Notification control device, humidity control device and notification control method

Abstract

To provide a notification control device that enables notification in accordance with a cause for making humidity detected by a humidity sensor become lower than a target value, a humidity control device and a notification control method.SOLUTION: A notification control device (10) is a device that controls notification of information on a humidity control device (100) that controls humidity of a surrounding environment. The humidity control device (100) includes a humidity sensor (17), a storage tank (40) and a water level sensor (16). The humidity sensor (17) detects humidity of an environment in which the humidity control device (100) is installed. The storage tank (40) stores water (LQ). The water level sensor (16) detects a water level in the storage tank (40). The notification control device (10) includes a notification control section (11). The notification control section (11) causes a notification section (514) to execute notification on the basis of a detection result obtained by each of the humidity sensor (17) and the water level sensor (16) after start of a humidity control operation of the humidity control device (100).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification control device, a humidity control device, and a notification control method. [Background technology]

[0002] A control device for a humidifier is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The control device for a humidifier in Patent Document 1 is configured to issue a warning from an alarm when the humidity detected by a humidity sensor is lower than a predetermined value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-33080 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there are various reasons why the humidity detected by the humidity sensor may be lower than the target value. For example, the humidity detected by the humidity sensor may be lower than the target value due to clogging of the humidifying filter, or the humidity detected by the humidity sensor may be lower than the target value due to the humidifier's specifications (performance) not matching the size of the room in which the humidifier is installed. The humidifier control device in Patent Document 1 issues a warning based solely on the humidity detected by the humidity sensor, and therefore can only issue the same warning even if the reasons for the humidity detected by the humidity sensor being lower than the target value are different. Therefore, it is not possible to provide the user with a notification that is tailored to the reason why the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is lower than the target value.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a notification control device, a humidity control device, and a notification control method that can provide notifications in accordance with the causes of the humidity detected by a humidity sensor being lower than the target value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a notification control device is a device that controls notification of information related to a humidity control device that controls the humidity of a surrounding environment. The humidity control device has a humidity sensor, a storage tank, and a water level sensor. The humidity sensor detects the humidity of the environment in which the humidity control device is installed. The storage tank stores water. The water level sensor detects the water level in the storage tank. The notification control device includes a notification control unit. The notification control unit causes the notification unit to execute the notification based on the detection results of the humidity sensor and the water level sensor after the humidity control device starts humidity control operation.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a humidity control device is a device for controlling the humidity of a surrounding environment. The humidity control device includes a humidity sensor, a storage tank, a water level sensor, and the notification control device. The humidity sensor detects the humidity of the environment in which the humidity control device is installed. The storage tank stores water. The water level sensor detects the water level in the storage tank.

[0008] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a notification control method is a method for controlling notification of information related to a humidity control device that controls the humidity of a surrounding environment. The humidity control device has a humidity sensor, a storage tank, and a water level sensor. The humidity sensor detects the humidity of the environment in which the humidity control device is installed. The storage tank stores water. The water level sensor detects the water level in the storage tank. The notification control method includes a step of causing a notification unit to execute the notification based on the detection results of the humidity sensor and the water level sensor after the humidity control device starts humidity control operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the notification control device, humidity control device, and notification control method of the present invention, it is possible to provide a notification that is in line with the cause of the humidity detected by the humidity sensor becoming lower than the target value. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a humidity control system including a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a part of a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram of a humidity control system including a humidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 3 is a flowchart showing a notification control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a notification control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a notification control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a user terminal executing a first notification. [Figure 11B] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a user terminal executing a second notification. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of a humidity control system including a humidifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another example of a humidity control system including a humidifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a humidifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the notification control device, humidity control device, and notification control method of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 14). However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present invention. Note that where explanations are repeated, they may be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference symbols, and explanations will not be repeated.

[0012] [Embodiment 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a humidity control system 1000 including a humidifier 100 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the humidity control system 1000 includes the humidifier 100, a server 300, and a user terminal 500.

[0013] The humidity control system 1000 adjusts the humidity of the environment in which the humidifier 100 is installed. Specifically, the humidifier 100 humidifies the environment in which the humidifier 100 is installed. In this embodiment, the humidifier 100 is an example of a "humidity control device."

[0014] In this embodiment, the humidifier 100 causes the user terminal 500 to notify the user terminal 500 of information related to the humidifier 100. More specifically, the humidifier 100 and the server 300 work together to cause the user terminal 500 to notify the user terminal 500 of information related to the humidifier 100. The information related to the humidifier 100 may indicate, for example, that the specifications (performance) of the humidifier 100 do not match the size of the room in which the humidifier 100 is installed.

[0015] In this embodiment, the user terminal 500 is an example of an "external device." The user terminal 500 notifies the user of information related to the humidifier 100. The user terminal 500 may be, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal owned by the user of the humidifier 100, or may be a personal computer (PC) owned by the user of the humidifier 100. The PC may be a laptop PC or a desktop PC.

[0016] Here, the humidifier 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 6. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the humidifier 100 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the humidifier 100 comprises a housing 30, a water supply tray 40, an operation unit 14, and a display unit 15. The housing 30 shown in Fig. 2 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 30 has an air outlet 31 and a water supply port 32.

[0017] 2 to 6, for ease of understanding, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction are shown. Here, the side where the air outlet 31 and the water inlet 32 ​​are located relative to the operation unit 14 and the display unit 15 is the front side, and the opposite side is the rear side. Also, the side of the housing 30 where the operation unit 14, the display unit 15, the air outlet 31, and the water inlet 32 ​​are located is the upper side, and the opposite side is the lower side. Also, the right side when viewed from the rear to the front is the right side, and the left side when viewed from the rear to the front is the left side.

[0018] The housing 30 has a ceiling wall 30a, a front wall 30b, and a left side wall 30c. The housing 30 also has a rear wall 30d (see FIG. 3), a right side wall 30e (see FIG. 4), and a bottom wall 30f (see FIG. 3). The air outlet 31 and the water supply port 32 are formed in the ceiling wall 30a of the housing 30. The humidifier 100 blows out humidified air K from the air outlet 31.

[0019] The operation unit 14 is provided on the ceiling wall 30a of the housing 30. The operation unit 14 accepts operations by the user. The operation unit 14 may have, for example, a plurality of switches. The operation unit 14 accepts, for example, an operation to instruct the humidifier 100 to start operation and an operation to instruct the humidifier 100 to stop operation. The operation unit 14 may further accept an instruction to start automatic operation or an instruction to start continuous operation.

[0020] The water supply tray 40 is detachable from the housing 30. The water supply tray 40 is accommodated inside the housing 30 through an opening below the front wall 30b of the housing 30. The water supply tray 40 has a front wall 40a. The front wall 40a of the water supply tray 40 is located below the front wall 30b of the housing 30 when the water supply tray 40 is accommodated inside the housing 30.

[0021] Specifically, the lower end of the front wall 30b of the housing 30 is located higher than the bottom wall 30f (see FIG. 3) of the housing 30. The housing 30 has an opening defined by the lower end of the front wall 30b, the front end of the left side wall 30c, the front end of the right side wall 30e (see FIG. 4), and the front end of the bottom wall 30f (see FIG. 3). When the water supply tray 40 is housed inside the housing 30, the upper end of the front wall 40a of the water supply tray 40 may contact the lower end of the front wall 30b of the housing 30. Furthermore, when the water supply tray 40 is housed inside the housing 30, the front surface of the water supply tray 40 may be flush with the front surface of the housing 30.

[0022] As will be described later with reference to Fig. 3, water LQ is stored in the water supply tray 40. A water supply passage is formed inside the housing 30, connecting the water supply tray 40 housed inside the housing 30 with the water supply port 32, and when a user supplies water LQ to the water supply port 32, the water LQ is supplied to the water supply tray 40 via the water supply passage. Note that the user may remove the water supply tray 40 from the housing 30 and supply water LQ to the water supply tray 40.

[0023] The display unit 15 is provided on the ceiling wall 30a of the housing 30. The display unit 15 displays, for example, the current humidity of the environment in which the humidifier 100 is installed. The display unit 15 also displays the water level of the water LQ stored in the water supply tray 40. The display unit 15 may have, for example, a plurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps.

[0024] Fig. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the humidifier 100 of this embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 3 shows a cross-section taken along line II-II in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the housing 30 further has an air inlet 33. The humidifier 100 also includes a fan 13 and a humidifying filter 41.

[0025] A storage section 34 is formed at the bottom inside the housing 30, and the water supply tray 40 is stored in the storage section 34. The water supply tray 40 has a tank shape that is roughly a rectangular parallelepiped with an open top. Specifically, the water supply tray 40 has a front wall 40a, a rear wall 40d, and a bottom wall 40f. The water supply tray 40 also has a left wall 40c and a right wall 40e shown in Figure 4. Water LQ is stored in the water supply tray 40. The water supply tray 40 is an example of a "storage tank."

[0026] The humidifying filter 41 is installed in the water supply tray 40. The humidifying filter 41 may be detachable from the water supply tray 40. Specifically, the central portion of the bottom wall 40f of the water supply tray 40 in the front-to-rear direction is lower than the front and rear portions of the bottom wall 40f, and has a groove or recess shape. The lower end of the humidifying filter 41 is installed in the water supply tray 40 while fitted into the groove or recess in the central portion of the bottom wall 40f.

[0027] The humidifying filter 41 protrudes from the bottom wall 40f of the water supply tray 40 above the liquid level LS of the water LQ stored in the water supply tray 40. Therefore, when water LQ is stored in the water supply tray 40, a portion of the humidifying filter 41 is immersed in the water, and the remaining portion protrudes above the liquid level LS. The humidifying filter 41 sucks up the water LQ from the portion immersed in the water to the portion protruding above the liquid level LS, for example, due to surface tension. The full water level of the water supply tray 40 (the water level in a full water state) is set to a position lower than the upper end of the humidifying filter 41.

[0028] The air inlet 33 is formed in the rear wall 30d of the housing 30. The fan 13 is accommodated inside the housing 30. Specifically, the fan 13 is installed above the accommodation portion 34. More specifically, the fan 13 is positioned above the humidifying filter 41.

[0029] The fan 13 draws air K into the housing 30 through the suction port 33, and generates a flow (wind) of the air K that flows from the suction port 33 toward the outlet 31. More specifically, an air path is formed inside the housing 30, extending from the suction port 33, passing above the liquid level LS of the water supply tray 40, and reaching the outlet 31.

[0030] Air K drawn in through intake port 33 flows along the air path and is blown out of humidifier 100 (housing 30) from air outlet 31. As air K passes above the liquid level LS of water supply tray 40, it passes through the portion of humidifying filter 41 that protrudes above the liquid level LS. In other words, the top of humidifying filter 41 is located in the air path. Air K is humidified by passing through humidifying filter 41. As a result, humidified air K is blown out from air outlet 31.

[0031] The humidifier 100 may further include a heater (not shown). The heater is installed in the air passage. When the heater is driven, humidified warm air is blown out from the air outlet 31.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the water supply tray 40. As shown in Fig. 4, the water supply tray 40 further has a partition wall 42 that protrudes from the right side wall 40e toward the inside (left side) of the water supply tray 40. The partition wall 42, together with the right side wall 40e, defines a storage space 43.

[0033] Specifically, the partition wall 42 has a rear wall 42a, a side wall 42b, and a front wall 42c. The rear wall 42a protrudes from the right side wall 40e toward the inside (left side) of the water supply tray 40. The front wall 42c faces the rear wall 42a in the front-to-rear direction and protrudes from the right side wall 40e toward the inside (left side) of the water supply tray 40. The side wall 42b faces the right side wall 40e in the left-to-right direction. The rear end of the side wall 42b is connected to the left end of the rear wall 42a, and the front end of the side wall 42b is connected to the left end of the front wall 42c. As a result, a storage space 43 is formed that is surrounded by the partition wall 42 and the right side wall 40e.

[0034] Next, a configuration for detecting the water level of water LQ stored in the water supply tray 40 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a portion of the humidifier 100 of this embodiment. Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a portion of the humidifier 100 of this embodiment. In detail, Figures 5 and 6 show a cross-section of a portion of the right side wall 30e of the housing 30, a cross-section of a portion of the water supply tray 40, the float 45, and the water level sensor 16.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the humidifier 100 further includes a float 45 and a water level sensor 16. The float 45 is accommodated in the accommodation space 43. The float 45 is configured to float on the water LQ. The water LQ stored in the water supply tray 40 is also stored in the accommodation space 43. The float 45 floats on the water LQ in the accommodation space 43, and rises and falls in accordance with fluctuations in the water level (position of the liquid surface LS) in the water supply tray 40.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the right side wall 40e of the water supply tray 40 has multiple ribs 44 that protrude into the storage space 43. Similarly, the side wall 42b of the partition wall 42 has multiple ribs 44 that protrude into the storage space 43. Each rib 44 has a protrusion that extends in the vertical direction. By providing the ribs 44 inside the storage space 43, the side surface of the float 45 is prevented from coming into surface contact with the right side wall 40e of the water supply tray 40 or the side wall 42b of the partition wall 42. This allows the float 45 to rise and fall smoothly in response to fluctuations in the water level in the water supply tray 40.

[0037] The water level sensor 16 detects the water level in the water supply tray 40. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the float 45 has a magnet 46. The water level sensor 16 has a substrate 161 and a plurality of magnetic sensor elements 162.

[0038] 6, the substrate 161 extends in the vertical direction. The multiple magnetic sensor elements 162 are arranged to be aligned in the vertical direction. For example, the multiple magnetic sensor elements 162 may be arranged such that the intervals between adjacent magnetic sensor elements 162 in the vertical direction are constant.

[0039] The magnetic sensor element 162 detects the magnetism of the magnet 46. For example, the magnetic sensor element 162 may be a Hall element. The intensity of the signal output from the magnetic sensor element 162 increases as the magnet 46 approaches the magnetic sensor element 162. For example, if the magnetic sensor element 162 is a Hall element, a voltage signal is output from the Hall element. The intensity (voltage value) of the voltage signal increases as the magnet 46 approaches the Hall element.

[0040] Therefore, the float 45 (magnet 46) rises and falls in response to fluctuations in the water level in the water supply tray 40, which changes the strength (intensity) of the signal output from each magnetic sensor element 162. Therefore, the water level of the water LQ stored in the water supply tray 40 can be detected based on the signal output from each magnetic sensor element 162.

[0041] Next, the humidifier 100, the server 300, and the user terminal 500 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram of a humidity control system 1000 including the humidifier 100 of this embodiment. In detail, Fig. 7 shows the configurations of the humidifier 100, the server 300, and the user terminal 500.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, the humidifier 100 includes a fan 13, an operation unit 14, a display unit 15, and a water level sensor 16, as well as a humidity sensor 17, a counter 18, a communication unit 19, and a control device 10.

[0043] The humidity sensor 17 detects the humidity of the environment in which the humidifier 100 is installed. The counter 18 is controlled by the control device 10. The counter 18 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0044] The communication unit 19 is controlled by the control device 10 and communicates with the server 300. Specifically, the communication unit 19 has a communication device and communicates with the server 300 via a network. For example, the communication unit 19 transmits a notification instruction to the server 300. The notification instruction indicates a command to cause the user terminal 500 to notify information related to the humidifier 100. Therefore, the communication unit 19 instructs the user terminal 500 to notify information related to the humidifier 100. In this embodiment, the communication unit 19 is an example of a "notification instruction unit."

[0045] The network may include, for example, a local area network (LAN), an internet connection, and an access point. The LAN may include a LAN cable or a wireless LAN. The communication device may include, for example, a wired LAN module or a wireless LAN module.

[0046] The control device 10 controls the operation of the humidifier 100. For example, the control device 10 controls the fan 13, the display unit 15, the counter 18, and the communication unit 19. The control device 10 also controls the notification of information related to the humidifier 100. In this embodiment, the control device 10 is an example of a "notification control device." Specifically, the control device 10 has a control unit 11 and a memory unit 12.

[0047] The memory unit 12 stores various computer programs and various data. Specifically, the memory unit 12 stores a target value V1 for humidity. The target value V1 may be stored in advance in the memory unit 12. That is, the target value V1 may be set in advance. For example, the target value V1 may indicate a humidity selected from a range of 50% to 65%. The target value V1 may be a humidity set during automatic operation of the humidifier 100. The humidifier 100 may be configured so that the target value V1 can be set via the operation unit 14.

[0048] The storage unit 12 further stores a threshold value V2, a predetermined value V3, and product identification information PD. The threshold value V2 and the predetermined value V3 will be described later with reference to FIG. 10. The product identification information PD indicates identification information of the humidifier 100. The product identification information PD may be stored in the storage unit 12 in advance.

[0049] The storage unit 12 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory. The semiconductor memory includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM). The semiconductor memory may include at least one of a flash memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The storage unit 12 may further include an auxiliary storage device. The auxiliary storage device may include, for example, at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 12 may include removable media.

[0050] The control unit 11 controls each unit of the humidifier 100. For example, the control unit 11 controls the fan 13, the display unit 15, the counter 18, the communication unit 19, and the memory unit 12. For example, the control unit 11 controls the rotation of the fan 13 in response to a user operating the operation unit 14. The control unit 11 controls the display unit 15 based on the water level detected by the water level sensor 16. The control unit 11 controls the display unit 15 based on the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 17.

[0051] In this embodiment, the control unit 11 executes a notification control process. The notification control process executed by the control unit 11 indicates a process of causing the user terminal 500 to execute a notification based on the detection results of the humidity sensor 17 and the water level sensor 16. Specifically, the control unit 11 controls the communication unit 19 to send a notification instruction to the server 300. As a result, the server 300 determines the content of the notification and causes the user terminal 500 to execute the notification. In other words, the control unit 11 causes the user terminal 500 to execute the notification via the server 300. In this embodiment, the control unit 11 is an example of a "notification control unit."

[0052] The control unit 11 includes, for example, a processor. The processor executes various computer programs stored in the storage unit 12 to control each unit of the humidifier 100. The processor also executes various computer programs stored in the storage unit 12 to perform various processes including notification control processing. The processor may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 11 may include a logic circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0053] Next, a description will be given of the server 300. As shown in FIG.

[0054] The communication unit 313 is controlled by the control unit 311 to communicate with the humidifier 100. The communication unit 313 is also controlled by the control unit 311 to communicate with the user terminal 500. For example, the communication unit 313 receives a notification instruction from the humidifier 100. The communication unit 313 also transmits a notification instruction to the user terminal 500. The configuration of the communication unit 313 is substantially the same as the communication unit 19 of the humidifier 100, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The notification instruction transmitted by the server 300 to the user terminal 500 may be a command to cause an application AD (described later) to execute a notification, or may be an email.

[0055] The storage unit 312 stores various computer programs and various data. Specifically, the storage unit 312 stores user information UD and product group information GD.

[0056] The user information UD includes identification information of the humidifier 100 (product identification information PD), registration date information, and destination information indicating the destination of notifications. The storage unit 312 stores these pieces of information in association with each other. The registration date information may be registered by the user operating the user terminal 500, as described below. The user may register, for example, the "date" when the user started using the humidifier 100 as the registration date information. The destination information includes identification information of the user terminal 500 generated by the application AD, which will be described below. The destination information may also include an email address.

[0057] The registration date information is not limited to information indicating the "year, month, and date." For example, the registration date information may indicate only the "year" and "month," or may indicate only the "year." Alternatively, the manufacturing date of the humidifier 100 (manufacturing year / month date, manufacturing year / month, or manufacturing year) may be registered as the registration date information.

[0058] The product group information GD indicates the identification information and specifications of various humidifiers. The memory unit 312 stores this information in association with one another. The identification information of various humidifiers includes the identification information (product identification information PD) of the humidifier 100. The specifications of various humidifiers include the specifications of the humidifier 100. The specifications include information indicating the room size suitable for each of the various humidifiers. The various humidifiers include products (humidifiers) already on the market as well as new products (humidifiers) that are scheduled to be sold in the future.

[0059] The storage unit 312 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device. The main storage device includes, for example, a semiconductor memory. The semiconductor memory includes, for example, a RAM and a ROM. The semiconductor memory may include at least one of a flash memory, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The auxiliary storage device includes, for example, an HDD. The auxiliary storage device may further include a semiconductor memory such as an SSD.

[0060] The control unit 311 controls each unit of the server 300. For example, the control unit 311 controls the communication unit 313 and the storage unit 312. Specifically, the control unit 311 has a processor. The processor executes various computer programs stored in the storage unit 312 to control each unit of the server 300. The processor also executes various computer programs stored in the storage unit 312 to perform various processes including notification control processing. The processor includes, for example, a CPU. The processor may also include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The control unit 311 may have a logic circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0061] In this embodiment, the control unit 311 executes notification control processing in response to the communication unit 313 receiving a notification instruction from the humidifier 100. Specifically, the notification instruction transmitted from the humidifier 100 includes product identification information PD. The control unit 311 identifies the destination of the notification by referencing the product identification information PD and user information UD acquired from the humidifier 100. In other words, the control unit 311 identifies the user terminal 500 that is to execute the notification. The control unit 311 transmits the notification instruction to the identified destination via the communication unit 313. As a result, the user terminal 500 executes the notification.

[0062] More specifically, the control unit 311 determines the content of the notification to be executed by the user terminal 500. The notification instruction transmitted from the server 300 to the user terminal 500 includes the notification content determined by the control unit 311. Therefore, the user terminal 500 notifies the content determined by the server 300. For example, the control unit 311 may determine the content of the notification by referring to registration date information included in the user information UD. Alternatively, the control unit 311 may determine the content of the notification by referring to the product family information GD.

[0063] Next, a description will be given of the user terminal 500. As shown in Fig. 7, the user terminal 500 includes a control unit 511, a storage unit 512, an input unit 513, a display 514, an audio output unit 515, and a communication unit 516.

[0064] The input unit 513 is a user interface device operated by the user. The input unit 513 is operated by the user to input various pieces of information to the control unit 511. For example, the user operates the input unit 513 to input an instruction to the control unit 511 to download an application AD, which will be described later. The user also operates the input unit 513 to register user information UD in the server 300. The user may register the user information UD via a website provided by the server 300, or may register the user information UD via an application AD, which will be described later. When registering the user information UD, the user may register an email address as destination information.

[0065] The input unit 513 includes, for example, a touch sensor. The touch sensor inputs a signal indicating a touch operation by the user to the control unit 511. The touch sensor may be superimposed on the display surface of the display 514. In this case, the display 514 functions as a touch display touch panel. The input unit 513 may include a keyboard and a mouse. For example, if the user terminal 500 is a PC, the input unit 513 may include a keyboard and a mouse.

[0066] The display 514 displays various screens under the control of the control unit 511. The display 514 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display device.

[0067] The display 514 displays various screens generated by the application AD, which will be described later. The display 514 also displays the pages of a website provided by the server 300. Specifically, the display 514 displays an input screen and a notification screen generated by the application AD, which will be described later. The display 514 also displays an input screen (input page screen) included in the website.

[0068] The input screen is a screen for inputting user information UD. The input screen includes an input field for inputting identification information (product identification information PD) of the humidifier 100 and an input field for inputting registration date information. The user can input the product identification information PD and the registration date information into the input screen by operating the input unit 513. The input screen may also include an input field for inputting an email address as destination information.

[0069] The notification screen is a screen that notifies information related to the humidifier 100. Specifically, the notification screen shows the notification content determined by the server 300. When the notification instruction sent from the server 300 to the user terminal 500 is an email, the email text is displayed on the display 514 in response to a user's operation of the input unit 513. The email text shows the notification content determined by the server 300. The user's operation of the input unit 513 includes an operation of the email app. In this way, in this embodiment, the display 514 executes the notification. The display 514 is an example of a "notification unit."

[0070] Audio output unit 515 outputs audio under the control of control unit 511. Audio output unit 515 includes, for example, a speaker.

[0071] The communication unit 516 is controlled by the control unit 511 and communicates with the server 300. For example, the communication unit 516 transmits user information UD to the server 300. The communication unit 516 also receives a notification instruction from the server 300. The configuration of the communication unit 516 is substantially the same as the communication unit 19 of the humidifier 100, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] The storage unit 512 stores various computer programs and various data. Specifically, the storage unit 512 stores an application AD (software). The application AD generates identification information for the user terminal 500. Specifically, the application AD generates identification information for the user terminal 500 when downloaded to the user terminal 500. The application AD also displays the above-mentioned input screen and notification screen on the display 514.

[0073] The storage unit 512 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory. The semiconductor memory includes, for example, a RAM and a ROM. The semiconductor memory may include at least one of a flash memory, an EPROM, and an EEPROM. The storage unit 512 may further include an auxiliary storage device. The auxiliary storage device may include, for example, an HDD. The storage unit 512 may also include removable media.

[0074] The control unit 511 controls each unit of the user terminal 500. For example, the control unit 511 controls the storage unit 512, the display 514, the audio output unit 515, and the communication unit 516. For example, the control unit 511 has a processor. The processor executes various computer programs stored in the storage unit 512 to control each unit of the user terminal 500. The processor also executes various computer programs stored in the storage unit 512 to perform various processes. The processor may include, for example, a CPU, an MCU, or an MPU. The control unit 511 may have a logic circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0075] Specifically, the control unit 511 transmits the identification information of the user terminal 500 generated by the application AD to the server 300 via the communication unit 516 when the application AD is installed.

[0076] The control unit 511 executes the application AD to display various screens on the display 514. Specifically, the control unit 511 executes the application AD to display the above-mentioned input screen and notification screen on the display 514.

[0077] When the control unit 511 is executing the application AD and displaying an input screen on the display 514, if the user operates the input unit 513 to input user information UD, the control unit 511 transmits the input user information UD to the server 300 via the communication unit 516. As a result, the user information UD is registered in the server 300. Alternatively, the control unit 511 acquires screen information of a website from the server 300 via the communication unit 516 and causes the display 514 to display an input screen of the website. When the user operates the input unit 513 to input user information UD while the input screen of the website is displayed, the control unit 511 transmits the input user information UD to the server 300 via the communication unit 516. As a result, the user information UD is registered in the server 300.

[0078] If the notification instruction received from server 300 is a command to cause application AD to execute notification, control unit 511 executes application AD to display a notification screen on display 514. If the notification instruction is an email, control unit 511 displays a message indicating that the email has been received on display 514. Thereafter, in response to a user operation of input unit 513, control unit 511 displays the email text on display 514.

[0079] Next, the notification control method of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 10. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the notification control method of this embodiment. The notification control method of this embodiment is executed by the control unit 11 of the humidifier 100 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. Therefore, Fig. 8 shows the flow of processing executed by the control unit 11 of the humidifier 100. In detail, Fig. 8 shows the flow of notification control processing executed by the control unit 11 of the humidifier 100. The processing shown in Fig. 8 may be started, for example, in response to the start of operation of the humidifier 100.

[0080] The process shown in Fig. 8 includes step S1. When the control unit 11 of the humidifier 100 starts the notification control process, it causes the user terminal 500 to execute a notification based on the detection results of the humidity sensor 17 and the water level sensor 16 after the humidifier 100 starts operating (step S1). The process shown in Fig. 8 (notification control process) ends when the process of step S1 is executed.

[0081] Specifically, after the humidifier 100 starts operating, the control unit 11 acquires the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 17 and the water level detected by the water level sensor 16. Then, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to cause the user terminal 500 to execute a notification based on the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 17 and the water level detected by the water level sensor 16. When the control unit 11 determines to cause the user terminal 500 to execute a notification, it transmits a notification instruction to the server 300 via the communication unit 19. As a result, the user terminal 500 executes the notification.

[0082] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a notification control method according to the present embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 9 shows an example of step S1 (notification control process) in Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 9, step S1 (notification control process) may include step S11 and step S12.

[0083] When the control unit 11 of the humidifier 100 starts the notification control process, it determines whether the humidity of the environment in which the humidifier 100 is installed has reached the target value V1 based on the detection result of the humidity sensor 17 (step S11).

[0084] For example, the control unit 11 may determine whether the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 17 reaches the target value V1 during a predetermined time period after the notification control process is started. If the water level detected by the water level sensor 16 indicates a zero level during a predetermined time period after the notification control process is started, the control unit 11 may determine whether the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 17 reaches the target value V1 during a time period after the notification control process is started and before the water level detected by the water level sensor 16 indicates a zero level.

[0085] When measuring the passage of time, the humidifier 100 may be provided with a timer (not shown). In this case, the control unit 11 activates the timer in response to the start of the notification control process and determines whether the time measured by the timer has reached a predetermined time. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may execute timer software stored in the storage unit 12 to determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the notification control process.

[0086] If the control unit 11 determines that the humidity of the environment in which the humidifier 100 is installed (the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 17) has reached the target value V1 (Yes in step S11), it terminates the process (notification control process) shown in Figure 9.

[0087] If the control unit 11 determines that the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 17 has not reached the target value V1 (No in step S11), it causes the user terminal 500 to issue a notification based on the detection result of the water level sensor 16, and terminates the process (notification control process) shown in Fig. 9. For example, the control unit 11 may cause the user terminal 500 to issue different notifications depending on the water level detected by the water level sensor 16. In the following description, the humidity of the environment in which the humidifier 100 is installed may be referred to as "environmental humidity."

[0088] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a notification control method according to the present embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 10 shows an example of step S12 in Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 10, step S1 (notification control process) may include step S11 and steps S121 to S128.

[0089] After starting the notification control process, if the control unit 11 of the humidifier 100 determines that the environmental humidity (humidity detected by the humidity sensor 17) has not reached the target value V1 (No in step S11), it obtains a water level change amount indicating the amount of change in the water level from the detection result of the water level sensor 16 (step S121).

[0090] Specifically, the control unit 11 may acquire, as the amount of water level change, the difference between the water level at the start of the notification control process shown in Fig. 10 and the water level when it is determined that the environmental humidity has not reached the target value V1. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may acquire characteristics of the amount of water level change. For example, the control unit 11 may acquire the amount of water level change per unit time as the characteristics of the amount of water level change.

[0091] When acquiring the amount of change in water level per unit time, for example, control unit 11 stores the starting water level, which is the water level at the start of the notification control process, in memory unit 12. Furthermore, control unit 11 activates a timer when the notification control process starts, and executes the process of step S11 after a predetermined time has elapsed. Then, control unit 11 acquires the determination water level, which is the water level when it is determined that the environmental humidity has not reached the target value V1, and calculates the amount of change in water level per unit time based on the starting water level, the determination water level, and the predetermined time. Alternatively, control unit 11 may acquire from the timer the elapsed time, which is the time that has passed until the water level detected by water level sensor 16 indicates the 0 level, and calculate the amount of change in water level per unit time based on the starting water level and the elapsed time.

[0092] When the control unit 11 acquires the amount of water level change, it determines whether the amount of water level change is equal to or greater than a threshold value V2 (see FIG. 7) (step S122). The threshold value V2 is stored in advance in the storage unit 12. The threshold value V2 may be set in accordance with the specifications (performance) of the humidifier 100. In detail, the threshold value V2 is set so that the amount of water level change being equal to or greater than the threshold value V2 indicates that the water LQ stored in the water supply tray 40 is being appropriately reduced by the operation of the humidifier 100.

[0093] Specifically, when the control unit 11 acquires the difference between the start water level and the judgment water level as the amount of water level change, the threshold value V2 indicates a target amount for the difference between the start water level and the judgment water level. Also, when the control unit 11 acquires the amount of water level change per unit time as the amount of water level change, the threshold value V2 indicates a threshold for the slope of the water level change.

[0094] When the control unit 11 determines that the amount of change in water level is equal to or greater than the threshold value V2 (Yes in step S122), it causes the user terminal 500 (display 514) to execute a notification. In other words, when the environmental humidity has not reached the target value V1 and the water LQ stored in the water supply tray 40 is being appropriately reduced by the operation of the humidifier 100, the control unit 11 causes the user terminal 500 (display 514) to execute a notification.

[0095] In the example shown in Fig. 10, when the control unit 11 determines that the amount of water level change is equal to or greater than the threshold V2 (Yes in step S122), it increments the counter value of the counter 18 (see Fig. 7) (step S123). That is, the control unit 11 counts the number of times it has determined that the amount of water level change is equal to or greater than the threshold V2. The counter value of the counter 18 indicates the result of counting the number of times it has determined that the amount of water level change is equal to or greater than the threshold V2.

[0096] When the control unit 11 increments the counter value of the counter 18, it determines whether the counter value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value V3 (see FIG. 7) (step S124). The predetermined value V3 indicates an integer equal to or greater than 1. The predetermined value V3 may be determined arbitrarily. For example, the predetermined value V3 may indicate "5." The predetermined value V3 may be stored in advance in the storage unit 12. Alternatively, the humidifier 100 may be configured so that the predetermined value V3 is set in response to a user's operation of the operation unit 14.

[0097] If the control unit 11 determines that the counter value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value V3 (Yes in step S124), it sends a notification instruction to the server 300 via the communication unit 19 and causes the user terminal 500 to execute the notification (step S125).

[0098] More specifically, in this embodiment, the notification instruction includes a first notification instruction and a second notification instruction. The first notification instruction indicates a command to cause the user terminal 500 to execute the first notification N1. The second notification instruction indicates a command to cause the user terminal 500 to execute the second notification N2. When the control unit 11 determines that the counter value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value V3, the control unit 11 transmits the first notification instruction to the server 300 via the communication unit 19 to cause the user terminal 500 to execute the first notification N1. In other words, the first notification N1 is a notification that is executed when a situation occurs a predetermined number of times or more in which the environmental humidity does not reach the target value V1 even when the humidifier 100 is operating, while the water LQ stored in the water supply tray 40 is appropriately reduced by the operation of the humidifier 100. The first notification N1 will be described later with reference to FIG. 11A.

[0099] In response to causing the user terminal 500 to execute the notification (first notification N1), the control unit 11 resets the counter value of the counter 18 to the initial value (step S126). As a result, the notification control process shown in FIG. 10 ends.

[0100] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the counter value is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value V3 (No in step S124), the control unit 11 ends the notification control process shown in Fig. 10. Therefore, the counter value of the counter 18 is retained when the notification control process is next executed. For example, the counter value of the counter 18 is retained when the next operation of the humidifier 100 is started.

[0101] For example, when the next operation of the humidifier 100 is started and the notification control process shown in Fig. 10 is started, the control unit 11 determines whether the environmental humidity has reached the target value V1 (step S11). If the control unit 11 determines that the environmental humidity has reached the target value V1 (Yes in step S11), it resets the counter value of the counter 18 to the initial value (step S127). As a result, the notification control process shown in Fig. 10 ends.

[0102] In this embodiment, when the control unit 11 determines that the amount of water level change is not equal to or greater than the threshold value V2 (No in step S122), it causes the user terminal 500 (display 514) to execute the second notification N2 (step S128). In other words, the second notification N2 is a notification that is executed when the environmental humidity has not reached the target value V1 and the water LQ stored in the water supply tray 40 has not decreased appropriately. After causing the user terminal 500 to execute the second notification N2, the control unit 11 terminates the notification control process shown in FIG. 10. Therefore, when the second notification N2 is executed, the counter value of the counter 18 is maintained. The second notification N2 will be described later with reference to FIG. 11B.

[0103] Next, the first notification N1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 11A. Fig. 11A is a diagram showing a user terminal 500 executing the first notification N1. When the server 300 receives a first notification instruction from the humidifier 100, it causes the user terminal 500 to execute the first notification N1. Specifically, when the user terminal 500 receives the notification instruction from the server 300, it executes the application AD to display a notification screen on the display 514. The notification screen displays a message M. More specifically, the notification instruction sent from the server 300 to the user terminal 500 includes the message M corresponding to the first notification N1. The message M is an example of "information related to the humidity control device."

[0104] The message M corresponding to the first notification N1 may include, for example, a first message M1, a second message M2, and a third message M3. The first message M1 indicates that the specifications of the humidifier 100 are not suitable for the environment in which the humidifier 100 is installed. The second message M2 is a message advising the user to purchase a new product that is suitable for the environment in which the humidifier 100 is installed. The third message M3 indicates information about a product that is expected to be suitable for the environment in which the humidifier 100 is installed.

[0105] Specifically, as already explained, the first notification N1 is a notification that is executed when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 17 does not reach the target value V1, while the water LQ stored in the water tray 40 is being appropriately reduced by the operation of the humidifier 100. This situation may occur because the specifications (performance) of the humidifier 100 do not match the size of the room in which the humidifier 100 is installed. Therefore, by notifying the user of the first message M1 to the third message M3, it is possible to notify the user of the cause why the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 17 is lower than the target value V1.

[0106] The first message M1 and the second message M2 may be fixed phrases. The fixed phrases may be stored in advance in the storage unit 312 of the server 300. When the control unit 311 of the server 300 causes the user terminal 500 to notify the user of the first message M1, the control unit 311 retrieves the fixed phrase of the first message M1 from the storage unit 312 and creates a notification instruction including the first message M1. The same applies when the control unit 311 causes the user terminal 500 to notify the user of the second message M2.

[0107] Furthermore, when control unit 311 of server 300 causes user terminal 500 to notify third message M3, it references product identification information PD and product group information GD included in the first notification instruction received from humidifier 100, obtains information on products (goods) suitable for rooms larger than humidifier 100 from product group information GD, and creates third message M3. Then, it creates a notification instruction including third message M3.

[0108] Note that, when a new product is included in the products (merchandise) that are suitable for a room larger than the humidifier 100, the control unit 311 of the server 300 may create the third message M3 by preferentially acquiring information about the new product from the product group information GD. Furthermore, the control unit 311 of the server 300 may refer to the registration date information (user information UD) and create a notification instruction that includes the third message M3 when a predetermined number of years (for example, five years or more) have passed since the registration date.

[0109] Furthermore, only the first message M1 may be notified as the message M corresponding to the first notification N1. Alternatively, the first message M1 and the second message M2 may be notified as the message M corresponding to the first notification N1, or the first message M1 and the third message M3 may be notified as the message M corresponding to the first notification N1.

[0110] Next, the second notification N2 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 11B. Fig. 11B is a diagram showing the user terminal 500 executing the second notification N2. Upon receiving the second notification instruction from the humidifier 100, the server 300 causes the user terminal 500 to execute the second notification N2. In detail, the notification instruction sent from the server 300 to the user terminal 500 includes a message M corresponding to the second notification N2.

[0111] The message M corresponding to the second notification N2 may include a fourth message M4. The fourth message M4 indicates a message urging the user to clean the humidifying filter 41.

[0112] Specifically, as already explained, the second notification N2 is a notification that is executed when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 17 does not reach the target value V1 and the water LQ stored in the water supply tray 40 has not been reduced appropriately. This situation may occur due to clogging of the humidifying filter 41. Therefore, by notifying the fourth message M4, it is possible to notify the user of the cause of the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 17 being lower than the target value V1.

[0113] The fourth message M4 is not limited to a message urging the user to clean the humidifying filter 41. The fourth message M4 may display a message urging the user to replace the humidifying filter 41.

[0114] 1 to 11B, according to this embodiment, the humidifier 100 causes the user terminal 500 to execute a notification based on the detection results of the humidity sensor 17 and the water level sensor 16 after the humidifier 100 starts operating. Therefore, it is possible to execute a notification that takes into account the detection result of the water level sensor 16 in addition to the detection result of the humidity sensor 17. Therefore, as explained with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, it is possible to execute a notification that is in line with the cause of the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 17 being lower than the target value V1.

[0115] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the environmental humidity has not reached the target value V1, the humidifier 100 causes the user terminal 500 to issue a notification based on the detection result of the water level sensor 16. Therefore, when the environmental humidity has reached the target value V1, no notification is issued. This allows for more appropriate timing for the notification.

[0116] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the humidifier 100 causes the user terminal 500 to execute a notification when the amount of water level change is equal to or greater than the threshold value V2. Specifically, the humidifier 100 determines whether the amount of water LQ stored in the water supply tray 40 has changed appropriately based on the amount of water level change. By making the determination based on the amount of water level change in this way, it becomes less likely that the result of the determination will change depending on the amount of water LQ at the start of the notification control process. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the amount of water LQ stored in the water supply tray 40 has changed appropriately.

[0117] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the humidifier 100 causes the user terminal 500 to issue a notification when the number of times (count value) that the amount of water level change is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold value V2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value V3. Therefore, if the amount of water level change accidentally exceeds the threshold value V2, it is less likely that an unnecessary notification will be issued. This makes it possible to issue a notification at a more appropriate time. However, the predetermined value V3 may also indicate "1."

[0118] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the humidifier 100 resets the count value to the initial value when the environmental humidity reaches the target value V1. This prevents unnecessary notifications from being issued when the amount of water level change accidentally exceeds the threshold value V2.

[0119] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the humidifier 100 resets the count value to the initial value when the user terminal 500 executes the first notification N1. Therefore, after the first notification N1 has been executed once, it is possible to avoid the first notification N1 being executed every time the humidifier 100 is operated, for example.

[0120] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the environmental humidity does not reach the target value V1 and the amount of water LQ stored in the water supply tray 40 has not changed appropriately, a notification (second notification N2) different from the first notification N1 can be executed by the user terminal 500. Therefore, different notifications can be executed depending on whether the change in the amount of water LQ (amount of water level change) is appropriate or not, so that a notification can be issued that is in line with the cause of the environmental humidity being lower than the target value V1.

[0121] Next, another example of a humidity control system 1000 including the humidifier 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a diagram showing another example of a humidity control system 1000 including the humidifier 100 of the present embodiment. Figure 13 is a block diagram of another example of a humidity control system 1000 including the humidifier 100 of the present embodiment.

[0122] As shown in Fig. 12, the humidifier 100 may communicate with the server 300 via a user terminal 500. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 13, the communication unit 19 of the humidifier 100 may communicate with a communication unit 516 of the user terminal 500. In the examples shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the control unit 11 of the humidifier 100 transmits a notification instruction to the user terminal 500 via the communication unit 19.

[0123] Communication unit 516 of user terminal 500 communicates with communication unit 19 of humidifier 100. Communication unit 516 of user terminal 500 also communicates with communication unit 313 of server 300. Control unit 511 of user terminal 500 controls communication unit 516 to transfer the notification instruction received from humidifier 100 to server 300.

[0124] When the control unit 311 of the server 300 receives a notification instruction from the user terminal 500, the control unit 311 determines the content of the notification as described with reference to Figures 1 to 11B, and causes the user terminal 500 to execute the notification. Therefore, similar to the humidity control system 1000 described with reference to Figures 1 to 11B, the control unit 311 can cause the user terminal 500 to execute a notification that is in line with the cause of the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 17 being lower than the target value V1.

[0125] As described above, even in a configuration in which the humidifier 100 communicates with the server 300 via the user terminal 500, it is possible to provide notification in accordance with the cause of the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 17 becoming lower than the target value V1.

[0126] 1 to 13, notification by application AD and notification by e-mail have been described as examples of notifications executed by user terminal 500, but notifications executed by user terminal 500 are not limited to these. For example, notifications executed by user terminal 500 may be notifications by short messages or notifications using a social networking service as a medium.

[0127] Furthermore, in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13, the control device 10 of the humidifier 100 functions as a "notification control device," but the control device 10 of the humidifier 100 and the server 300 may cooperate to function as a "notification control device." Alternatively, the server 300 may function as a "notification control device." When the server 300 functions as a "notification control device," the control unit 311 of the server 300 functions as a "notification control unit," and the communication unit 313 of the server 300 functions as a "notification instruction unit."

[0128] When the server 300 functions as a "notification control device," the control unit 311 of the server 300 executes the notification control process described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. Specifically, the humidifier 100 sequentially transmits the detection results of the water level sensor 16 and the humidity sensor 17, along with the product identification information PD, to the server 300. The memory unit 312 of the server 300 stores the target value V1, the threshold value V2, and the predetermined value V3. The server 300 is also provided with a counter 18 and a timer (not shown). Alternatively, software functioning as a counter and software functioning as a timer are stored in the memory unit 312. The control unit 311 of the server 300 executes the notification control process described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10 using the detection results of the water level sensor 16 and the detection results of the humidity sensor 17 received from the humidifier 100.

[0129] In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13, the display 514 of the user terminal 500 performs the notification, but the audio output unit 515 of the user terminal 500 may also perform the notification.

[0130] In detail, when causing the user terminal 500 to execute the first notification N1, the control unit 311 of the server 300 transmits a notification instruction including audio data corresponding to the first notification N1 to the user terminal 500. The control unit 511 of the user terminal 500 causes the audio output unit 515 to output audio corresponding to the first notification N1. As a result, the first notification N1 is executed. The audio data corresponding to the first notification N1 may include, for example, the first message M1 to the third message M3 described with reference to FIG. 11A.

[0131] Furthermore, when causing the user terminal 500 to execute the second notification N2, the control unit 311 of the server 300 transmits a notification instruction including audio data corresponding to the second notification N2 to the user terminal 500. The control unit 511 of the user terminal 500 causes the audio output unit 515 to output audio corresponding to the second notification N2. As a result, the second notification N2 is executed. The audio data corresponding to the second notification N2 may include, for example, the fourth message M4 described with reference to FIG. 11B.

[0132] [Embodiment 2] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 14. However, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and a description of the same aspects as in the first embodiment will be omitted. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the humidifier 100A executes notification.

[0133] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a humidifier 100A according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the humidifier 100A differs from the humidifier 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 in that it further includes an audio output unit 21. The audio output unit 21 outputs audio under the control of the control unit 11. The audio output unit 21 includes, for example, a speaker. Furthermore, while the humidifier 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 causes the user terminal 500 to execute a notification, the humidifier 100A according to the second embodiment causes the audio output unit 21 to execute a notification. In the second embodiment, the audio output unit 21 is an example of a "notification unit."

[0134] Specifically, the storage unit 12 of the humidifier 100A stores audio data VD. The audio data VD includes audio data corresponding to the first notification N1 and audio data corresponding to the second notification N2. For example, the audio data VD may include audio data corresponding to each of the first message M1 and the second message M2 described with reference to FIG. 11A, and audio data corresponding to the fourth message M4 described with reference to FIG. 11B.

[0135] The control unit 11 of the humidifier 100A executes a notification control process that is partially different from the notification control process shown in Fig. 10. Specifically, the processes in step S125 and step S128 differ from the notification control process shown in Fig. 10.

[0136] Specifically, when the control unit 11 of the humidifier 100A determines that the counter value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value V3 (Yes in step S124), the control unit 11 causes the audio output unit 21 to execute the first notification N1. In more detail, the control unit 11 acquires audio data corresponding to the first notification N1 from the audio data VD, and causes the audio output unit 21 to output audio corresponding to the first notification N1. For example, the control unit 11 may cause the audio output unit 21 to output audio corresponding to the first message M1 and the second message M2 described with reference to FIG. 11A.

[0137] When the control unit 11 of the humidifier 100A determines that the amount of change in the water level is not equal to or greater than the threshold value V2 (No in step S122), it causes the audio output unit 21 to execute the second notification N2. In detail, the control unit 11 acquires audio data corresponding to the second notification N2 from the audio data VD, and causes the audio output unit 21 to output audio corresponding to the second notification N2. For example, the control unit 11 may cause the audio output unit 21 to output audio corresponding to the fourth message M4 described with reference to FIG. 11B.

[0138] The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to Fig. 14. According to the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a notification in accordance with the cause of the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 17 becoming lower than the target value V1.

[0139] 14, the voice of the sentence is output from the voice output unit 21, but a sound such as an error sound or an alarm sound may be output from the voice output unit 21. In this case, different sounds may be output when the first notification N1 is executed and when the second notification N2 is executed.

[0140] In addition, in the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 14, the audio output unit 21 of the humidifier 100A performed the notification, but the notification performed by the humidifier 100A is not limited to the notification performed by the audio output unit 21.

[0141] For example, the notification may be performed by display unit 15 of humidifier 100A. In this case, display unit 15 may include a first LED lamp that performs first notification N1 and a second LED lamp that performs second notification N2. Controller 11 may cause display unit 15 to perform first notification N1 by turning on or blinking the first LED lamp of display unit 15. Similarly, controller 11 may cause display unit 15 to perform second notification N2 by turning on or blinking the second LED lamp of display unit 15.

[0142] Alternatively, if humidifier 100A is equipped with a display, notification may be executed on the display of humidifier 100A, similar to the execution of notification by display 514 of user terminal 500 described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. In this case, storage unit 12 of humidifier 100A stores data of fixed phrases corresponding to first notification N1 and data of fixed phrases corresponding to second notification N2, similar to server 300 described with reference to Figures 1 to 13.

[0143] 14, the notification is performed by audio output unit 21 of humidifier 100A. However, humidifier 100A may communicate directly with user terminal 500 and cause audio output unit 21 of user terminal 500 to perform the notification. In this case, humidifier 100A transmits a notification instruction including audio data corresponding to first notification N1 or audio data corresponding to second notification N2 to user terminal 500. Alternatively, humidifier 100A may communicate directly with user terminal 500 and cause display 514 of user terminal 500 to perform the notification. In this case, humidifier 100A transmits a notification instruction including fixed phrase data corresponding to first notification N1 or fixed phrase data corresponding to second notification N2 to user terminal 500.

[0144] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 14). However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, some of the components shown in one embodiment may be added to the components of another embodiment, or some of the components shown in one embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0145] The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the configuration of each component shown in the above embodiment is merely an example and is not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention.

[0146] For example, the configuration of the humidifier 100 described with reference to Figures 2 to 6 is one example. The configuration of the humidifier 100 is not limited to the configuration described with reference to Figures 2 to 6. For example, although the humidifier 100 described with reference to Figures 2 to 6 includes a rectangular parallelepiped humidifying filter 41, the humidifier 100 may also include a disk-shaped humidifying filter. In this case, the lower part of the disk-shaped humidifying filter may be immersed in the water LQ stored in the water supply tray 40, and the upper part may protrude from the liquid surface LS of the water LQ stored in the water supply tray 40. The disk-shaped humidifying filter may also rotate.

[0147] 1 to 14, the configuration for detecting the water level includes a magnet 46 and a plurality of magnetic sensor elements 162, but the configuration for detecting the water level is not particularly limited. For example, a device that measures distance using laser light may be used as the water level sensor 16. In this case, the water level is detected by emitting laser light from the laser device toward the liquid level LS and measuring the distance from the laser device to the liquid level LS.

[0148] Furthermore, in the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 13, the user inputs the product identification information PD by operating the input unit 513 of the user terminal 500, but the product identification information PD may also be obtained, for example, from a QR code (registered trademark) printed on the instruction manual for the humidifier 100 or on the packaging material of the humidifier 100.

[0149] In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13, the server 300 stores the product group information GD, but the server 300 may acquire the product group information GD from another server.

[0150] Furthermore, in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14, the counter 18 is hardware, but the counter 18 may be software (computer program).

[0151] Furthermore, although the notification control process described with reference to Figures 8 to 10 is initiated in response to the start of operation of the humidifier 100, the notification control process described with reference to Figures 8 to 10 may also be initiated in response to the supply of water LQ to the water supply tray 40.

[0152] Furthermore, in the notification control process described with reference to Figure 10, the user terminal 500 executes the second notification N2 when the amount of water level change is not greater than the threshold value V2, but the user terminal 500 may also execute the second notification N2 each time it is determined that the environmental humidity has not reached the target value V1 until the counter value of the counter 18 becomes greater than or equal to the predetermined value V3.

[0153] Furthermore, although the humidity control device described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14 is a humidifier 100, the humidity control device is not limited to the humidifier 100. The humidity control device may also be a dehumidifier. Note that when a dehumidifier starts operating, the amount of water in a storage tank provided in the dehumidifier increases. Therefore, as with the humidifiers 100 and 100A, the amount of change in water level can be obtained in step S121 shown in FIG. 10. However, a dehumidifier does not have a filter. Therefore, in the case of a dehumidifier, the second notification N2 is not executed. [Industrial Applicability]

[0154] The present invention is useful in an apparatus for conditioning an environment, a method for conditioning an environment, and a system for conditioning an environment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 10: Control device 11: Control section 16: Water level sensor 17: Humidity sensor 18: Counter 19: Communications Department 21: Audio output section 40: Water supply tray 100: Humidifier 100A: Humidifier 311: Control section 313: Communications Department 500: User terminal 514: Display 515: Audio output unit LQ: Water N1: 1st notification N2 :Second notification V1: Target value V2: Threshold V3: Predetermined value

Claims

1. A notification control device that controls notification of information related to a humidity control device that controls the humidity of a surrounding environment, The humidity control device is a humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the environment in which the humidity control device is installed; a storage tank for storing water; a water level sensor that detects the water level in the storage tank; and The notification control device includes a notification control unit that causes the notification unit to execute the notification based on the detection results of the humidity sensor and the water level sensor after the humidity control operation of the humidity control device starts.

2. The notification control unit determining whether the humidity of the environment has reached a target value based on the detection result of the humidity sensor; The notification control device according to claim 1 , wherein when it is determined that the humidity of the environment has not reached the target value, the notification unit executes the notification based on a detection result of the water level sensor.

3. The notification control unit A water level change amount indicating a change amount of the water level is obtained from the detection result of the water level sensor; determining whether the acquired amount of water level change is equal to or greater than a threshold value; The notification control device according to claim 2 , wherein the notification unit executes the notification when it is determined that the amount of change in water level is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

4. The notification control unit Counting the number of times that the amount of change in water level is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold value, and determining whether a count value indicating the counting result is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; The notification control device according to claim 3 , wherein the notification unit executes the notification when it is determined that the count value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

5. The notification control device according to claim 4 , wherein the notification control unit resets the count value to an initial value when it determines that the humidity of the environment has reached the target value before the count value becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

6. The notification control device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the notification control unit resets the count value to an initial value when causing the notification unit to execute the notification.

7. the notification is a first notification, The notification control device described in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the notification control unit executes a second notification different from the first notification when it determines that the water level change amount is not greater than the threshold value.

8. A humidity control device that controls the humidity of a surrounding environment, a humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the environment in which the humidity control device is installed; a storage tank for storing water; a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the storage tank; The notification control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A humidity control device comprising:

9. the notification unit is included in an external device, The humidity control device according to claim 8 , further comprising a notification instruction unit that instructs the external device to notify the external device of information related to the humidity control device.

10. The humidity control device according to claim 8 , further comprising the notification unit.

11. A notification control method for controlling notification of information related to a humidity control device that controls the humidity of a surrounding environment, comprising: The humidity control device is a humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the environment in which the humidity control device is installed; a storage tank for storing water; a water level sensor that detects the water level in the storage tank; and The notification control method includes a step of causing a notification unit to execute the notification based on detection results of the humidity sensor and the water level sensor after the humidity control operation of the humidity control device starts.

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