89, which is a process display indicating the rinse process, a spin-dry icon 90, which is a process display indicating the spin-dry process, and a dry icon 91, which is a process display indicating the drying process, in this order from the left, that is, in chronological order.

Each of the above-mentioned process displays (wash icon 88, rinse icon 89, spin icon 90, and dry icon 91) is assigned a different color, similar to the process displays on the course selection screen and the like. The control device 4 is configured to display the background of any area of the screen during operation in a similar color to the color associated with the process being performed. In this case, the header section 21, which is an area including the edge of the screen, and area 86 are arbitrary areas that are displayed with a background of a similar color to the color associated with the process being performed. In other words, in this case, the control device 4 is configured to display the remaining operation time in the arbitrary area.

Therefore, the background color of the header section 21 and area 86 of the operating screen is a color similar to the color associated with the wash process during the wash process, a color similar to the color associated with the rinse process during the rinse process, a color similar to the color associated with the spin cycle during the spin cycle, and a color similar to the color associated with the drying process during the drying process.

The control device 4 is configured to change the background color of the icons corresponding to steps that have been performed and the icons corresponding to steps that are currently being performed, among the wash icon 88, rinse icon 89, spin-dry icon 90, and dry icon 91, to the colors associated with them. In addition, the control device 4 is configured to change the background color of the icons corresponding to steps that have not yet been performed, i.e., steps that have not yet been performed, among the wash icon 88, rinse icon 89, spin-dry icon 90, and dry icon 91, to white.

The implementation status of each process is displayed below the wash icon 88, rinse icon 89, spin icon 90, and dry icon 91. Specifically, below the wash icon 88, if the wash process has been completed, a check mark "R" is displayed, if the wash process is in progress, the remaining process time, which is the time required until the wash process is completed, is displayed, and if the wash process has not been completed, the set wash time, which is the set wash time, is displayed.

Below the rinse icon 89, if the rinse cycle has already been performed, a check mark "R" is displayed; if the rinse cycle is in progress, the number of cycles remaining, which is the number of cycles required until the rinse cycle is completed, is displayed; if the rinse cycle has not yet been performed, the set number of rinses, which is the number of rinses that has been set, is displayed.

Below the spin icon 90, if the spin cycle has already been performed, a check mark "R" is displayed; if the spin cycle is in progress, the remaining time is displayed, which is the time required until the spin cycle is completed; and if the spin cycle has not yet been performed, the set spin cycle time is displayed, which is the set spin cycle time.

Below the drying icon 91, if the drying process has already been performed, a check mark "R" is displayed; if the drying process is in progress, the remaining process time, which is the time required until the drying process is completed, is displayed; if the drying process has not yet been performed, the currently set drying finish setting is displayed.

In the process status display section 87, a bath water icon 92, which indicates water supply using bath water, is located to the right of the drying icon 91. A check mark "R" is displayed below the bath water icon 92 if water supply using bath water has already been performed, and the bath water settings are displayed if water supply using bath water is in progress or water supply using bath water has not yet been performed.

For example, on the operation screen while the wash cycle is being performed, as shown in FIG. 18, the remaining time for the wash cycle, "10 minutes", is displayed below the wash icon 88, the set number of rinses, "2 times", is displayed below the rinse icon 89, the set spin time, "3 minutes", is displayed below the spin icon 90, the drying finish setting, "Energy saving", is displayed below the dry icon 91, and the bath water setting, "Wash", is displayed below the bath water icon 92.

At this time, the remaining operation time, "2 hours 00 minutes," is displayed in area 86, and the header section 21 and area 86 are displayed with a background color similar to the color associated with the wash step, which is the step being performed. Also, at this time, the wash icon 88 is given a background color associated with the wash step, and the rinse icon 89, spin icon 90, and dry icon 91 are given no background color and have a white background.

Also, on the operation screen while the rinse cycle is being performed, as shown in FIG. 19, a check mark "R" is displayed below the wash icon 88, the number of remaining rinse cycles "1" is displayed below the rinse icon 89, the set spin-dry time "3 minutes" is displayed below the spin icon 90, the drying finish setting "Energy saving" is displayed below the drying icon 91, and a check mark "R" is displayed below the bath water icon 92.

At this time, the remaining operation time, "1 hour 30 minutes," is displayed in area 86, and the header section 21 and area 86 are displayed with a background color similar to the color associated with the rinsing process, which is the process being performed. Also, at this time, the wash icon 88 is given a background color associated with the wash process, the rinse icon 89 is given a background color associated with the rinsing process, and the spin icon 90 and dry icon 91 are given no background color and have a white background.

In addition, on the operation screen while the spin cycle is in progress, as shown in FIG. 20, a check mark "R" is displayed below both the wash icon 88 and the rinse icon 89, the remaining time for the spin cycle "1 minute" is displayed below the spin cycle icon 90, the drying finish setting "Energy Saving" is displayed below the drying icon 91, and a check mark "R" is displayed below the bath water icon 92.

At this time, the remaining operation time, "1 hour 00 minutes", is displayed in area 86, and the header section 21 and area 86 are displayed with a background color similar to the color associated with the spin-drying process, which is the process being performed. Also, at this time, the wash icon 88 is given a background color associated with the wash process, the rinse icon 89 is given a background color associated with the rinse process, the spin-drying icon 90 is given a background color associated with the spin-drying process, and the drying icon 91 is given no background color and has a white background.

Also, on the operation screen while the drying process is being performed, as shown in FIG. 21, a check mark "R" is displayed below the wash icon 88, rinse icon 89, and spin icon 90, the remaining time of the drying process, "30 minutes," is displayed below the drying icon 91, and a check mark "R" is displayed below the bath water icon 92.

At this time, the remaining operation time, "30 minutes," is displayed in area 86, and the header section 21 and area 86 are displayed with a background color similar to the color associated with the drying process, which is the process being performed. Also, at this time, the wash icon 88 is given a background color associated with the wash process, the rinse icon 89 is given a background color associated with the rinse process, the spin icon 90 is given a background color associated with the spin process, and the drying icon 91 is given a background color associated with the drying process.

As shown in Figures 18 to 21, the footer section 25 of the in-operation screen has an area 32 in which the same four operation keys as those on the various pre-operation screens are arranged. In other words, the four operation keys, the setting key 26, the lighting on/off key 27, the hot water setting key 28, and the reservation setting key 29, are always displayed in the same position and with the same layout on both the various pre-operation screens and the in-operation screen.

However, on the operation screen, the setting key 26, hot water setting key 28, and reservation setting key 29 are shown against a light gray background, i.e., are grayed out, and the control device 4 disables the acceptance of operations using the setting key 26, hot water setting key 28, and reservation setting key 29 on the operation screen. Therefore, the user cannot make various settings related to the washing machine 1, hot water settings, or reservations while the washing machine is operating.

In contrast, the light on/off key 27 is given a dark gray background color, and the control device 4 enables the reception of operations using the light on/off key 27 even on the driving screen. Therefore, the user can switch the lights on and off by operating the light on/off key 27 even while driving.

[8] About the pause screen As described above, when the pause key 85 is operated on the operation screen, the operation is paused and the pause screen is displayed. In this case, the contents of the pause screen corresponding to the standard course of the wash and dry operation will be explained as an example, but the contents of the other pause screens are similar.

The paused screen shown in FIG. 22 is displayed when the pause key 85 is operated while the spin cycle is in progress. As shown in FIG. 22, the paused screen has a header section 21 and a footer section 25 similar to those of the operating screen. However, the footer section 25 of the paused screen has a start key 93 instead of the pause key 85.

The start key 93 is an operation key for starting (resuming) driving. In this case, the start key 93 is located in an area on the driving screen that corresponds to the area where the pause key 85 was located. Note that the location of the start key 93 is not limited to this, and it may be located in an area that includes the lower right edge of the screen. When the start key 93 is operated, driving is resumed and the driving screen is displayed again.

The paused screen has an area 86 and a journey status display section 87 similar to those of the driving screen. In this case, the words "paused" are displayed in area 86 instead of the remaining driving time to indicate that driving is paused. Area 86 on the paused screen has a smaller vertical length than area 86 on the driving screen. Also, journey status display section 87 on the paused screen has a larger vertical length than area 86 on the driving screen.

In other words, when the pause key 85 is operated, the control device 4 reduces the area 86 in which the remaining operation time is displayed, and allocates the area secured by the reduction to the process status display section 87, thereby enlarging the process status display section 87. The control device 4 displays the setting change key 94 in the enlarged area of the process status display section 87, specifically above the bath water icon 92.

The setting change key 94 is an operation key similar to the setting change key 43, that is, an operation key for transitioning to a course details screen for setting the contents of the course. Therefore, the user can change (review) the contents of the course by operating the setting change key 94 while driving is temporarily stopped.

However, when the setting change key 94 is operated on the paused screen, the course details screen that is displayed does not display the trip on/off key and the setting clear key 61 for changing whether or not each trip is performed, as shown in FIG. 23. In other words, the control device 4 does not display the trip on/off key and the setting clear key 61 on the course details screen that is displayed while operation is paused.

The footer section 25 of the paused screen has an area 32 in which the same four operation keys as those on the operating screen are arranged. In other words, the four operation keys, the setting key 26, the light on/off key 27, the hot water setting key 28, and the reservation setting key 29, are always displayed in the same position and with the same layout on both the operating screen and the paused screen.

However, on the temporary screen, not only the light on/off key 27 but also the setting key 26 are given a dark gray background color, and the control device 4 enables the acceptance of operations via the setting key 26 on the paused screen. In other words, the control device 4 disables the acceptance of operations via the setting key 26 while the machine is running, and enables the acceptance of operations while the machine is paused. Therefore, the user can operate the setting key 26 to make various settings related to the washing machine 1 while the machine is paused.

According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
The control device 4 displays a start key 31 for starting operation at the edge of the screen of the operation panel 5, more specifically, at the lower right edge of the screen. That is, in this embodiment, the start key 31 is arranged at the bottom right of the screen. It is generally known that a person's line of sight moves from the upper left to the lower right of the screen. Therefore, by arranging the start key 31 at the bottom right of the screen as in this embodiment, the line of sight of the user looking at the screen progresses smoothly, and the user's eye movement is prevented from being burdened or confused. Therefore, the user can look through and check various operation-related settings, understand the contents, and finally operate the start key 31. That is, the operation panel 5 of this embodiment has a screen layout with high operability.

In the conventional configuration where a start key is provided separately from a touch panel type liquid crystal display, the user is forced to look away from the liquid crystal display, which impairs operability and visibility. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the start key 31 is displayed (placed) on the display unit 20, which is a liquid crystal display, and the user can complete a series of driving operations, including understanding the setting status, on the liquid crystal display.

The start key 31 is also positioned at the bottom right edge of the screen so that it follows the line of sight of an average person. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to realize a user interface that is highly operable and convenient, without placing an extra burden on the user in setting up the operation. In other words, according to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain the excellent effect of further improving the visibility and operability of the operation settings of the washing machine 1.

When displaying the start key 31, the control device 4 is configured to always display it in the same position. In other words, the control device 4 displays the start key 31 in a common position on the various screens before driving (top screen, course selection screen, and course details screen). In this case, the size of the start key 31 is also the same.

In this way, the user can easily understand where the start key 31 is located on any of the various pre-driving screens, without having to move his/her gaze significantly. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to realize a highly operable user interface that reduces the burden on the user in understanding the operation and allows the user to easily perform driving with the desired settings without having to move their gaze unnecessarily.

In conventional configurations where a start key is provided separately from the LCD display, the start key is independent, and the user cannot easily determine whether the start key is valid in the current setting state, i.e., whether operation can be started. In contrast, in this embodiment, the control device 4 disables the acceptance of operations using the start key 31 when another screen (e.g., a bath water setting screen, a warm water setting screen, etc.) is displayed superimposed on the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed. According to this embodiment, the user can easily determine whether operations using the start key 31 are valid, i.e., whether operation can be started, and a user interface with high operability can be realized.

In this case, the size of the other screen is smaller than the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed, and a portion of the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed is visible to the user. However, the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed is grayed out, which allows the user to easily recognize that operation with the start key 31 is invalid, that is, driving cannot be started. In addition, because a portion of the screen on which the start key 31 is displayed is visible in this way, the user can understand what the screen that was displayed previously was like, even when another screen is displayed on top of it.

When the control device 4 displays the top screen, it displays the course selection key 30, which is an operation key for transitioning to a course selection screen. After turning on the power of the washing machine 1, if the user does not need to change the operation type, course type, or course content, the user can check the content on the top screen and then operate the start key 31 to start operation. On the other hand, if the user needs to change the type of course, the user must operate the course selection key 30 on the top screen to transition to the course selection screen and select the desired course.

In this case, the course selection key 30 is located at the bottom right edge of the screen alongside the start key 31. In this way, the user can check the settings such as the current driving type displayed in the center of the top screen, and then recognize the position of the course selection key 30 with a slight eye movement and operate it. In other words, in this embodiment, since the course selection key 30 is located at the bottom right edge of the screen, the user can transition to the course selection screen with an effortless eye movement.

The control device 4 has an area 32 in the footer section 25 where four operation keys (setting key 26, light on/off key 27, hot water setting key 28, and reservation setting key 29) that are different from the course selection key 30 and start key 31 and are used to set the operation of the washing machine 1 are arranged, and these four operation keys are always displayed in the same position when displayed. In this way, the user can perform various settings using these four operation keys by performing the same operation on the four operation keys arranged in the same position on various screens before operation (top screen, course selection screen, and course details screen) and on the screen during operation.

For example, if the user wants to additionally set hot water after selecting a desired course on the course selection screen, or if the user wants to set a reservation after setting the desired operation steps on the course details screen, the hot water setting key 28 and reservation setting key 29 for making these settings are displayed in fixed positions on the footer section 25, so the user can easily recognize the positions of these operation keys and operate them quickly and reliably.

In this way, in this embodiment, the four operation keys for making settings related to the operation of the washing machine 1 are displayed in a fixed position in the footer section 25, and are laid out in a way that allows access from both the various screens before operation and the screen during operation, and there is no need to switch screens when operating the four operation keys. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve visibility and operability when making settings related to the operation of the washing machine 1.

In this case, the four operation keys are arranged in the same position on both the operating screen and the paused screen. However, on the operating screen, the setting key 26, hot water setting key 28, and reservation setting key 29 are given a light gray background, and the control device 4 is configured to disable the acceptance of operations by these keys. Also, on the operating screen, the lighting on/off key 27 is given a dark gray background, and the control device 4 is configured to enable the acceptance of operations by this key.

In addition, on the paused screen, the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29 are given a light gray background color, and the control device 4 disables the acceptance of operations by these keys. In addition, on the paused screen, the setting key 26 and the light on/off key 27 are given a dark gray background color, and the control device 4 enables the acceptance of operations by these keys. In this way, the user can easily determine which of the four operation keys are operable and which are not operable on the operating screen and the paused screen by the background color of the operation keys.

When a setting different from the initial setting is executed in response to the operation of the lighting on/off key 27, the hot water setting key 28, and the reservation setting key 29, the control device 4 changes the display mode of the operation key. In this way, when the user operates the lighting on/off key 27, the hot water setting key 28, or the reservation setting key 29 to perform various settings, the display mode of the operation key is changed, allowing the user to confirm that the settings he or she made have been reliably reflected.

When a setting different from the initial setting is executed in response to the operation of the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29, the control device 4 changes the display mode of the operation key to indicate the state of the executed setting, specifically, to give the set status on the operation key. In this way, when the user operates the hot water setting key 28 or the reservation setting key 29 to execute various settings, the user can easily check the state of the settings that he or she has executed (e.g., hot water temperature, operation end time, etc.) by checking the display mode of the operation key.

Of the four operation keys arranged in the area 32 of the footer section 25, the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29 are important for operating the washing machine 1. First, the hot water setting key 28 allows the setting of the water temperature used in the washing process, and the water temperature is an important factor that greatly affects the washing performance. Therefore, in this embodiment, the hot water setting key 28, which is related to such an important factor, is fixedly displayed in the footer section 25 so that the user can frequently see it.

The reservation setting key 29 is used by the user to set a reservation for driving (set the end time), and when a reservation is set, it is desirable to improve the visibility of the setting content (end time). Therefore, in this embodiment, the reservation setting key 29, which is related to such an important element, is fixedly displayed in the footer section 25 so that the user can frequently see it.

In this way, in this embodiment, the hot water setting key 28 and the reservation setting key 29 are displayed in the same position, with the same icon and in the same layout on the various screens before operation, on the operating screen, and on the paused screen. In this way, the user can easily see the positions of the operation keys for setting the hot water setting and reservation setting, which are important settings for the operation of the washing machine 1, and can easily confirm the setting contents.

When an operation is performed on a specific operation type icon on the top screen on which multiple operation type icons (washing operation icon 22, washing/drying operation icon 23, and drying operation icon 24) are arranged, the control device 4 displays the operated operation type icon larger relative to operation type icons that have not been operated. This allows the user to easily recognize which operation has been selected, i.e., which operation is currently set.

When an operated driving type icon is enlarged and displayed in this manner, if the operable area in which the icon can be operated remains the same size as before it was enlarged, a large difference will occur between the size of the driving type icon and the size of its operable area, which may give the user a sense of discomfort. Therefore, when an operation is performed on a specific driving type icon, the control device 4 makes the operable area in which the operated driving type icon can be operated relatively large compared to the operable area in which a non-operated driving type icon can be operated. In this way, there will be no large difference between the size of the driving type icon and the size of its operable area, which will prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable.

When an operation is performed on a specific driving type icon, the control device 4 displays the name of the course selected for the driving corresponding to the operated driving type icon and an icon corresponding to that course. More specifically, when an operation is performed on a specific driving type icon, the control device 4 changes the display of the operated driving type icon to include the name of the course selected for the corresponding driving and an icon corresponding to that course. In this way, the user can easily recognize what courses exist according to the type of driving and which course is currently selected.

On the top screen, the wash operation icon 22, the wash/dry operation icon 23, and the dry operation icon 24 are arranged in parallel in this order from the left of the screen. This provides a layout that is easy for users to understand, and improves the user's operability of the operation type icons.

The footer section 25 of the top screen is provided with a course selection key 30, which is an operation key for transitioning to a course selection screen. The user can display the course selection screen by operating this course selection key 30. However, when a user operates a predetermined driving type icon provided in the center of the screen to select a desired driving mode, and then operates the course selection key 30 provided at the lower right edge of the screen to select a course corresponding to that driving mode, the user's line of sight, fingers, etc. may move a relatively long distance.

The control device 4 is configured so that, when an operation is performed once on a specific driving type icon, the control device 4 selects a driving operation corresponding to the specific driving type icon, and when an operation is performed again on the specific driving type icon that has already been operated once, the control device 4 displays a course selection screen for selecting a course corresponding to that driving operation.

In this way, after a desired driving mode is selected by operating a specific driving mode icon once, the driving mode icon can be operated again to display a course selection screen for selecting a course corresponding to that driving mode, so there is no risk of the user having to move their eyes, fingers, etc., for a long distance. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve operability when displaying the course selection screen.

In this embodiment, a different color is associated with each type of driving, and when an operation is performed on a specific driving type icon and a driving operation corresponding to the operated driving type icon is selected, the control device 4 displays a background of a similar color to the color associated with the selected driving operation on any area of the screen that is currently displayed and on any area of the screen that is subsequently displayed.

In this way, the user can easily determine the type of driving selected by checking the background color of any area on various screens. In this case, it is advisable to associate each type of driving with a color that matches the image of each driving. In this way, the user can more easily determine the type of driving based on the background color of any area. In this way, according to this embodiment, the visibility of the driving settings can be further improved.

The control device 4 selects the operation type icon corresponding to the operation that was performed (the previous operation) on the top screen displayed after the power to the washing machine 1 is turned back on after an operation has been performed. In this way, when the user wants to perform the same type of operation as the previous operation, the user can immediately start the operation by operating the start key 31 without performing any operation to select the type of operation, thereby improving convenience.

The control device 4 also displays the top screen after the power to the washing machine 1 is turned back on after an operation has been performed, with the courses from the previous operation selected for each of the washing operation, washing and drying operation, and drying operation. When a specific operation type icon is selected, the control device 4 changes the display of the selected operation type icon to include the name of the course from the previous operation and an icon corresponding to that course.

In this way, when a user wants to perform a specific operation using the same course as the previous one, the user can immediately start the operation by operating the start key 31 without performing any operation to select the course, improving convenience. In addition, in this case, the user can easily check the previous course and, in turn, the currently set course based on the display of the operation type icon.

In this embodiment, the course selection screen for selecting a course corresponding to driving includes a course list display area 35 in which a plurality of course icons 34 corresponding to each course are displayed lined up in one direction, and a course information display area 37 in which information about the course is displayed. When an operation is performed on a specific course icon 34, the control device 4 causes information about the course corresponding to that course icon 34 to be displayed in the course information display area 37.

With this type of course selection screen, the user can easily check the outline and itinerary of the selected course, i.e., the structure and itinerary of the selected course, based on the display contents of the course information display area 37. In this case, if the user changes the selected course, the user can easily recognize the difference in the itinerary structure of the course before and after the change, based on the change in the display contents of the course information display area 37.

The course information display area 37 includes a journey information display area 38 that displays all journeys in chronological order across the screen. This allows the user to more easily understand the journey configuration of the selected course based on the display contents of the journey information display area 38.

The control device 4 is configured to display a setting change key 43, which is an operation key for transitioning to a course details screen for setting the contents of the course, on the course selection screen. The control device 4 also functions as an operation key for transitioning the journey information display area 38 to the course details screen. In this way, if the user wants to make changes to the contents of a course after selecting the course on the course selection screen, the user can operate the setting change key 43 or the journey information display area 38 to display the course details screen and change the course contents.

In this embodiment, the start key 31, which is an operation key for starting driving, is also displayed on the course selection screen. Therefore, when the user selects a desired course on the course selection screen, if the user does not intend to make any changes to the content of the course, the user can immediately start driving by operating the start key 31 provided on the same screen without performing an operation to transition from the course selection screen to another screen, thereby improving convenience.

The control device 4 displays a trip display showing all trips, a trip condition display showing the trip conditions, and a trip condition change key, which is an operation key for changing the conditions of each trip, on a course details screen for setting the contents of the course corresponding to the driving. In a conventional configuration in which a dedicated screen is prepared for each trip, the user must frequently perform operations to switch screens when changing the settings of the detailed contents of each trip. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the user can check the contents and change the settings of all trips on a single screen (course details screen). Therefore, according to this embodiment, the operability when setting the contents of the course can be improved.

The control device 4 displays each process display (such as the wash icon 46, rinse icon 47, spin icon 48, and dry icon 49) in chronological order, horizontally from the left of the screen. The control device 4 also displays the process condition displays and process condition change keys in juxtaposition to the process displays, specifically, the process condition displays and process condition change keys arranged below the process displays. In this way, the user can easily recognize which process condition displays correspond to each of the processes arranged in chronological order, and which operation keys correspond to the process condition change keys.

The control device 4 displays on the course details screen the trip on/off keys 57-59, which are operation keys for setting whether or not each trip is to be performed. In conventional configurations, including those with an LCD operation panel, it was necessary to operate the increment/decrement buttons or individual number buttons (for example, buttons representing the numbers 0-9) to set each trip to not be performed.

When using the increase/decrease buttons, it may be necessary to perform the operation multiple times, which may reduce operability. Furthermore, when using the count buttons, the number of buttons that must be arranged increases. In contrast, in this embodiment, the user can switch between performing and not performing the corresponding process simply by operating the process on/off keys 57-59 once. In this way, this embodiment can improve operability when setting whether or not to perform each process.

When a trip on/off key 57-59 is operated to set the corresponding trip to not be performed, the control device 4 disables the acceptance of operations using the trip condition change keys to change the conditions of that trip. In this way, the difference between operations using the trip on/off keys 57-59 and operations using the trip condition change keys (addition keys 50, 52, 54 and subtraction keys 51, 53, 55) is made clear, allowing the user to clearly distinguish between these operating keys.

When a trip condition change key is operated to change the conditions of the trip corresponding to that trip condition change key, and then a trip on/off key 57-59 is operated to set the trip not to be carried out, the control device 4 initializes the trip conditions that were set in response to the operation of the trip condition change key.

In this way, the behavior of the trip on/off keys 57-59 when they are operated is simplified, so the user can easily understand how to use the trip on/off keys 57-59. In this case, the user can also use the trip on/off keys 57-59 as operation keys for initializing the conditions of the corresponding trip, improving convenience.

The control device 4 is configured to display a setting clear key 61, which is an operation key for initializing all journey conditions, on the course details screen. In the conventional configuration, in order to return the conditions of a journey that has been changed to their original state, that is, to initialize them, it was necessary to perform extra operations such as turning the power off and then on again and selecting the course again.

In contrast, according to this embodiment, if a user changes the conditions of a journey on the course details screen and then wants to initialize the changed conditions, the user can initialize the changed journey conditions by operating the setting clear key 61 provided on the same screen, without requiring extra operations such as power cycling or screen transitions.

In this embodiment, the start key 31, which is an operation key for starting driving, is also displayed on the course details screen. Therefore, when the user sets the contents of the course on the course details screen, the user can immediately start driving by operating the start key 31 provided on the same screen without performing an operation to transition from the course details screen to another screen, thereby improving convenience.

The control device 4 is configured not to display the process on/off keys 57-59 and the setting clear key 61 on the course details screen that is displayed while operation is paused. As with the conventional configuration, the washing machine 1 is designed not to allow changes to whether or not a process is being performed after operation has started. If the process on/off keys 57-59 or the setting clear key 61 were displayed on the course details screen that is displayed while operation is paused, the user may mistakenly believe that they can change whether or not a process is being performed by operating them. Therefore, in this embodiment, these unnecessary operation keys (the process on/off keys and the setting clear key) are not displayed, which prevents the user from misunderstanding.

The process condition display 56 displayed below the drying icon 49 also functions as a process condition change key for changing the conditions of the drying process, and when an operation is performed on the process condition display 56, a drying setting screen for setting the conditions of the drying process is displayed. Normally, the conditions of the drying process are set not only by changing the time and number of times, but also by selecting any setting from multiple drying finish settings.

If all of these multiple drying finish settings were to be displayed on the course details screen, there is a possibility that various information would be displayed without any gaps, which could significantly reduce visibility. Therefore, in this embodiment, when an operation is performed on the process condition display 56, the screen is deliberately changed to display a drying setting screen that displays a list of multiple drying finish settings. In this way, when setting conditions for the drying process, the user is only required to perform an operation to change the screen once, but can select the desired setting while checking the list of multiple drying finish settings, thereby improving convenience.

The control device 4 is configured to display, on the operation screen displayed while the operation is in progress, process indicators (wash icon 88, rinse icon 89, spin icon 90, and dry icon 91) showing all steps in the operation including the currently ongoing step, as well as the remaining operation time. In this way, the user can easily grasp the entire operation status, such as the time required (or elapsed time) until the operation is completed and the progress of the steps relative to the elapsed time, from a single screen (operation screen) displayed while the operation is in progress.

In this embodiment, different colors are associated with each of the multiple steps in driving, and the control device 4 displays the background of any area of the driving screen in a similar color to the color associated with the step being performed. In this way, the user can easily recognize the step that is currently being performed, i.e., the step that is in progress, by checking the background color of any area of the driving screen while driving.

In this case, the user can identify the process by color, so that the user can quickly and reliably grasp the process in progress even from a relatively far away location from the washing machine 1. In this case, it is advisable to assign a color that matches the image of each process to each process. In this way, the user can more easily determine the process in progress based on the background color of any area on the operating screen.

Any area that has a background display in a similar color to the color associated with the currently executed journey described above includes an area 86 that displays the remaining driving time. In this way, the user can easily grasp both the remaining driving time and the currently executed journey by simply checking area 86. In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the visibility of the screen while driving.

In addition, area 86 is provided on the upper side of the center of the screen during driving, and a relatively large area is ensured. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the remaining driving time can be displayed in a relatively large size, and the area in which the background color is similar to the color associated with the process being carried out can be a relatively large area. Therefore, the user can more easily grasp both the remaining driving time and the process in progress.

The control device 4 is configured to display on the screen during operation the remaining trip time, which is the time required to complete the currently ongoing trip, and the remaining number of trips, which is the number of times required to complete the currently ongoing trip. In this way, the user can understand the time required to complete each trip. Then, based on each piece of information thus obtained, the user can consider changing settings for the subsequent operation (trip).

In this embodiment, the header section 21 and area 86, which are areas including the edges of the screen, are arbitrary areas that are displayed with a background color similar to the color associated with the process being performed described above. Therefore, the background color of the area including the edges of the screen changes according to the process being performed. In this way, it becomes easier for the user to recognize the background color that changes according to the process being performed, and as a result, the process being performed can be recognized more easily and reliably.

For each process display (wash icon 88, rinse icon 89, spin icon 90, and dry icon 91), the control device 4 sets the background color of the process display corresponding to the process being performed and the process that has been performed to the corresponding color, and sets the background color of the icon corresponding to the process that has not been performed to white. In addition, the control device 4 displays a check mark "R" below the process display that has been performed.

In this way, in this embodiment, visual effects are applied to each step display, such as changing (inverting) the background color of the icon depending on its implementation status, or displaying a "R" below the icon. This allows the user to easily check the implementation status of each step (not yet implemented, in progress, completed).

In the conventional configuration, the start key not only functions as an operation key for starting driving, but also functions as an operation key for temporarily pausing driving, i.e., as a pause key. In light of this, in this embodiment, the control device 4 displays a pause key 85 for temporarily pausing driving in an area on the driving screen that corresponds to the area in which the course selection key 30 and the start key 31 were located on the various screens before driving. In other words, in this embodiment, the pause key 85 is located in an area that includes the area in which the start key 31 was located.

In this way, if the user wants to pause driving for some reason after starting driving, the user can intuitively grasp the location of the pause key 85 and can easily operate the pause key 85 to pause driving. In this way, according to this embodiment, the user can perform operations related to starting and pausing driving with the same feeling as in the conventional configuration.

The control device 4 is configured to display a setting change key 94, which is an operation key for transitioning to a course details screen, on the paused screen that is displayed when the pause key 85 is operated. When a user pauses driving, the content of the course that has started may not be what the user intended, and the user may wish to change the content. In such a case, the user can change the content of the course to what they intended by operating the setting change key 94 displayed on the paused screen.

In this case, the setting change key 94 is not displayed on the driving screen, but is displayed only on the paused screen. In this way, since the setting change key 94, which is an unnecessary operation key on the driving screen, is not displayed, an area can be secured for other displays and operation keys, and the visibility and operability of the driving screen can be maintained at a good level.

In addition, the size of area 86 on the paused screen may be smaller than the size of area 86 on the driving screen, since there is no need to display the remaining driving time. Therefore, the control device 4 reduces area 86 on the paused screen compared to the driving screen, and displays setting change key 94 in the area secured by the reduction. In this way, it is possible to display setting change key 94 while maintaining good visibility and operability of the paused screen.

<Top screen variation 1>
In a top screen or the like, the footer section 25 including the area 32, which is an end area, may be provided at the end of the screen. Thus, for example, a screen as shown in Fig. 24 may be used as the top screen. In the top screen of this modified example 1 shown in Fig. 24, the footer section 25 is located at the right end of the screen.

In this case, too, the start key 31 is provided at the edge of the screen, specifically at the lower right edge of the screen, and the course selection keys 30 are arranged in a line above the start key 31. With this kind of top screen of this modified example 1, it is possible to achieve the same visibility and operability as the top screen described in the above embodiment.

<Top screen variation 2>
In the top screen, etc., the start key 31 may be displayed at the edge of the screen. Therefore, for example, a screen as shown in Fig. 25 can be used as the top screen. In the footer section 25 of the top screen of this modified example 2 shown in Fig. 25, the start key 31, the course selection key 30, the setting key 26, the light on/off key 27, the hot water setting key 28, and the reservation setting key 29 are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction of the screen in this order from the left.

In other words, in this case, the start key 31 is located at the bottom left corner of the screen, and the course selection keys 30 are arranged next to the right of the start key 31. With this kind of top screen of the present modified example 2, it is possible to achieve the same visibility and operability as the top screen described in the above embodiment.

The control device 4 may also be configured to be able to switch between a mode in which the start key 31 is displayed on the left edge of the screen (the lower left edge of the screen), as in the top screen shown in FIG. 25, and a mode in which the start key 31 is displayed on the right edge of the screen (the lower right edge of the screen), as in the top screen shown in FIG. 3.

In general, right-handed people find it easier to operate the operation keys located on the right edge of the screen, and left-handed people find it easier to operate the operation keys located on the left side of the screen. With the above configuration, the user can change the position of the start key 31 to a position that is easier to operate depending on their dominant hand, further improving the operability of the start key 31.

<Top screen variation 3>
The display mode of the operation type icon on the top screen can be changed as appropriate. For example, a screen as shown in FIG. 26 can be used as the top screen. On the top screen of the present modified example 3 shown in FIG. 26, the operation type icons, that is, the wash operation icon 22, the wash-dry operation icon 23, and the dry operation icon 24, are displayed as the laundry care instructions that are applicable to each of them. In this way, the user can set the operation type and course while checking the care instructions, thereby improving convenience.

<Variation 1 of course selection screen>
In the course selection screen, the course information display area 37 may be provided in an area other than the course list display area 35. Therefore, a screen as shown in Fig. 27 may be adopted as the course selection screen. In the course selection screen of this modified example 1 shown in Fig. 27, the layout of the course list display area 35 and the course information display area 37 is swapped with respect to the course selection screen shown in Fig. 6.

In this case, on the course selection screen, a course information display area 37 is provided at the top of the center of the screen, and a course list display area is provided at the bottom of the center of the screen. This type of course selection screen of this modified example 1 can also achieve the same visibility and operability as the course selection screen described in the above embodiment.

<Variation 2 of course selection screen>
In the course selection screen, the course list display area 35 may be one in which a plurality of course icons 34 are displayed lined up in one direction. Therefore, a screen as shown in Fig. 28 may be adopted as the course selection screen. The course selection screen in the above embodiment shown in Fig. 6 etc. is configured on the premise that the display unit 20 is a horizontally long screen, but in this modified example 2 shown in Fig. 28, it is configured on the premise that the display unit 20 is a vertically long screen.

In the course selection screen of this modified example 2 shown in FIG. 28, the left edge of the screen is the header section 21, and the right edge of the screen is the footer section 25. In this case, on the course selection screen, a course list display area 35 is provided to the left of the center of the screen, and a course information display area is provided to the right of the center of the screen. Also, in this case, as the screen is changed from horizontal to vertical, the display mode of each operation key, each icon, etc. is also changed. With this type of course selection screen of this modified example 2, it is possible to achieve the same visibility and operability as the course selection screen described in the above embodiment.

<Variation 1 of the course details screen>
In the course details screen, the layout and display mode of the process display, process conditions, and process condition change keys can be changed as appropriate. Note that, although modified examples of the process display, process condition display, and process condition change key layout and display mode corresponding to the washing process are described here, similar modifications can be made for other processes.

As shown in FIG. 29(a), an addition key 50 and a subtraction key 51, which correspond to the process condition change keys, may be arranged on the left and right sides of the process condition display below the wash icon 46. As shown in FIG. 29(b), the addition key 50 and the subtraction key 51 may be arranged below the wash icon 46, lined up to the left of the process condition display. As shown in FIG. 29(c), the addition key 50 and the subtraction key 51 may be arranged below the wash icon 46, lined up to the right of the process condition display.

As shown in FIG. 29(d), the addition key 50 and the subtraction key 51 may be arranged below the wash icon 46, aligned above the process condition display. As shown in FIG. 29(e), the addition key 50 and the subtraction key 51 may be arranged below the wash icon 46, aligned below the process condition display.

As shown in FIG. 29(f), a condition setting display section 95 may be provided below the wash icon 46 to select a wash time and display the selected wash time. The condition setting display section 95 is configured to allow a desired wash time to be selected from a number of wash times (0 to 30 minutes). In this case, the condition setting display section 95 corresponds to both the process condition display and the process condition change key. As shown in FIG. 29(g), the wash icon 46 and the process condition display may be arranged vertically, and an addition key 50 and a subtraction key 51 may be arranged above and below the wash icon 46 and the process condition display.

<Variation 2 of the Course Details Screen>
The control device 4 may cause at least a part of the journey display on the course details screen to function as an operation key for setting whether or not to carry out the journey corresponding to the journey display, that is, a journey on/off key. Therefore, a screen such as that shown in FIG. 30 can be adopted as the course details screen.

The course details screen of this modified example 2 shown in FIG. 30 differs from the course details screen shown in FIG. 8 in that the process on/off keys 57 and 58 are omitted. In this case, the control device 4 causes the wash icon 46 and the rinse icon 47, which correspond to the process display, to function as process on/off keys for setting whether or not to perform the wash process and the rinse process.

In this way, the user can switch between performing the wash cycle and not performing the wash cycle by operating the wash icon 46, and can switch between performing the rinse cycle and not performing the rinse cycle by operating the rinse icon 47. In this case, the area for displaying the cycle on/off keys 57 and 58 can be used for other displays, further improving visibility.

<Variation 3 of the course details screen>
The course details screen may be configured to allow the user to set the type of operation (strong, weak, finish, etc.) for each step. Thus, a screen such as that shown in Fig. 31 may be used as the course details screen. The course details screen of this modified example 3 shown in Fig. 31 differs from the course details screen shown in Fig. 8 in that strong keys 96, 97 and weak keys 98, 99 are added.

In this case, below the wash icon 46, a strong key 96 and a weak key 98 are located between the subtraction key 51 and the cycle on/off key 57. By operating the strong key 96, the user can set the operation type of the wash cycle to "strong," and by operating the weak key 98, the user can set the operation type of the wash cycle to "weak."

In this case, a strong key 97 and a weak key 99 are located below the rinse icon 47 between the subtraction key 53 and the stroke on/off key 58. The user can set the operation type of the rinse stroke to "strong" by operating the strong key 97, and can set the operation type of the rinse stroke to "weak" by operating the weak key 99.

In this way, the course details screen of this variation 3 allows not only changing the numerical values (time, number of times) of each step, but also switching the type of operation for each step. Therefore, according to this variation 3, the user can perform the driving they want with contents that better match their own preferences.

<Modification 4 of the course details screen>
The control device 4 may cause at least one of the process display and the process condition display on the course details screen to function as an operation key for changing the process conditions, i.e., a process condition change key. Thus, the wash icon 46 and the process condition display corresponding to the wash process may function as a process condition change key for changing the conditions of the wash process.

In this case, when an operation is performed on the wash icon 46 or the process condition display corresponding to the wash process, a wash setting screen for setting the conditions of the wash process shown in FIG. 32 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 32, the wash setting screen is displayed in the same manner as the drying setting screen shown in FIG. 11.

The wash settings screen has icons 100 arranged corresponding to a number of wash finish settings (in this case, weak wash, normal wash, strong wash, low water level, normal water level, and high water level). The user can set the desired conditions for the wash process by operating one of these icons 100 that corresponds to the desired setting. Specifically, the user can set the wash strength and water level on the wash settings screen.

A close key 101 is located on the lower left side of the wash settings screen, and a decision key 102 is located on the lower right side. The close key 101 is an operation key for closing the wash settings screen without reflecting the setting change operation on the wash settings screen. The decision key 102 is an operation key for closing the wash settings screen after reflecting the setting change operation on the wash settings screen.

The rinse icon 47 and the process condition display corresponding to the rinse process may also function as a process condition change key for changing the conditions of the rinse process. In this case, when an operation is performed on the rinse icon 47 or the process condition display corresponding to the rinse process, a rinse setting screen for setting the conditions of the rinse process shown in FIG. 33 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 33, the rinse setting screen is displayed in the same manner as the drying setting screen shown in FIG. 11.

The rinse settings screen has icons 103 arranged corresponding to a number of rinse finish settings (in this case, weak rinse, normal rinse, strong rinse, short rinse time, normal rinse time, long rinse time). The user can set the rinse process conditions as desired by operating one of these icons 103 that corresponds to the desired setting. Specifically, the rinse settings screen allows the user to set the rinse strength and rinse time.

A close key 104 is located at the bottom left of the rinse settings screen, and a decision key 105 is located at the bottom right. The close key 104 is an operation key for closing the rinse settings screen without reflecting the setting change operation on the rinse settings screen. The decision key 105 is an operation key for closing the rinse settings screen after reflecting the setting change operation on the rinse settings screen.

The dehydration icon 48 and the process condition display corresponding to the dehydration process may also function as a process condition change key for changing the conditions of the dehydration process. In this case, when an operation is performed on the dehydration icon 48 or the process condition display corresponding to the dehydration process, a dehydration setting screen for setting the conditions of the dehydration process shown in FIG. 34 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 34, the dehydration setting screen is displayed in the same manner as the drying setting screen shown in FIG. 11.

The spin setting screen has icons 106 arranged corresponding to a number of spin finish settings (in this case, weak spin, normal spin, strong spin, with loosening, and without loosening). The user can set the desired conditions for the spin process by operating one of these icons 106 that corresponds to the desired setting. Specifically, on the spin setting screen, the user can set the strength of the spin and whether or not to perform the loosening operation.

A close key 107 is located at the bottom left of the spin setting screen, and a decision key 108 is located at the bottom right. The close key 107 is an operation key for closing the spin setting screen without reflecting the setting change operation on the spin setting screen. The decision key 108 is an operation key for closing the spin setting screen after reflecting the setting change operation on the spin setting screen.

<Modifications 1 and 2 of the driving screen>
In the driving screen, the area in which the background is displayed in a similar color to the color associated with the process being executed can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, the driving screen can be a screen as shown in Fig. 35 or Fig. 36. The driving screen of this modified example 1 shown in Fig. 35 differs from the driving screen shown in Fig. 18 in that an area 109 is added.

In this case, the vertical dimension of area 86 is reduced, and area 109 is provided in the space created by this reduction, that is, between header section 21 and area 86. In this case, control device 4 displays area 109 with a background color similar to the color associated with the process being carried out.

The driving screen of this modified example 2 shown in FIG. 36 differs from the driving screen shown in FIG. 18 in that area 110 has been added. In this case, the dimensions of area 86 in the vertical and horizontal directions have been reduced, and area 110 is provided in the space saved by the reduction. Specifically, area 110 is provided so as to surround area 86.

In this case, the control device 4 displays the background of the area 110 in a similar color to the color associated with the process being carried out. The driving screens of the first and second variations can achieve the same visibility and operability as the driving screens described in the above embodiment.

Other Embodiments
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and can be modified, combined, or expanded in any manner without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The numerical values and the like shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting.

The present invention is not limited to the washing machine 1, which is a drum-type washer-dryer, but can be applied to any clothing processing device that performs operations to perform a specific process on clothing (washing, drying, deodorization, etc.), such as a vertical axis washing machine, a washer-dryer, or a dryer.

The operation display device is not limited to the operation panel 5 provided on the washing machine 1, and may be, for example, an operation display unit of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal carried by a user who uses the washing machine 1. In this case, the washing machine 1 may be configured to be able to exchange data for display, data showing the operation results of the displayed operation keys, and the like, with the mobile terminal via communication or the like.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

In the drawing, 1 is a washing machine (clothing processing device), 4 is a control device (control unit), 5 is an operation panel (operation display), 20 is a display unit, 21 is a header unit (optional area), 22 is a washing operation icon (operation type icon), 23 is a washing and drying operation icon (operation type icon), 24 is a drying operation icon (operation type icon), 22a, 23a, and 24a are operable areas, 26 is a setting key (operation key), 27 is a lighting on/off key (operation key), 28 is a hot water setting key (operation key), 29 is a reservation setting key (operation key), 30 is a course selection key (operation key), 31 is a start key (operation key), 32 is an area (end area), 34 is a course icon, 35 is a course list display area, and 37 is a course information table display area, 39 is a wash icon (process display), 40 is a rinse icon (process display), 41 is a spin icon (process display), 42 is a dry icon (process display), 43 is a setting change key (operation key), 46 is a wash icon (process display), 47 is a rinse icon (process display), 48 is a spin icon (process display), 49 is a dry icon (process display), 50, 52, 54 are addition keys (process condition change keys), 51, 53, 55 are subtraction keys (process condition change keys), 56 is a process condition display (process condition change key), 57-59 are process on/off keys (operation keys), 61 is a setting clear key (operation key), 85 is a pause key (operation key), 86, 109, 110 are areas (optional areas).

Claims (1)

A clothing processing device that performs an operation to perform a predetermined process on clothing,
an operation display having a display unit that displays various screens including various information related to the driving and operation keys for receiving various operations related to the driving;
a control unit that controls a display on the display unit and performs a predetermined control in response to an operation on the operation keys;
Equipped with
The control unit is
The display unit is configured to display a course information display area in which information about the course selected in response to the operation from among a plurality of courses corresponding to the driving is displayed,
The course information display area displays a course overview that shows an overview of the course, and a course information display area that shows course information of the course.

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