Odor control device, odor control method, and vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an odor control device, an odor control method, and a vehicle. The odor control device includes a processor. The processor is configured to: acquire, from a server, operation plan information indicating a plan of an operation of a vehicle; identify, based on the operation plan information, an occupant who is about to board the vehicle, and determine whether the occupant is a target person for odor control; and in response to determining that the occupant is the target person, activate an odor control function before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant gets off the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an odor control device, an odor control method, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Technologies for identifying occupants in vehicles and for altering in-vehicle odors are known to exist. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-216869 (JP2010-216869A) discloses a technology that, when a vehicle is detected based on signals from sensors, acquires current location information as the passenger location information, and retrieves personal identification information corresponding to the acquired passenger location information by referring to a database that correlates personal identification information and location information. Furthermore, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 8-47524 (JP8-47524A) discloses a technology that mixes an oily fragrance liquid that emits the odor of a new vehicle with an organic foaming agent, and uses a heating agent inside the vehicle to generate heat around the fragrance liquid, causing the foaming agent to disperse the fragrance liquid to atomize it, and allowing the atomized fragrance liquid to adhere to the interior of the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some situations, vehicle occupants may be bothered by odors inside the vehicle. However, traditional technologies struggle to control these odors at the appropriate times.

[0004] This disclosure provides an odor control device, odor control method, and vehicle capable of controlling in-vehicle odors at appropriate times.

[0005] An odor control device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a processor. The processor is configured to: obtain operation plan information indicating a plan for the operation of a vehicle from a server; identify, based on the operation plan information, an occupant about to board the vehicle and determine whether the occupant is a target person for odor control; and, in response to determining that the occupant is the target person, activate an odor control function before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant disembarks from the vehicle.

[0006] The odor control device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure includes a processor configured to identify an occupant about to board a vehicle, and, if the occupant is the target person for odor control, to activate the odor control function before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant disembarks from the vehicle.

[0007] In the odor control device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may be configured to: suggest to the driver to start odor control when the occupant is the target person, before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant disembarks from the vehicle; and activate the odor control function based on an instruction from the driver.

[0008] In the odor control device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may be configured to: acquire information indicating a planned date and time for the occupant to board the vehicle; and activate the odor control function in response to a predetermined time period prior to the planned date and time when the current date and time arrive.

[0009] In the odor control device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may be configured to: receive input of voice information from a microphone disposed in the vehicle, the voice information being collected by the microphone; analyze the voice information; and determine, based on the analysis result, whether the occupant is boarding the vehicle or disembarking from the vehicle.

[0010] In the odor control device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may be configured to: receive input image information from a camera installed in the vehicle, the image information being acquired by the camera; analyze the image information; and determine, based on the analysis results, whether the occupant is boarding the vehicle or disembarking from the vehicle.

[0011] In the odor control device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may be configured to: receive sensor information from one or more sensors disposed in the vehicle, the sensor information being detected by the one or more sensors; analyze the sensor information; and determine, based on the analysis results, whether the occupant is boarding the vehicle or disembarking from the vehicle.

[0012] In the odor control device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more sensors may include a seat belt sensor.

[0013] In the odor control device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the odor control function may be an odor elimination function, an odor removal function, or an air freshening function.

[0014] The odor control method according to the third embodiment of this disclosure includes: an odor control device: obtaining operation plan information indicating the operation plan of a vehicle from a server; identifying a passenger about to board the vehicle based on the operation plan information, and determining whether the passenger is a target person for odor control; and activating an odor control function in response to determining that the passenger is the target person, before the passenger boards the vehicle, after the passenger boards the vehicle, or after the passenger disembarks from the vehicle.

[0015] The odor control method according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure includes: identifying an occupant about to board a vehicle by an odor control device, and activating the odor control function before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant disembarks from the vehicle if the occupant is the target person for odor control.

[0016] The odor control method according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure may further include: the odor control device, when the occupant is the target person, suggesting to the driver to start odor control before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant disembarks from the vehicle; and activating the odor control function based on an instruction from the driver.

[0017] The odor control method according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure may further include: the odor control device: acquiring information indicating the planned date and time for the occupant to board the vehicle; and activating the odor control function in response to a predetermined time period before the planned date and time arrives at the current date and time.

[0018] The odor control method according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure may further include: receiving voice information input from a microphone installed in the vehicle by the odor control device, the voice information being collected by the microphone; analyzing the voice information; and determining whether the occupant is getting on or off the vehicle based on the analysis result.

[0019] The odor control method according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure may further include: receiving image information input from a camera installed in the vehicle by the odor control device, the image information being acquired by the camera; analyzing the image information; and determining whether the occupant is getting on or off the vehicle based on the analysis result.

[0020] The odor control method according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure may further include: receiving sensor information from one or more sensors disposed in the vehicle by the odor control device, the sensor information being detected by the one or more sensors; analyzing the sensor information; and determining whether the occupant is getting on or off the vehicle based on the analysis results.

[0021] In the odor control method according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure, the one or more sensors may include a seat belt sensor.

[0022] In the odor control method according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the odor control function may be an odor elimination function, an odor removal function, or an air freshening function.

[0023] A vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of this disclosure may include: an odor control device according to a first or second embodiment; and a deodorizing device. In response to determining that the occupant is the target person for odor control, the deodorizing device may be configured to eliminate or remove odors based on instructions from the odor control device.

[0024] A vehicle according to a sixth embodiment of this disclosure may include: an odor control device according to a first or second embodiment; and an air freshening device. In response to determining that the occupant is the target person for odor control, the air freshening device is configured to release a fragrance based on an instruction from the odor control device.

[0025] According to this disclosure, odors inside a vehicle can be controlled at appropriate times. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and: Figure 1 A schematic configuration of an odor control system according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of a first odor control method performed by an odor control device according to this embodiment; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of a second odor control method performed by an odor control device according to this embodiment; and Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of a third odor control method performed by an odor control device according to this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 This describes the configuration of the odor control system according to this embodiment. Figure 1 The odor control system 1 shown includes a vehicle 10, a terminal device 20, and a server 30. The vehicle 10 and the server 30 are communicatively connected to each other via a network 40. The terminal device 20 and the server 30 are also communicatively connected to each other via the network 40.

[0029] The terminal device 20 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a personal computer (PC), etc. The terminal device 20 includes an input unit 21, a storage unit 22, a control unit 23, and a communication unit 24.

[0030] Input unit 21 includes an interface for receiving input from the operator of terminal device 20, such as physical buttons, capacitive buttons, or a touchscreen. Input unit 21 receives input from the operator of terminal device 20 regarding information indicating the operation plan of vehicle 10 (hereinafter referred to as "operation plan information"). Operation plan information includes information indicating the planned date and time when a person other than the owner of vehicle 10 will ride in vehicle 10 (hereinafter referred to as "planned date and time of passenger ride start"). Operation plan information may include information for identifying passengers, such as passenger name, attribute information, or relationship to the owner of vehicle 10 (husband, wife, brother, sister, friend, senior, junior, boss, subordinate, customer). Attribute information includes gender, age, etc. Operation plan information may include information indicating whether the passenger is a target person for odor control. For example, the target person for odor control may be someone other than the owner of vehicle 10. In this case, the information indicating the target person for odor control is associated with someone other than the owner of vehicle 10. The target person for odor control does not necessarily have to be someone other than the owner of vehicle 10. For example, the target person for odor control may be preset by the operator of terminal device 20. For example, it can be predetermined that the target personnel for odor control are people other than family members. For example, the target personnel for odor control could be people who have never been the target personnel for odor control. Input unit 21 outputs input information to storage unit 22.

[0031] Storage unit 22 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc. Storage unit 22 may function as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or cache memory. Storage unit 22 stores information for the operation of terminal device 20.

[0032] The control unit 23 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor for specific processing. The programmable circuit may be, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The dedicated circuit may be, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). While controlling the various units of the terminal device 20, the control unit 23 performs processing related to the operation of the terminal device 20. For example, the control unit 23 sends the operation plan information acquired via the input unit 21 and the storage unit 22 to the server 30 through the control communication unit 24.

[0033] The communication unit 24 includes a communication interface for communicating with the server 30. This communication interface may be, for example, an interface supporting mobile communication standards such as LTE, 4G, or 5G. The communication unit 24 outputs received information to the storage unit 22.

[0034] Server 30 is a server that manages the operation plan of vehicle 10. Server 30 includes storage unit 31, control unit 32 and communication unit 33.

[0035] Storage unit 31 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc. Storage unit 31 serves, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or cache memory. Storage unit 31 stores information used for the operation of server 30.

[0036] The control unit 32 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor (e.g., CPU or GPU) or a dedicated processor for specific processing. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. While controlling the various units of the server 30, the control unit 32 performs processing related to the operation of the server 30. For example, the control unit 32 sends operation plan information obtained from the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 33 and the storage unit 31 to the odor control device 11 through the control communication unit 33. The control unit 32 may extract only the information required by the odor control device 11 from the operation plan information and send it to the odor control device 11. The information required by the odor control device 11 includes, for example, the planned date and time of passenger travel, and information indicating whether the passenger is a target person for odor control.

[0037] The communication unit 33 includes a communication interface for communicating with the odor control device 11 and the terminal device 20. For example, the communication interface may be an interface that supports mobile communication standards (such as LTE, 4G, or 5G). The communication unit 33 outputs the received information to the storage unit 31.

[0038] Vehicle 10 includes an odor control device 11, a microphone 12, a camera 13, a sensor 14, a deodorizing device 15, and an air purifying device 16. Vehicle 10 may include only either microphone 12 or camera 13. Vehicle 10 may include only either deodorizing device 15 or air purifying device 16.

[0039] Microphone 12 is installed in vehicle 10 and collects the speaker's voice. Microphone 12 includes a pickup element. The pickup element is, for example, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microphone, an electret condenser microphone (ECM), etc. The type of pickup element is not limited.

[0040] Camera 13 is installed inside vehicle 10 and captures (photographs) images of at least the interior of vehicle 10. Camera 13 is, for example, a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) camera, a high-speed camera, etc.

[0041] Sensor 14 is one or more sensors installed within vehicle 10. Sensor 14 may include a seatbelt sensor for detecting the fastening and unfastening of seatbelts. The seatbelt sensor, for example, is attached to the seatbelt buckle and detects the insertion of the seatbelt tongue (latch) into the buckle. Sensor 14 may include a door sensor for detecting the opening and closing of vehicle doors. Sensor 14 may include a key sensor for detecting the locking and unlocking of vehicle doors.

[0042] The deodorizing device 15 activates its deodorizing function (odor elimination function or odor removal function) based on instructions from the odor control device 11, eliminating or removing odors within the vehicle 10. For example, the deodorizing device 15 eliminates odors by chemically reacting with hypochlorous acid or similar substances to decompose odor molecules. Alternatively, the deodorizing device 15 removes odors by adsorbing odor molecules with an adsorbent (e.g., activated carbon). The deodorizing device 15 may include a sterilization function to kill bacteria within the vehicle 10. The deodorizing device 15 may also include a virus removal function to remove viruses within the vehicle 10.

[0043] The air freshener 16 activates the air freshening function based on instructions from the odor control device 11 and releases fragrance into the interior of the vehicle 10. For example, the air freshener 16 diffuses the fragrance compound into the air by spraying or vaporizing.

[0044] Odor control device 11 determines when deodorization or air freshening is needed and controls the odor inside vehicle 10. Odor control device 11 includes input unit 111, storage unit 112, control unit 113, output unit 114, and communication unit 115.

[0045] When vehicle 10 includes microphone 12, input unit 111 includes an interface for inputting voice information from microphone 12. When vehicle 10 includes camera 13, input unit 111 includes an interface for inputting image information from camera 13. Furthermore, input unit 111 includes an interface for receiving input from the operator of odor control device 11, such as physical buttons, capacitive buttons, or a touchscreen. Input unit 111 outputs input information to storage unit 112.

[0046] Storage unit 112 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc. Storage unit 112 serves as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or cache memory. Storage unit 112 stores information for the operation of odor control device 11.

[0047] The control unit 113 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or GPU) or a dedicated processor for specific processing. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC.

[0048] While controlling the various units of the odor control device 11, the control unit 113 performs processing related to the operation of the odor control device 11. The control unit 113 obtains operation plan information from the server 30, identifies occupants who will be riding in the vehicle 10 based on this information, and determines whether the occupant is a target person for odor control. When the occupant is a target person for odor control, the control unit 113 activates the odor control function and controls the odor inside the vehicle 10 before, after, or after the occupant gets out of the vehicle 10. The processing details of the control unit 113 will be described later.

[0049] The output unit 114 includes an interface for outputting information generated by the output control unit 113, such as a display or speaker. It should be noted that the input unit 111 and the output unit 114 can be configured as a single unit, such as a touchscreen.

[0050] Communication unit 115 includes a communication interface for communicating with sensor 14. Communication unit 115 also includes a communication interface for communicating with server 30. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface can be an interface supporting communication standards, such as a local area network (LAN) interface or a universal serial bus (USB) interface. In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface can be an interface supporting mobile communication standards, such as LTE, 4G, or 5G, or an interface supporting short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth. Communication unit 115 outputs received information to storage unit 112.

[0051] Odor control methods Next, the odor control method executed by the odor control device 11 will be described. The odor control method described below is based on the assumption that the terminal device 20 has sent the operation plan information to the server 30.

[0052] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the process of the first odor control method performed by the odor control device 11.

[0053] In S101, communication unit 115 receives operation plan information from server 30. The timing of server 30 sending operation plan information can be determined and instructed to server 30 by the operator of terminal device 20, or it can be determined automatically by server 30. Server 30 can send operation plan information within a predetermined time period (e.g., one hour) before the scheduled date and time of passenger travel.

[0054] In S102, the control unit 113 identifies the occupant (passenger) who will later ride in vehicle 10 from the operation plan information and determines whether the passenger is the target person for odor control. When the control unit 113 determines that the passenger is the target person for odor control, the process proceeds to S103; when it determines that the passenger is not the target person for odor control, the process returns to S101.

[0055] When the operation plan information does not include information indicating whether a passenger is a target person for odor control, the control unit 113 can determine that a person other than the owner of vehicle 10 is a target person for odor control. The control unit 113 can determine the target person for odor control based on its relationship with the owner of vehicle 10. For example, the control unit 113 can determine that a person other than a family member of the owner of vehicle 10 is a target person for odor control, or it can determine that the owner's predecessor, boss, customer, etc., are target persons for odor control. The control unit 113 can also determine that a person who has never been a target person for odor control is a target person for odor control.

[0056] In S103, the control unit 113 identifies the planned date and time of the passenger's departure based on the operation plan information, and advances the process to S104 when the current date and time are within a predetermined time period (e.g., 0 to 5 minutes) before the planned date and time of the passenger's departure. In other words, the control unit 113 advances the process to S104 as the planned date and time of the passenger's departure approaches.

[0057] In step S104, control unit 113 activates either deodorizing device 15 or air purifying device 16 (activating odor control function) and begins odor control. When deodorizing device 15 is activated, it eliminates or removes odors from the vehicle 10. When air purifying device 16 is activated, it releases fragrance into the vehicle 10. Control unit 113 can identify passenger attribute information from the operating plan information and can instruct air purifying device 16 to release fragrances that vary according to the passenger attribute information. For example, control unit 113 can identify gender or age and can instruct air purifying device 16 to release fragrances that vary according to the passenger's gender or age. Control unit 113 can instruct air purifying device 16 to release fragrances that vary according to the season, month, or time of day. Control unit 113 can identify passengers and can instruct air purifying device 16 to release fragrances that vary according to the passengers.

[0058] In S104, the control unit 113 can suggest to the driver that odor control be initiated via the deodorizing device 15 or the air freshening device 16, and can activate the odor control function based on instructions from the driver. For example, the control unit 113 can cause the output unit 114 to display the message "There are 0 minutes left until the scheduled start time of passenger travel. Do you want to start odor control?" and select the "Yes" and "No" buttons, and can activate the odor control function when "Yes" is selected. By suggesting to the driver in advance, the control unit 113 can start odor control at a more appropriate time.

[0059] In step S105, the control unit 113 determines whether to stop the deodorizing device 15 or the air purifying device 16 from operating. Upon receiving an odor control termination command or after a predetermined time period, the control unit 113 stops the deodorizing device 15 or the air purifying device 16 from operating. The operator of the odor control device 11 can instruct the odor control to be stopped at any time via the input unit 111. The control unit 113 can repeat the commands to start and stop the operation of the deodorizing device 15 or the air purifying device 16 at predetermined times. After the control unit 113 stops the deodorizing device 15 or the air purifying device 16 from operating, the operator of the odor control device 11 can instruct the odor control to be restarted at any time via the input unit 111.

[0060] As described above, in the first odor control method, the odor control device 11 initiates odor control as the planned date and time for passenger travel approaches. Therefore, the odor control device 11 can deodorize or add fragrance to the vehicle interior before passengers board the vehicle 10, thereby eliminating unpleasant odors and creating a comfortable odor inside the vehicle.

[0061] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of the second odor control method executed by the odor control device 11. Since S101 to S105 are the same as those in the first odor control method, their description is omitted.

[0062] In S106, as the scheduled date and time for the passenger's boarding approaches ("No" in S103), the control unit 113 begins to determine whether the passenger exists (i.e., whether the passenger has already boarded the vehicle). If the control unit 113 determines that the passenger exists, it proceeds to S104; if it determines that the passenger does not exist, it returns to S103.

[0063] The control unit 113 can determine the presence of a passenger by receiving and analyzing voice information collected by the microphone 12. For example, the control unit 113 can obtain a voiceprint from the voice information collected by the microphone 12 and compare the voiceprint with the pre-registered voiceprint of the driver to determine the presence of a passenger. It should be noted that the voiceprints of multiple occupants of the vehicle 10 can be pre-stored in the storage unit 112, thereby enabling the control unit 113 to identify passengers.

[0064] Control unit 113 can determine the presence of a passenger by receiving and analyzing image information captured by camera 13. For example, control unit 113 can determine the presence of a passenger by extracting a person's facial image from the image information captured by camera 13 and comparing the facial image with a pre-registered driver's facial image. Control unit 113 can detect and verify facial images using existing technologies such as YOLO or convolutional neural networks (CNN). It should be noted that the individual facial images of multiple occupants of vehicle 10 can be pre-stored in storage unit 112, allowing control unit 113 to identify passengers.

[0065] Control unit 113 can determine the presence of a passenger by receiving and analyzing sensor information detected by sensor 14. For example, when the seatbelt sensor detects that the seatbelt is fastened in a seat other than the driver's seat, control unit 113 can determine the presence of a passenger. When the weight sensor detects that the load on a seat other than the driver's seat has increased above a threshold, control unit 113 can determine the presence of a passenger. Control unit 113 can also comprehensively determine the presence of a passenger by combining the findings from microphone 12, camera 13, and sensor 14.

[0066] As described above, in the second odor control method, the odor control device 11 initiates odor control not only when the scheduled date and time of passenger boarding are approaching, but also when the passenger has already boarded the vehicle 10 before the scheduled date and time of passenger boarding. Therefore, the odor control device 11 can perform odor control even if the passenger boards the vehicle earlier than originally planned. Furthermore, when the passenger is already present before the scheduled date and time of passenger boarding, the odor control device 11 can deodorize or add fragrance, preventing unpleasant odors from emanating while the passenger is in the vehicle.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of the third odor control method executed by the odor control device 11. Since S101 to S105 are the same as those in the first odor control method, their description is omitted.

[0068] In S106, when the scheduled date and time for the passenger's journey are approaching ("Yes" in S103), the control unit 113 begins to determine whether the passenger exists. When the control unit 113 determines that the passenger exists, the control unit 113 proceeds to S107. The method for determining whether the passenger exists is the same as that in the second odor control method.

[0069] In S107, control unit 113 determines whether the passenger has disembarked from vehicle 10. When control unit 113 determines that the passenger has disembarked, it proceeds to S104. Control unit 113 can determine whether the passenger has disembarked by analyzing information detected by sensor 14. For example, control unit 113 can determine whether the passenger has disembarked after receiving information from the seatbelt sensor indicating that the seatbelt is unfastened in seats other than the driver's seat, receiving information from the key sensor indicating that the door is unlocked, and receiving information from the door sensor indicating that the door is open and closed. Control unit 113 can also determine whether the passenger has disembarked by analyzing voice information collected by microphone 12 or image information collected by camera 13, as in S106.

[0070] As described above, in the third odor control method, the odor control device 11 initiates odor control after the passenger has disembarked. Therefore, the odor control device 11 can perform odor control after the passenger has disembarked without being noticed by the passenger. Thus, the odor control device 11 can arrange the in-vehicle environment to prepare for the next passenger's journey. The odor control device 11 can combine the first to third odor control methods. In other words, the odor control device 11 can deodorize or add fragrance to the interior of the vehicle 10 at any of the following times: when the planned date and time of the passenger's journey is approaching, when the passenger is already present before the planned date and time of the passenger's journey, and when the passenger has disembarked. As described above, according to the odor control device 11 in this embodiment, the odor inside the vehicle can be controlled at appropriate times.

[0071] program Alternatively, a computer with executable program instructions can be used to make the computer act as an odor control device 11. The program can make the computer act as an odor control device 11 by causing the computer to perform the above operations.

[0072] The program can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Such a medium may be, for example, flash memory, a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a ROM. Distribution of the program may be performed, for example, by selling, transferring, or leasing removable media storing the program (e.g., a Security Digital (SD) card, a Digital Multifunction Optical Disc (DVD), or an Optical Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM)). The program can also be distributed by storing it in the memory of a server and transferring it from the server to another computer. The program may be offered as a program product.

[0073] The computer temporarily stores programs, such as those stored on removable media or transferred from a server, in storage unit 112. Then, in the computer, the processor (control unit 113) reads the program stored in storage unit 112 and performs processing according to the read program. The computer can directly read programs from removable media and perform processing according to the programs. Each time a program is transferred from a server to the computer, the computer can sequentially perform processing according to the received program. These processes can also be performed by a so-called Application Service Provider (ASP) service, which implements functionality based on instructions for execution and obtaining results, without transferring the program from the server to the computer. A program includes information provided to the computer for processing and is equivalent to the program. For example, data that is not directly directed at the computer but has attributes defining the computer's processing corresponds to "information equivalent to the program."

[0074] Although this embodiment has been described as a representative example, various modifications or changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. For example, for the component blocks or processing steps described in this embodiment, multiple component blocks or processing steps can be merged into a single component block or processing step, or a single component block or processing step can be split into multiple component blocks or processing steps.

[0075] For example, in S103, when there is a predetermined time remaining before the scheduled date and time for the passenger's departure, the process is initiated, and the deodorizing device 15 or the air-purifying device 16 is activated. However, the control unit 113 can adjust this predetermined time period based on environmental information. Environmental information may include at least one of the following: in-vehicle temperature, atmospheric pressure, weather, humidity, permeability, volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration, odor intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and air quality index (AQI). The odor diffusion rate varies with changes in environmental information. For example, when the in-vehicle temperature is high, the volatilization of odor compounds increases, and the diffusion rate accelerates. When humidity is high, the diffusion rate decreases because moisture adsorbs odor molecules. Furthermore, it is conceivable that although odors spread rapidly and permeability is good, diffusion slows down in an airtight environment. As described above, environmental information has a significant impact on the duration and range of odor diffusion. Any method can be used to acquire environmental information. For example, the control unit 113 can acquire environmental information by obtaining sensor values ​​from sensors that acquire environmental information. Alternatively, the control unit 113 can also obtain environmental information from an external device. The predetermined time period is adjusted based on this environmental information to more appropriately set the timing of odor control and efficiently provide a comfortable in-vehicle environment for the user. Furthermore, this adjustment is expected to maximize the effectiveness of the odor control device 11 while reducing wasteful energy consumption.

[0076] For example, in S105, upon receiving an odor control termination command or after a predetermined time period, the control unit 113 stops the deodorizing device 15 or the air purifying device 16 from operating. Here, the predetermined time period can be adjusted based on environmental information. Environmental information may include at least one of the following: in-vehicle temperature, atmospheric pressure, weather, humidity, permeability, VOC concentration, odor intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and air quality index (AQI). Any method can be used to acquire the environmental information. For example, the control unit 113 can acquire environmental information by obtaining sensor values ​​from sensors that acquire environmental information. Alternatively, the control unit 113 can acquire environmental information from an external device. Adjusting the predetermined time period based on the environmental information allows for a more appropriate setting of the timing for the termination of odor control and efficiently provides a comfortable in-vehicle environment for the user. Furthermore, this adjustment is expected to maximize the effectiveness of the odor control device 11 while reducing wasted energy consumption.

[0077] It is important to note that, for example, when environmental information is used in S103 or S105 to adjust the predetermined time period, the control unit 113 can estimate the time period for odor diffusion based on the environmental information. Then, the control unit 113 can set the predetermined time period based on the estimated diffusion time period. A learning model can be used in this estimation. A learning model is a model created using machine learning algorithms. For example, the learning model can be a machine learning model based on a decision tree. Examples of machine learning models based on decision trees include, but are not limited to, LightGBM, XGBoost, etc. Alternatively, the learning model can also be a model created based on CNNs, recurrent neural networks (RNNs), or any other machine learning algorithm (e.g., deep learning).

[0078] For example, passenger attribute information is not limited to gender and age, which are listed here as examples. Attribute information may include health conditions (such as allergies to specific deodorizing ingredients), odor preferences, cultural background, past choice history, etc. The control unit 113 can identify passenger attribute information and can instruct the deodorizing device 15 or air freshening device 16 to release different fragrances or deodorizing ingredients based on this information. Therefore, an optimal in-vehicle environment can be provided according to the individual passenger's taste, health condition, etc., which can be expected to improve comfort and reduce discomfort, health risks, etc. Furthermore, since it can respond to the different needs of different passengers, overall vehicle satisfaction can be improved, and differentiated services can be achieved.

[0079] The following describes some embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0080] Supplementary Item 1 An odor control device includes a control unit, the control unit being configured to: Retrieve operation plan information from the server, which indicates the plan for the operation of the vehicles; Based on the operational plan information, identify the occupants who are about to board the vehicle and determine whether the occupants are the target personnel for odor control; and When the occupant is the target person, the odor control function is activated before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant disembarks from the vehicle.

[0081] Supplementary Item 2 An odor control device includes a control unit configured to identify an occupant about to board a vehicle, and to activate the odor control function before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant alights from the vehicle when the occupant is the target person for odor control.

[0082] Supplementary Item 3 According to the odor control device of Supplementary Item 2, the control unit is configured to: suggest to the driver to start odor control before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant disembarks from the vehicle when the occupant is the target person; and to activate the odor control function based on instructions from the driver.

[0083] Supplementary Item 4 According to the odor control device described in Supplementary Item 2 or 3, the control unit is configured as follows: Obtain information indicating the planned date and time for the occupants to travel in the vehicle; and The odor control function is activated when the current date and time are within a predetermined time period prior to the planned date and time.

[0084] Supplementary Item 5 According to any one of Supplementary Items 2 to 4, the odor control device is configured to receive input of voice information from a microphone located in the vehicle, the voice information being collected by the microphone; and to determine whether the occupant is boarding or alighting from the vehicle by analyzing the voice information.

[0085] Supplementary Item 6 According to any one of Supplementary Items 2 to 5, the odor control device, wherein the control unit is configured to receive input image information from a camera installed in the vehicle, the image information being acquired by the camera; and to determine whether the occupant has boarded or disembarked from the vehicle by analyzing the image information.

[0086] Supplementary Item 7 According to any one of Supplementary Items 2 to 6, the odor control device, wherein the control unit is configured to receive sensor information from one or more sensors disposed in the vehicle, the sensor information being detected by the one or more sensors; and to determine whether the occupant is boarding or alighting from the vehicle by analyzing the sensor information.

[0087] Supplementary Item 8 According to the odor control device described in Supplementary Item 7, the more than one sensor includes a seatbelt sensor.

[0088] Supplementary Item 9 According to any one of Supplementary Items 2 to 8, the odor control device wherein the odor control function is an odor elimination function, an odor removal function, or an air freshening function.

[0089] Supplementary Item 10 An odor control method, comprising: Odor control device, Retrieve operation plan information from the server, which indicates the plan for the operation of the vehicles; Based on the operational plan information, identify the occupants who are about to board the vehicle and determine whether the occupants are the target personnel for odor control; and When the occupant is the target person, the odor control function is activated before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant disembarks from the vehicle.

[0090] Supplementary Item 11 An odor control method includes: identifying an occupant about to board a vehicle by an odor control device; and activating an odor control function before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant alights from the vehicle when the occupant is the target person for odor control.

[0091] Supplementary Item 12 The odor control method according to Supplementary Item 11 further includes: when the occupant is the target person, the odor control device suggests to the driver to start odor control before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant gets off the vehicle; and activates the odor control function based on an instruction from the driver.

[0092] Supplementary Item 13 The odor control method according to Supplementary Item 11 or 12 further includes: The odor control device, Obtain information indicating the planned date and time for the occupants to travel in the vehicle; and The odor control function is activated when the current date and time are within a predetermined time period prior to the planned date and time.

[0093] Supplementary Item 14 The odor control method according to any one of Supplementary Items 11 to 13 further includes: The odor control device, Receives voice information input from a microphone installed in the vehicle, the voice information being collected by the microphone; and The passenger's boarding or disembarking is determined by analyzing the voice information.

[0094] Supplementary Item 15 The odor control method according to any one of Supplementary Items 11 to 14 further includes: The odor control device, The system receives image information as input from a camera installed in the vehicle, the image information being acquired by the camera; and The system analyzes the image information to determine whether the passenger boarded or disembarked the vehicle.

[0095] Supplementary Item 16 The odor control method according to any one of Supplementary Items 11 to 15 further includes: The odor control device, Receive sensor information from one or more sensors located in the vehicle, the sensor information being detected by the one or more sensors; The system analyzes the sensor information to determine whether the passenger boarded or alighted from the vehicle.

[0096] Supplementary Item 17 According to the odor control method described in Supplementary Item 16, the more than one sensor includes a seatbelt sensor.

[0097] Supplementary Item 18 According to any one of Supplementary Items 11 to 17, the odor control method is an odor elimination function, an odor removal function, or an air freshening function.

[0098] Supplementary Item 19 A vehicle comprising: An odor control device according to any one of Supplementary Items 1 to 9; and Deodorization device, When the occupant is the target person for odor control, the deodorization device eliminates or removes the odor based on instructions from the odor control device.

[0099] Supplementary Item 20 A vehicle comprising: An odor control device according to any one of Supplementary Items 1 to 9; and Air purifier, When the occupant is the target person for odor control, the air freshener releases fragrance based on instructions from the odor control device.

Claims

1. An odor control device, characterized in that, Includes a processor, the processor being configured to: Retrieve operation plan information from the server, which indicates the plan for the operation of the vehicles; Based on the operation plan information, identify the occupants who are about to board the vehicle and determine whether the occupants are the target personnel for odor control; as well as In response to determining that the occupant is the target person, the odor control function is activated before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant disembarks from the vehicle.

2. An odor control device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor configured to identify an occupant about to board the vehicle and, if the occupant is a target person for odor control, to activate the odor control function before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant disembarks from the vehicle.

3. The odor control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processor is configured to: In the case where the occupant is the target person, the driver is advised to begin odor control before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant disembarks from the vehicle. as well as The odor control function is activated based on instructions from the driver.

4. The odor control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processor is configured to: Obtain information indicating the planned date and time for the occupants to board the vehicle; and The odor control function is activated in response to a predetermined time period preceding the scheduled date and time.

5. The odor control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processor is configured to: The input of voice information is received from a microphone installed in the vehicle, and the voice information is collected by the microphone. Analyze the voice information; as well as Based on the analysis results, it is determined whether the passenger boarded or disembarked from the vehicle.

6. The odor control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processor is configured to: The vehicle receives image information as input from a camera installed in the vehicle, the image information being acquired by the camera. Analyze the image information; as well as Based on the analysis results, it is determined whether the passenger boarded or disembarked from the vehicle.

7. The odor control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processor is configured to: Receive sensor information from one or more sensors located in the vehicle, the sensor information being detected by the one or more sensors; Analyze the sensor information; as well as Based on the analysis results, it is determined whether the passenger boarded or disembarked from the vehicle.

8. The odor control device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The one or more sensors include a seatbelt sensor.

9. The odor control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The odor control function is an odor elimination function, an odor removal function, or an air freshening function.

10. An odor control method, characterized in that, include: Odor control device, Retrieve operation plan information from the server, which indicates the plan for the operation of the vehicles; Based on the operation plan information, identify the occupants who are about to board the vehicle and determine whether the occupants are the target personnel for odor control; as well as In response to determining that the occupant is the target person, the odor control function is activated before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant disembarks from the vehicle.

11. An odor control method, characterized in that, include: The odor control device identifies occupants about to board the vehicle, and if the occupant is the target person for odor control, the odor control function is activated before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant disembarks from the vehicle.

12. The odor control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: The odor control device, In the case where the occupant is the target person, the driver is advised to begin odor control before the occupant boards the vehicle, after the occupant boards the vehicle, or after the occupant disembarks from the vehicle. as well as The odor control function is activated based on instructions from the driver.

13. The odor control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: The odor control device, Obtain information indicating the planned date and time for the occupants to board the vehicle; as well as The odor control function is activated in response to a predetermined time period preceding the scheduled date and time.

14. The odor control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: The odor control device, The input of voice information is received from a microphone installed in the vehicle, and the voice information is collected by the microphone. Analyze the voice information; and Based on the analysis results, it is determined whether the passenger boarded or disembarked from the vehicle.

15. The odor control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: The odor control device, The vehicle receives image information as input from a camera installed in the vehicle, the image information being acquired by the camera. Analyze the image information; and Based on the analysis results, it is determined whether the passenger boarded or disembarked from the vehicle.

16. The odor control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: The odor control device, Receive sensor information from one or more sensors located in the vehicle, the sensor information being detected by the one or more sensors; Analyze the sensor information; as well as Based on the analysis results, it is determined whether the passenger boarded or disembarked from the vehicle.

17. The odor control method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The one or more sensors include a seatbelt sensor.

18. The odor control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The odor control function is an odor elimination function, an odor removal function, or an air freshening function.

19. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: Odor control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; as well as Deodorization device, In response to determining that the occupant is the target person for odor control, the deodorizing device is configured to eliminate or remove odors based on instructions from the odor control device.

20. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: The odor control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; as well as Air purifier, In response to determining that the occupant is the target person for odor control, the air freshener is configured to release a fragrance based on an instruction from the odor control device.

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