Cleaning management device and method

Abstract

To provide a cleaning management device that shortens the running time of a robot cleaner by the robot cleaner considering areas being cleaned and cleaning times of other cleaners and cleans an entire room without leaving uncleaned portions.SOLUTION: A cleaning management device 4 that assists in cleaning using multiple cleaners comprises: a communication unit 41 which receives an operational state of a stick-type cleaner 1 as another cleaner, the operational state including an operation area where cleaning was performed and an operation time; a cleaned area information generation unit 43 which, according to the operational state, estimates a cleaning status including an area that the stick-type cleaner 1 cleaned and a time related to the cleaning of the area, and uses the cleaning status to generate cleaned area information which indicates an area where cleaning satisfying prescribed conditions was performed; a cleaning-designated area identification unit 44 which uses the cleaned area information to identify a cleaning-designated area to be cleaned with a robot cleaner 2; and an instruction unit 45 which generates cleaning instruction information including the cleaning-designated area. A communication unit 51 outputs the cleaning instruction information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for assisting cleaning (hereinafter simply referred to as cleaning) with a plurality of cleaning machines.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, autonomous driving type cleaning machines called robot cleaners are widespread. In a robot cleaner, cleaning is performed autonomously, but there are areas that cannot be physically cleaned due to obstacles and the like. For this reason, other cleaning machines such as a stick type cleaner operated by a user may be used in combination for cleaning. Regarding the use of such a plurality of cleaning machines, Patent Document 1 has been proposed. Paragraph 0042 of Patent Document 1 describes that "the analysis unit and the output unit can control so that the cleaning areas of the plurality of cleaning machines do not overlap based on the information in the recording unit, or can present information to the operator."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Incidentally, in cleaning by a plurality of cleaning machines including a robotic vacuum cleaner, it is desirable to clean the entire cleaning area target such as a room. Thus, in order to clean the entire cleaning area target, it is desirable to grasp the cleaning status of the cleaning machine and control and operate the cleaning machine accordingly. However, Patent Document 1 discloses controlling so that the cleaning areas of a plurality of cleaning machines do not overlap. For example, control and operation considering cleaning status such as the time when cleaning is performed and the usage frequency of the living environment are not disclosed. In Patent Document 1, by controlling and operating the robotic vacuum cleaner so as not to overlap with the cleaning area of other cleaning machines, it is possible to shorten the running time. However, since dirt accumulates in the area where time has passed since other cleaning machines have cleaned, there may be a case of leaving cleaning undone.

[0005] In the present application, an object is to realize more efficient cleaning according to the cleaning status of any one of a plurality of cleaning machines.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, in the present application, a cleaning instruction area for performing cleaning with a second cleaning machine is specified according to the cleaning status including the area and time of cleaning with a first cleaning machine.

[0007] More specifically, in a cleaning management device that supports cleaning using a plurality of cleaning machines, an input unit that receives the operation status of a first cleaning machine including the operation area and operation time during which cleaning has been performed, and from the operation status, the cleaning status including the area where the first cleaning machine has performed cleaning and the time related to the cleaning of the area is estimated, and using the cleaning status, a cleaned area information creation unit that creates cleaned area information indicating an area where cleaning that satisfies a predetermined condition has been performed, a cleaning instruction area specifying unit that specifies a cleaning instruction area for performing cleaning with a second cleaning machine using the cleaned area information, an instruction unit that creates cleaning instruction information including the cleaning instruction area, and an output unit that outputs the cleaning instruction information.

[0008] The present invention also includes a cleaning management method executed by this cleaning management device, a program for causing the cleaning management device to function as a computer, and a storage medium storing the program.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the cleaning situation, it becomes possible to achieve more efficient cleaning using a plurality of cleaning machines.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a plurality of cleaners (a first cleaner and a second cleaner) cooperate to clean a target area such as a room. At this time, first, the first cleaner performs cleaning, and the second cleaner supplements the cleaning that is insufficient in this cleaning. For example, additional cleaning is executed. The details will be described below.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a cleaning management system according to the present embodiment. The cleaning management system includes a stick vacuum cleaner 1, a robot vacuum cleaner 2, a cleaning management device 4, and a user terminal 5, which are connected to each other via a router 3 and a network 6. Here, in the present embodiment, the stick vacuum cleaner 1 is used as the first vacuum cleaner, and the robot vacuum cleaner 2 is used as the second vacuum cleaner. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and either the stick vacuum cleaner 1 or the robot vacuum cleaner 2 may be used as the first vacuum cleaner and the second vacuum cleaner.

[0013] First, the stick vacuum cleaner 1 is grasped by the user and performs cleaning according to the operation. Further, the stick vacuum cleaner 1 has a detection function and a communication function for detecting its own operating status in order to cooperate with the robot vacuum cleaner 2. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the stick vacuum cleaner 1 according to the present embodiment. The stick vacuum cleaner 1 includes a control unit 101, a communication unit 104, a display operation unit 105, a connection unit 106, an operation unit 107, a sensor unit 108, and a storage battery 109 as parts related to information processing. First, the control unit 101 controls the operation of the stick vacuum cleaner 1 such as dust suction. For this purpose, the control unit 101 includes a control signal creation unit 102 and an operation status collection unit 103.

[0015] The control signal creation unit 102 creates a control signal for executing a cleaning function according to an operation from the user to the display operation unit 105 and control commands from the cleaning management device 4 and the user terminal 5. Further, the control signal creation unit 102 controls the display on the display operation unit 105 according to control commands from the robot vacuum cleaner 2, the cleaning management device 4, and the user terminal 5.

[0016] In addition, the operation status collection unit 103 collects the operation status of the stick vacuum cleaner 1 detected by the sensor unit 108. As this operation status, the driving status and the dust collection amount during cleaning of the stick vacuum cleaner 1 are collected. Further, the driving status includes the position and the operation time of the stick vacuum cleaner 1.

[0017] Note that it is desirable for the control unit 101 to store the collected detection status and its own vacuum cleaner management information. Furthermore, the control unit 101 can be realized by an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). Therefore, each part of the control unit 101, such as the control signal creation unit 102 and the operation status collection unit 103, can be realized by software such as dedicated hardware or a program.

[0018] In addition, the communication unit 104 has a communication function via the router 3 and the network 6 and a short-range wireless communication function. Then, the communication unit 104 transmits the operation status to the cleaning management device 4 and the user terminal 5, and receives instruction information such as a control command from the cleaning management device 4 and the user terminal 5.

[0019] In addition, the display operation unit 105 receives operations from the user for the stick-type vacuum cleaner 1, and outputs the charging status of the battery 109 and the cleaning content executed by the stick-type vacuum cleaner 1. Note that the display operation unit 105 may be configured by dividing it into a display unit such as a display panel and an operation unit such as an operation button.

[0020] In addition, the connection unit 106 connects to the charging stand 1a to realize charging of the battery 109. Also, the operation unit 107 operates according to the control signal created by the control signal creation unit 102. For this purpose, the operation unit 107 can be realized by a fan or a motor and has a suction unit 107-1 that sucks dust. In addition, the sensor unit 108 detects the operation status of the stick-type vacuum cleaner 1. For this purpose, the sensor unit 108 has an acceleration sensor 108-1 and a dust collection amount sensor 108-2. Here, the acceleration sensor 108-1 is an example of a position sensor that detects the position of the stick-type vacuum cleaner 1 and detects the acceleration of the stick-type vacuum cleaner 1. Also, the dust collection amount sensor 108-2 detects the amount of dust sucked by the suction unit. For example, the dust collection amount sensor 108-2 can be realized by a weighing scale that measures the dust collection amount in the dust collection chamber. Note that at least one of the acceleration sensor 108-1 and the dust collection amount sensor 108-2 may be used, or other sensors may be added.

[0021] In addition, the storage battery 109 is a rechargeable battery charged by the power from the charging stand 1a, and its type such as a lithium-ion battery is not limited. Further, the stick-type cleaner 1 is installed on the charging stand 1a by the operation of the user.

[0022] In the present embodiment, the stick-type cleaner 1 is used, but a so-called canister-type cleaner may be used. In the case of a canister-type cleaner, the connection part 106 and the storage battery 109 can be omitted. Also, in the present embodiment, a plurality of robot cleaners and stick-type cleaners may be used respectively.

[0023] Next, the robot cleaner 2 is a cleaner capable of autonomously performing cleaning. Further, the robot cleaner 2 has a communication function for performing cleaning according to the operating status of the stick-type cleaner 1 in order to cooperate with the stick-type cleaner 1. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. Note that each of the functions described above is not essential and can be partially omitted.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the robot cleaner 2 according to the present embodiment. The robot cleaner 2 includes, as parts related to information processing, a control unit 201, a communication unit 204, a display operation unit 205, a connection unit 206, an operating unit 207, a sensor unit 208, and a storage battery 209.

[0025] First, the control unit 201 controls the operation of the robot cleaner 2 such as dust suction and its own movement. For this purpose, the control unit 201 includes a control signal creation unit 202 and an operation status collection unit 203.

[0026] The control signal creation unit 202 creates a control signal for executing a cleaning function according to an operation from the user to the display operation unit 205 and control commands from the cleaning management device 4 and the user terminal 5. Further, the control signal creation unit 202 controls the display on the display operation unit 205 according to control commands from the stick-type cleaner 1, the cleaning management device 4, and the user terminal 5. Note that, as the control command, the cleaning instruction information described later can be used.

[0027] In addition, the operation status collection unit 203 collects the operation status of the robot vacuum cleaner 2 detected by the sensor unit 208. As this operation status, the driving status and the dust collection amount during the cleaning of the robot vacuum cleaner 2 are collected. Furthermore, the driving status includes the position and the operation time of the robot vacuum cleaner 2.

[0028] Note that it is desirable for the control unit 201 to store the collected detection status and its own vacuum cleaner management information. Furthermore, the control unit 201 can be realized by an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). For this reason, each part of the control unit 201, such as the control signal creation unit 202 and the operation status collection unit 203, can be realized by dedicated hardware or software such as a program.

[0029] In addition, the communication unit 204 has a communication function via the router 3 and the network 6 and a short-range wireless communication function. Then, the communication unit 204 transmits the operation status to the cleaning management device 4 and the user terminal 5, and receives instruction information such as a control command from the cleaning management device 4 and the user terminal 5.

[0030] In addition, the display operation unit 205 receives operations on the robot vacuum cleaner 2 from the user, and outputs the charging status of the storage battery 209 and the cleaning content executed by the robot vacuum cleaner 2. Note that the display operation unit 205 may be configured by dividing it into a display unit such as a display panel and an operation unit such as operation buttons.

[0031] In addition, the connection unit 206 connects to the charging stand 2a and realizes charging of the storage battery 209. Also, the operation unit 207 operates according to the control signal created by the control signal creation unit 202. For this purpose, the operation unit 107 has a suction unit 207-1 and a drive unit 207-2. The suction unit 207-1 can be realized by a fan and a motor, and sucks dust. The drive unit 207-2 can be realized by a motor and wheels, etc., and moves the robot vacuum cleaner 2 according to the control signal.

[0032] In addition, the sensor unit 208 detects the operating status of the robotic vacuum cleaner 2. For this purpose, the sensor unit 208 includes an acceleration sensor 208-1 and a dust collection amount sensor 208-2. Here, the acceleration sensor 108-1 is an example of a position sensor that detects the position of the stick-type vacuum cleaner 1 and detects the acceleration of the stick-type vacuum cleaner 1. Also, the dust collection amount sensor 108-2 detects the amount of dust sucked by the suction unit. For example, the dust collection amount sensor 108-2 can be realized by a weighing scale that measures the dust collection amount in the dust collection chamber. Note that at least one of the acceleration sensor 208-1 and the dust collection amount sensor 208-2 may be provided, or other sensors may be added.

[0033] Also, the storage battery 209 is a rechargeable battery charged by the power from the charging base 2a, and its type such as a lithium-ion battery is not limited. Also, the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 automatically installs itself on the charging base 2a according to the completion of cleaning or the charge level of the storage battery 209. Note that each of the above-described functions is not essential and a part of them can be omitted.

[0034] Next, a cleaning management device 4 that executes the main processing in the present embodiment will be described. In FIG. 1, the cleaning management device 4 includes a communication unit 41, an operating status collection unit 42, a cleaned area information creation unit 43, a cleaning instruction area specification unit 44, an instruction unit 45, and a storage unit 46. First, the communication unit 41 communicates with the stick-type vacuum cleaner 1, the robotic vacuum cleaner 2, and the user terminal 5 via the network 6 and the router 3. For example, the communication unit 41 receives the operating status from the stick-type vacuum cleaner 1 or the robotic vacuum cleaner 2, and transmits instruction information such as a control command to the stick-type vacuum cleaner 1, the robotic vacuum cleaner 2, or the user terminal 5. In this way, the communication unit 41 is an example of an input unit that receives the operating status and an output unit that outputs the instruction information.

[0035] Also, the operating status collection unit 42 collects the operating status from the stick-type vacuum cleaner 1 or the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 using the communication unit 41. Note that when the operating status is PUSH-distributed from the stick-type vacuum cleaner 1 or the robotic vacuum cleaner 2, the operating status collection unit 42 can be omitted.

[0036] The cleaned area information creation unit 43 estimates the cleaning status of the stick-type cleaner 1, which is the first cleaner, using the collected operation status, including the cleaned area and cleaning time of the stick-type cleaner 1. Then, the cleaned area information creation unit 43 creates cleaned area information corresponding to the cleaning status, for example, cleaned area information indicating an area that has been cleaned and satisfies a predetermined condition according to the cleaning status. That is, cleaned area information indicating an operation area that has been cleaned and satisfies a predetermined condition (is sufficient) is created using the cleaning status. Here, the collected operation status includes the area where the stick-type cleaner 1 has operated and the time thereof. Also, for the time, the operation time and / or the operation frequency (cleaning frequency) can be used. Further, as the operation status, in addition to these, dust collection amount information indicating the dust collection amount when the stick-type cleaner 1 operates can be used.

[0037] Also, the cleaning instruction area specifying unit 44 specifies a cleaning instruction area for performing cleaning with the robot cleaner 2, which is the second cleaner, using the collected cleaned area information. Further, the instruction unit 45 creates cleaning instruction information including the specified cleaning instruction area. Here, as the cleaning instruction information, a control command and / or display information for the robot cleaner 2, which is the second cleaner, can be used. Note that when using the display information, it is sufficient if it includes at least information indicating the cleaning instruction area.

[0038] Also, the storage unit 46 stores map information 461, cleaner management information 462, cleaning performance information 463, and cleaning instruction determination information 464. These will be described after explaining each device.

[0039] Next, an implementation example of the cleaning management device 4 will be described. FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the cleaning management device 4 according to the present embodiment. The cleaning management device 4 can be realized by a computer such as a server. And in FIG. 4, the cleaning management device 4 has a processing device 401, a communication device 402, a memory 403, and an auxiliary storage device 404, which are connected to each other via a communication path.

[0040] First, the processing device 401 can be realized by a processor such as a CPU, and executes operations according to a cleaning management program 405 stored in an auxiliary storage device 404 described later. The cleaning management program 405 will be described later.

[0041] Also, the communication device 402 corresponds to the communication unit 41 in FIG. 1, connects to the network 6, and communicates with other devices.

[0042] Also, the memory 403 and the auxiliary storage device 404 correspond to the storage unit 46 in FIG. 1. The memory 403 expands the cleaning management program 405 stored in the auxiliary storage device 404 and information used in the processing by the processing device 401. The auxiliary storage device 404 can be realized by a so-called storage, and stores the cleaning management program 405, map information 461, cleaning machine management information 462, cleaning performance information 463, and cleaning instruction determination information 464. The auxiliary storage device 404 may be realized by various storage media such as an external HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), memory card, etc., or may be realized by a device separate from the cleaning management device 4 such as a file server.

[0043] Here, the cleaning management program 405 is composed of an operation status collection module 406, a cleaned area information creation module 407, a cleaning instruction area specification module 408, and an instruction module 409. Note that each of these modules may be realized by an individual program or a partial combination.

[0044] Here, the configuration shown in FIG. 1 that executes the same functions as each module is as follows. Operation status collection module 406: Operation status collection unit 42 Cleaned area information creation module 407: Cleaned area information creation unit 43 Cleaning instruction area specification module 408: Cleaning instruction area specification unit 44 Instruction module 409: Instruction unit 45 Therefore, the processing device 401 will execute the processing of the operation status collection unit 42, the cleaned area information creation unit 43, the cleaning instruction area identification unit 44, and the instruction unit 45 in accordance with the cleaning management program 405.

[0045] The description of the cleaning management device 4 ends here. Returning to FIG. 1, the user terminal 5 will be described. The user terminal 5 is used by users of the stick vacuum cleaner 1 or the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 and can be realized by various computers (information processing devices) such as smartphones, tablets, mobile phones, and PCs. As shown in FIG. 1, the user terminal 5 includes a communication unit 51, an operation status collection unit 52, a cleaned area information creation unit 53, a cleaning instruction area identification unit 54, an instruction unit 55, an input unit 56, a display unit 57, and a storage unit 58.

[0046] First, the communication unit 51 has a communication function via the router 3 or the network 6 and a short-range wireless communication function. Also, the operation status collection unit 52, the cleaned area information creation unit 53, the cleaning instruction area identification unit 54, and the instruction unit 55 have the same functions as the operation status collection unit 42, the cleaned area information creation unit 43, the cleaning instruction area identification unit 44, and the instruction unit 45 of the cleaning management device 4. Therefore, each of these parts may be provided in at least one of the cleaning management device 4 and the user terminal 5.

[0047] Also, the input unit 56 receives various operations from the user. The display unit 57 displays the instruction information created by the instruction unit 55 or transmitted from the cleaning management device 4. Additionally, the display unit 57 displays other information related to the operation of the stick vacuum cleaner 1 or the robotic vacuum cleaner 2. Note that the input unit 56 and the display unit 57 may be integrally configured like a touch panel. Furthermore, the storage unit 58 stores map information 581, cleaner management information 582, cleaning performance information 583, and cleaning instruction determination information 584. These will be described later together with the map information 461, cleaner management information 462, cleaning performance information 463, and cleaning instruction determination information 464.

[0048] Next, an implementation example of the user terminal 5 will be described. FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of the user terminal 5 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 5, the user terminal 5 includes a touch panel 501, a processing device 502, a communication device 503, and a storage device 504, which are connected to each other via a communication path.

[0049] First, the touch panel 501 has a configuration that combines the input unit 56 and the display unit 57 in FIG. 1, and receives the user's operations and displays various information such as instruction information. Note that the touch panel 501 may be configured separately as an input device and a display device.

[0050] Also, the processing device 502 can be realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and executes calculations according to a cleaning management program 505 stored in a storage device 504 described later.

[0051] And the cleaning management program 505 is composed of an operation status collection module 506, a cleaned area information creation module 507, a cleaning instruction area specification module 508, and an instruction module 509 for each of its functions. Note that each of these modules may be realized by an individual program or a partial combination. Note that the cleaning management program 505 may be realized as one function of an integrated management application that manages a plurality of home appliances including other home appliances (devices) such as washing machines.

[0052] Here, the configuration of the user terminal 5 shown in FIG. 1 that executes the same functions as each module is as follows. Operation status collection module 506: Operation status collection unit 52 Cleaned area information creation module 507: Cleaned area information creation unit 53 Cleaning instruction area specification module 508: Cleaning instruction area specification unit 54 Instruction module 509: Instruction unit 55 Therefore, the processing device 502 will execute the processes of the operation status collection unit 52, the cleaned area information creation unit 53, the cleaning instruction area identification unit 54, and the instruction unit 55 in accordance with the cleaning management program 505. Thus, the cleaning management program 505 has the same functions as the cleaning management program 405. For this reason, either the cleaning management program 405 or the cleaning management program 505, or a part of either of them, can be omitted. Note that the cleaning management programs 405 and 505 can be stored in the storage device 504 and other storage media described later.

[0053] In addition, the communication device 503 corresponds to the communication unit 51 in FIG. 1 and has functions for communication via the router 3 and the network 6 and short-range wireless communication. Also, the storage device 504 corresponds to the storage unit 58 in FIG. 1 and stores the above-described cleaning management program 505, map information 581, cleaning machine management information 582, cleaning performance information 583, and cleaning instruction determination information 584. For this reason, the storage device 504 may be realized by a main storage device such as a memory and a secondary storage device (storage medium) which is a so-called storage. Note that the secondary storage device may be realized by an external HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), memory card, or the like.

[0054] This concludes the description of the user terminal 5. Returning to FIG. 1 for further description, the router 3 is a device for connecting the stick-type cleaner 1, the robot cleaner 2, and the user terminal 5 to the network 6. Note that the router 3 may be provided with a wired communication function and may be connected to the user terminal 5 and the like by wire. Further, the network 6 can be realized by a wide-area network such as the Internet or a local network within a house using the stick-type cleaner 1 or the robot cleaner 2. In the former case, the cleaning management device 4 can be operated by the manufacturer of the stick-type cleaner 1 or the robot cleaner 2 and can be realized as an external device.

[0055] With the above, the description of each device of the present embodiment is completed. Subsequently, the information used in the present embodiment will be described. First, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the map information 461 used in the present embodiment. The map information 461 is information indicating the size, position, and shape of the area to be cleaned for each user. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the map information 461 has items of user ID, room, mesh ID, and coordinates. Here, the user ID is an item for identifying the above-mentioned user. The room is an example of the target area for the corresponding user. The mesh ID is an item for identifying the unit area (mesh) that divides the corresponding room. Thus, the room is composed of a plurality of unit areas. This unit area is an area obtained by dividing the room, which is the target area, into a rectangle. Also, the coordinates indicate the coordinates (positions) of each unit area. In the present embodiment, the mesh ID is used, but the map information 461 only needs to be able to specify the position and size of the room, and other items may be used. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the corresponding unit area is identified by the mesh ID, but a system with the same mesh ID for each room may be used, and the unit area may be identified by the combination of the room and the mesh ID.

[0056] Also, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the cleaner management information 462 used in the present embodiment. The cleaner management information 462 is information for managing various cleaners such as the stick-type cleaner 1 and the robot cleaner 2. When the cleaning management device 4 is operated by a manufacturer or the like, it is information for managing the cleaners of a plurality of users. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the cleaner management information 462 has items of user ID, cleaner, and function. First, the user ID is the same item as the user ID in the map information 461. Also, the cleaner and the function are items for identifying the stick-type cleaner 1 and the robot cleaner 2 and indicating their functions.

[0057] Further, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the cleaning performance information 463 used in the embodiment. The cleaning performance information 463 is information indicating the cleaning performance of the stick-type cleaner 1 or the robot cleaner 2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the cleaning performance information 463 has items of room, mesh ID, operation log, and the cleaner used for each user ID. The room and mesh ID are the same items as the map information 461, but each indicates the operation area where the corresponding cleaner has operated.

[0058] The operation log indicates the operation history of the cleaner in the area indicated by the corresponding mesh ID. In this embodiment, the operation time, the dust collection amount, and the cleaning frequency are used as the operation log. However, the operation log is not limited to these. Also, it is desirable to use the operation time as the operation log, but at least one of these may be used. And at least the operation log and the mesh ID will constitute the operation status. Note that the operation status may include the aforementioned room and the cleaner used described later. These operation statuses will be collected from the performed cleaning. Also, the cleaner used identifies the cleaner that has performed the operation indicated by the corresponding operation log.

[0059] Further, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the cleaning instruction determination information 464 used in the present embodiment. The cleaning instruction determination information 464 indicates the result of determining the necessity of cleaning with the second cleaner, and is information for proposing and instructing this cleaning. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cleaning instruction determination information 464 has items of room, mesh ID, cleaning status, cleaning instruction, cleaner used, and proposed time for each user.

[0060] First, the room and mesh IDs are the same items as the map information 461 and the cleaning performance information 463, but each indicates the object for determining whether cleaning by the second cleaner is necessary. Also, the cleaning status indicates the cleaning status of the stick-type cleaner 1, which is the first cleaner, for the operation area indicated by the corresponding mesh ID. More specifically, it indicates whether the cleaning of the operation area is sufficient and the time. First, whether the cleaning is sufficient is estimated from the operation status of the cleaning performance information 463 by the cleaned area information creation unit 53. For example, when a certain time has elapsed since the operation time (end), when the latest operation time (period) is within a predetermined time, when the cumulative dust collection amount is below a predetermined value, when the cleaning frequency is below a predetermined level, etc., it is determined that there is a shortage. Also, the shortage includes cases where the corresponding operation area has not been cleaned and the operation time, dust collection amount, and cleaning frequency are 0. Further, the user's presence history may be used based on the position information of the user terminal 5, the user's schedule managed by the calendar app, and the detection result of the human sensor. That is, assuming that the more frequent the presence, the more dust there is, the threshold values of the operation time and the dust collection amount are increased as the presence frequency increases. Furthermore, in this determination, a combination of operation statuses may be used.

[0061] Also, the time of the cleaning status indicates the time related to the cleaning of the operation area. The time related to the cleaning can use the latest time when the corresponding operation area was cleaned, the cleaning frequency, as well as the latest time and cleaning frequency when the adjacent unit area having a predetermined relationship such as adjacency was cleaned. In the example of FIG. 9, the latest time when the corresponding operation area was cleaned is used. And when the cleaning status is sufficient, the cleaned area information is constituted by the cleaning status and the corresponding mesh ID.

[0062] In addition, the cleaning instruction indicates whether cleaning with the first cleaner is necessary according to the corresponding cleaning situation. In the example of FIG. 9, when the cleaning situation is sufficient, it becomes unnecessary, and when there is a shortage, it becomes necessary. Thus, when there is a one-to-one correspondence between the cleaning situation and the cleaning instruction, either of them may be omitted. Further, the implementing cleaner identifies the second cleaner that performs cleaning when a cleaning instruction is necessary. Furthermore, the proposed time indicates the time for cleaning with the second cleaner recorded in the implementing cleaner. Note that when cleaning is required in a plurality of unit areas, it is conceivable to perform cleaning continuously and collectively. In this case, the proposed time records the same time zone for each, and also records the ranking of the cleaning routes. In the above cleaning instruction determination information 464, the unit area of the mesh ID where the cleaning instruction is "necessary" (or the cleaning situation is "insufficient") becomes the cleaning instruction area. It is desirable for this implementing cleaner to identify a cleaner other than the stick-type cleaner 1, which is the first cleaner that has cleaned the cleaned area. Note that the cleaning result information 463 and the cleaning instruction determination information 464 may be configured as part of the map information 461.

[0063] This concludes the description of the information of the cleaning management device 4. Note that the map information 561 to the cleaning instruction determination information 564 of the user terminal 5 are the same information as the map information 461 to the cleaning instruction determination information 464, respectively, but it is desirable to make them information limited to the corresponding user. For this reason, the user ID of each piece of information can be omitted. This concludes the description of the configuration and information of the present embodiment, and subsequently, the processing flow in the present embodiment will be described.

[0064] Figures 10A and 10B are flowcharts showing the processing flow according to this embodiment. First, in step S1 of FIG. 10A, the stick-type cleaner 1, which is the first cleaner, operates and performs cleaning according to the operation of the user or the like. Also, in step S2, the operation status collection unit 103 collects the operation status of the stick-type cleaner 1. Then, in step S3, the operation status collection unit 103 uses the communication unit 104 to transmit the collected operation status to the cleaning management device 4. This operation status includes information for identifying the stick-type cleaner 1, the rooms where it has operated, the mesh ID, and the operation log. Here, the mesh ID indicates the mesh ID included in the room where it has operated, and is acquired regardless of whether it has operated in the unit area of this mesh ID.

[0065] In response to this, in step S4, the communication unit 41 of the cleaning management device 4 functions as an input unit and receives the operation status. In this case, the operation status collection unit 42 may collect the operation status in a PULL type via the communication unit 41. And the collected operation status will be stored in the cleaning performance information 463.

[0066] Also, in step S5, the cleaned area information creation unit 43 creates cleaned area information using the collected operation status. For this purpose, the cleaned area information creation unit 43 estimates the cleaning status of the operation area indicated by the mesh ID included in the operation status using the operation log. First, the cleaned area information creation unit 43 estimates either "sufficient" or "insufficient" shown in FIG. 9. In response to this result, when the cleaning status is "insufficient", the cleaned area information creation unit 43 determines that cleaning by the second cleaner is necessary. That is, it is determined that the cleaning instruction is "necessary". Further, the cleaned area information creation unit 43 specifies the time of the cleaning status from the operation log of the cleaning performance information 463. Also, the cleaned area information creation unit 43 stores the above room, mesh ID, cleaning status, and cleaning instruction in the cleaning instruction determination information 464.

[0067] As a result, the cleaned area information creation unit 43 extracts the cleaning status where the cleaning status is sufficient (cleaning instruction is required) and the corresponding mesh ID (unit area) from the cleaning instruction determination information 464, and creates them as the cleaned area information. Here, whether the cleaning status is sufficient, that is, whether the cleaning satisfies the predetermined conditions, can be determined by whether a certain period of time has elapsed since the operation time (end), whether the latest operation time (period) is within the predetermined time, whether the dust collection amount and its accumulation are below the predetermined value, or a combination of these. Note that here, the cleaning status where the cleaning status is sufficient is extracted, but the cleaning status where the cleaning status is insufficient may be used, or the cleaning status where either the cleaning status is insufficient or sufficient may be used.

[0068] Also, in step S6, the cleaning instruction area specifying unit 44 specifies the cleaning instruction area where cleaning is to be performed by the second cleaner using the created cleaned area information. That is, the cleaning instruction area specifying unit 44 specifies the mesh ID where the cleaning status is insufficient as the cleaning instruction area. In the present embodiment, not only the unit area (mesh ID) where cleaning has not been performed by the stick-type cleaner 1 but also the unit area where cleaning is insufficient even if cleaning is performed can be specified as the cleaning instruction area, that is, the unit area where cleaning is to be performed by the robot cleaner 2 which is the second cleaner.

[0069] Also, in step S7, the instruction unit 45 creates cleaning instruction information including a cleaning instruction area. For this purpose, the instruction unit 45 identifies the cleaning machine to be implemented and the proposed time shown in FIG. 9. These are identified as described with reference to FIG. 9. Then, the instruction unit 45 reads out the mesh ID indicating the cleaning instruction area from the cleaning instruction determination information 464. As a result, cleaning instruction information including the mesh ID indicating the cleaning instruction area, the cleaning machine to be implemented, and the proposed time is created. Here, the cleaning instruction information includes at least one of display information and a control command. The display information indicates the unit area indicated by the mesh ID and the proposed time. The control command is a control command for the robot cleaner 2, which is the cleaning machine to be implemented, to clean the unit area indicated by the mesh ID at the proposed time. Also, the instruction unit 45 stores the identified cleaning machine to be implemented and the proposed time in the cleaning instruction determination information 464. Therefore, the cleaning instruction determination information 464 can be used to manage the cleaning by the second cleaning machine.

[0070] Note that the instruction unit 45 may create the cleaning instruction information when the time of the cleaning result information 463 (cleaning status) satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, when a certain period of time has elapsed since the operation time, the instruction unit 45 creates the cleaning instruction information. Also, when the cleaning frequency of the cleaning status becomes equal to or less than a threshold value over time, the instruction unit 45 may create the cleaning instruction information.

[0071] Also, in step S8, the communication unit 41 functioning as an output unit transmits the cleaning instruction information to the second cleaning machine, which is the cleaning machine to be implemented in the cleaning instruction information. In this example, the second cleaning machine is the robot cleaner 2. Then, in step S9, the communication unit 204 of the robot cleaner 2 receives the cleaning instruction information.

[0072] Also, in step S10, the control signal creation unit 202 determines whether the received cleaning instruction information includes display information or control information. When the display information is included (display), the process proceeds to step S11. When the control command is included (control), the process proceeds to step S13 in FIG. 10B.

[0073] Also, in step S11, according to the control signal generation unit 202, the display operation unit 205 displays the display information of the cleaning instruction information. Then, in step S12, the display operation unit 205 receives an operation by the user according to the display information.

[0074] Then, in step S13 of FIG. 10B, according to the control signal from the control signal generation unit 202 according to the control command or the user's operation, the robot cleaner 2 operates to perform cleaning. That is, the robot cleaner 2 performs cleaning on the cleaning instruction area specified in step S6. This processing flow may end at this step, but in this embodiment, the processing of step S14 is also executed.

[0075] First, in step S14, the operation status collection unit 203 collects the operation status of the robot cleaner 2. Also, in step S15, the operation status collection unit 203 uses the communication unit 204 to transmit the collected operation status to the cleaning management device 4. These steps S13 and S14 are the same processing as steps S2 and S3.

[0076] Then, in step S16, the communication unit 41 of the cleaning management device 4 receives the transmitted operation status. In response to this, in step S17, the operation status collection unit 42 updates the cleaning performance information 463 using the received operation status. Thus, the processing of this embodiment ends. However, hereinafter, the same processing as step S5 may be executed for the cleaning instruction area. That is, control may be performed to further perform cleaning with a third cleaner. Note that the third cleaner may be the stick-type cleaner 1 or the robot cleaner 2, or other cleaners.

[0077] The above processing is mainly executed by the cleaning management device 4, but at least a part of the processing of the cleaning management device 4 may be executed by the user terminal 5. In this case, the same parts with the same names execute the same processing. In this case, the user terminal 5 functions as a cleaning management device.

[0078] In addition, the transmission of the cleaning instruction information in step S8 may be executed for the user terminal 5. In this case, steps S9 to S12 are executed by the user terminal 5. Hereinafter, the details will be described. First, the communication unit 51 executes step S9. In addition, the instruction unit 55 executes step S10. Further, according to the instruction unit 55, the display unit 57 executes step S11, and the input unit 56 executes step S12. Then, the instruction unit 55 transmits a control command corresponding to the operation in step S12 or the control command included in the cleaning instruction information to the cleaning management device 4 via the communication unit 51.

[0079] In the case where both the display information and the control command are included, it may transition to either step S11 or step S13. When transitioning to step S13, the display in step S11 may also be executed.

[0080] As described above, in this embodiment, by estimating the cleaning status for each unit area and creating cleaning instruction information accordingly, it is possible to realize a proposal for cleaning that conforms to the actual situation of cleaning. For example, efficient cleaning of the cleaning instruction area can be realized. For example, it becomes possible to eliminate or reduce duplication for the cleaned area, and the area to be cleaned can be further reduced. In addition, the cleaning instruction area can be accurately determined. Hereinafter, each example in which the cleaner used in this embodiment is embodied will be described.

Example

[0081] Example 1 is an example of a cleaning machine in which the first cleaning machine 1A is a cleaning machine that performs cleaning according to the operation of a user, such as a stick-type cleaning machine 1, the second cleaning machine is a robot cleaner 2, and the user terminal 5 is not used. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of the cleaning management system according to Example 1. The cleaning management system shown in FIG. 11 includes a first cleaning machine 1A, a second cleaning machine 2B, a router 3, and a cleaning management device 4. First, the first cleaning machine 1A is a stick-type cleaning machine 1, and in FIG. 11, an acceleration sensor 108A-1, a control unit 101A, and a communication unit 104A are shown. Note that the reference numerals of each part are made consistent with FIG. 1, and in each example, "A" is attached to the reference numeral of the first cleaning machine, and "B" is attached to the reference numeral of the second cleaning machine.

[0082] Also, the second cleaning machine 2B is a robot cleaner 2, and in FIG. 11, an acceleration sensor 208B-1, a control unit 201B, a communication unit 204B, and a drive unit 206B-2 are shown. Also, as the cleaning management device 4, FIG. 11 shows a storage unit 46, a cleaned area information creation unit 43, a communication unit 41, and an instruction unit 45. Next, the processing flow according to Example 1 will be described.

[0083] <Overall Processing> Using FIGS. 12 and 13, the overall processing of Example 1 will be described. First, according to FIG. 12, the processing performed by the cleaning management device 4 after the first cleaning machine 1A finishes cleaning will be described. That is, the details of step S4 in FIG. 10A will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing flow according to Example 1.

[0084] First, in step S100, when the communication unit 104A of the first cleaner 1A finishes cleaning, it starts control. Also, in step S101, the communication unit 41 acquires, via the router 3, an operation status including a mesh ID indicating the area it has cleaned and the operation time from the communication unit 104A of the first cleaner 1A. Then, in step S102, the storage unit 46 stores the mesh ID indicating the area cleaned by the first cleaner 1A and the operation time acquired by the communication unit 41. Thus, the control shown in this flowchart ends. Through the above processing, the cleaning management device 4 can store the cleaning status of the first cleaner 1A in the cleaning performance information 463.

[0085] Next, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing flow according to the first embodiment. This flowchart shows the processing performed by the cleaning management device 4 before the start of cleaning by the second cleaner 2B.

[0086] First, in step S200, this processing flow is started (S200). Also, in step S201, the cleaned area information creation unit 43 acquires, from the cleaning performance information 463 of the storage unit 46, the operation status (including the mesh ID (operation area) and the operation time) of the first cleaner 1A. Also, in step S202, the cleaned area information creation unit 43 estimates the cleaning status of each operation area from the acquired operation status, and based on this estimation result, creates cleaned area information. This cleaned area information indicates that cleaning has been performed satisfying a predetermined condition by the first cleaner 1A, and is information including a mesh ID, which is an example of position information indicating the cleaning position, and the cleaning time.

[0087] Also, in step S203, the cleaning instruction area specifying unit 44 uses the cleaned area information to specify a cleaning instruction area to be cleaned by the second cleaner 2B. As described above, an operating area that satisfies a predetermined condition such as an operating area that has not been cleaned is specified as the cleaning instruction area. Further, in step S204, the instruction unit 45 creates cleaning instruction information including the cleaning instruction area and outputs it to the communication unit 41. In the first embodiment, the cleaning instruction information includes a control command for controlling the second cleaner 2B. Also, the cleaning instruction information may be the control command itself.

[0088] Also, in step S205, the communication unit 41 transmits the cleaning instruction information to the communication unit 204B of the second cleaner 2B via the router 3. Then, the control unit 201B of the second cleaner 2B controls the drive unit 206B-2 with a control signal corresponding to the control command of the cleaning instruction information. As a result, the second cleaner 2B performs cleaning on the cleaning instruction area. Furthermore, the cleaning instruction information output in step S204 may be the control signal itself. Then, in step S206, this processing flow ends.

[0089] Through the above processing flow, the second cleaner 2B can automatically clean the area that was insufficient with the first cleaner 1A. Also, in the first embodiment, the first cleaner 1A and the cleaning management device 4 communicate via the router 3, but this is not the only way, and they may communicate by other methods. Also, in the first embodiment, the first cleaner 1A and the cleaning management device 4 are installed in different locations, but this is not the only way, and other configurations such as the first cleaner 1A incorporating the cleaning management device 4 may be used.

[0090] <Estimation of cleaning status and creation of cleaned area information> Next, the details of the estimation of the cleaning status and the creation of the cleaned area information in step S202 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining the estimation of the cleaning status and the creation of the cleaned area information (step S202) according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 shows a cleaning target area 1500 and an area 1501 where the first cleaner 1A has operated, which is included therein. Here, the cleaning target area 1500 is a room. Note that in FIG. 14, there is a high possibility that the cleaning of the area shown in white is insufficient. Therefore, it is highly necessary to clean this area.

[0091] When the first cleaner 1A finishes cleaning, the cleaning management device 4 acquires, via the router 3, the mesh ID indicating the area 1501 where the first cleaner 1A has operated and the operation time of the operation. Then, before the operation of the second cleaner 2B starts, the cleaned area information creation unit 43 determines, for example, that the area 1501 is not a cleaned area if more than one day has passed since the first cleaner 1A started operating. Also, if less than one day has passed since the first cleaner 1A cleaned the area 1501, the area 1501 is determined to be a cleaned area.

[0092] When creating the cleaned area information in the first embodiment, the cleaned area was specified based on whether more than one day had passed since the operation time when the first cleaner 1A performed cleaning. However, this is not the only case, and the length of time may be different, or it may be in a form where the user can set this time.

[0093] <The first cleaner> Next, the first vacuum cleaner 1A of Example 1 will be described. The first vacuum cleaner 1A includes an acceleration sensor 108A, a control unit 101A, and a communication unit 104A. First, the acceleration sensor 108A is an example of the sensor unit 108, acquires first acceleration information, and transmits it to the control unit 101A. Here, the first acceleration information indicates the acceleration of the first vacuum cleaner 1A. Also, the control unit 101A calculates the area where the first vacuum cleaner 1A has operated from the acquired first acceleration information. Further, when the first vacuum cleaner 1A finishes cleaning, the control unit 101A transmits, via the communication unit 104A and through the router 3, an operation status including the first acceleration information or the operation area created based on this to the cleaning management device 4. In Example 1, acceleration information was used to calculate the area where the first vacuum cleaner 1A has operated, but this is not the only way, and other information such as GPS information or beacon information may also be used.

[0094] <Second vacuum cleaner> Next, the area where the second vacuum cleaner 2B realized by the robot vacuum cleaner of Example 1 travels will be described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining the travel route of the second vacuum cleaner 2B with respect to the cleaned area according to Example 1. The cleaning management device 4 transmits, via the router 3, cleaning instruction information including a cleaning instruction area 1600 to be cleaned to the second vacuum cleaner 2B. The cleaning instruction area 1600 of the second vacuum cleaner 2B is the area obtained by removing the area 1501 determined to be the cleaned area from the cleaning target area 1500.

[0095] Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the second vacuum cleaner 2B sets a travel route 601 that travels in a zigzag pattern so as to fill the inside of the cleaning instruction area 1600. Here, in Example 1, since the cleaning instruction area 1600 is composed of a plurality of unit areas, the travel route 601 may be set so as to connect each unit area. As described above, in Example 1, the second vacuum cleaner 2B sets the travel route 601 that travels in a zigzag pattern so as to fill the inside of the cleaning instruction area 1600, but this is not the only way, and other travel routes may also be used.

Example

[0096] In the second embodiment, both the first cleaner 2A and the second cleaner 2B are realized by a robotic cleaner, and they clean independently of each other. Then, an example of cleaning the cleaned area by either the first cleaner 2A or the second cleaner 2B is shown. Hereinafter, the description of the same configuration as that in the first embodiment will be omitted, and the second embodiment will be described.

[0097] FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of the cleaning management system according to the second embodiment. The cleaning management system shown in FIG. 16 includes a first cleaner 2A, a second cleaner 2B, a router 3, and a cleaning management device 4. Thus, the second embodiment has something in common with the first embodiment in that it includes the second cleaner 2B, the router 3, and the cleaning management device 4. And the first cleaner 2A of the second embodiment has an acceleration sensor 208A-1, a control unit 201A, a drive unit 207A, and a communication unit 204A. Thus, in the second embodiment, since a robotic cleaner is used as the first cleaner, compared with the first cleaner 1A of the first embodiment, a drive unit 207A-2 is added, and the control unit 201A controls autonomous cleaning.

[0098] Next, the processing flow of the second embodiment will be described. As a preliminary step in the description, the travel path of the cleaner in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining the cleaned areas by the second cleaner 1B and the second cleaner 2B according to the second embodiment.

[0099] FIG. 17 shows a cleaning target area 1500, an area 901 where the first cleaner 2A has operated, and an area 902 where the second cleaner 2B has operated, which are included therein. When the first cleaner 2A finishes cleaning, the cleaning management device 4 acquires the mesh ID indicating the area 901 and the operating time via the router 3. Also, when the second cleaner 2B finishes operating, the cleaning management device 4 acquires the mesh ID indicating the area 902 where the second cleaner has operated and the operating time via the router 3. In FIG. 17, the cleaning of the area shown in white is likely to be insufficient. Therefore, it is highly necessary to clean this area.

[0100] Here, before the start of cleaning by either the first vacuum cleaner 2A or the second vacuum cleaner 2B, the following processing is performed. If more than one day has passed since both the first vacuum cleaner 2A and the second vacuum cleaner 2B have performed cleaning, the area 901 and the area 902 are determined to be cleaned areas. Also, if more than one day has passed since the operation in the area 901 of the first vacuum cleaner 1A and the operation in the area 902 of the second vacuum cleaner 2B, the area 901 and the area 902 are determined to be cleaned areas.

[0101] Also, if more than one day has passed since the first vacuum cleaner 2A started operating in the area 901 and less than one day has passed since the second vacuum cleaner 2B started operating in the area 902, the area 902 is determined to be a cleaned area. Further, if less than one day has passed since the first vacuum cleaner 2A started operating in the area 901 and more than one day has passed since the second vacuum cleaner 2B started operating in the area 902, the area 901 is determined to be a cleaned area. Additionally, if less than one day has passed since both the operation of the first vacuum cleaner 2A in the area 901 and the operation of the second vacuum cleaner 2B in the area 902, both the area 901 and the area 902 are determined not to be cleaned areas. By the above determination, it becomes possible to perform cleaning while avoiding the cleaned areas of the first vacuum cleaner 2A and the second vacuum cleaner 2B (the white portions in FIG. 17). The travel route during this cleaning is shown in FIG. 18.

[0102] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining the travel route for the cleaning instruction area according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 18, the area 1000 is specified as the cleaning instruction area. For this reason, a travel route 601 is set for the second vacuum cleaner 2B to travel in a zigzag manner so as to cover the inside of the area 1000. Note that the vacuum cleaner that cleans the inside of the area 1000 may be the first vacuum cleaner 2A. Here, although the second vacuum cleaner 2B sets a travel route 1001 that travels in a zigzag manner so as to cover the inside of the area 1000, it is not limited to this, and other travel routes may be used.

[0103] Next, the processing flow of Example 2 will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the processing flow according to Example 2. In FIG. 19, the same reference numerals are given to the steps that perform the same processing as in FIGS. 10A, and different reference numerals are given to the steps that perform different processing. Hereinafter, the description of FIG. 19 will be centered on the differences from Example 1.

[0104] Steps S21-1 to S23-1 execute the same processing as steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 10A with the first vacuum cleaner 2A. Similarly, steps S21-2 to S23-2 execute the same processing as steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 10A with the second vacuum cleaner 2B.

[0105] Then, in step S4, the communication unit 41 of the cleaning management device 4 receives the corresponding operating status from both the first vacuum cleaner 2A and the second vacuum cleaner 2B. Also, steps S5 to S7 are executed in the same manner as in FIG. 10A. At this time, these processes will use the operating status of both the first vacuum cleaner 2A and the second vacuum cleaner 2B.

[0106] Next, the output process of step S8 is executed as follows. First, in step S81, the instruction unit 45 extracts and identifies the implemented vacuum cleaner included in the created cleaning instruction information. Then, in step S82, the communication unit 41 transmits the created cleaning instruction information to the identified implemented vacuum cleaner. As a result, the processes after step S9 are executed by the implemented vacuum cleaner identified in step S81.

[0107] In Example 2 as well, the cleaned area was specified based on whether more than one day had passed, but this is not the only way. The length of time may be different, or the user may be able to set this time. In Example 2, since both the first vacuum cleaner and the second vacuum cleaner are realized by the robot vacuum cleaner 2, the first vacuum cleaner and the second vacuum cleaner may be swapped for processing. Furthermore, similar to Example 1, Example 2 may also be configured by omitting the router 3.

Example

[0108] In Example 3, both the first vacuum cleaner 1A and the second vacuum cleaner 1B are realized as stick-type vacuum cleaners. Therefore, in Example 3, cleaning of the cleaning instruction area will be performed according to the user's operation. Hereinafter, the description of the same configuration as in Example 1 will be omitted, and Example 3 will be described.

[0109] FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of the cleaning management system according to Example 3. The cleaning management system shown in FIG. 20 includes a first vacuum cleaner 1A, a second vacuum cleaner 1B, a router 3, and a cleaning management device 4. Each of these devices is common to Example 1. However, the second vacuum cleaner 1B of Example 3 has an acceleration sensor 108A-1, a control unit 101B, a display operation unit 105B, and a communication unit 104B.

[0110] As described above, in Example 3, a stick-type vacuum cleaner having a display operation unit 105B is used as the second vacuum cleaner. That is, compared with the second vacuum cleaner 2B of Example 1, the drive unit 207A-2 of the second vacuum cleaner 1B is omitted, and the display operation unit 105B is added. In addition, the communication unit 41 of the cleaning management device 4 transmits cleaning instruction information, which is display information, to the second vacuum cleaner 1B via the router 3.

[0111] As a result, the display operation unit 105B of the second vacuum cleaner 1B displays the transmitted vacuum cleaner instruction information. Here, the vacuum cleaner instruction information includes a cleaning instruction area indicated by the mesh ID. Then, the display operation unit 105B displays the cleaning target area. In this display, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 17, the cleaning instruction area for the room that is the cleaning target area may be graphically displayed in a distinguished form, or the cleaning instruction area may be displayed as character information. Further, a speaker may be provided in the second vacuum cleaner 1B to output the cleaning instruction information as voice data. Further, when the transmitted vacuum cleaner instruction information is a control command, the second vacuum cleaner 1B performs cleaning according to the transmitted vacuum cleaner instruction information and the user's operation. For example, guide information indicating the vacuum cleaner instruction information is displayed on the display operation unit 105B, and the user performs cleaning while referring to this, or the suction unit 107A-1 is controlled within the range of the control content indicated by the vacuum cleaner instruction information.

[0112] According to Example 3, by using the second vacuum cleaner 2B, the user can efficiently clean the cleaning instruction area where cleaning is insufficient.

Example

[0113] In Example 4, the first vacuum cleaner 1A and the second vacuum cleaner 2B are respectively a stick-type vacuum cleaner and a robot vacuum cleaner, which is common to Example 1. However, in Example 4, as the operating status (operation log), dust collection amount information indicating the dust collection amount detected by the dust collection amount sensor 108A-2 is used. Note that for the operating status, in addition to the operating time, dust collection amount information may be used, or the operating time may not be used. Hereinafter, the description of the same configuration as in Example 1 will be omitted, and Example 4 will be described.

[0114] FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram of a cleaning management system according to Example 4. The cleaning management system shown in FIG. 21 includes a first vacuum cleaner 1A, a second vacuum cleaner 1B, a router 3, and a cleaning management device 4. These devices are common to Example 1. However, the first vacuum cleaner 1A in Example 4 further includes a dust collection amount sensor 108A-2. And in Example 4, as described above, the dust collection amount information indicating the dust collection amount detected by the dust collection amount sensor 108A-2 is used as the operating status. Hereinafter, the details will be described.

[0115] When the first vacuum cleaner 1A finishes cleaning, the cleaning management device 4 acquires, via the router 3, the area where the first vacuum cleaner 1A has operated and the amount of dust collected. Here, as the amount of dust collected, the amount of dust collected for each unit area (mesh ID) is used. Also, before the second vacuum cleaner 2B starts cleaning, the cleaned area information creation unit 43 determines, as the cleaned area, the unit areas where the amount of dust collected by the first vacuum cleaner 1A is a certain amount or more. In the above Example 4, the unit areas where the amount of dust collected is a certain amount or more are regarded as the cleaned areas, but this is not the only case, and the cleaned areas may be specified by other methods. For example, the cleaned areas may be specified by comparing the threshold value for each unit area with the amount of dust collected. Further, a threshold value may be provided for each predetermined period such as a season. Furthermore, the cleaned areas may be determined by combining the operating time and the amount of dust collected. According to Example 4, it is possible to perform cleaning according to the amount of dust collected by the first vacuum cleaner 1A, that is, the amount of dust in the unit area, and it becomes possible to perform cleaning more in line with the actual situation.

Example

[0116] In Example 5, it is common with Example 3 in that stick-type vacuum cleaners are used for both the first vacuum cleaner 1A and the second vacuum cleaner 1B. However, in Example 5, the user terminal 5 is further used. Hereinafter, the description of the same configuration as in Example 1 will be omitted, and Example 5 will be described.

[0117] FIG. 22 is a configuration diagram of the cleaning management system according to Example 5. The cleaning management system shown in FIG. 22 has a user terminal 5 added to the cleaning management system of Example 3. In Example 5, the operating status is transmitted from the first vacuum cleaner 1A to the cleaning management device 4. Then, the communication unit 41 of the cleaning management device 4 transmits, via the router 3, the cleaning instruction information created based on the operating status to the user terminal 5.

[0118] Here, when the cleaning instruction information is display information, the display unit 57 of the user terminal 5 displays the cleaning instruction area. This display format is the same as in Example 3. Also, when the cleaning instruction information is a control command, the communication unit 51 of the user terminal 5 transfers the cleaning instruction area to the second vacuum cleaner 1B. As a result, cleaning can be performed in the same manner as in Example 3.

[0119] Also, in the fifth embodiment, a robot cleaner may be used as the second cleaner. In this case, the user terminal 5 transfers the cleaning instruction information to the second cleaner, and accordingly, the second cleaner performs cleaning on the cleaning instruction area. In this case, the user terminal 5 may display the cleaning instruction information. Further, in response to an instruction from the user to the user terminal 5, the cleaning by the second cleaner may be started. Note that the use of the router 3 is not essential in the fifth embodiment either.

[0120] According to the above fifth embodiment, by using the user terminal 5 such as a smartphone, smartification including comprehensive management of the cleaner can be realized. Also, in each embodiment, by considering the cleaned area and cleaning time of the first cleaner, the running time of the second cleaner can be shortened, and the remaining cleaning can be reduced.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0121] 1... Stick-type cleaner, 1a... Charging stand, 2... Robot cleaner, 2a... Charging stand, 3... Router, 4... Cleaning management device, 41... Communication unit, 42... Operating status collection unit, 43... Cleaned area information creation unit, 44... Cleaning instruction area specification unit, 45... Instruction unit, 46... Storage unit, 461... Map information, 462... Cleaner management information, 463... Cleaning performance information, 464... Cleaning instruction determination information, 5... User terminal, 51... Communication unit, 52... Operating status collection unit, 53... Cleaned area information creation unit, 54... Cleaning instruction area specification unit, 55... Instruction unit, 56... Input unit, 57... Display unit, 58... Storage unit, 6... Network

Claims

1. In a cleaning management device that supports cleaning using a plurality of cleaning machines, an input unit that receives the operating status of a first cleaning machine including the operating area and operating time during which cleaning was performed; a cleaned area information creation unit that estimates a cleaning status including the area cleaned by the first cleaning machine and the time period related to the cleaning of that area from the operating status, and creates cleaned area information indicating an area where cleaning has been performed satisfying a predetermined condition using the cleaning status; a cleaning instruction area specifying unit that specifies a cleaning instruction area for cleaning with a second cleaning machine using the cleaned area information; an instruction unit that creates cleaning instruction information including the cleaning instruction area; A cleaning management device having an output unit that outputs the cleaning instruction information.

2. In the cleaning management device according to Claim 1, the cleaning instruction area specifying unit is a cleaning management device that specifies, as the cleaning instruction area, an area where a certain period of time has elapsed from the operating time included in the cleaning status.

3. In the cleaning management device according to Claim 1, the cleaning instruction area specifying unit is a cleaning management device that specifies, as the cleaning instruction area, an area where the cleaning frequency included in the cleaning status is equal to or more than a predetermined value.

4. In the cleaning management device according to Claim 1, the cleaning instruction area specifying unit is a cleaning management device that specifies, as the cleaning instruction area, an area where the dust collection amount included in the cleaning status is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

5. In the cleaning management device according to Claim 1, the first cleaning machine is a stick-type cleaning machine that is held and operated by a user, and the second cleaning machine is a robot cleaning machine that autonomously performs cleaning, further having an instruction unit that creates the cleaning instruction information including a control command, the output unit outputs the control command to the second cleaning machine, and the second cleaning machine is a cleaning management device that cleans the cleaning instruction area according to the control command.

6. In the cleaning management device according to Claim 5, the output unit outputs the control command to a user terminal, and the user terminal outputs the control command to the second cleaning machine, so that the second cleaning machine cleans the cleaning instruction area according to the control command.

7. In the cleaning management device according to Claim 1, the first cleaning machine and the second cleaning machine are stick-type cleaning machines that are held and operated by a user, and the second cleaning machine is a cleaning management device that displays the cleaning instruction information.

8. In the cleaning management device according to Claim 7, The output unit outputs the cleaning instruction information to at least one of the second cleaner and the user terminal. A cleaning management device that displays the cleaning instruction information in at least one of the second cleaner and the user terminal.

9. In the cleaning management device according to claim 1, The operation area is identified by a mesh ID that identifies a unit area that constitutes the cleaning target area of the first cleaner. A cleaning management device.

10. In a cleaning management method for assisting cleaning using a plurality of cleaners executed by a cleaning management device, An input unit receives the operation status of the first cleaner including the operation area and operation time for which cleaning has been performed. A cleaned area information creation unit estimates a cleaning status including the area cleaned by the first cleaner and the timing related to the cleaning of the area from the operation status, and creates cleaned area information indicating an area where cleaning has been performed that satisfies a predetermined condition according to the cleaning status. A cleaning instruction area specifying unit specifies a cleaning instruction area to be cleaned by a second cleaner using the cleaned area information. An instruction unit creates cleaning instruction information including the cleaning instruction area. An output unit outputs the cleaning instruction information. A cleaning management method.

Images