DETERMINING AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT IN A HOUSEHOLD

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the determination of an environmental influence in a household. In particular, the invention relates to the provision of a warning if the environmental influence regularly exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0002] A household may be home to one or more people who may be exposed to fluctuating environmental influences. These environmental influences may include, for example, humidity or temperature. To improve the climate in the household and prevent any of the people from being stressed or harmed by these environmental influences, the environmental influence can be determined using a sensor.

[0003] EP 3 726 489 A1 proposes distributing one or more sensors throughout a household and centrally processing the measured values ​​recorded individually by the sensors. DE 10 2017 120 800 A1 describes a vacuum cleaning device in which a correction is made based on a parameter, which can be an environmental parameter, to determine a particle concentration or particle quantity.

[0004] However, stationary sensors can be relatively inflexible with respect to very local environmental influences. Sufficiently fine-grained sensing may require a large number of such sensors, which can be associated with substantial costs. The ratio between information indicating pollution and information not indicating it can be small.

[0005] DE 10 2017 112 796 A1 describes a floor-cleaning robot configured to sense an environmental parameter and control its own operation based on the sensed parameter. This parameter may, in particular, relate to air pollution.

[0006] Due to the complex and costly technology of a floor-cleaning robot, not every household has such a device. The robot presented here is limited to identifying soiling related to its own operation. It cannot recognize any other connections.

[0007] One object underlying the present invention is to provide a simple and cost-effective technique for determining environmental influences in a household. The invention achieves this object by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Subclaims specify preferred embodiments.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for determining a local environmental impact in a household using a handheld vacuum cleaner comprises steps of detecting a predetermined physical parameter in the vicinity of a handheld vacuum cleaner while the vacuum cleaner is in use in the household; determining that the determined parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold; storing the exceedance and associating the exceedance with a previously stored exceedance; and providing an alert if a frequency of stored exceedances exceeds an associated predetermined threshold.

[0009] It has been recognized that virtually every household has a handheld vacuum cleaner, and that this vacuum cleaner is typically regularly moved throughout the entire household. It is therefore proposed to use the handheld vacuum cleaner as a mobile platform to determine a local environmental impact in the household. The environmental impact can be determined in the area of ​​the vacuum cleaner and / or in the area of ​​the air it vacuums. This allows virtually every surface in the household near which the vacuum cleaner is used to be monitored for one or more physical parameters.

[0010] Preferably, an indication of the exceedance is output and an input regarding a location of the exceedance is recorded, wherein the assignment is carried out on the basis of the location. According to the invention, the automatic determination of the position of the vacuum cleaner or the sensor can be omitted. As long as the predetermined threshold value is not exceeded, the vacuum cleaner can be used by a user as usual. Only when the predetermined threshold value is exceeded can the user be asked to specify a location at which the exceedance was determined. The input and output can be visual, acoustic or haptic, independently of one another. Appropriate user guidance can make it easier to specify the location. For example, the user can first be asked in which room the vacuum cleaner is located, and then in the area of ​​which piece of furniture, which window or which door.By omitting a position sensor, the method can be implemented using a cost-effective device. The impact on the user can be kept to a minimum. Thus, the technology presented here can contribute to improving the living environment for everyone.

[0011] The exceedances can include multiple pieces of information. In a preferred embodiment, the exceedances each include a time stamp, with the frequency being determined with respect to a predetermined period of time. The time stamp preferably indicates the time at which the threshold was exceeded, and the predetermined period of time can, for example, encompass the last week or the last month. Stored exceedances that exceed the predetermined period of time can be deleted. This allows the method to be carried out with minimal processing resources.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment, the frequency is determined taking into account use of the vacuum cleaner in the household for which no exceedance was determined.

[0013] For example, if seven exceedances of the threshold are determined out of seven uses of the vacuum cleaner, this may indicate a potentially harmful local environmental influence with a higher probability than seven exceedances out of seventy uses of the vacuum cleaner. If the threshold is not exceeded, a position of the vacuum cleaner is not determined. A lack of exceedance of the threshold within the household can be determined by recording that the entire household is cleaned with the vacuum cleaner. This can be done based on the cleaning duration or other cleaning habits of a person operating the vacuum cleaner. For example, it can be determined that the household is usually cleaned with the vacuum cleaner once every weekday morning.However, a cleaning process that takes less time than the usual time or is carried out at a different time than usual cannot be determined as a complete cleaning of the household.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, the frequency takes into account the degree to which the threshold is exceeded. For example, exceeding the threshold by 100 percent can lead to a higher determined frequency than an exceedance of only 5 percent. The higher the relative or absolute exceedance of the threshold and the shorter the interval between the exceedances, the higher the frequency can be determined. This makes it possible to provide improved, relatively early warning that a potentially adverse or dangerous environmental influence is present in the household. Based on this warning, countermeasures can be initiated early.

[0015] It is particularly preferred that several parameters are recorded and compared with respective threshold values.

[0016] It is further preferred that it is determined that several threshold values ​​have been exceeded by assigned parameters more frequently than predetermined. For example, a harmful environmental impact due to mold growth can be prevented at an early stage by indicating that physical conditions exist that can lead to mold growth. For example, there may be low air movement, elevated temperature, and elevated humidity. In a further embodiment, it can also be determined that the specific physical parameter is below a predetermined threshold value or within a predetermined range of values. Based on a number of physical parameters, several conditions can be formulated, each of which indicates a possible environmental impact for a person in the household.

[0017] The warning may include a reference to the specific or likely occurrence. Preferably, the warning also includes advice on how to normalize the environmental impact. Regarding the mold hazard, for example, it may be recommended to ensure adequate ventilation or raise the temperature.

[0018] The warning can be given acoustically, visually, or haptically. Several suggestions for improving the living environment can also be provided. In In a further development, the warning can be given depending on the specific location. For example, in a wet room such as a laundry room or bathroom, less emphasis can be placed on the fact that mold growth can be prevented by lowering humidity, and more emphasis can be placed on the fact that the risk of mold can be reduced by frequent ventilation.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the parameter is independent of the use of the vacuum cleaner. In a first variant, the parameter can be independent of the reason for using the vacuum cleaner, whereby the reason typically includes dirt in the area of ​​the vacuum cleaner. In another variant, the parameter can be independent of the action of the vacuum cleaner. The action of the vacuum cleaner typically consists of air circulation, removal of dirt particles, heating of the environment, and / or acoustic stress.

[0020] The parameter can include, in particular, temperature, humidity, brightness, particle contamination, gas contamination such as carbon dioxide or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or biological contamination such as viruses, bacteria, spores, or mites. The contamination can be determined in the area of ​​the vacuum cleaner. The contamination can relate to ambient air or a surface treated by the vacuum cleaner, particularly a floor.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a device for determining a local environmental influence in a household with a handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a sensor for detecting a predetermined physical parameter; wherein the sensor is configured for attachment in the area of ​​a handheld vacuum cleaner and for operation while the vacuum cleaner is in use in the household; a processing device configured to determine an exceedance of a predetermined limit value by the determined parameter; a storage device for storing an exceedance; wherein the processing device is configured to associate the exceedance with a previously stored exceedance; and an output device for providing a warning if a frequency of stored exceedances exceeds an associated predetermined threshold.

[0022] The device can be part of the vacuum cleaner or be intended for retrofitting to a vacuum cleaner. The processing device can be configured to fully or partially execute a method described herein. For this purpose, the processing device can comprise a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller, and the method can be in the form of a computer program product with program code means. The computer program product can also be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method can be transferred to the device, or vice versa.

[0023] The device may further comprise an output device for providing an indication of the violation; and an input device for detecting an input regarding a location of the violation. This allows a user of the vacuum cleaner to provide an indication of a location of the vacuum cleaner in the home upon request.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a device as described herein. The vacuum cleaner may comprise a conventional corded vacuum cleaner, a central vacuum cleaner, or a combination tool, in particular a Multi-Use Handstick (MUH). The device can preferably be mounted in a region of the vacuum cleaner where it is guided by a user. This region may include, for example, a suction nozzle, a handle, or a suction tube.

[0025] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a vacuum cleaner with a device for determining an environmental influence; and Figure 2 shows a flow diagram of a method for determining an environmental influence.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a handheld vacuum cleaner 100 with a device 105 for determining an environmental influence. The illustrated vacuum cleaner 100 is designed as a multi-use handheld device, which can typically be operated wirelessly with an onboard energy storage device. In another embodiment, however, a different vacuum cleaner 100, in particular a conventional vacuum cleaner equipped with a power cord, can also be used. The vacuum cleaner 100 is designed to be operated by an operator in a household, so that a cleaning function acts on a surface.

[0027] The vacuum cleaner 100 comprises a suction unit 110, which can be connected to a suction element 120 by means of a pipe 115 or a corresponding hose. The suction element 120 can comprise, for example, a nozzle, a floor glider, or a brush. In one embodiment, the suction element 120 comprises an active processing device, for example a driven floor roller or a wiping device. The suction element 120 can be controlled by a control device of the vacuum cleaner 100. For this purpose, an electrical and / or a data connection can be provided between the suction element 120 and a control device in the region of the suction unit 110. For handling the vacuum cleaner 100, a handle 125 is preferably provided, which Figure 1 is formed purely as an example.

[0028] The device 105 preferably comprises a processing device 130, which is preferably connected to a sensor 135, a storage device 140, an input device 145 and an output device 150.

[0029] The sensor 135 can be configured to detect a physical parameter in the ambient air or in the area of ​​a surface treated by the suction element 120. Multiple sensors 135 can also be used, which can be configured, for example, to determine a temperature, a relative humidity, or an environmental load. The processing device 130 preferably comprises a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage device 140 is included, for example, in the processing device 130. In another embodiment, an external memory 140 can also be provided.

[0030] Input device 145 and output device 150 can each be implemented independently of one another as haptic, optical, or acoustic. In the illustrated embodiment, a touch-sensitive screen is provided that combines input device 145 and output device 150. However, other concepts are also conceivable.

[0031] It is proposed that device 105 be configured to check a physical parameter in the area of ​​vacuum cleaner 100 for exceeding a predetermined threshold or limit value and to store any exceedance of the limit value in storage device 140. If exceedances occur more frequently than predetermined, a corresponding indication can be output. The indication can be provided, in particular, in the form of a warning by means of output device 150. In a further embodiment, the indication can be aimed at resolving the household situation determined on the basis of the exceedances. In particular, a suggestion can be output to an operator of vacuum cleaner 100 as to how the living environment in the household can be improved specifically with regard to the determined situation.If the advice is followed, it is to be expected that the specific fact will no longer or less frequently be proven after some time.

[0032] Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a method 200 for determining a local environmental influence in a household. The method 200 can be carried out, in particular, using a device 105. The method 200 is preferably carried out while the vacuum cleaner 100 is being used by an operator in a household.

[0033] In a step 205, a predetermined physical parameter in the area of ​​the vacuum cleaner 100 is detected. The parameter can be detected, in particular, by means of the sensor 135. In a step 210, it is determined whether the parameter exceeds a predetermined limit. In a variant of the method 200, it can also be determined whether the parameter falls below the limit or lies within a predetermined range defined by an upper and a lower limit. If this is not the case, the method 200 can return to the beginning and run again.

[0034] If the parameter fulfills the predetermined condition from step 210, an indication of the violation can be issued to an operator of the vacuum cleaner 100 in a step 215. The indication can, in particular, include a request to enter a location where the violation was determined. In a step 220, an entered location can be recorded. If no location is entered, the recorded violation can be saved without a location or discarded.

[0035] In a step 225, several pieces of information characterizing the violation are preferably determined. This can include the specific location, a current time, the specific parameter, and the associated limit value. Other or additional information can also be stored. For example, if several physical parameters are detected by one or more sensors 135, several of the parameters can also be stored. This allows for the subsequent determination of boundary or framework conditions.

[0036] In a step 230, the determined exceedance can be stored. Subsequently, in a step 235, it can be determined whether stored exceedances occur more frequently than predetermined. For this purpose, exceedances in a predetermined, past time window can be considered. If, for example, more than seven exceedances occur within a week, a symptom can be determined. In a preferred embodiment, the extent to which the assigned limit value is exceeded is taken into account. A particularly severe exceedance of the limit value can be given greater weight than a only slight exceedance. If it is determined that there are no excessively frequent exceedances, the method 200 can branch back to the beginning and, if necessary, run through again. If there are frequent exceedances, the method can continue with step 240.

[0037] In step 240, a symptom can be determined that may be the basis for the parameter(s) that frequently exceed their limit values. For example, if two parameters, each with a predetermined frequency, indicate a warm, humid indoor climate, the symptom can be determined to be a risk of mold growth. To determine the symptom, the exceedances of several parameters are preferably considered. Additionally, boundary or secondary conditions can also be considered.

[0038] In step 245, a warning about frequent exceedances can be provided. If a symptom was determined in step 240, the symptom can also be pointed out. In both cases, a hint can also be issued indicating how the exceedance of the limit or the underlying symptom can be addressed. The hint is preferably directed to an operator of the vacuum cleaner 100 and can include a specific type of use of the vacuum cleaner 100. Reference symbol

[0039] 100Vacuum cleaner 105Device 110Suction unit 115Tube, hose 120Suction element 125Handle 130Processing device 135Sensor 140Storage device 145Input device 150Output device 200 Procedure 205 Record parameters 210 Parameter exceeds limit? 215 Provide information about exceedance 220 Record location 225 Determine exceedance: location, time, parameter, limit 230 Save exceedance 235 Are exceedances more frequent than predetermined? 240 Determine symptom 245 Provide warning / information

Claims

1. Method (200) for determining a local environmental influence in a household with a hand-guided vacuum cleaner (100), wherein the method (200) comprises the following steps: - detecting (205) a predetermined physical parameter in the region of the hand-guided vacuum cleaner (100), while the vacuum cleaner (100) is being used in the household; characterised by: - determining (210) that the particular parameter exceeds a predetermined limit value; - storing (230) the exceedance and assigning (225) the exceedance to an exceedance stored previously; and - providing (245) a warning in the event that a frequency of stored exceedances exceeds an assigned predetermined threshold value.

2. Method (200) according to claim 1, wherein a notification of the exceedance is output (215) and an input regarding the location of the exceedance is detected (200); and wherein the assignment (225) is carried out on the basis of the location.

3. Method (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the exceedances each comprise a time input and the frequency in respect of a predetermined duration is determined.

4. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency is determined by taking into account a utilisation of the vacuum cleaner (100) in the household, in which no exceedance was determined.

5. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frequency takes into account an amount by how much the threshold value is exceeded.

6. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a number of parameters are detected and compared with the threshold values assigned in each case.

7. Method (200) according to claim 6, wherein it is determined that the threshold values were exceeded by the parameters more often than was predetermined.

8. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the warning comprises a notification about a standardisation of the environmental influence.

9. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the parameter is independent of a utilisation of the vacuum cleaner (100).

10. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the parameter comprises one of the following: a temperature, a humidity, a brightness, a particle load, a gas load or an organic element load.

11. Device (105) for determining a local environmental influence in a household with a hand-guided vacuum cleaner (100), wherein the device (105) comprises the following: - a sensor (135) for detecting a predetermined physical parameter; - wherein the sensor (135) is configured so as to be mounted in the region of the hand-guided vacuum cleaner (100) and so as to be operated while the vacuum cleaner (100) is being used in the household; characterised by - a processing facility (130) which is configured to determine an exceedance of a predetermined limit value by way of the determined parameter; - a storage facility (140) for storing an exceedance; - wherein the processing facility (130) is configured to assign the exceedance to a previously stored exceedance; and - an output facility (150) for providing a warning in the event that a frequency of stored exceedances exceeds an assigned predetermined threshold value.

12. Device (105) according to claim 11, further comprising an output device (150) for providing a notification of the exceedance; and an input device (145) for detecting an input regarding a location of the exceedance.

13. Hand-guided vacuum cleaner (100) comprising a device (105) according to one of claims 11 to 12.