Patent ID: 12232027

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

The control method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a control method that is achieved by an application installed in a portable terminal, the control method including the steps of instructing an operating system (OS) of the portable terminal to connect to a communication device in operation in a software access point mode, and sending a service set identifier (SSID) of an access point and a password for connecting to the access point to the communication device. An SSID of the communication device that operates in the software access point mode, and a password for connecting to the communication device that operates in the software access point mode are incorporated in the application in advance.

This control method may include the steps of acquiring the SSID of the access point that is connected the portable terminal from the OS, and receiving an input of the password for connecting to the access point from a user. In the step of sending, the SSID acquired in the step of acquiring and the password received in the step of receiving may be sent to the communication device.

In this control method, based on reception of a specified operation from the user, the step of instructing may be executed.

This control method may include a step of displaying a screen that urges the user to operate the communication device in the software access point mode. The specified operation may be an operation that is input by the user in response to the screen and indicates proceeding to a next process.

In this control method, the screen may be a screen that urges the user to press a specific button of the communication device to operate the communication device in the software access point mode.

The control method according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a control method that is achieved by a refrigerator application installed in a portable terminal, the control method including the steps of instructing an OS of the portable terminal to connect to a refrigerator in operation in a software access point mode, and sending an SSID of an access point and a password for connecting to the access point to the refrigerator. An SSID of the refrigerator that operates in the software access point mode, and a password for connecting to the refrigerator that operates in the software access point mode are incorporated in the refrigerator application in advance.

This control method may include the steps of acquiring the SSID of the access point that is connected the portable terminal from the OS, and receiving an input of the password for connecting to the access point from a user. In the step of sending, the SSID acquired in the step of acquiring and the password received in the step of receiving may be sent to the refrigerator.

In this control method, based on reception of a specified operation from a user, the instructing step may be executed.

This control method may include a step of displaying a screen that urges the user to operate the refrigerator in the software access point mode. The specified operation may be an operation that is input by the user in response to the screen and indicates proceeding to a next process.

In this control method, the screen may be a screen that urges the user to press a specific button of the refrigerator to operate the refrigerator in the software access point mode.

In this control method, the specific button may be provided inside the refrigerator.

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiment below is not intended to limit the invention according to the scope of the claims. Also, all combinations of the characteristics described in the exemplary embodiment are not necessarily essential for solving the problems by the invention.

Exemplary Embodiment

FIG.1is a diagram showing an outline of a system of the present exemplary embodiment. The system of the present exemplary embodiment is configured of refrigerator100, portable terminal110, and access point120. Refrigerator100is an example of the communication device, and, according to connection procedures described later, establishes a wireless connection between refrigerator100and access point120and communicates with a server on the internet. Access point120is, for example, a wireless local area network (LAN) router. Portable terminal110is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Portable terminal110establishes a wireless connection between portable terminal110and access point120and communicates with a server on the Internet.

FIG.2is an external view of refrigerator100. Refrigerator100includes a plurality of storage compartments, specifically, refrigerating chamber201, ice-making chamber202, upper freezing chamber203, lower freezing chamber204, and vegetable chamber205. Moreover, a partial/chilled switching chamber is provided inside refrigerating chamber201.

FIG.3is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of refrigerator100. Central processing unit (CPU)301is a processor that reads a control program stored in read only memory (ROM)302, and executes various kinds of processing for controlling an operation of refrigerator100. ROM302is a nonvolatile storage medium that stores various types of data such as a control program. Random access memory (RAM)303is a volatile storage medium that is used as a temporary storage area. Instead of CPU301, ROM302, and RAM303, a microcontroller may be included to control the operation of refrigerator100.

Operation panel304receives an operation of the user for refrigerator100. Operation panel304will be described in detail later with reference toFIG.5.

Wireless LAN interface (I/F)305executes a wireless LAN communication based on a specification such as IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac. As shown inFIG.4, wireless LAN I/F305is stored inside hinge cover401of a door that closes refrigerating chamber201.

Wireless LAN I/F305establishes a wireless connection between wireless LAN I/F305and access point120(seeFIG.1) and communicates with a server on the Internet. Moreover, refrigerator100can be operated in a software access point mode (in the description below, referred to as a soft AP mode). In the soft AP mode, refrigerator100operates as an access point of the wireless LAN. In a case where refrigerator100operates in the soft AP mode, a wireless connection is established between portable terminal110and wireless LAN I/F305, and without using a relay apparatus such as access point120, portable terminal110and refrigerator100directly execute a wireless LAN communication.

Although not shown inFIG.3, refrigerator100includes a refrigeration cycle that is configured of a compressor, a condenser, a cooler, and the like. Cool air generated by the cooler cools each of the storage compartments such as refrigerating chamber201in a predetermined temperature zone.

FIG.5is a view showing operation panel304. Operation panel304is provided on a side wall inside refrigerating chamber201(seeFIG.2). Rapid ice-making button501is a button for instructing refrigerator100to rapidly make ice. Ice-making stop button502is a button for instructing refrigerator100to stop making ice. Refrigerating button503and freezing button504are buttons for adjusting a temperature of refrigerating chamber201and the temperature of lower freezing chamber204, respectively. Partial button505is a button for adjusting the temperature of the partial/chilled switching chamber. Display506displays information such as an error code.

Next, remote operation button507will be described. When the user presses remote operation button507while a remote operation setting of refrigerator100is turned off (OFF), the remote operation setting is turned on. When the remote operation setting is turned on (ON), a setting of refrigerator100can be changed by an instruction from refrigerator application702(seeFIG.7) described later. On the other hand, when the user presses remote operation button507while the remote operation setting is ON, the remote operation setting is turned OFF. When the remote operation setting is OFF, the setting of refrigerator100cannot be changed by the instruction of refrigerator application702described later.

Moreover, when the user presses and holds remote operation button507for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) or longer while the remote operation setting is ON, not only the remote operation setting is turned OFF, but also power supply to wireless LAN I/F305is shut off. The shut-off of the power supply to wireless LAN I/F305can reduce power consumption of refrigerator100. When the user presses remote operation button507while the remote operation setting is OFF and the power supply to wireless LAN I/F305is shut off, the remote operation setting is turned ON and power supply to wireless LAN I/F305starts.

FIG.6is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of portable terminal110. CPU601is a processor that reads a control program stored in flash memory602and executes various kinds of processing for controlling an operation of portable terminal110. Flash memory602is a nonvolatile storage medium that stores various types of data such as a control program, and a program of an application installed in portable terminal110. RAM603is a volatile storage medium that is used as a temporary storage area. Operation unit604is a key and a plurality of keys are provided in portable terminal110. Display605is a touch panel that displays information such as an image or a moving image, and receives an instruction from the user through a touch operation. Wireless LAN I/F606executes a wireless LAN communication such as IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac. Wireless LAN I/F606establishes a wireless connection between wireless LAN I/F606and access point120(seeFIG.1) and communicates with a server on the Internet. Camera607has a photographing function and a reading function that reads a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark).

Next, a software configuration of portable terminal110will be described with reference toFIG.7.FIG.7is a functional block diagram of software that is achieved through reading of the control program, application program, and the like stored in flash memory602by CPU601(seeFIG.6).

Operating system (OS)701is basic software for controlling an overall operation of portable terminal110, and is achieved through reading of the control program by CPU601(seeFIG.6). Moreover, various applications can be installed in portable terminal110. OS701exchanges information with these applications, and controls the operation of portable terminal110according to an instruction received from the applications.

Refrigerator application702is one of the applications installed in portable terminal110. Refrigerator application702is an application provided for the refrigerator to the user. Refrigerator application702is configured to change the setting of refrigerator100from refrigerator application702, and display a notification (for example, a notification that indicates completion of ice-making) sent by refrigerator100on portable terminal110. In flash memory602(seeFIG.6), a refrigerator application program for achieving refrigerator application702is stored. Refrigerator application702is achieved through reading of the refrigerator application program by CPU601(seeFIG.6).

Next, the procedure for establishing a wireless connection between refrigerator100(seeFIG.1) and access point120(seeFIG.1) with reference toFIGS.8to15. The user follows a guide screen provided by refrigerator application702(seeFIG.7) to connect refrigerator100to access point120.

The processing executed by portable terminal110(seeFIG.1) will be described with reference to the flowcharts ofFIGS.8,10, and12. Each of the steps shown in these flowcharts is achieved through development of the control program and the refrigerator application program stored in flash memory602(seeFIG.6) in RAM603(seeFIG.6) and execution of the control program and the refrigerator application program by CPU601(seeFIG.6). Moreover, screens displayed by portable terminal110will be described with reference toFIGS.9A to9D,11A to11C, and13A to13B.

First, in step801shown inFIG.8, refrigerator application702displays a screen that shows an operation method of refrigerator100. Here, display605(seeFIG.6) of portable terminal110displays operation screen900ofFIG.9A. According to operation screen900, the user can know that it is necessary to press and hold remote operation button507(seeFIG.5) of refrigerator100for 3 seconds or longer. After remote operation button507is pressed and held for 3 seconds or longer, refrigerator100makes a shift from a normal operation mode to a wireless connection mode. The normal operation mode and the wireless connection mode will be described in detail later.

Next, in step802, refrigerator application702determines whether to display the next screen. When the user touches button901of operation screen900, refrigerator application702determines to display the next screen (Yes in step802), and the processing proceeds to step803.

Next, in step803, refrigerator application702displays a screen on which the user selects a method for connecting refrigerator100to an access point. Here, display605of portable terminal110displays selection screen910ofFIG.9B. According to selection screen910, the user can select either a simple connection or a detailed connection as a method for connecting refrigerator100to an access point.

Next, in step804, refrigerator application702determines whether the connection method selected by the user is the simple connection or detailed connection. When the user touches button911(seeFIG.9B) of selection screen910, refrigerator application702determines that the connection method selected by the user is the simple connection, and the processing proceeds to step805. On the other hand, when the user touches button912(seeFIG.9B) of selection screen910, refrigerator application702determines that the connection method selected by the user is the detailed connection, and the processing proceeds to step1001ofFIG.10.

The simple connection will be described. The simple connection is a method for causing refrigerator100and access point120to simultaneously execute connection processing and thereby easily establishing a wireless connection between refrigerator100and access point120. In step805, refrigerator application702displays a screen that shows an operation method of refrigerator100and the access point necessary for the simple connection. Here, display605of portable terminal110displays operation screen920ofFIG.9C. According to operation screen920, the user can know an operation necessary for the simple connection. In refrigerator100in the wireless connection mode, when refrigerating button503(seeFIG.5) of operation panel304(seeFIG.5) is pressed, refrigerator100executes the connection processing. Moreover, access point120also executes the connection processing at the same timing as the connection processing of refrigerator100. Accordingly, a wireless connection is established between refrigerator100and access point120. The connection processing executed by refrigerator100will be described in detail later.

Next, in step806, refrigerator application702determines whether to display the next screen. When the user touches button921of operation screen920, refrigerator application702determines to display the next screen (Yes in step806), and the processing proceeds to step807.

Next, in step807, refrigerator application702displays a screen that urges the user to confirm that the refrigerator100is connected to the access point. Here, display605of portable terminal110displays confirmation screen930ofFIG.9D. According to confirmation screen930, the user can confirm whether refrigerator100is connected to the access point.

Next, the detailed connection will be described. The detailed connection is a method for sending an SSID of access point120and a password necessary for connecting to access point120from portable terminal110to refrigerator100and thereby establishing a wireless connection between refrigerator100and access point120. In step1001ofFIG.10, refrigerator application702displays the screen that shows the operation method of refrigerator100. Here, display605of portable terminal110displays operation screen1100ofFIG.11A. According to operation screen1100, the user can know that it is necessary to press partial button505(seeFIG.5) of refrigerator100. In refrigerator100in the wireless connection mode, when partial button505of operation panel304is pressed, refrigerator100starts an operation in the soft AP mode.

Next, in step1002, refrigerator application702determines whether to display the next screen. When the user touches button1101of operation screen1100, refrigerator application702determines to display the next screen (Yes in step1002), and the processing proceeds to step1003.

Next, in step1003, refrigerator application702determines whether portable terminal110is connected to an access point. In order to perform this determination, refrigerator application702inquires of OS701(seeFIG.7) about the SSID of the access point to which portable terminal110is connected. If the SSID of the access point to which portable terminal110is connected is returned from OS701to refrigerator application702, refrigerator application702determines that portable terminal110is connected to the access point (Yes in step1003), and the processing proceeds to step1004. On the other hand, if the SSID of the access point to which portable terminal110is connected is not returned from OS701to refrigerator application702, refrigerator application702determines that portable terminal110is not connected to the access point (No in step1003), and the processing proceeds to step1008.

Next, step1004will be described. In step1004, refrigerator application702stores the SSID of the access point to which portable terminal110is connected. If the access point to which portable terminal110is connected is access point120, refrigerator application702stores the SSID of access point120. Through the processing of steps1003and1004, refrigerator application702can acquire, from OS701, the SSID of the access point to which portable terminal110is connected.

Next, in step1005, refrigerator application702connects to a refrigerator in operation in the soft AP mode. Refrigerator application702instructs OS701to connect to a refrigerator in operation in the soft AP mode. Through control of OS701, portable terminal110sends a connection request to the refrigerator in operation in the soft AP mode. In the present exemplary embodiment, as described in step1001, refrigerator100is in operation in the soft AP mode. Therefore, portable terminal110sends the connection request to refrigerator100. As a result, the wireless connection is established between portable terminal110and refrigerator100.

In order to connect portable terminal110to refrigerator100in operation in the soft AP mode, portable terminal110needs to specify an SSID of refrigerator100and a password necessary for connection. In the present exemplary embodiment, the SSID and the password of refrigerator100are determined in advance at a time of manufacturing refrigerator100, and these SSID and password are incorporated in the application program of refrigerator application702. As a result, when refrigerator application702is installed, portable terminal110can specify the SSID of refrigerator100and the password necessary for the connection. The user does not have to specify the SSID of refrigerator100on portable terminal110or input the password necessary for the connection in portable terminal110. Therefore, convenience of the user is improved. Note that in a case where no password is required for connecting portable terminal110to refrigerator100in operation in the soft AP mode, only the SSID of refrigerator100may be incorporated in the application program of refrigerator application702.

Next, in step1006, refrigerator application702determines whether the connection to the refrigerator in operation in the soft AP mode has been successful. When refrigerator application702determines that the connection to the refrigerator in operation in the soft AP mode has been successful (Yes in step1006), the processing proceeds to step1201ofFIG.12. On the other hand, when refrigerator application702determines that the connection to the refrigerator in operation in the soft AP mode has failed (No in step1006), the processing proceeds to step1007.

Next, step1201ofFIG.12will be described. In step1201, refrigerator application702displays a screen on which the user inputs a password necessary for connecting to the access point. Here, display605of portable terminal110displays password input screen1300ofFIG.13A. In area1301of password input screen1300, the SSID (in the present exemplary embodiment, the SSID of access point120) stored in step1004is displayed. The user inputs the password for connecting to the access point of the SSID displayed on password input screen1300in input area1302. Note that since refrigerator application702cannot acquire the password from OS701, the input of the password for connecting to the access point is received from the user.

Next, in step1202, refrigerator application702determines whether the input of the password has been completed. When the user inputs the password in the input area1302and then touches button1303, refrigerator application702determines that the input of the password has been completed (Yes in step1202), and the processing proceeds to step1203.

Next, in step1203, refrigerator application702sends the SSID stored in step1004and the password input by the user to the refrigerator via the wireless connection that has been established. Refrigerator application702instructs OS701to send the SSID stored in step1004and the password input by the user, and the SSID and the password are sent from portable terminal110to the refrigerator through the control of OS701. In the present exemplary embodiment, the SSID of access point120and the password necessary for connecting to access point120are sent to refrigerator100. Refrigerator100then tries to connect to access point120based on the received SSID and password.

Next, in step1204, refrigerator application702displays a screen that urges the user to confirm that refrigerator100is connected to the access point. Here, display605of portable terminal110displays confirmation screen1310ofFIG.13B. According to confirmation screen1310, the user can confirm whether refrigerator100is connected to the access point.

Next, in step1205, refrigerator application702determines whether to return the connection destination of portable terminal110to an original access point. When the user touches button (“OK” button)1311of confirmation screen1310, or a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has passed while confirmation screen1310is displayed, refrigerator application702determines to return the connection destination of portable terminal110to the original access point (Yes in step1205), and the processing proceeds to step1206.

Next, in step1206, refrigerator application702returns the connection destination of portable terminal110to the original access point. Refrigerator application702instructs OS701to connect to the access point of the SSID stored in step1004, and the connection destination of portable terminal110is returned to the original access point through the control of OS701. In the present exemplary embodiment, the connection destination of portable terminal110is returned from refrigerator100to access point120.

In the present exemplary embodiment, as following the procedures of the detailed connection, the connection destination of portable terminal110is changed from access point120to refrigerator100. There is a problem in which, while portable terminal110is connected to refrigerator100, the user cannot use portable terminal110as usual. In the present exemplary embodiment, through the processing of step1206, the connection destination of portable terminal110can be returned to access point120, and thus the convenience of the user is improved.

Next, the description is returned to the flowchart ofFIG.10, and the processing is described in a case where, in step1006, it has been determined that the connection to the refrigerator in operation in the soft AP mode has been failed (No in step1006). In step1007, refrigerator application702returns the connection destination of portable terminal110to the original access point. Refrigerator application702instructs OS701to connect to the access point of the SSID stored in step1004, and the connection destination of portable terminal110is returned to the original access point through the control of OS701. When portable terminal110cannot be connected to refrigerator100in operation in the soft AP mode, the detailed connection cannot be continued. Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, the connection destination of portable terminal110is returned to access point120to which portable terminal110has been originally connected, and thus the convenience of the user is improved. Moreover, in step S1007, refrigerator application702may display error screen1110ofFIG.11B. When the user who has confirmed error screen1110performs the detailed connection again near refrigerator100, portable terminal110may be successfully connected to refrigerator100in operation in the soft AP mode.

Next, the processing is described is a case where, in step1003, it has been determined that portable terminal110is not connected to an access point (No in step1003). In step1008, refrigerator application702displays a screen that urges the user to connect portable terminal110to an access point. Here, display605of portable terminal110displays confirmation screen1120ofFIG.11C. In order to perform the detailed connection, portable terminal110needs to be connected to an access point. After confirming confirmation screen1120, the user can know that portable terminal110needs to be connected to an access point.

Next, the processing executed by refrigerator100will be described with reference to the flowcharts ofFIGS.14and15. Each of the steps shown in these flowcharts is achieved through development of the control program stored in ROM302(seeFIG.3) in RAM303(seeFIG.3) and execution of the control program by CPU301(seeFIG.3).

When the user who has confirmed operation screen900ofFIG.9Apresses and holds remote operation button507of operation panel304for 3 seconds or longer, in step1401, refrigerator100makes a shift from the normal operation mode to the wireless connection mode. The normal operation mode is a mode in which refrigerator100performs a normal operation such as a cooling operation based on the temperature of each storage compartment including refrigerating chamber201, and freezing chambers203,204, and a defrosting operation by a defrosting heater. On the other hand, the wireless connection mode is a mode in which refrigerator100connects to an access point through the simple connection or detailed connection.

Next, in step1402, refrigerator100determines whether the connection method to the access point is the simple connection or detailed connection. When the user who has confirmed operation screen920ofFIG.9Cpresses refrigerating button503of operation panel304, refrigerator100determines to perform the simple connection, and the processing proceeds to step1403. On the other hand, when the user who has confirmed operation screen1100ofFIG.11Apresses partial button505of operation panel304, refrigerator100determines to perform the detailed connection, and the processing proceeds to step1408.

The function of each button of operation panel304described inFIG.5is applicable when refrigerator100is in operation in the normal operation mode, and not applicable when refrigerator100is in operation in the wireless connection mode. For example, refrigerating button503is used as a button for adjusting the temperature of refrigerating chamber201in the normal operation mode. However, refrigerating button503is not used as a button for adjusting the temperature of refrigerating chamber201in the wireless connection mode. In the wireless connection mode, refrigerating button503is used as a button for inputting, into refrigerator100, an instruction for connecting refrigerator100to an access point by the user. Moreover, similar to refrigerating button503, in the wireless connection mode, partial button505is also used as a button for inputting, into refrigerator100, an instruction for connecting refrigerator100to an access point by the user. Since a button that is used in the normal operation mode, for example, refrigerating button503, which adjusts the temperature of the storage compartment, is also used in the wireless connection mode, adding a new button for the wireless connection mode is not necessary. Moreover, even when a new button is added for the operation in the wireless connection mode, a number of buttons to be added can be reduced. Note that, instead of the button, which adjusts the temperature of the storage compartment, such as refrigerating button503, a button related to an ice-making function such as rapid ice-making button501may be used as a button for inputting the instruction to connect refrigerator100to the access point into refrigerator100by the user.

Next, the simple connection will be described. In step1403, refrigerator100executes the connection processing of the simple connection. Refrigerator100executes search processing according to each system of Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) (registered trademark), AirStation One-Touch Secure System (AOSS) (registered trademark), and “raku raku musen start (easy wireless start)” (registered trademark) in a time division manner or in parallel. When refrigerator100then finds an access point that is operating in any system of WPS, AOSS, and easy wireless start at the same timing, refrigerator100establishes a wireless connection between the found access point and refrigerator100.

Next, in step1404, refrigerator100determines whether the connection to the access point has been successful. When a wireless connection is established between refrigerator100and the access point through the connection processing in step1403, refrigerator100determines that the connection to the access point has been successful (Yes in step1404), and the processing proceeds to step1405. On the other hand, in a case where no wireless connection has been established between refrigerator100and the access point even after the connection processing in step1403has started and a predetermined time (for example, 2 minutes) has passed, refrigerator100determines that the connection to the access point has failed (No in step1404), and the processing proceeds to step1407.

Next, in step1405, refrigerator100notifies the user of the successful connection to the access point. In the door of refrigerating chamber201(seeFIG.2) of refrigerator100, a lighting apparatus such as a light emitting diode (LED) is provided. By lighting this LED in a predetermined color (for example, blue), refrigerator100notifies the user of the successful connection to the access point. Note that the method for notifying the user of the connection to the access point is not limited to lighting of a lighting apparatus such as an LED. Alternatively, refrigerator100may outputs a voice message that notifies the user of the successful connection to the access point. Alternatively, through an instruction by refrigerator100to a predetermined smart speaker to output a voice message that notifies the user of the successful connection to the access point, the smart speaker may output the voice message.

Next, in step1406, refrigerator100determines whether to return from the wireless connection mode to the normal operation mode. After a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has passed since the processing in step1405has been executed, refrigerator100determines to return to the normal operation mode from the wireless connection mode (Yes in step1406), and the processing proceeds to step1407.

Next, in step1407, refrigerator100returns from the wireless connection mode to the normal operation mode. Note that also in a case where refrigerator100determines that the connection to the access point has failed in step1404, the processing proceeds to step1407, and the mode of refrigerator100returns from the wireless connection mode to the normal operation mode.

Next, the detailed connection will be described. In step1408, refrigerator100starts the operation in the soft AP mode. The SSID of refrigerator100that operates in the software AP mode, and a password for connecting an external apparatus to refrigerator100in operation in the software AP mode are determined in advance at the time of manufacturing refrigerator100. Moreover, these SSID and password match the ones that have been incorporated in the application program of refrigerator application702in advance. Note that when the external apparatus is connected to refrigerator100in operation in the soft AP mode, an operation that requires no password is also possible. In the case of this operation, only the SSID of refrigerator100may be incorporated in the application program of refrigerator application702in advance.

Next, in step1501ofFIG.15, refrigerator100determines whether refrigerator100has received a connection request to refrigerator100that operates in the soft AP mode from the external apparatus. In the present exemplary embodiment, portable terminal110sends a connection request to refrigerator100that operates in the soft AP mode (see step1005ofFIG.10). After refrigerator100receives the connection request (Yes in step1501), the processing proceeds to step1502. On the other hand, in a case where no connection request has been generated to refrigerator100that operates in the soft AP mode for a predetermined time (for example, 2 minutes) since the operation in the soft AP mode has started (No in step1501), the processing proceeds to step1508.

Next, in step1502, refrigerator100establishes a wireless connection between refrigerator100and the external apparatus that is a transmission source of the connection request. In the present exemplary embodiment, the wireless connection is established between refrigerator100and portable terminal110.

Next, in step1503, refrigerator100determines whether refrigerator100has received an SSID of the access point and a password for connecting to the access point from the external apparatus that is connected to refrigerator100. In the present exemplary embodiment, portable terminal110sends, to refrigerator100, the SSID of access point120and the password for connecting to access point120(see step1203ofFIG.12). After refrigerator100receives the SSID of the access point and the password for connecting to the access point from the external apparatus (Yes in step1503), the processing proceeds to step1504. On the other hand, in a case where refrigerator100has not received the SSID of the access point and the password for connecting to the access point for a predetermined time (for example, 2 minutes) since the wireless connection has been established between refrigerator100and the external apparatus (No in step1503), the processing proceeds to step1508.

Next, in step1504, refrigerator100connects to the access point based on the received SSID and password from the external apparatus. In the present exemplary embodiment, refrigerator100establishes a wireless connection between refrigerator100and access point120.

Next, in step1505, refrigerator100determines whether the connection to the access point has been successful. When refrigerator100determines that the connection to the access point has been successful (Yes in step1505), the processing proceeds to step1506. On the other hand, when refrigerator100determines that the connection to the access point has failed (No in step1505), the processing proceeds to step1508.

Next, in step1506, refrigerator100notifies the user of the successful connection to the access point. The processing in step1506is the same as the processing described in step1405ofFIG.14. Note that unlike step1405, in step1506, refrigerator100establishes a wireless connection not only between refrigerator100and access point120, but also between refrigerator100and portable terminal110. Therefore, refrigerator100may notify refrigerator application702of portable terminal110of the successful connection to the access point, and refrigerator application702that has received the notification may display, in display605, the successful connection of refrigerator100to the access point.

Next, in step1507, refrigerator100determines whether the mode of refrigerator100returns from the wireless connection mode to the normal operation mode. In a case where a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has passed since the processing in step1506has been executed, or in a case where the wireless connection between refrigerator100and portable terminal110is cut, refrigerator100determines that the mode of the refrigerator100returns to the normal operation mode from the wireless connection mode (Yes in step1507), and the processing proceeds to step1508.

Next, in step1508, the mode of refrigerator100returns from the wireless connection mode to the normal operation mode. Moreover, in step1508, refrigerator100ends the operation in soft AP mode. Note that also in a case where refrigerator100determines that refrigerator100does not receive the connection request from the external apparatus in step1501(No in step1501), the processing proceeds to step1508, and the mode of refrigerator100returns from the wireless connection mode to the normal operation mode. Moreover, also in a case where refrigerator100determines that refrigerator100does not receive the SSID and the password in step1503(No in step1503), the processing proceeds to1508, and the mode of refrigerator100returns from the wireless connection mode to the normal operation mode. Moreover, also in a case where refrigerator100determines that the connection to the access point has failed in step1505(No in step1505), the processing proceeds to step1508, and the mode of refrigerator100returns from the wireless connection mode to the normal operation mode.

As described above, in the procedure of the detailed connection, refrigerator application702of portable terminal110sends, to refrigerator100, the SSID of access point120and the password for connecting to access point120. Refrigerator100then establishes a wireless connection between refrigerator100and access point120based on the received SSID and password. As a result, even when the user does not specify access point120of the connection destination of refrigerator100in refrigerator100, a wireless connection can be established between refrigerator100and access point120.

The system of the present exemplary embodiment includes a portable terminal and a communication device. The portable terminal includes a means for specifying an SSID of an access point to which the portable terminal is connected, and a means for receiving an input of a password for connecting to the access point from a user, a first means for establishing a wireless connection between the portable terminal and the communication device in operation in a software access point mode, and a means for sending, to the communication device, the SSID specified by the specifying means and the password received by the received means via the wireless connection.

The communication device includes a means for starting an operation in the software access point mode in response to an instruction from the user, and a second means for establishing a wireless connection between the communication device and the access point based on the SSID and password sent by the communication device by the sending means. In the present exemplary embodiment, the communication device is, for example, is a refrigerator.

Moreover, the program of the present exemplary embodiment is a program of an application installed in the portable terminal. The program acquires an SSID of an access point to which the portable terminal is connected from an OS of the portable terminal, receives an input of the password for connecting to the access point from the user, changes the connection destination of the portable terminal to the communication device in operation in the software access point mode, and sends the SSID acquired from the OS and the password received from the user to the communication device.

Note that the SSID necessary for connecting to the communication device in operation in the software access point mode may be incorporated in the program of the application in advance.

Note that the SSID and password necessary for connecting to the communication device in operation in the software access point mode may be incorporated in the program of the application in advance.

The application may be an application for a refrigerator. Moreover, the communication device may be a refrigerator.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, even when a user does not specify an access point of a connection destination of a communication device in the communication device, a wireless connection can be established between the communication device and the access point.

(Modifications)

The connection method for establishing a wireless connection between refrigerator100and access point120described in the above exemplary embodiment is also applicable to another communication device that includes a wireless LAN communication function. For example, the connection method for establishing a wireless connection described in the exemplary embodiment above is applicable to a communication device of a washing machine, an air conditioner, a microwave oven, a rice cooker, a dish washing and drying machine, a digital camera, a printing apparatus, and the like each of which includes a wireless LAN communication function.

REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS

100: refrigerator110: portable terminal120: access point201: refrigerating chamber202: ice-making chamber203: upper freezing chamber204: lower freezing chamber205: vegetable chamber301: CPU302: ROM303: RAM304: operation panel305: wireless LAN I/F401: hinge cover501: rapid ice-making button502: ice-making stop button503: refrigerating button504: freezing button505: partial button506: display601: CPU602: flash memory603: RAM604: operation unit605: display606: wireless LAN I/F607: camera701: OS702: refrigerator application