Patent Publication Number: US-7216514-B2

Title: Cloth washer, dish washer-dryer, and control system of the same

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a cloth washer and a dish washer-dryer which perform washing operation, rinsing operation and drying operation according to a special operating program established by correction made on a basic operating program having preprogrammed specifications for washing operation, rinsing operation and drying operation. The invention also relates to a control system for the cloth washer and the dish washer-dryer. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   With reference to  FIG. 21  through  FIG. 23 , description is provided on a conventional washing machine which performs washing operation, rinsing operation and spin-dry operation according to a special operating program established by correction made on a basic operating program having preprogrammed specifications for the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation. 
     FIG. 21  is a vertically sectioned side view depicting a structure of conventional cloth washer  390 ,  FIG. 22  is a circuit block diagram showing the structure of conventional cloth washer  390 , and  FIG. 23  is a front view depicting an exterior of control panel  398  equipped in conventional cloth washer  390 . 
   Cloth washer  390  is provided with enclosure  325  having generally a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Enclosure  325  has water receiving tub  321  of generally a cylindrical shape disposed to the inside thereof. Water receiving tub  321  is suspended on enclosure  325  with suspension rods  324 . Water receiving tub  321  is provided in it with washing-cum-drying basket  322  of generally a cylindrical shape. In the bottom of washing-cum-drying basket  322 , pulsator  323  is attached to a vertically mounted shaft in a freely rotatable manner. 
   Water receiving tub  321  is provided with motor  327  for driving pulsator  323 . Motor  327  consists of a brushless D.C. motor. Power shifting mechanism  326  is arranged between motor  327  and pulsator  323 . Power shifting mechanism  326  decelerates a driving force of motor  327  and transmits it to pulsator  323  during a washing cycle, but transmits the driving force of motor  327  directly in one-to-one ratio to pulsator  323  and washing-cum-drying basket  322  during a spin-dry cycle. 
   Water receiving tub  321  has cover  328  on top of it to constitute a discharge port for water splay. Water supply valve  331  is installed above water receiving tub  321 . Water supply valve  331  is provided for supplying water to washing-cum-drying basket  322 . Drain valve  332  is installed beneath water receiving tub  321 . Drain valve  332  is provided for draining the washing water from water receiving tub  321 . 
   Water receiving tub  321  has connecting port  330  at a lower part of it. Water receiving tub  321  also has water level detector  329 . Water level detector  329  converts a water pressure at connecting port  330  into an electrical frequency for detecting a level of the water inside water receiving tub  321 . 
   Motor  327  is driven by inverter circuit  337 . Inverter circuit  337  has six switching elements  338 A to  338 F. Each of switching elements  338 A to  338 F has a parallel circuit comprising a power transistor and a diode. 
   Cloth washer  390  has power supply  340 . Power supply  340  delivers a voltage to inverter circuit  337  via a D.C. power converter comprised of diode bridge  341 , choke coil  342  and smoothing capacitor  343 . Power supply  340  also supplies the voltage to a pump, which is not shown in the figure, to water supply valve  331 , drain valve  332  and power shifting mechanism  326 . Motor  327  is provided with three position detectors  335 . Each of position detectors  335  detects a rotating position of motor  327 . 
   Cloth washer  390  is provided with control unit  303 . Control unit  303  has rotation controller  334 . Rotation controller  334  controls driving circuit  336  based on the rotating position of motor  327  detected by each of position detectors  335  and the water level in water receiving tub  321  detected by water level detector  329 . Driving circuit  336  drives inverter circuit  337  according to a direction provided by rotation controller  334 . 
   The pump, which is not shown in the figure, water supply valve  331 , drain valve  332  and power shifting mechanism  326  are connected to component drive unit  333 . Component drive unit  333  drives the pump, not shown in the figure, water supply valve  331 , drain valve  332  and power shifting mechanism  326  respectively according to a direction provided by control unit  303 . 
   Cloth washer  390  is provided with control panel  398 . Control panel  398  has operating program selector button  304 J for selecting any one of a plurality of basic operating programs and a special operating program, and a plurality of operating program selection lamps  304 D corresponding respectively to the plurality of basic operating programs and the special operating program. Each of operating program selection lamps  304 D comprises an LED. The basic operating programs include “regular program”, “short program” and “in-home cleaning program”, for instance. The “regular program” represents the most standard operating program, in which a washing time is set for “9 minutes”, a number of rinse cycles for “2 times with supplying water”, and a spin-dry time for “7 minutes”, for example. The “short program” is a basic operating program designed to complete the washing in a hurry, and it has a washing time set for “3 minutes”, a number of rinse cycles for “once with supplying water”, and a spin-dry time for “3 minutes”, for example. The “in-home cleaning program” is another basic operating program designed for the “dry-cleaning” items using the cloth washer for household use, and it has a washing time set for “12 minutes”, a number of rinse cycles for “2 times with impounded water”, and a spin-dry time for “40 seconds”, for example. The “special operating program” is so designed that a washing time for the washing operation, a number of rinse cycles for the rinsing operation, and a spin-dry time for the spin-dry operation can be set arbitrarily. Operating program selection lamp  304 D is provided for each of the “regular program”, the “short program”, the “in-home cleaning program”, and the “special operating program”. These operating program selection lamps  304 D light up alternately from the “regular program”, “short program”, “in-home cleaning program” and “special operating program” in this sequential order, at each time operating program selector button  304 J is pressed. 
   Control panel  398  has input unit  304  for entering a washing time for the washing operation, a number of rinse cycles for the rinsing operation and a spin-dry time for the spin-dry operation, and display section  305  for displaying the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the spin-dry time entered from input unit  304 . Input unit  304  comprises a plurality of buttons for setting the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the spin-dry time respectively. 
   Control panel  398  also has special operating program setting unit  302 . Special operating program setting unit  302  establishes a “special operating program” by correcting the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the spin-dry time as originally preprogrammed for the “regular program”, which represent the most standard operating program, with the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the spin-dry time respectively entered from input unit  304 . 
   In cloth washer  390  constructed as above, when a user selects the “special operating program” by pressing operating program selector button  304 J, display section  305  displays in it the washing time, the number of rinse cycles, and the spin-dry time preprogrammed for the “regular program”, which is the most standard operating program. The user then enters a desired washing time, a number of rinse cycles and a spin-dry time by pressing individual buttons comprising input unit  304  while referring to the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the spin-dry time of the “regular program” displayed in display section  305 , in an effort to make corrections for the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the spin-dry time of the “regular program”. 
   Next, special operating program setting unit  302  establishes the special operating program by correcting the originally preprogrammed washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the spin-dry time for the “regular program”, according to the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the spin-dry time as desired and entered therein by the user. 
   Thereafter, control unit  303  controls driving circuit  336  and component drive unit  333  in a manner to carry out the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation according to the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the spin-dry time set by special operating program setting unit  302 . 
   The structure described above and relevant techniques are disclosed in Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication, No. 2002-119788. 
   In the above-described structure of the conventional cloth washer  390 , the user establishes the special operating program while referring to the washing time of “9 minutes”, the number of rinse cycles of “2 times with supplying water” and the spin-dry time of “7 minutes” preprogrammed for the “regular program” representing the most standard operating program. Therefore, even when the user desires to establish the special operating program by making minor changes, for example, on the “short program” representing the basic operating program designed to complete the washing in a hurry, and consisting of the washing time for “3 minutes”, the number of rinse cycles for “once with supplying water” and the spin-dry time for “3 minutes”, all the user can refer is the “regular program” providing “9 minutes” of the washing time, “2 times with supplying water” for the number of rinse cycles and “3 minutes” of the spin-dry time, when setting user&#39;s desired washing time, number of rinse cycles and spin-dry time. In this instance, it is difficult for the user to know how the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the spin-dry time are best set for the purpose. Accordingly, it has a problem that the user is required to review every detail of operation of the special operating program from the ground up and to determine the desired washing time, number of rinse cycles and spin-dry time before setting them. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A cloth washer comprises selector means for selecting one of basic operating programs, special operating program setting means for establishing a special operating program by correcting at least one of specifications of washing operation, rinsing operation and spin-dry operation preprogrammed for the selected one of the basic operating programs, and control means for controlling the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation according to the special operating program. 
   A control system comprises a cloth washer and a first terminal for controlling the cloth washer, 
   wherein the first terminal has selector means for selecting one of basic operating programs to be performed by the cloth washer, special operating program setting means for establishing a special operating program by correcting at least one of specifications of washing operation, rinsing operation and spin-dry operation preprogrammed for the selected one of the basic operating programs, and transmitter means for transmitting information that represents specifications of the special operating program, and
 
further wherein the cloth washer has receiver means for receiving the information representing the specifications of the special operating program transmitted by the transmitter means, and control means for controlling the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation according to the information representing the specifications of the special operating program.
 
   A dish washer-dryer comprises selector means for selecting one of basic operating programs, special operating program setting means for establishing a special operating program by correcting at least one of specifications of washing operation, rinsing operation and drying operation preprogrammed for the selected one of the basic operating programs, and control means for controlling the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the drying operation according to the special operating program. 
   Another control system comprises a dish washer-dryer and a second terminal for controlling the dish washer-dryer, wherein the second terminal has selector means for selecting one of basic operating programs, special operating program setting means for establishing a special operating program by correcting at least one of specifications of washing operation, rinsing operation and drying operation preprogrammed for the selected one of the basic operating programs, and transmitter means for transmitting information that represents specifications of the special operating program, and further wherein the dish washer-dryer has receiver means for receiving the information representing the specifications of the special operating program transmitted by the transmitter means provided in the second terminal, and control means for controlling the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the drying operation according to the information representing the specifications of the special operating program received by the receiver means. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view depicting an exterior of a cloth washer according to a first exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 2  is a sectioned side view depicting a structure of the cloth washer according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 3  is a circuit block diagram depicting the structure of the cloth washer according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 4A  is a front view of a control panel provided in the cloth washer according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 4B  is another view of the control panel provided in the cloth washer of the first exemplary embodiment, illustrating a procedure of selecting one of a plurality of basic operating programs. 
       FIG. 4C  is still another view of the control panel provided in the cloth washer of the first exemplary embodiment, illustrating a procedure of correcting specifications of washing operation, rinsing operation and spin-dry operation preprogrammed for the selected one of the basic operating programs. 
       FIG. 5  is a table detailing specifications of washing operations, rinsing operations and spin-dry operations preprogrammed individually for a plurality of basic operating programs of the cloth washer according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating an operation of the cloth washer according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view depicting an exterior of a cloth washer according to a second exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 8  is a front view showing an exterior of a control panel provided in the cloth washer according to the second exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating an operation of the cloth washer according to the second exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view depicting an exterior of a control system according to a third exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 11  is a circuit block diagram depicting a structure of the control system according to the third exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 12A  is a front view illustrating a control panel provided in a terminal according to the third exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 12B  is another view of the control panel provided in the terminal of the third exemplary embodiment, illustrating a procedure of selecting one of a plurality of basic operating programs. 
       FIG. 12C  is still another view of the control panel provided in the terminal of the third exemplary embodiment, illustrating a procedure of correcting specifications of washing operation, rinsing operation and spin-dry operation preprogrammed for the selected one of the basic operating programs. 
       FIG. 13  is a flow chart illustrating an operation of the control system according to the third exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 14  is a flow chart illustrating another operation of the control system according to the third exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 15  is a front view depicting an exterior of a control system according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 16  is a circuit block diagram depicting a structure of the control system according to the fourth exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 17A  is a front view illustrating a control panel provided in a terminal according to the fourth exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 17B  is another view of the control panel provided in the terminal of the fourth exemplary embodiment, illustrating a procedure of selecting one of a plurality of basic operating programs. 
       FIG. 17C  still another view of the control panel provided in the terminal of the fourth exemplary embodiment, illustrating a procedure of correcting specifications of washing operation, rinsing operation and drying operation preprogrammed for the selected one of the basic operating programs. 
       FIG. 18  is a front view illustrating a control panel provided in a dish washer-dryer according to the fourth exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 19  is a flow chart illustrating an operation of the control system according to the fourth exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 20  is another flow chart illustrating an operation of the dish washer-dryer constituting the control system according to the fourth exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 21  is a sectioned side view depicting a structure of a cloth washer of the prior art. 
       FIG. 22  is a circuit block diagram depicting the structure of the cloth washer of the prior art. 
       FIG. 23  is a front view depicting a control panel provided in the cloth washer of the prior art. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
   The present invention addresses the above described problems of the prior art, and an object of the invention is to provide a cloth washer, a dish washer-dryer and a control system that facilitate setting of a special operation program. 
   Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
   (First Exemplary Embodiment) 
     FIG. 1  is a perspective view depicting an exterior of cloth washer  110  according to the first exemplary embodiment,  FIG. 2  is a sectioned side view depicting a structure of cloth washer  110 , and  FIG. 3  is a circuit block diagram depicting the structure of cloth washer  110 . 
   Cloth washer  110  is provided with enclosure  25  having generally a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Enclosure  25  has water receiving tub  21  of generally a cylindrical shape disposed to the inside thereof. 
   Water receiving tub  21  is suspended on enclosure  25  with suspension rods  24 . Water receiving tub  21  is provided in it with washing-cum-drying basket  22  of generally a cylindrical shape. In the bottom of washing-cum-drying basket  22 , pulsator  23  is attached to a vertically mounted shaft in a freely rotatable manner. Water receiving tub  21  houses motor  27  for driving pulsator  23 . Motor  27  is comprised of a brushless D.C. motor. Power shifting mechanism  26  is arranged between motor  27  and pulsator  23 . Power shifting mechanism  26  decelerates a driving force of motor  27  and transmits it to pulsator  23  during a washing cycle, but transmits the driving force of motor  27  directly in one-to-one ratio to pulsator  23  and washing-cum-drying basket  22  during a spin-dry cycle. 
   Water receiving tub  21  has cover  28  on top of it to constitute a discharge port for water splay. Water supply valve  31  is installed above water receiving tub  21 . Water supply valve  31  is provided for supplying water to washing-cum-drying basket  22 . Drain valve  32  is mounted beneath water receiving tub  21 . Drain valve  32  is provided for draining the washing water from water receiving tub  21 . 
   Water receiving tub  21  has connecting port  30  at a lower part of it. Water receiving tub  21  also has water level detector  29 . Water level detector  29  converts a water pressure at connecting port  30  into an electrical frequency for detecting a level of water inside water receiving tub  21 . 
   Motor  27  is driven by inverter circuit  37 . Inverter circuit  37  has six switching elements  38 A to  38 F. Each of switching elements  38 A to  38 F has a parallel circuit comprising a power transistor and a diode. 
   Cloth washer  110  has power supply  40 . Power supply  40  supplies a voltage to inverter circuit  37  via a D.C. power converter comprised of diode bridge  41 , choke coil  42  and smoothing capacitor  43 . Power supply  40  also supplies the voltage to a pump, which is not shown in the figure, water supply valve  31 , drain valve  32  and power shifting mechanism  26 . Motor  27  is provided with three position detectors  35 . Each of position detectors  35  detects a rotating position of motor  27 . 
   Cloth washer  110  is provided with control unit  3 . Control unit  3  has rotation controller  34 . Rotation controller  34  controls driving circuit  36  based on the rotating position of motor  27  detected by each of position detectors  35  and the water level in water receiving tub  21  detected by water level detector  29 . Driving circuit  36  drives inverter circuit  37  according to a direction provided by rotation controller  34 . 
   The pump, which is not shown in the figure, water supply valve  31 ., drain valve  32  and power shifting mechanism  26  are connected to component drive unit  33 . Component drive unit  33  drives the pump, not shown in the figure, water supply valve  31 , drain valve  32  and power shifting mechanism  26  respectively according to a direction provided by control unit  3 . 
   Cloth washer  110  is provided with control panel  8 .  FIG. 4A  is a front view of control panel  8  disposed to the cloth washer of the first exemplary embodiment. Control panel  8  has display unit  5  as is referred to in  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 3 . Display unit  5  is composed of a liquid crystal display. Display unit  5  displays some of a plurality of basic operating programs as well as a special operating program. In an example depicted in  FIG. 4A , the plurality of basic operating programs are “regular program”, “in-home cleaning program” and “heavy duty program”, and the special operating program is “family original program”. In the “family original program”, a washing time for washing operation, a number of rinse cycles for rinsing operation, and a spin-dry time for spin-dry operation can be set arbitrarily in a way suitable for individual family. 
     FIG. 5  is a table detailing specifications of washing operations, rinsing operations and spin-dry operations preprogrammed individually for the plurality of basic operating programs. There are 8 kinds of the basic operating programs provided for cloth washer  110 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , and specifications preprogrammed for each of the basic operating programs include a washing time for the washing operation, a number of rinse cycles for the rinsing operation, a spin-dry time for the spin-dry operation, a strength of swirling water in the washing and rinsing operations, and a spinning speed for the spin-dry operation. 
   In the example shown in  FIG. 5 , the “regular program” representing the most standard operating program includes specifications in which a washing time is set for 9 minutes, a number of rinse cycles for 2 times with supplying water, a spin-dry time for 7 minutes, swirling water to a standard level, and spin-dry rotation to a high speed. In a “soak-wash program” for washing by soaking out clothes, the washing time is set for 59 minutes, the number of rinse cycles for 2 times with supplying water, the spin-dry time for 7 minutes, the swirling water to a standard level, and spin-dry rotation to a high speed. In a “detergent saving program” for washing with ½ an amount of detergent, the washing time is set for 9 minutes, the number of rinse cycles for 2 times with impounded water, the spin-dry time for 7 minutes, the swirling water to a standard level, and the spin-dry rotation to a high speed. In a “heavy-duty program” for washing clothes roughly, the washing time is set for 12 minutes, the number of rinse cycles for 2 times with impounded water, the spin-dry time for 7 minutes, the swirling water to a strong level, and the spin-dry rotation to a high speed. 
   In a “short program” for completing the washing in a hurry, the washing time is set for 3 minutes, the number of rinse cycles for once with supplying water, the spin-dry time for 3 minutes, the swirling water to a standard level, and the spin-dry rotation to a high speed. In a “shirt washing program” for washing shirts, the washing time is set for 6 minutes, the number of rinse cycles for once with supplying water, the spin-dry time for 12 minutes, the swirling water to a standard level, and the spin-dry rotation to a high speed. In an “in-home cleaning program” for washing domestically such clothes that are recommended for dry cleaning, the washing time is set for 12 minutes, the number of rinse cycles for 2 times with impounded water, the spin-dry time for 40 seconds, the swirling water to a weak level, and the spin-dry rotation to a low speed. In a “blanket washing program” for washing blankets, the washing time is set for 15 minutes, the number of rinse cycles for 2 times with supplying water, the spin-dry time for 7 minutes, the swirling water to a weak level, and the spin-dry rotation to a high speed. 
   Referring back to  FIG. 4A  again, control panel  8  is provided with a touch-sensitive panel over display unit  5 . The user can select any of the “regular program”, the “family original program”, the “in-home cleaning program” and the “heavy-duty program” displayed in display unit  5  by simply touching the touch-sensitive panel. 
   Cloth washer  110  constructed as above operates in a manner which is described hereinafter.  FIG. 4B  is a front view of control panel  8  disposed to cloth washer  110 , for the purpose of illustrating a procedure of selecting one of a plurality of the basic operating programs.  FIG. 4C  is another view of control panel  8  provided for the purpose of illustrating a procedure of correcting specifications of the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation preprogrammed for any of the basic operating programs selected through control panel  8 .  FIG. 6  is a flow chart detailing an operation of cloth washer  110  according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
   First, when the user presses a power button provided on control panel  8 , display unit  5  displays a menu for selection of the operating programs of cloth washer  110 . In an example shown in  FIG. 4A , there are displayed the “regular program”, the “family original program”, the “in-home cleaning program” and the “heavy-duty program”. Among those, the “regular program”, the “in-home cleaning program” and the “heavy-duty program” are the basic operating programs, and the “family original program” is the special operating program. This screen shows an initial standby state (Step S 1 ). 
   When the user selects the “family original program” by touching the touch-sensitive panel disposed to display unit  5  (Step S 2 ), display unit  5  displays at least some of the plurality of basic operating programs, in which specifications for the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation are preprogrammed individually, as basic programs to aid the user in establishing the “family original program”. The “regular program”, the “in-home cleaning program”, the “heavy-duty program” and the “short program” are displayed in the example shown in  FIG. 4B . 
   Next, when the user touches the touch-sensitive panel disposed to display unit  5  to choose any of the “regular program”, the “in-home cleaning program”, the “heavy-duty program” and the “short program”, selector unit  1  selects one of the basic operating programs displayed in an area where the user touches, as the basic program (Step S 3 ). Subsequently, display unit  5  displays a washing time, a number of rinse cycles and a spin-dry time preprogrammed for the basic operating program selected by selector unit  1 . In this embodiment here, description will be provided of an instance in which the “short program” is selected as the basic program. 
   Special operating program setting unit  2  judges whether or not a change is made on any of the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the spin-dry time preprogrammed for the basic operating program selected by selector unit  1  (Step S 4 ). If there is a change on the washing time, special operating program setting unit  2  corrects the washing time preprogrammed for the “short program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed washing time (Step S 5 ). The example shown in  FIG. 4C  indicates that the user has made a correction on the “3 minutes” of washing time preprogrammed for the “short program” to “4 minutes” by touching the touch-sensitive panel disposed to display unit  5 . 
   When the number of rinse cycles is changed, special operating program setting unit  2  corrects the number of rinse cycles preprogrammed for the “short program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed number of rinse cycles (Step S 6 ). The example shown in  FIG. 4C  indicates that the user has made a correction on the “once with supplying water” in number of rinse cycles preprogrammed for the “short program” to “2 times with supplying water” by touching the touch-sensitive panel disposed to display unit  5 . 
   When the spin-dry time is changed, special operating program setting unit  2  corrects the spin-dry time preprogrammed for the “short program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed spin-dry time (Step S 7 ). The example shown in  FIG. 4C  indicates that the user has made a correction on the “3 minutes” of spin-dry time preprogrammed for the “short program” to “4 minutes” by touching the touch-sensitive panel disposed to display unit  5 . 
   Next, when the user presses a start switch provided on control panel  8  (Step S 8 ), special operating program setting unit  2  establishes the special operating program as the “family original program” by taking in the corrected specifications of the “short program” as the basic program. Control unit  3  thus controls driving circuit  36  and component drive unit  33  in a manner to carry out the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation according to the specifications of the special operating program established by special operating program setting unit  2 . This status is now in the state of sequential operation (Step S 9 ). 
   According to the first exemplary embodiment, as described above, the special operating program is established in the manner that selector unit  1  selects one of the plurality of basic operating programs, in which specifications for the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation are preprogrammed individually, followed by correction of at least one of programmed specifications of the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation preprogrammed for one of the plurality of basic operating programs selected by selector unit  1 . Accordingly, the user can choose a basic program among the plurality of basic operating programs for use as the basis of establishing the special operating program. As a result, it allows the user to set easily the desired operating specifications as the special operating program. 
   If the user desires to establish a special operating program by making some changes on the “short program”, for instance, the user can set the desired washing time, number of rinse cycles and spin-dry time while referring to the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the spin-dry time preprogrammed for the “short program”. 
   Although what has been described above is an example in which the “short program” is selected as the basic program for establishing the “family original program”, this invention is not limited to the above example. The selection can be made for any of the other basic operating programs displayed in display unit  5  as the basic program. When the user desires to establish the special operating program by making some changes on the “in-home cleaning program”, for instance, the user can select the “in-home cleaning program” as the basic program. Or, the user can select the “regular program” as the basic program, when the user desires to establish the special operating program by making some changes on the “regular program”. 
   Moreover, although the above example shows only four kinds of the basic operating programs as the basic programs to be displayed in display unit  5  out of the eight available kinds, the invention is not limited to this example. Alternatively, all of the eight kinds of basic operating programs may be displayed for selection as the basic program. 
   In addition, although the above embodiment is an example in which the correction is made on at least one of the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the spin-dry time, this structure may be altered so that at least one of strength of the swirling water and the speed of the spin-dry rotation is also made correctable. 
   Furthermore,  FIG. 4C  shows an example in which the washing time is selectable among four different durations, i.e. “5 minutes”, “4 minutes”, “3 minutes” and “2 minutes”, however, the invention is not limited only to these time durations. Instead, the invention may be so embodied that the time is set for any duration between “0 minutes” and “29 minutes” in increments of 1 minute, for instance. 
   Moreover, although the above embodiment is an example in which the special operating program is established by making a correction on at least one of the specifications for the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation, this invention is not restrictive. The structure may be altered so that the special operating program is established by making a correction on at least one of the specifications for the washing operation, the rinsing operation, the spin-dry operation and a drying operation. Thus, the present invention can be adapted to a cloth washer having a drying function. 
   (Second Exemplary Embodiment) 
     FIG. 7  is a perspective view depicting an exterior of cloth washer  110 A according to the second exemplary embodiment, and  FIG. 8  is a front view showing control panel  8 A provided on cloth washer  110 A. Like reference numerals are used to designate like structural components as those of cloth washer  110  described in the above first exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, detailed explanation of these components will be skipped. Cloth washer  110 A differs from the above-described cloth washer  110  in respect that it is provided with control panel  8 A in place of control panel  8 . 
   Control panel  8 A is provided with eight basic operating program selector buttons  4 D for selecting each of eight corresponding kinds of basic operating programs. The basic operating programs include “regular program”, “soak-wash program”, “detergent saving program”, “heavy-duty program”, “short program”, “shirt washing program”, in-home cleaning program and “blanket washing program”. 
   Control panel  8 A is provided with special operating program selector button  4 J for selecting a “special operating program”. Control panel  8 A also has input unit  4  for entering a washing time for washing operation, a number of rinse cycles for rinsing operation, and a spin-dry time for spin-dry operation, and display unit  5  for displaying the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the spin-dry time entered from input unit  4 . 
   Cloth washer  110 A constructed as above operates in a manner which is described hereinafter.  FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating an operation of cloth washer  110 A. First, when a user presses a power “on” switch provided on control panel  8 A, it turns into an initial standby state (Step S 1 ). 
   When the user presses special operating program selector button  4 J to select the “special operating program” (or, a family original program) (Step S 12 ), a plurality of basic operating program selector buttons  4 D out of those eight buttons  4 D light up in blue color, indicating that they are the basic operating programs available for selection and for use as a basic program in establishing the special operating program. For example, four basic operating program selector buttons  4 D representing the “regular program”, the “in-home cleaning program”, the “heavy-duty program” and the “short program” light up in blue. In other words, those of basic operating program selector buttons  4 D that light up in blue correspond to the programs which can be used for setting as the basic program (Step S 13 ). 
   Next, when the user presses any of the blue-lit basic operating program selector buttons  4 D for the “regular program”, the “in-home cleaning program”, the “heavy-duty program” and the “short program”, selector unit  1  selects one of the basic operating programs represented by basic operating program selector button  4 D pressed by the user as a basic program. Display unit  5  then displays a washing time, a number of rinse cycles and a spin-dry time preprogrammed for the basic operating program selected by selector unit  1 . Description will be provided in this embodiment on an example in which the “short program” is selected as the basic program (Step S 14 ). 
   Special operating program setting unit  2  judges whether or not a change is made on any of the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the spin-dry time preprogrammed for the basic operating program selected by selector unit  1 , as the user inputs information for the change through input unit  4  (Step S 15 ). If there is a change on the washing time, special operating program setting unit  2  corrects the washing time preprogrammed for the “short program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed washing time (Step S 16 ). When the number of rinse cycles is changed, special operating program setting unit  2  corrects the number of rinse cycles preprogrammed for the “short program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed number of rinse cycles (Step S 17 ). When the spin-dry time is changed, special operating program setting unit  2  corrects the spin-dry time preprogrammed for the “short program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed spin-dry time (Step S 18 ). 
   Next, when the user presses start switch  9  provided on control panel  8 A (Step S 19 ), special operating program setting unit  2  establishes the special operating program (i.e. “family original program”) by taking in the corrected specifications of the “short program” as the basic program. Control unit  3  thus controls driving circuit  36  and component drive unit  33  in a manner to carry out the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation according to the specifications of the special operating program established by special operating program setting unit  2 . The status is now in the state of sequential operation (Step S 20 ). 
   According to the second exemplary embodiment, as described above, the special operating program is established in the same manner as the first exemplary embodiment, that selector unit  1  selects one of the plurality of basic operating programs, in which specifications for the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation are preprogrammed individually, followed by correction of at least one of the specifications of the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation preprogrammed for one of the plurality of basic operating programs selected by selector unit  1 . Accordingly, the user can choose a basic program among the plurality of basic operating programs for use as the basis of establishing the special operating program. As a result, it allows the user to set easily the desired operating specifications as the special operating program. 
   Alternatively, control panel  8 A may be provided with a plurality of operating program selection lamps and an operating program selector button so that the operating program selection lamps light up one after another in a sequential order at each time the operating program selector button is pressed. This allows the user to make selection of any of the operating programs and the basic program by simply pressing the operating program selector button. 
   (Third Exemplary Embodiment) 
     FIG. 10  is a perspective view depicting an exterior of control system  100  according to the third exemplary embodiment, and  FIG. 11  is a circuit block diagram depicting a structure of control system  100 . Like reference numerals are used to designate like structural components as those of cloth washer  110  described in the first exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, detailed explanation of these components will be skipped. 
   Control system  100  is provided with cloth washer  110 B and terminal  120  for controlling cloth washer  110 B. Terminal  120  and cloth washer  110 B are connected via a network using wireless communications. Terminal  120  is provided with control panel  8 B. 
     FIG. 12A  is a front view illustrating control panel  8 B provided on terminal  120 . Control panel  8 B has selector unit  1  as is referred to in  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12A . Selector unit  1  selects one of a plurality of basic operating programs in which specifications for washing operation, rinsing operation and spin-dry operation to be performed by cloth washer  110 B are preprogrammed. 
   Control panel  8 B is provided with special operating program setting unit  2 . Special operating program setting unit  2  establishes a special operating program by correcting at least one of the specifications of the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation that are preprogrammed for the one of the plurality of basic operating programs selected by selector unit  1 . 
   Terminal  120  is provided with transmitter unit  6 . Transmitter unit  6  transmits information containing the specifications of the special operating program established by special operating program setting unit  2  via the wireless network. 
   Terminal  120  is also provided with a power supply for supplying electric power to control panel  8 B and transmitter unit  6 . The power supply may be comprised of a battery. 
   Control panel  8 B has input unit  4 . Input unit  4  accepts entry of selection information for selecting one of the plurality of basic operating programs and correction information for correcting at least one of the specifications of the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation preprogrammed for the selected one of the plurality of basic operating programs. 
   Control panel  8 B is also provided with display unit  5 A. Display unit  5 A displays the specifications of the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation preprogrammed for the one of the plurality of basic operating programs selected by selector unit  1 , and the correction information entered through input unit  4 . Input unit  4  comprises a touch-sensitive panel, and it is formed in a manner to cover display unit  5 A. 
   Cloth washer  110 B has receiver unit  7 . Receiver unit  7  receives the information containing the specifications of the special operating program transmitted by transmitter unit  6  provided in terminal  120 . 
   Cloth washer  110 B also has control unit  3 . Control unit  3  is provided for carrying out the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation according to the information representing the specifications of the special operating program received by receiver unit  7 . 
   Control system  100  constructed as above operates in a manner which is described hereinafter.  FIG. 12B  is a front view of control panel  8 B provided in terminal  120 , illustrating a procedure of selecting one of the plurality of basic operating programs, and  FIG. 12C  is another front view of control panel  8 B, illustrating a procedure of correcting the specifications of the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation preprogrammed for the selected one of the basic operating programs.  FIG. 13  is a flow chart showing an operation of control system  100 . 
   First, when a user presses a power button provided on control panel  8 B of terminal  120 , display unit  5 A provided on control panel  8 B displays a menu for selection of the operating programs. In an example shown in  FIG. 12A , there are displayed a “regular program”, a “family original program”, an “in-home cleaning program” and a “heavy-duty program”. Among those, the “regular program”, the “in-home cleaning program” and the “heavy-duty program” are basic operating programs, and the “family original program” is a special operating program. This screen shows an initial standby state (Step S 31 ). Cloth washer  110 B also turns into a standby state when the user presses another power button provided on cloth washer  110 B (Step S 42 ). 
   When the user selects the “family original program” by touching the touch-sensitive panel disposed to display unit  5 A on control panel  8 B (Step S 32 ), display unit  5 A displays at least some of the plurality of basic operating programs, in which specifications for the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation are preprogrammed individually, as the basic programs to aid the user in establishing the “family original program”. The “regular program”, the “in-home cleaning program”, the “heavy-duty program” and the “short program” are displayed in the example shown in  FIG. 12B . 
   Next, transmitter unit  6  provided in terminal  120  transmits a information representing the selected “family original program” to receiver unit  7  provided in cloth washer  110 B through the wireless network. In other words, terminal  120  transmits a program data (Step S 33 ). Receiver unit  7  then receives the information representing the “family original program” transmitted from transmitter unit  6 . That is, the control unit in cloth washer  110 B receives the program data (Step S 43 ). 
   Transmitter unit  6  provided in terminal  120  and receiver unit  7  provided in cloth washer  110 B communicate the information according to the ECHONET Standard. The ECHONET Standard is a standard used to link household electric appliances through the network, and it helps configure universal open system that facilitates connections of the household electric appliances to the network and controls them easily especially in existing houses. 
   Next, when the user touches the touch-sensitive panel disposed to display unit  5 A on terminal  120  to choose any of the “regular program”, the “in-home cleaning program”, the “heavy-duty program” and the “short program”, selector unit  1  provided in control panel  8 B selects one of the basic operating programs displayed in an area where the user touches, as the basic program (Step S 34 ). Subsequently, display unit  5 A displays a washing time, a number of rinse cycles and a spin-dry time preprogrammed for the basic operating program selected by selector unit  1 . In this embodiment here, description will be provided of an instance in which the “short program” is selected as the basic program. 
   Transmitter unit  6  provided in terminal  120  transmits a information representing the “short program” selected by selector unit  1  as the basic program to receiver unit  7  provided in cloth washer  110 B through the wireless network. In other words, transmitter unit  6  transmits a basic program data (Step S 35 ). Receiver unit  7  then receives the information representing the “short program” transmitted from transmitter unit  6 . That is, receiver unit  7  receives the basic program data (Step S 44 ). 
   Special operating program setting unit  2  provided in control panel  8 B judges whether or not a change is made on any of the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the spin-dry time preprogrammed for the basic operating program selected by selector unit  1  (Step S 36 ). If there is a change on the washing time, special operating program setting unit  2  corrects the washing time preprogrammed for the “short program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed washing time. The example shown in  FIG. 12C  indicates that the user has made a change on the “3 minutes” of washing time preprogrammed for the “short program” to “4 minutes” by touching the touch-sensitive panel disposed to display unit  5 A. 
   When the number of rinse cycles is changed, special operating program setting unit  2  corrects the number of rinse cycles preprogrammed for the “short program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed number of rinse cycles. The example shown in  FIG. 12C  indicates that the user has made a change on the “once with supplying water” in number of rinse cycles preprogrammed for the “short program” to “2 times with supplying water” by touching the touch-sensitive panel disposed to display unit  5 A. 
   When the spin-dry time is changed, special operating program setting unit  2  corrects the spin-dry time preprogrammed for the “short program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed spin-dry time. The example shown in  FIG. 12C  indicates that the user has made a change on the “3 minutes” of spin-dry time preprogrammed for the “short program” to “4 minutes” by touching the touch-sensitive panel disposed to display unit  5 A (Step S 37 ). 
   Next, special operating program setting unit  2  sets the corrected specifications of the “short program” or the basic program, as the special operating program (i.e. the “family original program”). Thereafter, transmitter unit  6  provided in terminal  120  transmits a information representing the specifications of the special operating program (the “family original program”) established by special operating program setting unit  2  to receiver unit  7  provided in cloth washer  110 B through the wireless network. In other words, transmitter unit  6  transmits a setting data (Step S 38 ). Receiver unit  7  then receives the information representing the specifications of the special operating program (the “family original program”) transmitted from transmitter unit  6 . That is, receiver unit  7  receives the setting data (Step S 45 ). 
   Next, when the user presses start switch  9  provided in control panel  8 A (Step S 39 ), transmitter unit  6  provided in terminal  120  transmits a information indicating that start switch  9  is pressed to receiver unit  7  provided in cloth washer  110 B through the wireless network. In other words, transmitter unit  6  transmits a start data (Step S 40 ). Receiver unit  7  then receives the information indicating that start switch  9  is pressed, which is transmitted from transmitter unit  6 . That is, receiver unit  7  receives the start data (Step S 46 ). 
   Control unit  3  provided in cloth washer  110 B thus controls driving circuit  36  and component drive unit  33  in a manner to carry out the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation according to the information representing the specifications of the special operating program received by receiver unit  7  in the step S 45 . This status is now in the state of sequential operation (Step S 47 ). Display unit  5 A provided on terminal  120  displays information showing that cloth washer  110 B is in operation (Step S 41 ). 
   According to the third exemplary embodiment, as described above, selector unit  1  provided in terminal  120  selects one of the plurality of basic operating programs, in which specifications for the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation are preprogrammed individually. The special operating program is thus established by correcting at least one of the specifications of the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation preprogrammed for the one selected by selector unit  1  among the plurality of basic operating programs. Accordingly, the user can choose a basic operating program among the plurality of basic operating programs for use as the basis of establishing the special operating program. As a result, it allows the user to set easily the desired operating specifications as the special operating program. In this embodiment, cloth washer  110 B does not have to be provided with control panel  8 A. 
     FIG. 14  is a flow chart showing another operation of control system  100  according to the third exemplary embodiment. Like reference marks are used to designate like procedural steps as those of the flow chart shown in  FIG. 13 . Accordingly, detailed explanation of these steps will be skipped. The flow chart in  FIG. 14  differs from that shown in  FIG. 13  in respect that transmitter unit  6  transmits to receiver unit  7  all kinds of data at once immediately after the step S 39  when the user presses start switch  9  provided in control panel  8 B of terminal  120 . That is, transmitter unit  6  transmits all the data for program setting (Step S 51 ). 
   First, when the user presses a start button  9  provided on control panel  8 B of terminal  120 , display unit  5 A provided on control panel  8 B displays a menu for selection of the operating programs. In an example shown in  FIG. 12A , there are displayed the “regular program”, the “family original program”, the “in-home cleaning program” and the “heavy-duty program”. Among those, the “regular program”, the “in-home cleaning program” and the “heavy-duty program” are the basic operating programs, and the “family original program” is the special operating program (Step S 31 ). Cloth washer  110 B turns into a standby state when the user presses the power button provided on cloth washer  110 B (Step S 42 ). 
   When the user selects the “family original program” by touching the touch-sensitive panel disposed over display unit  5 A on control panel  8 B (Step S 32 ), display unit  5 A displays at least some of the plurality of basic operating programs, in which specifications for the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation are preprogrammed individually, as basic programs to aid the user in establishing the “family original program”. In the example shown in  FIG. 12B , the “regular program”, the “in-home cleaning program”, the “heavy-duty program” and the “short program” are displayed as the basic programs. 
   Next, when the user touches the touch-sensitive panel disposed to display unit  5 A on terminal  120  to choose any of the “regular program”, the “in-home cleaning program”, the “heavy-duty program” and the “short program”, selector unit  1  provided in control panel  8 B selects one of the basic operating programs displayed in an area where the user touches, as the basic program (Step S 34 ). Subsequently, display unit  5 A displays a washing time, a number of rinse cycles and a spin-dry time preprogrammed for the basic operating program selected by selector unit  1  as the basic program. In this embodiment here, description will be provided of an instance in which the “short program” is selected as the basic program. 
   Special operating program setting unit  2  provided in control panel  8 B judges whether or not a change is made on any of the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the spin-dry time preprogrammed for the basic operating program selected by selector unit  1  as the basic program (Step S 36 ). If there is a change on the washing time, special operating program setting unit  2  corrects the washing time preprogrammed for the “short program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed washing time. The example shown in  FIG. 12C  indicates that the user has made a change on the “3 minutes” of washing time preprogrammed for the “short program” to “4 minutes” by touching the touch-sensitive panel disposed to display unit  5 A. 
   When the number of rinse cycles is changed, special operating program setting unit  2  corrects the number of rinse cycles preprogrammed for the “short program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed number of rinse cycles. The example shown in  FIG. 12C  indicates that the user has made a change on the “once with supplying water” in number of rinse cycles preprogrammed for the “short program” to “2 times with supplying water” by touching the touch-sensitive panel disposed to display unit  5 A. 
   When the spin-dry time is changed, special operating program setting unit  2  corrects the spin-dry time preprogrammed for the “short program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed spin-dry time. The example shown in  FIG. 12C  indicates that the user has made a change on the “3 minutes” of spin-dry time preprogrammed for the “short program” to “4 minutes” by touching the touch-sensitive panel disposed to display unit  5 A (Step S 37 ). 
   Next, when start switch  9  provided on control panel  8 B is pressed (Step S 39 ), transmitter unit  6  provided in terminal  120  transmits a information representing the selected “family original program”, another information representing the “short program” selected by selector unit  1  as the basic program, and also another information representing the specifications of the special operating program (the “family original program”) established by special operating program setting unit  2 , to receiver unit  7  provided in cloth washer  110 B via the wireless network. In other words, transmitter unit  6  transmits all the data for program setting (Step S 51 ). Receiver unit  7  then receives the information transmitted from transmitter unit  6 . That is, receiver unit  7  receives all the data for program setting (Step S 52 ). 
   When the user presses the start switch provided on cloth washer  110 B (Step S 53 ), control unit  3  provided in cloth washer  110 B controls driving circuit  36  and component drive unit  33  in a manner to carry out the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation according to the information received by receiver unit  7  in the step S 52 . This status is now in the state of sequential operation (Step S 47 ). Display unit  5 A provided on terminal  120  displays information showing that cloth washer  110 B is in operation (Step S 41 ). 
   The invention may be embodied into such a structure that the cloth washer begins operating when the start switch on the terminal side is pressed, or when another start switch on the cloth washer side is pressed. 
   Although the embodiment discussed above is an example in which terminal  120  and cloth washer  110 B are connected via the wireless network, they may be connected via infrared rays or the Bluetooth communications. 
   (Fourth Exemplary Embodiment) 
     FIG. 15  is a front view depicting an exterior of control system  200  according to the fourth exemplary embodiment, and  FIG. 16  is a circuit block diagram showing a structure of control system  200 . Control system  200  comprises dish washer-dryer  210  and terminal  220  for controlling dish washer-dryer  210 . Terminal  220  and dish washer-dryer  210  are connected with each other via a network using wireless communications. 
   Terminal  220  is provided with control panel  8 D.  FIG. 17A  is a front view illustrating control panel  8 D. Control panel  8 D has selector unit  1 C as is referred to in  FIG. 15 ,  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17A . Selector unit selects one of a plurality of basic operating programs in which specifications for washing operation, rinsing operation and drying operation to be performed by dish washer-dryer  210  are preprogrammed. 
   Control panel  8 D is provided with special operating program setting unit  2 C. Special operating program setting unit  2 C establishes a special operating program by correcting at least one of the specifications of the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the drying operation that are preprogrammed for the one of the plurality of basic operating programs selected by selector unit  1 C. 
   Terminal  220  is provided with transmitter unit  6 C. Transmitter unit  6 C transmits a information containing the specifications of the special operating program established by special operating program setting unit  2 C via the wireless network. 
   Control panel  8 D has input unit  4 H. Input unit  4 H accepts entry of selection information for selecting one of the plurality of basic operating programs and correction information for correcting at least one of the specifications of the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the drying operation preprogrammed for the selected one of the plurality of basic operating programs. 
   Control panel  8 D is also provided with display unit  5 C. Display unit  5 C displays the specifications of the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the drying operation preprogrammed for the one of the plurality of basic operating programs selected by selector unit  1 C, and the correction information entered through input unit  4 H. Input unit  4 H comprises a touch-sensitive panel, and it is formed in a manner to cover display unit  5 C. 
   Dish washer-dryer  210  has component drive unit  33 B. Component drive unit  33 B is provided for driving individually, wash motor  51 , water supply valve  52 , drain motor  53 , heater  54 , and fan  55 . Dish washer-dryer  210  is also provided with power supply  40 B. Power supply  40 B delivers a voltage to component drive unit  33 B, wash motor  51 , water supply valve  52 , drain motor  53 , heater  54  and fan  55 . 
   Dish washer-dryer  210  has control panel  8 C.  FIG. 18  is a front view illustrating control panel  8 C. Control panel  8 C is provided with five basic operating program selector buttons  4 K for selecting five kinds of corresponding basic operating programs. The basic operating programs include “regular program”, “thorough-wash program”, “quick-wash program”, “pre-wash program” and “dry only program”. 
   Control panel  8 C is also provided with special operating program selector button  4 L for selecting a “special operating program”. Control panel  8 C also has input unit  4 M for accepting entry of a washing time for the washing operation, a number of rinse cycles for the rinsing operation and a drying time for the drying operation, and display unit  5 B for displaying the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the drying time entered from input unit  4 M. 
   Dish washer-dryer  210  is provided with receiver unit  7 B. Receiver unit  7 B receives the information containing the specifications of the special operating program transmitted by transmitter unit  6 C provided in terminal  220 . 
   Dish washer-dryer  210  is also provided with control unit  3 B for carrying out the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the drying operation according to the information representing the specifications of the special operating program received by receiver unit  7 B and a water level detected by water level detector  29 B. 
   Control system  200  constructed as above operates in a manner which will be described hereinafter.  FIG. 17B  is a front view of control panel  8 D provided in terminal  220 , illustrating a procedure of selecting one of the plurality of basic operating programs, and  FIG. 17C  is another front view of control panel  8 D, illustrating a procedure of correcting the specifications of the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the drying operation preprogrammed for the selected one of the basic operating programs.  FIG. 19  is a flow chart showing an operation of control system  200 . 
   First, when a user presses a start button  9 C provided on control panel  8 D of terminal  220 , display unit  5 C provided on control panel  8 D displays a menu for selection of the operating programs. In an example shown in  FIG. 17A , there are displayed “regular program”, “family original program”, “thorough-wash program”, “pre-wash program” and “dry only program”. Among those, the “regular program”, the “thorough-wash program”, the “pre-wash program” and the “dry only program” are the basic operating programs, and the “family original program” is a special operating program. This status is a standby state (Step S 71 ). Dish washer-dryer  210  also turns into a standby state when the user presses another power button provided on dish washer-dryer  210  (Step S 82 ). 
   When the user selects the “family original program” by touching the touch-sensitive panel disposed to display unit  5 C (Step S 72 ), display unit  5 C displays at least some of the plurality of basic operating programs, in which specifications for the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the drying operation are preprogrammed individually, as the basic programs to aid the user in establishing the “family original program”. The “regular program”, the “thorough-wash program”, the “pre-wash program” and the “dry only program” are displayed in the example shown in  FIG. 17B . 
   Next, transmitter unit  6 C provided in terminal  220  transmits a information representing the selected “family original program” to receiver unit  7 B provided in dish washer-dryer  210  over the wireless network. In other words, transmitter unit  6 C transmits a program data (Step S 73 ). Receiver unit  7 B then receives the information representing the “family original program” transmitted from transmitter unit  6 C. That is, receiver unit  7 B receives the program data (Step S 83 ). Transmitter unit  6 C provided in terminal  220  and receiver unit  7 B provided in dish washer-dryer  210  communicate the information using the previously described ECHONET Standard. 
   Next, when the user touches the touch-sensitive panel disposed to display unit  5 C of terminal  220  to choose any of the “regular program”, the “thorough-wash program”, the “pre-wash program” and the “dry only program”, selector unit  1 C provided in control panel  8 D selects one of the basic operating programs displayed in an area where the user touches, as the basic program (Step S 74 ). Subsequently, display unit  5 C displays a washing time, a number of rinse cycles and a drying time preprogrammed for the basic operating program selected by selector unit  1 C. In this embodiment here, description will be provided of an instance in which the “regular program” is selected as the basic program. 
   Transmitter unit  6 C provided in terminal  220  transmits a information representing the “regular program” selected by selector unit  1 C as the basic program to receiver unit  7 B provided in dish washer-dryer  210  over the wireless network. In other words, transmitter unit  6 C transmits a basic program data (Step S 75 ). Receiver unit  7 B then receives the information representing the “regular program” transmitted by transmitter unit  6 C. That is, receiver unit  7 B receives the basic program data (Step S 84 ). 
   Special operating program setting unit  2 C provided in control panel  8 D judges whether or not a change is made on any of the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the drying time preprogrammed for the basic operating program selected by selector unit  1 C (Step S 76 ). If there is a change on the washing time, special operating program setting unit  2 C corrects the washing time preprogrammed for the “regular program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed washing time. When the number of rinse cycles is changed, special operating program setting unit  2 C corrects the number of rinse cycles preprogrammed for the “regular program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed number of rinse cycles. When the drying time is changed, special operating program setting unit  2 C corrects the drying time preprogrammed for the “regular program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed drying time. 
   Next, special operating program setting unit  2 C sets the specifications of the “regular program” corrected based on the basic program, as the special operating program (i.e. the “family original program”), (Step S 77 ). Thereafter, transmitter unit  6 C provided in terminal  220  transmits a information representing the specifications of the special operating program (the “family original program”) established by special operating program setting unit  2 C to receiver unit  7 B provided in dish washer-dryer  210  through the wireless network. In other words, transmitter unit  6 C transmits a setting data (Step S 78 ). Receiver unit  7 B then receives the information representing the specifications of the special operating program (the “family original program”) transmitted by transmitter unit  6 C. That is, receiver unit  7 B receives the setting data (Step S 85 ). 
   Next, when the user presses start switch  9 C provided in control panel  8 D (Step S 79 ), transmitter unit  6 C provided in terminal  220  transmits a information indicating that start switch  9 C is pressed to receiver unit  7 B provided in dish washer-dryer  210  over the wireless network. In other words, transmitter unit  6 C transmits a start data (Step S 80 ). Receiver unit  7 B then receives the information indicating that start switch  9 C is pressed, which is transmitted from transmitter unit  6 C (Step S 86 ). 
   Control unit  3 B provided in dish washer-dryer  210  thus controls component drive unit  33 B in a manner to carry out the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the drying operation according to the information representing the specifications of the special operating program received by receiver unit  7 B in the step S 85 . This status is now in the state of sequential operation (Step S 87 ). Display unit  5 C provided in terminal  220  displays information indicating that dish washer-dryer  210  is in operation (Step S 81 ). 
   According to the fourth exemplary embodiment, as described above, selector unit  1 C provided in terminal  220  selects one of the plurality of basic operating programs, in which specifications for the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the drying operation are preprogrammed individually. The special operating program is thus established by correcting at least one of the specifications of the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the drying operation preprogrammed for one of the plurality of basic operating programs selected by selector unit  1 C. Accordingly, the user can choose one basic operating program among the plurality of basic operating programs for use as the basis of establishing the special operating program. As a result, it allows the user to establish easily the desired operating specifications as the special operating program. 
     FIG. 20  is a flow chart illustrating another operation of dish washer-dryer  210  that constitutes control system  200 . First, when the user presses a power “on” switch provided on control panel  8 C shown in  FIG. 18 , control panel  8 C turns into an initial standby state (Step S 61 ). 
   When the user presses special operating program selector button  4 L to select the “special operating program” (i.e. the family original program) (Step S 62 ), a plurality of buttons  4 K out of those five basic operating program selector buttons  4 K light up in blue color, indicating that they are the basic operating programs available for selection and for use as a basic program in establishing the special operating program. For example, two basic operating program selector buttons  4 K representing the “regular program” and the “quick-wash program” light up in blue. 
   Next, when the user presses one of the blue-lit basic operating program selector buttons  4 K for the “regular program” and the “quick-wash program”, a selector unit provided in control panel  8 C of dish washer-dryer  210  selects one of the basic operating programs represented by basic operating program selector button  4 K pressed by the user, as a basic program. Display unit  5 B then displays a washing time, a number of rinse cycles and a drying time preprogrammed for the basic operating program selected by the selector unit. Description here is provided of an example in which the “regular program” is selected as the basic program (Step S 63 ). 
   A special operating program setting unit provided in control panel  8 C of dish washer-dryer  210  judges whether or not a change is made on any of the washing time, the number of rinse cycles and the drying time preprogrammed for the basic operating program selected by the selector unit, as a result of information entered for the change through input unit  4 M (Step S 64 ). If there is a change on the washing time, the special operating program setting unit provided in control panel  8 C of dish washer-dryer  210  corrects the washing time preprogrammed for the “regular program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed washing time (Step S 65 ). When the number of rinse cycles is changed, the special operating program setting unit provided in control panel  8 C of dish washer-dryer  210  corrects the number of rinse cycles preprogrammed for the “regular program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed number of rinse cycles (Step S 66 ). When the drying time is changed, the special operating program setting unit corrects the drying time preprogrammed for the “regular program” chosen as the basic program according to the changed drying time (Step S 67 ). 
   Next, when the user presses a start switch provided on control panel  8 C of dish washer-dryer  210  (Step S 68 ), the special operating program setting unit provided in control panel  8 C of dish washer-dryer  210  establishes the special operating program (i.e. “family original program”) by taking in the specifications of the “regular program” corrected as the basic program. Control unit  3 B of dish washer-dryer  210  thus controls component drive unit  33 B in a manner to carry out the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the drying operation according to the specifications of the special operating program set by the special operating program setting unit provided in control panel  8 C of dish washer-dryer  210 . The status is now in the state of sequential operation (Step S 69 ). 
   According to the fourth exemplary embodiment, as described above, the selector unit provided in control panel  8 C of dish washer-dryer  210  selects one of the plurality of basic operating programs, in which specifications for the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the drying operation are preprogrammed individually. The special operating program is thus established by correcting at least one of the specifications of the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the drying operation preprogrammed for the one of the plurality of basic operating programs selected by the selector unit. Accordingly, the user can choose a basic operating program among the plurality of basic operating programs for use as the basis of establishing the special operating program. As a result, it allows the user to set easily the desired operating specifications as the special operating program. 
   As described above, the present invention provides the cloth washer, dish washer-dryer and their control system that are capable of facilitating establishing the special operating program.