Deodorizing system, deodorizing control method, and program

Abstract

The deodorizing system includes an acquisition processing section (31) and a control processing section (33). The acquisition processing section (31) acquires odor information related to a kind of odor detected in an object space. The control processing section (33) controls a deodorizing section (2) based on the odor information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to deodorization systems, deodorization control methods, and procedures. Background Technology

[0002] As a related technology, air purifiers with deodorization functions within a housing are known, where air drawn in from the intake port is blown outwards from the outlet (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the air purifier of the related technology, an intake fan is provided near the intake port, and an adsorption filter is arranged such that it traverses the passage through which the air drawn in by the intake fan flows within the housing. Malodorous components contained in the air are adsorbed into the adsorption filter as they flow through it.

[0003] This air purifier also features an ion-ozone generator. When the odor detection value, detected by an odor sensor located outside the casing, is below a specified value, the ion-ozone generator operates in ion generation mode. When the odor detection value exceeds the specified value, the ion-ozone generator operates in ozone generation mode. Thus, ozone generation is suppressed when the odor is weak, and ozone is generated to deodorize the air drawn into the air purifier when the odor is strong.

[0004] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-006956. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention In the aforementioned related technologies, since the deodorization function (ion ozone generator) is uniformly controlled based on the odor intensity detected by the odor sensor, the deodorization function may be activated to deodorize even "pleasant odors" such as perfumes or fragrances.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a deodorization system, deodorization control method, and procedure that enable users to perform deodorization actions more effectively.

[0007] Solution to the problem One aspect of this disclosure relates to a deodorization system comprising an acquisition processing unit and a control processing unit. The acquisition processing unit acquires odor information related to the type of odor detected in an object space. The control processing unit controls the deodorization unit based on the odor information.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a deodorization control method comprising an acquisition process and a control process. In the acquisition process, odor information relating to the type of odor detected in an object space is acquired. In the control process, a deodorization unit is controlled based on the odor information.

[0009] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a program used to cause one or more processors to execute the deodorization control method.

[0010] According to this disclosure, a deodorization system, deodorization control method, and procedure can be provided that enable users to perform better deodorization actions. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the air purifier involved in Embodiment 1, viewed from the right front.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic right-side view of the air purifier according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram of the air purifier involved in Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram of the list used in the air purifier according to Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the air purifier according to Embodiment 1.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the air purifier according to Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of the filter of the air purifier according to Embodiment 1.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of the filter of the air purifier according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective view showing the structure of the filter of the air purifier according to Embodiment 1. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples to embody the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] (Implementation Method 1) [1] Overall composition First, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The overall structure of the air purifier 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0022] In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the vertical direction of the air purifier 10 in its usable state is defined as the up-down direction D1. Furthermore, the left-right direction D2 is defined based on the direction from which the air purifier 10 is viewed from the front, and the front-back direction D3 is defined with the front side of the air purifier 10 as the front and the back side as the rear. However, these directions are not intended to limit the direction of use of the air purifier 10 (the direction during use).

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the air purifier 10 is used, for example, when placed on a mounting surface X1, such as the floor of a room in a residence. When placed on the mounting surface X1, the air purifier 10 stands upright. That is, the air purifier 10 according to this embodiment is a standing and portable device, allowing the user to freely move the air purifier 10 and place it at any location on the mounting surface X1.

[0024] The air purifier 10 has the function of deodorizing the target space and is an example of an "odor removal system". In this embodiment, in addition to the deodorization function, the air purifier 10 also has the function of collecting dust, pollen, smoke, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5, for example) in the target space. In addition to the dust collection function, the air purifier 10 can also have various functions on the target space, such as releasing discharge products like ions, humidifying, dehumidifying, heating, and cooling.

[0025] The term "deodorization" as used in this disclosure refers to all treatments that reduce the "odor" of an object space, such as an indoor space. Specifically, "deodorization" as used in this disclosure includes treatments such as using adsorbents like activated carbon or photocatalysts to draw air from the object space to filter the "odor," thereby removing odor substances from the object space and reducing the "odor" of the object space.

[0026] Furthermore, the "deodorization" described in this disclosure also includes, for example, a "deodorization" process that releases highly reactive ionic substances or ozone into the target space to directly act on odor substances in the target space, thereby reducing the "odor" of the target space. Additionally, the "deodorization" described in this disclosure is sufficient as long as the process is expected to reduce the "odor" of the target space; it can be said that even if the "odor" is not actually reduced (almost), the "deodorization" function can still be considered to be operating.

[0027] The air purifier 10 according to this embodiment includes a deodorizing unit 2 for deodorizing the target space (see reference). Figure 3As an example, the deodorization unit 2 has a deodorization filter 21 that uses activated carbon or the like (see reference). Figure 3 The air purifier 10 has a filter 20 inside the housing 100 (see reference). Figure 1 The filter 20 includes a deodorizing filter 21.

[0028] When the air purifier 10 is installed in an indoor space, it removes odor substances from the air by drawing air into the housing 100 through the air intake 101 and passing it through the filter 20. Furthermore, the air purifier 10 deodorizes the space by expelling the deodorized air, after removing odor substances, from the outlet 102 of the housing 100.

[0029] Air purifier 10 is, for example, an electrical device that receives power from an electrical system (AC power supply) to operate. That is, air purifier 10 performs air purification (at least deodorization) of the target space by receiving power.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the air purifier 10 includes a housing 100, a filter 20 (including a deodorizing filter 21), and an airflow generating unit 22. Figure 3 As shown, the air purifier 10, in addition to having a deodorizing unit 2 including a filter 20 and an airflow generating unit 22, also includes an odor detection unit 11, a display unit 12, a sound output unit 13, an operation unit 14, a communication unit 15, and a control unit 3.

[0031] In this embodiment, as an example, the housing 100 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape (quadrangular prism shape) with a length D1 in the vertical direction. The housing 100 constitutes the outer contour of the air purifier 10. The housing 100 can take various shapes, such as a polygonal prism or a cylinder, in addition to a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In this embodiment, the components of the housing 100 are made of resin.

[0032] The housing 100 has an air intake 101 and an air outlet 102. The air intake 101 is a hole for drawing air from the outside of the housing 100 into the housing 100, thus connecting the inside and outside of the housing 100. The air outlet 102 is a hole for blowing air from the inside of the housing 100 out of the housing 100, thus connecting the outside and inside of the housing 100.

[0033] In this embodiment, as an example, an air intake 101 is formed on the back plate constituting the rearward side (back side) of the housing 100. The air intake 101 is formed over approximately the entire area of ​​the back side of the housing 100. The air intake 101 is a hole that penetrates the back plate in the front-rear direction D3. A grid is provided in the air intake 101, and the opening area of ​​the air intake 101 is set to a level where a user's finger will not enter.

[0034] An outlet 102 is formed in the top plate of the upward-facing surface (upper surface) constituting the housing 100. The outlet 102 is a hole penetrating the top plate in the vertical direction D1. In this embodiment, as an example, the outlet 102 is formed at the center of the upper surface of the housing 100 in the front-rear direction D3. A plurality of guide plates are provided at the outlet 102 to control the direction of airflow to be obliquely rearward.

[0035] The filter 20 is disposed within the housing 100 at a position opposite to the air intake 101 on the back panel. In addition to the deodorizing filter 21, the filter 20 also includes a pre-filter and a dust collection filter 24 (see reference). Figure 7 Pre-filters, for example, are mesh filters. Mesh filters can capture larger debris in the air. The pre-filter is positioned on the outside (rear side) relative to the deodorizing filter 21 and the dust collection filter 24. The dust collection filter can capture dust, pollen, smoke, and fine particulate matter. Filter 20 will be described in detail in the "[3] Filter Details" section.

[0036] Here, the back plate of the housing 100 is configured to be removable relative to the portion other than the back plate of the housing 100, for example, by means of a snap-fit ​​connection or other connecting unit, and installed from the rear of the filter 20. Thus, with the back plate installed (in the portion other than the back plate of the housing 100), the filter 20 is housed within the housing 100.

[0037] Therefore, the back panel needs to be removed during maintenance (including replacement and cleaning) of the filter 20. The back panel is installed on the part of the housing 100 other than the back panel, so that it can be easily removed without the use of tools (jigs).

[0038] The airflow generating unit 22 is a device that generates airflow, such as a fan. In this embodiment, as an example, the airflow generating unit 22 is a centrifugal fan. The airflow generating unit 22 generates airflow (wind) so that air drawn into the housing 100 from the intake port 101 is blown out of the housing 100 from the outlet port 102. In other words, inside the housing 100, an air passage 103 for airflow is formed from the intake port 101 to the outlet port 102 (see reference). Figure 2 An airflow generating unit 22 is installed in the middle of the airflow path 103.

[0039] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the airflow generating unit 22 is disposed in front of the filter 20, and the air intake 101, the filter 20, and the airflow generating unit 22 are arranged sequentially in the front-rear direction D3. Thus, the airflow generating unit 22 operates such that air is drawn in from the end of the air passage 103 on the side of the air intake 101 (the end on the upstream side) through the filter 20, and the air after passing through the filter 20 is blown out from the outlet 102 through the air passage 103.

[0040] With this configuration, the air purifier 10 receives an electrical supply to activate the airflow generating unit 22, thereby drawing air from the target space where the air purifier 10 is installed into the housing 100 for air purification by the filter 20. Furthermore, the air purifier 10 purifies the air in the target space by blowing purified air into it. Here, the filter 20 includes a deodorizing filter 21, so it at least adsorbs and removes odor substances from the air; therefore, as air purification, it can at least deodorize the target space.

[0041] The odor detection unit 11 includes an odor sensor that detects the "odor" of the target space. The odor sensor is an electrical component that outputs an electrical signal containing a physical quantity (amount or concentration, etc.) related to odor substances (odor molecules) in the target space. The odor detection unit 11 is disposed within the housing 100, and is configured, for example, to allow air (external air) from the target space outside the housing 100 to be introduced through an air intake 101 or other opening formed on the housing 100.

[0042] Here, the odor detection unit 11 has a multi-array sensor composed of multiple odor sensors (sensor elements) arranged in a row. Each of the multiple odor sensors has an adsorption layer (adsorption film) on its surface that adsorbs odor substances (odor molecules). Here, the adsorption characteristics of the adsorption layers of each of the multiple odor sensors are different, and they adsorb different odor substances respectively. As a result, the odor detection unit 11 with multiple odor sensors can output a detection result with an inherent response pattern for each type of "odor" of a complex of unspecified chemical substances.

[0043] Thus, in this embodiment, the odor detection unit 11 outputs not only the intensity of the odor, but also a response pattern consisting of a combination of the intensities (numerical values) of each odor substance corresponding to the "type of odor" as the detection result. Therefore, the odor detection unit 11 can detect the "odor" of the object space in a manner that approximates the sense of smell of humans or animals, including the type of odor. The "type of odor" referred to in this disclosure includes, for example, the various types of odors that humans smell, such as the smell of burnt odor, coffee odor, black tea odor, tobacco odor, perfume odor, fragrance odor, detergent odor, fabric softener odor, plant odor, and food odor, among many others. Of course, even for perfumes, fragrances, detergents, fabric softeners, plants, and food, the "type of odor" varies depending on its type (content). The odor detection unit 11 detects the type of odor by the type, concentration, and combination of odor substances (odor molecules) that are odors.

[0044] More specifically, the odor detection unit 11 serves as a sensor element (odor sensor) for detecting odor substances adsorbed on the adsorption layer, such as using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) type or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) type transducer (converter). The odor detection unit 11 can be reused by repeatedly adsorbing and desorbing odor substances from its surface (adsorption film).

[0045] The display unit 12 is a user interface, such as a liquid crystal display or a machine EL display, used to display various information according to control instructions from the control unit 3, and to provide information to the user. As an example, the display unit 12 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 100. The display unit 12 provides various information to the user by displaying a screen containing various information. The term "screen" as used in this disclosure refers to an image displayed by the display unit 12, including pictures, graphics, photographs, text, and animations. The screen displayed by the display unit 12 includes not only static images but also constantly changing images (moving images).

[0046] The sound output unit 13 is a user interface that outputs various information as sound (including voice) according to the control instructions from the control unit 3 to prompt information to the user.

[0047] The operation unit 14 is a user interface for receiving user operations, such as a mechanical switch, touch panel, voice control unit, or encoder. In this embodiment, as an example, the operation unit 14 includes multiple buttons, each of which can be pressed by the user. The operation unit 14 is configured to receive operations such as starting and stopping the air purifier 10, switching the airflow of the air purifier 10 between "weak," "medium," "strong," and "auto," and timer operations.

[0048] The communication unit 15 is a communication interface used to connect the air purifier 10 to external devices via wired or wireless means, and to perform data communication with external devices in accordance with a prescribed communication protocol. As used in this disclosure, "communicable" means capable of sending and receiving information directly or indirectly via a communication network (network) NT1 or via a repeater, using appropriate communication methods such as wired or wireless communication (communication using radio waves or light as a medium). The air purifier 10 can communicate with the server device 4, the terminal device 5, and at least one electrical device 6, for example, via a communication network NT1 such as the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), public telephone line, mobile phone line network, packet line network, or wireless LAN.

[0049] The control unit 3 uses a computer system with one or more processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and one or more memories, such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), as its main structure to perform various processes (information processing). In this embodiment, the control unit 3 uses a computer system with one or more processors as its main structure; therefore, the control unit 3 is implemented by having one or more processors execute the deodorization control program. In this embodiment, the control unit 3 is an integrated controller that performs overall control of the air purifier 10. However, the control unit 3 can also be set up separately from the integrated controller.

[0050] The control unit 3 is configured to communicate with the devices installed in each component of the air purifier 10. Specifically, the control unit 3 is electrically connected to the deodorization unit 2, the odor detection unit 11, the display unit 12, the sound output unit 13, the operation unit 14, and the communication unit 15. Therefore, the control unit 3 can control the deodorization unit 2, the display unit 12, the sound output unit 13, and the communication unit 15, and can also acquire the detection results (or operation results) of the odor detection unit 11 and the operation unit 14. Here, the control unit 3 can directly transmit and receive various information (data) with each device, or indirectly via repeaters or the like.

[0051] The air purifier 10 can communicate with the server device 4, the terminal device 5, and (at least one) electrical device 6, and therefore can also cooperate with at least one of the server device 4, the terminal device 5, and the electrical device 6 to form a deodorization system. That is, the components of the deodorization system can also be distributed among the air purifier 10, the server device 4, the terminal device 5, and the electrical device 6. However, in this embodiment, the components of the deodorization system are concentrated in the air purifier 10 (particularly the control unit 3), so the deodorization system is implemented solely by the air purifier 10. As another example, the function of the deodorization system may be provided only in the server device 4 and / or the terminal device 5; in this case, the deodorization system is implemented solely by the server device 4 and / or the terminal device 5.

[0052] Server device 4 uses a computer system with one or more processors and one or more memory as its main architecture. Multiple air purifiers 10 can be communicatively connected to server device 4.

[0053] Terminal device 5 is a user terminal for use by the user of air purifier 10. Terminal device 5 is composed of a general terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Terminal device 5 includes an information processing unit, a storage unit, an operation display unit, and a communication unit. Electrical equipment 6 is various electrical appliances installed in or near the target space for use by the user of air purifier 10. Electrical equipment 6 includes, for example, fixed-installation equipment such as exhaust fans, heating and cooking appliances, or lighting fixtures, as well as household appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, or air conditioning units.

[0054] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 3 includes an acquisition processing unit 31, an analysis processing unit 32, a control processing unit 33, a change processing unit 34, a prompting processing unit 35, a prediction processing unit 36, a cooperation processing unit 37, a notification processing unit 38, and a storage unit 39. In this embodiment, as an example, the control unit 3 is mainly structured as a computer system with one or more processors. Therefore, these multiple processing units (such as the acquisition processing unit 31) are implemented by executing the deodorization control program by one or more processors. The multiple processing units included in the control unit 3 can be distributed in multiple housings or disposed in a single housing.

[0055] The acquisition processing unit 31 performs acquisition processing to acquire odor information related to the type of odor detected in the object space. In this embodiment, the acquisition processing unit 31 acquires the detection results of the odor detection unit 11 as odor information. The acquisition processing unit 31 acquires odor information periodically or irregularly and stores the acquired odor information in the storage unit 39.

[0056] The analysis and processing unit 32 performs analysis processing to analyze the information (odor information) acquired by the acquisition and processing unit 31. For example, the analysis and processing unit 32 analyzes which attribute information is associated with the type of odor detected by the odor detection unit 11. As used in this disclosure, "attribute information" refers to information representing the attributes of odor information, including at least one of "pleasant odor" and "unpleasant odor." That is, the analysis and processing unit 32 analyzes whether the type of odor detected by the odor detection unit 11 is classified as, for example, "pleasant odor" or "unpleasant odor"—which attribute information.

[0057] The control processing unit 33 performs control processing on the deodorization unit 2 based on odor information (or its analysis results). Furthermore, the control processing unit 33 can also control the deodorization unit 2 based on the "cause" of the odor deduced by the estimation processing unit 36. As an example, the control of the deodorization unit 2 includes starting and stopping the operation of the airflow generating unit 22, and switching the airflow to "weak," "medium," "strong," and "automatic."

[0058] The change processing unit 34 performs change processing to change the correspondence between odor information and attribute information. That is, the correspondence between attribute information and odor information used by the analysis processing unit 32 in the analysis is not fixed and can be changed by the change processing unit 34.

[0059] The prompt processing unit 35 performs prompt processing to prompt the user with prompt information based on odor information. As referred to in this disclosure, the means of "prompting" include display in the display unit 12, sound (including voice) output from the sound output unit 13, display other than the display unit 12 (including display based on the lighting status of a light), transmission to other devices (such as server device 4 or terminal device 5), printing (print output), or writing to a non-transitory recording medium, or combinations thereof.

[0060] The inference processing unit 36 ​​performs inference processing to infer the cause of the odor based at least on odor information. As used in this disclosure, "cause of odor" refers to the cause (phenomenon) that causes the odor. For example, if the "cause" is that the food is burnt during cooking, a burnt odor may sometimes be produced.

[0061] That is, the inference processing unit 36 ​​infers the cause of the "odor" detected in the object space based on the information (odor information) obtained by the acquisition processing unit 31. As used in this disclosure, "inference" means to infer based on a certain fact (such as "odor information"), including to specify it by the control unit 3 through a rule base or AI (Artificial Intelligence).

[0062] The cooperative processing unit 37 performs cooperative processing to control external devices based on the "cause" of the odor. That is, the cooperative processing unit 37 controls devices other than the air purifier 10 (e.g., specific electrical equipment 6) based on the prediction result (cause of odor) of the prediction processing unit 36.

[0063] The notification processing unit 38 performs notification processing based on the prediction result (cause of odor) of the prediction processing unit 36. The methods of "notification" as used in this disclosure include display in the display unit 12, sound (including voice) output from the sound output unit 13, display other than the display unit 12 (including display based on the illumination status of a light), transmission to other devices (such as server device 4 or terminal device 5), printing (print output), writing to a non-transitory recording medium, or combinations thereof.

[0064] The storage unit 39 includes one or more memory such as ROM and RAM.

[0065] The operation of each processing unit in control unit 3 will be explained in detail in the "[2] Deodorization Control Method" column.

[0066] In addition to the above-described configuration, the air purifier 10 also includes, for example, a power supply section and a discharge section. The discharge section generates a discharge through discharge electrodes, thereby producing ions and the like as discharge products. The discharge products generated by the discharge section are released into the target space from the outlet 102 along with the airflow generated by the airflow generating section 22.

[0067] [2] Odor control methods The following is an example of the control method (deodorization control method) of the air purifier 10 (deodorization system) executed by the control unit 3.

[0068] The deodorization control method according to this embodiment is executed by a control unit 3, which is mainly based on a computer system; in other words, it is implemented by a deodorization control program. That is, the deodorization control program according to this embodiment is a (computer) program for causing one or more processors to execute the deodorization control method (each of the processes involved). Such a program can be executed, for example, by cooperation between the control unit 3 and the server device 4.

[0069] Here, when a specific pre-set start operation is performed for executing the control program, the control unit 3 performs various processes related to the deodorization control method. The start operation is, for example, the start operation of the air purifier 10 (power on). On the other hand, when a specific pre-set end operation is performed, the control unit 3 terminates the various processes related to the control method. The end operation is, for example, the stop operation of the air purifier 10 (power off).

[0070] [2.1] Actions corresponding to the type of odor First, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The processing associated with the action based on the type of odor in the deodorization control method according to this embodiment will be described.

[0071] In the deodorization control method of this embodiment, the deodorization unit 2 can be activated based on the "type of odor" in the target space where the air purifier 10 is located. That is, the deodorization unit 2 is not activated solely based on the intensity of the "odor" in the target space, but rather based on the specific type of odor. As an example, when the intensity of the odor detected by the odor detection unit 11 is above a predetermined value (i.e., when the odor is strong), the deodorization unit 2 is not activated in all cases, but its operation varies depending on the type of odor detected.

[0072] Basically, in the deodorization control method according to this embodiment, for example, for odors that people easily find unpleasant (unpleasant odors) such as ammonia odor, the deodorization unit 2 is actively activated to perform deodorization treatment. On the other hand, for example, for odors that people easily like (pleasant odors) such as perfume or fragrance, deodorization treatment is not performed by not activating the deodorization unit 2.

[0073] In summary, in the deodorization system according to this embodiment, the acquisition processing unit 31 performs acquisition processing to acquire odor information related to the type of odor detected in the object space. The control processing unit 33 performs control processing to control the deodorization unit 2 based on the odor information. The air purifier 10 according to this embodiment is an example of a deodorization system.

[0074] Therefore, if the odor detected in the target space is a "pleasant odor," such as perfume or fragrance, the deodorization unit 2 will not be activated, thus preventing the "pleasant odor" from being deodorized. On the other hand, if the odor detected in the target space is an "unpleasant odor," such as ammonia, the deodorization unit 2 can be activated to deodorize the "unpleasant odor." As a result, a deodorization system (air purifier 10), a deodorization control method, and a program that can perform deodorization operations more effectively for the user can be provided.

[0075] Specifically, if the intensity (concentration of odor substance) of the odor detected by the odor detection unit 11 exceeds a predetermined value, and if the type of odor indicated by the odor information is, for example, an "a specific odor" such as ammonia, the control processing unit 33 activates the deodorization unit 2 to perform deodorization treatment. At this time, the control processing unit 33 controls the deodorization unit 2, for example, by starting the airflow generation unit 22 of the deodorization unit 2 or by increasing the airflow (switching to "medium" or "strong").

[0076] Alternatively, if the intensity of an odor detected by the odor detection unit 11 exceeds a predetermined value, and if the type of odor indicated by the odor information is, for example, a "specific odor" such as perfume or fragrance, the control processing unit 33 restricts the operation of the deodorizing unit 2. In this case, the control processing unit 33 controls the deodorizing unit 2 to restrict its operation, for example, by stopping the operation of the airflow generating unit 22 of the deodorizing unit 2 or by weakening the airflow (switching to "weak" or "medium").

[0077] Here, odor information is associated with attribute information, where the attribute information includes at least one of a pleasant odor and an unpleasant odor. The control processing unit 33 controls the deodorizing unit 2 based on the attribute information. In this embodiment, using... Figure 4 List L1, as exemplified, establishes a link between the types of odors and their attribute information. That is, various odor types are pre-classified according to their attribute information to form list L1. List L1 is stored, for example, in storage unit 39.

[0078] The control processing unit 33 refers to a list L1 and adjusts the control of the deodorizing unit 2 based on which attribute information—"pleasant odor" or "unpleasant odor"—is associated with the odor information acquired by the acquisition processing unit 31. Specifically, if the intensity (concentration of odor substance) of the odor detected by the odor detection unit 11 exceeds a predetermined value, and if the odor information is associated with the attribute information of "unpleasant odor," the control processing unit 33 activates the deodorizing unit 2 to perform deodorization treatment. On the other hand, if the intensity of the odor detected by the odor detection unit 11 exceeds a predetermined value, and the odor information is associated with the attribute information of "pleasant odor," the control processing unit 33 restricts the operation of the deodorizing unit 2.

[0079] Furthermore, the control processing unit 33 can control the deodorizing unit 2 not only based on the type of odor but also on the intensity of the odor (concentration of odor substances). For example, when odor information is associated with the attribute information of "unpleasant odor," the control processing unit 33 can change the airflow rate of the airflow generating unit 22 of the deodorizing unit 2 based on the odor intensity detected by the odor detection unit 11. That is, the control processing unit 33 controls the deodorizing unit 2 in a manner that the greater the intensity of the odor detected by the odor detection unit 11 (i.e., the stronger the odor), the greater the airflow rate of the airflow generating unit 22.

[0080] In this embodiment, the analysis and processing unit 32 specifically analyzes which attribute information is associated with the odor information acquired by the acquisition and processing unit 31. At this time, the analysis and processing unit 32 compares the odor information acquired by the acquisition and processing unit 31 with the list L1 and determines the corresponding attribute information based on its similarity. Therefore, even if the odor information acquired by the acquisition and processing unit 31 is not on the list L1, the analysis and processing unit 32 can determine the attribute information corresponding to that odor information by searching for the odor information on the list L1 that is (most) similar to that odor information.

[0081] In addition, Figure 4 In the example list L1, odor information is categorized into two attributes: "pleasant odor" and "unpleasant odor". However, this is not an isolated case; odor information can also be associated with either "pleasant odor" or "unpleasant odor".

[0082] For example, if only odor information associated with the attribute information of "pleasant odor" is listed as a "pleasant odor list," and the odor information acquired by the acquisition processing unit 31 is included in the list, then the control processing unit 33 restricts the operation of the deodorization unit 2. On the other hand, if the odor information acquired by the acquisition processing unit 31 is not included in the list (pleasant odor list), then the control processing unit 33 enables the deodorization unit 2 to operate for deodorization treatment.

[0083] Conversely, if only odor information associated with the attribute information of "unpleasant odor" is listed as a "list of unpleasant odors," and the odor information acquired by the acquisition processing unit 31 is included in this list, then the control processing unit 33 activates the deodorization unit 2 to perform deodorization processing. On the other hand, if the odor information acquired by the acquisition processing unit 31 is not included in this list (list of unpleasant odors), then the control processing unit 33 restricts the operation of the deodorization unit 2.

[0084] In this way, the control processing unit 33 can simplify the operation of the deodorizing unit 2 by controlling the deodorizing unit 2 according to the attribute information.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the correspondence between attribute information and odor information is not fixed but can be changed. That is, the change processing unit 34 changes the correspondence between odor information and attribute information. As an example, the change processing unit 34 changes the list L1 based on user operations performed on the operation unit 14 or on the terminal device 5. The "change" referred to here includes various operations such as registering (adding) odor information, switching attribute information corresponding to odor information (e.g., switching from "pleasant odor" to "unpleasant odor"), or deleting odor information.

[0086] Therefore, the correspondence between odor information and attribute information can be flexibly set according to user preferences or lifestyles. This allows users to perform more effective deodorization actions.

[0087] Here, the change processing unit 34 can automatically change the correspondence based on the operation history of the deodorizing unit 2. In summary, in this embodiment, the change processing unit 34 can not only manually change the correspondence between odor information and attribute information according to user operation, but also automatically change the correspondence.

[0088] As an example, if a user feels uncomfortable with any of the "odors" corresponding to "pleasant odors" on list L1, and operates operation unit 14 to manually activate deodorizing unit 2 or increase airflow when that "odor" is generated, the user perceives the "odor" as "unpleasant" rather than "pleasant." Therefore, based on the operation history of deodorizing unit 2 at this time, change processing unit 34 changes the attribute information corresponding to the odor information of that "odor" to "unpleasant odor."

[0089] Conversely, for any "odor" associated with "unpleasant odor" on list L1, the user will not feel uncomfortable. When such an "odor" is generated, the operation unit 14 is operated to manually stop the deodorizing unit 2 or reduce the airflow. In this case, the user smells a "pleasant odor" rather than an "unpleasant odor." Therefore, based on the operation history of the deodorizing unit 2 at this time, the change processing unit 34 changes the attribute information corresponding to the odor information of the "odor" to "pleasant odor."

[0090] In this way, if the user's perception of the odor does not match the classification (attribute information) on list L1, the correspondence between the odor information and the attribute information is automatically changed based on the action history of the deodorizing unit 2 (accompanied by user operations). Thus, even without intentionally changing list L1, the user can change list L1 to their preferred content.

[0091] Additionally, the odor information in list L1 can include the date and time the odor information (i.e., the date and time the odor was detected and recorded), the name of the odor (which the user can arbitrarily set), etc. Furthermore, the air purifier 10 can upload list L1 to server device 4 and download list L1 from server device 4. On server device 4, list L1 is associated with the user information of the air purifier 10 from which it was uploaded (e.g., region, age, gender, family composition, presence of pets, and lifestyle).

[0092] Thus, for example, even if the air purifier 10 is replaced or added, the user can download a customized list L1 from the server device 4 and migrate it to the new air purifier 10. Alternatively, for users using list L1 for the first time, by downloading a list L1 associated with their own user information from the server device 4, they can use a list L1 that is suitable for their region, age, gender, family composition, presence or absence of pets, and lifestyle.

[0093] Furthermore, the list L1 on server device 4 can be changed at any time using machine learning. For example, if multiple users register the same type of odor information as "pleasant odor", the odor information is registered as the initial value of "pleasant odor". Conversely, if multiple users register the same type of odor information as "unpleasant odor", the odor information is registered as the initial value of "unpleasant odor".

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control processing unit 33 controls the deodorizing unit 2 based on odor information only when specific conditions are met. That is, the control processing unit 33 does not always control the deodorizing unit 2 based on odor information (corresponding attribute information), and does not control the deodorizing unit 2 based on odor information when specific conditions are not met. Specifically, a list L1 is prepared for each specific condition, and the list L1 used is switched according to whether the specific condition is met. Specific conditions may be set, for example, based on the operating state of the electrical equipment 6 such as a cooking machine.

[0095] For example, suppose there exists a list L1 that associates the smell of a dish with a "pleasant smell" based on the specific condition of being either during cooking or during eating. In this case, if it is during cooking or eating, the specific condition is met, so even if the odor detection unit 11 detects the smell of the dish, list L1 applies, and the control processing unit 33 restricts the operation of the deodorizing unit 2. Whether it is "during cooking or eating" can be determined, for example, based on the operation of the cooking equipment 6, which is an electrical device. On the other hand, if it is after a meal, the specific condition is not met, so when the odor detection unit 11 detects the smell of the dish, the control processing unit 33 activates the deodorizing unit 2. Whether it is "after a meal" can be determined, for example, based on the operation of the dishwashing machine 6, which is an electrical device. Furthermore, list L1, which includes the smell of a specific dish, can be dynamically selected based on the cooking menu executed in the cooking equipment 6, which is an electrical device.

[0096] Therefore, the deodorizing unit 2 can be controlled more appropriately based on odor information.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the specific conditions include time-related conditions. For example, if it is between 6 PM and 8 PM for a user's dinner time, the specific condition is met, and even if the odor detection unit 11 detects the odor of the food, list L1 applies, and the control processing unit 33 restricts the operation of the deodorizing unit 2. On the other hand, if it is after 8 PM, the specific condition is not met, so when the odor detection unit 11 detects the odor of the food, the control processing unit 33 activates the deodorizing unit 2.

[0098] Therefore, the deodorizing unit 2 can be controlled more appropriately based on odor information.

[0099] In this embodiment, the prompting processing unit 35 prompts the user with prompting information based on odor information. Here, as an example, the prompting processing unit 35 prompts the user with the analysis results of the analysis processing unit 32, that is, the attribute information corresponding to the type of odor detected by the odor detection unit 11.

[0100] For example, the prompting processing unit 35 prompts the user via the display on the display unit 12 or the terminal device 5 to indicate which category the odor detected by the odor detection unit 11 is classified as "pleasant odor" or "unpleasant odor" in list L1. The display method on the display unit 12 or the terminal device 5 can be any method that can distinguish between "pleasant odor" and "unpleasant odor," and can be text, numerical values, illustrations (images), charts, animations, background colors, light colors, or flashing patterns, or combinations thereof. At this time, the names of each odor listed on list L1 can also be displayed simultaneously.

[0101] In addition, the prompt processing unit 35 may add or replace the above-described display on the basis of the display described above, and output the sound corresponding to the smell information to the sound output unit 13 as prompt information, so as to prompt the user with the prompt information in the form of sound.

[0102] In this way, the "odor" is made visible or audible. Therefore, for example, the user can determine whether the deodorizing unit 2 is not working because the odor is classified as a "pleasant odor", or whether the deodorizing unit 2 is not working due to a malfunction of the air purifier 10.

[0103] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing examples of actions corresponding to different types of odors.

[0104] like Figure 5 As shown, the acquisition processing unit 31 of the control unit 3 acquires odor information related to the type of odor detected in the object space from the odor detection unit 11 (S1). The analysis processing unit 32 of the control unit 3 determines the attribute information corresponding to the odor information by comparing the odor information acquired by the acquisition processing unit 31 with the list L1 (S2).

[0105] The control processing unit 33 of the control unit 3 determines whether a specific condition is met (S3). If the specific condition is not met (S3: No), the control unit 3 returns the processing to step S1. If the specific condition is met (S3: Yes), the control unit 3 proceeds the processing to step S4.

[0106] In step S4, the control processing unit 33 of the control unit 3 determines, based on the analysis results of the analysis processing unit 32, whether the attribute information corresponding to the odor information is "pleasant odor". If the attribute information is "pleasant odor" (S4: Yes), the control processing unit 33 restricts the operation of the deodorizing unit 2 (S5). If the attribute information is "unpleasant odor" (S4: No), the control processing unit 33 enables the deodorizing unit 2 to operate (S6).

[0107] but, Figure 5 The flowchart shown is merely an example; processes can be added or omitted as appropriate, and the order of processes can be changed accordingly.

[0108] [2.2] Speculation on the cause of the odor Next, refer to Figure 6 The processing related to the speculation action on the cause of odor in the deodorization control method involved in this embodiment will be explained.

[0109] In the deodorization control method of this embodiment, the "cause of odor" in the target space where the air purifier 10 is installed can be inferred. That is, the deodorization unit 2 is not activated solely based on the intensity of the "odor" in the target space, but rather based on the cause of the "odor". As an example, when the intensity of the odor detected by the odor detection unit 11 is above a predetermined value (i.e., when the odor is strong), the deodorization unit 2 is not activated in all cases, but its operation is varied depending on the cause of the odor.

[0110] In summary, in the deodorization system according to this embodiment, the acquisition processing unit 31 performs acquisition processing to acquire odor information related to the type of odor detected in the object space. The inference processing unit 36 ​​performs inference processing to infer the cause of the odor based at least on the odor information. The air purifier 10 according to this embodiment is an example of a deodorization system.

[0111] Therefore, for example, if the odor detected in the object space (of the food) is due to the cooking or eating process, the deodorization unit 2 can be left unactivated to avoid unnecessary deodorization. On the other hand, if the odor detected in the object space (of the food) is due to yesterday's leftovers, the deodorization unit 2 can be activated to deodorize. As a result, a deodorization system (air purifier 10), a deodorization control method, and a procedure that can perform deodorization actions more effectively for the user can be provided.

[0112] Here, the control processing unit 33 controls the deodorization unit 2 according to the cause. In summary, in this embodiment, the control processing unit 33 can activate the deodorization unit 2 not only based on odor information, but also based on the "cause" of the odor detected in the object space.

[0113] As an example, a burnt smell may sometimes be produced due to food burning during cooking. In such cases, the user can notice the burnt smell early on and take appropriate measures to prevent smoke or fire from occurring. Therefore, for example, it may be desirable for the control processing unit 33 to prevent the deodorization unit 2 from operating when a (burnt) smell is detected in the object space as being caused by food burning during cooking.

[0114] Specifically, if the intensity (concentration of odor substances) of the odor detected by the odor detection unit 11 exceeds a predetermined value, and if the cause of the odor is, for example, food burning during cooking, the control processing unit 33 restricts the operation of the deodorizing unit 2. At this time, the control processing unit 33 controls the deodorizing unit 2 to restrict its operation, for example, by stopping the operation of the airflow generating unit 22 of the deodorizing unit 2 or weakening the airflow (switching to "weak" or "medium").

[0115] Alternatively, if the intensity of an odor detected by the odor detection unit 11 exceeds a predetermined value, and if the cause of the odor is, for example, the user's sweating, the control processing unit 33 activates the deodorizing unit 2 to perform deodorization. In this case, the control processing unit 33 controls the deodorizing unit 2, for example, by starting the airflow generating unit 22 of the deodorizing unit 2 or by increasing the airflow (switching to "medium" or "strong").

[0116] However, the "cause of odor" deduced by the deduction processing unit 36 ​​can be used not only for the control of the deodorizing unit 2, but also for the control and / or notification of external devices. In this embodiment, as an example, the deduction result (cause of odor) of the deduction processing unit 36 ​​will be used for three aspects: the control of the deodorizing unit 2, the control of external devices, and notification.

[0117] That is, the collaborative processing unit 37 performs collaborative processing to control the external device based on the cause. Here, the specific electrical device 6 is an example of an external device. In short, the air purifier 10 can be linked with the external device (electrical device 6). As a result, the prediction results of the prediction processing unit 36 ​​can be effectively utilized.

[0118] As an example, if the reason deduced by the deduction processing unit 36 ​​is that the food is burning during cooking, the cooperative processing unit 37 controls the heating cooking machine, which is an external device (electrical equipment 6), to restrict its operation. This restriction on the heating cooking machine includes stopping it and reducing its output (heat). Furthermore, in this case, the cooperative processing unit 37 may also control the range hood, which is also an external device (electrical equipment 6), to force ventilation.

[0119] As another example, if the cause of the odor, as determined by the detection processing unit 36, is a gas leak or incomplete combustion, the cooperative processing unit 37 controls the heating and cooking machine, which is an external device (electrical equipment 6), to restrict its operation. This restriction on the heating and cooking machine includes stopping it and reducing its output (heat). Furthermore, in this case, the cooperative processing unit 37 may also control the ventilation fan, which is also an external device (electrical equipment 6), to force ventilation.

[0120] Furthermore, the notification processing unit 38 performs notification processing based on the prediction result (cause of the odor) from the prediction processing unit 36. Here, the notification processing unit 38 presents the prediction result of the prediction processing unit 36, i.e., the cause of the odor, as notification information to the user through display on the display unit 12, display on the terminal device 5, and / or sound output from the sound output unit 13. Thus, the prediction result of the prediction processing unit 36 ​​can be effectively utilized.

[0121] As an example, if the estimation processing unit 36 ​​deduces that the odor is caused by burnt food during cooking, the notification processing unit 38 notifies the user of this information via a display on the terminal device 5. Thus, by taking appropriate action when a burnt smell is detected due to abnormal heating before smoke or fire, the user can easily prevent such incidents from occurring.

[0122] As another example, if the cause of the odor, as deduced by the deduction processing unit 36, is a gas leak or incomplete combustion, the notification processing unit 38 notifies the user of the gas leak or incomplete combustion via a display on the terminal device 5. This allows the user to easily take appropriate measures, such as opening windows for ventilation, in the event of a gas leak or incomplete combustion.

[0123] As another example, if a ground odor (geosmin) is detected after rainfall, it is presumed that the odor is caused by a large amount of moisture in the ground. Therefore, if the presumption processing unit 36 ​​presumes that the odor is caused by a large amount of moisture in the ground, the notification processing unit 38 notifies the user of the potential for a geological disaster via a display on the terminal device 5. This allows the user to easily take appropriate measures, such as evacuation. Furthermore, if the same odor (geosmin) is detected nearby, it can be assumed that the possibility of a geological disaster has increased, and the notification processing unit 38 will issue a notification.

[0124] Here, the inference processing unit 36 ​​infers the cause of the odor based not only on the odor information but also on environmental information that affects the object space. The "environmental information" referred to in this disclosure may include, for example, information about people and animals present in the object space, whether there is kitchen waste in the object space, whether there is human habitation, season, temperature, humidity, or weather, etc. This improves the accuracy of inferring the cause of the odor.

[0125] As an example, if the odor of excrement is detected in the living space of a monitored object such as an infant, a person being cared for, or a pet, the inference processing unit 36 ​​infers that the odor is caused by the excrement produced by the monitored object. In this case, the notification processing unit 38 notifies the user of the monitored object's excrement via a display on the terminal device 5. This allows the user to easily take appropriate measures, such as disposing of the excrement.

[0126] As another example, if a putrid odor is detected in a space containing food waste, the deduction processing unit 36 ​​deduces that the putridity of the food waste is the cause of the odor. In this case, the notification processing unit 38 notifies the user of the putridity of the food waste via a display on the terminal device 5. This allows the user to easily take appropriate measures, such as disposing of the food waste.

[0127] As another example, if a person has a distinctive odor that appears when they are unwell, such as when they have a cold, and this particular odor is detected in the space where the person lives, the deduction processing unit 36 ​​deduces that the person's unwell condition is the cause of the odor. In this case, the notification processing unit 38 notifies the user of the person's unwell condition via a display on the terminal device 5. This allows the user to easily take appropriate measures, such as providing care.

[0128] As another example, if a foul odor is detected in the living space of the person being cared for, the inference processing unit 36 ​​infers that the odor is caused by the person's living conditions. In this case, the notification processing unit 38 notifies the user of the person's living status via a display on the terminal device 5. Thus, the user can monitor the person being cared for, for example, even from a remote location.

[0129] In addition, the environmental information includes information related to the operational status of the monitored device. Here, the specific electrical device 6 is an example of an external device. In summary, based on the odor information, the inference processing unit 36 ​​also considers the operational status of the monitored device (electrical device 6) to infer the cause (of the odor). As a result, the accuracy of the inference of the cause of the odor can be improved.

[0130] As an example, when an electrical device 6 such as a humidifier, dehumidifier, or air conditioner is monitored, it can be inferred that the odor is caused by bacteria or mold growing inside the monitored device. That is, if a bacterial or musty odor is detected when these monitored devices are started, the inference processing unit 36 ​​infers that the odor is caused by bacteria or mold growing inside these monitored devices. In this case, the notification processing unit 38 notifies the user of the situation regarding bacteria or mold growing inside the monitored device via a display on the terminal device 5. As a result, the user can easily take appropriate measures, such as maintenance (including cleaning) of the monitored device.

[0131] Furthermore, in addition to the operating status of the air conditioning equipment, the season can be added or replaced as an environmental factor. For example, if a musty or moldy odor is detected in early summer, the deduction processing unit 36 ​​can also deduce that the odor is caused by the musty or moldy bacteria growing inside the air conditioning equipment.

[0132] Furthermore, if the monitored equipment, such as the air purifier 10, humidifier, dehumidifier, or air conditioner, is equipped with a test operation function that operates with the internal circulation or air outlet closed, the odor detected during the test operation can be used to infer that bacteria or mold growing inside the monitored equipment is the cause of the odor. In this case, the notification processing unit 38 notifies the user of the situation regarding bacteria or mold growing inside the monitored equipment via a display on the terminal device 5. This allows the user to easily take appropriate measures, such as maintenance (including cleaning) of the monitored equipment.

[0133] As another example, when the electrical device 6, which consists of a washing machine, is monitored, it can be inferred that the odor is caused by clothes not being completely dry due to being air-dried indoors. That is, if a musty odor is detected from the washing load and the end time of the wash cycle of the monitored washing machine, the inference processing unit 36 ​​infers that the odor is caused by clothes not being completely dry due to being air-dried indoors. It is possible to detect indoor air-drying based on the smell of the detergent and / or fabric softener. In this case, the notification processing unit 38 notifies the user that the clothes are not completely dry due to being air-dried indoors via a display on the terminal device 5. This allows the user to easily take appropriate measures, such as operating a dehumidifier.

[0134] In addition to the washing machine's operating status, environmental information such as temperature, humidity, season, and weather can be added or replaced as environmental information. For example, if a musty odor is detected during a rainy day, the processing unit 36 ​​can infer that the odor is caused by clothes not being fully dried indoors. Moreover, before detecting a musty odor, the likelihood of clothes not being fully dried indoors can be determined, and the operation of the air purifier 10 can be adjusted according to the likelihood. For example, if the likelihood of clothes not being fully dried is high, the air purifier 10 can be activated to prevent the clothes from being undried; if the likelihood of clothes not being fully dried is low, the operation of the air purifier 10 can be limited to preserve the fabric softener scent.

[0135] Furthermore, the inference processing unit 36 ​​infers the cause based on specific conditions in addition to the odor information. These specific conditions correspond to those described above, and may include time-related conditions. For example, if for a user it is between 6 PM and 8 PM during dinner, when a burnt odor is detected, the inference processing unit 36 ​​infers that the cause of the odor is burnt food during cooking. This improves the accuracy of odor cause inference.

[0136] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of actions to infer the cause of an odor.

[0137] like Figure 6 As shown, the acquisition processing unit 31 of the control unit 3 acquires odor information related to the type of odor detected in the object space from the odor detection unit 11 (S11). The inference processing unit 36 ​​of the control unit 3 infers the cause of the odor based at least on the odor information acquired by the acquisition processing unit 31 (S12).

[0138] Based on the prediction result (cause of odor) from the prediction processing unit 36, the control processing unit 33 determines whether deodorization is required (S13). If deodorization is required (S13: Yes), the control processing unit 33 operates the deodorization unit 2 (S14). If deodorization is not required (S13: No), the control unit 3 skips step S14 and transfers the process to step S15.

[0139] Based on the prediction result (cause of odor) from the prediction processing unit 36, the cooperation processing unit 37 of the control unit 3 determines whether cooperation from an external device is required (S15). If cooperation is required (S15: Yes), the cooperation processing unit 37 enables the external device to operate (S16). If cooperation is not required (S15: No), the control unit 3 skips step S16 and transfers the processing to step S17.

[0140] Based on the prediction result (cause of odor) from the prediction processing unit 36, the notification processing unit 38 of the control unit 3 determines whether a notification is needed (S17). If a notification is needed (S17: Yes), the notification processing unit 38 is notified to issue a notification (S18). If a notification is not needed (S17: No), the control unit 3 skips step S18 and ends the series of processes.

[0141] but, Figure 6 The flowchart shown is merely an example; processes can be added or omitted as appropriate, and the order of processes can be changed accordingly.

[0142] [3] Filter details Next, refer to Figures 7 to 9 Details of the filter 20 of the air purifier 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0143] like Figure 7 As shown, filter 20 includes a deodorizing filter 21 and a dust collection filter 24. Figure 7 In the diagram, the left side represents an exploded perspective view, and the right side represents a perspective view. In this embodiment, the deodorizing filter 21 has a first filter element 211 and a second filter element 212. The dust collection filter 24 has a first dust collection filter 241 and a second dust collection filter 242. Furthermore, as a switching unit 23 (see reference 242)... Figure 3 The filter 20 has a first shielding component 231 and a second shielding component 232.

[0144] The first dust collector filter 241 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with a thickness in the front-to-back direction D3 and a length in the left-to-right direction D2. The second dust collector filter 242 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with a thickness in the front-to-back direction D3 and a length in the vertical direction D1. Here, the first dust collector filter 241 is configured such that the vertical dimension D1 is approximately half that of the second dust collector filter 242, and overlaps with the lower part of the second dust collector filter 242 from the outside (rear side). Both the first dust collector filter 241 and the second dust collector filter 242 are composed of HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters.

[0145] The first filter element 211 and the second filter element 212 are each approximately cuboid in shape, having a thickness in the front-to-back direction D3 and a length in the vertical direction D1. The first filter element 211 and the second filter element 212 are each configured such that their dimension in the left-to-right direction D2 is approximately half that of the first dust collector 241, overlapping from the outside (rear side) relative to the upper part of the second dust collector 242. The first filter element 211 and the second filter element 212 are arranged side-by-side in the left-to-right direction D2. Thus, on the intake port 101 side (rear side) of the second dust collector 242, the first dust collector 241, the first filter element 211, and the second filter element 212 are arranged approximately without gaps.

[0146] The first filter 211 and the second filter 212 have different adsorption characteristics and adsorb different odor substances. For example, the first filter 211 deodorizes household odors by adsorbing odor substances when airflow passes through the air passage 103. The second filter 212 deodorizes ammonia odors by adsorbing odor substances when airflow passes through the air passage 103.

[0147] The first shielding member 231 and the second shielding member 232 of the switching unit 23 are respectively used to shield the first filter sheet 211 and the second filter sheet 212. The first shielding member 231 is disposed on the outer side (rear side) of the first filter sheet 211, and the second shielding member 232 is disposed on the outer side (rear side) of the second filter sheet 212. The first shielding member 231 and the second shielding member 232 are sheet-shaped members that prevent airflow from passing through them.

[0148] The switching unit 23 can switch between a state in which the air intake 101 side (rear side) is covered by the first filter 211 and the second filter 212 respectively, and a state in which the first shielding member 231 and the second shielding member 232 are open. Specifically, the first shielding member 231 and the second shielding member 232 each have a structure like a roller blind that can be rolled up upwards.

[0149] like Figure 8 As shown, the switching unit 23 can be wound around the first shielding member 231 and the second shielding member 232 by a motor. Furthermore, when the first shielding member 231 is completely closed, covering the air intake 101 side (rear side) of the first filter 211, airflow does not pass through the first filter 211, therefore the first filter 211 is in an inactive state. Similarly, when the second shielding member 232 is completely closed, covering the air intake 101 side (rear side) of the second filter 212, airflow does not pass through the second filter 212, therefore the second filter 212 is in an inactive state.

[0150] On the other hand, when the first shielding member 231 is fully opened to expose the air intake 101 side (rear side) of the first filter 211, airflow passes through the first filter 211, and therefore the first filter 211 is in an active state. Similarly, when the second shielding member 232 is fully opened to expose the air intake 101 side (rear side) of the second filter 212, airflow passes through the second filter 212, and therefore the second filter 212 is in an active state.

[0151] That is, the switching unit 23 can at least switch Figure 9 The four states are shown. Figure 9 In the state shown in the upper left corner, the first filter 211 is in an active state, and the second filter 212 is in an inactive state. Figure 9 In the state shown in the upper right corner, the first filter 211 is in an inactive state, and the second filter 212 is in an active state. Figure 9 In the state shown in the lower left corner, the first filter 211 is in an invalid state, and the second filter 212 is in an invalid state. Figure 9 As shown in the lower right corner, the first filter 211 is in an active state, and the second filter 212 is in an active state.

[0152] Here, the control processing unit 33 controls the deodorizing unit 2 by controlling the airflow generating unit 22. Alternatively, the deodorizing unit 2 can be controlled by the control switching unit 23, or the control switching unit 23 can be added to or replaced by this. For example, if the type of odor detected by the odor detection unit 11 is "unpleasant odor", such as Figure 9 As shown in the lower right corner, the control processing unit 33 activates both the first filter 211 and the second filter 212. Consequently, the deodorization unit 2 operates to deodorize the target space.

[0153] On the other hand, if the type of odor detected by the odor detection unit 11 is a "pleasant odor", such as Figure 9As shown in the lower left corner, the control processing unit 33 disables both the first filter 211 and the second filter 212. As a result, the operation of the deodorization unit 2 is restricted, and deodorization of the target space is not performed; only dust collection is conducted using the dust collection filter 24.

[0154] Furthermore, in cases where the odor detected by the odor detection unit 11 is a specific odor, such as ammonia odor, etc. Figure 9 As shown in the upper right corner, the control processing unit 33 disables the first filter 211 and enables the second filter 212. This causes the deodorization unit 2 to operate, deodorizing only a specific odor (in this case, ammonia) in the target space.

[0155] As explained above, the air purifier 10 according to this embodiment includes an airflow path 103 for airflow, a filter 20, and a switching unit 23. The switching unit 23 switches between an effective state where airflow passes through the filter 20 and an ineffective state where airflow does not pass through the filter 20.

[0156] Therefore, in the filter 20, including the deodorizing filter 21 and the dust collection filter 24, the airflow flowing in the air passage 103 is not always allowed to pass through. The switching unit 23 can be set to an inactive state where the airflow does not pass through (at least a part of the filter 20). Therefore, even when the air purifier 10 is operating, for example, if there is dust flying in the target space, by setting it to an inactive state where the air does not flow through the filter 20, deterioration of the filter 20 can be avoided. As a result, an air purifier 10 that can perform operations more suitable for the user can be provided.

[0157] Here, filter 20 includes deodorizing filter 21. Thus, for example, for "pleasant odors" such as perfumes or fragrances, deodorization can be avoided by setting it to an inactive state where it does not flow through deodorizing filter 21.

[0158] Furthermore, the switching unit 23 switches between an effective state and an ineffective state based on the presence or absence of at least one shielding member (first shielding member 231 and second shielding member 232) located upstream or downstream of the filter 20 in the airflow path 103. In this embodiment, the first shielding member 231 and the second shielding member 232 are located upstream of the filter 20 (intake port 101 side).

[0159] According to this configuration, without moving the deodorizing filter 21, etc., it is possible to switch between the effective state and the ineffective state simply by moving the first shielding member 231 and the second shielding member 232.

[0160] In addition, the filter 20 includes multiple filter elements (first filter element 211 and second filter element 212) with different functions. The switching unit 23 is capable of switching at least a portion of the multiple filter elements (first filter element 211 and second filter element 212) between an active state and an inactive state.

[0161] That is, in this embodiment, the first shielding member 231 and the second shielding member 232 are respectively provided corresponding to the first filter 211 and the second filter 212. Therefore, for example, the first shielding member 231 can switch the effective state and the ineffective state only for the first filter 211.

[0162] Furthermore, multiple filter elements (first filter element 211 and second filter element 212) are arranged along a plane orthogonal to the airflow. The switching unit 23 can independently switch each of the multiple filter elements (first filter element 211 and second filter element 212) between an effective state and an ineffective state.

[0163] Therefore, the switching unit 23 can, for example, switch Figure 9 The four states shown can be used to achieve various functions through filter 20.

[0164] Furthermore, the switching unit 23 is not limited to switching between the effective and ineffective states based on the presence or absence of the shielding members (first shielding member 231 and second shielding member 232). For example, the switching unit 23 can also switch between the effective and ineffective states by moving the filter 20 forward or backward relative to the space within the air passage 103. Specifically, when the first filter 211 is disposed within the air passage 103, the first filter 211 is in an effective state; when the first filter 211 is removed from the air passage 103, the first filter 211 is in an ineffective state. Similarly, when the second filter 212 is disposed within the air passage 103, the second filter 212 is in an effective state; when the second filter 212 is removed from the air passage 103, the second filter 212 is in an ineffective state.

[0165] According to this configuration, at least a portion of the air passage 103 will not be blocked by the shielding component, thus avoiding the reduction in efficiency caused by the shielding component.

[0166] However, the air purifier 10 according to this embodiment includes a sensor, which, when viewed from the filter 20, is located downstream of the airflow in the air passage 103 (towards the outlet 102). The sensor referred to herein is, for example, the odor sensor of the odor detection unit 11.

[0167] According to this configuration, by setting filter 20 (deodorizing filter 21) to an active state and performing detection using odor detection unit 11, deodorized clean air is introduced into odor detection unit 11, thus obtaining a reference output of odor detection unit 11. On the other hand, by setting filter 20 (deodorizing filter 21) to an inactive state and performing detection using odor detection unit 11, undeodorized air is introduced into odor detection unit 11, thus enabling detection using odor detection unit 11. Therefore, the reference output of odor detection unit 11 can be obtained regardless of the conditions of the target space, and calibration can be performed.

[0168] The filter capable of switching between the effective and ineffective states of the switching unit 23 as described above can be disposed separately from the main filter 20 in the air intake path of the odor detection unit 11.

[0169] Alternatively, as another configuration example for sensor calibration, a pair of odor detection units 11 can be prepared, with air that has passed through the filter 20 introduced into one odor detection unit 11 and air that does not flow through the filter 20 introduced into the other odor detection unit 11.

[0170] As another configuration example, the area of ​​the detection surface (adsorption layer) of the odor detection unit 11 can be set to twice the size, with air passing through the filter 20 introduced into half of the detection surface of the odor detection unit 11, and air that does not flow through the filter 20 introduced into the remaining half of the detection surface.

[0171] [4] Variations Hereinafter, variations of Embodiment 1 are listed. The variations described below can be appropriately combined and applied.

[0172] The air purifier 10 (deodorization system) of this disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system mainly includes one or more processors and one or more memories as hardware. The processor executes programs recorded in the computer system's memory to realize the functions of the air purifier 10 (deodorization system) of this disclosure. The programs can be pre-recorded in the computer system's memory, provided via telecommunication lines, or recorded on a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, optical disc, or hard disk drive. Furthermore, some or all of the functional components of the air purifier 10 (deodorization system) can also be composed of electronic circuits.

[0173] Furthermore, concentrating at least a portion of the functions of the air purifier 10 (deodorization system) within a single housing is not a necessary configuration for the air purifier 10 (deodorization system); the components of the air purifier 10 (deodorization system) can also be distributed across multiple housings. Conversely, in Embodiment 1, functions distributed across multiple devices (e.g., the air purifier 10 and the server device 4) can also be concentrated within a single housing. Moreover, at least a portion of the functions of the air purifier 10 (deodorization system) can also be implemented via the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0174] Furthermore, the deodorization process of the deodorization unit 2 is not limited to the method of using the deodorization filter 21. In addition to the deodorization filter 21, it is also possible to add or replace it by utilizing ions or the like, which are discharge products generated by the discharge unit. In this case, the control processing unit 33 controls the on / off state of the discharge unit and / or the amount of discharge products generated.

[0175] In addition, at least some of the functions of server device 4 can also be implemented through the cloud (cloud computing) and the like.

[0176] Furthermore, the air purifier 10 is not limited to residences; it can also be used in non-residential facilities such as shops, schools, offices, and factories. In addition, the air purifier 10 can also be used in the driver's cab (or driver's cab) of mobile vehicles such as cars, buses, trams, airplanes, and ships.

[0177] In addition, the odor detection unit 11 can also determine the type of odor in the object space (i.e., what kind of odor) and output it to the control unit 3. Furthermore, the odor detection unit 11 can determine the attribute information corresponding to the odor in the object space and output it to the control unit 3.

[0178] Alternatively, the air purifier 10 may not have a discharge unit.

[0179] [Additional Description of the Invention] The following is a summary description of the invention extracted from the above embodiments. Furthermore, the components and processing functions described in the following supplementary description can be selected and combined arbitrarily.

[0180] <Additional Note 1> An odor control system, comprising: The acquisition processing unit acquires odor information related to the types of odors detected in the object space; and The control processing unit controls the deodorization unit based on the odor information.

[0181] <Additional Note 2> As described in Additional Note 1, in the deodorization system, the odor information is associated with attribute information, wherein the attribute information includes at least one of pleasant odors and unpleasant odors. The control processing unit controls the deodorization unit based on the attribute information.

[0182] <Additional Note 3> The deodorization system as described in Additional Note 2 further includes a change processing unit that changes the correspondence between the odor information and the attribute information.

[0183] <Additional Note 4> As described in Additional Note 3, in the deodorization system, the change processing unit can automatically change the correspondence based on the operation history of the deodorization unit.

[0184] <Additional Note 5> As in any one of the supplementary descriptions 1 to 4, in the deodorization system, the control processing unit controls the deodorization unit based on the odor information only when specific conditions are met.

[0185] <Additional Note 6> As described in Additional Note 5, the specific conditions of the deodorization system include time-related conditions.

[0186] <Additional Note 7> The deodorizing system as described in any one of the supplementary notes 6 further includes a prompting unit that prompts the user with prompting information based on the odor information.

Claims

1. A deodorization system, characterized in that, include: The acquisition and processing unit acquires odor information related to the types of odors detected in the object space; as well as The control processing unit controls the deodorization unit based on the odor information.

2. The deodorization system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The odor information is associated with attribute information, wherein the attribute information includes at least one of pleasant and unpleasant odors. The control processing unit controls the deodorization unit based on the attribute information.

3. The deodorization system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a change processing unit, which changes the correspondence between the odor information and the attribute information.

4. The deodorization system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The change processing unit can automatically change the correspondence based on the operation history of the deodorization unit.

5. The deodorization system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The control processing unit controls the deodorizing unit based on the odor information only when specific conditions are met.

6. The deodorization system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The specific conditions include time-related conditions.

7. The deodorization system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It also includes a prompt processing unit, which prompts the user with prompt information based on the odor information.

8. A deodorization control method, characterized in that, include: Acquisition processing: Acquire odor information related to the types of odors detected in the object space; as well as The deodorization unit is controlled based on the odor information.

9. A program, characterized in that, The program is used to cause one or more processors to execute the deodorization control method as described in claim 8.

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