Notification apparatus, notification system and notification method

Abstract

To provide a notification apparatus, a notification system, and a notification method that can allow a user to recognize the need to respond to a notification promoting maintenance of a device.SOLUTION: A notification apparatus includes: a communication unit that communicates with a device, multiple other devices different from the device, and a terminal of a user using the device; and a processing unit. The processing unit causes the communication unit to receive the usage status of the device from the device, causes the communication unit to receive the usage status of the multiple other devices and maintenance execution status of the multiple other devices from the multiple other devices, respectively, generates a notification promoting maintenance of the device based on the usage status of the device, the usage status of the multiple other devices, and the maintenance execution status of the multiple other devices, and causes the communication unit to transmit the notification to the terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a notification device, a notification system, and a notification method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air purifier. In this air purifier, when the state of the air purifier reaches a state where the humidification filter needs to be cleaned, a message "Please clean the humidification filter" is displayed (paragraphs 0011 and 0048).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the air purifier disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a message "Please clean the humidification filter" is displayed, the user may not fully recognize the necessity of cleaning the humidification filter.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure has been made in view of this problem. An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a notification device, a notification system, and a notification method that can make a user recognize the necessity of responding to a notification for promoting the maintenance of equipment, for example.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The notification device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication unit that communicates with a device, a plurality of other devices different from the device, and a terminal of a user who uses the device, and a processing unit. The processing unit causes the communication unit to receive the usage status of the device from the device, causes the communication unit to receive the usage status of the plurality of other devices and the maintenance execution status of the plurality of other devices from the plurality of other devices respectively, generates a notification for prompting maintenance of the device based on the usage status of the device, the usage status of the plurality of other devices, and the maintenance execution status of the plurality of other devices, and causes the communication unit to transmit the notification to the terminal.

[0007] The notification system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes the notification device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the device, the plurality of other devices, and the terminal.

[0008] The notification method according to the third aspect of the present disclosure includes receiving the usage status of a device from the device, receiving the usage status of a plurality of other devices different from the device and the maintenance execution status of the plurality of other devices from the plurality of other devices respectively, generating a notification for prompting maintenance of the device based on the usage status of the device, the usage status of the plurality of other devices, and the maintenance execution status of the plurality of other devices, and transmitting the notification to a terminal of a user who uses the device.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 5

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

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Figure 13

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] 1 First Embodiment 1.1 Notification System FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the notification system according to the first embodiment.

[0012] The notification system 1 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a server 10, air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39, and a smartphone 40.

[0013] The user 50 uses the air purifier 20 and the smartphone 40. The air purifiers 30 to 39 are other air purifiers different from the air purifier 20 used by the user 50. In FIG. 1, a case where there are 10 other air purifiers 30 to 39 is illustrated. However, there may be 9 or fewer or 11 or more other air purifiers.

[0014] The server 10, the air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39, and the smartphone 40 are connected to a network 60. The air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39 and the smartphone 40 communicate with the server 10 via the network 60.

[0015] The air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39 each transmit the usage status and maintenance execution status of the air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39 to the server 10.

[0016] Server 10 receives the usage status and maintenance execution status of air purifiers 20 and 30 - 39 from the air purifiers 20 and 30 - 39 respectively. Server 10 generates a first notification and a second notification from the received usage status of air purifier 20 and the usage status and maintenance execution status of air purifiers 30 - 39. The generated first notification includes a notification prompting the maintenance of air purifier 20. The second notification to be sent includes a notification informing the merits of performing the maintenance of air purifier 20, a notification informing the demerits of not performing the maintenance of air purifier 20, and a notification informing the statistics regarding the usage status and maintenance execution status of air purifiers 30 - 39. Server 10 sends the generated first notification and second notification to smartphone 40.

[0017] Smartphone 40 receives the sent first notification and second notification from server 10. Smartphone 40 displays the received first notification and second notification.

[0018] Air purifiers 20 and 30 - 39 are composed of the same single model. Air purifiers 20 and 30 - 39 may be composed of a plurality of different models.

[0019] All or part of air purifiers 20 and 30 - 39 may be replaced by air conditioners other than air purifiers. For example, all or part of air purifiers 20 and 30 - 39 may be replaced by air conditioners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, heaters, coolers, ion generators, etc. All or part of air purifiers 20 and 30 - 39 may be replaced by devices other than air conditioners.

[0020] Smartphone 40 may be replaced by a terminal other than a smartphone. For example, smartphone 40 may be replaced by a feature phone, a tablet, a personal computer, etc.

[0021] 1.2 Server Figure 2 is a block diagram of the server provided in the notification system of the first embodiment.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the server 10 includes a communication unit 101, a processor 102, a memory 103, and a storage 104. A program 111 is installed in the storage 104.

[0023] The communication unit 101 is connected to the network 60. The communication unit 101 communicates with the air purifiers 20 and 30 - 39 and the smartphone 40 via the network 60. The communication unit 101 performs communications compliant with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. The communication unit 101 includes electronic circuits and the like for performing communications.

[0024] The processor 102 executes the program 111 loaded from the storage 104 into the memory 103. As a result, the processor 102 operates as a processing unit for performing processing and operates the server 10 as a notification device. The processing performed includes the following processing: (1) A process of causing the communication unit 101 to receive the usage status and maintenance execution status of the air purifiers 20 and 30 - 39 from the air purifiers 20 and 30 - 39 respectively; (2) Based on the received usage status of the air purifier 20 and the usage status and maintenance execution status of the air purifiers 30 - 39, generating a notification to prompt the maintenance of the air purifier 20, a notification to inform the merits of performing the maintenance of the air purifier 20, a notification to inform the demerits of not performing the maintenance of the air purifier 20, and a notification to inform the statistics regarding the usage status and maintenance execution status of the air purifiers 30 - 39; and (3) A process of causing the communication unit 101 to transmit the generated notification to the smartphone 40.

[0025] The processor 102 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The memory 103 includes a random access memory (RAM), a read - only memory (ROM), etc. The storage 104 includes a hard disk drive, a solid - state drive, etc.

[0026] All or part of the processing performed by the processor 102 may be performed by a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0027] 1.3 Air purifier FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an air purifier provided in the notification system of the first embodiment.

[0028] Each air purifier 70 included in the air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39 has a mono Internet of Things (IoT) function.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, each air purifier 70 includes a blower unit 701, a filter 702, a humidifying unit 703, a detection unit 704, an operation unit 705, a notification unit 706, a communication unit 707, and a control unit 708.

[0030] The blower unit 701 blows air. The blower unit 701 includes a fan, a motor, etc. The fan rotates to blow air. The motor rotates the fan. The air volume of the blown air increases as the rotation speed of the motor increases.

[0031] The filter 702 is disposed in the air passage of the blown air. Thereby, the filter 702 allows the air flowing by the blown air to pass through. The filter 702 removes pollen, dust, odor components, etc. from the passing air. When the filter 702 gets dirty, the pressure loss occurring in the filter 702 increases. For this reason, when the filter 702 gets dirty, the power consumption of the motor when setting the rotation speed of the motor to a desired rotation speed and setting the air volume of the blown air to a desired air volume increases.

[0032] The humidifying unit 703 is disposed in the air passage of the blown air. Thereby, the humidifying unit 703 allows the air flowing by the blown air to pass through. The humidifying unit 703 humidifies the passing air. The humidifying unit 703 includes a humidifying filter, etc. Water is impregnated in the humidifying filter. The humidifying filter allows air to pass through, vaporizes the impregnated water, and includes the vaporized water in the passing air. When the humidifying filter gets dirty, the humidifying amount decreases.

[0033] The detection unit 704 detects the amount of dust contained in the air around the air purifier 20, the amount of odor components contained in the air, the temperature of the air, and the humidity of the air. The detection unit 704 includes a dust sensor, an odor sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, etc.

[0034] Operations are performed on the operation unit 705. The operation unit 705 includes buttons, dials, sliders, touch panels, etc.

[0035] The notification unit 706 performs notifications. The notification unit 706 includes a lamp, a display, a speaker, etc.

[0036] The communication unit 707 is connected to the network 60. The communication unit 707 communicates with the communication unit 101 of the server 10 via the network 60. The communication unit 707 performs communications compliant with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard, communications compliant with the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, communications compliant with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, etc. The communication unit 707 includes an electronic circuit for performing communications, etc.

[0037] The control unit 708 performs processing. The processing performed includes the following processing: (1) Processing to start causing the notification unit 706 to notify that it is necessary to execute maintenance of each air purifier 70; (2) When an operation indicating that the maintenance of each air purifier 70 has been executed is performed on the operation unit 705 while the notification unit 706 is notifying that it is necessary to execute maintenance of each air purifier 70, processing to end causing the notification unit 706 to notify that it is necessary to execute maintenance of each air purifier 70, and (3) Processing to cause the communication unit 707 to transmit the usage status and maintenance execution status of each air purifier 70 to the server 10.

[0038] The maintenance of each air purifier 70 includes replacement or cleaning of the filter 702 provided in each air purifier 70, replacement or cleaning of the humidifying filter of the humidifying unit 703 provided in each air purifier 70, and the like. Informing that it is necessary to perform the maintenance of each air purifier 70 includes lighting a lamp, displaying a message on a display, uttering a message through a speaker, and the like. Operations indicating that the maintenance of each air purifier 70 has been performed include an operation of pressing a button, an operation of tapping a touch panel, and the like.

[0039] The control unit 708 includes a microcontroller, peripheral circuits, and the like. The microcontroller includes a processor, a memory, and the like. The processor executes a program stored in the memory to operate the microcontroller, peripheral circuits, and the like as the control unit 708. All or part of the processing performed by the control unit 708 may be performed by a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0040] The air purifier 20 may include an air conditioning unit other than the filter 702 and the humidifying unit 703. For example, the air purifier 20 may include a cooling unit for cooling air, a heating unit for heating air, a dehumidifying unit for dehumidifying air, an ion generation unit for generating ions and including the generated ions in the air, and the like.

[0041] 1.4 Smartphone FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a smartphone provided in the notification system according to the first embodiment.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the smartphone 40 includes a communication unit 401, a display unit 402, a processor 403, a memory 404, and a storage 405. A program 411 is installed in the storage 405.

[0043] The communication unit 401 is connected to the network 60. The communication unit 401 communicates with the communication unit 101 of the server 10 via the network 60. The communication unit 401 performs communications compliant with Wi-Fi standards, cellular communications, communications compliant with Bluetooth (registered trademark) standards, etc. The communication unit 401 includes electronic circuits, antennas, etc. for performing communications.

[0044] The display unit 402 displays images. The display unit 402 includes a liquid crystal display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a quantum dot light emitting diode (QLED) display, etc.

[0045] The processor 403 executes the program 411 loaded from the storage 405 to the memory 404. Thereby, the processor 403 operates as a processing unit for performing processing. The processing performed includes the following processing: (1) A process of causing the communication unit 401 to receive from the communication unit 101 of the server 10 a notification prompting maintenance of the air cleaner 20 that has been sent, a notification informing of the merits of performing maintenance of the air cleaner 20, a notification informing of the demerits of not performing maintenance of the air cleaner 20, and a notification informing of statistics regarding the usage statuses 30a to 39a and maintenance execution statuses 30e to 39e of the air cleaners 30 to 39, and (2) A process of causing the display unit 402 to display the received notification prompting maintenance of the air cleaner 20, a notification informing of the merits of performing maintenance of the air cleaner 20, a notification informing of the demerits of not performing maintenance of the air cleaner 20, and a notification informing of statistics regarding the usage statuses 30a to 39a and maintenance execution statuses 30e to 39e of the air cleaners 30 to 39.

[0046] 1.5 Information to be Processed FIG. 5 is a diagram showing information processed by the notification system of the first embodiment.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39 each transmit the usage statuses 20a and 30a to 39a of air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39 to server 10. Also, air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39 each transmit the maintenance execution statuses 20e and 30e to 39e of air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39 to server 10.

[0048] Server 10 receives the transmitted usage statuses 20a and 30a to 39a and maintenance execution statuses 20e and 30e to 39e. Based on the received usage statuses 30a to 39a and maintenance execution statuses 30e to 39e, server 10 obtains statistics 800 regarding the usage statuses 30a to 39a and maintenance execution statuses 30e to 39e of air purifiers 30 to 39. The obtained statistics 800 indicate the number of maintenance executions corresponding to each of the plurality of usage statuses. Server 10 compares the received usage status 20a with statistics 800, and when the number of maintenance executions corresponding to usage status 20a in statistics 800 satisfies the set conditions, server 10 generates a notification 820 prompting the maintenance of air purifier 20, a notification 830 informing of the merits of performing the maintenance of air purifier 20, and a notification 840 informing of the demerits of not performing the maintenance of air purifier 20. Server 10 may generate only one of notification 830 and notification 840. Also, server 10 generates a notification 850 informing of the obtained statistics 800. Server 10 transmits the generated notifications 820, 830, 840, and 850 to smartphone 40.

[0049] Smartphone 40 receives the transmitted notification 820 prompting the maintenance of air purifier 20, notification 830 informing of the merits of performing the maintenance of air purifier 20, notification 840 informing of the demerits of not performing the maintenance of air purifier 20, and notification 850 informing of statistics 800. Smartphone 40 displays the received notifications 820, 830, 840, and 850.

[0050] As a result, when the usage status of the air purifier 20 used by the user 50 is estimated from the statistics 800 to be a usage status in which a lot of maintenance of the air purifier 20 is carried out, the smartphone 40 of the user 50 displays a notification 820 prompting the maintenance of the air purifier 20. Since the displayed notification 820 is generated based on the usage statuses 30a to 39a and the maintenance execution statuses 30e to 39e of the air purifiers 30 to 39 used by other users other than the user 50, the user 50 can be made to recognize the necessity of maintaining the air purifier 20. This is because if the user 50 realizes that they are in the minority when many other users are performing maintenance on their air purifiers but they themselves are not performing maintenance on the air purifier 20, they can gain a sense of security by performing the same actions as those performed by many other users.

[0051] Also, when the usage status of the air purifier 20 used by the user 50 is estimated from the statistics 800 to be a usage status in which a lot of maintenance of the air purifier 20 is carried out, the smartphone 40 of the user 50 displays a notification 830 informing of the merits of performing maintenance on the air purifier 20 and a notification 840 informing of the demerits of not performing maintenance on the air purifier 20. Thereby, the user 50 can be made to more strongly recognize the necessity of maintaining the air purifier 20. This is because the user 50 acts so as to receive the merits and / or avoid the demerits.

[0052] Also, the smartphone 40 of the user 50 displays a notification 850 informing of the statistics 800. Thereby, the user 50 can recognize their position among the group of users, for example, whether they belong to the minority or not.

[0053] 1.6 Specific Examples of Usage Status, Maintenance Execution Status, and Notification Prompting Maintenance FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a usage status of an air purifier processed by the notification system of the first embodiment, a maintenance execution status of the air purifier, statistics regarding the usage status and maintenance execution status of the air purifier, and specific examples of notifications prompting the maintenance of the air purifier.

[0054] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the usage statuses 20a and 30a to 39a of the air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39 include the usage times 20b and 30b to 39b of the air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39, respectively. Further, the maintenance execution statuses 30e to 39e of the air purifiers 30 to 39 include the execution statuses 30f to 39f of the replacement of the filters 702 provided in the air purifiers 30 to 39, respectively. Further, the notification 820 for prompting maintenance of the air purifier 20 includes the notification 821 for prompting replacement of the filter 702 provided in the air purifier 20. The maintenance execution statuses 30e to 39e of the air purifiers 30 to 39 may each include the execution status of the replacement of consumables other than the filter 702 provided in the air purifiers 30 to 39. The notification 820 for prompting maintenance of the air purifier 20 may include a notification for prompting replacement of consumables other than the filter 702 provided in the air purifier 20.

[0055] Server 10 obtains the usage times 30j to 39j at the time of replacing the filters 702 provided in the air purifiers 30 to 39 based on the usage times 30b to 39b of the air purifiers 30 to 39 and the execution statuses 30f to 39f of replacing the filters 702 provided in the air purifiers 30 to 39. Server 10 obtains a statistic 800 regarding the usage times 30b to 39b of the air purifiers 30 to 39 and the execution statuses 30f to 39f of replacing the filters 702 provided in the air purifiers 30 to 39 based on the obtained usage times 30j to 39j at the time of replacing the filters 702. In the obtained statistic 800, the number of maintenance executions corresponding to each of the plurality of usage statuses is the cumulative number of filter replacements (hereinafter referred to as "cumulative filter replacement count") until each of the plurality of usage times is reached. The statistic 800 includes, for example, the number of filter replacements at usage times of 0 to 100 hours, the number of filter replacements at usage times of 0 to 200 hours, ···, the number of filter replacements at usage times of 0 to 1000 hours, ···. When the condition that the cumulative filter replacement count until the usage time 20b of the air purifier 20 in the statistic 800 is greater than the set number 810 is satisfied, Server 10 generates a notification 821 prompting replacement of the filter 702 provided in the air purifier 20.

[0056] As a result, when the usage time 20b of the air cleaner 20 used by the user 50 becomes the usage time at which the replacement of the filter 702 provided in the air cleaner 20 is estimated to be frequently performed from the statistics 800, the smartphone 40 of the user 50 displays a notification 821 prompting the replacement of the filter 702 provided in the air cleaner 20. The displayed notification 821 is generated based on the usage times 30b to 39b of the air cleaners 30 to 39 used by other users other than the user 50 and the execution statuses 30f to 39f of the replacement of the filters 702 provided in the air cleaners 30 to 39 used by other users other than the user 50. Therefore, the user 50 can be made to recognize the necessity of replacing the filter 702 provided in the air cleaner 20. This is because, if the user 50 realizes that they belong to the minority when many other users have replaced the filter 702 provided in their air cleaners but they have not replaced the filter 702 provided in their air cleaner 20, they can gain a sense of security by performing the same action as many other users. In addition, the notification 821 can enhance the user 50's willingness to purchase a new filter 702.

[0057] 1.7 Specific examples of notifications informing of the merits of performing usage status and maintenance FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of a notification informing of the usage status of an air cleaner processed by the notification system of the first embodiment and the merits of performing maintenance of the air cleaner.

[0058] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the usage statuses 30a to 39a of the air purifiers 30 to 39 include the rotation speeds 30p to 39p of the motors of the blower units 701 provided in the air purifiers 30 to 39, respectively, include the power consumptions 30q to 39q of the motors of the blower units 701 provided in the air purifiers 30 to 39, respectively, and include the amounts 30r to 39r of dust and odor components detected by the detection units 704 provided in the air purifiers 30 to 39, respectively. Further, a notification 830 for informing the merit of performing the maintenance of the air purifier 20 includes a notification 831 for informing the increased amount of the air volume due to the replacement of the filter 702, a notification 832 for informing the amount of electricity cost saved due to the replacement of the filter 702, and a notification 833 for informing the shortened time of the air purification time due to the replacement of the filter 702. The notification 831 informs, for example, that the increased amount of the air volume is 10%. The notification 832 informs, for example, that the amount of electricity cost saved is 5 yen. The notification 833 informs, for example, that the shortened time of the air purification time is 10 minutes.

[0059] The server 10 generates a notification 831 for informing the increased amount of the air volume due to the replacement of the filter 702 based on the rotation speeds 30p to 39p of the motors and the execution statuses 30f to 39f of the replacement of the filter 702. Further, the server 10 generates a notification 832 for informing the amount of electricity cost saved due to the replacement of the filter 702 based on the power consumptions 30q to 39q of the motors and the execution statuses 30f to 39f of the replacement of the filter 702. Further, the server 10 generates a notification 833 for informing the shortened time of the air purification time due to the replacement of the filter 702 based on the amounts 30r to 39r of dust and odor components and the execution statuses 30f to 39f of the replacement of the filter 702.

[0060] 1.8 Flow of processing FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by a server provided in the notification system of the first embodiment.

[0061] The server 10 executes steps S101 to S104 shown in FIG. 8.

[0062] In step S101, the processor 102 causes the communication unit 101 to receive the usage statuses 20a and 30a to 39a of the air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39 and the maintenance execution statuses 20e and 30e to 39e of the air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39 from the air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39, respectively.

[0063] In the subsequent step S102, the processor 102 obtains a statistic 800 regarding the usage statuses 30a to 39a and the maintenance execution statuses 30e to 39e based on the received usage statuses 30a to 39a and the maintenance execution statuses 30e to 39e of the air purifiers 30 to 39.

[0064] In the subsequent step S103, the processor 102 generates a notification 820 prompting the maintenance of the air purifier 20, a notification 830 informing of the merits of performing the maintenance of the air purifier 20, a notification 840 informing of the demerits of not performing the maintenance of the air purifier 20, and a notification 850 informing of the statistic 800 based on the received usage status 20a of the air purifier 20 and the statistic 800 regarding the received usage statuses 30a to 39a and the maintenance execution statuses 30e to 39e.

[0065] In the subsequent step S104, the processor 102 causes the communication unit 101 to transmit the generated notification 820 prompting the maintenance of the air purifier 20, the notification 830 informing of the merits of performing the maintenance of the air purifier 20, the notification 840 informing of the demerits of not performing the maintenance of the air purifier 20, and the notification 850 informing of the statistic 800 to the smartphone 40.

[0066] 2 Second Embodiment Hereinafter, the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. For the points not described, the same configurations as those adopted in the first embodiment are also adopted in the second embodiment.

[0067] 2.1 Specific Examples of Usage Status, Maintenance Execution Status, and Notification Prompting Maintenance FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the usage status of the air purifiers processed by the notification system of the second embodiment, the maintenance execution status of the air purifiers, statistics on the usage status and maintenance execution status of the air purifiers, and specific examples of notifications prompting maintenance of the air purifiers.

[0068] In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the maintenance execution statuses 30e to 39e of the air purifiers 30 to 39 each include the execution statuses 30g to 39g of the replacement of the humidification filters provided in the air purifiers 30 to 39. Further, the notification 820 prompting maintenance of the air purifier 20 includes a notification 822 prompting replacement of the humidification filter provided in the air purifier 20.

[0069] The server 10 acquires the usage times 30b to 39b of the air purifiers 30 to 39 and the execution statuses 30g to 39g of the replacement of the humidification filters provided in the air purifiers 30 to 39, and respectively obtains the usage times 30k to 39k at the time of replacement of the humidification filters provided in the air purifiers 30 to 39. Based on the obtained usage times 30k to 39k at the time of replacement of the humidification filters, the server 10 acquires statistics 800 regarding the usage times 30b to 39b of the air purifiers 30 to 39 and the execution statuses 30g to 39g of the replacement of the humidification filters provided in the air purifiers 30 to 39. In the obtained statistics 800, the number of maintenance executions corresponding to each of the plurality of usage statuses is the cumulative number of executions of the replacement of the humidification filters (hereinafter referred to as "cumulative humidification filter replacement execution number") until each of the plurality of usage times is reached. When the condition that the cumulative humidification filter replacement execution number until the usage time 20b of the air purifier 20 in the statistics 800 is greater than the set number 810 is satisfied, the server 10 generates a notification 822 prompting replacement of the humidification filter provided in the air purifier 20.

[0070] As a result, when the usage time 20b of the air purifier 20 used by the user 50 becomes the usage time when the replacement of the humidifying filter provided in the air purifier 20 is frequently performed, which is estimated from the statistics 800, the smartphone 40 of the user 50 displays a notification 822 prompting the replacement of the humidifying filter provided in the air purifier 20. The displayed notification 822 is generated based on the usage times 30b to 39b of the air purifiers 30 to 39 used by other users other than the user 50 and the execution statuses 30g to 39g of the replacement of the humidifying filters provided in the air purifiers 30 to 39 used by other users other than the user 50. Therefore, the user 50 can be made aware of the necessity of replacing the humidifying filter provided in the air purifier 20. This is because when the user 50 realizes that they belong to the minority because many other users have replaced the humidifying filter provided in their air purifiers while they themselves have not replaced the humidifying filter provided in the air purifier 20, they can gain a sense of security by performing the same actions as those performed by many other users. In addition, the notification 822 can increase the user 50's willingness to purchase a new humidifying filter.

[0071] 2.2 Specific Examples of Notifications Informing of Usage Status and Benefits of Performing Maintenance FIG. 10 is a diagram showing specific examples of notifications informing of the usage status of an air purifier processed by the notification system of the second embodiment and the benefits of performing maintenance of the air purifier.

[0072] In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the usage statuses 30a to 39a of the air purifiers 30 to 39 each include the humidities 30s to 39s detected by the detection units 704 provided in the air purifiers 30 to 39. In addition, the notification 830 informing of the benefits of performing maintenance of the air purifier 20 includes a notification 834 informing of the increase amount of the humidifying amount by replacing the humidifying filter. The notification 834 informs, for example, that the increase amount of the humidifying amount is 10%.

[0073] Server 10 generates a notification 834 that notifies the increase in the humidification amount due to the replacement of the humidification filter based on the humidity of 30s to 39s and the execution status of the replacement of the humidification filter of 30g to 39g.

[0074] 3 Third Embodiment Hereinafter, the differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. For the points not described, the same configurations as those adopted in the first embodiment are also adopted in the third embodiment.

[0075] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the usage status of the air cleaner processed by the notification system of the third embodiment, the maintenance execution status of the air cleaner, the statistics related to the usage status and maintenance execution status of the air cleaner, and a specific example of a notification prompting the maintenance of the air cleaner.

[0076] In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the maintenance execution status 30e to 39e of the air cleaners 30 to 39 each includes the execution status 30h to 39h of the cleaning of the filter 702 provided in the air cleaners 30 to 39. Further, the notification 820 prompting the maintenance of the air cleaner 20 includes the notification 823 prompting the cleaning of the filter 702 provided in the air cleaner 20. The maintenance execution status 30e to 39e of the air cleaners 30 to 39 may each include the execution status of the cleaning of the items to be cleaned other than the filter 702 provided in the air cleaners 30 to 39. The notification 823 may include a notification prompting the cleaning of the items to be cleaned other than the filter 702 provided in the air cleaner 20.

[0077] Based on the usage times 30b - 39b of air purifiers 30 - 39 and the execution status 30h - 39h of cleaning the filters 702 provided in air purifiers 30 - 39, server 10 obtains the usage times 30m - 39m during cleaning of the filters 702 provided in air purifiers 30 - 39. Based on the obtained usage times 30m - 39m during cleaning of filters 702, server 10 obtains a statistic 800 regarding the usage times 30b - 39b of air purifiers 30 - 39 and the execution status 30h - 39h of cleaning the filters 702 provided in air purifiers 30 - 39. In the obtained statistic 800, the number of maintenance executions corresponding to each of the plurality of usage situations is the cumulative number of filter cleaning executions (hereinafter referred to as "cumulative filter cleaning execution number") until each of the plurality of usage times. When the condition that the cumulative filter cleaning execution number until the usage time 20b of air purifier 20 in statistic 800 is greater than the set number 810 is satisfied, server 10 generates a notification 823 prompting the cleaning of the filter 702 provided in air purifier 20.

[0078] As a result, when the usage time 20b of air purifier 20 used by user 50 becomes the usage time when many filter 702 cleanings are estimated from statistic 800, smartphone 40 of user 50 displays a notification 823 prompting the cleaning of filter 702. Since the displayed notification 823 is generated based on the usage times 30b - 39b of air purifiers 30 - 39 used by other users other than user 50 and the execution status 30h - 39h of cleaning the filters 702 provided in air purifiers 30 - 39 used by other users other than user 50, user 50 can be made to recognize the necessity of cleaning the filter 702 provided in air purifier 20. This is because when user 50 realizes that they are in the minority as they have not cleaned the filter 702 provided in air purifier 20 while many other users have cleaned the filters 702 provided in their air purifiers, they can gain a sense of security by doing the same thing that many other users have done.

[0079] 4 Fourth Embodiment Hereinafter, the differences between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. For points not described, the same configurations as those employed in the first embodiment are also employed in the fourth embodiment.

[0080] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the usage status of the air cleaner processed by the notification system of the fourth embodiment, the maintenance execution status of the air cleaner, statistics regarding the usage status and maintenance execution status of the air cleaner, and a specific example of a notification prompting maintenance of the air cleaner.

[0081] In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, in the statistics 800 obtained, the number of maintenance executions corresponding to each of the plurality of usage statuses is the number of filter replacements (hereinafter referred to as "number of filter replacement executions") at each of the plurality of usage times. In this case, the statistics 800 include, for example, the number of filter replacement executions at usage times of 0 to 100 hours, the number of filter replacement executions at usage times of 100 to 200 hours,..., the number of filter replacement executions at usage times of 900 to 1000 hours,.... The server 10 generates a notification 821 prompting replacement of the filter 702 when the condition that the number of filter replacement executions at the usage time 20b of the air cleaner 20 in the statistics 800 is the maximum maintenance execution number 811 is satisfied.

[0082] 5 Fifth Embodiment Hereinafter, the differences between the fifth embodiment and the first embodiment will be described. For points not described, the same configurations as those employed in the first embodiment are also employed in the fifth embodiment.

[0083] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the usage status of the air cleaner processed by the notification system of the fifth embodiment, the maintenance execution status of the air cleaner, statistics regarding the usage status and maintenance execution status of the air cleaner, and a specific example of a notification prompting maintenance of the air cleaner.

[0084] In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the usage statuses 20a and 30a to 39a of the air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39 include the degrees of performance degradation 20c and 30c to 39c of the air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39, respectively. The degree of performance degradation of each air purifier 70 includes at least one selected from the decrease in the air volume of the blower unit 701 provided in each air purifier 70, the increase in the power consumption of the blower unit 701 provided in each air purifier 70, and the decrease in the humidification amount of the humidification unit 703 provided in each air purifier 70. Each air purifier 70 detects the decrease in the air volume of the blower unit 701 based on the decrease in the rotational speed of the motor when the power consumption of the motor is the same. Each air purifier 70 detects the increase in the power consumption of the blower unit 701 based on the increase in the power consumption of the motor when the rotational speed of the motor is the same. Each air purifier 70 detects the decrease in the humidification amount of the humidification unit 703 from the decrease in the humidity detected by the detection unit 702.

[0085] The server 10 acquires the degrees of performance degradation 30n to 39n at the time of replacing the filter 702 provided in the air purifiers 30 to 39 based on the degrees of performance degradation 20c and 30c to 39c of the air purifiers 20 and 30 to 39 and the execution statuses 30f to 39f of replacing the filter 702 provided in the air purifiers 30 to 39. The server 10 acquires a statistic 800 regarding the degrees of performance degradation 30c to 39c of the air purifiers 30 to 39 and the execution statuses 30f to 39f of replacing the filter 702 provided in the air purifiers 30 to 39 based on the acquired degrees of performance degradation 30n to 39n at the time of replacing the filter 702. In the acquired statistic 800, the number of maintenance executions corresponding to each of the plurality of usage statuses is the cumulative number of filter replacements until each of the plurality of degrees of performance degradation. In this case, the statistic 800 includes, for example, the number of filter replacements at a performance degradation of 0 to 10%, the number of filter replacements at a performance degradation of 0 to 20%, ···, the number of filter replacements at a performance degradation of 0 to 80%, ···. When the server 10 satisfies the condition that the cumulative number of filter replacements until the degree of performance degradation 20c of the air purifier 20 in the statistic 800 is greater than the set number 810, the server 10 generates a notification 821 prompting the replacement of the filter 702.

[0086] The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and may be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above embodiments, a configuration that exhibits the same operational effects, or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0087] 1 Notification System, 10 Server, 20, 30 - 39 Air Purifiers, 20a, 30a - 39a Usage Status, 20b, 30b - 39b Usage Time, 20c, 30c - 39c Degree of Performance Degradation, 20e, 30e - 39e Maintenance Execution Status, 30f - 39f Execution Status of Filter Replacement, 30g - 39g Execution Status of Humidifying Filter Replacement, 30h - 39h Execution Status of Filter Cleaning, 30j - 39j Usage Time at Filter Replacement, 30k - 39k Usage Time at Humidifying Filter Replacement, 30m - 39m Usage Time at Filter Cleaning, 30n - 39n Degree of Performance Degradation at Filter Replacement, 30p - 39p Rotation Speed of Motor, 30q - 39q Power Consumption of Motor, 30r - 39r Amount of Dust and Odor Components, 30s - 39s Humidity, 40 Smartphone, 50 User, 60 Network, 70 Each Air Purifier, 101 Communication Unit, 102 Processor, 103 Memory, 104 Storage, 111 Program, 401 Communication Unit, 402 Display Unit, 403 Processor, 404 Memory, 405 Storage, 411 Program, 701 Blower Unit, 702 Filter, 703 Humidifying Unit, 704 Detection Unit, 705 Operation Unit, 706 Notification Unit, 707 Communication Unit, 708 Control Unit, 800 Statistics, 810 Set Number, 811 Maximum Number of Maintenance Executions, 820 Notification Prompting Maintenance of Air Purifier, 821 Notification Prompting Filter Replacement, 822 Notification Prompting Humidifying Filter Replacement, 823 Notification Prompting Filter Cleaning, 830 Notification Informing Merits of Executing Maintenance of Air Purifier, 831 Notification Informing Increase in Air Volume due to Filter Replacement, 832 Notification Informing Amount of Electricity Bill Saved due to Filter Replacement, 833 Notification Informing Shortened Air Cleaning Time due to Filter Replacement, 834 Notification Informing Increase in Humidifying Amount due to Humidifying Filter Replacement, 840 Notification Informing Demerits of Not Executing Maintenance of Air Purifier, 850 Notification Informing Statistics.

Claims

1. A notification device comprising: a communication unit configured to communicate with a machine, a plurality of other machines different from the machine, and a user terminal that uses the machine; a processing unit; wherein the processing unit is configured to cause the communication unit to receive the usage status of the machine from the machine, cause the communication unit to receive, from the plurality of other machines, the usage status of the plurality of other machines and the maintenance execution status of the plurality of other machines respectively, generate a notification for prompting maintenance of the machine based on the usage status of the machine, the usage status of the plurality of other machines, and the maintenance execution status of the plurality of other machines, and cause the communication unit to transmit the notification to the terminal.

2. Generating the notification based on the usage status of the machine, the usage status of the plurality of other machines, and the maintenance execution status of the plurality of other machines includes: obtaining a statistic indicating the number of maintenance executions corresponding to each of the plurality of usage statuses based on the usage status of the plurality of other machines and the maintenance execution status of the plurality of other machines, and generating the notification when the number of maintenance executions corresponding to the usage status of the machine satisfies a condition in the statistic. The notification device according to claim 1.

3. The number of maintenance executions corresponding to each of the plurality of usage statuses is the cumulative number of maintenance executions up to each of the plurality of usage statuses. The notification device according to claim 2.

4. The condition is that the cumulative number of maintenance executions up to the usage status of the machine is greater than a set number. The notification device according to claim 3.

5. The number of maintenance executions corresponding to each of the plurality of usage statuses is the number of maintenance executions in each of the plurality of usage statuses. The notification device according to claim 2.

6. The condition is that the number of maintenance executions in the usage status of the machine is the maximum number of maintenance executions in the statistic. The notification device according to claim 5.

7. The usage status of the machine includes the usage time of the machine, and the usage status of the plurality of other machines each includes the usage time of the corresponding one of the plurality of other machines. The notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The usage status of the machine includes the degree of performance degradation of the machine, and the usage status of the plurality of other machines each includes the degree of performance degradation of the corresponding one of the plurality of other machines. The notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The maintenance execution status of the plurality of other machines each includes the execution status of replacement of consumables provided in the corresponding one of the plurality of other machines, and the maintenance of the machine includes replacement of consumables provided in the machine. The notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. The maintenance execution status of the plurality of other devices each includes the execution status of cleaning of the plurality of other devices, The maintenance of the device includes cleaning of the device The notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. The notification is a first notification, The processing unit, Based on the usage status of the device, the usage status of the plurality of other devices, and the maintenance execution status of the plurality of other devices, generates a second notification informing of the merit of executing the maintenance or the demerit of not executing the maintenance, Causes the communication unit to transmit the second notification to the terminal The notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

12. The notification is a first notification, The processing unit, Generates a second notification informing of a statistic indicating the number of maintenance executions corresponding to each of the plurality of usage statuses, Causes the communication unit to transmit the second notification to the terminal The notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

13. The device is an air conditioner, The plurality of other devices are a plurality of other air conditioners The notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. The notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The device, The plurality of other devices, The terminal, A notification system comprising.

15. Receiving the usage status of the device from the device, Receiving from the plurality of other devices different from the device the usage status of the plurality of other devices and the maintenance execution status of the plurality of other devices respectively, Generating a notification prompting the maintenance of the device based on the usage status of the device, the usage status of the plurality of other devices, and the maintenance execution status of the plurality of other devices, Transmitting the notification to the terminal of the user using the device, A notification method comprising.

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